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__label__cc	0.640994	0.359006	Articles from May 2010 Key facts, figures from Game 2 of the Final Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final was nothing like Game 1 except for the result -- another Chicago victory. Coach Q: Hawks must work for PP chances Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville said after analyzing the tape from Game 1 that his team has to work for their power plays. He was obviously hinting that they didn't work hard enough because they didn't draw any power-play opportunities. Read More... Hartnell's huge effort goes to waste Philadelphia's Scott Hartnell likely had his best game of the playoffs in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final. Read More... Kopecky comes up big in his return to lineup Tomas Kopecky raised his arms and pounded the glass with both hands five times as he let out a scream usually reserved for the United Center fans during "The Star-Spangled Banner." Niemi able to shrug off lackluster Game 1 You could almost hear the San Jose Sharks sitting around their TVs watching Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final asking each other the same question. Read More... Hawks' don't feel short when killing penalties The fans still boo lustily inside United Center whenever one of their beloved hometown Blackhawks heads to the penalty box. Read More... Brouwer's strong game boosts confidence, Hawks All Troy Brouwer wanted to do Saturday night was be ready at game time and build some confidence for the rest of the Stanley Cup Final. Done. Read More... Hawks' top line looks to pick up its play It was a strange sight to behold. Jonathan Toews, standing at his locker after his Blackhawks won Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, looking like he had just single-handedly lost the game. Read More... Toews sees room for improvement Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews didn't have the best night in Game 1. His club record 13-game scoring streak came to a screeching halt as he finished a minus-3 with only one shot on goal. But he also won 18 of 24 faceoffs and had nearly seven minutes of ice time in the third period when the Hawks were much better. Read More... Ladd out for Blackhawks; Boucher dressing for Flyers It was a pretty surreal scene in and around the dressing rooms at United Center Saturday morning as the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers made final preparations hours before Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final (8 p.m. ET, NBC, CBC, RDS). Read More... AHL AND ITS CLUBS RAISE OVER $3 MILLION FOR CHARITABLE CAUSES IN 2009-10 SPRINGFIELD, Mass.-- The American Hockey League announced that more than $3 million was raised over the course of the 2009-10 season by the AHL and its 29 member clubs for donation to various charitable causes and relief funds across North America. Fortunate phone call sparked Niemi's career Before the Chicago Blackhawks had ever heard of Antti Niemi, a man named Matti Lehto made a call to his son Markus and said that he'd just seen a young goalie worth a look. Read More... Hawks' captain Toews has a non-serious side too Jonathan Toews' nickname, "Captain Serious," is one that fits him like an extra-large shirt on a man who could comfortably squeeze into a large. Read More... Hawks, Flyers have gone from terrible to terrific in 3 years The Philadelphia Flyers and Chicago Blackhawks will line up proudly on their respective blue lines Saturday night in the United Center as conference champions, Stanley Cup finalists and, based upon the only barometer that matters – the ability to win playoff games – the two best teams in the National Hockey League. Read More... TWO GOALIES, TWO STORIES, ONE GOAL The journey to the Stanley Cup Finals for the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers includes two unlikely goaltenders – Antti Niemi and Michael Leighton. Both are products of the Blackhawks organization, but neither was expected to be where they are right now. Hossa hoping this time he's hoisting Cup By this point, Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa knows the drill like he knows how to pick teams as a free agent. Read More... Rocky Wirtz and Flyers� owner Ed Snider to appear on �NHL Hour with Commissioner Gary Bettman� And then there were two. The 2010 NHL Stanley Cup Final will feature two teams that are meeting in the Final series for the first time in their storied histories. Team owners, Rocky Wirtz of the Chicago Blackhawks and Ed Snider of the Philadelphia Flyers will be today’s guests on NHL Hour With Commissioner Gary Bettman on NHL.com and SIRIUS XM Radio at 6 p.m. ET. Read More... Rocky Wirtz, Ed Snider talk Cup Final on NHL Hour While players from the Chicago Blackhawks and Philadelphia Flyers met Thursday with members of the media in the Windy City, the respective heads of the teams that will meet in the Stanley Cup Final made guest appearances on the NHL Hour With Commissioner Gary Bettman. Read More... LOOK FOR HAMMY IN THE ROCKFORD AREA THIS SUMMER Rockford, Ill.- Hammy Hog will be out and about at several locations in the Rock River Valley region over the next week. Read More... GAME-WORN JERSEYS ON SALE NOW Rockford, Ill.- A total of 38 Rockford IceHogs game-worn road jerseys from the 2009-10 season will be on sale throughout the summer. All jerseys will be auctioned through eBay with a start at $350. Pictures and descriptions will be posted on the IceHogs eBay store. Read More... TEXAS AND HERSHEY TO MEET FOR THE CALDER CUP The 2010 Calder Cup Finals is set and will pit the league’s newest club against its most historic. After knocking off the Hamilton Bulldogs 4-2 on Wednesday night, the Texas Stars advanced to the Finals and will get an opportunity in unseat the defending Calder Cup Champion Hershey Bears. Read More... Cup Final nothing new for Hossa and Pronger Pop in a Stanley Cup DVD from any of the last four seasons and you'll find Marian Hossa and Chris Pronger among the highlighted players. They are All-Stars, franchise building blocks, and dominant players at their respective positions. Read More... STARS-BULLDOGS READY FOR GAME 7 Hamilton, Ont.- It all comes down to one game in the American Hockey League’s Western Conference Finals between the Texas Stars and Hamilton Bulldogs. Tied at three games apiece, Game 7 is set for Wednesday night at Copps Coliseum in Hamilton at 6:30 p.m. Read More... Opponents have yet to find answer for 'Buff' No matter what opponents have tried, nothing has kept Blackhawks power forward Dustin Byfuglien from making life miserable for goalies during the playoffs. Read More... All Cup Final Games To Be Broadcast On Chicago's WGN Radio 720 In conjunction with Chicago’s WGN Radio and the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago Blackhawks announced today that all 2010 Stanley Cup Final games will be broadcast on WGN Radio, the radio flagship of the Cubs and Blackhawks. Read More... McCormick Foundation Teams with Blackhawks The McCormick Foundation and Chicago Blackhawk Charities (CBC) are pleased to announce the creation of the Chicago Blackhawks Community Fund, a fund of the McCormick Foundation. Read More... Keith keeps sense of humor despite lost teeth Duncan Keith speaks with a heavy lisp now after seven teeth were knocked out by a puck on Sunday, followed by two hours in a dentist's chair on Monday. Read More... Hawks, Flyers are unfamiliar foes for Final The Flyers and Blackhawks are relative strangers to one another, having played only one regular-season game this, won by the Flyers, 3-2, on March 13. The only time Chicago and Philadelphia met in the playoffs previously was a 1971 Quarterfinals sweep by the Blackhawks. Read More... THE FAR SIDE OF THE POND: The 2010 Stanley Cup Final: You Know Who I�m Picking, but Please Read Anyway Let me say first off that I’m going to be picking the Chicago Blackhawks to end nearly 50 years of frustration and losing and pain to win their fourth Stanley Cup. It’s a given. You knew this would happen. I haven’t been calling them “my beloved Blackhawks” these past five years for nothing. If you just wanted to know who I was picking, you can stop reading this column right now. Read More... SEASON TICKET RENEWAL DISCOUNT ENDS THIS WEEK Rockford, Ill.- The Early Bird discount period for 2010-11 Rockford IceHogs season ticket renewals ends on Friday, May 28 at 5 p.m. Read More... 2010 STANLEY CUP FINAL TO BEGIN SATURDAY NEW YORK (May 24, 2010) – The National Hockey League announced today the schedule for the 2010 Stanley Cup Final between the Western Conference champion Chicago Blackhawks and the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia Flyers. Read More... THE FAR SIDE OF THE POND: Winning the Sweep-stakes What the ‘Hawks are on the verge of doing is something I personally haven’t seen them do before. I know I’ve written before that I’ve watched hockey on and off since the mid-80s, I really didn’t start following the ‘Hawks until 1997. For the next ten years, there weren’t a lot of high points: basically, them making the playoffs in 2001 was it. So the incredible run they made in the playoff last year, and the glorious run they’ve put on this postseason have been the highlights of my ‘Hawk fandom so far. Read More... Injury to Ladd forced Hawks to adjust on fly Blackhawks left wing Andrew Ladd laid a hit on Rob Blake just past the 10-minute mark in the first period Sunday and didn't return for the rest of Game 4. His injury was not disclosed by the team, though coach Joel Quenneville did say he expects that Ladd will be fine to play in the Stanley Cup Final, whenever it does begin. Read More... 2010 Stanley Cup Final To Start Saturday The National Hockey League announced today the schedule for the 2010 Stanley Cup Final between the Western Conference champion Chicago Blackhawks and the Eastern Conference champion Philadelphia Flyers. Read More... FORMER ICEHOGS HELP LIFT BLACKHAWKS INTO FINALS For the first time in 18 years the Chicago Blackhawks are going to the Stanley Cup Finals, and the team has a distinct Rockford IceHogs flavor to it. Read More... THE FAR SIDE OF THE POND: Cue the �Rocky� Music, because it�s Time for a Big Fight! Home hasn’t always been sweet for my beloved ‘Hawks, and you have to figure San Jose will throw everything into this game to get back into this series. But the ramifications for potentially going up 3-0 this series are something worth fighting for. I’m primed and ready to go, filled with my favorite Chicken Carb and a beer or two. ‘Hawks are undefeated this postseason when I eat my favorite sandwich and write one of these recaps, and yes, just like every other fan out there, I feel that the routine I do affects my beloved Blackhawks. Let’s get this frakking party started! Read More... Toews talks trophies, Blackhawks' resiliency Jonathan Toews held his left arm behind his back for fear that he might graze the Clarence Campbell Trophy. Chicago's young captain didn't touch it, barely even looked at it, in fact. No need to, really. Read More... Byfuglien's game marked by coming up big Dustin Byfuglien continues to be huge for the Chicago Blackhawks, both literally and metaphorically. Read More... Keith loses teeth, but shows plenty of heart The chicklets came pouring out of his mouth, and one even got stuck in the back of his throat. Duncan Keith lost seven teeth in all, three on the top and four on the bottom, when the puck came off Patrick Marleau's stick and hit him square in the mouth. Read More... Bolland atones for penalties with big plays As he sat in the penalty box for the third time, Dave Bolland quietly vowed to make up for it during Friday night's Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Read More... Byfuglien picks opportune moment to shine at home Dustin Byfuglien's first-ever Stanley Cup Playoff goal at home couldn't have come at a better time. Read More... Sharks try to stay optimistic after Game 3 loss Todd McLellan broke up his Big Three on Friday night to eliminate the effectiveness of the Blackhawks checking line. Hawks legends enjoying playoff run as well Blackhawks legend Stan Mikita celebrated his 70th birthday on Thursday, then had another celebration Friday night at the United Center for Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Read More... Blackhawks not getting caught up in Cup hype Ever since they were kids wielding sticks on the neighborhood streets, on the frozen-over ponds or even on their own, man-made backyard rinks, guys like Duncan Keith, Patrick Sharp, Jonathan Toews and many others wearing the Indian head on their chest have pretended they were in the Stanley Cup Final. Read More... Sharks must hit next gear to make final stand While most of his teammates are talking about staying the course in Game 4 of the Western Conference Finals, San Jose captain Rob Blake said Saturday he doesn't think the Sharks have deserved anything but the 0-3 hole they find themselves in. Read More... Sharp's play gives Blackhawks the edge Patrick Sharp isn't quite sure if he's now a tried and true center or simply a winger who had to move into the middle to balance out the Chicago Blackhawks' top two lines. Read More... OKLAHOMA CITY BARONS INTRODUCED AS AHL'S NEWEST TEAM OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla.- Oklahoma City’s American Hockey League team officially has a name: The Oklahoma City Barons. After an exhaustive process which included over 20,000 submissions and 3,000 individual names from hockey fans the city’s newest hockey team now has an identity. Read More... sweigand.wordpress.com: Bryan Bickell helps keep the Stanley Cup dream alive for Orono Thanks to Bryan Bickell, there is a chance that the Stanley Cup will come to Orono. Bickell, an Orono native, is doing what nearly every Canadian kid dreams about: playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. He’s played for the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League quite a lot over the past four years, but the last few games he’s played have been like a dream come true. The last four games he’s played for Chicago have been during the 2010 Stanley Cup playoffs. Read More... Blackhawks aim for improvement at home They're up two games to none on the San Jose Sharks in the Western Conference Finals, they're feeling good and now the Blackhawks must face their biggest detriment thus far in the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Read More... Five factors for Game 3 of West Final The Blackhawks enter Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals with a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series against the San Jose Sharks. Here are five things to look for when they meet Friday (8 p.m. ET, VERSUS, TSN, RDS) at United Center: Read More... Kane says Hawks must step up home game Patrick Kane sat at his locker stall after Thursday's fast-paced and short practice at United Center. When he glanced up, Kane saw he was surrounded by several television cameras, as well as reporters from every type of media. Read More... DEPTH AND VERSITILE PLAY ARE KEY TO BYFUGLIEN'S SUCCESS Expectations are not usually high for an eighth-round pick in the National Hockey League Entry Draft. So when Dustin Byfuglien joined the Chicago Blackhawks organization in 2003 by way of the #245 overall pick in the draft, it was probably something of a case of “let’s see what develops.” HOCKEY CLUB T-SHIRTS 50% OFF UNTIL END OF MAY Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs want you to look good when you go on vacation this summer. To help you do that, the Rockford IceHogs Hockey Club t-shirt will be 50% off until the end of May. THE FAR SIDE OF THE POND: The Wait is Almost Over Truly, Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers had it right when they sang that the waiting is the hardest part. It’ll be after 9pm local time before tonight’s game starts, due to the fact that San Jose is two hours behind here. I’m starting to feel antsy, something that doesn’t usually happen to me because, well, the game would have started by now. Read More... Toews is glue on surging Blackhawks Jonathan Toews' power-play goal roughly halfway through Game 2 wound up as winner in the Chicago Blackhawks' 4-2 victory at HP Pavilion on Tuesday night. The captain also added an assist on Dustin Byfuglien's goal 90 seconds earlier, and now has points in 11 consecutive games. He leads the NHL with 16 assists and 23 points. Read More... Hawks tie record for road winning streak Here's a good omen for Cup-starved Chicago fans: You're in good company after the Hawks extended their road winning streak in this year's playoffs to seven games with a 4-2 victory at San Jose on Tuesday night. Read More... Bolland's checking is frustrating Sharks Dave Bolland wants to know if Joe Thornton thought his glove was the puck. Why else would Thornton take a pretty good whack at his wrists before the official could even drop the puck for a faceoff? Read More... HAWKS POST BIG WIN, RETURN HOME WITH 2-0 LEAD Chicago, Ill.- The Chicago Blackhawks return home today from a nine-day road trip with a 2-0 lead over the San Jose Sharks in the National Hockey League’s Western Conference Finals. Read More... Hossa hoping he�ll break out offensively soon Save for the crucial overtime winner he scored in Game 5 of the first round against Nashville, Chicago winger Marian Hossa has been pretty quiet in the playoffs. He's scored only twice on his 42 shots on goal and was 0-for-6 Sunday in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final. Read More... For Campbell, boos can be motivational A Shark for all of two months at the end of the 2007-08 season, Brian Campbell still incurred the wrath of his former fans in Game 1 Sunday. Every time the Chicago Blackhawks' defenseman touched the puck he was booed -- loudly. For Blackhawks, simple game has led to road success Chicago will try to win its seventh straight road game Tuesday at HP Pavilion in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals. Several Blackhawks players feel their success in unfriendly atmospheres boils down to the simple fact that they play a different game than they do at home. Read More... NIEMI GOES FROM OBSCURITY TO ROCK BETWEEN THE PIPES As the Chicago Blackhawks continue another deep Stanley Cup Playoff run, goalie Antti Niemi continues to grow his mystique. Read More... THE FAR SIDE OF THE POND: Our Iron Man is better than Yours! Due to the Bruins-Flyers’ series ending on Friday, I didn’t have enough time to write a Conference Finals Picks’ column, so here goes my predictions: ‘Hawks in six, Flyers in seven. Read More... Sharp hardly surprised by play of Hawks' goaltender Chicago center Patrick Sharp is having himself quite the postseason, and he added to it with a big goal in Game 1 of the Western Conference Final on Sunday afternoon. Sharp scored the game-tying goal 7:44 into the second period and the Blackhawks went on to win, 2-1, behind Antti Niemi's 44 saves. Read More... THE FAR SIDE OF THE POND: The Wink Well, I got what I deserved when the ‘Hawks lost Game 6. I thought I could get away with just eating my Chicken Carb, and since I was at a Mother’s Day gathering, I couldn’t write my usual diary. So much for that plan. I guess it’s like with any hockey player’s usual pre-game routine. You have to do every step, every time, or you feel like something’s missing and you’re usually off your game. I’d like to say it was the ‘Hawks and their lackluster play, but you should know by now how near and dear I hold good luck routines to my heart. Read More... Sharks' top line stymied by a bevy of Blackhawks You have to get up pretty early in the morning if you want to stop Joe Thornton, Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley. And thanks to a noon start Pacific Time, the Chicago Blackhawks were able to do just that. Read More... Niemi holds off Sharks' second-period surge He didn't even know how the puck got to Ryane Clowe at the right post, but Antti Niemi figured in a flash that he better stick out his glove hand to stop the shot coming off Clowe's stick. Read More... Five factors for Game 1 of Hawks-Sharks series Hawks and Sharks step into spotlight for Game 1 Much of North America will probably find themselves smacking their TV sets and double-checking their program guides after flipping on NBC on Sunday afternoon. Read More... Olympic teammates become rivals The San Jose Sharks had eight players take part in the 2010 Winter Olympics. The Chicago Blackhawks sent six players to Vancouver. Of those 14 players, nine were on the ice for the gold-medal game. Read More... Hawks rely on shutdown unit to stifle Sharks Having a shut-down checking line to pester the opposition's best scorers is a must during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But Chicago Blackhawks coach Joel Quenneville says it's going to take more than just a three-man unit to shut down the Sharks' top line of Dany Heatley, Joe Thornton and Patrick Marleau. Read More... Schedule Scenarios Announced For Western Conference Final With nearly two rounds worth of sweat and surprises completed, the contenders for Lord Stanley's Cup is down to five teams, with the Stanley Cup Playoffs Conference Finals beginning May 16. Read More... Mayor Daley Backs Blackhawks With Wager On Series With Sharks Mayor Richard M. Daley today wagered a package of local food, drink and other products with the Mayor of San Jose on the success of the Chicago Blackhawks in the upcoming Western Conference Finals against the San Jose Sharks. Read More... Hawks dominated Sharks in regular season It's taken some time, but the Chicago Blackhawks finally figured out how to beat the San Jose Sharks. Read More... Full Western Conference Final Schedule Released The Chicago Blackhawks will launch their Western Conference Final series when they face off against the San Jose Sharks beginning at HP Pavilion on Sunday, May 16 at 2:00 P.M. (CT) and on Tuesday, May 18 at 9:00 P.M. (CT). Read More... Shedd Aquarium salutes the Blackhawks Home to more than 20 sharks in its award-winning Wild Reef exhibit, Shedd Aquarium knows all about facing off with sharks. But the San Jose Sharks are no match for either their sly predatory namesakes, or the NHL powerhouse Chicago Blackhawks! Read More... Blackhawks Open Western Conference Final Against Sharks On Sunday The Chicago Blackhawks will launch their Western Conference Final series when they face off against the San Jose Sharks beginning at HP Pavilion on Sunday, May 16 at 2:00 P.M. (CT). The complete Western Conference Final schedule will be announced by the National Hockey League on Friday. Read More... ICEHOGS MERCHANDISE NOW AVAILABLE AT GQ SPORTS, WALGREENS Rockford, Ill.- Rockford IceHogs merchandise is now available at GQ Sports inside CherryVale Mall and at six Walgreens locations in the Rockford area. Read More... HAMILTON, TEXAS JOIN HERSHEY, MANCHESTER IN CALDER CUP FINAL FOUR Rockford, Ill.- The Texas Stars became the final piece of the Conference Finals puzzle on Tuesday when they beat the Chicago Wolves in Game 7 of the West Division Finals at the Allstate Arena. The Stars will face the Hamilton Bulldogs in the best-of-seven Western Conference championship beginning on Friday at Copps Coliseum in Ontario. Read More... BLACKHAWKS ADVANCE TO WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR Vancouver, BC-The Chicago Blackhawks have advanced to the 2010 Western Conference Finals with a 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night at GM Place. The victory secured a 4-games-to-2 series win over the Canucks, and a meeting with the San Jose Sharks in the Conference Finals. San Jose will host Games 1 and 2, with dates and times to be determined. Read More... Blackhawks Advance To Western Conference Final For Second Consecutive Year The Chicago Blackhawks have advanced to the 2010 Western Conference Finals with a 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday night at GM Place. The victory secured a 4-games-to-2 series win over the Canucks, and a meeting with the San Jose Sharks in the Conference Finals. San Jose will host Games 1 and 2, with dates and times to be determined. Read More... Hawks ready for Sharks after polishing off Vancouver The Chicago Blackhawks will prepare for the Western Conference Final in Northern California this week with a bit of a swagger knowing they had the San Jose Sharks' number during the regular season. Read More... Second-period dominance led to Hawks' Game 6 win Chicago didn't do anything different or better in the second period Tuesday night. The Blackhawks mainly just kept the pressure on the Canucks and their goalie, Roberto Luongo, who was awesome through the first 20 minutes. Read More... 'Captain Serious' cracks a smile after Hawks' win Chicago's Captain Serious was so pleased with his team's effort Tuesday night that he even cracked a smile in front of the media. Read More... Seabrook focused on task at hand This city and GM Place will always hold a special place in Brent Seabrook's heart, and it's not just because he's from nearby Richmond, B.C. This is where the Blackhawks' defenseman experienced the greatest time of his hockey life by winning gold with Canada at the 2010 Olympics. Read More... BOOSTER CLUB TO RAISE MONEY FOR CANCER SOCIETY ON MAY 17 Rockford, Ill.– Join the Rockford IceHogs Booster Club to raise money for cancer research at Buffalo Wild Wings on E. State St. on May 17. Read More... Unexpectedly quiet night for Blackhawks, fans Several Blackhawks players talked about wanting to end this Western Conference Semifinal series on Sunday night just so they didn't have to climb aboard the team's charter plane again on Monday for a four-hour flight back to Vancouver. Read More... Campbell: 'We didn't come through' Before Sunday night's Game 5 against Vancouver in this Western Conference Semifinal series, the Blackhawks talked a lot about ending it with a win and not letting the Canucks up off the mat. Read More... Blackhawks' play at United Center taking wind out of home fans After 11 games in the 2010 Stanley Cup Playoffs, people are starting to wonder if the Blackhawks still enjoy playing in the Windy City. Or do they enjoy it too much? Read More... Blackhawks hoping for extended stay out west Go ahead and call them optimists. The Chicago Blackhawks players, coaches and team personnel arrived for Monday's charter flight wheeling full bags onto the runway. They were prepared for more than just an overnight trip to Vancouver for Game 6 Tuesday (9:30 p.m. ET, VERSUS, CBC, RDS). Read More... Byfuglien plans to stay right in front of Canucks' net The most hated man in British Columbia strolled off the plane at O'Hare International Airport on Saturday afternoon wearing a tan suit, a smile and cool shades. Read More... Toews: We're at ease and ready for Game 5 The Blackhawks were loose this morning, and why shouldn't they be? They're up 3-1 in this Western Conference Semifinal round series against Vancouver and can close out the Canucks in front of what should be a raucous crowd at United Center Sunday night (8 p.m. ET, VERSUS, CBC, RDS). Read More... Blackhawks want to end it vs. Canucks Sunday Blackhawks forward Adam Burish has several reasons for wanting to end this Western Conference Semifinal against Vancouver Sunday night in Game 5 at the United Center (8 p.m. ET, VERSUS, CBC, RDS). Read More... Canucks must find Jekyll, ditch Hyde for Game 5 Shane O'Brien, the guilty party in two cross-checking penalties early in Game 4, believes the Vancouver Canucks have spent so much time worrying about the Chicago Blackhawks that they have forgotten one very important fact. Read More... Blackhawks captain in the zone on record-tying night It's a good sign it's going to be your night when the other team is setting you up for power-play goals. Read More... Sharp plays sidekick with four-point night While Chicago Blackhawks captain Jonathan Toews was tying franchise records, Patrick Sharp was having one of the more under-the-radar four-point nights in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Read More... Lack of discipline once again costs Canucks Any time Daniel Sedin is going to the penalty box twice in a 48-second span, something is extremely wrong in the world of the Vancouver Canucks. Read More... TEN FORMER ICEHOGS STILL PLAYING FOR CALDER OR STANLEY CUP Rockford, Ill.- 11 former Rockford IceHogs have played in this season’s Stanley Cup playoffs, including nine for the Chicago Blackhawks. Two other former IceHogs have played in the 2010 Calder Cup playoffs. Read More... THE FAR SIDE OF THE POND: It�s Not the Size of the Fight in the Dog, it�s the Size of the Brain in the Dog Either the fans are waving white towels, or they all have hankies to dry their teary eyes when the ‘Hawks beat up on their favorite team. Wishful thinking. Read More... Toews makes most of adding Byfuglien to his line Jonathan Toews made the most of having Dustin Byfuglien on his line Wednesday night, picking up assists on all three of Byfuglien's goals in the Chicago Blackhawks' 5-2 victory against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday night. Read More... Comcast SportsNet Sets New All-Time Blackhawks Ratings Record For Game 3 Coverage Comcast SportsNet, the television home for the most comprehensive Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup Playoffs coverage in HD, delivered its highest Blackhawks rating ever last evening (May 5) -- a 10.14 household rating for its live coverage of the Blackhawks Game 3 second round victory over the Vancouver Canucks. Read More... Luongo says Canucks have to respond Roberto Luongo had to put up with more than just a barrage of shots from the Chicago Blackhawks in Game 3. After a two-game absence from the front of the net, Dustin Byfuglien finally paid him a visit. Read More... Canucks' losing battles in front of both nets Roberto Luongo was defiant Thursday morning when it came time talk about what the Canucks have done wrong in the last two losses to the Chicago Blackhawks that have turned their 1-0 series lead into a 2-1 deficit. Read More... BLACKHAWKS CITY ROAD WATCH PARTY COMES TO ROCKFORD Rockford, Ill.- The Rockford IceHogs, in conjunction with the Chicago Blackhawks, announced Thursday that Tilted Kilt in Rockford will host a Chicago Blackhawks City Road Watch Party on Friday night for the Hawks Western Conference Semifinals Game 4 against the Vancouver Canucks. Read More... FORMER ICEHOGS PACE BLACKHAWKS IN GAME 3 Vancouver, BC- Kris Versteeg started the scoring early and Dustin Byfuglien kept it going, and going, and going. The combo, along with goalie Antti Niemi, helped lead the Chicago Blackhawks to a 5-2 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals. Read More... rockrivertimes.com: Tales from the Trough: IceHogs 2009-10 season recap The 2009-10 season for the Rockford IceHogs was a season filled with ups and down, records that were eclipsed, and hearts that were broken. Read More... O'Brien says Canucks have to be tougher in Game 3 Chicago forward Adam Burish said before Game 2 that the best way to rattle Vancouver goaltender Roberto Luongo was to run him or to spray snow in his face. Read More... THE FAR SIDE OF THE POND: Okay, so we'll Spot you a 2-0 lead, and Then. . . It was only one game, I keep telling myself. Only one frakking game. Read More... Niemi performs his latest bounce-back act He’s making it a habit and Blackhawks fans continue to wonder just how goalie Antti Niemi continues to pick himself up off the mat after poor performances to shine the next time out. Read More... Versteeg leaves them cheering in the end The fan at the top row of the upper deck kept shouting as loud as he could at Kris Versteeg, despite not having a prayer of the Blackhawks forward hearing a single word. "Get off the ice, Versteeg!" he screamed. "You're terrible!" Read More... Luongo sees potential 2-0 lead slip away Roberto Luongo's Game 2 was looking pretty similar to his outing Saturday in the series opener. He made save after save against the onslaught of the Chicago Blackhawks on Monday night at United Center, but this time it wouldn't be enough. Read More... THE FAR SIDE OF THE POND: Not So Much My Fault as it was the Lazy 'Hawks I decided not to write a running playoff diary for Game 1 of the ‘Hawks Western Conference Semifinals series against the Vancouver Canucks because, for once, I wanted to just sit back and enjoy the game. Read More... ICEHOGS SET 111 TEAM RECORDS IN 2009-10 Rockford, Ill.- With the 2009-10 season in the books for the Rockford IceHogs, the team’s Communications Department has sifted through the statistics and have counted 111 new records set or matched by this year’s club. Read More... Hawks Have To Regroup After Game 1 Loss The puck barely squirted through the legs of Roberto Luongo and the sound of the Fratellis' "Chelsea Dagger" filled the cavernous United Center. Read More... Blackhawks See Need For More Heart And Smarts They had a night to think about it, and then the Chicago Blackhawks showed up to the United Center on Saturday morning still feeling pretty lousy. Read More... Hawks Coy, Quiet About Byfuglien's Role in Game 2 The gamesmanship of playoff hockey is in full swing at the United Center, and once again the focus is directed squarely on the massive shoulders of 6-foot-4, 257-pound Dustin Byfuglien. Read More... Hawks Could Push Envelope In Bothering Luongo Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo has looked relaxed and comfortable in his crease during the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Blackhawks forward Adam Burish gave a pretty honest answer Monday morning when asked what his team could do to throw Luongo off his game. Read More...	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3517
__label__wiki	0.555134	0.555134	Parish pilgrimage to Fatima: photos and reflections Here are a selection of photos, from arrival through sightseeing in Lisbon to Mass celebrated by Cardinal Nichols and participating clergy at Cathedral of St Anthony in Lisbon. Day 2: Morning prayers in the hotel chapel then to the sanctuary, which is very impressive. Mass was celebrated in the Chapel of the Apparitions. In the afternoon we followed the Way of the Cross and the day ended with International Rosary and torchlight procession. Day 3: Today we visited the town of Santorum with Mass in the Church of the Eucharistic Miracle - an amazing place. After dinner we joined the International Rosary and Torchlight Procession. Final day: We made our way in brilliant sunshine to Mass in Holy Trinity Chapel following which we enjoyed a coffee before visiting the Basilica containing the graves of the children. A fitting end to a memorable pilgrimage A special tribute to a special parishioner Solemn Mass on Easter Sunday was special for two reasons: it was celebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Cormac, and it culminated in a very special award for a very special parishioner. Joseph Carty has been a pillar not only of Chiswick but also of Westminster for many years. Fr Michael pays tribute to him in the newsletter. A number of his friends were invited to ‘put on Sunday best’ for the occasion, which was supported not only by his daughter and other members of his family, but also representatives of the numerous organisations for which he had worked. Fr Michael presented the ‘papal-looking’ medal and Cardinal Cormac said he had been the beneficiary of Joseph’s kindness especially when he needed a smart car to visit the Queen. Joseph, in his words of thanks from the ambo, said in the past when he could not be heard, he could blame it on the microphone. Now, sadly, this is no excuse since Joseph has been diagnosed with motor neurone disease. Joseph, we are all praying for you. The church was packed, standing-room only. The choir, amazingly still in great voice after so many Masses, sang Haydn’s Little Organ Mass. Cardinal Cormac’s very special Easter homily ended by reminding us of gaudium et spes – joy and hope to take us forward. By parishioner Dinah Wiener Some images of our Easter Vigil in Chiswick [click to view] Holy Thursday 2017 reflections Photo: Rebecca Rock It is the evening of Holy Thursday as we gather to honour Jesus’s command to “Do this in memory of me”. The Last Supper is at the heart of our faith and identity. In the secular world it is the beginning of a holiday weekend and there is a momentary temptation to stay home and open a bottle of wine. But no. For us at the Mass of the Lord’s Supper at Our Lady of Grace, this is a time for seriousness. Around the Eucharist, whose beginnings we are remembering, we have made our deepest hopes. The church is full and Cardinal Cormac is a most welcome celebrant after his recent illness. It is the first time he has celebrated Holy Thursday with us and his presence symbolises powerfully our unity with the Universal Church. Fr Peter Gilbert, our former parish priest is there too, along with his successors Fr Michael and Fr Andrew. Together they stand for what this night also commemorates – the institution of the priesthood. In Jewish tradition the Passover meal begins with the invocation to remember “why this night is different from all other nights”. Cardinal Cormac’s homily does likewise – he reflects movingly on the Eucharist, on grace and on the commandment of love. Then he washes the feet of 12 of our fellow parishioners. It is a charged moment – humility and service made touchingly visible We are fortunate at Our Lady of Grace in a quality of liturgy which most parishes would envy. The choir sings settings of the Kyrie and Gloria by the Scottish composer James MacMillan and, at the Offertory, Thomas Tallis’s anthem If ye love me. But for many of us it is Soul of my Saviour which brings a particular frisson. It is the quintessential Catholic hymn, heard too rarely, which summons up the faith of generations. Finally, the priests and ministers process to the Altar of Repose. As they do, the choir sings Thomas Aquinas’s great Eucharistic hymn Pange Lingua and many a voice swells at the lines Tantum ergo Sacramentum Veneremur cernui… On the High Road afterwards, no-one is really in a mood for chit-chat. There are just a few quick greetings before we make our separate ways into the gathering night. By Brendan McCarthy, parishioner Tenebrae on Spy Wednesday 2017 Candles were extinguished and darkness descended on Our Lady of Grace and St Edward. An exquisite evening of Meditation on the eve of the Sacred Triduum, with music by the choir Cantores Missae. Palm Sunday 2017 Prayer Vigil 8th February The 8th February is the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita and is the International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking. The Cenacle of Missionary Prayer Group that meets every Thursday with Sr. Natalia at the Comboni Spirituality Centre asks the Parish to join them in the praying of a Novena from the 30th January each day leading up to a prayer vigil on the 8th February in Our Lady of Grace and St. Edward between 7:30 – 9:00pm which all parishioners are encouraged to join. The prayer and vigil will focus on the aspect of the trafficking of boys, girls and adolescents with the specific slogan: 'They are just children! Not slaves! For more information go to this site http://preghieracontrotratta.org/ and/or contact Sr Natalia. Mobile: 077 9469 2310 Canon Peter Gilbert: 90th Birthday Intentions Our 12:15pm Sung Mass on Sunday the 1st of January was dedicated to Canon Peter Gilbert's 90th Birthday. The standing room only mass conducted by Father Peter was a wonderful way to welcome in the New Year. Christmas 2016: Mass times We have enjoyed welcoming the many parishioners and visitors to Our Lady of Grace and St Edward Chiswick and St Dunstan's Gunnersbury this Christmas. Scroll down to find Mass times over the Christmas and new year period. Cardinal Cormac: a celebration of his diamond jubilee He and his family celebrated in Rome last week with the Holy Father; on Tuesday Cardinal Vincent presided over a large gathering of Archbishops, Bishops and clergy in a packed Cathedral; on Friday 28th October, the feast of St Simon and Jude, and the actual date of Cardinal Cormac’s ordination to the priesthood in 1956, his Chiswick family joined together to offer our love, thanks and prayers. Concelebrating with the Cardinal were Canon Peter, Father Michael, Father Roger and Father Andrew, as well as James our Sunday seminarian. At his Eminence’s request, it was a simple sung Latin Mass with his chosen hymns. The choir was in good voice and the church was full. Cardinal Cormac spoke of his realisation aged 15 that he wanted to become a priest. He always wanted to be a parish priest and never expected to become a Bishop, let alone a Cardinal. At the conclusion of his homily he said how happy he was to be living here in Chiswick. As always, it was a wonderful and thoughtful homily interspersed with some good jokes. At the end of Mass he pointed out that he was No. 3 curate! In his closing words, Father Michael said that, in fact, 1956 had not been a good year for the church – the invasion of Hungary and the Cuban crisis being two major events, so it was clear that the Almighty needed to redress the balance by ordaining Deacon Murphy-O’Connor to the priesthood. Mass was followed by the usual festive Chiswick party in the Parish Centre, where Cardinal Cormac circulated the room to greet as many parishioners as possible before sitting down for Joseph Carty to lead us all in “For he’s a jolly good fellow”. Which he is, and we in Chiswick are blessed to have him. By Dinah Wiener, Chiswick parishioner Reflections on a Chiswick parish pilgrimage to Westminster Cathedral Last Saturday I had a really wonderful day out, on a pilgrimage. As this is the Year of Mercy – our pilgrimage focused first on the ‘Way of Mercy Walk’ at Westminster Cathedral. long with our group and of course Fr Andrew – we began in the morning with Latin Mass (wonderful singing), and then the first miracle happened, we went outside the Cathedral to begin our pilgrimage – and the rain stopped! Then after lunch and a short lecture on the Way of Mercy, a second miracle, the sun came out, as we walked towards Westminster Abbey, to visit the sacred shrine of St Edward the Confessor. St Edward the Confessor founded the Abbey in 1050’s – though sadly he died in 1066 just before it was dedicated to him. Of course it took several hundred years and alterations to become the Westminster Abbey as we know it today, but it is thanks to this pious and gentle much-loved man that we owe one of our greatest churches in London. Because of him, monarchs and anyone of importance all wanted to be married, interredor commemorated in the Abbey. We arrived with perfect timing. The previous group were leaving the chapel and so amazingly and unexpectedly, we had the Shrine all to ourselves. Another miracle! And so we went up the stairs into the most holy part of the Abbey and Father Andrew led the prayers as we sat around the tomb and it was one of the most evocative and moving places I think I have ever been in, the aura of St Edward the Confessor seemed very present in this small space. We were all pilgrims of course and not tourists, Saturday being The National Pilgrimage Day to the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor, which I am sure made all the difference. The Shrine itself once covered with gold, jewels and mosaics (according to my guide book) but now bereft, stands there in its nearly 1000 year old simplicity and today we are actually allowed to touch the sacred tomb. And close by in a semi circle in the same chapel are the tombs of Kings Edward 1 and 111, Henry 111, Richard 11 and Henry V no less. Then we sat in Poet’s Corner forEvensong, led by Dean of Westminster Abbey no less. (I think) Wonderful singing – to rival the chorister sat our Cathedral that morning… and more prayers for St Edward the Confessor, King of England. Oh and as we did all of the above, if we go to Confession this week, we will have gained a Plenary Indulgence. Always a good thing! Suzanne von Pfluegel, Chiswick parishioner, Our Lady of Grace and St Edward PS: One of the officials in the Abbey told us the atmosphere on Saturday was completely different to usual, which I thought was interesting. October 9: "A priest with the gift of being able to reach out to everyone" – one parishioner's tribute to Canon Anthony Dwyer 'I wondered if anyone would come' Canon Anthony said, as we watched a seemingly unending stream of parishioners file out of the church of Our Lady of Grace and St Edward. Some four hundred parishioners who had attended the farewell mass for Fr. Tony on the evening of Saturday October 1st. This modest statement was typical of the popular, former Parish Priest of Our Lady of Grace who was as happy being called Fr. Tony, friend and spiritual advisor, as he was Canon Anthony, Church Dignitary. A priest with the gift of being able to reach out to everyone. This was reflected in the celebration of the Mass itself, which brought together young and old. Altar boys and altar girls, priests who first came to Our Lady of Grace as young curates Fr. David, Fr. Graham and Fr. Andrew, who is now Assistant Priest . A special mention was made of Fr. Ed who so tragically died. All were gently put through their final paces by Fr. Tony. In fact, Our Lady of Grace could be said to have assumed the role of an ecclesiastical finishing school for priests. The new Parish Priest, Fr. Michael Dunne, was the one now keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings. Finally there were the priests who carry with them the wisdom of age, including Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O'Conner who, apart from having held the highest position in the Church in England and Wales, that of Archbishop of Westminster, has an amazing store of anecdotes to tell. The beautiful singing of both the church choir and the choir of St. Mary's School added to the joy and sadness of the occasion. In fact, the tributes to Fr. Tony were also a reminder of the enormous responsibilities of a Parish Priest, not just presiding at Mass, hearing confessions, anointing the sick, remembering names, or explaining the Gospel, but in building up a community of faith which requires the support of all. 'As I looked at the congregation in front of me', Fr Tony said 'which included all age groups, memories came flooding back of the many kindnesses shown to me during my eight years here and of the support I have received from the parishioners.' And there was more to come. When Fr. Tony arrived at the Parish Centre for the reception that followed the Mass, he had difficulty getting through the crowd of well wishers to meet up with Matthew Rock, the busy Chair of the Parish Council. He presented the same picture of Fr. Tony. 'He has done so much for this Parish' Matthew said, 'launching the Parish renewal process and ensuring that the Parish has an elected Pastoral Council.' This then led to the Night Shelter Project and the monthly Food Bank collections. Hecontinued, 'but I think there is an even more important thing to say about Fr. Tony. For me, and I suspect, for many of us here tonight, it's the unseen acts, the private gestures thatmark him out as a priest and as a man....I spoke to many people before tonight and the word that kept coming up was 'kindness'. In this regard Matthew wascorrect. But beware, when Fr. Tony gently asks 'when you have a moment, could I have a word with you?' That word could turn into a far longer commitment! Trish Williams, Chiswick parishioner, October 2016 October 3: A parishioner's reflections on World Youth Day 2016 World Youth Day 2016 – Sarah Foster Dear Brothers and Sisters, It was with excitement and some trepidation that I - aged 49 years old - embarked upon my first ever pilgrimage! On July 18th I accompanied five young people from our parish to World Youth Day. The name is a little misleading as it is in fact a two week long pilgrimage and it was with heavy hearts that we had to leave behind Sr. Graca who had broken her arm just days before our departure. The Chiswick party consisted of Ken, Natasha, Amy, Luca and myself and we travelled as part of a large group of 200 pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Westminster. It was with great anticipation that we departed by coach from Euston on the morning of the 18th. The first week was spent in Lodz where we took part in an ecumenical festival organized by the Chemin Neuf community. We spent time getting to know each other as well as other Christians from around the world. I met a lovely lady from Zimbabwe at a talk given by Archbishop Justin Welby about Christian Unity. I also attended workshops and talks on personal prayer, marriage as a vocation and discerning God’s will. The second week -the official start of World Youth Day - was spent in the beautiful city of Krakow (a UNESCO World Heritage site). The blessing and graces of the first week continued into the second and it was inspiring to witness the joyful gathering of millions of young Catholics from around the world. The week consisted of inspiring talks and beautiful worship concerts culminating in a 15-mile walk to Campus Misericordia outside of Krakow for a prayer vigil on the Saturday night. After sleeping out under the stars we celebrated mass the following morning with the millions of other Catholics from our global family. At the vigil and mass Pope Francis spoke directly to all of us, young and old: “But when we opt for ease and convenience, for confusing happiness with consumption, then we end up paying a high price indeed: we lose our freedom.” Following Jesus, he said, demands courage and a readiness to change the couch for walking shoes. “[God] is encouraging you to dream. He wants to make you see that, with you, the world can be different. For the fact is, unless you offer the best of yourselves, the world will never be different.” “The Lord doesn’t want to remain in this beautiful city, or in cherished memories alone. He wants to enter your homes, to dwell in your daily lives: in your studies, your first years of work, your friendships and affections, your hopes and dreams. How greatly he desires that you bring all this to him in prayer! How much he hopes that, in all the “contacts” and “chats” of each day, pride of place be given to the golden thread of prayer! How much he wants his word to be able to speak to you day after day, so that you can make his Gospel your own, so that it can serve as a compass for you on the highways of life! “ I am so grateful to the parishioners who supported the fundraising that enabled the five of us to attend World Youth Day. As well as the words from Pope Francis resonating in my heart and mind, I came away from Poland with some new friends, a deeper understanding of vocations, a desire to deepen my relationship with Jesus by making time to pray and read scripture daily and a determination to continue working with Sr. Graca to build a vibrant youth ministry in our parish. October 1: Canon Anthony's Leaving Party Canon Anthony’s Leaving Party will be on the 1st of October after the 6.30 Mass in the Parish Centre. October 15: Pilgrimage to Westminster Cathedral and Abbey Parish Pilgrimage to Westminster Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, 15th of October. The 13th of October is the Feast of St Edward the Confessor, the co-patron saint of our parish. To commemorate this there will be a special pilgrimage to the Shrine of St Edward the Confessor at Westminster Abbey and a visit to the Door of Mercy at Westminster Cathedral. Spaces are limited to thirty so do contact the Parish Office to sign up soon as possible if you are interested. First come, first served! Tea and Coffee is back Tea and Coffee will be served after the 9.45 Mass this Sunday in the Parish Centre by our friendly team. Do come along and meet your fellow parishioners. All welcome, including children! Journey of Faith meetings September Do you know someone, not a Catholic, perhaps a friend, maybe your spouse, a colleague or neighbour, who has some questions about the Catholic Church, if so let them know about our ‘Journey in Faith’ group which will be re-starting in September. This group is for adults who have not been baptised and would like to be, as well as for Christians of other denominations who would like to be received into the Catholic Church, and Catholics who have not been Confirmed. The invitation is simply to ‘come and see’ – no pressure. For further information please speak to Fr. Andrew or contact the Parish Office Conquerors August 25-29 ‘Conquerors’, a dynamic Catholic Festival run for young adults (16-35) and families runs from the 25-29th of August at the National Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham. It includes talks, workshops, live worship, meeting new friends and Mass! Please see www.youth2000.org for more information. The School of the Annunciation August 22-25 The School of the Annunciation based at Buckfast Abbey in Devon run courses to enrich, deepen and understand the Catholic Faith better. ‘Catholic Faith is joyfully transmitted in all its beauty, depth and vigour.’ The dates for the Summer School are: 22nd-25th of Aug ‘What must I do to inherit eternal life?’ and 25-28th of Aug ‘Foundations of Philosophy for Faith’. Please see: www.schooloftheannunciation.com for more information. August 18: Pastoral council minutes We were blessed to be joined recently by Hannah Vaughan-Spruce, director of evangelisation at St Elizabeth of Portugal in Richmond, west London, for an evening to hear about the wonderful evangelising work being done there. Click here for the summary of our discussion, and we will report further on developments in the coming weeks. Join our parish pilgrimage on October 15 Fr Andrew is planning to take a group on pilgrimage to Westminster Cathedral and Westminster Abbey as part of the Year of Mercy in October. The Cathedral has a Holy Door and Way of Mercy and the Abbey has the shrine of St Edward the Confessor (co-patron of this parish). The date will be the feast of St Edward the Confessor, the 15th of October. Please contact the Parish Office if you are interested in coming. June 26, 2016: Pastoral council minutes Your Pastoral Council has been reflecting on an important and inspirational book, Forming Intentional Disciples. We hope you find the minutes of our most recent meeting interesting, and we shall provide further updates here and in the parish newsletter. Here are the minutes. November 2015: Two key dates for new parish Confirmation programme Next Saturday (November 14) our parish Confirmation Programme will be starting for young people in Year 9. (This is also open to parishioners from St Dunstans Gunnersbury and St Joseph's Grove Park.) Application forms with course information and dates are now available to collect in person from either Canon Anthony or Fr Andrew after Mass. Please fill in the forms as soon as possible. There will be a parents' evening for Confirmation this Thursday (November 12) in the St Edward's Room from 7.30-9pm. This will be an opportunity to run through the course outline and meet some of the Catechists. October 2: The Chiswick Charity Gala Night & Auction On Friday the 2nd of October, the Parish will be running an auction as part of their Gala Night, to raise funds for the various charities we support. Here is a selection of auction items available to bid for in advance of the the big night. If you would like more information or wish to make a bid please email thechiswickcharitygalanight@gmail.com Please note that bidding will close at 10pm on Wednesday the 30th of September. October 1: The WHY? Course We warmly invite you to the WHY? Course which started earlier this week and continues next week on Tuesday mornings between 11.20 and 12.20 and on Thursday evenings from next week between 8 and 9pm. For any information please find and speak to Fr Andrew. September 27: Come and celebrate the gift of marriage and renew your marriage promises at a special Mass The Sacrament of Marriage is a wonderful gift to the Church reflecting, as it does, God's love. Next Sunday (September 27), we will have the opportunity to celebrate this Sacrament and, for those who are married, to renew their wedding promises. We hope many of our married couples will join in this celebration at the 12.15 Mass. Afterwards, there will be refreshments in the Parish Centre. The idea for this special Mass was born out of our recent parish family project, so thank you to all those who took part and suggested it. (Scroll down to May 26 to read the report that the parish sent to the Bishops in the build-up to the second Synod on marriage and the family.) September 2015: Cardinal Vincent Nichols' statement on the refugee crisis “The Catholic Church in England and Wales will respond to Pope Francis' challenge to be generous in supporting people who have been forced to flee their homes “We urge government to respond positively to this crisis and to provide the necessary resources and funding to ensure the effective reception and long-term resettlement of these desperate people. We will work with both government and other responsible authorities to meet this grave challenge. “We invite all Catholics to respond in prayer and in real, practical action. It is my hope to join the prayer vigil which is taking place outside Westminster Cathedral tomorrow night. “Guidance will follow shortly on how the Catholic community in England and Wales can practically respond to this refugee crisis.” Bishop Nicholas will lead a prayer vigil on the evening of Tuesday September 8 from 7pm in the piazza in front of the Cathedral, to which all are welcome. As events are unfolding, it has not been possible to provide earlier notice. July 15: Express your View about the proposed Bill to Legalise Assisted Suicide The Cardinal has asked Catholics to take action against a proposed Bill to legalise assisted suicide. The Bill would have a dangerous impact on the most vulnerable people. Please contact your MP, urging them to attend the debate and vote against the Bill. If at all possible, before the start of their recess on 22 July. (Email would seem to be the swiftest means to contact MPs.) MPs do listen to their own constituents; what is needed is more and better palliative care, not assistance with suicide. You will find a model MP's letter below, as well as a Q&A on the issue of Assisted Suicide. Do please use this and, where appropriate, include any relevant personal experience in your letters. The more letters you send to MPs, the greater the chance of defeating this most dangerous Bill in the autumn. You will find more information at www.catholicnews.org.uk/assisted-suicide Assisted Suicide Q&A Assited Suicide Letter to MPs July 7: Special Holy Hour on Saturday July 11 at 19.30 On Saturday evening there will be a special Holy Hour for Proclaim' 15, an initiative to pray for Evangelisation set up by the Bishops of England and Wales here in the parish. It will start at 19.30 at the Church after 6.30 Mass. Please do come along and pray for this important work. All are welcome! There’s more about Proclaim’ 15 here: http://rcdow.org.uk/faith/proclaim-westminster/ June 28: New date for parish Gala night The Gala Night date has changed to Friday 2 October, due to anticipated traffic congestion around the venue caused by rugby international events. We hope this does not cause anyone inconvenience. Tickets have been selling very fast, and the committee are now taking names for the waiting list, in case there are any cancellations due to the date change. To find out more, see the parish newsletter or please emailchiswickcharitygalanight@gmail.com May 26: OLOG sends Chiswick parish responsez to The Call, The Journey, The Mission reflection document to the Bishops In the run-up to the second Synod on Marriage and Family Life in October 2015, parishes were asked to reflect on the issues facing families and marriage. Five groups of parishioners met during Lent 2015 to discuss the Bishops’ key questions; one open parish meeting was also held. You can now read the summary of our parish's discussions, which have been put forward to the Bishops. Thank you to everyone who took part and hosted events, which illuminated many of the joys and challenges facing families and married couples today. March 7: Read the Bishops' letter about the forthcoming General Election The Letter from the Bishops of England and Wales about the General Election is now available to all parishes - click here. We will make printed copies of the Letter available in the church. It is also available on the Diocesan website). March 7: Four new exciting Catholic events Catholic Underground is an exciting initiative started by the Franciscan Friars of Renewal in New York. They now run this Eucharistic based and youth themed event in Euston, London. The next Catholic Underground is on the 21st March 2015. See: www.catholicunderground.co.uk for more details. Nightfever is an outreach event run at the beautiful church of St Patrick's in Soho Square. It consists of Mass, Adoration, music and Reconcilaition. See: www.nightfever.org or www.facebook.com/NightfeverLondon for more information. And a new play: 'The journey of John Newton: Amazing Grace.' 'This is a powerfully moving story of slavery, freedom and the remarkable power of love and grace to transform life.' The London premiere is on Tuesday the 10th of March at 5 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BX. For ticket information see: www.bit.ly/agtickets. See also www.saltminetrust.org.uk for more details. 'The School of the Annunciation' based at Buckfast Abbey in Devon: a brand new initiative promoting the New Evangelisation and is located in Plymouth Diocese and recommended by its Bishop, Bishop Mark O'Toole. They run both residential and distance learning courses on a variety of subjects. See: www.schooloftheannunciation.com for more information. February 19: Find out lots of Lent facts and activities in our Children's Lent leaflet The forty days of Lent remind us of the forty days Jesus stayed in the desert fasting and praying. Lent gives us time to prepare for the joy of Jesus’ resurrection at Easter. This Lenttry to think about what you can do to make extra room for God in your heart. You could do this by giving up and then filling up. Giving up something we like can help us to understand how much Jesus gave up. How about giving up pudding, watching TV or playing on the computer just one day a week in Lent? Filling up that time with something good can bring us closer to God. How about trying to read one Bible story, or saying one extra prayer a week? You could even give one week’s pocket money to the Parish Lenten project. Find out lots more Lent facts and activities in our special Children's Lent leaflet. Click here to get your own copy! February 12: Pastoral Council launches new parish Lenten Family project Minutes from the seventh Meeting of the Pastoral Council Monday 26th January 2015 Those present: Canon Anthony Dwyer, Fr Andrew Chamiec, Matthew Rock (chair), Sr Graca Almeida(representing the Youth PTT group), Jo Hodgson (representing the Outreach PTT group), Maxime DeThomas (representing the Formation PTT group), Brendan McCarthy, Ginette Lytton Cobbold (Communications Assistant), Victoria Santer. Apologies: Tumelo Makhoabenyane, Patrick Rafter (Youth representatives), Clare Muldoon, Simon Williams 1. Our Advent Parish Mission - “Everyone is Welcome this Advent and Christmas” A new parish website has been launched and Twitter and Facebook are active. A big thank you to Matthew, Sean Simone and Victoria Santer. Meeters and greeters did good job of welcoming newcomers to the church over Christmas. Involvingchildren worked well to make people feel welcome. Evangelii Gaudium workshop went well for the first workshop but no attendance for the second. Parishioners’ Christmas lunch was very well attended with lots of volunteers helping Taize prayer meeting will continue as they are enjoyed by all. Actions to continue with our “Everyone is welcome” campaign: Youth Group – actively inviting new participants. – Sr Graca/Tumelo/Patrick Parish Youth Club in the parish centre needs to be advertised more and perhaps to be held on a specific night of the week so people attend regularly. Posters and parish media St Mary’s School – will also put notices up on notice boards and newsletter at St Mary’s School to tell them about youth events at the church. Perhaps also talk to the head-teacher to encourage more collaboration between church and school. Collaboration with other parish youth groups – work together to encourage more participation and evangelisation. Flame – being attended by the young adult group in the summer. Perhaps put posters up in the church to invite more people to join in and advertise through the parish media. Taize Prayer meetings also to be advertised more widely. Night Fever at St Patrick’s in Soho square was well attended by the young adult group. Next meetings are on 31st January, 20th March and 11th July. More Welcomers to be recruited to greet parishioners at Mass - Matthew Consideration will be given to a Church “Open day” after Easter, at which we can welcome non-Catholics into the church - Max Outreach Group – needs new impetus. Contact St Mary’s School to see if any of the young mums want to get involved in or organise more activities in the parish. - Jo Place to have coffee at the parish centre – at present after the 9.45am Sunday mass twice per month. Could this be increased? – Fr Tony Social Group leader replacement to be discussed with existing group – Fr Tony Summer Fair – new committee members need to be formed - Fr Tony to speak to Clare Muldoon. Requests to the parish are ongoing 2. Our Parish Mission for this First Quarter: The Call, the Journey and the Mission - An Invitation from the Bishops of England and Wales to Reflect on the Gift of Marriage and Family Life The next Synod in Rome will take place in October 2015 and will focus on the theme of The Vocation and Mission of the Family in the Church and in the Contemporary World. It wouldbe useful to reflect both personally and in groups – people joining together in our parish, praying together and discussing the issues that face the family today. The 6 questions we as a parish need to consider are: What are your joys and hopes of marriage and family life today? What are your struggles and fears of marriage and family life today? How can we better understand marriage as a vocation? How does your marriage enrich you? How does your family life enrich those around you? In what way, through the abiding presence of God, is your family “salt of the earth and light to the world,” and a place of and for handing on our faith? It was also agreed to add a further question: In what ways could the parish better support marriage and family life? To invite married couples to form groups to discuss the above questions. Members of groups could be parents from St Mary’s School, UCM could also be consulted. Also some open groups could be set up, and advertised, for individuals to drop into. Groups could be of 6 or 8 people to reflect on these questions and then present findings to the parish. A listening exercise to hear what people concerns are to present back to the bishop by May to form part of our diocesan response to these questions. – Fr Tony, Matthew By listening to people’s concerns we will find out how we as a parish can best support marriage and family life. 3. Proclaim 15 There is a meeting at Vaughan House at 7.30pm on Tuesday February 3rd to provide tools on how the parish can become more of an evangelization vehicle. Parish council member to attend if possible – Max, Simon, Clare, Jo 4. Lent There will not be Lent talks this year but a series of Aspects of Prayer events. Prayer series – There will be four workshops on prayer during Lent showing different ways to pray (art, music, the gospels)/ They will take place on Tuesdays, commencing on 24th February. 20 minutes for each theme followed by guided prayer. It is hoped on the fifth Tuesday to draw together the different themes. Taize prayer will take place, on one evening, during Lent – Sr Graca Promote these activities through website, social media, posters outside and on noticeboards – Matthew, Brendan, Victoria Lenten Project – either Christians in Syria or Human trafficking organization to talk at Lent – Fr Tony to consult and confirm 5. AOB Fr Andy to speak to Jim Cullen to recruit more altar servers – adults as well as children. 6. Second Quarter Mission: Themes from the General Election on May 7th Workshop at end of February to discuss election themes. Date TBA – Fr Tony/Matthew Next Parish Council Meeting. At end of March. Date TBA – Fr Tony/Matthew January 17: Thank you from Uganda! The much-needed Nissan truck that the parish raised money for during our Lenten appeal in 2014 has finally arrived in Uganda! We've just received photos and a letter to us all from Uganda: Greetings from Fr. Patrick Nyakasura Catholic Parish We are ok here Happy new year 2015. Please receive the Photos of the Nissan Hard body. It's a nice vehicle. Thank you very much for your contribution. God bless you. Now we are constructing the wall fence for the security of the Parish property and Priests. Greet everybody in your community. Fr Patrick 27 December: Christmas Appeal for donations for the 2300 Young Refugees sleeping rough in the woods of Calais – only 4 hours from London A huge THANK YOU to all those that contributed to keeping some of the 2300 refugees camped in the woods in Calais warm this Christmas. On 27th December the Comboni Sister's Cenacle group in Chiswick personally took your donations and distributed them to the refugees in Calais. We are going again on 31st January with EMMAUS to take more donations. Read more about this on our Blog page. To donate online: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/calais For more information : www.stopsinaitorture.org/calais/ See our youtube video of the Calais trip : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gcTaoHpZvsg 18 December: Christmas at Our Lady of Grace As we approach Christmas, we hope that the parish will come together around our mission that "Everyone is Welcome". While Christmas is a joyful time, it can also be a lonely time for many. Parishioners are encouraged to reach out to other, possibly isolated, parishioners, to those who have become disengaged from the Church or to those who are simply curious about what the Church has to offer. Please extend a warm welcome to friends to join us at a parish event, Carol Service or Mass. They will receive a warm welcome... Timings for Masses, Confessions and Carols are listed here. Lent 2017 Week 5	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3520
__label__cc	0.743288	0.256712	Difference between revisions of "Attenuation and Level Control" From EOVSA Wiki Attenuation and Level Control Sshaik (Talk \| contribs) FE Index Number First Attn Second Attn Total Added Attn 0 0 0 0</pre> It will be the job of the cRIOs in each antenna to read the detector voltages in each channel and, based on the highest voltage, report to the ACC whether to step the attenuation one step up or down according to the FE Index in Table 2. If the cRIO detects that two or more upward steps are needed, it should implement the adjustment itself (for safety reasons), otherwise the ACC will determine whether all antennas should be stepped or not. In normal operation, all antennas should step simultaneously under the control of the ACC, at a maximum rate of 1 step/s. == Keeping the 8-Bit Digitizer from Clipping == It will be the job of the DPP to examine the power levels reported by the correlator and determine what DCM attenuation changes are needed as a function of IF band. The DPP will then instruct the ACC to implement any needed 2 dB attenuation steps up or down. In addition, the fault system will examine the overflow count of the digitizers, as provided by the correlator packet headers, and report that information to the ACC, which will make the decision whether to override the DPP. This should never happen, but is implemented as a safety measure. 2 Keeping Components Safe 3 Keeping the Amplifiers in their Linear Range 4 Keeping the H and V Polarizations Matched and Balanced 5 Keeping the Optical Link in its Linear Range 6 Keeping the 8-Bit Digitizer from Clipping The setting of attenuation and scale factors in the EOVSA system is critical for several competing criteria: Keeping components within a safe operating range in order to avoid damage to components Keeping the various amplifier stages in both the frontend module (FEM) and downconverter module (DCM) within a linear operating range Keeping the two polarization channels (H and V) matched and balanced Keeping the optical link within a linear range Keeping the 8-bit digitizer from clipping Keeping the power and power-squared products output by the correlator in a range appropriate to correct spectral kurtosis calculation Keeping the pre-correlation power levels in the appropriate range for 4-bit down-sampling This memo examines each of these issues in turn, and offers explicit guidelines for attenuation and level control, based on experience with the prototype system. The control system must incorporate these guidelines in a manner that both meets the above criteria and also allows a reasonable scheme for calibration that is as simple and practical as possible. Keeping Components Safe When the prototype system was designed, we had little information about the RFI environment, and hence were working with a range of likely 1-18 GHz RF signal strengths without consideration of RFI. Tests with the prototype (see the recent “EOVSA RFI Environment and Polarization” memo) indicate that the signal levels are dominated by the H-polarized PCS signal near 1.9 GHz, which varies greatly with direction of the antenna. The prototype was also constructed with considerably more gain than it was designed for, which has exacerbated the problem of potential damage to components. We have since modified the prototypes to bring the overall gain down closer to design levels, but there still exists the potential for RFI-related damage to components with certain combinations of attenuation. Of course, there is also the possibility of greatly enhanced signals during strong solar flares. In the regions of the sky with the minimum RFI, our tests indicate that the input power, Pin, is about -62 dBm (based on Christian Holmstedt’s spreadsheet “EOVSA FE Simplified Power Levels and Noise,” i.e., more than a factor of 10 higher than our minimum design expectation of -74 dBm. This is no doubt due to the residual RFI that is present even at this minimum level. At places where the RFI is maximum, the power Pin is at least 10 times higher, or of order -50 dBm. According to Christian’s spreadsheet, damage to the prototypes can occur when Pin = -48 dBm, if both attenuators in the FEM are set to zero. Thus, from this perspective alone the optical link can become damaged at any time by pointing the antennas at the “wrong” location in the sky. At this same setting, the 3rd stage amplifier is overdriven at as low as Pin = -64 dBm (i.e. over the entire sky), while the 2nd stage amplifier is overdriven at Pin = -50 dBm. The situation is slightly worse for the production system. This implies that the attenuation state with both attenuators set to zero must be avoided at all times, and the control system needs to explicitly prevent this. In the absence of solar flares, it is safe for the 2nd stage amplifier and optical transmitter to set the 1st FEM attenuator to 9 dB, so it is recommended that this be the minimum allowed setting. If the 2nd FEM attenuator is set to 0 dB, there is a potential to overdrive the 3rd amplifier in the region of strongest RFI, but not to a damaging level. Still, it is safest to use a non-zero setting at any time the antennas are slewing from one source to another. For safety reasons also, the frontend attenuation should be under active control at any time the antennas are pointed at the Sun, so that large flares do not occur that can damage the frontend components. As for damage to the components in the DCM, or further down the chain, we know that this is possible since we actually did damage the digitizer boards in the correlator due to excess IF power. However, this was due to misunderstanding the nature of the 20 dB amplifier on the digitizer boards, and for the prototype systems new fixed attenuators have been added between the DCMs and digitizers that should eliminate the potential for damage. Provided the frontend systems are properly in range, it is not expected that it will be possible to damage any component in the DCM or digitizer boards, regardless of the setting of the DCM attenuator. However, this should be checked for the case of tuning to band 2 (the band with the 1.9 GHz PCS signal). For the production systems (and the prototype systems will also be retrofitted), the final IF amplifier will be eliminated so that the fixed attenuation can be removed without causing damage to the digitizers. Keeping the Amplifiers in their Linear Range This criterion is more stringent than the above case of damage, and it is best to actually devise a measurement method for linearity of each stage (not yet done). However, at least for the FEM it is possible to get some idea of linearity based on manufacturer’s specifications, as implemented in Christian Holmstedt’s spreadsheet “EOVSA FE Simplified Power Levels and Noise.” If the minimum 1st attenuation setting is 9, as suggested in the previous section, then the salient points are that the 2nd-stage amplifier remains linear until Pin = -42 dBm, while the 3rd-stage amplifier is linear at least 10 dB above the optimum setting for Pout = 3 dBm to the optical transmitter. So as long as the 2nd attenuator is set to maintain optimum Pout, there is a margin of 10 dB before the 1 dB compression point. Likewise, if the 1st attenuator is set to 18 dB, the 2nd-stage amplifier will remain linear at all likely values of Pin, and the 3rd-stage amplifier will remain linear with the same 10 dB margin. In the DCM, there are no adjustments relative to the input, except for the IF attenuator at the very output of the DCM, so as long as the FEM is in range, the DCM should not experience nonlinearity internally. Keeping the H and V Polarizations Matched and Balanced As discussed in the recent “EOVSA RFI Environment and Polarization” memo, it is important that after balancing the power levels, the attenuations applied at every point in the chain must be the same in H and V channels. In other words, if a 3 dB step is put into the H channel, the same 3 dB step must be put into V. For this reason, this memo anticipates that the attenuators will first be set in the system to maintain power balance at the minimum Pin state (i.e. in a region of the sky with the minimum RFI), and then all further adjustments of attenuator state will be done simultaneously in the two polarization channels. This means that if for some region of the sky the two channels differ in power level, the one with maximum power must drive the choice of attenuation. As the polarization memo describes, we have found that the RFI affecting the power level is H-polarized, hence H and V polarization levels do NOT have the same behavior over the sky. However, we are contemplating reorienting the feed by rotating it by 45 degrees so that both hands respond in the same way to the RFI in most regions of the sky. This memo assumes that has been done, in which case the power in the two channels should vary together except when the antenna is pointed near the zenith. In any case, it remains true that the attenuation settings should be chosen based on the polarization channel with the highest power. Keeping the Optical Link in its Linear Range By doing some measurements with CW signals at various frequencies, Christian Holmstedt has determined that the FEM output power (Pout) setting that gives the most linear response in the optical link increases with frequency, but at each frequency is linear in a range roughly 6 dB wide. The most critical frequency band for linearity is at low frequencies, where the bulk of the RFI occurs, since the most deleterious effect of nonlinearity is to produce harmonics of strong signals. Therefore, it makes sense to maintain the FEM output power near the optimum value for low frequencies, which has been determined to be Pout = 3 dBm. At 18 GHz, the optimum Pout ~ 8 dBm. With the prototype system, this corresponds to a detector voltage level of about 0.5 V. The conversion from detector voltage to corresponding output power in dBm will vary from one detector to another, and must be obtained from calibration, but it is about 0.065 V / dBm. Note that if the power is set to 3 dBm, and we use 3 dB attenuation steps, then the output power will range from 1.5 dBm to 4.5 dBm, i.e. when the power falls below 1.5 dBm then 3 dB will be removed and the power will rise to 4.5 dBm, and likewise when the power exceeds 4.5 dBm then 3 dB will be inserted. The main function of the attenuation control in the FEM will be to keep Pout in this range. The overall attenuation state has been conceived to be represented by a single number, which is an index into a lookup table of possible attenuations involving both FEM attenuators and the DCM attenuator. While convenient as a lookup device, the different character of the various attenuations suggests the following: a “fixed” table of attenuation states will represent the leveling of each channel in the minimum RFI state. This table is “fixed” in the sense that it will change only when a new leveling calibration suggests that it is necessary. It is hoped that the stability of the system will be such that this leveling only rarely needs to be updated. There will be such a table for each of the H and V polarizations in the FEM, and likewise for each channel in the DCM. All calibrations will be done with these attenuations set (plus any required additional attenuation steps). Table 1 shows the FEM settings for Antennas 1 and 7 (the only two active antennas at the moment). There will also be a DCM level setting table, which will have entries for each of the 34(35) IF bands, but this cannot be determined until we get the KATADC boards repaired and reinstalled. For now, we will use a fixed DCM attenuation level of 2 dB, which has been arrived at by examining the digitizer overflow values in the correlator packet header. There will then be a table of 3 dB attenuation steps for the FEM that is common to both H and V, so that after leveling, all attenuations are applied equally to H and V, and only in 3 dB steps, and likewise there is a table of 2 dB steps in the DCM. A suggested definition of these tables is shown in Table 2 for FEM, which assumes the minimum “fixed” attenuation is around (9,1) as in Table 1, and Table 3 for DCM. Since both tables have only 16 states, the indexes can be combined into a single 8-bit index by FEM-index * 16 + DCM-index. Table 2: Frontend Adjustments Relative to Level Settings (All adjustments apply to both Hpol and Vpol simultaneously) FE Index Number First Attn Second Attn Total Added Attn 0 0 0 0 Retrieved from "http://www.ovsa.njit.edu/wiki/index.php?title=Attenuation_and_Level_Control&oldid=113"	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3522
__label__cc	0.731977	0.268023	You are here: Home / Conferences / 2018 Freshwater Field Trips 2018 Freshwater Field Trips Freshwater Field Trips: Tuesday, July 31, 2018 1. Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge—Kayaking and Cultural Tour $64/person Vans depart from PSU; 8:30 am – 4:00 pm In the morning, we will take a guided kayak tour with wildlife viewing on Lake River in Ridgefield, Washington. In the afternoon, we will visit the Cathlapotle Plankhouse on Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge and participate in unique opportunities for cultural and environmental education in the Columbia River Floodplain that are not matched anywhere in the region. Learn how these programs have been recently revitalized to better align with current standards and stay true to the indigenous legacy of land management along the Lower Columbia River. Limit 22 participants. 2. Tour of the Bull Run Watershed Bus departs from PSU; 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Join interpreters from the Portland Water Bureau on a journey behind the scenes at Portland’s own water supply system. It’s not snow melt! Visit the pristine, gated valley that collects and naturally filters rainwater through forest soils. Tour the dam, see the vast reservoir, learn the history of water delivery to the city. Discuss the treatment of water prior to entering the big pipes, and current issues such as filtration and cryptosporidium. Learn and share your knowledge. Limit 24 participants. 3. Cycling the Riverfront Departs from PSU @ 2:30 pm Join Oregon Zoo Educator and long-standing NAME member Tom Gaskill on a tour of our urban riverfront on Portland’s own public bicycle fleet. On this relaxed pedal along the Willamette River bike paths, we will learn about innovative planning and infrastructure Portland has developed to protect water quality, encourage active transportation, and improve livability for our residents. The trip ends back in town on the East Bank at the Hair of the Dog brewpub for happy hour, and then back to PSU. Participants will receive a free day-long bike pass to use a Bike Town bike for the day of the field trip. Many thanks to BIKETOWN, Portland’s bike share program, for providing the bikes for this field trip! 4. Tryon Creek State Park Trimet from PSU; On your own, times open Visit this gem of an urban natural area located nearby, next to Lewis and Clark College. Explore the visitor’s center, learn of the park’s history and its educational programs. Take a hike on one of many looped trails, and observe the restoration efforts of the past, largely done by volunteer and school groups, from trail maintenance to exotic-invasive species removal, to the planting of natives and stream habitat improvement. 5. The Willamette River in Big Canoes w/Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership Trimet from PSU; 8:30 – 1:30 + eating picnic sack lunches on Ross Island during trip Paddle the river to key local destinations in the city. Explore the history of the river and its development. See the rookeries on Ross Island, where many Great Blue Heron and a few bald eagles nest. Discuss river issues through time, problems and solutions, and current challenges. Spit in the river. For more information, including what to bring, please visit the Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership Canoe Paddles page. Limit 24 participants. 6. Secret Places on Sauvie Island Join Pat Willis and Amber Horn touring and discussing Place-based Education at the Sauvie Island Wildlife Refuge, the largest wildlife refuge in the Portland area. The group will travel to the far northern end of the island along the Columbia River to Ruby Lake, a 126 acre wetland restoration project connected to tide changes along the Columbia River. See how the area has changed and learn how the 7th and 8th grade students from Sauvie Island School participated. Along the way, we will also visit the Dairy Creek project, a $6 million mile long restoration project Sauvie Island school students are correctly working on. Some hiking will be needed. Limit 22 participants 7. Columbia River Gorge Tour Van departs PSU; 9:00 am – 4:00 pm Take the old scenic highway! See the new State Park at the CONFLUENCE of the Sandy and the Columbia. Learn the geology of the Sandy River Canyon and of river issues over time. Visit a “ghost forest” left by lahars from Mt. Hood’s previous eruptions. See spectacular views from the cliffs of Women’s Forum State Park and Crown Point, a brief history of both sites and an overview of the Ice Age Floods that authored the gorge. See several waterfalls including Multnomah Falls. Eat lunch in Cascade Locks Park and discuss the legend of the Bridge of the Gods, evidence for a massive landslide that indeed may have dammed the river there and narrowed the channel to its present state. Eat a great ice cream cone at Marie’s East Wind Drive In. Limit 22 participants. May 16, 2018 /by Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators http://www.pacname.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/name_logo_340x156-300x138.png 0 0 Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators http://www.pacname.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/name_logo_340x156-300x138.png Northwest Aquatic and Marine Educators2018-05-16 12:42:242019-01-23 11:24:162018 Freshwater Field Trips Lodging & Travel Information Freshwater Field Trips Coastal Field Trips 2018 Presentation Information 2018 Pre-conference Workshops	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3523
__label__cc	0.692851	0.307149	Individual Representative Matters Representative Matters: Estate Planning Assisted US beneficiary of foreign trust, which was part of a multi-layer planning structure created by parent, to migrate the trust to the US, minimizing adverse tax consequences and future administration expenses and dealing with compliance problems arising from prior administration of trust. Advised foreign nationals on pre-immigration tax planning, including making non-taxable transfers to U.S. beneficiaries through complex structures and shedding foreign holding companies and other foreign assets that would create significant adverse US compliance burdens for parents and children upon parents' immigration. Advised foreign parent of US child on options for structuring transfer of complex and extensive business holdings to US dynasty trust for child so as to minimize or eliminate burdensome tax compliance issues for child and significantly reduce child's potential US tax exposure. See Practice Area Jeffrey Kolender Jeffrey Kolender chairs the firm’s Estate Planning and Estate & Trust Administration practice groups. He concentrates primarily in those areas and... See Attorney's Bio Wayne Eig Wayne Eig refers to himself as a business and tax lawyer for individuals and closely held entities, providing advice to clients involved in various business,... Paula Calimafde Paula Calimafde chairs the firm’s Retirement Plans, Employee Benefits and Government Relations practice groups and is also a senior member of the Estate... Robert Maclay Robert Maclay is Co-President of the firm, and a member of its Estate Planning, Estate & Trust Administration, Corporate and Tax practice groups, among... Linda Schwartz It is with great sadness that Paley Rothman announces the passing of our long-time partner, Linda Schwartz (Rosenthal). She was an amazing colleague, mentor... Deborah Cohn Debbie Cohn’s keys to professional success are as diverse as her eclectic client base that consists of professionals, business owners,... Paul Marcotte, Jr. Paul Marcotte, Jr. Chairs the firm’s Tax practice group and is a member of its Estate Planning, Estate & Trust Administration and Nonprofit groups. He... Arnold Sherman As a member of the firm’s Tax, Retirement Plans, Employee Benefits, Estate Planning, Estate & Trust Administration, and Corporate... Mark Rothman Mark Rothman is a founding member of the firm and currently serving as senior counsel to the Corporate, Estate Planning, Tax and Estate & Trust... Mark Goldstein Mark Goldstein, one of the founders of the firm, is a member of its Corporate, Financial Services, Estate Planning and Estate & Trust... Michelle Chapin Michelle Chapin, a member of the firm’s Estate Planning, Estate & Trust Administration, Tax and Corporate practice groups, advises individuals,... Jessica Summers Jessica Summers is a Principal in the firm’s Employee Benefits, Employment Law, Retirement Plans, Litigation and Government Relations practice... Jeffrey Kolender, Paula Calimafde, and Michelle Chapin were all featured in the most recent edition of the magazine. The feature is in the July/August 2018 edition of Bethesda Magazine. This year, 17 attorneys were listed as the Top Estate Lawyers by their peers, and 8 were selected as Rising Stars. For the sixth year in a row, Paley Rothman earned national and local honors in US News-Best Lawyers 2018 “Best Law Firms” rankings. Paley Rothman is pleased to announce that 16 lawyers have been named to the 2018 Edition of Best Lawyers in America. We would like to congratulate the following attorneys named to this year’s list.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3524
__label__wiki	0.526981	0.526981	Home / Cameras / Fujifilm X-Series / Fujifilm XF10 Camera Fujifilm XF10 Camera Fujinon 18.5mm f/2.8 Fixed Lens 3″ 1040k-Dot LCD Touchscreen Max ISO: 12800 (51200 Extended) 11 Film Simulations, 19 Advanced Filters 4K and Full HD Video Recording Fujifilm XF10 Camera quantity Categories: Cameras, FEATURED PRODUCTS, Fujifilm X-Series AVAILABLE COLOR: BLACK & CHAMPAGNE GOLD A pocketable powerhouse, this black XF 10 Digital Camera from Fujifilm features a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, fast lens, high ISO sensitivity, and video recording capabilities that excel when on the go. Though weighing just 9.88 oz, the XF 10 packs an 18.5mm f/2.8 fixed lens into its body. The bright f/2.8 aperture enables exceptional depth of field control and, when paired with ISO sensitivities that can reach 51200 when boosted, mean the XF 10 excels in low-light situations. The image sensor can also output detailed 4K video at 15 fps for up to 30 minutes of recording. Full HD 1080p recording is also possible, as is 720p slow-motion video. These photos and videos can be viewed on the 3″ 1040k-dot LCD touchscreen that fills the back of the camera. The XF 10 also features 11 Fujifilm Film Simulations and 19 Advanced Filters, including new “Rich & Fine” and “Monochrome [NIR],” as well as a 1:1 Square Mode, which is a first for Fuji’s X-series cameras. The APS-C-sized 24.4MP sensor of this camera outputs photos that are crisper, cleaner, and contain more detail than camera with smaller sensors. It has an ISO range of 200-12800, which can be boosted to 100-51200. The sensor can also output 4K and Full HD video at a variety of frame rates with a maximum continuous recording time of 30 minutes. Fixed Fujinon 18.5mm f/2.8 Lens A bright f/2.8 aperture means you have more control over depth of field in addition to better shooting in low light. When paired with the ISO range of the XF 10, this camera won’t struggle with many dark scenes. The 18.5mm focal length — a 35mm equivalent of 28mm — is ideal for everyday snapshots and landscape photography. The XF 10 also has digital teleconverters, which digitally bump the focal length from to 35 or 50mm at the cost of some image quality. The XF 10’s Bluetooth low energy wireless communication feature enables constant connection with a paired smart device and the Fujifilm Camera Remote App. Photos can be instantly and automatically transferred to a smartphone or tablet when connected. New Filters The XF 10 features two new Advanced Filters: Rich & Fine and Monochrome [NIR]. Rich & Fine brightens and highlights the center of the image while suppressing the brightness of the corners to emphasize single subjects, while the Monochrome [NIR] simulates the effects of a near-infrared camera. Additionally, the XF 10 is the first X-series camera from Fujifilm to feature a 1:1 Square Mode, which makes photos perfect for Instagram or other social media platforms. Be the first to review “Fujifilm XF10 Camera” Cancel reply CANON 80D+18-135MM IS USM ₱79,400.00 Add to cart Ricoh Theta S 360 Degree Camera ₱137,700.00 Add to cart CANON 5D MARK IV+24-105MM F/4L IS II USM KIT Fujifilm X-A10 Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II Digital Camera Sony Alpha a7S II Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only)	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3526
__label__cc	0.664372	0.335628	Quotes about Accountable pinimg.com You eieher make YOUrse1f accountabb or You will be made aceoun+able by Your e ireums+anees. There were four people and an important job to be done. Nobody knew that Everybody was not going to do it. Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it. In the end, Nobody did it. dellapayne.com Accoor01ABlL11tt CoN11Nvvrn U.)UE.E Do OIREBS. To CHANCE-- pastorsteveblog.com ACCOUNTA ILITY RESPONSE-ABILITY COVEY #6earUpLouisviI/e EAR-UP www• • com You fail all the time. but you aren't a failure until you start blaming someone else. • quoteaddicts.com separates the wishers in life from the action-takers that care enough about their future to account for their daily actions, John Di Lemme meetvillecom lindseymeans.com 4 Pillars of Accountability Responsibility - "a duty that binds to the course of action." Answerability - "being called to account. " Trustworthiness - "a trait of being worthy of trust and confidence. " Liability "being legally bound to a debt or obligation. " Source of definitions: Webster's Dictionary Dignity is the rewar of holding oneself to conscience." —Wes Fessler 965 Coney Island Ave . Brooklyn NY 1230 lei: 713-287-5500 www.urbandojo.com urbandojo.com If you are serious about your goals, drop the conditions. Go directly to your goal. Be your goal! Conditions often disguise strategies for accountability. Why not just take charge and create the experience you are - Eric Allenbaugn "It is not only what WE do, but also what WE do not do for which accountable." "*o/vn captidte molihre trueawesome.com It is not only what we do, but also what we do not do, for which we are accountable. LMolierel ENGINEER: "It lies between 3.98 and 4.02." : "In 2 hours I can demonstrate it equals 4 with the following proof." : "It'sinthemagnitudeof LOGICIAN: "This problem is solvable." SOCIAL WORKER. • "l don't know the answer, but I'm glad we discussed this important question." ATTORNEY: 'Oln the case of Smith vs State, 2 • 2 was declared to be 4. " "Are you buying or selling?" ACCOUNTANT: "What would gou like it to be?" 'AM hat you say today will be held accountable for, so don't make promises you can't keep or favors with broken tags! " relatably.com Accept responsibiltiy for your actions. Be accountable for your results. Take ownership of your mistakes. LightboxLeadership.com amoriabond.ca -tuh -bil-i -tee) -noun 1. the state of being accountable , liable, or answerable. beyouonlybetter.com quotesforthemind.com successories.co.za ACCOUiirÅBiLlTY, (uh-koun•tuh-bil-i-tee), noun: A personal choice to demonstrate the ownership necessary for achieving exceptional results. (uh -koun -tuh I. the state of being accountable, liable, or answerable. time, but you else. - Bum Philips IS THE MEASÜRE OF A LEADERS HEIGHT. www.breakth ughtraining.com A beautiful woman must expect to be more accountable for her steps, than one less attractive. Votes: 1 True equality means holding everyone accountable in the same way, regardless of race, gender, faith, ethnicity - or political ideology. Votes: 1 Monica Crowley People change. I wouldn't like to be accountable for the interviews I've done, or the person I was when I was 20, 21. Votes: 1 We know that often holding those who have carried out mass atrocities accountable is at times our best tool to prevent future atrocities. Votes: 1 Collective freedom provides the basic conditions for people to narrate their own lives, hold power accountable, and embrace a capacious notion of human dignity. Votes: 1 Henry Giroux If evil is inevitable, how are the wicked accountable? Nay, why do we call men wicked at all? Evil is inevitable, but is also remediable. Votes: 1 We are accountable for our actions as we exercise our moral agency. If we understand this principle and make righteous choices, our lives will be blessed. Votes: 1 L. Lionel Kendrick Meat consumption is just as dangerous to public health as tobacco use... It's time we looked into holding the meat producers and fast-food outlets legally accountable. Votes: 1 Neal Barnard Most of all, be honest with yourself and make sure those in political office, our so called public servants, are being honest, holding them accountable for their actions! Votes: 1 A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury. Votes: 1 I repeat... that all power is a trust; that we are accountable for its exercise; that from the people and for the people all springs, and all must exist. Votes: 1 Realizing that we've surrendered our self-esteem to others and choosing to be accountable for our own self-worth would mean absorbing the terrifying fact that we're always vulnerable to pain and loss. Votes: 1 Martha Beck I'm not somebody that just wants to hold up a white flag and say, 'Let's all just get along.' I think people that do horrible things should be held accountable. Votes: 1 Let me be clear - no one is above the law. Not a politician, not a priest, not a criminal, not a police officer. We are all accountable for our actions. Votes: 1 Understand, our police officers put their lives on the line for us every single day. They've got a tough job to do to maintain public safety and hold accountable those who break the law. Votes: 1 We must reject the idea that every time a law's broken, society is guilty rather than the lawbreaker. It is time to restore the American precept that each individual is accountable for his actions. Votes: 1 The political process does not end on Election Day. Young people need to stay involved in the process by continuing to pay attention to the conversation and holding their leaders accountable for the decisions they make. Votes: 1 Patrick Murphy For me, forgiveness and compassion are always linked: how do we hold people accountable for wrongdoing and yet at the same time remain in touch with their humanity enough to believe in their capacity to be transformed? Votes: 1 Judges wear legal professionalism and precedent as a mantel that secures legitimacy for their decisions. It's how they distinguish themselves from politicians or administrative agencies, while wielding power that is sometimes much greater than those democratically accountable actors. Votes: 1 Yochai Benkler Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up. Votes: 1 Our foremost priority is the removal of poverty, hunger and malnutrition, disease and illiteracy. All social welfare programmes must be implemented efficiently. Agencies involved in the delivery of services should have a strong sense of duty and work in a transparent, corruption-free, time-bound and accountable manner. Votes: 1 Pratibha Patil Ron Reagan amazingly qualifies as an honest broker. I asked him if he was a mama's boy and he said no, more of a papa's boy. At the same time he was willing to say that his father had many shortcomings and needed to be held accountable. Votes: 1 As Americans, we rightfully place tremendous value on having a free and independent press. Our role as journalists is to give voice to the voiceless, and hold our leaders and institutions accountable. But the circle is only completed when that information is consumed by a free-thinking and engaged audience. Votes: 1 Lester Holt Governments can no longer control 100 percent of the story. Time and geographical boundaries disappear. In places like China and all over the Middle East, social-media outlets are being used to expose and hold accountable public officials that don't want to be held accountable for corruption and human rights abuses. Votes: 1 Unfortunately, in today's world we have to be reminded that the power of an oath derives from the fact that in it we ask God to bear witness to the promises we make with the implicit expectation that He will hold us accountable for the manner in which we honor them. Votes: 1 James L. Buckley Time has always been used against us on a certain level. The invention of the clock made us accountable to the employer, gave us a standard measure and stopwatch management, and it also led to the requirement of interest-bearing currency to grow over time, the requirement of the expansion of our economy. Votes: 1 Hold everybody accountable? Ridiculous! Votes: 0 W. Edwards Deming I hold head coaches accountable. Votes: 0 Computers are not accountable. People are. Votes: 0 George Richard Marek I made the decision. I'm accountable. Votes: 0 Good men prefer to be accountable. Votes: 0 Michael Edwardes I hold myself accountable for my contradictions. Votes: 0 Caroline Myss Always be accountable. Forgive and let go. Votes: 0 No one is accountable anymore for anything. Votes: 0 Real men hold themselves accountable for stuff. Votes: 0 Leadership is stewardship, it's temporary and you're accountable! Votes: 0 Can postmodernism hold the perpetrators of genocide accountable? Votes: 0 Catharine MacKinnon I am lord of myself, accountable to none. Votes: 0 Hold yourselves accountable before you are held accountable. Votes: 0 It means a lot. It means I'm accountable. Votes: 0 Champ Bailey If everybody's doing everything, then who's accountable for anything? Votes: 0 Michael Gerber I want to see a publicly-owned railway, publicly accountable. Votes: 0 The White House alone cannot hold its opponents accountable. Votes: 0 Paul Weyrich At least the politicians are accountable to the voters. Votes: 0 We are not accountable for the sins of "Adam". Votes: 0 Robert Green Ingersoll I must be responsible and accountable for my actions. Votes: 0 Jason Williams Dignity is the reward of holding oneself accountable to conscience. Votes: 0 Wes Fesler A man is accountable to no person for his doings. Votes: 0 James Otis Religious leaders need to be held accountable for their ideas. Votes: 0 A true friend holds you accountable to your best self. Votes: 0 Mike Glenn Should each individual snowflake be held accountable for the avalanche? Votes: 0 Franz Wright Hamas is responsible and Hamas should held accountable for civilian deaths. Votes: 0 Let's start therefore with a universal truth: leaders are fundamentally accountable. Votes: 0 Peter Cosgrove Failing to hold someone accountable is ultimately an act of selfishness. Votes: 0 Patrick Lencioni Hold us accountable. There's no accountability in Washington. Drain the swamp. Votes: 0 I think our leadership team is a highly accountable leadership team. Votes: 0 Steve Ballmer Life is not accountable to us. We are accountable to life. Votes: 0 We didn't hold President Obama as accountable as we might have. Votes: 0 Superior athletes want to be accountable for their own results. Â Votes: 0 Marv Dunphy All power is a trust, that we are accountable for its exercise. Votes: 0 You can't hold someone accountable for results if you supervise their methods. Votes: 0 Everybody who was involved in that culture [Wells Fargo] should be held accountable. Votes: 0 Human beings should be held accountable. Leave God alone. He has enough problems. Votes: 0 We should never forget the government should be held accountable for providing services. Votes: 0 Margaret Chan Championship teams are built on being prepared, playing unselfishly and being held accountable Votes: 0 I want people around me who call me out and hold me accountable. Votes: 0 A man who is not accountable to anyone is a danger to himself Votes: 0 Lord of myself, accountable to none, but to my conscience, and my God alone. Votes: 0 John Oldham That's what I think regions are about, making central government more accountable and fairer. Votes: 0 When you make speeches you elicit expectations against which you will be held accountable. Votes: 0 Bill Bradley On good teams coaches hold players accountable, on great teams players hold players accountable Votes: 0 Joe Dumars Every day you live as a Christian, you are accountable to live for Christ. Votes: 0 Monica Johnson If you're not accountable in life that means ultimately that your life doesn't count. Votes: 0 R. C. Sproul Every person must stand up and be accountable, but be responsible for their actions. Votes: 0 We are accountable only to ourselves for what happens to us in our lives. Votes: 0 Mildred Newman Our job is going to be to hold Donald Trump and the Republican majority accountable. Votes: 0 Congress has lost its way if we don't hold this President accountable for his actions. Votes: 0 When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated. Votes: 0 BrenÃ© Brown I prefer to be foolish when I feel like it, and be accountable to nobody. Votes: 0 You can't hold firewalls and intrusion detection systems accountable. You can only hold people accountable. Votes: 0 Darryl White Transnational Corporations must be legally accountable for the negative human rights impacts of their activities. Votes: 0 Alfred-Maurice de Zayas We need an employer verification system that works so that we can hold employers accountable. Votes: 0 There's such a freedom about being an artist... You're not accountable - you're this renegade thing. Votes: 0 Cornelia Parker ... the conduct of an accountable being must be regulated by the operations of its own reason ... Votes: 0 Admit to and make yourself accountable for mistakes. How can you improve if you're never wrong? Votes: 0 Pat Summitt How do you keep war accountable to the American people when war becomes invisible and virtual? Votes: 0 I think part of the problem is the education system doesn't work - it's not accountable. Votes: 0 Luis Guzman The character of giving advice often makes us accountable for the conduct of those we advise. Votes: 0 He who is not master of his own thoughts is not accountable for his own deeds. Votes: 0 A company is not accountable just to its owners, but to its workers and its customers. Votes: 0 To succeed as a team is to hold all of the members accountable for their expertise. Votes: 0 Mitch Caplan A body of men holding themselves accountable to nobody ought not to be trusted by anybody. Votes: 0 I think right now, the focus has got to be on how we hold [Donald] Trump accountable. Votes: 0 Iâm the only one that can be held accountable for the way my life turns out. Votes: 0 Totalitarian states killed with impunity and no one was held accountable. That didn't happen in the West. Votes: 0 In the free society envisioned by the founders, schools are held accountable to parents, not federal bureaucrats. Votes: 0 Only when we stop holding others accountable for all of our troubles can we truly be free. Votes: 0 Tian Dayton You don't have the right to hold somebody accountable for standards you refuse to apply to yourself. Votes: 0 Once we become aware of our issues and challenges, we become accountable to do something about it. Votes: 0 My Dear Son... remember that you are accountable to your Maker for all your words and actions. Votes: 0 Give someone responsibility and they will do their best. Make them accountable and they will do even better. Votes: 0 If you don't hold your team accountable then you will lose credibility and your team will be spoiled. Votes: 0 John Brady The earth is wise. It has given itself into the keeping of all, and all are therefore accountable. Votes: 0 If you say something that undermines the stability of the country, then you have to be held accountable. Votes: 0 Najib Razak We are held accountable for every intention, which is why you are sitting where you are right now. Votes: 0 You have to hold yourself accountable for your actions, and that's how we're going to protect the Earth. Votes: 0 Julia Hill I love when you aren't accountable to anybody or anything, and you can just be wherever you are. Votes: 0 In the church we have to deliberately let ourselves be transparent and accountable to others. We're a family. Votes: 0 Timothy Keller An effective apology contains within it the answer to the question, "How am I to be held accountable?" Votes: 0 John Kador The way to encourage people to be accountable is to engage the responsible, accountable, trustworthy part of their brain. Votes: 0 Bill Crawford Let's hold insurance companies accountable the right way by making them put their whole customer base on the line. Votes: 0 I look forward to standing up and holding George Bush accountable for pushing seniors off of Medicare into HMOs. Votes: 0 John F. Kerry Compassion is fierce and strong, and it holds people accountable. But it doesn't do it with anger or judgment. Votes: 0 Judith Hanson Lasater 800,000 Armenian deportees were actually killed... by holding the guilty accountable the government is intent on cleansing the bloody past. Votes: 0 Djemal Pasha I think the NBA players have to be held accountable in a reasonable way, just like any other professionals. Votes: 0 Television is a gift of God, and God will hold those who utilize his divine instrument accountable to him. Votes: 0 Philo Farnsworth I am committed to working towards a more transparent, accountable, and ethical federal government worthy of the publics trust. Votes: 0 Mike Quigley I am committed to working towards a more transparent, accountable, and ethical federal government worthy of the public's trust. Votes: 0 ÂGovernments accountable to the voters focus on building roads and schoolsÂnot weapons of mass destruction.Â Votes: 0 I ask the rights to pursue happiness by having a voice in that government to which I am accountable. Votes: 0 Victoria Woodhull The more accountable I can make you, the easier it is for you to show youre a great performer. Votes: 0 Mark V. Hurd We are all accountable for ourselves. Think of yourself as a precious commodity, and then protect your investment each day. Votes: 0 Monica Brant Since every individual is accountable ultimately to the self, the formation of that self demands our utmost care and attention. Votes: 0 When you don't make people accountable, it leads to a superstar mentality where not everyone on the team is important. Votes: 0 Mike Babcock In the old days, the media is who held people accountable when they lied in politics. That isn't happening anymore. Votes: 0 You wanna know people are held accountable if they engage in misconduct and that no one is above the law. Votes: 0 The unwillingness to be accountable to a spouse makes most men, and now women, vulnerable to sin in their lives. Votes: 0 Larry Burkett I'll lift up the good work that is happening and hold officers or departments that engage in unconstitutional policing accountable. Votes: 0 You can't run a society or cope with its problems if people are not held accountable for what they do. Votes: 0 John Leo When your teammate looks you in the eye and holds you accountable, that's the greatest kind of leadership there is Votes: 0 Some people prefer the passenger role, because it imposes no real pressure to decide or stand accountable for their life results. Votes: 0 Phil McGraw Divorce isn't one-sided, and I am by no means perfect. Becoming accountable for my role in the relationship was very empowering. Votes: 0 Garcelle Beauvais I believe a politics of place emerges where we are deeply accountable to our communities, to our neighborhoods, to our home. Votes: 0 Terry Tempest Williams As a former federal prosecutor, I welcome the opportunity to hold Hillary Rodham Clinton accountable for her performance and her character. Votes: 0 Lawmakers need to be held accountable and should feel the impact of a government shutdown just like many other Americans will. Votes: 0 Debbie Stabenow You aren't accountable to anyone, teachers or family but to yourself. Make sure your surrounding s are clean in all aspects Votes: 0 Vinod Rai Danger invites rescue. ... The wrongdoer may not have foreseen the coming of a deliverer. He is accountable as if he had. Votes: 0 Benjamin Cardozo I married a woman who's not going to take anything. No slips. She's very accountable, and she holds me very accountable. Votes: 0 Joe Nichols I decided to run for governor because I got mad... I want to make government more directly accountable to the people. Votes: 0 I have always believed that personal relationships are vital in business and that people should be directly accountable for their actions. Votes: 0 I don't think anybody can be held accountable or responsible for anyone's behaviors expect the individual. This goes beyond that particular situation. Votes: 0 Nobody can do everything well, so learn how to delegate responsibility to other winners and then hold them accountable for their decisions. Votes: 0 The only way we succeed as a group is not simply following directions, but in keeping each other accountable for our actions. Votes: 0 A.J. Darkholme Your honor, throughout this process I've asked the government and the court to hold me and only me accountable for my actions. Votes: 0 Jesse Jackson, Jr. There should be a study of a house directly elected by the people of the world to whom the nations are accountable. Votes: 0 Ernest Bevin Human beings were held accountable long before there were corporate bureaucracies. If the knight didn't deliver, the king cut off his head. Votes: 0 If the Saudis were culpable, they should be held accountable. If they had nothing to do with 9/11, they have nothing to fear. Votes: 0 Our constituents did not send us to Washington to shut down the government. They sent us here to make it more accountable. Votes: 0 The whole reason we organize grassroots is, we think any politician that gets elected needs to be held accountable 365 days a year. Votes: 0 Remember you live in a community. You have a responsibility to be accountable to your family and your community as well as yourself. Votes: 0 To be a good patriot, a man must consider his countrymen as God's creatures, and himself as accountable for his acting towards them. Votes: 0 I'd make banks more accountable. I think they should separate totally the personal banking arm with whatever else they are playing around with. Votes: 0 Why don't we call on the credit card companies to be accountable? They need to be held accountable for their predatory lending practices. Votes: 0 Paul Wellstone Choose your allies carefully: it's highly unlikely that you'll ever be held morally, legally, or historically accountable for the actions of your enemies. Votes: 0 L. Neil Smith I strongly believe that for serious and violent criminals, we must absolutely hold them accountable for their crimes and send them to prison. Votes: 0 Men are more accountable for their motives, than for anything else; and primarily, morality consists in the motives, that is in the affections. Votes: 0 I'm going to have a special prosecutor. We're going to enforce the trade deals we have, and we're going to hold people accountable. Votes: 0 If there are issues, if there's wrongdoing, people have to be held accountable and we have to try to deter future bad behavior. Votes: 0 The word accounting comes from the word accountability. If you are going to be rich, you need to be accountable for your money. Votes: 0 Blank House was exactly a nice empty sheet where nothing was accountable because you were so naughty that you were in Blank House. Votes: 0 If we want unity, we must all be unifiers. If we want accountability, each of us must be accountable for all we do. Votes: 0 Christine Gregoire The individual is not accountable to society for his actions in so far as these concern the interests of no person but himself. Votes: 0 A girl is a good deed and a boy is a bounty. Good deeds are rewarded while people are held accountable for bounties. Votes: 0 Ali ibn Abi Talib It is rare for people to say they want to be held accountable, but in reality, everyone wants everyone else to be held accountable. Votes: 0 David Cottrell Nobody has been held accountable for the Bytyqi murders. Those in command of the camp and the forces operating there have never been charged. Votes: 0 Avis Bohlen I want to be held accountable. I want my teammates and my coaches to push me to be the best that I can be. Votes: 0 I am who I am. In the end, I feel that what I'm accountable for is doing a good job as a football coach. Votes: 0 We all have 1,440 minutes each day to accomplish everything on our schedule. We are accountable for prioritizing the decisions we make with our time. Votes: 0 Robert Cheeke A true patriot does not confuse government with country. A patriot's loyalty is to his country, and loyalty to country requires holding government accountable. Votes: 0 From cutting back on state contracts to reducing the number of state cars, We're making state government smaller, smarter, more efficient, and more accountable. Votes: 0 Jim Doyle There are multi-scatterings of various and associated issues and concerns, but it all boils down to accountable people versus those unwilling to be accountable. Votes: 0 Each finger on your shooting hand is accountable to each shot. Just like each thought you think has some accountability to someone or somewhere. Votes: 0 Ed Palubinskas I intend to introduce legislation that will make police accountable for their actions and limit uses of force in cases where it is unnecessary. Votes: 0 The assholes are always puzzled when the order of the universe is restored, when they are held accountable for their cowardly, pretentious, loveless ways. Votes: 0 Carol Kepnes Unless government appropriately regulates oil developments and holds oil executives accountable, the public will not trust them to drill, baby, drill. And we must! Votes: 0 I believe that all students, when asked to be accountable for their actions and to be socially aware citizens, will become agents for change! Votes: 0 Erin Gruwell I do support the effort to investigate for crimes, war crimes committed by the Syrians and the Russians and try to hold them accountable. Votes: 0 When you die, God and the Angels will hold you accountable for all the pleasures you were allowed in life that you denied yourself. Votes: 0 Roger Housden I was always the type of person that whenever I started something I finished it. And, I was always held accountable for my actions. Votes: 0 What is Parliament for if it is not to be a means to make ministers accountable for the services for which they are responsible. Votes: 0 Women have to stop pretending the choices we make, particularly if we have a platform, don't affect others. We have to be held accountable. Votes: 0 Keli Goff I went to Annapolis for tougher laws to hold cops accountable. I'm fighting to bring back the trust between the police and the community. Votes: 0 Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Bringing the IRS to heel can start with re-energizing and expanding congressional investigations and holding accountable those responsible for the targeting and other abuses. Votes: 0 Cleta Mitchell Let's make Joe Lieberman accountable for his rhetoric. Not a penny more until he 'clarifies' his positions to the satisfaction of our creative freedom. Votes: 0 Joe Eszterhas You can stand on a stage in New York City and make very strong statements, but now everyone has to be held accountable equally. Votes: 0 Allen Crawford If we hold the married man accountable for finances gone legally awry, then the married woman should be held accountable for children who go awry. Votes: 0 Warren Farrell The citizen can bring our political and governmental institutions back to life, make them responsive and accountable, and keep them honest. No one else can. Votes: 0 If you're going to give people authority and hold them responsible and ultimately accountable for their performance, you've got to get out of the way. Votes: 0 Randy Lerner There are a lot things that are going on that are unjust. People aren't being held accountable for. And that's something that needs to change. Votes: 0 We have to really be intentional right now about holding the media accountable, and taking back the discourse and terms of discussion. It's been hijacked. Votes: 0 There's no accountability anymore, Pierce, no one holds anyone accountable for what they do. It's always someone else's fault. Usually people just blame the victim. Votes: 0 There's responsibility, but there's also accountability. You have to be accountable for your actions. You have to stand at your locker when things are going bad. Votes: 0 Decisions of character come from understanding that they are accountable to God only, not to family, spouses, religious leaders, corporations, public opinion or your own ego. Votes: 0 Challenging unfairly subsidized products, fighting counterfeit goods and intellectual property theft and holding countries accountable for an unfair currency regime will help American companies remain competitive. Votes: 0 Virginia Foxx In film producing, there is an inherent tension between the director, the money and the producer, and that's what keeps it flowing and honest and accountable. Votes: 0 Christine Vachon I'm only afraid of dying if I'm to be held accountable for what I did while living. If there's no God or reckoning, I'm like, whew! Votes: 0 Dana Gould Story is a relationship between the teller and the listener, a responsibility. After the listening you become accountable for the sacred knowledge that has been shared. Votes: 0 And I believe in having an administration that has clearly defined goals, objectives and time lines such that it and its people can be held accountable. Votes: 0 Erskine Bowles I learned early that if I wanted to achieve anything in life, I'd have to do it myself. I learned that I had to be accountable. Votes: 0 Lenny Wilkens Fine thoughts are wealth, for the right use of which Men are and ought to be accountable,-- If not to Thee, to those they influence. Votes: 0 Philip James Bailey We live in America. We live in a free society where we are able to make choices. It's about giving individuals freedoms and holding them accountable. Votes: 0 If I can't expect someone to be accountable off the floor, how can I expect them to guard a pick and roll? Or get a rebound? Votes: 0 Billy Donovan I tape my list of goals, both large and small, above my bed so I can see them when I wake up. This holds me accountable. Votes: 0 Chris Solinsky We are the only institution in our society that can question a president on a regular basis and make him accountable. Otherwise, he could be king. Votes: 0 The California constitution provides that our judges are elected, not appointed. They are serving at the pleasure of the people and they are accountable to the people. Votes: 0 Michele Landis Dauber I'm all for holding each other accountable, but it feels as if we're hurling toward a society of finger-pointers, because we don't hold ourselves accountable for anything. Votes: 0 For Vladimir Putin to be trying to impact our elections, that - we have to - there has to be - he has to be held accountable. Votes: 0 When something horrible happens, it's human nature to want to blame it on someone. We want someone to be held accountable, even though sometimes things just happen. Votes: 0 Debate is almost non-existent and no one is apparently accountable to anybody apart from their political party bosses. It is bad news for democracy in this country. Votes: 0 Helen Suzman Executives can no longer hide behind the corporate veil. They need to be accountable for what their companies do, because entities are responsible for socially irresponsible behavior. Votes: 0 Simon Mainwaring The presidential news conference is indispensable because it is the only forum in our society where you can be questioned on a regular basis and held accountable. Votes: 0 I think one has to say it's not just simply a matter of capturing people and holding them accountable, but removing the sanctuaries, removing the support systems. Votes: 0 I changed up everything around me. I hold myself more accountable in certain situations. I try to be a better man, a better father, a better teammate. Votes: 0 I think there were bad actors in the government and bad actors in the finance, mortgage, markets industries that need to be called out and held accountable. Votes: 0 How are we going to know what impact that has on the greenhouse gas emissions? How are we going to hold everybody accountable for doing their part? Votes: 0 Christy Clark As long as the government's actions are secret, it cannot be held accountable. A government for the people and by the people should be transparent to the people. Votes: 0 None of the candidates are ever perfect, ok? Then you have to get them in there and you have to hold them accountable. You have to make noises. Votes: 0 Marian Wright Edelman In the Federal Government, electronic records are as indispensable as their paper counterparts for documenting citizens' rights, the actions for which officials are accountable, and the nation's history. Votes: 0 Allen Weinstein Congress must go further to protect the right to privacy, to end the NSA's dragnet surveillance of ordinary Americans, to make the intelligence community more transparent and accountable. Votes: 0 We are looking to the FTC to see whether companies that break their promises and collect personal information in an unfair and deceptive manner will be held accountable. Votes: 0 Marc Rotenberg When the people become involved in their government, government becomes more accountable, and our society is stronger, more compassionate, and better prepared for the challenges of the future. Votes: 0 You know, Democratic and Republican administrations alike have supported individuals and regimes that have slaughtered millions across the globe. And they need to be held accountable for that. Votes: 0 Aaron McGruder Today further EU targeted sanctions on Syria come into force. The message is clear and unambiguous: those responsible for the repression will be singled out and held accountable. Votes: 0 There's people being murdered unjustly and not being held accountable. People are being given paid leave for killing people. That's not right. That's not right by anyone's standards. Votes: 0 We need to be accountable to God's family. Once we start living in a way that is people-friendly to all of God's family, we will also be environment-friendly. Votes: 0 The American public should simply accept no distractions. In our democracy, it is our duty to hold our elected leaders accountable. We do it at the ballot box. Votes: 0 Wesley Clark I`m a former mayor. I know that being a cop is not an easy job. But when police officers misbehave, they`ve got to be held accountable. Votes: 0 Every parent's first responsibility is to teach his child that there is a God to whom he's accountable and that God has certain commands that we're obligated to obey. Votes: 0 Robert Jeffress I love the way business works, when there's a crisis or a scandal, there is blood on the floor. Somebody pays, people are held accountable, that's just not politics. Votes: 0 Suzy Welch I'm accountable - this sounds emo - to black American writing, Southern writing, Southern black American writing, American writing and my people. That's kind of what keeps me accountable. Votes: 0 You cannot be accountable with the products of someone else's mind; no man is known for a skillful hunting by the number of bush meats gathered by another man! Votes: 0 Israelmore Ayivor To me, a leader is someone who holds her- or himself accountable for finding potential in people and processes. And so what I think is really important is sustainability. Votes: 0 I understand the frustration of the community, i want citizens to know exactly how it happened, and if necessary, I will ensure that we hold the right people accountable. Votes: 0 It will be important to restore those provisions, those disclose provisions, those release provisions so that presidents are indeed held accountable and their information and papers are made public. Votes: 0 Ted Gup If the City Council wants to hold the police accountable, it has the subpoena power and oversight responsibility to do so. They don't have the courage to do it. Votes: 0 Sal Albanese A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inactions, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury Votes: 0 Unless we members of the Church do all we can to preserve the freedoms we have within the bounds of the laws of God, we will be held accountable. Votes: 0 Joseph Smith, Jr. This House cannot function without an open, accountable, and independent ethics process; and the molestation of that process by the majority is an abuse of power that cannot stand. Votes: 0 Louise Slaughter In many cases, people hold on so tightly to their past pains to avoid letting go of the excuses and the fear of having to be accountable for their life. Votes: 0 Yvonne Pierre In business, people are held accountable. In Washington, nobody is held accountable. In business, people are judged on results. In Washington, people are measured by their ability to get reelected. Votes: 0 I was motivated by the fact that I wasn't happy with my play in this series and felt accountable to the guys. That's enough motivation to want to play well. Votes: 0 Ray Emery Over time it's going to be important for nations to know they will be held accountable for inactivity. You're either with us or against us in the fight against terror. Votes: 0 Never wake up waiting to hear a command from someone before you make a move; be responsible! Never repeat what made you to waste an hour of yesterday; be accountable! Votes: 0 Our public officials have forgotten that they are ultimately accountable to the people who put them in office, that the information they keep in secrecy belongs to all of us. Votes: 0 The most important quality I look for in a player is accountability. You've got to be accountable for who you are. It's too easy to blame things on someone else. Votes: 0 I don't believe in a heaven or a hell or an old man sitting on a throne. I believe in a higher power bigger than me because that keeps me accountable. Votes: 0 The NSA should keep close watch on suspected terrorists to keep our country safe - through programs permitting due process, the naming of a suspect, and oversight by an accountable court. Votes: 0 Vice President Joe Biden said today that 'Syria must be held accountable.' Unfortunately, the Obama administration has never employed an accountant, so they have no idea how to do that. Votes: 0 have a lot of respect for the responsibility that journalists have to ask tough questions, to hold the administration accountable and to be advocates for the citizens of the United States. Votes: 0 Josh Earnest The individual's duty is to do what he wants to do, to think whatever he likes, to be accountable to no one but himself, to challenge every idea and every person. Votes: 0 In the '70s and '80s, what private equity did is it changed corporate America. It started holding companies accountable, and for the first time managers started thinking like owners. Votes: 0 What makes this so remarkable is that this is the first time the United States is accountable for its record on torture with regard to some of the practices implemented after 9/11. Votes: 0 Jennifer Daskal The more freely information flows, the stronger the society becomes, because then citizens of countries around the world can hold their own governments accountable. They can begin to think for themselves. Votes: 0 An enormous number of people come to the USA legally and then simply overstay their visas because we make no effort to hold them accountable to that or uphold the law. Votes: 0 If we add state capitalism to the Bush administration's success in eroding both the US Constitution and the power of Congress, we may be witnessing the final death of accountable constitutional government. Votes: 0 But the other notion is, we also believe that those folks closest on the ground that we're holding accountable for the results can decide, and ought to evaluate which programs get results. Votes: 0 Margaret Spellings [The Bytyqi Brothers were] American citizens and we have been seeking answers to why no one's been held accountable for these atrocities. [Family members] expect our government to do everything we can. Votes: 0 Ben Cardin I`m a sexual assault survivor. I have long felt like Bill Cosby needed to be held accountable. But I keep wondering if this is a system that can bring that accountability. Votes: 0 Melissa Harris-Perry We have a responsibility to hold both sides accountable to the public interest, but that doesn't mean we reflexively and artificially hold both sides 'equally' accountable when the facts don't warrant that. Votes: 0 Under the Bush administration, openness and accountability have been replaced by secrecy and evasion of responsibility. They abuse their power, conceal their actions from the American people, and refuse to hold officials accountable. Votes: 0 Edward Kennedy During the past five years, I've learned that time flies faster than you think, and because you only live once you have to learn from your mistakes, live your dreams and be accountable. Votes: 0 All we want is justice for John Crawford and everyone responsible for John Crawford's death should be held responsible, the criminal justice system refused to hold those accountable so the civil system must. Votes: 0 Well, who`s going to be fired when Ted Cruz is president? Because this campaign now has repeatedly done things that they have to apologize for and no one`s ever held accountable. Votes: 0 We are all accountable for our actions; their affect and influence on our lives and the lives of others. Understanding the true meaning of accountability makes us strong and enables us to learn Votes: 0 Sameh Elsayed More is required of public officials than slogans and handshakes and press releases. More is required. We must hold ourselves strictly accountable. We must provide the people with a vision of the future. Votes: 0 Of everyone else who was running, and there were some very talented people, none of them had anywhere near the experience I had in hiring people, holding them accountable, creating systems for accountability. Votes: 0 The idea that God is a worthy recipient of our gratitude for the blessings of life but should not be held accountable for the disasters is a transparently disingenuous innovation of the theologians. Votes: 0 We continue to see undeniable evidence that abuse and torture has been widespread and systematic, yet high-level government officials have not been held accountable for creating the policies that led to these atrocities. Votes: 0 Anthony Romero Eleven years after the discovery of their bodies, no one has been held accountable for their murders. The chief suspects in the chain of command, including the camp commander, have never been charged. Votes: 0 Garry Robbins You know I think the president has to really focus on getting elected to a second term in 2012. And I need to focus on making sure I'm accountable to the people of Missouri. Votes: 0 The highest levels of the U.S. military, the Defense Department, and the White House must be held accountable for putting our troops at greater risk and diminishing Americas moral authority across the globe. Votes: 0 Lawrence Korb Human security comes only with human rights and the rule of law. Human rights are the basis for creating strong and accountable states without which there can be no political stability or social progress. Votes: 0 Irene Khan Show me a culture where honesty is considered ridiculous, where nobody's ever accountable for anything, where anger gets admired as a sign of strength, and I'll show you a place where misery is permanent Votes: 0 Anthony Steyning The evidence is there and it is clear. We want the people to be held accountable. Everybody who played a role in the death of Martin Anderson, we want them to be held accountable. Votes: 0 Benjamin Crump After all, I have spent the better part of my adult life insisting that government be open... that government be accessible... and that government be held accountable to people who voted us into office. Votes: 0 Roy Barnes Companies don't have one culture. They have as many as they have supervisors or managers. You want to build a strong culture? Hold every manager accountable for the culture that he or she builds. Votes: 0 Marcus Buckingham Five questions for politicians: 1. What power have you got? 2. Where did you get it from? 3. In whose interest do you exercise it? 4. To whom are you accountable? 5. How can we get rid of you? Votes: 0 Black women's feelings of responsibility for nurturing the children in their own extended family networks have stimulated a more generalized ethic of care where black women feel accountable to all the black community's children. Votes: 0 Patricia Hill Collins I'm not saying that President Obama should be exempt from criticism, nor do I believe it is some act of racial treason for a black person to hold our president accountable for his actions. Votes: 0 Religious and spiritual leaders should be held accountable for environmental activism, not only because they have access to large communities and can influence votes, but because service is integral to religious and spiritual life. Votes: 0 I am formally accountable to the steering board of the PIC, and I meet with nine ambassadors from the PIC every week. I have to have the capitals' broad agreement with what I do. Votes: 0 Paddy Ashdown In this age of the electronic media and the mass distribution of the printed word, God will hold us accountable if we do not now move the Book of Mormon in a monumental way. Votes: 0 The uniformity of earth's life, more astonishing than its diversity, is accountable by the high probability that we derived, originally, from some single cell, fertilized in a bolt of lightning as the earth cooled Votes: 0 Lewis Thomas The border sheriffs are locally elected. They're accountable. They know the territory and the people. And they can respond the most quickly to what is a real national security emergency, because the border is unprotected Votes: 0 John Culberson The border sheriffs are locally elected. They're accountable. They know the territory and the people. And they can respond the most quickly to what is a real national security emergency, because the border is unprotected. Votes: 0 Democratic leaders, whose power is ultimately dependent on popular support, are held accountable for failing to improve the lives of their citizens. Therefore, they have a powerful incentive to keep their societies peaceful and prosperous. Votes: 0 We are a profoundly interconnected species, as the global economic and ecological crises reveal in vivid and frightening detail. We must embrace the simple fact that we are dependent on and accountable to one another. Votes: 0 Parker Palmer The uniformity of the earth's life, more astonishing than its diversity, is accountable by the high probability that we derived, originally, from some single cell, fertilized in a bolt of lightning as the earth cooled. Votes: 0 What I argue is that if I'm going to be held accountable for my actions that I should be allowed to record... my actions. Especially if somebody else is keeping a record of my actions. Votes: 0 Steve Mann This president has been reluctant to hold anybody accountable. No one was held accountable after September the 11th. Nobody's been held accountable after the clear flaws in intelligence leading up to the war in Iraq. Votes: 0 Let it be henceforth proclaimed to the world that man's conscience was created free; that he is no longer accountable to his fellow man for his religious opinions, being responsible therefore only to his God. Votes: 0 I don't have to be accountable to some authority, which is why I don't take federal funds. I don't want anyone's monies unless they're monies without strings attached. It's not that we don't need them. Votes: 0 Marva Collins I do strongly believe myself that members of the government who sit in the House of Lords should be accountable to the elected House because otherwise there is a democratic deficit, and that is wrong. Votes: 0 I want to make sure we are presenting to the South Australian people a Government that is open and accountable. I want to make sure that we maintain public confidence in government at all levels. Votes: 0 Jay Weatherill And they've got to be held accountable; our broadcasting system has to be made accountable; and unless it is, it's going to be very hard to change anything else for the better in this country. Votes: 0 Robert Waterman McChesney Madame Bovary' advanced slowly, as slowly as it would have to have, given an author who held himself accountable to each word, that it be the right word, of which there could be only one. Votes: 0 Kathryn Harrison I'm never nervous when I go to meet heads of state. I feel they should be nervous, because they are the ones who'll be held accountable for the lives their decisions will impact the most. Votes: 0 Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote...that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country. Votes: 0 Respect for human rights requires transparent and accountable institutions and governance as well as the effective participation of all individuals and civil society, who are an essential part of realizing social and people-centred sustainable development. Votes: 0 I am very comfortable saying what I believe I can do, being very specific about how we will do it, how we will pay for it, and having people know that I want them to hold me accountable. I'm willing to work with anyone of either party who has a good idea and the commitment to see through. And we should all expect you to hold us accountable for our progress or our failure to deliver. When we fail to set boundaries and hold people accountable, we feel used and mistreated. This is why we sometimes attack who they are, which is far more hurtful than addressing a behavior or a choice. There's not much you can do about the bias of the media other than try to counteract it by putting the truth out best you can, and the Internet has been a great weapon for holding the media accountable. That person has to be accountable for himself. I think thats what we have to do in society today is to be accountable for yourself. I think we have the tendency to always want to live someone elses life. I hope that people will be held accountable, even if accountability just means naming it and letting the citizens of the country know where you're at. I think that has a huge impact on the way people think. The story of the cursing of the fig tree is important for us today, for as the Jews of Jesus' time were accountable for failing to bring forth fruit, so too are we accountable for the fruits we bring forth. Eric D. Huntsman But they've [my children] made me better. They hold me more accountable for who I am and who I aspire to be, and they make me want to be better. And that's not just as a mommy, but as a woman and as an athlete. Kerri Walsh To wage war, we need a commander in chief who has made tough calls in tough times and stood up to be held accountable over and over, not first-term senators who've never made an executive decision in their life. Elect us, hold us accountable, and make a judgment and then go from there. But I do tell you that if the Democrats win, and have substantial majorities, the Congress of the United States will be more bipartisan. The men who have gotten women pregnant need to be accountable if we are. If we are going to jail, the men are coming too. Religious rhetoric will bite its own ass trying to nail only women in a two-person process. But those who chose to reject God during their lifetime on earth will be separated from him for eternity. This is not God's desire, but man's own choice. God holds every man accountable for his rejection of Christ. In all the institutions I try to be present and accountable for all I do and leave undone. I know that eventually I shall have to be present and accountable n the presence of God. I do not wish to be found wanting. We would like to see new leaders come forward who would be accountable and responsible, who would succeed in ending the terror and the violence. And it is up to the Palestinian people to judge who those new leaders should be. Torture has been privatized now, so you have obviously the whole scandal in America about the abuse of prisoners and the fact that, army people might be made to pay a price, but who are the privatized torturers accountable to? In the end I have to hold myself accountable...I had to make a change if I really wanted to reach the goals I had set for myself. I had to get out of being comfortable and get into a situation that was going to really push me. Kara Goucher I had assumed that the Earth, the spirit of the Earth, noticed exceptions-those who wantonly damage it and those who do not. But the Earth is wise. It has given itself into the keeping of all, and all are therefore accountable. Ron Reagan amazingly qualifies as an honest broker. I asked him if he was a mamas boy and he said no, more of a papas boy. At the same time he was willing to say that his father had many shortcomings and needed to be held accountable. One out of five voters voted on this, and 70 percent of the issues that people voted on issues and they thought the media was inventing the controversy. It is no like they didn't hold him accountable - the Supreme Court is number one. Mary Matalin I want to send a clear message to every board room, every executive suite across America, if you scam your customers, exploit your many employees, pollute our environment, or rip off taxpayers, we will find ways to hold you accountable. The foundations demand that public schools and teachers be held accountable for performance, but they themselves are accountable to no one. If their plans fail, no sanctions are levied against them. They are bastions of unaccountability. Diane Ravitch As Serbia continues to move towards rectifying the evils of its past and joining the ranks of democratic nations, it is important that the individuals involved in the death of the Bytyqi brothers are held accountable for their actions[.] Tim Bishop This is a difference between being a governor and being in a legislature. Because when something doesn't work in New Jersey, they look at me, say: "Why didn't it get done? Why didn't you do it?" You have to be responsible and accountable. It's also time to hold Donald Trump accountable to what he governed on. I thought the next morning after the election, there was a little squib in the paper, 2,000 workers are going to be laid off in Lordstown, Ohio and Lansing, Michigan. Katrina vanden Heuvel We all have to hold each other accountable and point that behavior out to each other in a kind way. I guess what I'm saying is just having women behind the scenes isn't enough, we also have to be aware of what we're saying about ourselves. Mary Elizabeth Ellis Nobody's ever gonna hold [ Lena Dunham] accountable. She's a liberal and she's a woman and so she's doubly indemnified against any serious analysis of what the hell she says or thinks. It's a clear example of the double standard out there. I think that the thing you have to do is, people have to start being held accountable for their decisions. If somebody's not buying insurance, then they're going to have to be selling their car, or whatever it is to try to help cover that. When you call us, ladies and gentlemen, just so you know, we do have your phone number, and if you say anything untoward, obscene, or anything like that, Fox security will then contact your local authorities, and you will be held accountable. Sometimes, in order to follow one's heart, one must do the wrong thing. Now, I'm not absolving anyone of their actions; you have to be responsible for your actions, sick or well, you have to be, you just have to be. All of us are accountable. The other thing we have to do is to take seriously the role in this problem of . . . older men who prey on underage women. . . . There are consequences to decisions and . . . one way or the other, people always wind up being held accountable. William J. Clinton Newspapers and their editors have to become as accountable as the rest of us - they are not 'a special case,' and they have only themselves to blame for having lost the argument for 'exceptionalism' - and with it the right to 'self-regulation. David Puttnam Our government has to be held accountable for enforcing the law. Tamir Rice, the fact that they could exonerate that police person [who killed him], and Tamir's family was charged for the ambulance to take him [to the hospital]. It's inhumane. When we use punishment, our children are robbed of the opportunity to develop their own inner discipline-the ability to act with integrity, wisdom, compassion, and mercy when there is no external force holding them accountable for what they do. Barbara Coloroso Science is a wonderful thing if one does not have to earn one's living at it. One should earn one's living by work of which one is sure one is capable. Only when we do not have to be accountable to anybody can we find joy in scientific endeavor. One of the things that I think about is: How do you make moments that float, transparent? Moments that could just float away. How do you make a body accountable for its language, its positioning? Why not make a body accountable for its language? I don't think you can hold someone accountable for trampling someone else, because that person was probably pushed from behind. But if someone picks your pocket in a crowd, it's no different from any other act of that kind, in another situation. John Seabrook One of the principles that we operate on in this country is that leaders are held accountable. The simple truth is that we went into Iraq on the basis of some intuition, some fear, and some exaggerated rhetoric and some very, very scanty evidence. A government cannot be expected to allow independence to its central bank unless that bank is also accountable to it and to the wider public. That is, the central bank must be able to be judged on whether or not it has achieved its agreed objective. Ian Macfarlane I have often expressed my sentiments, that every man, conducting himself as a good citizen, and being accountable to God alone for his religious opinions, ought to be protected in worshipping the Deity according to the dictates of his own conscience. There are a lot of black-hearted, mean-spirited bastards in the world. It's important that we hold them to acount. But always remember that you might be the most black-hearted and mean-spirited in the lot, so hold yourself the most accountable of all. Happy the man, of mortals happiest he, Whose quiet mind from vain desires is free; Whom neither hopes deceive, nor fears torment, But lives at peace, within himself content; In thought, or act, accountable to none But to himself, and to the gods alone. George Granville, 1st Baron Lansdowne We must build more temples, and we must build them more quickly. This is the season to build temples. They are needed, and we have the means to do so. The Lord will hold us accountable if we do not work with greater accomplishment than we are now doing. Whether it is President Bush or any other US president, they cannot bring Israel to justice for its human rights abuses or to hold it accountable for such crimes. What is this? Is it not that there exists a government within the government in the United Sates? When you say you want to talk about racial justice, that`s not the same as I want to do something about racial justice. Saying I want to hold police accountable is doing something. Saying that I want to take money out of politics, big money, is doing something. I feel like throughout history we've heard bullshit from politicians, but now we're at the perfect intersection of technology and entertainment where we can, in real time, produce something that holds people accountable. That's an exciting time to be living in. Chelsea Manning's treachery put American lives at risk and exposed some of our nation's most sensitive secrets. President Obama now leaves in place a dangerous precedent that those who compromise our national security won't be held accountable for their crimes. [Barack] Obama still is in campaign mode. The Limbaugh Theorem explains it. We've had eight years of Obama and he still isn't being held accountable for the horrible policies that he has implemented because he continues to portray himself as not attached to them. I hate this life of the fashionable world, always ordered, measured, ruled, like our music-paper. What I have always wished for, desired, and coveted, is the life of an artist, free and independent, relying only on my own resources, and accountable only to myself. I think the takeaway from not holding President Obama accountable is, no matter how enthusiastic you are about Hillary Clinton, no matter how enthusiastic you are, the first thing that needs to happen is that people need to start planning how to hold her accountable. Today, only two groups in the United States have total immunity from lawsuits: foreign diplomats and HMOs. We believe it's time to end diplomatic immunity for HMOs. Holding them accountable is the only way to guarantee that you get the health care your family deserves. Tom Harkin Relationships are two people; everyone is accountable. A lot goes into a relationship coming together, and a lot goes into a relationship falling apart. Even if it's 98 percent the other person's fault, it's 2 percent yours.... You can only clean up your side of the street. People should be concerned about installing a more sensible, responsible government. What we [the burmese] need is a government that is accountable and transparent, so that the people know what it is doing and can judge for themselves whether or not they like what is being done. The president has outlined a new strategy for success in Iraq, but in order for this effort to be successful the Iraqi government must be held accountable. ... If we fail in Iraq, or withdraw our troops prematurely, the terrorists will follow us home. Success is our only option. Moral conduct includes every thing in which men are active and for which they are accountable. They are active in their desires, their affections, their designs, their intentions, and in every thing they say and do of choice; and for all these things they are accountable to God. Nathanael Emmons Relationships are most likely to fail when we don't address problems or hold our partner accountable for unfair or irresponsible behavior ... the ability to clarify our values, beliefs, and life goals--and then to keep our behavior congruent with them--is at the heart of a solid marriage. In putting together your standards, remember that it is essential to involve your entire team. Standards are not rules issued by the boss; they are a collective identity. Remember, standards are the things that you do all the time and the things for which you hold one another accountable. Recruit entrepreneurial leaders and give them freedom to determine the best path to achieving their objectives. On the other hand, individuals must commit fully to the system you use and be held rigorously accountable for their objectives. You give them freedom, but freedom within a framework. James C. Collins I am not saying people shouldn't be held accountable for terrible acts. But holding people in prisons does not necessarily make them responsible or accountable. It makes them bad. It makes them evil. It puts an end to any process of transformation. It hardens them spiritually and psychologically. If you voluntarily label a product as being unsuitable for kids and then turn around and market it directly to kids in contradiction of your ratings system, then you should be held accountable just like any other company in America that misleads consumers, .. That's not censorship. That's common sense. Merging the ability to conduct surveillance that reveals every aspect of a person's life with the ability to conjure up the legal authority to execute that surveillance, and finally, removing any accountable judicial oversight, creates the opportunity for unprecedented influence over our system of government. The value of making young people stupid, subject to an educational deficit has enormous currency in a society in which existing relations of power are normalized. Under such conditions, those who hold power accountable are reviewed as treasonous while critically engaged young people are denounced as un-American. Holding Each Other Accountable (6 quotes) I'm all for holding each other accountable, but it feels as if we're hurling toward a society of finger-pointers, because we don't hold ourselves accountable for anything. Votes: 1 LZ Granderson Holding Others Accountable (12 quotes) When Children Are Accountable (15 quotes) However, as a parent, as a grandparent, as a former educator, I know that these practices alone when we are dealing with young children are insufficient. We will never control this rising epidemic without greater accountability from the food industry. Votes: 1 Bob Filner Holding Each Other Accountable Holding Others Accountable Legally When Children Are Accountable More government Political accountability	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3532
__label__wiki	0.886872	0.886872	The Roger E. Joseph Prize Honorees The award 2019 Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha 2018 Fortify Rights 2017 HIAS 2016 Sir Nicholas Winton 2015 R. TIMOTHY ZIEMER 2014 COPE Foundation 2013 James Conlon 2012 Edesia and Navyn Salem 2011 ATZUM 2010 Dr. Dean G. Lorich 2009 Helen Lieberman 2008 Father Patrick Desbois 2007 Whitwell Middle School and Paper Clip Project 2006 Clementina Cantoni 2005 Jan Egeland 2004 Erin Gruwell 2003 Daniel Pearl 2002 Father Mychal Judge 2001 Morris S. Dees, Jr. 2000 Natasa Kandic 1999 The Jewish Historical Institute… 1998 The Center for Victims of Torture 1997 Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. 1996 Claude Lelouch 1995 First Congregational Church 1994 Johan Jorgen Holst 1993 Teddy Kollek 1992 The Students of HUC-JIR 1991 Children’s Defense Fund 1990 The Jewish Agency for Israel 1989 Boat People 1988 Center for Legal and Social Studies 1987 Rosa Parks 1986 Helen Suzman 1985 Church World Service 1984 Gerhart Riegner 1983 Village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon 1981 Raoul Wallenberg 1980 Rabbi Moses Cyrus Weiler 1978 Victor Kugler The Book about the Prize Links Hebrew Union College About the Prize/ Foreword/ Honorees/ 2019 Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha 2018 Fortify Rights 2017 HIAS 2016 Sir Nicholas Winton 2015 R. TIMOTHY ZIEMER 2014 COPE Foundation 2013 James Conlon 2012 Edesia and Navyn Salem 2011 ATZUM 2010 Dr. Dean G. Lorich 2009 Helen Lieberman 2008 Father Patrick Desbois 2007 Whitwell Middle School and Paper Clip Project 2006 Clementina Cantoni 2005 Jan Egeland 2004 Erin Gruwell 2003 Daniel Pearl 2002 Father Mychal Judge 2001 Morris S. Dees, Jr. 2000 Natasa Kandic 1999 The Jewish Historical Institute… 1998 The Center for Victims of Torture 1997 Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. 1996 Claude Lelouch 1995 First Congregational Church 1994 Johan Jorgen Holst 1993 Teddy Kollek 1992 The Students of HUC-JIR 1991 Children’s Defense Fund 1990 The Jewish Agency for Israel 1989 Boat People 1988 Center for Legal and Social Studies 1987 Rosa Parks 1986 Helen Suzman 1985 Church World Service 1984 Gerhart Riegner 1983 Village of Le Chambon-sur-Lignon 1981 Raoul Wallenberg 1980 Rabbi Moses Cyrus Weiler 1978 Victor Kugler The Book about the Prize/ Hebrew Union College The Jewish Agency for Israel With courage mirrored in personal commitment and moral passion, The Jewish Agency for Israel has undertaken the task of redeeming and resettling our brothers and sisters from the Soviet Union as they travel upon the road to freedom…. This award is in recognition of the continued responsibility of The Jewish Agency for Israel to save lives and assure the Jewish future. The Jewish Agency for Israel building, Jerusalem. The Jewish Agency for Israel ©, Perry Bindelglas At the heart of the Jewish Agency for Israel lies the desire and ambition to unite all Jewish people to their religion, culture, and each other. In its initial form, the Jewish Agency sought to bring as many Jews as possible to Israel from the Diaspora (defined as the body of Jews living in countries outside Israel); today, the Agency seeks to enrich, improve, and strengthen the global Jewish community. The Jewish Agency for Israel started in 1929, with a goal to create a Jewish National Home in Palestine, and was considered the official representation of the Jewish community throughout the world. The organization works to “ensure the future of a connected, committed, global Jewish People with a strong Israel as its center,” with a mission to “inspire Jews throughout the world to connect with their people, heritage, and land, and empower them to build a thriving Jewish future and a strong Israel.” Since its inception, the Jewish Agency has worked with European Jews through the years of persecution by Hitler during the Second World War; it supported as many people as possible and secured their immigration into Palestine. After the war, Palestine was partitioned, and with the help of the Jewish Agency, the state of Israel was created in 1948. When this happened, they “relinquished many of its functions to the new government, but retained responsibility for immigration, land settlement, youth work, and world Jewry.” Since then, it has helped more Jews in Eastern Europe and Africa find their way to Israel. At the time the Jewish Agency for Israel received the Roger E. Joseph Prize, it was involved in helping Jewish people in Russia. Under communism in the Soviet Union, Jews were essentially cut off from their religion and culture and forced to assimilate into a common Russian culture, leaving Judaism behind. While thousands of Soviet Jews did manage to emigrate, when communism eventually collapsed, many Russian Jews had lost most of their knowledge of Judaism and its traditions. The Jewish Agency aided in an aliyah (the immigration of Jews to Israel, either as individuals or in groups) that brought a wave of nearly one million Jewish people to Israel. Today, the Jewish Agency for Israel is still working to fulfill its mission. Realizing that social activism is as important today as when the organization was founded, it offers programs to young Jewish people, allowing them to live and work in both Israel and the Diaspora communities, helping those who are disadvantaged build better lives while, at the same time, strengthening their own connection to their faith and culture. After more than 80 years, the Jewish Agency for Israel remains an organization committed to a strong global Jewish community, responding to crises worldwide, and offering support so that every Jewish person feels connected to one another and to Judaism. Jewish Agency for Israel Copyright © 2019 The Roger E. Joseph Prize	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3533
__label__cc	0.675575	0.324425	Home Portal Board index The Hub Guild Hall TV and Film Guild Come chat with us on the officially unofficial Collective Discord. Remembering to vote here and here every day is the leading cause of community growth, so keep it up! We've also just joined a new Directory, where you can vote for us here Quest: Showing Epic Movies to a Tepid Woman Where members can gather to discuss TV and film, past and present! Palacia Location: Arc Animus Class: Vampire Re: Quest: Showing Epic Movies to a Tepid Woman Post by Palacia » Fri Feb 16, 2018 8:34 am Blade runner. All credit to Forge, amazing work Georgeanna Location: Past the Second Star to the Right Class: Thief Post by Georgeanna » Sat Feb 24, 2018 3:12 pm Palacia wrote: ↑ Cool! It's already on the list, so I moved it up to one of the next ones I'll check out. Thanks for the suggestion, Palf. The Godfather 3 (2/24/2018) Post by Georgeanna » Sun Feb 25, 2018 12:22 pm My coat! It's my lucky coat! Consider yourself warned for spoilers. Initial Reaction to the Ending: What. Did. I. Just. Watch. What was that? I'm so confused... Like I get what happened. Fine. But, what... There was a lot about this movie I really liked, but there were some things that weren't my cup of tea. Let's just get to it, I guess. The camera work was exquisite as always, it's something that I've come to expect with these movies. The parallels in blocking and movement were gorgeous as well, rife with religious symbolism and meaning. A single look speaks a thousand words in this movie, and I loved it. Costuming was beautiful, with tons of intricacies that caught my attention every time. This movie followed the familiar "Godfather" formula, which I don't dislike. Party->deal is discussed->deal goes awry->someone close to the family betrays them->plot thickens->Corleone family kills all their enemies->conclusion. However, this time around we got to see some real consequences for the actions that Michael has taken. We see his mental degradation, the physical deterioration, and his spiritual turmoil. That is something that I really enjoyed about this movie--we finally see that Michael has a conscience. We see the tension in his relationships more than ever before, and it is tragic. Absolutely gut-wrenching. As always, I love Connie and her quiet strength, although she does complicate several things for Michael. Now for the part that I didn't quite like. Some of the conversations were just so stilted and awkward. I don't know if it was the words that I didn't believe or the actors' portrayal of them, but there was a quality in it that came across as so fake. It was ESPECIALLY apparent whenever Anthony, Vincent, or Mary was in a scene. Mary and Michael had a sweet relationship, but some of their comments to one another seemed like they were being disingenuous. Now, when he lies to his daughter, that is where the real script work shines. Whenever Michael conceals his motives or has genuine break-downs, I have no issue. It just seemed like whenever tender emotion was to be portrayed, it fell flat. Also, what was the point of having Anthony in the movie? He served utterly no purpose, aside from giving all the characters a reason to gather in the auditorium. I felt bad for him! I wanted more of the opera singer trying to get away from his father's misdeeds because he was the only Corleone son to succeed in that venture! But he was degraded to a plot device, which really was a letdown. ALSO! What. Was. That. Ending. I was put in tears watching Mary die, and then we see Michael just sitting in a chair? And then he dies?! It was too much, and compared to the real emotion in Mary's death scene, Michael's just seemed cheap. The last scene just lessened the impact of the previous. Ignoring that, why did they have to pair it with the score in that direct way? I love the musical composition in this movie, don't get me wrong, but the way that it ends with such a happy "fairy tale" ending sound as his lifeless body hits the group just was...jarring. 3.5-4ish stars. I'm still kind of rattled, to be honest. Goodfellas (3/1/2018) Post by Georgeanna » Fri Mar 02, 2018 12:04 pm As far back as I can remember, I always wanted to be a gangster. For the first time during this quest, I decided to actually watch the movie on my tv, rather than my laptop. Not particularly any better of an experience and definitely not relevant to this review, but just thought I'd note that. Goodfellas was definitely no Godfather. Considering they two movies are so similar in subject matter, they handle the topic completely differently. Goodfellas utilized a lighter style that I really enjoyed. There was comic relief, jump cuts, snarky comments, and plenty of action. Of course, to balance it out, there were plenty of gritty scenes and morally ambiguous characters that brought much-needed depth. One bit I really enjoyed about the movie was the narration and the breaking of the fourth wall. It was interesting to hear exactly what was going on in a way that few other movies do. It achieved not only a more documentary(ish) feel, but also sucked the viewer into the scenes right away. I felt as if I started to understand the gangster culture in this movie before the conflict was introduced, and that was helpful in creating tension. I didn't need to be told that Jimmy was going to "whack" Henry because the director had so carefully laid out the framework for the entire organization. I could anticipate actions, in a non-irritating way, because the audience was so thoroughly immersed in the social dynamics. I will say that I was in no way emotionally invested in this movie. It was strange, for as how knowledgeable I felt about the society, the people remained complete enigmas. I just couldn't care about someone getting punished or rewarded. Their character was limited to their job and nothing more. If there had been some element of emotional connection, I would've probably given this 5 stars. The end, I felt, was a bit cheesy, though I did appreciate that Henry's life had come full circle. He started out domestic, and he ended up being domestic. However, I do recognize that this was based on a true story apparently, so that particular detail might've been unavoidable when plotting out the movie. 3.5/5 stars. Not bad. Post by Georgeanna » Tue Mar 20, 2018 3:56 am Currently on hiatus. Hopefully going to try to start this up again this coming weekend, or sooner if time permits. EDIT: Life threw a bunch of things for me to do right after I said this ^ . fingers crossed I'm hoping to start this thread up again this weekend-- April 14-15. Blade Runner (4/12/2018) Post by Georgeanna » Fri Apr 13, 2018 11:30 am I thought you were supposed to be good. Aren't you the "good" man? I'd like to start off by answering Roy's question to Deckard here: no. He wasn't the "good man". No one was in this entire movie, although you could argue that Rachael was certainly the least corrupt. The moral ambiguity of the movie can be considered a strength, leaving audiences to scramble to find out who they hated less, rather than who they liked more. It also proved to be irritating at times, distancing myself from the storyline and lessening my appreciation for it. Roy was the targeted antagonist, but at the same time, everything he did was in the pursuit of a better life for his gang/family. You saw him grieve and regret his actions, and he ends up saving Deckard's life. On the other hand, we have Deckard, the "protagonist" who is an ex-police officer, doing this job because he "has to." He shows no visible reaction or remorse for taking the lives of the replicants. Not to mention how he aggressively overpowers Rachael. To say I didn't like Deckard, would be a massive understatement, though I can't say I really liked Roy either. The fact that I despised the characters in this movie, however, doesn't necessarily reflect on the quality of the movie itself. It provoked an intense reaction, this time being anger, and I suppose that is some sort of achievement on the filmmakers' part. What did I like about the movie? I loved the atmosphere of the whole thing. The idea that humans have spread across space and that there is this new race of being was fascinating to me. I enjoyed exploring the world, seeing the social dynamics surrounding replicants and humans. Some treat the replicants with extreme prejudice, the movie referencing that some are used as mere slaves, while others find them fascinating and awe-inspiring. Furthermore, the concept of having fake animals was quite interesting, in the way that they are coveted enough to create. I wish we could've gotten into that dynamic a bit more, just because it was mentioned so many times, yet never really expanded upon. The way scenes were shot, with grungy sets and a noir feel, gave life to the futuristic world. It made it tangible in a way that I could really appreciate. The costuming and set design worked together as a unit, making the scenery cohesive and quite engaging to the eye. Buildings, garbage, flying cars, and video calls all led to this dystopian setting that I just adored. Now, this business of Deckard being a replicant. I don't feel it gives credence to any his actions, adds any more ethical questions to the list of quandaries the movie proposes, or adds any additional depth to the movie. However, there is some pretty conclusive evidence that leads me to believe that he is indeed a replicant, not to mention that the director directly stated that that was his intention. I'm just not sure if it matters. Ratings are overrated--no more stars from me from now on. Class: Pirate Post by Rick » Fri Apr 13, 2018 1:41 pm And I think dropping the star ratings is a great idea. Your reviews are more than enough to understand how you felt about the movie. The Thing (5/12/2018) Post by Georgeanna » Sat May 12, 2018 5:59 pm Someone in this camp ain't what he appears to be. Well, I don't think I've said "what even" so much in my entire life while watching a movie. This whole thing started off very iffy for me, but I continued watching. In the beginning, I will say, I called the dog being an alien as soon as it made it into the base. Not necessarily a knock on the way they decided to frame it, but it just wasn't much of a surprise when it turned out to be true. However, when the idea of the crew becoming these creatures started to really kick off, I started getting invested. Certainly an interesting predicament to be in, especially when they lose their only way of testing who is who(so they think) with the loss of the blood. As one by one they fell to either paranoia or the alien itself, it became apparent that only one species was going to survive. I think the part that I really appreciated in this movie was the score. Absolutely phenomenal use of music within a movie. It really added to the atmosphere of the piece, and as someone who likes to pay attention to musical devices within a film, I found it to be very well suited. I'd say that that was what really made me feel that fear or anxiousness that you expect from a more intense film, rather than the camera shots in this specific instance. The psychological thriller aspect was also interesting to work through. I found myself trying to piece together who was where when in order to figure out who was the thing and who was human. I feel that's quite an accomplishment, to leave the viewer with no other option other than to think while they watch. It definitely added another layer to the story because not only did I watch their assumptions fall to pieces, but I watched my own either be confirmed or denied. The few things I didn't care for were mostly character related. I felt that none of the characters really reacted how you would assume a normal human would in that situation. They come upon dead bodies, alien husks, and watch their own get attacked with little to no hysteria. It just didn't seem very believable. Additionally, we didn't get much character depth, which I suppose is expected in a fast-paced movie like this, but it still left me wanting more from the characters. The last issue I really had was with the ending. Mac takes such lengths to make sure that the thing is destroyed, but doesn't so much as check to see if Childs is human or not despite him being separated from the group for hours. He has no way of knowing if Blair got to Childs beforehand or not. Maybe it's supposed to be left open-ended so the viewer has to imagine what happens next, but it felt a bit counter-intuitive. The Iron Giant (5/29/2018) Post by Georgeanna » Wed May 30, 2018 4:31 pm Superman... This was a really cute movie that had me very upset by the end. I sort of knew to expect a bittersweet ending, but I wasn't quite expecting that. The fact that he sacrificed himself in order to save a whole town was just so heartwrenching and heroic. Across the board, this movie was phenomenal. The juxtaposition of certain scenes and the comedic timing was top notch, along with the dialogue and animation. I especially enjoyed score, which seems to be a theme with the recent movies I've watched. It was just so well placed and crafted, with the right amount of whimsical and somber tones to really drag you into the story. As far as the characters go, I was impressed. The interpersonal relationships were realistic, especially between Annie and Hogarth, and made the story seem real, despite its scifi nature. I appreciated that they kept Hogarth young and immature at times because it was relatable. Most of us have gone through a time in our life where we stayed up past our bedtime and watched scary movies just because we were told not to, and seeing that imparted a feeling of nostalgia. Yet the young protagonist had wisdom beyond his years too, which was a nice contrast to his more reckless nature. I also just loved how the Giant's personality was set up. He was precious. The message spread by this movie is so important: you are who you choose to be. I loved this movie, and while the ending made me sad, I like to think that one day the Giant puts himself back together and finds Hogarth again. Good Will Hunting (7/2/2018) Post by Georgeanna » Mon Jul 02, 2018 5:19 pm Times Up. Consider yourself warned for spoilers What an interesting movie, to say the least. There were so many parts about it that I liked, a few things I didn’t, but overall a very well crafted film. I adore good character development, so in that department, I absolutely loved this movie. We meet Will who is this reclusive genius who pushes everyone away before they can push him away. We watch him slowly open up to Skylar and learn to love her, but then push her away just as quickly. The ups and the downs Will experienced were so realistic, and the screenwriting in that regard was phenomenal. I also enjoyed seeing Sean grow as well, albeit his growth isn’t highlighted so much as Will’s. Watching them both set off at the end of the movie was perfection, as far as endings are concerned. We had seen them both struggle emotionally, feeling confined by their own fears and doubts, and for them to be set free brought their progression to a natural conclusion. The cinematography was fun and unlike a lot of movies in the way that it would pan, obscuring the audience’s vision, and rest on the same scene. Perhaps that is just due to a lack of exposure to such techniques on my part, but I found it quite interesting all the same. It made you pay attention to the words, dampening your vision so that you’d have to rely on your auditory senses to keep up. Now for the few things I didn’t like. Firstly, I was expecting more of an emotional punch. There was something about the characters that I wasn't invested in, or at least not to the degree that I was anticipating. We had that moment in the office where Will seems to have a breakthrough, and that's the perfect example of the only time I felt connected to Will's character. On another note, I felt that some of the comedic timings could’ve been placed with more care (most of which probably could’ve just been omitted in my opinion) and that the sub-plot between the professor and Sean should’ve been fleshed out more or deleted entirely. We seem them squabble and whatnot, but why do they matter in this grand scheme? I think Sean put it perfectly: it’s not about them, it’s about the boy. In which case, why include the sub-plot at all? However, since I’m selfish, I have to say I enjoyed their rivalry the most out of the interpersonal relationships, so I would’ve loved to have learned more about them. Certainly a captivating movie, and a nice way to start the month. Post by Georgeanna » Tue Sep 04, 2018 1:59 am Update: Been a bit busy, but I expect to have another review up soon! Indiana Jones (5/14/2019) Post by Georgeanna » Wed May 15, 2019 10:07 am IT'S ABOUT TIME. Yes, yes it has been quite a bit since I wrote a review on this thread, and I make no promises about future reviews other than that I still intend to write them at some point. However, this review is me being lazy and playing catch-up a bit, so I'm fitting Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade in one post (moving forward they'll be referenced to as RLA and TLC). Without further ado... Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes? I am such a sucker for adventure movies like these two. Full disclosure, I missed the first few minutes of RLA, but the few scenes I missed in no way hindered my enjoyment of this film. All the drama and the setting itself was so engaging that I was completely immersed. This seems to be a trend with these movies, as TLC was no different. From the first few minutes of TLC, sucked back into Indiana's childhood, we know we are in store for a great adventure. Indy as a kid is just as you'd expect, chivalrous and nearly idealistic in his concept of ownership of objects. "It belongs in a museum!" From there his character only grows and evolves. I found that I really liked Indy in both movies, no matter how contrived his heroism may be, looking back upon it. My major hang-ups when it came to either RLA or TLC was their treatment of women and POC. Neither handles either group well, opting to use characters as plot devices and not much more. Beyond that, I felt that some of the side-characters needed some major work as far as depth and motivation. I would've loved to especially gotten to know Indy's father better in TLC, considering that he was such a pivotal character. I felt like I still knew little to nothing about him by the end. Overall not a bad set of movies--I loved all the action and mystery. I'll have to check out the others when I have a moment. Return to “TV and Film Guild” ↳ Member Notices ↳ Archived Announcements ↳ Help and Feedback ↳ Answered Questions and Closed Polls Roleplay Recruitment and Planning ↳ The Collective Ark ↳ Member Files ↳ Collective Network ↳ People of Interest ↳ Collective Cartography ↳ The Archive ↳ Interest Checks and Brainstorming The Multiverse - Roleplay Central ↳ Persona Events ↳ Persona Event Archive ↳ Declaration of War Archive ↳ Exordium [Beta] Archive ↳ Worlds of Magic ↳ Magic OOC ↳ Magic Archives ↳ Worlds of Technology ↳ Technology OOC ↳ Technology Archive ↳ Worlds of Balance ↳ Balance OOC ↳ Balance Archive ↳ Worlds of Realism ↳ Realism OOC ↳ Realism Archive ↳ Private Roleplays The Printing Press ↳ Original Works ↳ Original Works Reviews ↳ The Writer's Guild ↳ Games and Misc. ↳ Guild Hall ↳ Artisans Guild ↳ Gamers Guild ↳ Literature Guild ↳ TV and Film Guild ↳ Music Guild ↳ Contests and Events ↳ Past Contests The Collective Archive ↳ Collective Compendium ↳ Races ↳ Honour Roll ↳ One-On-One Mentoring ↳ Mentor Offices ↳ Members Portfolios ↳ Badges ↳ Rankings	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3536
__label__wiki	0.637449	0.637449	Game of Thrones and Orange is the New Black Sets Record-Breaking Emmy Nominations (Complete List Here) It’s not at all that surprising! HBO’s Game of Thrones got 19 nominations this year for the Emmys including Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Supporting Actress for Lena Headey. Orange is the New Black on the other hand got 12 nominations including Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy with Taylor Schilling and Outstanding Comedy Series, the most nominations received for a comedy series. Also getting much attention are Fargo with 18 nominations, Saturday Night Live with 14, and House of Cards. Here are the complete list of Emmy 2014 Nominees: Best Actress in a Comedy Series Lena Dunham, “Girls” Edie Falco, “Nurse Jackie” Julia Louis Dreyfus, “Veep” Melissa McCarthy, “Mike & Molly” Amy Poehler, “Parks & Recreation” Taylor Schilling, “Orange Is the New Black” Best Actor in a Comedy Series Jim Parsons, “The Big Bang Theory” Ricky Gervais, “Derek” Matt LeBlanc, “Episodes” Don Cheadle, “House of Lies” Louis C.K., “Louie” William H. Macy, “Shameless” Supporting Actor for Comedy Series Andre Braugher, “Brookiyn Nine-Nine” Adam Driver, “Girls” Jesse Tyler Ferguson, “Modern Family” Ty Burrell, “Modern Family” Fred Armisen, “Portlandia” Tony Hale, “Veep” Supporting Actress for Comedy Series Mayim Bialik, “The Big Bang Theory” Julie Bowen, “Modern Family” Allison Janney, “Mom” Kate Mulgrew, “Orange Is the New Black” Kate McKinnon, “Saturday Night Live” Anna Chlumsky, “Veep” Best Actress in a Drama Series Lizzy Caplan, “Masters of Sex” Claire Danes, “Homeland” Michelle Dockery, “Downton Abbey” Julianna Margulies, “The Good Wife” Kerry Washington, “Scandal” Robin Wright, “House of Cards” Best Actor in a Drama Series Bryan Cranston, “Breaking Bad” Jeff Daniels, “The Newsroom” Jon Hamm, “Mad Men” Woody Harrelson, “True Detective” Matthew McConaughey, “True Detective” Kevin Spacey, “House of Cards” Supporting Actor for Drama Series Aaron Paul, “Breaking Bad” Jim Carter, “Downton Abbey” Peter Dinklage, “Game of Thrones” Josh Charles, “The Good Wife” Mandy Patinkin, “Homeland” Jon Voight, “Ray Donovan” Supporting Actress for Drama Series Anna Gunn, “Breaking Bad” Maggie Smith, “Downton Abbey” Lena Headey, “Game of Thrones” Christine Baranski, “The Good Wife” Christina Hendricks, “Mad Men” Joanne Froggatt, “Downton Abbey” Best Miniseries or Movie Best Actress Miniseries or Movie Jessica Lange, “American Horror Story: Coven” Sarah Paulson, “American Horror Story: Coven” Helena Bonham Carter, “Burton and Taylor” Minnie Driver, “Return to Zero” Kristen Wiig, “The Spoils of Babylon” Cicely Tyson, “The Trip Bountiful” Best Actor in a Miniseries or Movie Chiwetel Ejiofor, “Dancing on the Edge” Martin Freeman, “Fargo” Billy Bob Thornton, “Fargo” Idris Elba, “Luther” Mark Ruffalo, “The Normal Heart” Tagged on: comedy drama emmys nomination 2014 game of thrones orange is the new black TV tv series raindeocampo July 11, 2014 TV No Comments ← Video Games The Movie: From Atari to Xbox Free Double-Decker Bus Rides From Trinoma to Manila and Back →	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3537
__label__wiki	0.751254	0.751254	Voters Remain Critical of Obamacare’s Lack of Choices Most Voters Oppose Obamacare’s Insurance Requirement Few Voters Favor Keeping Health Care Law As Is Should Free Market Preside Over Health Care? Obamacare Still Struggles In Court of Public Opinion Voters Still See Dismal Future For Health Care System Obamacare still hasn’t won over most voters who continue to say the health care law doesn’t offer them enough choices when it comes to health insurance. The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Likely U.S. Voters view the health care law favorably, while 52% share an unfavorable opinion of it. This includes 18% with a Very Favorable view and 36% with a Very Unfavorable one. (To see survey question wording, click here.) (Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook. The survey of 1,000 Likely Voters was conducted on September 24 and 27, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.0 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. Rasmussen subscribers can log in to read the rest of this article. Become a member and get full access to all articles and polls starting at $4.95/month.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3539
__label__wiki	0.536124	0.536124	The Snitches in Your Kids' Dental Office A Commentary By Michelle Malkin Epstein, Bean & Buck: The Democratic Donors' Sex-Creep Club By Michelle Malkin America Takes an Antifa Beating By Michelle Malkin Anti-Trump Crafters: A Decade-Long Unraveling By Michelle Malkin How sharper than a serpent's tooth to have a despotic pediatric dentist. Parents who decide, for whatever reason, that they don't like their children's oral care provider should be forewarned. Empowered by government "mandatory reporter" laws, dental offices are now using their authority to threaten families with child abuse charges if they don't comply with the cavity police. Mom Trey Hoyumpa shared a letter last week on Facebook from a dental office called Smiles 4 Keeps in Bartonsville, Pennsylvania. It informed her that if she did not make a dental appointment for "regular professional cleanings" for her child, she could be charged with "dental neglect." Citing a law called Pennsylvania Act 31 on child abuse recognition and reporting, the dental office threatened to report the mom to state authorities if she did not schedule an appointment. Hoyumpa wrote: "Smiles 4 Keeps bullies the parents, controls the care behind closed doors, and turns parents into villains...and I will not stand for it anymore!!!" On social media, parents who've encountered the toxic alliance of snoopy medical providers and child welfare agencies shared their own experiences with government bullies who operate on a presumption of guilt. Brett Darken wrote: "Anyone familiar with 'family court,' DCF, state probate and guardianship courts know well this story. In any other context, it would be considered a threat, coercion and intimidation under RICO laws. But because it's the government, it's legal." This is a menacing threat to have hanging over customers of dental practices, or any medical providers for that matter: If you leave, you better tell us where you are going or we could report you to government child welfare agencies for suspected abuse. One Twitter commenter wondered: "Is this fake?" Unfortunately, it's all too real, and the dental office is championing an intrusive practice that is likely to spread. Smiles 4 Keeps replied to parental criticism on Facebook by quoting the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry definition of "dental neglect" as the "willful failure of parent or guardian to seek and follow through with treatment necessary to ensure a level of oral health essential for adequate function and freedom from pain and infection." The dental office also defended its intimidation letter to the mom by explaining that physicians and dentists are "mandated reporters" who are "required to report suspected cases of abuse and neglect to social service or law enforcement agencies in order to prevent such tragedy." But as investigative reporter Terri LaPoint at MedicalKidnap.com points out, nowhere has Smiles 4 Keeps provided any evidence that Trey Hoyumpa was neglectful or abusive in any way. Moreover, Smiles 4 Keeps insists that parents provide the name of a new dentist if the family chooses to find a new provider. Hoyumpa was just one of 17 recipients of the threatening Smiles 4 Keeps salvos. Dr. Ross Wezmar of Smiles 4 Keeps actually boasted to local news station WNEP about the snitch letters' ability "to jar the parent to realize that with a child comes responsibility." Benevolent Dr. Marcus Welby he is not. Wezmar claimed his bully notes are the first in the nation to be dispatched. With the encroachment of socialized medicine in America, they certainly won't be the last. Think it can't happen to you? Last year, in Ontario, Canada, mom Melissa Lopez wanted a second opinion on getting fillings for her daughter and decided to change providers. The jilted dentist, as Lenore Skenazy reported on Reason.com, called Child Protective Services to report possible "oral neglect." The case was dismissed, but CPS refuses to remove Lopez's file from its books -- it is part of a permanent record that keeps a permanent cloud of suspicion over her. Skenazy drills down to the core: "The issue here is how easy it is to drag a family into an abuse investigation, and how hard it is for the family, like an impacted molar, to get itself extracted." Indeed, the partnership between medical providers and government child welfare services has threatened innocent families across the country under the guise of "protecting the children." It is a short hop from cavity-shaming and misdiagnoses to ripping families apart. Don't forget the case of Justina Pelletier, savagely torn from her family by Boston Children's Hospital after the prestigious medical institution wrongly accused her parents of causing her chronic illness. BCH locked Justina in a mental ward until her sister published an undercover video of Justina pleading to be reunited with her family. Public outrage forced her release and now the Pelletiers are suing BCH. Big Nanny monitors hostile to family privacy and autonomy are everywhere -- in your kids' classrooms, cafeterias, and doctors' and dentists' offices. Eternal vigilance against government intrusion is the price of parenthood. Michelle Malkin is host of "Michelle Malkin Investigates" on CRTV.com. Her email address is writemalkin@gmail.com. To find out more about Michelle Malkin and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate webpage at www.creators.com. See Other Political Commentaries. See Other Commentaries by Michelle Malkin.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3540
__label__cc	0.735384	0.264616	Exhibition to celebrate ten years of the ‘Iron Men’ An organisation which helped bring Sir Antony Gormley’s Iron Men to Crosby beach is to mount a special exhibition marking the tenth anniversary of the installation. Regenerus formerly South Sefton Development Trust, is to stage the free ‘Ten Years of Another Place’ event at Crosby Lakeside Activity centre on Cambridge Road in Waterloo from Monday, September 7 to Sunday, November 1. The exhibition is one of a number of arts activities in south Sefton marking the ten year milestone which are being organised with the help of funding from the Arts Council. Regenerus will also be helping the community group in Another Place to produce more of its ‘Qwerkies’ – cardboard figures inspired by the Iron Men which celebrate diversity. These are currently sited in shop windows all over Crosby and Waterloo. Bootle-based social enterprise Safe Productions will be working with local residents to create a mosaic celebrating what the sculptures have meant to locals and visitors alike. The aim for this to be installed permanently by the lakeside park. And award-winning local film maker Marc Jennings has been commissioned to produce a film on the theme of a day in the life of one of the Iron Men, which will be widely distributed in the area. Regenerus chief executive, Cate Murphy, says the Another Place exhibition will tell the story of why Antony Gormley chose Crosby as the location of the artwork, and also include many little-known facts about the installation. It will feature many atmospheric images of the Iron Men taken by acclaimed Crosby-based photographer, Ron Davies. Ms Murphy said “We were very keen that both local residents and visitors could get involved in celebrating the tenth anniversary of these iconic sculptures. “Thanks to the generosity of the Arts Council, we will be able to stage an exhibition telling the definitive story of Another Place in Crosby, and also support the creation of further public art reminders of the huge impact the piece has had in the area.” Ten Years of Another Place will be open daily at Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre from 9am to 5pm.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3545
__label__cc	0.579207	0.420793	No Body Is An Apology: A Panel Discussion Saturday, June 2 \| 2pm \| CBC Studio 700 \| 700 Hamilton St Lead by Ilana Zackon, founder of Project X Performance. Featuring portraits taken by Sinead Grewcock, and a chance to Donate Your Story about physical identity and body image to Project X Performance for their upcoming show corpo (r e a l). Refreshments available. Pre-registration $5 and $6 at the door. Our esteemed panelists: Linda Carson, playwright/performer Leslie Stark, poet/teacher/performer Veronique West, playwright/dramaturg Cecilly Day, actor/burlesque performer The Panel's focus is on the performative and creative, contextualized by bodies and body image, inspired by #fiercetruthtelling and the road to self-acceptance. Questions we'll explore: Why does body image continue to be relevant now, from your perspective? Why is art/performance such an effective tool for the exploration of these issues? Your body and/or voice and/or your writing is your instrument. How do you safeguard (even bolster) your own wellbeing while navigating challenging issues? How personal is your art-making, and at what cost? Where do you draw the line? To get involved in an international movement committed to cultivating global Radical Self Love and Body Empowerment subscribe to https://thebodyisnotanapology.com/ About Ilana Zackon A graduate of John Abbott College’s Professional Theatre Program, Ilana Zackon is a Canadian artist who enjoys wearing many hats. An actor, singer-songwriter, voice-over artist, director and yoga instructor, she has been involved in the performing arts since the age of three. Ilana was mentored in the Black Theatre Workshop Mentorship program (Montreal, QC) and recently toured across Canada with Tohu Bohu’s musical theatre children’s show The Magical Journey. Other selected theatre credits include Nuclear Sky (Title 66 Productions), Glory Dazed (Waterworks Company) and Under Milk Wood (JAC’N’Burgh, Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2013). Directing credits include: Betty’s Summer Vacation (Floor 13 Productions), Part I (Project X Performance) and in / cognitō: a living art exhibit on mental health (Project X Performance). She can also be heard as the voice of Catalyst in Livelock (Tuque Games) and Katherina von Dernsbach in “Mordheim: City of the Damned” (Games Workshop). Ilana is incredibly passionate about using theatre as a platform to create awareness and empathy, worldwide. Ilana is currently an Artist in Residence at Presentation House in North Vancouver developing Project X Performance’s next piece. Click here for an interview Ilana had with Art With Impact about the company. To contact: izackon@projectxperformance.com	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3549
__label__cc	0.70583	0.29417	Slate logo Photo illustration by Lisa Larson-Walker. Photos courtesy Gerda Saunders. I Was Diagnosed With Dementia in 2010. This Is My Story. , by Gerda Saunders My Dementia A woman navigates her decline. Telling who I am before I forget. By Gerda Saunders 1 He/She/It Dements 2 Senior Moments 3 Susanna's Day Book 5 How Come I Can Still Write? 6 The Second Evaluation 7 Doña Quixote Health and Science has moved! You can find new stories here. Slate is now featuring a video series about Gerda Saunders and her family as her dementia advances. This essay was originally published in the Georgia Review, and is reprinted here with permission. For my 61st birthday, in 2010, I was given the diagnosis of microvascular disease, after Alzheimer’s the second leading cause of dementia. I was—as my rather blunt neurologist put it—already “dementing.” Insofar as I had thought about dementia until then, I was unaware that the word had a verb form: he/she/it dements, they dement, we all dement. Yet, no matter my incredulity that this absurd verb could apply to me, now, two years later, “the cloake sitteth no lesse fit” on my chastened back. My initial denial will seem disingenuous in light of the fact that I knew the symptoms of dementia even then—and recognized them in myself. Also, my mother had a form of mental disconnect that made her increasingly out of touch with reality until her death at 82. Given that, together with the generally known fact that dementia can run in families, why did my doctor’s utterance fall so disconsonantly on my ear? My belated pursuit of a Ph.D. in English in my 40s introduced me to the Enlightenment philosophers. I remember being intrigued by John Locke and William Whewell’s pursuit of, as Locke puts it, the “originals from whence all our ideas take their beginnings,” a quest that took both men back to Adam’s expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Locke describes fallen Adam as lost in a “strange Country” with “all Things new, and unknown about him”; Whewell pictures Adam doing the first work of postlapsarian orientation by giving names “distinct and appropriate to the facts” to newly encountered objects and concepts. I knew something about this project. Having emigrated in 1984 from South Africa to Salt Lake City with my husband, Peter, and our two children, I had experienced the discombobulation of having to decipher situations that must appear mundane to residents equipped with the requisite cultural vocabulary. What, for example, is one to do when an acquaintance stops by your house carrying her own beverage? How does one proceed from acquaintance to friendship without that most crucial foundation of South African hospitality, a fresh pot of tea? Why is letting your kids run naked through the sprinklers in your own private backyard or displaying baby pictures of your kids naked regarded by visitors as tantamount to sexual exploitation? What about the forlorn feeling when hosts with whom you have had a marvelous evening say goodbye to you at the door rather than walking you to your car? Yet, by my mid-50s, I had cracked these and other social codes to a great extent: I knew that having coffee meant heading to the nearest Starbucks; I had built up a scaffolding of friends so dear they had become family. Most of the time, I no longer felt like a foreigner. I had developed an American self and was settling into it. But before I had even reached my 60s, I had begun again to feel like an alien of sorts, a stranger even to myself. I first noted a troublesome forgetting in my work as the associate director of gender studies at the University of Utah, a position I took at age 50 after a foray into the corporate world. Like the spoiler snake of the Bible, an impairment in my working memory—the ability to maintain and manipulate information “live” in a multistep process, such as remembering to carry the tens when you add numbers—slunk into my intellectual Eden. My love of teaching was the reason I left the corporate world for academics, gladly taking a 25 percent salary cut. After less than five years in my dream job, forebodings that not all was well started to becloud my class time: Sometimes I would lose the thread of a discussion, forget the point toward which I had intended to steer the students’ thinking; often the name of a novel or author I used to know as well as my children’s names would not come to mind; not infrequently, a student would remind me during the last moments of class that I had not distributed notes or an assignment I had announced. Even the preparation of elaborate scripts did not prevent me from losing my place in my own mnemonic system. Though I had not yet sought a diagnosis at that time, I took our program director into my confidence about my memory difficulties and she graciously supported me in negotiating smaller teaching loads. Soon there was only one class per year. During my last two years of working, I was not teaching at all. Would I have made the switch from business to the university if I had known that I would once again be bogged down in management and meetings? On the administrative front, too, my fraying memory caused me stress. During the first gathering of a Women’s Week Committee that I chaired, I had created a detailed agenda to keep me on track: welcome; make introductions; review themes covered in past years; brainstorm ideas for this year, etc. Sometime between the welcome and the review of previous themes, my mind flipped into confusion. Someone was talking. His voice was distant, and syllables flowed from his mouth without coalescing into meaning. I panicked. I had no idea where we were in the agenda. Desperately scanning my notes, my eye fell on “Introductions.” When the speaker paused, I suggested we introduce ourselves. As the words left my mouth, I remembered that we had already gone around the table. ... And so my downward slide continued. I knew I had to retire. My brain: I want to retire. Me: You’re already retired. How you do fail me! Let me count the ways. My brain: Don’t count the days, make the days count. Einstein: Everything that can be counted does not necessarily matter; everything that matters cannot necessarily be counted. DEMENTIA FIELD NOTES During my going-away meeting with Gender Studies, the faculty gave me this journal. In it I’ll report my descent into the post-cerebral realm for which I am headed. No whimpering, no whining, no despair. Just the facts. Saturday at the mall I performed the physical motions of shoplifting—walked out of Macy’s with a pair of pants over my arm. I only noticed when I was inside Dillard’s on the opposite side of the mall. I hurried back, ready to explain. There were no salespeople around, and no one noticed when I put them back. Took Bob and Diane to do their grocery shopping. When we were done, I could not find my keys. The car doors were unlocked, the keys in the ignition. Returning home, I forgot to stop at Bob and Diane’s and pulled into my driveway instead. Last time I took the old people shopping, I did not notice the traffic light changing until Bea reminded me to go. She is 86. At home, too, my various slips proliferated. I spoke to my family and closest friends. “Senior moments,” my peers knowingly declared. Even my then-twentysomething children, Marissa and Newton, assured me they, too, experienced similar lapses. As the incidents accumulated, though, my immediate family acknowledged that they noticed a change. By the time I approached 60, they agreed that my deficits might be adding up to a diagnosable disease. I started considering a doctor’s appointment, my mother’s mental unraveling never far from my mind. On a February day in 1996, my mother, Susanna Catharina Steenekamp, was found wandering in her retirement center in Pretoria, severely disoriented. When I arrived in her hospital room days later, she did not seem aware that I had come halfway across the globe. However, she did recognize me—if I were to take as proof that my utterly proper mother introduced me to her nurse as “my daughter who writes fuck,” an apparent reference to the language in my short-story collection. Susanna also announced her every bodily function, saw angels, and poured water over herself “to bring down my temperature.” With family, her loving disposition still came through, but with the black nurses her post-apartheid liberalism evaporated. She acted superior, entitled, rude. Could this really be the woman who, as a young social worker, had accepted a Cape Colored client’s invitation to climb into her bed to warm up her feet? Despite Susanna’s altered behavior, only my brother Boshoff, himself a doctor, mentioned dementia. Nevertheless, like our mother’s doctors, he did not push for an official diagnosis, instead advocating that her behavior determine the intensity of assistance she would need. And that is how her second childhood played out without a name. To accommodate the need for a high level of care, my sister Lana put our mother’s house up for sale, disposed of her furniture, and found her a private room in an “old-age home” that provided the 24-hour care she needed. Surprising us all, my mother came out of her deranged state within a year after her dramatic collapse. When Susanna “came to,” she resolutely refused to stay in a place that afforded her no freedom or privacy. Lana reinstalled her in her previous house, which fortunately had not yet been sold. Gerda and her mother, Susanna Steenekamp, at Groot Brak, South Africa, in 2004. Photo courtesy Gerda Saunders Back in her own home, Susanna frequently fell, often injuring herself; she had trouble cooking—she was once discovered eating meat that was still raw. Her nurses suspected she was having a series of small strokes. Confronting her deteriorating condition, she began keeping a dagboek, or “day book,” as Afrikaans has it: “I walked throughout the sick time for exercise.” “I slept through the afternoon for the lack of inspiration or initiative to do something better.” “My illness brought the finality of things, events strongly to the fore. Is that what is crushing me?” All the while, Susanna’s functionality was declining to a point where it was clear she was incapable of living by herself, even with the help of a house cleaner/companion twice a week, the watchful eye of the center’s staff, and the option to have three meals a day at the communal dining room. Lana moved her to an old-age home with levels of care ranging from semi-independence to lockup. Susanna would be moved several times more during her remaining years. In each of the centers to which various circumstances (her health, finances, restlessness) took her, Susanna received personal attention of a quality that only well-off Americans can dream of. Nevertheless, her writing shows that, for most of the rest of her life, she felt lonely, distanced from other people, and frustrated about not being able to keep busy. “I am only able to revive the appearance of earlier times with much effort: the hobbies are having trouble getting started, the housekeeping is geared only to the most necessary, and people are few and difficult.” Even stage 7 patients are always still dementing, never done. Until they die. My mother’s deterioration had gone without a name. What, then, to do about my own unhinging? Preliminary research confirmed what Peter and I had learned anecdotally: Although medications might slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, they could not stave off the inevitable decline that catches up with even the most diligently monitored and medicated patient. Moreover, we were afraid that the quest for diagnosis could trap us in what writer and physician Atul Gawande once described as “the seemingly unstoppable momentum of medical treatment.” Still, we are both the kind of people who want to know, always drawn like moths toward enlightenment. Also, confirmation of our suspicions might help us prepare. If the unnamable loomed ahead, we could plan for expensive care, diminished quality of life, and a way to end my life at the right time. I asked Peter to come along for my doctor’s appointment. Our primary care doctor politely entertained our doubts about the value of diagnosis. She heard out our pontifications about what we regarded as a worthwhile quality of life, and let us stew our own way into following her suggestion that I have an MRI. The scan results showed “white matter lesions”—an indication of clogged microvessels that prevent blood from reaching nearby brain areas. Dr. Eborn confirmed the Internet wisdom that microvascular dementia might benefit from cholesterol- and blood pressure-lowering medications to retard the clogging. However, a neurologist would first have to confirm a connection between my memory problems and the lesions. One neurologist, one neuropsychologist, dozens of tests, and many hundreds of out-of-pocket dollars later, my neurologist delivered the D-word. Given how early I noticed my symptoms, she projected that two more neurological evaluations at two-year intervals would be needed before I would officially meet the criteria of dementia. But in my heart I already knew: I am dementing I am dementing I am dementing. REFLECTION ON DEMENTIA FIELD NOTES OF 5-14-11 Now that your grandson Kanye has abdicated the portable crib, his sleepovers require more adult accommodations. Accordingly, you are on the hunt for a sleeping bag. Not the Disney-derived kind, wraparound promoters of consumerism, of which, moreover, the fabric is slippery enough to slide, child-and-all, from futon to floor. You want a proper sleep sack, commercial-free and stay-put. Tilting at this newfangled windmill, you set out for Ikea. Before leaving, you study your Google map enhanced with Peter’s penciled-in notes. You are Doña Quixote preparing for a quest. Illustration by Lisa Larson-Walker You conquer the I-15 onramp. Eyes peeled, you watch the exit numbers fly by. Ikea is just a few exits south from Newton and Cheryl’s. Next weekend they’re bringing the grandkids for a sleepover: 1-year-old Aliya all red-cheeked in her head-to-toe onesie in the crib, 4-year-old Kanye snuggled on a mattress in whatever you’re going to find and buy today, maybe something like the quilt you stitched for Marissa by tracing her body on butcher paper. Damn, you missed a mileage board! You fix your gaze on the tarmac, proceed with gingerly premeditated glances to the side. Suddenly you realize that you have forgotten the number you are supposed to be looking out for. You probe the passenger seat for the instructions, bring the paper level with the top of the steering wheel, snag the number, repeat like a mantra. YES! Only three exits to go. This place has only three exits, sir: Madness, and Death.* As for me and my house, we shall shop. Ah, those red bed lamps you found when Marissa came back from South Africa. What else is there to say about the chivalric excursion of an hidalga whose brain dried up from too much reading? You will never know whether you indeed took the wrong exit or whether it was the road-works detour that deposited you beside a field dotted with horses, sheep, and winter-gray hay bales. The horse that limped away from its more youthful companions and stopped by your car was the perfect Rocinante to your Doña Quixote. Eye to eye, the two of you contemplated the way home. You remember the winter rescue of a pod of beluga whales trapped near a Chukchi village off the Bering Strait. It was during your family’s first new year as sojourners of the Northern Hemisphere. Surrounded by 12-foot-thick ice, 3,000 white whales took turns breathing in a few remaining unfrozen pools. The ocean was beyond their reach, receding as the ice advanced. Many weeks after the villagers had radioed for help, the icebreaker Moskva cleared a channel to the ocean. Weak and bewildered, the whales fed in the larger pools the Moskva had made. After gaining strength, they started frolicking to what 1820s explorer William Parry had described as “shrill, ringing sounds, not unlike that of musical glasses played badly.” They swam and they ate; they clicked, yelped, chirped, whistled, and trilled. As Izvestia wrote in despair, they did everything but pursue their escape along the newly gouged canal. At last someone recalled that whales react acutely to music. The ship’s gramophone was fired up. Russian folk dances, martial fanfares, and classical crescendos poured off the deck. While the patriotic strains left the whales nonplused, the classical music did the trick. The herd began to follow the ship. Unexpectedly a character from graduate school, literary critic Harold Bloom, strolls into your field of stagnation. Scratching the suborbital depression between Rocinante’s eyes, he remarks, Don Quixote can remain a hero only as long as he retains his crazy will to be himself, as long as he keeps up the war against Freud’s reality principle. If remaining yourself means you must fight reality, you decline. You, Gertruida Magdalena Saunders, must live and die by reason. Fact is, you have no idea how to retrace your path home along the “longicuous” moonscape pockmarked with half-a-dozen “scattered bifrontal lobe nonspecific white matter lesions.” And you know that in this reality, no Moskva will materialize for you. So: You call Peter, cry a little bit, and follow his voice home. I could not combine the up and sideways movements of our bathroom tap to make cold water come out. Instead fetched cold water from the kitchen in the plastic jug. At La Frontera I was unable to interpret the beer stein the server put before me. I knew it was a beer stein, but couldn’t absorb the fact that it was upside-down. I saw it as right-side-up with a tight-fitting glass lid, which I tried to take off. I asked Peter how to get it off, and he turned the glass around. Then I understood. We were with friends. Here at the vacation house in Zion National Park I have trouble reading the diagram for the stove plates. I meant to switch on the kettle and instead switched on the pan of oil. Fortunately Newton saw it and prevented a disaster. Susanna Steenekamp’s dagboek, or "day book," turned to March 1997. I found my mother’s Day Book in her room after her death in August 2006. It is a spiral notebook with 27 entries in longhand, dating from the beginning of March through the end of April 1997. Though Susanna had given me copies of several earlier writing projects, including a 1995 meditation on her life, neither I nor any of my siblings knew about the Day Book, which she wrote in Afrikaans. Her rendition of mere facts, though, is not where the journal’s riches lie: Rather, she offers an echo of her hopes, her bravery in the face of vanishing capacities, her beneficent view of people, and her love for family. There are multiple entries referencing another memoir she was writing on her computer. In her Day Book she reports and bewails false starts and lack of progress with this effort to write her life story electronically. After her death, nobody knew to look for evidence of that book on her computer, which was given away with the rest of her personal belongings. SUSANNA’S DAY BOOK My heart does not come to rest. 3-11-1996 [sic] I have started thinking seriously again that I have for years wanted to write an uncomplicated book without big words or much learning. Would I be able to do that? I will try. The least is that I will have a book to my name. Most importantly, it will create an activity here in my retirement center where I spend most of my time alone. In any other private house I would have been alone too. In all my hobbies [painting, sketching, reading] I was well away when I became ill last year in early February; after my illness, however, I could not even write my name or write as I’m doing here now. What used to be everyday things had to come back gradually. The society in which we and our children find ourselves provides for the care of children from when they’re small, adults work the whole day, old people are rightfully taken care of in retirement and old-age homes. However, what about the wherewithal of which loneliness snips the wings? Or those like me, who “struggle to keep busy,” if one can even call that an activity? When I am not busy, I am lonely. Life outside me has become too new and strange and fast. The time will come when I will be focused only on my bodily needs. Radio without Borders had an open discussion today on the relationship between children and elderly parents. This topic has kept me busy (seriously) for the past year. I have come so far that I say not only the children have to become independent from the parents, but also the parents from the children. For me this process was accompanied by much quiet heartsoreness and emotion and I had to work very hard at it. I gave my emotion and heartsoreness over to the most holy in myself and to the Holy of Holies, since I feel I can love the children more when I am not mad with heartsoreness or distracted by emotion. To me love is openness in every direction, and in respect of my children this is only possible if I expect nothing from them and blame them for nothing—then they will come to me out of love. Dementia is a catchall term for various disabling problems with memory and thinking. Although the end results are very much alike no matter the cause of a particular dementia, diagnosing a cause helps establish a timeline and whether any medications are available to slow the progression. The Alzheimer’s Association defines 13 different types. Alzheimer’s, which for most people is synonymous with dementia, is the most common. It is caused by deposition in the brain of plaques (misfolded amyloid protein) and the presence of tangles (an abnormal number of protein tubes). There are no biological tests yet to definitively diagnose Alzheimer’s in a living person; plaques and tangles are found in the brain only at autopsy. A clinical diagnosis is made by excluding other forms of dementia and rating the patient on two different scales, one that measures cognitive decline, the other functional decline. Something from a witch’s cauldron rises up your gullet. From your face, emotions sprout in warty patches. Vascular dementia, which I have, results from the blockage of blood vessels in the brain, which can be detected on an MRI as lesions. These blockages eventually lead to repeated strokes. Some strokes cause immediately evident damage, but others are “silent” and not noticed by the patient or her caretakers when they happen. Despite the different origins of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia, their outcomes are similar enough to be assessed by the same two seven-stage scales: 1) the Global Deterioration Scale for Assessment of Primary Degenerative Dementia, or GDS, and (2 the Functional Assessment Staging Tool, or FAST. Both are widely used in the medical and psychiatric community. The GDS targets the level of damage in memory and thinking; FAST assesses an individual’s functioning and everyday self-care activities. Each scale ranges from stage 1, in which no cognitive deficits or odd behavior are noticed by either the patient or her loved ones, to stage 7, in which very severe cognitive and functional decline are evident. Stage 7, also known as late-stage dementia, is characterized by the deterioration of the patient’s speaking ability to about a half-dozen intelligible words, combined with progressive loss of the ability to walk, sit up, smile, and hold up her head. Thus, any particular person’s dementia falls somewhere between mild impairment and Bedlam-style madness. But one’s dementia does not lie where it falls. As sufferers of dementia (and their caretakers) soon discover, medical professionals’ use of the present continuous form of the verb “to dement” is highly significant. Even stage 7 patients are always still dementing, never done. Until they die. REFLECTION ON DEMENTIA FIELD NOTES OF 11-7-2011 Retired University of Utah faculty still have library privileges. Tracking down your wish list along the library’s boustrophedon of call numbers, you also cherry-pick their next-door, upstairs, and downstairs neighbors: Michael Paterniti’s Driving Mr. Albert: A Trip Across America With Einstein’s Brain; Jonah Lehrer’s Proust Was a Neuroscientist; Barbara G. Walker’s Feminist Fairy Tales; Edith Grossman’s new translation of Don Quixote, with an introduction by Harold Bloom; René Daumal’s A Night of Serious Drinking. Setting out for home along the route you drove to school and work for 20-some years, you float across the familiar suburb-scape, bobbing as leisurely as Einstein’s brain in a Tupperware bowl in the trunk of a Buick Skylark. As you stop for a pedestrian crossing, your mother tongue asserts itself: zebra oorgang. Why did the zebra cross the solar system? Because it was immortalized as an image on the gold-plated disc affixed to the 1970s Voyager spacecraft, launched along with greetings in 60 human languages and the calls of the humpback whales. Observing the orange-flag-wielding pedestrian, you think, “Whether the zebra crosses the road or the road crosses the zebra depends upon your frame of reference.” Einstein’s topsy-turvy universe. Like the one in which you suddenly find yourself. But yours is not comfortingly galactic. Uncanny, rather. You have stepped into a View-Master reel—“Hansel and Gretel”? Your cousin’s Don Quijote de la Mancha with its tauntingly inexplicable foreign subtitles? Trees arch overhead. Stage left, a cottage slouches behind the trunks. Are you going east-west or north-south? Are these the trees near the gas station where you turn west, or the foresty tunnel you enter after already having turned? There are no street signs. The birds have eaten your breadcrumbs. In the rearview mirror you note cars backed up behind you. Dear Professor Einstein: I understand the world moves so fast, it in effect stands still. A honk from the vehicle on your heels sets the others off. You cede the road, sidle almost onto the sidewalk. Part of the time it seems a person is standing right-side-up; part of the time, on the lower side of the world, he stands on his head. And part of the time he sticks out at right angles and part of the time at left angles. The aggrieved drivers pass, bestowing dirty looks. You sit with the engine running, waiting for—what? Baba Yaga in her speeding mortar fixing to scoot you along with her pestle? The Moskva? Something from a witch’s cauldron rises up your gullet. From your face, emotions sprout in warty patches. I’m going to devour you alive. Your brain has dried up. You’re a space cadet. The European Space Agency will soon launch two spacecraft, the Hidalgo and the Sancho, to divert asteroids hurtling toward Earth. An approaching semitruck blasts its troll breath from its overhead exhaust pipes, reminding you that the windmill you face is neither the size of Manhattan nor celestial. You have a scientific bent. Continue along this street and you will recognize something sooner or later. You are Doña Quixote crossing the equator in the Enchanted Boat. You are big Nanny Goat Gruff confronting your inner troll. Up you jump. You take a gap in the traffic, speed up like someone who knows where she’s going. Soon the landscape will shift and you’ll say, “Ah, there are those two houses with xeriscaped gardens right next to each other.” For a while, Anytown, USA, keeps rolling by. But finally—a boxy two-story building differentiates itself from its lookalike neighbors: the dentist where Newton had his wisdom teeth out. Trip-trap, trip-trap. Just half a block to the Sizzler. Up goes the troll. He goes SPLASH in the water. Right angle, 10 blocks to the light on 300 East. Big Nanny Goat Gruff is over the bridge. Left angle at the light, right angle at the blue house, right angle at Amit and Ruchika’s. The Nanny Goats Gruff have fun in the grass. They eat and eat. We like it here, they say. You stack the library books next to your two-seater La-Z-Boy couch. La-Z-girl, excuse me! You sink into your side, lever up the footrest, cover your knees with the blanket Peter’s mother had crocheted. Like Proust’s madeleine, this memory is but regret for a particular moment; your mom-in-law’s treasured handcrafts are as fugitive as, alas, the years. Your hand greedily clamps the top two books from your hard-won stash. You think of Albert Einstein’s mother when his teachers announced the boy was too stupid to learn. She had him begin violin lessons. Remembering her later in life, he would say, A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit, and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy? Before you settle on which book to open, your eyes fall on Peter, who is working on his laptop at the table. Would it be reasonable to assume that falling in love is one of the stupid things one does while sticking out upside down on the bottom of the earth? Frank Wall Dear Mr. Wall, Falling in love is not at all the most stupid thing people do, but gravitation cannot be held responsible. How come I can still write? Am I faking dementia? After my retirement on Aug. 1, 2011, I needed almost six months to feel ready for what I had looked forward to for most of my working life: preparing an almost-done novel for publication and completing a second one, into which I had already poured years of time and research. However, my last years at Gender Studies had left me fearful that I might not be able to edit a 300-page novel and resume another; at work, writing had come to drain my mental energy to the point where I had none left for my family or home life. Just about every aspect of my university job had involved writing. The program emails, office circulars, meeting reports, letters of recommendation, and other official letters had been quite doable just about up to the time of my retirement—they were relatively short, self-contained pieces. However, longer, research-based documents—which I used to love—had become very, very difficult. As fate would have it, a major responsibility during my 62nd year would be just such a piece of writing: a policy and procedures document creating a new position in our program. The document had to be written in the legal language and style of the university’s Policy and Procedures Manual; it had to include references to applicable university rules; and it had to align with the goals and practices of the various colleges and departments with which our program jointly appointed faculty. Given that this manual runs to hundreds of pages and that my short-term memory already seemed to barely function, I had to contend with the fact that a mere switch between screens erased from my mind the item I was researching. Accordingly, I wrote down, in longhand, what information I needed before switching screens. Once I had electronically copied the answer, I used the same process in reverse, jotting down keywords so that I would know what to do with the information once I got back to the draft screen. And so on for the bulk of the academic year. Work, for me, had become unconscionably time-consuming and stress-provoking. After thinking about my retirement writing projects for a month or two, I decided against revising my books-in-progress. I instead started writing an essay about the changes with which I am struggling as the result of my developing dementia. Then I wrote more. Could I possibly keep writing well enough and long enough for the accumulating essays to become the chapters of a book? When I went to a pre-check for my colon surgery, I parked between an SUV and a shoulder-high wall. When I returned, someone was waiting for my parking spot—but too close. I waved her back, she retreated—but not enough. I motioned again, she moved another inch. Still feeling cramped, I reversed. When I turned I went bang into the SUV. I got such a fright that I reversed and hit the concrete wall. I wrote the SUV owner a note, called Peter. I told him our car was OK and I would drive back. Bottomless dread. Back home, I told Peter I was no longer going to drive. Because it was the day I usually took our elderly neighbors shopping, I went over to tell them I would not be taking them that day or again in the future. I could not bring myself to tell anyone else. It wasn’t so much the actual driving, but rather the change in what I think of as a core of my self: helping other people. On Saturday morning I made a statement about not driving: I went shopping. By bus. At Fashion Place Mall. An hour there and an hour back on weekends. Nothing like being one of the elite on the bus who are not toothless, homeless, in a wheelchair, or on oxygen to take my mind off myself. Nothing to make my troubles seem trivial like the disproportionately large number of African-Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics awakening my post-immigration guilt about still being racially privileged. It feels as if I’m blackmailing Peter because it makes him sad and then he wants to do just anything to make me happy. In time my better-than-expected (albeit painfully slow) progress on my book about dementia—from which this essay is derived—became its own puzzle. Looking back at the chapters I’ve completed, I ask myself, “How come I can still write? Could I be faking dementia?” Since the indignities accumulating in my ADLs as well as conversation-inhibiting lacunae in my speech are classic markers of early dementia, the discrepancy between those failures and my preserved writing ability must be part of my story too. When I betook myself to my doctors, my friends, and the Internet, I found that I am not the only person who appears to be “faking.” For example, a counselor friend tells of a retired philosophy professor from her alma mater who can no longer bathe, dress, or feed himself, but directs canonical philosophy discussions with visiting former colleagues. A sprinkling of peer-reviewed neurological research, too, reports the “unexpected preservation of a cognitive function in individuals with dementia”: in the neurology journal Brain, for example, researchers Julia Hailstone and Rohani Omar present the case of a 64-year-old semiprofessional harpsichordist with a non-Alzheimer’s dementia who “had virtually no comprehension of oral or written language,” “was mute,” and did not understand the functions “of objects such as a corkscrew and a tuning fork,” but nevertheless demonstrated “the motor skills required in playing [his] instrument,” “the visuoperceptual skills required to read scores,” and “the cognitive skills involved in interpreting symbolic notation” as attested by his performance of “technically demanding, structurally complex compositions in an expressive manner.” During my search for accounts of the experience of dementia, I also came upon David Shenk’s bestseller on Alzheimer’s, The Forgetting. During his research Shenk discovered Morris Friedell, a sociology professor diagnosed at age 59, whose final year of teaching, four years before his diagnosis, sounds uncannily like mine. [H]e began to have trouble remembering what his students said in class. Later, he couldn’t remember a conversation he’d just had with his mother. At the neuropsychologist’s office, he couldn’t tell the doctor about a movie he’d seen just the night before. They ran the usual tests. He got a perfect score on the MMSE [Mini Mental State Exam, a test done in the doctor’s office that includes determining the patient’s orientation to time, ability to repeat three unrelated words right after the tester has said them, naming objects, and reading and following instructions]. On the brain scans he didn’t fare so well. After a year of long-distance interaction, Shenk met Friedell in person at an Alzheimer’s conference at New York University, where Friedell did a poster presentation titled “Potential for Rehabilitation in Alzheimer’s.” During lunch with Shenk the next day, Friedell explained that for him rehabilitation no longer means “Intensive rehab, in the spirit of what knee and hip surgery patients go through,” but rather “minimizing and slowing the cognitive loss by adapting to it.” His method includes performing an extremely simple task “just to get into a confidence mind-set,” and from there taking on the challenge “to solve problems in new, simpler ways.” After lunch, Friedell asked Shenk whether they had “ever spoken before today.” So, it seems that dementia can sometimes go like this: Persons having spent a lifetime mastering particular knowledge structures and intellectual skills may retain access to this expertise even after becoming utterly dependent on others in living their lives. I want to believe this will be my story, too. But in truth writing is getting slower and harder: This essay took nine months to create; the four chapters in my book project from which it originates took two years of many eight-hour days, reams of notes for switching computer screens, endless thesaurus-mining to pry almost-there words from the tip of my tongue, scissors-and-tape cutting and pasting to figure out how a single comprehensive piece might come together, and the tough-love edits of writer friends Shen Christenson and Kirstin Scott. As I completed each chapter, I made it confidentially available to friends and family as a means of updating them about my health and state of mind. Many recipients asked if they could pass the chapters on to people in their circle who were in some way affected by dementia. My readers’ feedback brimmed with extraordinary compassion, but also, to my surprise, gratitude. Hearing about the disease from the perspective of someone who actually has it—albeit its early stages—added a voice they had not found in other stories about dementia, namely those told by the caretakers of sufferers much further along the scale of diminishment. A peek into my experience, they said, helped diminish the fear and stigma engendered by the disease and additionally gave them insight into the often inexplicable behavior of the people they love who have dementia. While these responses encouraged me to complete the book, my frustratingly slow progress reminded me that I might not be able to do so. As an interim measure, therefore, I decided to write a shorter piece that I hoped might reach people beyond my inner circle. The result is this essay, a reshaping of book excerpts related to the most formidable issue I face: my ever-changing identity. Dementia can also go like this: A person having spent a lifetime mastering particular knowledge structures and intellectual skills—a well-educated person, in other words—may for a while use a “greater ‘thinking power’ ” to compensate for the disease in its early stage. However, as Mail Online reporter Jenny Hope brought to light, research done at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University shows that once university graduates’ dementia becomes evident, they “suffer a memory decline that is fifty percent faster than someone with a minimal education.” My father: Your education is something you can always fall back on. My mother: Dreams are easy, but the gander lays the egg. Einstein: The faster you go, the shorter you are. DEMENTIA FIELD NOTES, ELECTION DAY 2012 Not only for Obama was this a red-letter day. Two years had passed since my first neurological evaluation, and I went for my second one today. Taking the test felt better than I thought it would. I think I did better than last time on the portion where I have to remember 16 words after various distractions, since I knew from the beginning to listen for categories. After my two-years-ago test, the words had compulsively played in my head for weeks. My neuropsychologist, Dr. Janiece Pompa, remarked that my long-term memory was clearly still in good repair. After the test, Peter and I updated her on the happenings of the last two years: my difficulty with multistep tasks such as cleaning the kitchen counter, speech failures, tendency to get lost, inability to follow instructions from the GPS, and the accident that made me give up driving. I also told her about my essays. She asked about my method of research, and I explained the longhand-note thing. When I told her about the “faking” and that my friends don’t see the laborious writing process and the hours and hours and the confusion, I got quite emotional. Peter talked about my increasing forgetfulness, but noted that I get the overall picture of a situation very well. I confessed to being selfish in claiming so much writing time, and Peter confirmed my obsession. He added that I had always been a little like that when writing. I said I’m racing against the clock, which justifies my selfishness to myself; when I tell Peter I’m racing, it feels as if I’m blackmailing him because it makes him sad and then he wants to do just anything to make me happy. He acknowledged that it makes him sad (got a bit teary himself) but said it wasn’t all that bad. I divulged the difficulties I’m having with my heavily research-based piece “Your Brain on the Fritz” and that it takes me much longer to see what should be in and what should be out to make the chapter cohere—that I have to physically cut and paste multiple times. ... Now we have to wait for the detailed results to come in the mail. The final entry of Susanna’s Day Book—the one I previously mentioned—is the only one with a title: “Die Ware Jakob,” or “The True Jacob,” an Afrikaans expression for “The Real Thing.” The entry was intended to replace her many computer-written false starts on the memoir she had mentioned, her intended “justification” of her life. At the time of this last entry, she had apparently lost all her electronic work on the computer. While awaiting help to relocate her files (which she feared she might have erased accidentally), she wrote a longhand “true beginning” of her memoir. Her writing stops midnarrative. She never again wrote any prose we know of—only her name. The 27th and final entry differs from the previous ones in several respects: Susanna writes on every other line of the ruled page, whereas she did not skip lines before—and on this one day she wrote one-quarter of the words in the entire Day Book, whereas the other three-quarters were attained over almost two months. Given that this section maintains an average of only three words per line compared with five-and-a-bit before, the writing seems fevered—the spacing and orthographically drawn-out words reminiscent of my own long-ago blue book exams. The content, too, is atypical. This entry alone is devoted entirely to her illness. DIE WARE JAKOB The illness last year from beginning February to the end of October and everything I associate with it—which proves that it did happen—will not leave me. Whether I deny it or whether I affirm it or whether I just let it be ... it drags behind me like a specter, is always with me. ... The dreadful anguish and shock when I realized I would have to live in an old-age home for the rest of my life left me with a fragile heart. Life would never get better. The night before the onset of the illness, I was working on a painting, inspired and enthusiastic: it was a natural scene, like heaven might have looked like, with beautiful plants, flowers, birds, insects, a lizard, and a snake. It was late when I went to bed and during the night I saw a vision of heaven. Now, for the first time, I think it could have been a dream with a remnant carrying over into the next day like the painting I had made—however, initially I was convinced that it was a vision, a hallucination! This insight makes me feel a lot better. A hallucination sounds much sicker than a dream. ... Nothing will persuade me now that it had not been a dream! Now with the telling I realize that I cannot remember the chronology well at all: I came back home from the hospital, but I don’t know if I stayed at home. I know I was back at the sick bay, because I got into trouble for wetting the floor. I did it to bring down my body temperature. Something I had successfully done at the Little Company of Mary’s Hospital, but on a smaller scale. Back in the sick bay I started getting confused. Or had it already happened at my home? Even though I have been able to return to my house, the heartsoreness is deeply lodged and I connect it to more and more things. I have the horrible feeling that I was not as sick as it is alleged and that I could have been spared all the trauma of moving. I want to know why I could not just as well have been sick and mixed up at home and have recovered here? I suspect I must have been ill, since I was so totally dependent and submissive that I did everything I was told. My test results came in the mail while we were in Chicago to help Marissa and Adam stock the freezer and wash the baby clothes in time for the baby’s birth. Back home, I found the neuropsychological report in the huge box of mail our neighbor Diane had collected for us. I read the neuropsychological report, but could not bring myself to write anything about it until now—over two weeks later. A page from Gerda’s psychoneurological evaluations. Right after the test, while debriefing with Dr. Pompa, I had great confidence in the outcome of the working memory test, the one where I had to remember the four sets of words. During my test two years ago, I had demonstrated only “average learning ability.” Since I had learned during that test cycle that the 16 words came in semantic clusters, it felt as if I were doing better the second time round. To my disappointment, though, the results show that my overall score this time was worse than at age 61. The report’s fine print explains my lower overall score. Even though I knew the words came in four categories, after most repeats I could remember only three categories. I remember saying, “I know there is one I haven’t said yet,” but could not come up with what it was. Together with the missing category all four of its words were lost. And this had been the section for which I’d had the highest hopes. In the other sections my score had not gone downhill as much as I had expected from how challenging they felt during the test. In the connect-the-numbers and build-the-diagram sections I had not made many mistakes, but my slowness lowered the scores. After I had struggled through those sections, Dr. Pompa must have seen how demoralized I was because she hinted that I might not want to do the math test this time. I was happy to leave it out. The report of two years ago already attested to the sorry state into which my math skills had slipped. What unnerves me most in both sets of test results, though, is the drop in my IQ since my last high school test. In my day, South African schools used the Wechsler scale, which is the same as the one Dr. Pompa used. The results are therefore comparable. And the drop in my number precipitous. Even though I know that IQ is nowadays regarded as too simplistic a measure of anyone’s achievement potential and only tangentially related to life success, my IQ had always mattered to me. It stood for the academic prowess for which I was recognized as long as I can remember. It was something good I knew about myself like my tallness and good skin and ability to stay calm. Now my IQ has become one of those things I have acquired over time that I don’t like: my sagging jowls, my slight limp from an old foot surgery, my wandering attention. Until I have made peace with myself about this, I cannot talk about it to anyone. Not even Peter. Sitting on her 12-foot-high, strong, long arm of a cottonwood tree, Doña Quixote is trying to see life as it would be if only she were the uppercase Someone in charge of the Holy Headquarters from which justice is supposedly administered. She giggles at the thought that in Afrikaans hoog in die takke, “high up in the branches,” means that you are intoxicated. She isn’t. To remedy this, Winston Churchill, who used to start his day with a snifter of brandy warmed by his butler over a candle, wobbles her branch with his 22 stone. “Sir, you are drunk,” she prissily informs him. “Madam,” Churchill rejoins, “you are demented. In the morning, I shall be sober.” Now if Doña Quixote were indeed the uppercase Someone in charge of the universe, she would rather have had Churchill pronounce her as a faker and have that be true. Although in real life Doña Quixote is manifestly deficient in uppercaseness, she nevertheless assumes the omnivoyance required to exchange a wink with Einstein’s eyes. Those eyes, their genial brown leached to pond-water drabness by a four-decade-long alcohol bath, are in the New York City safety deposit box to which Dr. Henry Abrams, the physicist’s ophthalmologist, consigned them after removing them from the genius’ still-warm body because they were part of the brain too, and I wanted a keepsake. Another keepsake-hoarder, Dr. Thomas Harvey, squirreled away two potato-sized chunks of the genius’ brain after completing the autopsy. The rest he sectioned into 170 die-sized blocks, handfuls of which he magnanimously dispatched to cronies. Eve’s evil snake, snarkily hissing the syllables that drove her up the tree: “Tessst resultsss.” In 1995 journalist Michael Paterniti learned that then-84-year-old Harvey still “owned” the relics. Paterniti invited Harvey on a trip to California, the ticket to ride being Einstein’s brain, which they would jointly deliver to the physicist’s adopted granddaughter, Evelyn Einstein. Exploiting Einstein’s dictum that the distinction among the past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion, Doña Quixote listens in on the travelers’ banter as they barrel across the plains. Is it true, Paterniti wants to know, that Evelyn was told as a child that she was actually Opa Albert’s lovechild, but that her half brother Ernst, who had now become her Vater, nevertheless loved her sehr viel? Harvey demurs that all he really knows of the genius is the architecture of his brain. Did Paterniti know that Das Brain was endowed with a sehr robust inferior parietal lobe whose size exceeded those of ordinary mortals by 15 percent? Harvey’s factoid bounces between Doña Quixote’s prefrontal cortex and temporal lobes, dislodging a reference datum from neuroscientist Michael Gazzaniga’s Who’s in Charge?—to wit, the inferior parietal lobe is where the brain makes up explanations when it actually does not have enough cues to understand a situation. From the Buick’s passenger seat, Thomas Harvey weighs in: “Not so fast, Frau Quixote! What Das Brain had gained in confabulation was counteracted by its lack of a parietal operculum ... ” Neuroscience pioneer V.S. Ramachandran, who is eagerly anticipating Das Brain’s arrival in California, interjects his own scoop: “ ... and therefore it had no Broca’s speech area to deploy words in a grammar that produces meaning.” Doña Quixote’s heart lurches toward poor young Albert. No wonder he hardly spoke during his early youth! Das Brain, too, musters enough mirror neurons to beam empathy: For didn’t der poor Junge make Das Brain practice a sentence for hours before the boy dared mutter it, causing Vati and Mutti to fear their son was retarded? That is—Das Brain’s amygdala flares relief—until that exhilarating moment when Albert, 9 years old, suddenly became decidedly eloquent: Albert: The soup is too hot. Mutti und Vati: Why didn’t you say anything before? Albert: Because up to now everything was in order. What a hilarious child, Doña Quixote thinks absently. Her mind has drifted along a sideways rivulet of awe at her own hubris for having managed to insert the most iconic left brain in history into a story that is really about herself. Of course, it is not young Albert whom she fears is too stupid to learn. Further down the limb that braces her against gravity, the rope remnants of a backyard swing coil to life—Eve’s evil snake, snarkily hissing the syllables that drove her up the tree: “Tessst resultsss.” She should really go home with the news that she had lost more than 20 IQ points since she was last tested in her late teens. Never done. Until you die. My heart does not come to rest. The branches above her shiver, and through the rustling leaves pops Churchill’s bulldog head. Let us reconcile ourselves to the mysterious rhythm of our destinies, he says, sounding a bit like Einstein, such as they must be in this world of space and time. Doña Quixote accepts the snifter the British Bulldog extends through the dull undersides of the leaves as he offers a toast: “To the god who plays dice.” She sips. Other confabulators tilt their cups in a salutation: Proust: Here’s to my friends wherever there are companies of trees, wounded but not vanquished, which huddle together with touching obstinacy to implore an inclement and pitiless sky. Susanna: The angels and the people sing hymns of praise. Who are angels and who are people? Hosanna! Hosanna! Photo illustration by Lisa Larson-Walker Susanna always knew that her parents had a special regard for her—not only because she was their firstborn and their only girl, but also because she knew that they had considered her to be ouderwets, or precocious, since her baby days. In a meditation called “The Most Beautiful Places” that she started writing during a visit to our family in Salt Lake City one and a half years before her mental breakdown, she recalls an imaginary conversation she once had with her father “in the clouds of her dreams.” This daydream takes place at the Orange River, she writes, whose teeming green bisects the arid wilderness of the southern Kalahari region where she grew up. Six-year-old Susanna is climbing the steep bank with two buckets of water. Despite her careful steps along the rocky footpath, water spills over the edges and splashes cool against her feet with their worn, homemade shoes. Susanna’s father made their shoes. In her daydream he appears in his role as shoemaker: There he is at his iron last, nailing new soles onto his own worn-out shoes with his small-headed hammer. He always looks worried, but when he sees her the creases around his eyes soften and a smile almost begins around his mouth. He likes her. She will ask him about the pink dress she’s been dreaming about. She asks, “Pa, when Pa gets money again, will Pa buy me some fabric at old Lenhoff’s for a pink dress?” Her father looks at her. She can see that he thinks she is ouderwets. She knows what his answer will be: “Of course I’ll buy my big girl a pink dress—when I have money again.” Her father loves her. She knows this, because when her mother cooks afval, or tripe, her father always gives her the sheep’s brain. “That’s why you’re so clever,” he tells her as he dishes into her plate a scoop of brain marrow in a crisp shell of the belly in which it has been cooked. Her mother, Truia, who always gets the heart, reaches an arm around her shoulder from the seat beside her and says, “Big Sister. You must study hard, my child. Ma se ou skapie. Ma’s little lamb.” The tree bark beside Doña Quixote is maimed by a deep fissure. Her cottonwood is old, its skin turned from the silvery white of youth to the dark gray of decrepitude. Its coarsely toothed leaves gnaw at the unfunny matter of her own brain. Their yackety-yak drives her down the trunk. When Doña Quixote reaches the solid ground in which her tree is rooted, Dr. Pompa is there waiting. She offers a steadying hand while the hidalga finds her land legs, then embarks on an interpretation of Doña Quixote’s low IQ score—an interpretation that, as her career-honed empathetic expression suggests, she intends as mitigating. “Due to the amount of scatter between the index scores,” she murmurs confidentially, “the Full Scale IQ is not an accurate representation of the testee’s intellectual ability. Each index should be interpreted as a measure of a separate cognitive ability.” Doña Quixote finds none of this comforting. Which index, she wonders, does Dr. P suppose her patient would find uplifting? The working memory section? The math? Doesn’t she remember writing that her patient “did not remember the elements of [arithmetic] problems long enough to solve them”? That “When given the opportunity to do the problems on paper, she had the same difficulty reasoning through and performing the correct operations as before”? She who had mentored her own and her neighbors’ children through their Math Olympiad triumphs in high school. She who has a bachelor’s degree in math like her father and has taught the subject in college. She who, like her mother, was ouderwets once upon a time, and beloved. Don’t worry about your difficulty in mathematics, Das Brain interjects. Mine are still greater. Das Brain’s apparently empathetic statement whomps Doña Quixote’s limbic system, zaps up anger. Professor Einstein had used these words to protest his supposedly inadequate mathematical skills to an 8-year-old! When Adelaide Delong showed up at her grandfatherly neighbor’s door with homemade fudge and a request for help with her times tables, the supposedly brilliant man accepted the candy but refused to give her his assistance. It would not be fair to the other girls at school, he said. Quatsch, Doña Quixote expostulates in German. Rubbish. Hadn’t the world’s purportedly smartest man learned anything from being brilliant Mileva Marić’s lover? How could he not have been indelibly impressed that Marić was only the second woman to finish a full program of study in mathematics and physics at the Zürich Polytechnikum? What would fiery Mileva have said to his lame excuse of It would not be fair to the other girls ... ? Doña Quixote’s rant falls on deaf ears, since the Buick’s vibrations have lulled Das Brain into slow alpha pulses. Soothed with hypnagogic hallucinations, it hears Liebfrau Elsa call in her lilting Swabian dialect, Albertle, my dear naughty little sweetheart. Or was that Mileva? Now Doña Quixote strolls past the big-tooth maples the city had planted the year she and her family settled in longicuous Utah. “Longicuous” means “remote,” and I’m not surprised you don’t understand it, Sancho, because you don’t know Latin. In language recaptured from a distant slice of space-time, she notices that those saplings have this day come to the prime of their lives. Just as well that in its westwardly rocking cradle Das Brain is emitting bursts of rhythmic cosine curves that signal delta sleep. Doña Quixote wants to spare Das Brain this part, for she is about to use the Father of Relativity as an antihero, someone living so much through his intellect that the much more important matter of demonstrating his love for those he undoubtedly did love went by the wayside. Einstein’s failings in matters of the right brain: Item: Cowed by his father, who had forbidden marriage, he stood silent while Mileva, out-of-wedlock pregnant, sneaked off to Serbia, where, alone and afraid, she gave birth to their daughter, Lieserl, only to have the infant kidnapped by her grandparents, who would not clarify whether Lieserl had died or been adopted. Top Comment This is my biggest fear; reading this essay felt like being 6 and going looking for the monsters in my closet. More... -Not-not-becky Item: Bored with their marriage and reluctantly conceding to Mileva’s desire to give it another try, he wrote: You will expect no affection from me. … You must leave my bedroom or study at once without protesting when I ask you to. Item: Though “known for his interest in children,” he had only the most perfunctory contact with his granddaughter. Poor Evelyn—after learning five languages and earning a master’s degree in medieval literature, she worked as a dogcatcher, cult deprogrammer, and police officer before becoming homeless, sleeping in cars, and diving dumpsters. Poor Evelyn, who sued the Hebrew University of Jerusalem—which earns tens of thousands of dollars per year from her grandfather’s intellectual legacy—for money to move into an assisted living facility. She lost. As Doña Quixote approaches her house, she wonders whether it was merciful that Einstein had died before seeing Evelyn’s fate proclaimed in headlines such as “Evelyn Einstein Died in Squalor Despite Grandfather’s Riches.” No, she decides, the term mercy applies only if our consciousness somehow survives our death. But what counts as mercy for someone whose brain is destined to be worn out long before her body? This place has only three exits, madam. At her red front door, Doña Quixote stops. She is not yet allowed to enter. I alone cross the threshold, look for my dear, naughty little sweetheart. I find him in the boy half of our his-and-her chair. His computer lies closed on the coffee table. He has turned on his side, his head drooping toward the armrest. His snore is rhythmic and loud. Ma’s little lamb. I have known him since I was 17 and he 19; we met in physics class. I know what he will say, voice blurry with tenderness, when I tell him about the statistically meaningful downward migration of my IQ on the bell curve: “A table, a meat pie, a glass of wine, a hand to hold: What else does a man need to be happy?” I let myself down gently, lever up the footrest, spoon up beside him. His shoulder pushes up a wave of his mother’s blanket, and that is where I rest my head. He grunts, pets my leg. I think of the belugas’ dissonant chatter as they follow the Moskva home, clots of sound overscored by the strings and winds of the orchestra. I think of the trills of their kin on the Voyager traversing the profound silence beyond the star that gave them life. How strange to the beings of those longicuous worlds the glissandos of the humpback whales. (Return to “This place has only three exits ... ”) The “Reflection on Dementia Field Notes” sections were initially free-flow rants that incorporated lines I remembered from outside sources. These lines include quotes, either adapted or misremembered, borrowed notions, and received insights that informed my thinking. During my subsequent editing process, I checked the sources in order to acknowledge them, but did not necessarily correct my remembered versions, staying instead with the uses to which I had originally put them. I acknowledge the sources here, in the order they occur: This place has only three exits, sir: Madness, and Death. René Dumaul. A Night of Serious Drinking. Trans. David Coward and E.A. Lovatt. Boston: Shambhala, 1979. As for me and my house, [we will serve the Lord]. Joshua 24:15, The Holy Bible. King James Version. Victoria, Australia: The Book Printer, World Bible Publishers, n.d. ... brain dried up from too much reading. Miguel Cervantes. Chapter XXIX, “About the famous adventure of the Enchanted Boat.” The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha. Cervantes Project. Est. 1995. Texas A&M University and Universidad de Castilla–La Mancha. Web. Nov. 6, 2012. Dear Professor Einstein: I understand the world moves so fast . . . up to Sincerely, Albert Einstein. Banesh Hoffmann and Helen Dukas. Albert Einstein, The Human Side. New Glimpses from His Archives. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1979. ... they were part of the brain too. “The Strange and Tragic Story of Einstein’s Brain.” Depleted Cranium: The Bad Science Blog. Jan. 6, 2013. Web. Aug. 13, 2013. The soup is too hot anecdote. Alex Santoso, citing Einstein historian Otto Neugebauer. “Ten Strange Facts about Einstein.” Neatorama. March 26, 2007. Web. Aug. 1, 2013. ... too stupid to learn. Geetha Bhatt. “Tune in for Intelligence.” Deccan Herald. July 19, 2012. Web. Aug. 12, 2013. Let us reconcile ourselves to the mysterious rhythm of our destinies ... Winston Churchill, 1931. National Churchill Museum. n.d. Web. Aug. 1, 2013. Don’t worry about your difficulty in mathematics ... Albert Einstein. Mathematical Quotations Server. Furman University. 1995. Web. Aug. 1, 2013. It would not be fair to the other girls at school. As above. Albertle, my dear naughty little sweetheart ... Mileva Marić in a letter to Albert Einstein. Nova Transcripts. PBS. Sept. 9, 1997. Web. Aug. 1, 2013. Longicuous means remote ... Cervantes, as above. ... those saplings have this day come to the prime of their lives. Grace Paley. “Wants.” Enormous Changes at the Last Minute. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 1985. How strange to the beings of those longicuous worlds ... This is a reworking of a citation I made in my previously published short story “We’ll Get to Now Later,” from Blessings on the Sheep Dog, Dallas: Southern Methodist University Press, 2002. The original idea about whale sounds in space is from Carl Sagan’s Cosmos, London: Macdonald, 1981. Gerda Saunders is the author of Memory’s Last Breath: Field Notes on My Dementia. She pulls her South African and American selves together in Utah. FOLLOW SLATE SLATE ON Slate Group logo Slate is published by The Slate Group, a Graham Holdings Company. All contents © 2019 The Slate Group LLC. All rights reserved.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3553
__label__cc	0.626793	0.373207	Blog > General Blog Posts > Letter to Inspector Elizabeth Ord Isabel Fielden has sent me a letter that herself and Greg Underhill have written along with other Churchdown residents. This letter is to the Joint Core Strategy Inspector, Elizabeth Ord and it states many reasons why the JCS is unsound. Greg and Isabel would like to know whether you would like to join our protest group. We already have several MPs who have agreed to join, including: 1. Bill Whelan (Councillor Innsworth & Down Hatherley) 2. Kay Berry (Councillor Churchdown St. Johns) 3. Alistair Cameron MP 4. Laurence Robertson MP We desperately need experts in English Heritage, environmental, flooding, transport systems, greenbelt policy and infrastructure and we cannot fight this on our own. Please pledge your support by emailing enquiries@fieldencreative.co.uk and gregu66@gmail.com to join the group. We only have two months left to fight this, and we need to give a good defence as to why the building should not take place on Churchdown's green belt land to the Planning Inspector Elizabeth Ord. The contents of the letter are included below, you can also download the document here: View Document From: Churchdown Residents To: Inspector Elizabeth Ord LLB(Hons), LLM, MA, DipTUS Dear Madam, RATIONALE FOR REJECTION OF JCS STRATEGY AND PLANS FOR CHURCHDOWN The JCS is unsound because the strategy fails to take account of a number of legal, policy and moral obligations. The JCS plans lack detail and are vague, so they will be open to significant interpretation by developers. The plans also lack any financial provision for improved infrastructure and any assessment of technical feasibility, so the local authorities are unlikely to deliver on the promises made in the JCS strategy. The plans for Churchdown do not comply with the policies set out in the NPPF or indeed the JCS vision and other policies set out in their own submission. Failure on Duty To Cooperate The local planning authorities have failed in their Duty to Cooperate obligation to produce effective and deliverable policies on cross boundary issues . In 1 particular JCS fails to provide adequate policies on: Transport – to provide for the growth in traffic and take account of traffic safety. The Environment – to protect wildlife and existing green infrastructure, including strategically significant green belt land. Provision of local Services – to increase provision for medical and educational services. Safety – there are concerns with proximity to the local Airport and road transport. Failure to Produce a Sound Plan The local plans for Churchdown are not sound in a number of respects2, including but not limited to the following: Plans are not positively prepared: there has been limited engagement with the local community and no attempt made to resolve either the local concerns highlighted3 or the concerns of key stakeholders such as Natural England, English Heritage, Thames Water, Staverton Airport and Stagecoach (see Annex A). The plans also do not provide necessary additional local infrastructure or services. Plans are not justified: the use of strategically significant green belt is not justified when the authorities have failed to explore the use of non green belt land or justify the exceptional circumstances where a review is allowed in accordance with the NPPF. Plans are not effective: A plan that lacks detail cannot, by definition, be effective. Plans are not consistent with National Policy: the joining of Churchdown and Gloucester contributes to urban sprawl and is contrary to NPPF core planning principles in paragraph 17 on protection of green belt land. The plans also fail to meet a number of other core NPPF planning principles4 specifically: o A lack of empowerment for local people to help shape the plans. o Lack of any creativity or any single improvement to Churchdown infrastructure or amenities to help enhance the village. o Failure to take account of the role and character of Churchdown – the plans lack any mixed development on green field sites or innovative designs. o Failure to conserve the natural environment particularly the green corridors leading onto Churchdown hill, important hedgerows, and open countryside. o Failure to use or consider the use of existing brownfield land. o Failure to fully protect a heritage asset - Pirton Court and its associated pond and orchard will be situated in the middle of a modern housing estate. o Failure to actively manage patterns of growth, congestion or transportation. o Failure to take account of or support local strategies to improve health and cultural wellbeing or deliver sufficient community services to met local needs. 1. Planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk paragraph 001, reference 9-001-20140306. 2. Planningguidance.planningportal.gov.uk paragraph 002, reference 9-002-20140306 3. Requests for a JCS consultation at Churchdown were declined and submission of a local petition was rejected. Failure to Protect the Green Belt The fundamental aim of Green Belt Policy is to prevent urban sprawl by keeping land permanently open and to prevent towns from merging. JCS fails to protect significant areas of green belt vital in preventing the joining of Gloucester and Churchdown and other parts of Gloucester and Cheltenham5 or to justify why such use of Green Belt land is necessary (allowed only in exceptional circumstances). The JCS Strategic allocations report acknowledges the significance of the land chosen in Churchdown and therefore its failure to follow Green Belt policy: ‘’The entire area is located within the Green Belt and the AMEC Assessment considers land in this location to make a significant contribution towards the purposes of including land within the Green Belt.’’ JCS also fails a second criteria established in the Gloucestershire planning policy GB.1 that only appropriate development that does not compromise the open character of the green belt or which would not contribute to the coalescence of the settlements would be permitted. The development in Churchdown fails both of these tests. JCS Plans are Vague and Lack Detail JCS Plans are ambiguous and lack any specific detail or commitments; this is true generally but particularly for Churchdown. This leaves residents feeling particularly vulnerable over the scope for interpretation by developers looking to minimise costs. The lack of consultation and consideration for Churchdown has resulted in a loss of trust with Tewksbury Borough Council. Specifically there is a lack of any plans for the following: Routes of Access and Road Layouts. For example the access to A3 housing estates could be provided from Pirton Lane or via new roads built to the Elmbridge Court roundabout. Or to the A40; these were orginally proposed but seem to have since been dismissed. Instead the easy option will be taken – with roads onto Pirton Lane. Pirton Lane is a relatively narrow (the clue is in the name) with an extremely narrow pavement in some sections. Parked cars on the lane regularly block the progress of traffic and buses in particular. The provision of new roads could potentially provide a solution but no such detail is available. Improvements to Existing Infrastructure. The addition of circa 10000 additional residents across Churchdown and Innsworth will increase pressure on already oversubscribed schools, as well as medical and dental facilities. The lack of any plans for increased funding or commitment to increase provision for education and health services is a cause for concern and a failure on the part of JCS. Housing Estate Layout. The number and type of houses to be built in each area is not clear. For example the number of houses to be built on Pirton Court Farm (a national heritage site) is not specified. 4 www.gov.uk NPPF Core Planning Principles Paragraph 17. 5 The AMEC report states that this part of the green belt is significant The JCS leaves open the prospect for significant further increases in housing and employment areas, as well as the park and ride scheme. Therefore the very few protections that are given, for example the very small strip of land that would notionally separate parts of Churchdown to Gloucester are unlikely to be enduring. The Lack of a Transportation Plan and Traffic Impact The Transport report (by Atkins) was submitted too late (Nov 14) and 6 did not allow time for consultation or review. This is not a transport plan, contrary to the spirit, if not the letter, of the Duty to Co-operate and the NPPF. A review of this Transport report shows that it fails to provide adequate mitigation for the projected increase in traffic congestion on numerous key junctions such as the A46 Shurdington and the Air Balloon roundabout, already major sources of congestion. The overall increase is assessed as: ‘’ There is clearly a deterioration in the performance of the network between base year and 2031 in terms of longer queues, higher average travel times, and reduced average travel speeds. This is only to be expected given a growth of about 28% in trip making during that period.’’ However, the consequences for Churchdown and Pirton Lane in particular are clear: ‘’the most significant impact has been on: Junction of Cheltenham Road East and Pirton Lane, near Strategic Allocation Site A2 and A3- North Churchdown and South Churchdown‘’. ‘’The junction has been impacted severely – further improvements will be needed’’. Current proposals leave open the likelihood that Pirton Lane will become a main traffic through-road increasing congestion at the junction with Cheltenham Rd East to greater than 100% of its capacity. Additional traffic will also occur due to the additional JCS housing developments elsewhere locally, including substantial numbers in Innsworth and Brockworth. This will increase traffic to and from Hucclecote and Brockworth and is likely to result in the increased use of Churchdown and Pirton Lane as a ‘rat run’. Pirton Lane, because of its narrow width and narrow pavements is unsuitable for such use and is likely to be unsafe for pedestrians given the likely future volume of traffic. The failure to evaluate or take account of this and the associated safety impact makes the JCS strategy unsound. 6 JCS Strategic Allocation Option Testing report by Atkins dated 18 November 2014. Failure to Provide an Infrastructure Plan or Policy The JCS submission fails to consider the viability of additional infrastructure required to support the additional houses in Churchdown and Innsworth. For example the additional electrical power, water, sewerage and communications supplies have not been scoped as feasible with the appropriate authority or organisation. The documentation associated with infrastructure acknowledges that further work is required but an appropriate and sound strategy would at least prove the overall viability of the strategy. The complete absence of such work supports the argument that the JCS plans are not sound. Failure to Take Account of the Character of Churchdown Village The Landscape Characterisation Assessment of Pirton Court 7 which characterises the landscape as being of low value is misleading and includes a number of significant errors8: It fails to take account of the extensive hedgerows or traditional wooden fencing - describing them as ‘wire fencing” The report classifies Pirton Court Farm and surrounding views from Pirton Lane as of Low value due to: “Landscape character degraded by intensive agricultural and horsicultural use associated with post and wire fencing” “ visual associations with housing are clear and landscape character has been degraded by agricultural intensification.” The Significance of Pirton Court Farm as a unique historical asset with buildings and surrounding landscape of significant character, including the barn, ancient orchard and pond, are all under-stated and the descriptions are misleading. To explain this perspective we offer some photos taken of area concerned. Even if the flawed assessment of ‘low value’ were to be accepted, the decision to use this assessment to justify the removal of the land from greenbelt is contrary to the (NPPF) as PPG2 para 1.7 specifically says that ‘’ the quality of land is not relevant to its inclusion in Green Belt or its continued protection” so again the JCS assessment is flawed and unsound. The JCS Green Infrastructure policy is only a draft document and is weak and poorly written, with no specific plans or commitments. The text has lots of ‘’shoulds’’ and ‘’TBCs’’ but no there are no ‘’shalls’’ or positive commitments. For example the report says: ‘’The policy context needs to be put in place so that authorities can negotiate with developers to ensure that some of the identified infrastructure works can be delivered. ‘’ There are no specific commitments to retain the existing Green infra structure or specific and funded plans to restore the green infra structure following the whole scale building around Pirton Court, a site acknowledged to be of historical significance, turning a national heritage asset into a housing estate. 7 Final-JCS-Master-Landscape-Characterisation-Assessment-and-Sensitivity-Analysis 8 Page 41 of the JCS Landscape Characterisation Assessment Report. There is an abundance of exiting green infrastructure that will be harmed by JCS. For example removing the corridor for wildlife to move to and from Chosen Hill or Churchdown, with a significant amount of green infrastructure not being mentioned. No assessment has been made for any protected wildlife, such as owls, bats and newts, or the impact of loss of hedgerows, trees and green fields. The only green infrastructure provision mentioned in the plan is a new GI corridor in Horsebere, but this exists for the primary purpose of improving flood defences and even this is ‘TBC’. Flawed Assessment of Churchdown South Option The decision to select Option C (1500 new homes) over Option A (750 new homes) for South Churchdown was based on subjective and inaccurate opinion (not data) and flawed assumptions (e.g. building a link road to the A40 and improvements to the Elmbridge Court Roundabout that have not been agreed). The analysis quickly dismissed options to develop sites such as North-West Cheltenham (due to the cost of developing junction 10 of the M5 - something that is feasible and needed anyway). Whilst the report provided some good economic analysis, the assessment of Option C as preferred to Option A was flawed. For example the report assessed the impact of the much larger Option C as having less impact on traffic congestion or on the character of Churchdown. The more balanced Option (Option A) was dismissed without justification and appears to be driven by the financial motivation to maximise development and profits. Overall the JCS strategy and plan fails to take account of a number of key NPPF policies and the JCS is unsound for a number of reasons identified. In addition there has been total absence of any consideration of the position of Churchdown residents, indeed it appears that Gloucester City. Tewksbury and Cheltenham Borough Councils have all chosen Churchdown as a sacrificial lamb, despite the significant number of negative impacts it will have. ANNEX A to JCS Submission KEY STAKEHOLDER OBJECTIONS Negative Evidence against the Churchdown Developments The reader could be forgiven for thinking that the key stakeholders referred to in the NPPF, particularly English Heritage, Natural England, Thames Water, residents, Parish Councillors and indeed developers are supportive of the JCS proposals. However, buried in the JCS report annexes and supporting documents are a number objections or concerns raised by key Stakeholders that have not been addressed. The following are extracts taken primarily from the JCS Plan Representation Responses Summary Report dated Nov 14. Distribution of new development (Policy SP2) - local residents and parish councils opposing the strategic allocations presented reasons why these sites (for example, Brockworth, Leckhampton and North/ South Churchdown) should not proceed or have stated that the plan does not give sufficient weight to promoting housing on brownfield land first. Infrastructure delivery and developer contributions (Policies INF7 and INF8) – Developer objections to Policy INF7 state that the policy does not give sufficient recognition to viability; any requests for developers to fund infrastructure should be consistent with the CommunityInfrastructure Levy Regulations 2010; the policy does not make a clear distinction between CIL and s106 requirements; and the policy needs to clarify situations when cumulative impact will be assessed. Two representations state that these two policies should be merged into one. Thames Water object to Policy INF7 because it does not include a specific reference to adequate provision of water supply and waste water infrastructure. Historic environment (Policy SD9) - the promoter of one strategic allocation stated that the thrust of this policy is at odds with policy guidance in paragraphs 134 and 135 of the NPPF and that it is not necessary for development proposals at strategic allocations to comply with the JCS Historic Environment Assessment (HEA). On the other hand, English Heritage has objected to the allocation of three strategic allocations (North West Cheltenham, Brockworth and South Churchdown) on the grounds that the HEA does not give sufficient protection to heritage assets on these three sites. Swindon Parish Council state that ridge and furrow fields around Swindon village are not recorded and should be protected. Biodiversity and geodiversity (Policy SD10) – Natural England state that this policy is not consistent with the NPPF because it does not clarify that development outside SSSIs that would result in adverse effects on them will not normally be permitted. One developer states that as there is a legal obligation to ensure that European Protected Species and National Protected Species are safeguarded, there is no need to refer to this legal obligation in the policy. Two parish councils have made other representations, stating that the policy does not give sufficient guidance around development affecting development sites. Strategic allocations (Policy SA1) - in summary, supporters and opponents of the various strategic allocations have presented cases consistent with their overall view of development. Most local objections relate to the Leckhampton strategic allocation in particular, but also a number of representations object to North and South Churchdown and Brockworth. Save the Countryside and other local groups consider that the views of the public have not been taken into account.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3559
__label__wiki	0.598361	0.598361	Sydney Gruber about The Artist The Shows The Résumé The Story The Résumé Galleries/ Alchemy Artist Kentuck Art Night \| September Kentuck Art Center 503 Main Avenue Northport, AL 35401 USA (map) JOIN US FOR THIS FREE FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENT! Art Night occurs the first Thursday of each month at Kentuck Art Center in Historic Downtown Northport, Alabama. Museum Gallery: Kentuck Art Center is proud to present the sculpture of Dennis Thompson. He has won numerous awards but is most famous for turning down a ground floor opportunity with a little company called "Dreamworks" in the early '70s. He says: "The inspiration for my sculpture is based in my longstanding interest in paleontology and archaeology; an exploration of how universal forms evolve and adapt. I create sculpture that reflects the fluid and dynamic forms found in the natural world. My curiosity about how these forms developed and how different cultures perceive these forms is the driving force behind my work. My work is often viewed as "fantasy" art. However, for me, the dragons developed more as a cultural interpretation of archetypal reptilian forms rather than a representation of mythological creatures. The sculptures I build are diverse and encompass a wide range of richly organic forms. It's all about the bones." Teer Gallery: In their very own group gallery exhibit, the Imagination and Enrichment Kids, alongside the Clay Camp Kids, are taking over September Art Night at Kentuck Art Center in downtown historic Northport! The Kids of Kentuck join the rest of the Kentuck community in inviting you to their debut of curated work in addition to their final collaborative mosaic featuring all of the young artists within the entirety of Imagination & Enrichment Summer Camp. Red Dog Potters: OOPS! SALE-- Seconds, misfits, and things they are just tired of seeing in their pottery stashes. Find unique treasures in different shapes, sizes, and glazes. ALL PIECES ARE PRICED TO SELL--$1.00-$10.00! Courtyard of Wonders: Enjoy live music from the Angela and the Able Brothers and booths from local vendors. Artists Studios: Kentuck's Studio Artists will have open studios for browsing, learning, observing, and buying. Gallery Shop: Open until 8 pm; members get a 10% discount. Fire Ant and Big Dog members are invited to enjoy a glass of champagne. Kentuck Art Center and Festival was established in 1971. Kentuck's mission is to perpetuate the arts, engage the community, and empower the artist. The Kentuck Festival of the Arts is held annually in October, and during that weekend, makes a $5.5 million impact on its community. Lane & Gruber Poets & Painters \| First Friday Copyright © 2019 Sydney Gruber	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3566
__label__cc	0.635822	0.364178	Washington Real Estate Journal Volume I January 2009 The Pulse of Washington, DC Real Estate Client First Philosophy Twelve years ago while affiliated with another highly respected tenant brokerage firm, Craig Lussi’s “Client First” way of conducting his consulting practice came under attack. The threat was from the tenant brokerage firm that had and was continuing to profit from Craig’s work. There was an unsuccessful attempt to put the fees of the brokerage firm ahead of the best solution for Craig’s client. Since then, Craig has successfully guided his clients through thousands of real estate decisions representing millions of square feet of creative real estate solutions while putting his clients first, ahead of attacks from landlords and competing tenants. Six years ago, Craig established Tenant Consulting, LLC to ensure his clients would not be subject to the potential conflicts of interest that are a daily reality in the real estate brokerage business. The long standing client concern over hiring a real estate brokerage firm that represents multiple landlords and multiple tenants of the same size and with potentially competing interests does not exist at Tenant Consulting. Taking a lesson from the legal profession, Craig and his team run a conflict check prior to agreeing to accept a new client. Because Tenant Consulting does not represent landlords actively seeking tenants, the potential conflicts to check are narrowed to similar size tenants in the same office market competing for space options and concessions in similar timeframes. Tenant Consulting graciously declines requests for competing tenant assignments. Studley Studs Lussi & Lohman Leave for Top Spots at Tenant Consulting, LLC Sixteen (16) years after becoming Studley’s National Rookie of the Year, Craig Lussi is leaving Studley to expand the company he founded in 2002. Lussi created Tenant Consulting, LLC as a solution to one of his tenant’s conerns that a tenant brokerage firm with different teams representing tenants of the same size in the same market or in the same building could represnt a conflict of interest. Tenant Consulting, LLC’s “Client First” philosophy prevents them from the tradition of renting office space from landlords. Instead, Tenant Consulting, LLC subleases from their tenant clients. When asked about this new philosophy, Tenant Consulting’s President and CEO, Craig Lussi, said; “Why should we as tenant brokers pay one landlord millions of dollars for 10 years rather than paying those same millions to 20 or 30 of our clients as sublease rent. The money still goes to the landlords eventually, but it benefits the clients first.” Lussi went on to explain, “We spend the majority of our business day in in our client’s offices helping reduce their office space costs yet conventional wisdom has us pay our rent to landlords. Tenants rarely have the exact amount of office space they require. Normally they have too little or too much. Their spaces in most cases could be more efficient. For those that have too much, there is no statement that says we’re working harder to sublease your space than putting our rent dollars and broker bodies temporarily in the space to be subleased.” When asked how tenant brokerage firms were expected to manage moving from client to client as their clients’ spaces were successfully sublet, Lussi responded. “We are not architects who have technology issues transmitting CAD designs over wireless. We are completely mobile. Have laptop, Blackberry, wireless printer, offiste accounting, etc., will travel for our client’s best interests.” Joanna’s new e-mail address is joanna@tenantconsulting.com and Craig’s new e-mail address is craig@tenantconsulting.com. Cassidy’s Hammond Joins Tenant Consulting as Principal Eighteen months ago an eight-year partnership seemed to be winding down when Michael Hammond left Studley and Craig Lussi’s team for Cassidy and Pinkard. “There was as much weekly negotiating with Studley Corporate as there was on our own transactions,” Hammond quipped when asked why he left such a successful team. Hammond went on to say, “Craig thrives on negotiations and he is not particular on the subject. On the other hand, I enjoy matching the analytical underpinning to the strategy plans of our negotiations and I do not have much patience with negotiating for the sake of negotiating.” Craig Lussi gave some further insight into Hammond’s short-term separation: “Michael never left working on the deals because we had so many in progress. He just removed himself from the corporate clatter.” When asked what was the most complicated they’ve worked on together, they both agreed that it was the cash merger of H Street Corporation into a Vornado entity which netted Vornado over 7.1 million sf of developed mixed-use projects with another 4.6 million sf of potential development in Washington and Pentagon City. Lussi said, “Hammond is a Civil War scholar and really enjoyed the first few months of the H Street Transaction because we never slept. We were planning and re-planning and adjusting assumptions on information that was almost impossible to obtain for clients that were used to doing things a certain way for 49 years.” Beyond his extensive workload of ongoing transactions, Hammond’s responsibilities will include recruiting and growing the firm with the right type of consultants. When asked what it is really like working with Craig Lussi given all the folklore, Hammond replied with a long pause and a chuckle. “I learned very quickly 10 years ago that when Craig calls at 2AM with an impossible idea that he is not going to stop until we figure out how to make his idea work. Our relationship works because I keep giving him analytical reasons why his ideas will not work and he keeps modifying his ideas. When I run out of ways to shoot his ideas down we have our solution.” Michael's new e-mail address is mike@tenantconsulting.com. Lohman Named VP at Tenant Consulting, LLC Joanna Lohman, now a Vice President with Tenant Consulting, joined Craig Lussi's team at Studley 35 months ago armed with a business and mathematics degree and as one of the top women professional soccer players on the Washington Freedom. “I had played soccer internationally most of my life and I captained the U21 National Team for two consecutive years, but I had not yet achieved my ultimate goal of making the full National Team. Craig’s business philosophy was completely opposite of what I expected.” “Joanna was ready to put her soccer career on the shelf and focus all her energy on real estate,” Lussi said. He went on to say, “I reminded her that she had maintained a 3.97 GPA at Penn State while playing college and international soccer.” Lussi insisted that Joanna keep playing for the Washington Freedom and questioned her daily about how she could become a better player. Lohman made the full National Team and helped the United States women win the Peace Cup in China. Lussi was correct about Lohman's ability to juggle more than just a soccer ball. Her list of accomplishments during her 35 month real estate career is as impressive as the multiple Women's National Soccer Team fitness records she holds. We asked Joanna which of her real estate accomplishments she is most proud of. She responded, “Rent expense is such a large part of an organization’s overall budget, that when we are able to reduce the rent and make a client more efficient, monies become available to do remarkable things. We helped Counterpart International which regulates food safety and provides books to children in third world countries become more efficient. During their transaction we helped raise over $600,000 in charitable contributions for their humanitarian efforts. We renegotiated the Wilderness Society’s leases from Alaska to New Mexico, San Fransisco to Idaho to Denver to Washington, D.C. allowing them to become carbon-neutral for all their office space and purchase power from renewable resources. Our efforts in that transaction convinced Boston Properties to become carbon-neutral for the office space that their executives occupy around the country and implement cutting edge carbon reduction initiatives throughout their D.C. portfolio.” Lohman also mentioned that she was honored to be invited to meet Al Gore because of the carbon neutral calculator and program that she and Craig Lussi created with American Forests, which enables law firms, non-profits and corporation to reduce or eliminate their carbon footprint from their desktop computers. Tenant Tools Building Management Fee Sharing 10% Annual Rent Discount 2nd Rights to Lease Rabbi Trusts Carbon Neutral Office Space Lease Lost Profit Payment Annual Renegotiations Delayed Occupancy Payment Ground Lease Renegotiation Cash/Stock Merger Video Spine Rights/Revenue Condo Portions of Office Building Patent Pending Free Rent Structure 99 Year Office/Ground Leases Building Skin Rights/Solar/Plasma Assignable First Rights to Purchase Heat Exchange/Geothermal Rights Utility Company Financing Singular/Sole/Separate Options/Options/Options Renewable Energy Leases Private Car/Shuttle Bus Leases Non-Real-Estate-Related Income © 2002 – 2019 Tenant Consulting, LLC Suite 1200 ◊ 1100 17th Street, NW ◊ Washington D.C. 20036-5639 ph: 202.380.9422 ◊ fax: 202.330.5333	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3579
__label__wiki	0.529481	0.529481	The 72 pre-selected watches for the GPHG 2014 TZ Blogs September 3, 2014 Timezone Feature Blogs2557 GPHG28 Jessica296 The jury of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG) announced the 72 pre-selected watches. This 14th edition of the GPHG has attracted record participation, with all the major watch groups represented, along with a number of independent companies, in competition to win the Aiguille d’Or Grand Prix or one of the 16 other prizes that salute the year’s finest watch creations. PUBLIC PRIZE Vote for your favourite amongst the following pre-selected watches and automatically participate in the drawing to win this Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL Petite Seconde worth 10’450 CHF. You can view the pre-selection and register to vote at the GPHG website www.gphg.org. The winning ticket will be drawn and announced on stage on October 31st, 2014 during the GPHG prize-giving ceremony, to be broadcast live on www.gphg.org Photo by Al Armstrong See also TimeZone’s William Massena selected for the 2014 GPHG Jury Timezone Feature	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3583
__label__cc	0.591308	0.408692	Page 2 of 12 < 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 > Last » Tim, are you a little upset by the choices they made for the bonus verions? I have about everything and I really wish the other versions of smiley and blue had been released.. I am happy with the few tracks unknown to me thouh. I think because you said they will be doing PI I now can't really own and sequence these tracks. PI might be my favorite SP album, or b-side album. At least it has songs that hit me at a time I needed them. By other versions, do you mean the EP versions? I'm happy with them. While its nice to compile B-sides, I like that the tracks are unreleased or an alternate versions. My only grip is that there are so many Pisces tracks here. Did he not have enough of other tracks to take their place and then save the Pisces tracks for that reissue? I would assume that Jack means the Peel Sessions version of Smiley and Blue from the Rhinoceros EP (although that one's on PI anyway). Having not heard this, how different are the 2011 mixes of the PI tunes? Because yeah, there's five on the Gish reissue, so that's quite a bit of redundant filler if they're not much different. There are a few hard to get songs that they could have put on the Gish reissue instead of new mixes of PI songs, for example: I Am One (original 7" version) Not Worth Asking (b-side of I Am One 7") Terrapin (b-side of the I Am One 10") - although this is a pretty shit song Bullet Train To Osaka (b-side of the I Am One 10") - a bit weird, but interesting Bye June (from the Rhinoceros EP) Slunk (from the Rhinoceros EP) Glynis (from the No Alternative compilation) - this is a huge oversight for me, good tune Also, are Siamese Dream (the song) and Apathy's Last Kiss any different to the previously released versions? It would have been nice if they had put the following on the Siamese Dream one, but I'm not as fussed about that because there's not the filler that the Gish one has: Purr Snickety Dancing In The Moonlight I'm going to check out the store today to see if they have these yet (it's weird because they had the vinyls when I was there on Saturday, even though it was before release date, but they didn't have the CDs). Probably because the CDs will have a local release so the distributor won't send them out until just before release date, but the vinyls they get internationally so just put them out when they get here. minusthesnake I also think it's a bit odd he included "Girl Named Sandoz", as it's identical to the version that will end up on the Pisces reissue. The 2011 KB Mixes seem unnecessary as they're almost identical to what will be on Piesces, but I can at least see the arguement for their inclusion. I hope the PI bonus disc has the known versions of all other unreleased b-sides from this era (Slunk, Bye June, Glynis, Smiley [Peel Sessions Version], French Movie Theme, Purr Snickety, Apathy's Last Kiss, Siamese Dream, Dancing In The Moonlight and Hope), as well as some more alternate versions/demos/curiosities. It would be frustrating to me if Billy released remasters of most, but not all, of the Pumpkins' output. Isn't the Limited Potential version of "I Am One" just the Real Time Demo? If so, it's already on the Gish bonus disc. It claims to be a 2011 Mix, but I don't notice any difference in it. I assume "Not Worth Asking" and "Honey Spider II" will be included with Pisces, since they were originally part of the vinyl version of the album... but who knows? For whoever asked about "Apathy's Last Kiss" and "Siamese Dream", they're different versions on the Siamese Dream bonus disc. "Apathy's Last Kiss" is a different mix of the same recording with another guitar part that was removed from the final mix. "Siamese Dream" is a demo version that's slower, not as hard and like 4 minutes longer than the original version. Has anyone been able to figure out where on their website you enter the code that came with the CDs for the free download they promised? It's driving me CRAZY!!! Send a private message to minusthesnake Find More Posts by minusthesnake Word is, there is no bonus disc. Just a new master for CD and a new master for vinyl. Originally Posted by minusthesnake I don't think its up yet. A remastering of the released odds and sods would be nice. Maybe a compilation later in the series. It would be frustrating to me if Billy released remasters of most, but not all, of the Pumpkins' output. I've been listening to Pumpkins b-sides all day. I really do love this band a lot. Does a remastered version of French Movie Theme really matter that much? I'm really interested to see what's going to be on the MCIS one - they had 28 other tracks which were used in the Aeroplane Flies High set, so I wouldn't think that there would be a heap of unreleased songs (although who knows, maybe there are). I used to have a CD of acoustic MCIS demos that Billy had done, they were pretty good - I'm thinking it might have stuff like that on it. I'm sure we'll see alot of that demo CD on there. I'd like to see the couple songs that never surfaced in any form (other than the AUD) pop up on this release. Towers of Rabble especially. I need to see Viewphoria again. I never bought the DVD. The DVD has some good bonus stuff. Hahahahaha, no. I always wished MCIS had been some epic 3 disc album. I have been I also thworking on the perfect sequence for the AFH disc for years and it is always changing. CLearly it can't all fit. I've posed the question before: how would you track a single disc from AFH? Ok, give me a minute. Well, first of all, I wouldn't include the first track from any of the discs, so that brings it down to 28 songs. Pastichio Medley is obviously the first to go, so then from 27 songs I reckon I need to get it down to 14 so I've got to trim out another 13. Since there are six cover songs in the set, I can't have them all so I'll take out: Clones (We're All) Then the other ones that I'll omit are: Meladori Magpie Medellia of the Gray Skies Tonite Reprise Mouths Of Babes Tribute To Johnny Then I would sequence the remaining 14 songs as below (comes in at 54 minutes): 1. Cherry 2. The Aeroplane Flies High (Turns Left, Looks Right) 3. The Boy 4. Pennies 5. Dreaming 6. Set The Ray To Jerry 7. ...Said Sadly 8. You're All I've Got Tonight 9. A Night Like This 10. Jupiter's Lament 11. Believe 12. Marquis In Spades 13. My Blue Heaven 14. The Last Song I think the Tonight Reprise is a great way to close it out. And I'd dump Said Sadly. I like that list. I woul probably dump all the covers though, even though I love them. Yeah, that would work well. I did think of doing that, but I think its place is at the end of the MCIS vinyl. I know The Last Song is a really predictable choice and maybe a bit cheesy, but oh well. Said Sadly probably is the first I would dump from that list too. BigNosedDago The Golden Jew I am not a fan of the change of the album art on the vinyls, haven't listened to the vinyl itself yet though. Siamese Dream weighs an f'n ton. Send a private message to BigNosedDago Find More Posts by BigNosedDago Originally Posted by BigNosedDago Me neither. The artwork is crap.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3584
__label__cc	0.724002	0.275998	The Groovy Age of Travel #10: Plane Interiors I'll be traveling all next week and, alas, there will be no Retrospace posts during that time. But in honor of the occasion I thought it was fitting to post a pile o' plane pictures. Back when the inside of an aircraft didn't mean being stacked like sardines... back when there were ashtrays in the armrests. It was a different time... Everyone looks so damn happy, things are bright and cheery - they truly were the friendly skies in the seventies (except for the frequent hijacking). This is hilarious. I understand airlines made things inhumanely compact to milk as much money out of every square inch...so, how come it was so damn roomy back then? For the love of God I cannot remember what movie this is from. I took the screen shot, but didn't label it. Anyone remember? I do remember where this screen shot came from: an episode of Hawaii 5-O Don't get me started on stewardesses (er, I mean 'flight attendants'). We've done plenty on this subject before - I won't beat a dead horse. I've been on a few flights that were nearly empty. It's sheer heaven. This is from one of those "What sort of man reads Playboy?" ads. This is so far from my air travel reality, I can't even put it into words. Flying Review 1968 If I'm not mistaken, this is from a scene in Baron Blood. Obviously a candidate for pancakes. Some of these images have appeared in previous posts; sorry for the repeat, but they belong in this post. In a couple days, I will be squashed and miserable..... yet I will be ever so thankful for the morsel of food they give me. Oh, the joy of five tiny pretzels and small cup of Coke. Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Ha! Okay, this is just making me angry. Boeing (1971) Is this why airlines kept going out of business? Because they didn't squeeze as many humans into their tin cans as they could have? More pancakes on the horizon... I can only imagine what stewardesses had to put up with back in the day... back when an airplane was basically a gentlemen's club in the sky. I'll be thinking of this while I nibble on my pretzels (squashed like a pretzel as well). From an episode of The Bob Newhart Show (featuring Penny Marshall as the stewardess) END (I'll be back in about a week!) Labels: airlines, groovy age of travel Armpit Studios April 23, 2015 Have fun! Maybe take a train next time. It's a lot more fun. Ethan (what's his name) April 24, 2015 I am an ex-airline pilot. I left that line of work because that life gets old real fast. Mind you, being a pilot today is nothing like it was in the seventies. I'm not sure why anyone would want to live that life today. It looks nothing like the pictures above. Too bad, those pics above make it look very enticing. We were talking about be being a passenger not a pilot or stewardess but I couldn't resist. Whenever I travel I drive when at all possible, even if it's cross country. I hate flying! Tommy Ross April 24, 2015 great post! thanks, we'll see ya when you get back :-) Have a safe but fun but safe trip! Mark West April 27, 2015 The screenshot is Suzanne Danielle in the truly bad UK film "Carry On Emmanuelle". I wish I didn't know the answer to this... Desdinova April 27, 2015 If you want to see contrast look at old commercials on YouTube. I was looking at Quantas ads. In the 70s, the commercials showed a real koala walking through a gigantic plane with a full bar (maybe a buffet too). The koala says "I hate Quantas." The more recent commercials have an animatronic, brownnoser koala bragging up Quantas, while scrunched in between two fat guys. Another commercial, he turns on the reading lamp to show he is nearly sitting on a sleeping, young woman's head. Yeah, I want to wake up with a koala bear on top of me. Alan DeMoss May 03, 2015 "I understand airlines made things inhumanely compact to milk as much money out of every square inch...so, how come it was so damn roomy back then?" You have it backwards. Airlines were not making tons of money in the 1970s, especially after the 1973 oil shock and the ridiculous amount of skyjackings (almost one a week in 1969). Airlines were heavily regulated by the US government: the FAA decided what planes could fly to what cities at what times and, much more important, how much airlines could charge for a ticket. Airlines couldn't compete on price, so they competed on amenities and customer service. Terrorists, embezzlers, drug smugglers, "DB Cooper" and the 1978 airline deregulation changed everything. Flying is more cramped and the free amenities are gone, but flying is much cheaper today adjusted for inflation, and FAR safer (crashes and various emergencies used to be almost as common as the skyjackings). People used to dress up to fly because only the upper-middle class could afford it. Plus, almost all the photos here were staged with professional models or taken from Hollywood sets. I hate the TSA as much as anybody and think airline security should be privatized. But other than the body scans and stupid questions, flying is cheaper, safer and easier (no internet or iphones in 1980) than ever before. Great post. And pancakes! How I've missed them, looking forward to the next full length post Visits to Retrospace Cinema #37: Comedy Movie Poster Art The Horshack Redemption #23: Revenge of the Cheerl... Mini Skirt Monday #184: Steps, Stairs and Minis Vintage Wheels #21: Chicks 'n' Rides TV Guide #5: March 22-28, 1980 Catalogs #38: Argos Catalogue Babes (1978-1981) The Retrospace Podcast Archives Vintage Gams #6: Celebrity Gams Mini Skirt Monday #183: A Salute to Military Minis... The Horshack Redemption #22: Prime Cut (1972) TV Guide #4: Oct. 28- Nov. 3, 1972 Fumetti #3: Horror Fumetti Artful Conception #26: Carried (Part 7) Catalog #15: More Sleazy 80s Catalogs Vintage Men's Mags #39: More Girlie Magazines Catalogs #43: 80s Underwear Mini Skirt Monday #115: The Upskirt Prevention Pose Vintage Scares #10: Christmas from the Crypt Comic Books #47: Spanked! Catalogs #6: Catalog of Shame Catalogs #46: Bra + Panties (Part 2) Viva VHS #17: Action! Foxy Ladies #12: The Women of Buck Rogers (Part 1) Support Retrospace! Ads #80: Booze I mean no copyright infringement by the posting of pictures, videos, etc. on this blog. I do not in any way claim the rights of ownership to any of them. They totally remain the property of their respective owners. I have posted them purely for entertainment purposes only. All written content, unless otherwise noted as being quotes, has been written and copyrighted by me.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3592
__label__wiki	0.798067	0.798067	Web of Conflicts at Rochester Housing Authority Update: An hour after we published this story, the U.S. Attorney revealed it had charged Moses with lying to the FBI. The case involves the very questions Rochester for All raised earlier this year. We still need to open the books on Rochester Housing Charities to know the full extent of how this entity was used. Our report below shows the organization may have been involved in self-dealing among board members of Rochester Housing Authority. The South Wedge Planning Committee and Southeast Area Coalition hired Christopher Hennelly in 2013 to do their books. The two community development organizations operated under one roof with the same executive director. Hennelly became alarmed at the relationship between the two community development organizations and Rochester Housing Charities (RHC) in early 2016. He saw memorandums of understanding between RHC and SWPC and SEAC. The two neighborhood groups would provide services and expertise to RHC on housing-related matters, as well as specific development projects. The MOU, dated March 2016, also called for seeking non-federal funds to benefit both agencies. The reason Hennelly was alarmed is that the executive director of SWPC and SEAC, John Page, sat on the RHA and RHC boards. “There’s issues of fiduciary responsibility and how can you serve two masters?” Hennelly said. “I said, ‘John, I think your heart is in the right place. But you can’t be the executive director of this agency and on the RHC board and have these deals going back and forth.’” Rochester for All has non-executed copies of the MOUs. According to sources, similar contracts were executed. Rochester Housing Authority created Rochester Housing Charities in 2014. It’s not uncommon for housing authorities to create nonprofits, which may have more flexibility in administering projects and programs. RHC, however, has been operating in the dark. Over the past year, Rochester for All has been filing open records requests for information related to RHC payroll and contracts. Both RHA and RHC denied our requests on the grounds RHC is a private organization. The New York Committee on Open Government issued an advisory opinion supporting our contention RHC is subject to the Freedom of Information Law. Our only remedy is to take the matter to court. At the time Hennelly sounded the alarm about the MOU, he was sounding another alarm. SWPC and SEAC were nearly broke. Hennelly wrote in an April 2016 email to board officers that there wasn’t enough money to cover payroll, saying “You barely have this weekend to wait to make decisions.” Hennelly showed Rochester for All an email indicating board members’ concern with the MOU arrangement. According to the emails, Page directed the board members to RHC’s attorney, H. Todd Bullard, who is also the attorney for RHA. The board members indicate they want to retain independent counsel to review the MOU. The board members were also concerned they would be sharing an employee with RHC. In the email, board members addressed Page’s conflict by asking him to draft a disclosure. The communication suggests Page had another conflict pertaining to an RHC project on Diamond Place. Page owns property across from an RHC development. “John…we still need (a disclosure) from you regarding Diamond Pl before any more funds can be released from Small Houses project.)” RHC plans to spend $500,000 to develop houses on Diamond Place, a tiny street off Webster Ave. in Beechwood. A SWPC Facebook post on the ribbon-cutting of a new house on Diamond Place said, “This is an innovative new option for lower income buyers who want to stay in their neighborhoods. SWPC is looking forward to future collaborations with developer RHC and community partner North East Area Development.” Northeast Area Development’s involvement is a potential conflict, as the director of NEAD, George Moses, is the chairman of RHA. The facts raise the question of whether RHC, and by extension, RHA, were being used as a vehicle to support SWPC, SEAC and NEAD. It’s difficult to untangle and monitor the relationships between RHA, RHC, SWPC, SEAC and NEAD without having access to RHC’s records. RHA has insisted that RHC is a separate organization, but the incorporation papers, bylaws, board makeup and funding stream show otherwise. SWPC and SEAC Break Up SEAC and SWPC joined forces in 2012. They maintained separate boards, but shared Page as executive director. The collaboration sought to maximize resources and unite the Southeast quadrant. When SEAC decided to break away last year, SWPC attempted to retain control. The Wedge, SWPC’s bi-monthly publication, printed the names of an all-new SEAC board in its December 2017-January 2018 issue. The new board members were also SWPC board members. SEAC’s attorney sent a cease and desist letter to SWPC’s attorney. The December 2017 letter made the following claims: The agreement between the two organizations expired in 2015. SWPC never provided an accounting of staff hours spent on SEAC projects, in violation of the agreement. SWPC pretended to be SEAC when accessing bank accounts. SWPC illegally attempted to install a new SEAC board. The attorney representing SWPC was Bullard – the Harris Beach attorney who works for the Rochester Housing Authority – responded to the SEAC letter the following week. Bullard claimed SEAC tried to improperly sever the agreement. He wrote that nothing improper happened with the bank accounts. He suggested mediation. The two sides never ended up in court over control. By the April-May 2018 issue of The Wedge, all references to SEAC were removed. Rochester for All has been unable to get anyone to comment on the record about the status of the breakup. Page retired from SWPC on October 1, according to the South Wedge Quarterly. Page did not return a text message seeking comment. Moses responded to a text that he would call, but did not. Bullard and Cynthia Herriott, who is the records officer for RHA, also didn’t respond to emailed questions. Read: Related Documents Read; SEAC attorney letter Read: SWPC attorney letter New Location, More Questionshttp://www.rochesterforall.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/IMG_5295-1130x565.jpg How RHA Keeps RHC Activities Secret: Denying FOILshttp://www.rochesterforall.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/RHA-HQ-1130x565.png 2 thoughts on “Web of Conflicts at Rochester Housing Authority” Judy Bennett says: Excellent research and reporting. Some of us in the South Wedge have been suspicious of these relationships. Rochester For All says: Hi Judy, There is a lot we don’t know, still. I hope we find out more about the relationships and who was benefiting.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3599
__label__wiki	0.606938	0.606938	25th Anniversary of Chanel’s watch line March 13, 2013 Sarah Johns Leave a comment Written by Selena DiGiovanni In 1987, Chanel produced it’s first line of watches. The line was called Premiére, and was an instant classic. And now, 25 years later, Chanel is celebrating their Premiére line with something special. After tweaking and creating new designs, Chanel has decided to reproduce their original Premiére line as it was in 1987. The watch will feature the same geometric face which was inspired by the Place Vendôme in Paris, where Coco Chanel once lived. It will also feature the same iconic chain bracelet band. However, there will be some minor changes to the original design. The case will now be 28mm instead of the original 26mm, making the watch slightly bolder. Women will now also have the ability to adjust the chain at home, rather than going to a boutique. In addition, there will also be several watches inspired by the original Premiére line included in this collection. These watches will have a similar face, but will feature updated bands. One of these new watches features a long band which is wrapped around the wrist several times. Others will feature a similar chain strap, but will have additional leather or rubber threaded through the chains. These delicate and feminine watches will soon be available in a variety of styles and prices. Beginning in April they will be available at Chanel boutiques for between $4,300 to $28,500. Another addition to the Premiére line is Chanel’s Flying Tourbillion. The Flying Tourbillion resembles a Premiére watch, but instead of the unmarked face, it will feature a stylized camellia which spins as the seconds pass. Chanel will unveil their new Flying Tourbillion watch as part of the reinvented Premiére line this April at Baselworld 2013. To learn more about the Chanel and the Premiére line, visit www.chanel.com. Previous PostNew Alacria Diva Bamboo Watch by Carl F. BuchererNext PostTitan Black & FC Chelsea Create Custom Rolex Daytona Watch	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3601
__label__cc	0.56309	0.43691	V I C A R A G E [ main / e-type / xj6 / 5 speed / images ] A Vicarage Jaguar is like no other classic car. It is much more than a straightforward restoration. It can only be described as brand new. Vicarage has been building and developing improved Mk II Jaguar's since 1984. Each car is a testament to both the original Jaguar design by Sir William Lyons, dating back thirty years, and to the peerless contemporary engineering and coachwork skills of the Vicarage team. Vicarage has continued to develop the Mk II, well after Jaguar ceased production of Britain's most elegant sporting saloon. When it first appeared, the Mk II was the fastest four door saloon in the world. With uprated engines, a new gearbox, the specially designed Harvey Bailey / Vicarage suspension system, weighted power steering and well ducted airconditioning, a Vicarage Mk II Jaguar has been adapted to cope with modern roads and driving conditions. For purists, Vicarage still offers a restoration service true to the original Jaguar design and specification. Developing a thirty-year-old design and working to the painstaking standards Vicarage insists on, demands a highly motivated workforce and professional management. Vicarage stands out in the classic car business by meeting these twin demands. A Vicarage car is the remarkable end product of an uncompromising approach to design, manufacture, engineering and business know-how. This professional approach has allowed Vicarage to extend its peerless range of motor cars beyond its already legendary Mk II saloon. The new line-up includes a luxuriously appointed two-door convertible of the classic Mk II, The Vicarage E Type Roadster available in both Series I and III form as well as the XK model, XJ Coupes/ Saloons and the astounding XJ13 Le Mans prototype. A Vicarage is no ordinary way of getting from A to B. Driver and passengers enjoy the experience of motoring in an uncompromised and sensual style. A Vicarage car is not a workaday machine, although it is engineered to be driven as hard as you choose to go. It is more of a prized possession, a highly collectable example of rolling sculpture, a car that recognises the taste, flair, ambition and driving force of its owner. Like all your most cherished belongings you will want to keep it for as long as possible. Vicarage's world-wide back-up service will ensure you are able to do so. But such special cars cannot be bought off the shelf. Vicarage exclusivity means that only a specific number of Jaguars are produced each year. Naturally there is a waiting list, yet a Vicarage Jaguar is a car well worth the wait, representing as it does a commitment to excellence in design, engineering, craftmanship, motoring pleasure and service. A car not just for special occasions, but one that makes every occasion special. © Nick Johannessen / JagWeb 1998	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3619
__label__cc	0.523227	0.476773	Manuscripts for Sale Arik Bjorn is the author of three manuscripts for sale. He is seeking a publisher/producer, as well as an agent. Serious inquiries only. Must have a professional publishing or production background or be a professional agent. Please use the CONTACT ME! link at the bottom of this page. Litten’s Passion co-written with Debi King McMartin and Evelyn “Lyn” Morgan Litten’s Passion is the forgotten true story of the First Victim of the Holocaust. Hans Litten was a saintly German attorney who worked tirelessly for the poor and was opposed to the rise of fascism in Europe. In 1931, Litten interrogated Hitler in court, and embarrassed the future Führer before the entire German nation. After the burning of the Reichstag in 1933, one of Hitler’s first acts of power was to arrest Litten and several dozen other “political trophies.” These were the original concentration camp prisoners. For the next five years, Litten was mercilessly tortured and told he would be the last prisoner ever released from a camp. Meanwhile, his mother, Irmgard Litten, and prominent British pacifist, Lord Allen of Hurtwood, led an underground, “Schindler-esque” struggle to free Hans Litten. Lord Allen met with Hitler several times, and urged members of the Nazi Inner Circle to release Litten. Irmgard bravely defied many Nazi officials and pulled many strings to stay in constant contact with her son. Hans Litten was murdered at Dachau in February 1938. Soon thereafter, Lord Allen rescued Irmgard from Germany. Litten’s Passion is the true story of Hans Litten and the other initial victims of the Holocaust, including Carl von Ossietzky (who received the Nobel Peace Prize from a concentration camp). Their story is one the world cannot afford to forget. Click here to read an interview with Arik Bjorn about the discovery of Litten’s story and the screenwriting process. Below is a sample page from the script: The Prodigal: A Divine Comedy, of sorts 101,000 words The Prodigal is my rewriting of Dante’s Divine Comedy for a contemporary world. This is the first volume in three intended. Book I is based on Inferno. In the first volume of the Divine Comedy, of sorts trilogy, protagonist and academic theologian, Dante Peccato, falls hard from grace within a 24-hour period in Washington DC, with various commentary from Author, Muse and a great cloud of ribald characters, including strippers, drug dealers, a Norwegian urologist, and a gigantic bronze hippopotamus. To most people, I describe my novel as “an encyclopedic labyrinth of history, philosophy and religion.” Then to get them interested, I add: “Oh, and there’s lots of T&A.” The Prodigal resembles a fictional Prometheus composed of Umberto Eco’s head, Ignatius Reilly’s body and Philip Roth’s libido. Below is a sample page from the manuscript: COMEDY TELEVISION PILOT: co-written with Todd Morehead In the face of a daily onslaught of Southern stereotypes and black humor, Bibliophile Books manager Harper Sherman does his best to hold together the oldest independent bookstore in the Southeast. But his misfit staff doesn’t make it easy, nor does the absurd cast of retailers in the Happy Acres Mini-Mall. Whether battling Evangelical bakers and their Christ éclairs or the megacorp Books-a-Plenty across the street, somehow Harper and the Bibliophile gang always live to retail another day. Season 1: Episode 1: “Sherman’s Merch” Under new ownership, the oldest independent bookstore in the Southeast changes its name from Antebellum Books to Bibliophile Books. The owner of Five Loaves Christian Bakery assumes the new name means the bookstore has become a pornographer haven. Meanwhile, Bibliophile fights hand-over-fist with Books-a-Plenty to host First Lady Michelle Obama’s first stop on her new children’s fitness book tour. However, when several thousand copies of an infamously racist title mistakenly arrive for the signing, things head truly south for Harper Sherman and the Bibliophile staff. [The authors are currently writing Episodes 2 through 7 of Season One.] Below is a sample page from the pilot script: One Response so far. Christian Right Weekly Round-Up: Saturday in the Courtroom with Adolf says: […] Pastor Pillow: It will be. Here. Hands the Lovely Lass a link. http://www.vikingword.com/manuscripts-for-sale/ […]	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3621
__label__cc	0.570425	0.429575	Job Sites India Job Sites in USA Job Sites in UK Job Sites in Malaysia Job Sites in Australia HRM PPTs HRM Books Human Resource Management - What is HRM? - Definitions - Functions - Objectives - Importance - Evolution of HRM from Personnel management Employee welfare -Activities - Statuary welfare benefits - APPROACHES TO LABOUR WELFARE Causes & Effects of Poor Industrial Relations Approaches to Industrial Relations Principles of Collective Bargaining Workers participation in Management (The Constitution of India, Art 43A) Levels and Forms of Workers Participation In Management Employee welfare Occupational healthy and safety (Indian context) Industrial Disputes Lockouts Lay Offs / Laid off and Retrenchment Labour Courts for disputes in India Methods of Identifying Grievances Arbitration & conciliation Grievance Management However, the [International Labour Organization] ILO at its Asian Regional Conference, defined labour welfare as a term which is understood to include such services, facilities and amenities as may be established in or in the vicinity of undertakings to enable the persons employed in them to perform their work in healthy, congenial surroundings and to provide them with amenities conducive to good health and high morale. Welfare includes anything that is done for the comfort and improvement of employees and is provided over and above the wages. Welfare helps in keeping the morale and motivation of the employees high so as to retain the employees for longer duration. The welfare measures need not be in monetary terms only but in any kind/forms. Employee welfare includes monitoring of working conditions, creation of industrial harmony through infrastructure for health, industrial relations and insurance against disease, accident and unemployment for the workers and their families. Labor welfare entails all those activities of employer which are directed towards providing the employees with certain facilities and services in addition to wages or salaries. Labor welfare has the following objectives: To provide better life and health to the workers To make the workers happy and satisfied To relieve workers from industrial fatigue and to improve intellectual, cultural and material conditions of living of the workers. The basic features of labor welfare measures are as follows: Labor welfare includes various facilities, services and amenities provided to workers for improving their health, efficiency, economic betterment and social status. Welfare measures are in addition to regular wages and other economic benefits available to workers due to legal provisions and collective bargainin. Labor welfare schemes are flexible and ever-changing. New welfare measures are added to the existing ones from time to time. Welfare measures may be introduced by the employers, government, employees or by any social or charitable agency. The purpose of labor welfare is to bring about the development of the whole personality of the workers to make a better workforce. The very logic behind providing welfare schemes is to create efficient, healthy, loyal and satisfied labor force for the organization. The purpose of providing such facilities is to make their work life better and also to raise their standard of living. The important benefits of welfare measures can be summarized as follows: They provide better physical and mental health to workers and thus promote a healthy work environment Facilities like housing schemes, medical benefits, and education and recreation facilities for workers’ families help in raising their standards of living. This makes workers to pay more attention towards work and thus increases their productivity. Employers get stable labor force by providing welfare facilities. Workers take active interest in their jobs and work with a feeling of involvement and participation. Employee welfare measures increase the productivity of organization and promote healthy industrial relations thereby maintaining industrial peace. The social evils prevalent among the labors such as substance abuse, etc are reduced to a greater extent by the welfare policies. Facts [+] India. The Factories act >> was enacted in the year 1948. The main objective of this law is to maintain healthy, safety and welfare of every employee at workplace in factory . According to this law any factory with above 500 workers should have separate welfare officer, factory with 1000 above workers should have separate safety officer, for 500 workers should have ambulance facility and for above 250 workers canteen facility with concession should be provided. Employee Welfare Benefits Schemes Organizations provide welfare facilities to their employees to keep their motivation levels high. The employee welfare schemes can be classified into two categories viz. statutory and non-statutory welfare schemes. The statutory schemes are those schemes that are compulsory to provide by an organization as compliance to the laws governing employee health and safety. These include provisions provided in industrial acts like Factories Act 1948, Dock Workers Act (safety, health and welfare) 1986, Mines Act 1962. The non-statutory schemes differ from organization to organization and from industry to industry. Some of employee welfare Laws in India Factories Act, 1948 Maternity Benefit Act,1961 (with latest amendments) Employee State Insurance Act, [ESI] 1948 Employees' Provident Fund Scheme, 1952. Payment of Bonus Act, 1965 Statuary welfare benefits The statutory welfare benefits schemes include the following provisions: Drinking Water: At all the working places safe hygienic drinking water should be provided. Facilities for sitting: In every organization, especially factories, suitable seating arrangements are to be provided. First aid appliances: First aid appliances are to be provided and should be readily assessable so that in case of any minor accident initial medication can be provided to the needed employee. Latrines and Urinals: A sufficient number of latrines and urinals are to be provided in the office and factory premises and are also to be maintained in a neat and clean condition. Canteen facilities: Cafeteria or canteens are to be provided by the employer so as to provide hygienic and nutritious food to the employees. Spittoons: In every work place, such as ware houses, store places, in the dock area and office premises spittoons are to be provided in convenient places and same are to be maintained in a hygienic condition. Lighting: Proper and sufficient lights are to be provided for employees so that they can work safely during the night shifts. Washing places: Adequate washing places such as bathrooms, wash basins with tap and tap on the stand pipe are provided in the port area in the vicinity of the work places. Changing rooms: Adequate changing rooms are to be provided for workers to change their cloth in the factory area and office premises. Adequate lockers are also provided to the workers to keep their clothes and belongings. Rest rooms: Adequate numbers of restrooms are provided to the workers with provisions of water supply, wash ba sins, toilets, bathrooms, etc. Maternity & Adoption Leave – Employees can avail maternity or adoption leaves. Paternity leave policies have also been introduced by various companies. Medi-claim Insurance Scheme: This insurance scheme provides adequate insurance coverage of employees for expenses related to hospitalization due to illness, disease or injury or pregnancy. Sexual Harassment Policy: To protect an employee from harassments of any kind, guidelines are provided for proper action and also for protecting the aggrieved employee. For more information go through - Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 NON STATUTORY BENEFITS Many non-statutory welfare benefits may include the following schemes: Big Business, Bad Suppliers Walmart workers in some supplier companies in Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Nicaragua and Swaziland were denied minimum wages and mandated health care and they were forced to work overtime without compensation. March, 2002: and Apple Company commissioned audit at Foxconn Electronics, with a big presence in China, had documented violations like unpaid wages, excessive over time and low salaries. Sports goods major the report said Adidas, Reebok, Nike and Puma were sourcing from companies whose workers suffered seven working days a week, 16 to 18 working hours a day, sexual harassment of women, and forced to do overtime without payment for over time. Nestlé USA Its suppliers have been accused of child labour, repression of workers rights, and violation of National health and in government the laws. In 2006, the International labour rights fund and Birmingham-based law firm filed a class action suit against Nestlé and some of its suppliers on behalf of former child slaves. source: the economic times Personal Health Care (Regular medical check-ups): Some of the companies provide the facility for ext ensiv e health check-up Flexi-time: The main objective of the flextime policy is to provide opportunity to employees to work with flexible working schedules. Flexible work schedules are initiated by employees and approved by management to meet business commitments while supporting employee personal life needs Employee Assistance Programs: Various assistant programs are arranged like external counseling service so that employees or members of their immediate family can get counseling on various matters. Employee Referral Scheme: In several companies employee referral scheme is implemented to encourage employees to refer friends and relatives for employment in the organization. APPROACHES TO LABOUR WELFARE Approaches to employee welfare refer to the beliefs and attitudes held by agencies which provide welfare facilities. Some agencies provide welfare facilities inspired by religious faith, others as a philanthropic duty and the like. The various approaches to labour welfare reflect the attitudes and beliefs of the agencies which are engaged in welfare activities. Welfare facilities may be provided on religious, philanthropic or some other grounds. Moreover, the different approaches to labour welfare reflect the evolution of the concept of welfare. In bygone days, the government of the land had to compel the owner of an industrial establishment to provide such basic amenities as canteens, rest rooms, drinking water, good working conditions, and so forth, for their employees. Such compulsion was necessary because the employer believed in exploiting labour and treating it in an unfair manner. But times have changed, and the concept of welfare, too, has undergone changes. Many progressive managements today provide welfare facilities, voluntarily and with enlightened willingness and enthusiasm. In fact, welfare facilities are not restricted to the workers alone. They have now been extended to the society in general. In other words, labour welfare has been extended to include social welfare. Tata Steel Works at Jamshedpur, for example, spends Rs 10 crore each year on social welfare. Brooke Bond have set up a free animal welfare clinic at Gevrai, Aurangabad, under the direct charge of a qualified veterinary doctor. Jindal Aluminium, Bangalore, maintains the famous Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences Centre and a public school for the benefit of the public. The Jindal Scholarship Trust has been set up, under which deserving students are given scholarships. The Hindustan Machine Tools has a big playground and a community hall, which are let out for competitions and functions. A study of the approaches to labour welfare is desirable for the management, the workers and the general reader. For the general reader, a study of approaches is essential because his/her knowledge of the subject is incomplete without a knowledge of these approaches, and a knowledge of approaches enables the manager and the worker to have a better perspective on welfare work. The approaches and their brief descriptions are: The policing theory of labour welfare. The religion theory of labour welfare. The philanthropic theory of labour welfare. The paternalistic theory of labour welfare. The placating theory of labour welfare. The public relations theory of labour welfare. The functional theory of labour welfare. The social theory of labour welfare. Policing Theory According to this view, the factory and other industrial workplaces provide ample opportunities for owners and managers of capital to exploit workers in an unfair manner. This could be done by making the labour work for long hours, by paying workers low wages, by keeping the workplaces in an unhygienic condition, by neglecting safety and health provisions, and by ignoring the provision of elementary human amenities, such as drinking water, latrines, rest rooms and canteens. Clearly, a welfare state cannot remain a passive spectator of this limitless exploitation. It enacts legislation under which managements are compelled to provide basic amenities to the workers. In short, the state assumes the role of a policeman, and compels the managers of industrial establishments to provide welfare facilities, and punishes the non-complier. This is the policing theory of labour welfare.8 Religion Theory The religion theory has two connotations, namely, the investment and atonement aspects. The investment aspect of the religion theory implies that the fruits of today's deeds will be reaped tomorrow. Any action, good or bad. is therefore treated as an investment. Inspired by this belief, some employers plan and organise canteens and creches. The atonement aspect of the religion theory implies that the present disabilities of a person are the result of the sins committed by him/her previously. He/she should undertake to do good deeds now to atone or compensate for his/her sins. There is the story of a big Jain employer who firmly held the belief that the provision of welfare facilities for workers was outside the duties of the management. Whatever he did provide was under government compulsion and supervision. It so happened, however, that the children born to him died as soon as they were born. Later, his own health suffered. He felt that, as a compensation, or expiration or even as an investment in a good deed (punyam), he should liberally contribute to the creche in the factory (as well as to other child-welfare institutions), and also to medical services for his workers. Consequently, in this particular factory, there came to exist an excellent creche and a well-organised dispensary.9 Philanthropic Theory Philanthropy means affection for mankind. The philanthropic theory of labour welfare refers to the provision of good working conditions, creches and canteens out of pity on the part of the employers who want to remove the disabilities of the workers. Robert Owen of England was a philanthropic employer, who worked for the welfare of his workers. The philanthropic theory is more common in social welfare. Student hostels, drinking water facilities, the rehabilitation of crippled persons, donations to religious and educational institutions, and so forth are examples of philanthropic deeds. Paternalistic Theory According to the paternalistic theory, also called the trusteeship theory, of labour welfare, the industrialist or the employer holds the total industrial estate, properties and the profits accruing from them, in trust. The property which he/she can use or abuse as he/she likes is not entirely his/her own. He/she holds it for his/her use, no doubt, but also for the benefit of his/her workers, if not for the whole society. For several reasons, such as low wages, lack of education, and so forth the workers are at present unable to take care of themselves. They are, therefore, like minors, and the employers should provide for their well-being out of funds in their control. The trusteeship is not actual and legal, but it is moral and, therefore, not less real. Placating Theory This theory is based on the assumption that appeasement pays when the workers are organised and are militant. Peace can be bought by welfare measures. Workers are like children who are intelligent, but not fully so. As crying children are pacified by sweets, workers should be pleased by welfare works. Public Relations Theory According to this theory, welfare activities are provided to create a good impression on the minds of the workers and the public, particularly the latter. Clean and safe working conditions, a good canteen, creche and other amenities, make a good impression on the workers, visitors and the public. Some employers proudly take their visitors round the plant to show how well they have organised their welfare activities. Functional Theory Also known as the efficiency theory of labour welfare, the functional theory implies that welfare facilities are provided to make the workers more efficient. If workers are fed properly, clothed adequately and treated kindly, and if the conditions of their work are congenial, they will work efficiently. Welfare work is a means of securing, preserving and increasing the efficiency of labour. The social obligation of an industrial establishment has been assuming great significance these days. The social theory implies that a factory is morally bound to improve the conditions of the society in addition to mproving the condition of its employees. Labour welfare, as mentioned earlier, is gradually becoming social welfare.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3628
__label__wiki	0.801295	0.801295	In Maryland’s women’s prison last year, Emily Butler didn’t die. She was executed. December 16, 2018 by Dan Moshenberg 2 Comments Maryland has one women’s prison, the Maryland Correctional Institution for Women, MCIW. On November 12, 2017, 28-year-old Emily Butler was “found dead in her cell from an apparent suicide.” Emily Butler wasn’t “in her cell”; she was in solitary confinement, which Maryland claims does not exist in its prisons. On Friday, Disability Rights Maryland and a community fellow from the Open Society Institute of Baltimore released their findings concerning Emily Butler’s death. The report’s findings are both grim and all too familiar. Emily Butler was not “found dead”. She was executed, by the State of Maryland. Starting in 2008, Emily Butler had been receiving community-based mental health services for depressive, bipolar, and post-traumatic stress disorders. MCIW knew of her conditions. Remember that the staff knew all about Emily Butler’s psychiatric history. On Friday, November 10, 2017, Emily Butler and a friend argued. Butler threw coffee at her friend. Her friend was not injured, but Emily Butler was thrown into solitary confinement. There she stayed until her death. She was only allowed outside of her cell to bathe. According to the Disability Rights Maryland report, “Ms. Butler was not a danger to herself or others in MCIW because she acted impulsively and threw coffee on her friend during a dispute. Her friend was not injured and did not want to see Ms. Butler placed in segregation. Her segregation sentence was about punishment, not safety. Ms. Butler only became a danger to herself after she was placed in segregation.” Emily Butler took the isolation hard. First, solitary confinement is torture. Second, Emily Butler had reason to expect that she was going to be paroled in April 2018, and a stay in segregation would delay that. She was distraught and said so. She knew she needed help and asked for it. None came. The report finds that a mere six weeks prior to Emily Butler’s death, another woman, “Elaine”, had attempted suicide under similar circumstances. While Elaine was in the inpatient mental health treatment unit, IMHTU, she threw urine at a staff member. Elaine lives with “with post-traumatic stress disorder, major depressive disorder and borderline personality disorder -traumatic stress disorder.” The staff knew that. The staff also knew that Elaine has a long record of self-injury and aggression and can’t stand stress. Despite all that, Elaine was thrown into solitary: “After Elaine was transferred … to disciplinary segregation, she was observed in her cell standing on the sink and tying a sheet to the vent in the ceiling and around her neck. An officer intervened and stopped Elaine’s actions … She wanted to harm herself because she was scared about pending criminal assault charges for throwing the urine and that she had other stresses related to her family … She was upset that staff on the segregation unit did not take her seriously when she said that she was suicidal and wanted to speak with mental health staff … She said she attempted to hang herself after getting no response to her request for help. Elaine spent a few days on the IMHTU after this incident, and was then returned to the disciplinary segregation unit despite her evidenced need for mental health services …. Less than six weeks after Elaine was discovered with a sheet tied to the vent and around her neck, Emily Butler was discovered, also in the segregation unit, hanging from a sheet tied to a vent in her cell.” Three days after Emily Butler “was found dead,” The Baltimore Sun editorial board wrote, “It’s tempting to dismiss Emily Butler’s death as an unfortunate accident in an otherwise well-run corrections system where such mistakes are rare. But the reality is this is the fourth reported case of an inmate committing suicide this year, and it appears to be part of a pattern linking such deaths to the kinds of physical confinement inmates experience behind prison walls. There’s a difference between firm disciplinary measures that help ensure the safety of inmates and staff and cruel or unusual punishments that in effect amount to human rights abuses. Maryland needs to constantly rethink where that line should be drawn — and then make sure it stays on the right side of it. Emily Butler and others like her shouldn’t have to die by their own hands in order to teach the state that lesson.” The State of Maryland executed Emily Butler for the crime of needing and asking for help. How many more such women must suffer such torture? Do more than say Emily Butler’s name. In her name, shut down all forms of solitary confinement, in prison and beyond. (Photo Credit: Baltimore Sun) Filed Under: General Tagged With: Dan Moshenberg, Emily Butler, Haunts, Maryland Correctional Institution for Women, prison suicide, solitary confinement, women	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3630
__label__cc	0.742511	0.257489	« The persistent call to evolve The consequences of repressing our natural compassion » Abortion and Animal Agriculture Published May 8, 2016 \| By Will Tuttle By Dr. Will Tuttle Posted on Mothers’ Day, 2016, in honor of all mothers. One of the most persistent ethical and social dilemmas in our culture is the abortion issue, yet rarely do we make the critical connections between our culture’s routine exploitation and abuse of other animals and our ongoing struggle with this abortion issue. It is an aspect of what I refer to in The World Peace Diet as the boomerang effect: the abuse we inflict on animals inevitably returns to haunt and harm us, but we typically fail to trace the consequences of our actions to their source. Animal agriculture is not merely humans exploiting other animals; it is and always has been, more specifically and accurately, male humans exploiting female animals. The two defining practices of animal agriculture are killing them and routinely sexually abusing the females: impregnating them against their will and stealing their babies. Violence begets violence, and our relentless and deliberate killing and raping of millions of other animals daily has profound consequences not just for the unfortunate beings who are the victims of our actions, but also for us as perpetrators. We are all born into a culture that forces us from infancy to participate in mealtime rituals that require us to pay for and eat products that require viciously violating the sacred and celebratory forces of sexuality, birth, and the nurturing caring of motherhood. What are the consequences of this systematic and unrecognized abuse? Given the ever-increasing devastation caused by our attitudes, actions, and technologies on our world and each other, we are called more than ever to understand these typically hidden connections. For example, we have the dairy industry. Our infants and children are routinely forced to drink milk intended for baby cows, and to eat products made from this milk. Cow milk is naturally toxic to humans for many obvious reasons, because we are not calves who will put on 600 pounds in the first year of our life. Besides the acidifying and inflammatory casein and other milk proteins, the high fat content, the carcinogenic IGF-1 growth factor, and the pesticide and other toxic residues that concentrate in dairy products, there are the bovine hormones. From the perspective of our human abortion issue, the naturally occurring estrogen in cow milk is a fundamental driving factor. Cow estrogen and human estrogen are molecularly identical, and when we as children consume dairy products, especially cheese, ice cream, and other high-fat products (because hormones ride in fat), we consume unnaturally high levels of estrogen, and it is well-established that this bovine estrogen pushes us as young girls into early sexual maturity. It is certainly not healthy for us as boys to have all this unnatural estrogen flowing through our systems either, and the consequences could be worse and more complex than just the “boobs” that some boys get. However, for us as girls, we find that we are inhabiting a body that is fully sexually mature, complete with sexual drives and the capacity to give birth, at an age when we are still too young mentally and emotionally to deal with all that this requires of us. The average age of menarche, of first menstruation, instead of being seventeen as it was in the mid-nineteenth century, is now 12.5 years. This was made startlingly clear in Japan after World War II, where in the space of just one or two generations after dairy products were introduced there, the average age of menarche went from 15.2 to 12.5.[i] According to researcher Kerrie Saunders, “Both African villages and the Chinese have retained many of their dietary traditions of eating plant-based foods, and they both average an onset of female puberty at seventeen years of age.”[ii] The unnaturally early menarche in our culture causes untold anguish, with unnecessary teen pregnancies, abortion dilemmas and debates, and unnatural physical, psychological, and social stress that is simply a result of pushing our girls into sexual maturity too early, just as we do to the young cow slaves on the dairy. In addition to surreptitiously generating the high levels of abortions in our society by forcing our young girls into unnaturally early sexual maturity, the dairy industry also engages in violent abortion procedures as part of its routine operation. On any dairy operation, organic or not, newborn calves are immediately stolen from their mothers, causing terrible grief, anxiety, and despair to both. I have heard the desperate wails of cows for their calves that pierce the night unremittingly for hours at a time. These mothers are immediately re-impregnated against their will on what the industry calls the “rape rack” and after nine months, she delivers another calf, who like the first will be immediately stolen from her. This happens an average of four times, with three of the calves being killed either immediately as useless, or after a few months for veal, or after two years if used for beef. One will be kept as a slave to replace her mother on the dairy. At this point the mother cow is physically exhausted, having endured the unnatural trauma of being pregnant and lactating simultaneously for four pregnancies, and even though she’s only about five to six years old and would live naturally about 25 years, she is sent off to slaughter to be used for cheap hamburger. However, the dairy industry isn’t through with her. It is common practice to impregnate her one last time, and send her to slaughter when she is about eight months pregnant or so, for the extra profit that her unborn fetus can bring at the slaughter-plant. So after hanging her upside down and slitting her throat so that she dies by the slow and painful death of being bled out, workers cut her open and perform a late-term abortion, stabbing her unborn calf because of the extra profit this calf brings to the industry in three ways. First, the skin of unborn calves can be used to make fine leather that fetches a higher price. Second, the stomachs of these unborn calves have already started to produce rennin, the hormone substance that we don’t have that breaks down the main protein in cow milk, casein, and this rennin is used by the cheese industry to coagulate milk to make cheese. Third, the pharmaceutical industry wants to use the “fetal bovine serum” that is in the calf’s heart and circulatory system for their vaccines, and so workers insert a long needle into the beating heart of the calf to extract this substance, before slitting his or her throat. Why don’t we hear any protests against the grisly abortions happening around the clock at slaughter plants because of our continued appetite for dairy products? Why no outcry against the violence of forcing our girls into early menarche, considering the pain and trauma this causes them and their families and our society? As we sow, we reap. How can we expect that we are worthy as a culture to be free of abortion and its devastating effects when we force millions of sentient beings into abortions against their will? The abortion issue is, at is roots, the byproduct of a society that does not honor the sacred feminine aspects of life. At is living core, our herding culture is organized around enslaving and killing animals at an industrial scale, and thus all of us are injected from infancy with participatory attitudes that reduce our natural intelligence and sense of respect for life. Animal agriculture requires men to view females as mere breeders, reducing them to objects to be used as baby-making machines, for the profit and pleasure of their exploiters. Thus we find ourselves in a competitive and disconnected society that reduces our sensitivity and compassion for animals and for each other. This reduces the sacred feminine wisdom in all of us that is the foundation of the nurturing, strong, and loving family life that would protect and nurture our children, youth, and all of us so that abortion would be a non-issue. Destroying the families of other animals on a massive scale, dishonoring their sacred mother-child bond, and reducing them to lone units of production in a heartless economic system, we find our families and bonding similarly broken down and ourselves similarly reduced, and saddled with abortion dilemmas that arise inevitably from this and from our culture’s lack of supportive attitudes toward women and our loss of nurturing family and relationship networks. The deep structure of our animal-enslaving culture wounds us all, training us from infancy to view other beings as things to be used and from this, the abortion issue (and many others) inevitably arises. There is a lasting solution to the abortion issue and that is to question the violence on our plates and as individuals to go vegan and strive to embody vegan values of justice, kindness, and respect for all animals, both human and nonhuman, and to share these ideas with others through our example and efforts. Evolving toward a vegan culture is the way to access and heal the roots of our many struggles with war, violence, and injustice. All animal agriculture requires imprisoning and sexually abusing other animals, and their interests and suffering are to them as significant as ours are to us. This is the unyielding dilemma that we can no longer ignore. Our future, if we are to have one, will be vegan. [i] Kagawa, Y., “Impact of Westernization on the Nutrition of Japanese: Changes in Physique, Cancer, Longevity, and Centenarians,” Preventive Medicine, 7 (1978), pp. 205–217. Cited in Saunders, The Vegan Diet as Chronic Disease Prevention, (New York: Lantern Books, 2003), p. 137. [ii] Saunders, The Vegan Diet as Chronic Disease Prevention, p.137. Posted in 2016 Essays, Current Blogs 2 Responses to Abortion and Animal Agriculture Grace Lorraine says: Thank you for this insightful and empowering article. Hopefully, many people will share it with the intelligent and engaged community at https://40daysforlife.com Our efforts to end abortion are indeed ironic because of what we “do unto others.” This is so unbearably cruel. Thank you for your unrelenting and clear sighted definition of the bovine experience. With every drink of milk or bite of cheese, yogurt, or ice cream the unconscionable experience of the sacred cow being is brought into the body, mind, and emotions of the sacred human being. Unknowingly we harbor this cruelty and act on it in so many ways with so many results. One cannot read of this without taking action to end this cruelty. Leave a Reply to Grace Lorraine Cancel reply	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3632
__label__wiki	0.860121	0.860121	Best For Miz-ness Following his surprising return on the June 30, 2014 broadcast of RAW, The Miz, wearing white slacks, a white suit jacket, white button shirt is returning to the backstage area after taking a Codebreaker from Chris Jericho. "How dare he try and damage this beautiful face... and steal MY spotlight..." The Miz says before he sees Stephanie McMahon. A thought crosses his mind and he smirks slyly before he starts to approach the most powerful woman in the WWE, "Stephanie.... long time no see... how's the family?" The Miz asks with a huge grin and his arms open as if he's expecting a hug. Stephanie McMahon presses her lips together and nods her head, while keeping her hands cupped together at her waist. "Miz...welcome back..." Stephanie says casually, dressed in a perfectly fitted gray business suit. Miz keeps his arms open for a moment and then lowers them, "Thank you, it's great to see someone around here appreciates me coming back when I could be in Hollywood schmoozing with all the A-Listers..." Stephanie widely smiles "Well...we sure are lucky to have you back...that you made the decision that was best for business...coming back to the WWE...and proving that maybe...just maybe you can be an A+ player." "Can be? I am an A+ player, I'm the only person who can be a movie star and be a Superstar at the same time..." Miz smirks. Stephanie raises an eyebrow and looks at The Miz. "So...what you're saying is that you're a WWE player all the way, is that right?" "Yeah and I'm gonna redefined the entire game... but first I need to talk to you about that... that second-rate Jon Bon Jovi look-alike Chris Jericho... who tried to damage my face, my moneymaker... and if my face is damage, that's not good for anyone's business..." Stephanie laughs and points to herself "You're telling me what I need to do? Do you forget who I am, Miz? I am the Principle Owner of the WWE..." "That's why I'm coming to you..." Miz says with a smile, "I'm the most must-see Superstar the WWE has, the one Hollywood wants... and you know if Hollywood sees one of their own getting roughed up by someone D- Player like Chris Jericho, then that's not good, I know my agent isn't going to want me to stay put in the WWE if there isn't some assurance that the 'moneymaker' is safe..." Stephanie narrows her eyes into a glare as she locks her eyes on The Miz and remains silent for a moment, before she starts to slyly smirk. "I'll tell you what Miz...I'll make sure of it that Chris Jericho faces some punishment and that in the future, you're safe from any type of danger..." "That's why you're the Principal Owner of the WWE... but we're talking business... and I know you want something too... maybe a private screen of the Marine 4..." Miz says with a grin. Stephanie smirks a bit "Maybe...but here's what you could do for me...for the Authority..." Stephanie says and turns her head to look around the area. "Why don't we go to my office and discuss this further..." "Sure..." Miz nods his head. Later in the night as Roman Reigns and John Cena are facing off against Kane and Randy Orton, The Miz is in Stephanie McMahon's office, sitting on the large leather couch as he waits for the Principal Owner of the WWE to arrive to continue their discussion. After a few moments, the door to the office opens and Stephanie walks in, closing the door behind her. "Sorry about making you wait.." Stephanie says with a sigh. "I had an issue that needed to be taken care of..." I know the game...got to deal with business first..." Miz says with a smirk. Stephanie nods her head and walks over to her desk, folding her arms and leaning against the front of the desk as she stands. "Now...what I wanted to talk about...it's clear that the WWE needs to be represented by someone that the Authority has faith in...not some injured Daniel Bryan...or someone who lacks respect for me and my family, like John Cena..." "That describes me perfectly..." Miz says, "I completely respect you and the rest of the McMahons..." Stephanie nods her head "And...we appreciate that Miz, and that's what Hunter and I...the Authority, we need a Plan C...just in case, and maybe that Plan C could be you..." "Well I know all about beating Cena, and how Randy is a choke artist and how unless someone is awesome like me how Money in the Bank can really backfire... so alright... I'll be your Plan C... just what kind of perks will I get with that besides being the gorgeous face of the WWE?" Stephanie smirks and points at The Miz "That's the attitude the Authority wants...and needs!" Stephanie says, and unfolds her arms. "When working with the Authority, Miz...you will receive perks that you need could've imagined. The Miz smirks, "Hey I can imagine a lot..." Stephanie shrugs her shoulders "Name it." "Hmmm.... since I'm an A-List Superstar, then I should get the fuck the most A+ Diva in the WWE..." Miz says. Stephanie nods her head and smirks "That can be arranged..." Stephanie says as she turns toward her desk and reaches for the phone. "Who is it and I'll have her in here immediately..." "Wow... really... you don't consider yourself to be the most A+ Diva in the WWE?" The Miz asks. Stephanie turns her head and looks back at The Miz. "You were...talking about me?" "Yeah... you don't think people haven't noticed the way you've been dressing lately... it's to show off that you're the A+ Diva..." Miz smirks. Stephanie McMahon smirks "I do workout quite frequently." "That much is obvious..." Miz says with a smirk. Stephanie licks her lips and locks her eyes with The Miz as she raises her left finger and motions for him to come close. The Miz stands up from the couch and licks his teeth as he starts to approach Stephanie McMahon. Stephanie McMahon sinks down onto her knees in front of The Miz and reaches up with her hands as she starts to unbuckle the belt around his waist. The Miz removes his white suit jacket, folds and tosses it onto Stephanie's large desk as she finishes undoing his belt. Stephnie slyly smirks up at The Miz as she lowers her hands and unbuttons his white pants and then lowers the zipper. Miz starts to unbutton his shirt, revealing his tone and tanned upper body as Stephanie starts to tug his pants down from his waist, freeing his awesomely thick cock. Stepahnie presses her lips together and places her left hand around his thick cock and begins to stroke his shaft, feeling him harden further against her palm. "Ahhhh..." Miz moans as Stephanie pumps her left hand back and forth on his hardening cock as he kicks off his shoes and steps out of his pants. Stephanie slyly leans her head down and starts to slide her wet tongue over the head of The Miz's cock, while she continues to work her hand on his shaft. "Mmmmmm..." The star of the Marine 3 and 4 moans as Stephanie guides her tongue over the crown of his cock as she strokes the thick shaft. "Mmmmmmm..." Stephanie moans as she moves her tongue over the bell-end, with her saliva spreading all over the surface. "Ohhhh yeah..." Miz moans as Stephanie's tongue moves against the head of his thick cock. Stephanie flicks the tip of her tongue against his piss-slit before she parts her lips and takes his awesome cock into her Billion Dollar hot mouth. "Awwww fuck...." Miz moans as Stephanie wraps her lips around thick cock before she starts to bob her head. Stephanie removes her hand from around his shaft and places both of her hands onto his toned and tanned waist as she wickedly begins to suck on his cock, easily manipulating him with her lips. "Awwwww... mmmm..." Miz groans as he removes his shirt and tosses it on top of his white suit jacket as Stephanie rocks her head back and forth on his dick. "Mmmmmmm...mmmm...mmmm..." Stephanie moans as she looks up at The Miz and locks her beautiful, piercing eyes with him, while she rocks her head perfectly forward. "Mmmmm awww..." Miz moans as Stephanie grinds her lips on his cock each time she moves her head forward. "Mmmmm awwww yeah ahhhh..." The Miz moans as Stephanie sucks and slurps on his cock. "Mmmmmmm...mmmmm..." Stephanie moans as she rocks on her knees, eagerly bobbing her head on his shaft. "Awwww yeah ahhhh fuck... mmmm..." The Miz moans and smirks as Stephanie McMahon's saliva drips off of his dick each time she pulls her head back. Stephanie slyly looks up at The Miz as she slaps her wet tongue against the bottom side of his cock, while bobbing her head downward. "Ahhhhh mmmmm fuck... awwww man you put Scarlet Johansen to shame... mmmm..." Miz moans as he complements Stephanie on how she's sucking his dick. "Mmmmmmm..." Stephanie moans and turns her head as she grinds her perfect lips on The Miz's, lowering down on his cock. "Awwwww ohhh..." Miz moans as Stephanie takes every inch of his thick hard shaft into her mouth. "Mmmmmmm..." Stephanie moans seductively and slowly starts to pull her head back, with her saliva covering his shaft. "Awwww-some..." Miz groans as Stephanie's lips brush against his cock until the head passes between her lips. Stephanie smirks and raises an eyebrow as she looks up at The Miz. "It's just what was best for business..." Stephanie replies as she stands up from the floor and starts to unbutton her suit jacket. "And what's best for business... is best for me..." Miz says as he watches Stephanie slip her arms out of the sleeves of her suit jacket. Stephanie smirks and nods her head "I think we're going to benefit a lot for each other..." Stephanie says before she pushes her pants down from her waist and down her gorgeously smooth legs. "Oh yeah..." Miz nods his head as he watches Stephanie step out of her pants. After removing her shirt that was underneath the jacket, the Principle Owner of the WWE is standing in front of The Miz is her stunning bra and panties. "You should get your bra and panties from House of Maryse... they'll really show off your tits and ass..." Miz says as he moves behind Stephanie and undoes the clasp of her bra before he starts to bush down her panties. Stephanie smirks a bit "I prefer a higher quality..." "You'd look great in it..." Miz smirks and shrugs as he pushes Stephanie's panties down her legs as Stephanie removes her bra from her large Billion Dollar tits. Stephanie licks her teeth and bends over the desk, turning her head back to look at The Miz. The former WWE Champion steps closer to Stephanie and lays one hand on her hip while he uses the other to guide his cock into her tight wet pussy. "Mmmmmm....yeah....that's right...mmmm best for business..." Stephanie moans. "Awwww yeah ahhhh..." Miz moans as he starts to thrust his cock in and out of Stephanie's snatch. "Mmmmmmm...ohhhhh..." Stephanie moans as she rocks forward on her feet, feeling The Miz's awesome cock pumping into her from behind. "Awww ahhh yeah mmmm..." The Miz grunts while he thrusts his shaft in and out of Stephanie's twat while she pushes back against him. "Mmmmmm...ohhhh...ohhhh..." Stephanie moans as she pushes back, with her juicy ass connecting with his waist. "Ahhhh yeah... mmmmm who's awesome.... mmmm I'm awesome..." Miz groans as he drives his shaft deeply into Stephanie's pussy. "Mmmmmm...ohhhhh...ohhhhh..." Stephanie moans and forces herself back sharply on his cock. "Awwww ahhhh fuck... ahhhh..." Miz moans as he pumps his cock repeatedly into Stephanie's cunt "Mmmmmmm...ohhhh yeah...mmmmm...do what's best for business!" Stephanie moans. Miz moves his hands to Stephanie's ass cheeks while he buries his cock repeatedly into Stephanie's pussy. "Mmmmmm yeah...mmmm...you know who the fuckin' Authority is! Mmmmmm...you respect it!" Stephanie moans "Ohhh yeah... I'm giving you all of my fucking respect..." Miz moans as he slams his cock into Stephanie's pussy. "Mmmmmmm...ohhhhh...yeah...you fucking better!" Stephanie moans and grits her teeth as she pushes back on The Miz's cock. "Ahhhhhh awwww mmmmm fuck..." Miz moans as he watches Stephanie's juicy ass cheeks jiggle as they smack against his waist. "Mmmmmm...ohhh...ohhhhh!" Stephanie moans as her ass collides with The Miz's waist as he thrusts forward into her. "Ahhhh yeah mmmmm fuck..." Miz moans as he hammers Stephanie's pussy for a few more moments before pulling out. Stephanie turns around to face The Miz and smirks before she places her hands behind onto the surface of the desk and lifts herself onto the desk, spreading her gorgeous legs. The Miz moves to stand between Stephanie's spread legs and guides his cock back into her wet pussy. "Mmmmmmm...ohhhhhh..." Stephanie moans and wraps her gorgeous legs around his waist as he begins to pump into her. "Ohhhh ahhhhh mmmm..." Miz moans as he watches Stephanie's large tits bounce as a result of each of his thrusts. "Mmmmm yeah...mmmm..." Stephanie moans as she grinds her pussy against his cock, as he pumps into her. "Ohhhhh shit ... mmmmm..." Miz moans as Stephanie rocks on the desk to grind her twat against his pistoning dick. "Mmmmmm...ohhhh...mmmm...mmmm...yeah...mmmmm you're an A+ player...mmmmm." "Damn right I am... awwww ohhhh fuck..." Miz groans as he drives his cock sharply into Stephanie's pussy. "Mmmmmmm...ohhhhh..." Stephanie moans and slightly bounces on the surface of the table as The Miz thrusts deeply into her. "Awwwww mmmmm fuck.... ahhhh yeah..." Miz moans as he expertly pumps his cock into Stephanie's cunt. "Mmmmmm...ohhhh...ohhhh..." Stephanie moans and closes her eyes as The Miz drives his cock deeply forward. "Awwww mmmmm fuck..." Miz moans as Stephanie lustfully grinds as his thrusting thick shaft. "Mmmmmmm...ohhhh...ohhh fuck.." Stephanie moans and bucks her hips to push back on his cock. "Yeah awwwww ahhhh fuck... mmmmmm yeah I'm awesome... and I know it..." Miz groans as he pushes Stephanie to scoot back and lay on the desk as he climbs onto it as he keeps fucking her. "Ohhhhh...mmmmm...ohhhhhh..." Stephanie moans as she places her hands onto his arms, while pushing against his cock. "Awwww ahhhh awww... " Miz moans as his balls smack between Stephanie's legs with each of his stiff thrusts. "Mmmmmm...ohhhhhh...ohhhh fuck..." Stephanie moans as she slides on the smooth surface of the desk, with her bumping into the office phone and knocking it off of the desk. "Ahhhh awwww yeah mmmmm fuck yeah this is best for business..." Miz moans as he pounds Stephanie's pussy as she squeezes his waist with her legs. "Mmmmmmm...ohhhh...ohhhh..." Stephanie moans as she feels his cock plowing deeply into her pussy. "Ohhhh yeah ahhhh mmmm..." Miz moans as grabs Stephanie's bouncing and swaying tits as he continues to drill her on top of the desk. "Mmmmmmm...ohhhhh...ohhhh..." Stephanie moans as sweat drips down her stunning body. "Ahhhhh ahhh fuck awww yeah totally...mmmm respect you..." Miz moans as he maintains an awesome pace. "Mmmmmmm...ohhhh..." Stephanie moans and sharply pushes on his cock. "Ohhhhhh yeah mmmmm awww..." Miz moans as Stephanie's legs slip from around his waist. "Mmmmm...ohhhh..ohhhh...ahhhh fuck..." Stephanie moans as her pussy begins to tighten around his cock. "Ahhhhh yeah... mmmmm awwww... ahhhh..." Miz moans as he does not ease up on his thrusts as Stephanie's pussy tightens gradually on his shaft. "Mmmmmmm...ohhhhhh fuck...ohhhhh..." Stephanie moans as she grinds against his cock, and begins to cum. "Ohhhhh awwww ahhh..." Miz moans as his dick starts to throb as Stephanie's warm pussy juices flow over his pistoning cock. "Mmmmmmm...ohhhhh shit..." Stephanie moans and licks her lips as she pushes on his cock. "Ahhhh awwww ohhhh fuck ahhhh..." Miz moans as his thrusts become erratic as he keeps ramming his throbbing dick into Stephanie's pussy. "Ohhhhhhh...ohhhh..." Stephanie moans and licks her lips as she arches her back, with his cock thrusting into her pussy. "Ahhhhh awwww mmmm..." Miz groans as he bucks his hips forward to slam his heavily throbbing dick into Stephanie's pussy. "Mmmmm....yeah...mmmmm yeah! Do what's best!" Stephanie lustfully screams. "Ahhhhh mmmm..." Miz moans as he pulls his throbbing cock out of Stephanie's pussy and begins to stroke his shaft while tapping the bell-end against her snatch. "Mmmmm...yeah...cum on that pussy!" Stephanie grits her teeth and seductively narrows her eyes. "Awwww ohhhh fuck..." Miz moans as he starts to cum, spraying his thick load onto Stephanie's twat. Stephanie bites down on her bottom lip and smirks at The Miz as his warm cum covers her pussy. "Ahhhh yeah... mmmmm..." Miz moans as he keeps stroking his dick until he is finished cumming. "Mmmmm...you do what's best for business and you can have this any time..." Stephanie says. Joie Lenz Fakes \| Lauryn Hill Fakes \| Katie Melua Fakes \| Women of Wrestling Fakes	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3633
__label__wiki	0.913349	0.913349	Football Game Tape: Week Three The Dividing Line Sep 21, 2015 - 12:00am photo by: Nick Krug Lawrence High defensive lineman Amani Bledsoe (72) comes around to wrap up Free State quarterback Bryce Torneden (1) for a sack during the first half on Friday, Sept. 17, 2015 at Free State High School. In a game that had more twists and turns than most roller coasters, Friday’s football City Showdown lived up to the hype, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Both schools had opportunities to win the game, but Lawrence High made some big defensive plays in the fourth quarter and held on for a 14-12 victory at FSHS, ending a three-year losing streak to Free State. Helped by the old-school mentality of players going both ways, the Lions saw plenty of big plays made by their top players. Now on their first three-game winning streak since 2012, it’ll be interesting to see how the Lions use this momentum for the next few weeks. The Firebirds dropped to 0-3, opening the season with three straight losses for the first time since 2004. That’s the result of a few mistakes that cost them some victories and one of the toughest schedules in the state. Free State’s opponents have a combined 11-1 record this season. Free State needed a couple of games to adjust to playing in its new defensive scheme and it looked great on Friday. The Firebirds gave up one long touchdown drive and the other touchdown came on a short field after a fumbled snap on a punt. FSHS coach Bob Lisher told his team afterward, “Don’t be down.” He’s right. The loss stings but the Firebirds made big strides against a veteran LHS squad. Now for a look ahead to next week: Lawrence High at Shawnee Mission Northwest on Thursday at 7 p.m. (at SM North District Stadium) — The Cougars (1-2) have lost to two of the top ranked teams in the state, SM East and Blue Valley, but feature a strong passing game with quarterback Ron Kopp and receiver Gerrit Prince. They struggle on defense where they’ve allowed 135 points this year (45 per game). Free State at Leavenworth on Friday at 7 p.m. — Both the Firebirds and the Pioneers (0-3) will be looking for their first win of the season. Leavenworth was crushed by Lawrence High in Week Two and lost to Olathe Northwest, 30-7, last week. Against Lawrence High, the Pioneers didn’t record any passing yards while running back Wade Jackson led with 108 yards and a touchdown on the ground. In case you missed it, we’re copying one of the popular features of KUsports.com, “Keegan’s Ratings,” where Sports Editor Tom Keegan ranks KU football and men’s basketball players after every game he attends. These individual rankings are just one person’s opinion, but it’s a good way to look at how each person impacted each game. Lawrence High football 1. Amani Bledsoe, sr. DE/RT — There’s just something about the City Showdown that brings out the best in Bledsoe. Doing his best J.J. Watt impersonation, Bledsoe was constantly in the backfield blowing up plays. I had him credited with five tackles in the backfield, one sack, and a few pass pressures. During one FSHS possession in the second quarter, he helped blow up a play for a three-yard loss on first down, made a tackle on the next play for a four-yard loss, then would’ve forced another three-yard loss on the next play if he wasn’t called for a face mask penalty. 2. Price Morgan, sr. LB/TE — Morgan was flying around to the field to make tackles and he proved why he’s one of the Sunflower League’s best linebackers. On the last FSHS drive of the first half, he made three tackles in a four-play stretch. I had him down for eight tackles in which the Firebirds gained three yards or less on the play. 3. JD Woods, sr. RB — Woods might be the only running back in the state who could be “contained” for 142 yards and two scores. The Firebirds did a good job preventing him from breaking off any long runs, but Woods was strong in the second half. He nearly put the game away with a 34-yard run to the six-yard line late in the fourth quarter before a fumbled snap gave the ball back to Free State. 4. Dante’ Jackson, soph. CB — On Free State’s final drive, the Firebirds threw at Jackson seven times, including five straight pass attempts. Those seven plays turned into three completions for 28 yards. Credit Jackson for stepping up in the biggest moments of the game and the LHS coaches for trusting him and not changing their defensive scheme. 5. Tanner Green, sr. LB — Along with Morgan, Green was everywhere chasing down ball carriers. The impressive thing about Green is his ability to make plays at the line of scrimmage and chase down runners down the field. 6. Ivan Hollins, sr. CB — With the game on the line, Hollins knocked away a pass in the final 20 seconds to secure the LHS victory. He broke up two other passes and only allowed one big completion — a 31-yard catch by Logan McKinney on the last drive. 7. Trey Georgie, sr. DE/LT — On the opposite side of the defensive line as Bledsoe, Georgie provided strong pressure on pass plays and had a couple of tackles at the line of scrimmage. His biggest play was diving on a bad snap on a Free State punt, setting up the first LHS touchdown. 8. Alan Clothier, sr. QB — Clothier finished with 17 passing yards and 23 rushing yards, but he nearly sealed the game with 3:46 left in the fourth quarter with a beautiful throw to Morgan for a 15-yard pickup on 3rd-and-12. His only negative was a fumbled snap three plays later that kept the Lions from putting more points on the scoreboard. 9. Trey Moore, jr. RB — With the Firebirds focused on stopping Woods, Moore took advantage in the second half, setting up a LHS touchdown. Moore finished with 61 yards on eight carries, including 58 yards on the touchdown drive. He also had a catch for two yards. 10. Nate Koehn, sr. DT — LHS coach Dirk Wedd said prior to the City Showdown that Koehn is tough to handle for offensive lines when he’s playing at his best. Koehn was wrecking havoc in the middle of the field, making it tough for the Firebirds to run in the middle of the field. • Next up: Thursday at SM Northwest. Record: 3-0. Free State football 1. Bryce Torneden, sr. QB/S — Despite heavy pressure from Lawrence’s defensive line, Torneden frequently turned nothing into something. He finished with 135 rushing yards and a touchdown, and 106 passing yards. His touchdown in the middle of the fourth quarter was an all-heart drive, which included a 30-yard run on a 4th-and-2. At safety, he made plays all over the field and rarely missed on tackles. 2. Jay Dineen, jr. LB — He looked like the best player on the field in the first quarter with some big defensive stops. In one series, Dineen made a tackle in the backfield for a seven-yard loss then snuffed out a screen pass for a tackle at the line of scrimmage. Switching jersey numbers to help out on the offensive line, Dineen made his presence felt often with tackles near the line of scrimmage. 3. Sam Skwarlo, sr. RB/LB — Along with Dineen, Skwarlo had some dominant stretches at linebacker. When the Lions were in the red zone in the first quarter, Skwarlo helped push them back with a tackle for a 13-yard loss. On the next offensive possession, Skwarlo had two big runs, including 31-yard touchdown. He finished with 54 yards on nine carries. 4. Paul Bittinger, sr. LB — Bittinger made some big tackles but his biggest play was grabbing a fumbled snap late in the fourth quarter with the Firebirds backed near their own goal line. Along with a few tackles, he ran for a first down on a fake punt in the third quarter. 5. Zack Sanders, jr. CB/WR — Similar to Skwarlo last week, it’s a shame that his game will be remembered by one mistake at the end of the game — a dropped pass when he beat a cornerback by a step or two. He was strong in coverage at cornerback, forcing two incompletions in the first half. At receiver, he led the team with 44 yards on five receptions. 6. Darian Lewis, sr. DL — Lewis had a big role in trying to slow down Lawrence’s running backs. He had a few tackles at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield, helping blow up plays. He also showed his speed with a couple of tackles downfield. 7. Logan McKinney, sr. WR — McKinney gave his team a chance to win the game in the fourth quarter with a huge catch with two defensive backs draped over him. His 31-yard reception put the Firebirds in the red zone with 32 seconds left. 8. Drew Tochtrop, sr. LB — Tochtrop was huge at linebacker during Lawrence’s first series in the second half. He made three tackles at the line of scrimmage, helping the Firebirds get the ball back after a turnover on downs. 9. Jack Flynn, sr. DB/WR — Flynn nearly grabbed an interception in the first quarter and made a nice tackle on third down in the second quarter, helping the Firebirds get the ball back. On offense, Flynn had two catches for 17 yards. 10. Bo Miller, soph. LB — Along with his fellow linebackers, Miller did a nice job of slowing down Lawrence’s run game. He made a solo tackle near the line of scrimmage at midfield at the end of the third quarter. • Next up: Friday at Leavenworth. Record: 0-3. Free State running back Sam Skwarlo (5) shrugs off Lawrence High defenders Ivan Hollins (5) and defensive back Dante Jackson (32) on his way in for a touchdown during the first half on Friday, Sept. 17, 2015 at Free State High School. As always, feel free to comment, email me, or find me on Twitter @nightengalejr. Football Game Tape: Week One Firebirds split against Mill Valley; Two-Hearts and Thomsen lead rankings Lions sweep Topeka in season openers; post players top player rankings Football Game Tape: Week Seven Football Game Tape: Week Six Football Game Tape: Week Five	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3637
__label__wiki	0.906524	0.906524	Home Electric Vehicles Gigafactory 3: How China is helping and pushing Tesla at the same... Gigafactory 3: How China is helping and pushing Tesla at the same time A recent unofficial drone footage revealed that Tesla has been busy getting its 213 acre lot in Shanghai’s Lingang Industrial Zone ready for the construction of Gigafactory 3. It does feel like Tesla was aggressively responding to Shanghai Mayor Ying Yong and Vice Mayor Wu Qing visit to Tesla last week, when the officials urged the electric car maker to expedite construction of Gigafactory 3, as if Tesla ever needed some prodding to get going in China. The Mayor of Shanghai had already stated that Tesla has completed leveling the land and construction of Gigafactory 3 is all set to begin soon. G3 is “expected to be partially put into operation in the second half of next year.” he said. Tesla starts Gigafactory 3 construction in China But let’s take a closer look at the pace of events over the last six months. In April 2018, China announced that it will remove a key restriction that forced auto manufacturing companies into joint ventures with local partners. The announcement made it very clear, who the Chinese government was targeting. “The National Development and Reform Commission announced in a statement that China will scrap foreign ownership limits on new energy vehicle manufacturers in 2018, followed by commercial vehicle makers in 2020 and passenger vehicle companies in 2022,” reported Nikkei Asian Review Foreign ownership cap removed for electric vehicle manufacturers in 2018. Three months after China removed foreign ownership restrictions, Tesla CEO Elon Musk met with Chinese Vice-President Wang Qishan, known as the right hand man of President Xi. With my team after a profoundly interesting discussion of history, philosophy & luck with Vice President Wang in 中南海紫光阁 pic.twitter.com/pHd52YTZD2 — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 12, 2018 During Musk’s visit, Tesla signed a cooperative agreement with the Shanghai Municipal government to build Gigafactory 3 in China. “We expect construction to begin in the near future, after we get all the necessary approvals and permits,” Tesla said in a statement. “From there, it will take roughly two years until we start producing vehicles and then another two to three years before the factory is fully ramped up to produce around 500,000 vehicles per year for Chinese customers.” Tesla still had some problems in securing permits and approvals because the ownership cap on new energy vehicles was not yet removed. But why bother when you have the Shanghai officials in your corner. “The next step is for the city government to do the support work to allow the project to go into operation as quickly as possible,” said Huang Ou, deputy director of the Shanghai Commission of Economy and Information Technology. “In line with state plans, we will speed up the cancelation of foreign ownership restrictions in the car manufacturing sector,” he added. But this was in July, when Tesla was running out of cash and had only two profitable quarters in its entire history. Money was hard to come by and Tesla was adamant that it will not raise money in 2018. As analysts kept predicting that Tesla will have to raise money to fund its new project, CEO Elon Musk revealed that Tesla will use local debt from China. “ “For China, I think our default plan will be to use essentially a loan from local banks in China and fund the (Gigafactory 3) in Shanghai with local debt,” he said. In August, we reported that the local Shanghai government is the middle-man in negotiations with at least four state-owned banks to secure funding for the manufacturing unit. A month later, several media reports stated that Tesla Shanghai’s registered capital increased from 100 million yuan to 4.67 billion yuan, an equivalent of $680 million. On October 17th, Tesla announced that the company has signed an agreement with the Shanghai government to buy 864,885 square meter plot in Shanghai’s Lingang area to build its first overseas factory. CNBC reported that “The local subsidiary of Elon Musk’s company bought the industrial-use land for 973 million yuan, or $140 million, on Wednesday, according to China property transaction records from Shanghai-based financial data company Wind Info.” So the Shanghai government not only help lift the ownership cap on foreign companies, get approvals and permits, but it also helped Tesla secure funding and buy a 213-acre plot just 47 miles away from Shanghai. You cannot blame Shanghai’s local government for being so helpful to a foreign manufacturing company like Tesla, especially when the State of Nevada says that the company has exceeded all its expectations. Tesla’s Nevada Gigafactory is only 30% complete and is already the highest volume battery plant in the world “Tesla has exceeded its commitments, to the State of Nevada, in the areas if capital investment and job creation,” reads a new economic impact report released Wednesday by the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED), Nevada. What did Tesla promise to the State of Nevada? According to Tesla’s contractual agreement, Tesla and its partners said Gigafactory 1 would provide direct employment to 6,000 workers, with an annual payroll of $353,620,000, and a capital investment of $5 billion. What has Tesla done? As of June 2018, Tesla employs 7,059 workers in Gigactory 1, with an annual payroll of $379 million and capital investment of $6 billion. Average hourly wages at Gigafactory was $25.78, well above the statewide average of $22.54 per hour, but below Tesla’s projected average of $27.35 per hour. You can read more details about the economic impact of Tesla Gigafactory 1 here Tesla is nowhere close to maxing out its development in Nevada. Gigafactory 1 is sitting on a 3,000 acres plot in Nevada and the current output is just a little over 20GWh. Tesla has plans to take it all the way to 150 GWh. It may or may not happen in a hurry, but the economic impact of Telsa Gigafactory 1 is already huge and it will continue to grow from here. From Tesla 2018 Economic Impact Summary: An estimated 17,000 direct construction jobs and 7,900 additional indirect jobs have been created in Washoe and Storey Counties from 2015 through 2018. At current employment and wage levels, Tesla is anticipated to create an annual economic impact of $3.56 billion on the Washoe/StoreyCounty region in 2018. As of June 30, 2018, there are now 7,059 people employed at the facility with an annual payroll of $378.6 million. Through the multiplier effect, an additional 8,200 jobs and $466.3million in annual payroll are being supported at other local businesses. The 15,300-estimated direct, indirect and induced jobs that are being generated by the Gigafactory support an estimated population (including families)of about 34,000 people. It’s not a huge surprise that Shanghai has been hands on to get Tesla going. The sooner Tesla starts building the better it gets for Shanghai. gigafactory 3	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3645
__label__cc	0.579893	0.420107	Tales of the Jazz Age Genre: Classics Publish Date: February 9, 2016 Publisher: Open Road Media Seller: OpenRoad Integrated Media, LLC A master craftsman brings one of the most fascinating periods in American history to vivid life in these provocative and poignant short stories Born gray-haired and grumpy, Benjamin Button may be an infant, but his body and personality are those of an old man. Curiously, however, he grows younger with each passing year. Benjamin is aging backwards, which begs the question, when does a man become a man? And how do we recognize our true selves?   A delightful fable that poses serious inquiries about the nature of existence, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is one of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s best-known stories and the centerpiece of this legendary collection. From the Jazz Age decadence of “May Day” to the delightful fantasy of “The Diamond as Big as the Ritz,” these evocative tales showcase one of the twentieth century’s greatest authors at the height of his talent. iTunes Store: Top Free Books in Fiction & Literature Categories BooksTags Fitzgerald, Jazz, Scott, Tales Ella and Louis – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Ella and Louis © ℗ 2011 The Verve Music Group, a Division of UMG Recordings, Inc. Categories JazzTags Armstrong, Ella, Fitzgerald, Louis The F. Scott Fitzgerald Collection – F. Scott Fitzgerald The F. Scott Fitzgerald Collection Publisher: Blackmore Dennett Seller: StreetLib Srl F. Scott Fitzgerald was an American fiction writer, whose works helped to illustrate the flamboyance and excess of the Jazz Age. While he achieved popular success, fame, and fortune in his lifetime, he did not receive much critical acclaim until after his death. Perhaps the most notable member of the "Lost Generation" of the 1920s, Fitzgerald is now widely regarded as one of the greatest American writers of the 20th century. The F. Scott Fitzgerald Collection features:  This Side Of Paradise The Offshore Pirate The Ice Palace Head And Shoulders The Cut-Glass Bowl Bernice Bobs Her Hair Benediction Dalyrimple Goes Wrong The Four Fists The Beautiful And Damned The Jelly-Bean The Camel’s Back May Day Porcelain And Pink The Diamond As Big As The Ritz The Curious Case Of Benjamin Button Tarquin Of Cheapside “O Russet Witch!” The Lees Of Happiness Mr. Icky and Jemina, The Mountain Girl iTunes Store: Top Free Books in Arts & Entertainment Categories BooksTags Collection, Fitzgerald, Scott Billie, Ella, Lena, Sarah – Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne & Sarah Vaughan Billie, Ella, Lena, Sarah Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Lena Horne & Sarah Vaughan © ℗ 1980 Sony Music Entertainment Inc. Categories JazzTags Billie, Ella, Fitzgerald, Holiday, Horne, Lena, Sarah, Vaughan Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas – Ella Fitzgerald Ella Wishes You A Swinging Christmas © A Verve Records Release; ℗ 2002 UMG Recordings, Inc. Categories JazzTags Christmas, Ella, Fitzgerald, Swinging, Wishes Ella for Lovers – Ella Fitzgerald Ella for Lovers Categories JazzTags Ella, Fitzgerald, Lovers Someone to Watch Over Me – Ella Fitzgerald & London Symphony Orchestra Ella Fitzgerald & London Symphony Orchestra © A Verve Label Group recording;℗2017 UMG Recordings, Inc. Categories JazzTags Ella, Fitzgerald, London, Orchestra, Over, Someone, symphony, Watch The Complete Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong On Verve – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong The Complete Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong On Verve Categories JazzTags Armstrong, Complete, Ella, Fitzgerald, Louis, Verve Cheek To Cheek: The Complete Duet Recordings – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong June 9, 2018 by beautiful women,big beautiful women,beautiful women russian,dating beautiful women,top 10 most beautiful women,how to attract beautiful women,beautiful women wallpapers,beautiful women in the world,beautiful russian women,meet beautiful women,100 mos Cheek To Cheek: The Complete Duet Recordings Release Date: April 6, 2018 Categories JazzTags Armstrong, Cheek, Complete, Duet, Ella, Fitzgerald, Louis, Recordings Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook (Expanded Edition) – Ella Fitzgerald Ella Fitzgerald Sings the Cole Porter Songbook (Expanded Edition) Categories JazzTags Cole, Edition, Ella, Expanded, Fitzgerald, Porter, Sings, Songbook Ella & Louis for Lovers – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Ella & Louis for Lovers Categories JazzTags Armstrong, Ella, Fitzgerald, Louis, Lovers Pure Ella – Ella Fitzgerald Pure Ella Categories JazzTags Ella, Fitzgerald, Pure The Best of Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong The Best of Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Categories JazzTags Armstrong, Best, Ella, Fitzgerald, Louis The Best of the Song Books – Ella Fitzgerald The Best of the Song Books Categories JazzTags Best, books, Ella, Fitzgerald, Song Ella At Zardi’s (Live At Zardi’s/1956) – Ella Fitzgerald December 1, 2017 by beautiful women,big beautiful women,beautiful women russian,dating beautiful women,top 10 most beautiful women,how to attract beautiful women,beautiful women wallpapers,beautiful women in the world,beautiful russian women,meet beautiful women,100 mos Ella At Zardi’s (Live At Zardi’s/1956) Release Date: December 1, 2017 © A Verve Records release;℗2017 UMG Recordings, Inc. Categories JazzTags Ella, Fitzgerald, Live, Zardi's, Zardi’s/1956 Fantasy Fallout: Jalen Ramsey’s hand injury offers hope to Larry Fitzgerald owners The cornerback’s absence puts pressure on the rest of the Jaguars’ secondary to perform, but this unit has risen to the occasion before. www.espn.com – NFL Categories Sport NewsTags Fallout, Fantasy, Fitzgerald, Hand, Hope, Injury, Jalen, Larry, offers, owner's, Ramsey's August 18, 2017 by beautiful women,big beautiful women,beautiful women russian,dating beautiful women,top 10 most beautiful women,how to attract beautiful women,beautiful women wallpapers,beautiful women in the world,beautiful russian women,meet beautiful women,100 mos This Side of Paradise – F. Scott Fitzgerald Genre: Fiction & Literature Publisher: Enhanced Media Publishing First published in 1920, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s debut novel  This Side of Paradise  was a sizzling sensation that put the young American author on the map. This heart-rending romance is about a brilliant Princeton University student full of potential whose life is thrown into turmoil by desire. While in school he goes back to Minneapolis where he re-encounters a young lady whom he met as a little boy, and starts a romantic relationship. The book's initial printing of 3,000 copies sold out in three days. Virtually a record of the ‘Lost Generation’ in its college days, This Side of Paradise  is a devastating treatment of Fitzgerald’s characteristic theme of true love blighted by money and lust. Categories BooksTags Fitzgerald, Paradise, Scott, Side, This The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald Publish Date: April 19, 2015 Publisher: Wellington Seller: Books Ponce de Leon Fitzgerald once said: “It is sadder to find the past again and find it inadequate to the present than it is to have it elude you and remain forever a harmonious conception of memory” ••• EXCLUSIVE!! DOWNLOAD NOW!! ••• ••• BESTSELLERS FOR A GREAT PRICE!••• A portrait of the Jazz Age in all of its decadence and excess, The Great Gatsby captured the spirit of the author's generation and earned itself a permanent place in American mythology. Self-made, self-invented millionaire Jay Gatsby embodies some of Fitzgerald's–and his country's–most abiding obsessions: money, ambition, greed, and the promise of new beginnings. "Gatsby believed in the green light, the orgiastic future that year by year recedes before us. It eluded us then, but that's no matter–tomorrow we will run faster, stretch out our arms farther…. And one fine morning–"Gatsby's rise to glory and eventual fall from grace becomes a kind of cautionary tale about the American Dream. Enjoy the Book! Categories BooksTags Fitzgerald, Gatsby, Great, Scott Publisher: Wellington Corp. Seller: Carbon Publishing The Beautiful and Damned – F. Scott Fitzgerald The Beautiful and Damned A brilliant, sharp-edged novel of the Jazz Age by its most famous chronicler With his impeccable lineage and Harvard education, twenty-five-year-old Anthony Patch is one of the sparkling lights of New York society. The presumptive heir to an enormous fortune, he marries the tempestuous Kansas City socialite Gloria Gilbert, and the two embark on a life of wild extravagance and profligate pleasure, assuming that whatever they cannot afford today they will be able to pay for tomorrow. But when Anthony’s inheritance disappears, so too does his sense of invincibility. A brief tour in the Great War—where he finds comfort in another woman’s arms—cannot correct Anthony’s downward trajectory, and the marriage that began with such glittering promise ends in shambles. Fitzgerald’s next novel, The Great Gatsby , would be his masterwork. But The Beautiful and Damned , with its evocative parallels to his relationship with Zelda and its prescient portrait of a man tumbling from dazzling heights to gloomy depths, is arguably his most personal. This ebook has been professionally proofread to ensure accuracy and readability on all devices. “Full of precisely observed life.” —Arthur Mizener, author of The Far Side of Paradise: A Biography of F. Scott Fitzgerald F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896–1940) was born in St. Paul, Minnesota and attended Princeton University. His debut novel, This Side of Paradise —published when he was twenty-three years old—was an immediate success, selling out of its first printing in three days. He would go on to write some of the finest short stories and novels of the twentieth century, including The Beautiful and Damned , Tender Is the Night , and The Great Gatsby , and he became an icon of the Jazz Age—a term he coined. Categories BooksTags Beautiful, Damned, Fitzgerald, Scott Publish Date: May 18, 2015 Publisher: Hrivik Publishing Seller: Hrivik Publishing The exemplary novel of the Jazz Age, F. Scott Fitzgeralds' third book, The Great Gatsby (1925), stands as the supreme achievement of his career. T. S. Eliot read it three times and saw it as the “first step” American fiction had taken since Henry James; H. L. Mencken praised “the charm and beauty of the writing,” as well as Fitzgerald's sharp social sense; and Thomas Wolfe hailed it as Fitzgerald's “best work” thus far. The story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish parties on Long Island at a time when, The New York Times remarked, “gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession,” it is an exquisitely crafted tale of America in the 1920s that resonates with the power of myth. A novel of lyrical beauty yet brutal realism, of magic, romance, and mysticism, The Great Gatsby is one of the great classics of twentieth-century literature. Quotes from the book: “I hope she'll be a fool — that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” “And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.” “There are only the pursued, the pursuing, the busy and the tired.” Readers' reviews: “The Great Gatsby is your neighbor you're best friends with until you find out he's a drug dealer. It charms you with some of the most elegant English prose ever published, making it difficult to discuss the novel without the urge to stammer awestruck about its beauty.” (Alex, goodreads.com) “Most Americans are assigned to read this novel in high school. Few American high schoolers have the wherewithal to appreciate this novel in full. I certainly did not. It is on a shortlist of novels that should, every 5 years starting at age 25, return to any American's required reading list.” (Jason, goodreads.com) “'The Great Gatsby' is considered by many to be the zenith of American fiction writing in the last century. I won't say that it is the best American novel I've read but I will say it is probably the most perfect.” (Rolls, goodreads.com) Porgy & Bess – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong Porgy & Bess Categories JazzTags Armstrong, Bess, Ella, Fitzgerald, Louis, Porgy Publish Date: January 1, 1920 Publisher: Public Domain Seller: Public Domain This Side of Paradise is the debut novel of F. Scott Fitzgerald. Published in 1920, and taking its title from a line of the Rupert Brooke poem Tiare Tahiti, the book examines the lives and morality of post-World War I youth. Its protagonist, Amory Blaine, is an attractive Princeton University student who dabbles in literature. The novel explores the theme of love warped by greed and status-seeking. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button – F. Scott Fitzgerald The Curious Case of Benjamin Button Genre: Short Stories Publisher: Read Forward LLC Seller: Paul Balogh Yes, we know there’s been a rather recent movie by David Fincher starring Brad Pitt and the wonderful Cate Blanchett with this very title. But it is perhaps a good idea to plunge ourselves into the depths of the “written version”, actually the “written original”. Brad and Cate are great but, as with all movies, they are not just stories but also interpretations of stories. The original always helps us get in the shoes of a director ourselves and cast our own characters in our private movies inside our heads. The short story belongs to F. Scott Fitzgerald, otherwise known as the author of the Great Gatsby (movies seem to love Mr. Fitzgerald. This story, however, is part of Tales of the Jazz Age , a collection of short stories from the great ’20s. Benjamin Button is a strange case of backwards-aging person: he is born with the appearance of a 70-year old man and starts getting younger. You can imagine some of the complications of such a life, but can you measure with Fitzgerald when it comes to imagination? Put your imagination power to test and read his story. Categories BooksTags Benjamin, Button, Case, Curious, Fitzgerald, Scott Porgy and Bess – Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3649
__label__cc	0.512986	0.487014	4BR Talking Point — A Question of Uniformity Chris Thomas takes a provocative look at the immediate impression we create on the occasionally interested general public... It's a question of uniformity Sometimes it’s just a question of perception. We think we have a pretty good idea of how brass bands are viewed in the wider musical world, but when it comes to the great swath of the ‘occasionally interested’ general public, those perceptions can become an eye-opening combination of the enlightening and the occasionally, downright alarming. First impressions we are told, are everything. From the all important opening 20 seconds at a job interview, to the initial fleeting glimpse of eye contact on a first date, if things go well then success and happiness await. Get it wrong though, and you may as well reach for your coat and walk back out the door. And so it is with brass bands. Before a single note is blown at a concert, what does the uninitiated member of the audience think of a group of 25 musicians who troop onto the stage with a remit to entertain? And by uninitiated, I mean the type of person that intermittently attends a brass band event – that all important ‘occasionally interested’ concert or contest goer. These people hold the key to the ‘purely aesthetic’ doors of perception Aldous Huxley may have written about if he ever went to a band contest. In other words, the very people we need to encourage listening to us in performance in order to experience what the 'modern' brass band is all about; thereby transforming skewed, outdated opinions and increasing our ailing audience numbers. However, within 20 seconds of appearing on stage, the purely aesthetic dye has invariably been cast. My own wife encapsulates the dilemma brass bands face as performers in the entertainment business. After 20 years of marriage, she has seen and heard just about every type of brass inspired concert entertainment ever invented – and after two decades or more her first indelible impression remains succinct and to the point. "Why do brass bands look so awful?” It is a point of view that is invariably illuminated by a series of acidic tipped observations on the varying degrees of embarrassing sartorial elegance that is paraded in front of her. And all this before a single note has been blown. Not quite the traditional look on Whit Friday even... Cat's supper The problem is it’s hard to disagree. Not every player has the physique of a cat walk model of course, but then again it doesn’t have to mean they look like something the cat has dragged in for a late night supper either. The traditional quasi military look of a well fitted monkey jacket, razor sharp creases in trousers and well buffed shoes can look splendid even on a bass player with the backside of Samoan prop forward, but when was the last time you saw a full complement of players that both looked as well as played the part? Your may laugh, yet beneath humour that's about as black as a Black Dyke stage jacket, lies a serious point. Traditional handicap Our great traditions have also become our great handicaps – from single test piece contests and early morning draws to closed adjudication and our on-stage appearance. We continue to look back with pride on our history, but look forward to our future with apprehension. If we can’t be bothered to at least look professional in performance mode, why should we expect people to part with good money to come and listen to us actually play? And looking the part has become the most visible example of our growing disconnect with audiences. Orchestral success Orchestras have faced a similar dilemma, but have gradually succeeded in overcoming similar misapprehensions; drawing in new concert goers by shedding a stultified image of stuffy, high brow elitism. And part of that cultural reversal of misguided pre-conception had nothing to do with music whatsoever. About thirty years ago a new breed of orchestra started to appear. No bow ties for GUS No bow ties The London Sinfonietta for instance appeared on stage in randomly coloured shirts and (heaven forbid!) not a single bow tie to be seen in anger. The music they played was still contemporary and challenging, but something clearly clicked with their audience - and as other visionary ensembles (and even conductors) started to embrace informality, a new audience slowly but surely began to emerge. It was a young, open minded and intelligent. It was an audience that was immune to deep rooted pre-conceptions that have hurt us so badly in the brass band world in recent years. The penguin suits still appear for the more formal of occasions – but for the vast majority of the time, the more relaxed approach brings a sense of inclusiveness. First City? Now before the 4BR inbox is flooded with electronic missives proclaiming, “We've been doing that for ages” – (remember First City Brass for instance), I’m talking about a universal sea change to our approach, not just the occasional well meaning experimental polo shirt toed dip into experimental waters. Thankfully, there is a progressive attitude in some quarters that is in need of further encouragement – even if a good start would just be to get players to iron shirts, wear matching socks and for women not to carry bulging handbags onto the stage. On the contest platform the traditions of our gold braid, shiny buttons and military style epaulettes can happily carry on – but only if it is carried off with at least some degree of presentational professionalism. It’s not asking much is it? Change in perception The change in perception begins with what we see. What we hear is a subject for another debate entirely. It is only in breaking down some of the most visible stereotypical hurdles that we will be able to successfully connect with the ‘occasionally interested’ general public once more. Conductor / Adjudicator	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3653
__label__wiki	0.678211	0.678211	How ‘Young And The Restless’ Will Handle Neil Winters Storyline Posted 10:59 am, February 8, 2019, by Tribune Media Wire, Updated at 11:09AM, February 8, 2019 Kristoff St. John (Photo by Mark Davis/Getty Images) On the day “The Young and the Restless” is set to air a special tribute to the late actor Kristoff St. John, officials announced Friday how they will deal with his character on the long-running soap opera. CBS officials said the show “will forever value the legacy of Kristoff St. John in his portrayal of Neil Winters.” “Beginning in late April, Y&R will feature a storyline that pays tribute to both Kristoff and his character,” the show’s official Twitter account announced. St. John was found dead Sunday afternoon at a home in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles. He was 52. A cause of death has not been released. St. John joined the cast of “The Young and the Restless” in 1991. His character’s love story with Drucilla Winters (played by Victoria Rowell) became a favorite among fans of the show. Some of his co-stars have mourned his loss publicly. Rowell remembered him on her Instagram account. In a statement to CNN, she said, “Kristoff was a joy. He lived for the day.” She added, “He loved working in film, prime time and starring on ‘The Young and the Restless.’ He cared about preserving the African-American legacy on the show and not being pigeon-holed into a Black storyline. “Obviously, we coveted the Black family on ‘Y&R,’ but we also coveted that we were crossovers,” she said. “Proud we pulled in a huge audience, and a huge Black, female audience. We understood the gravity of what we were responsible for and he took that very seriously. “I shall forever cherish our private and professional time together. Now, is a time for reflection, to mourn his departure and celebrate his brilliance, permanently imprinted on my memory.” In a tweet Wednesday, CBS Daytime asked fans to share their memories of St. John. “To honor Kristoff St John, help us flood our timeline with photos of him during today’s airing of @YandR_CBS,” it said. “Post your favorite photos of him, with him and for him today while you’re watching live or later on your DVR. #YR #picturesforKristoff RT to spread the word.” The CNN Wire contributed to this report. ‘Big Bang Theory,’ A Celebration Of All Things ‘Nerd,’ Comes To An End Tonight Boy Saved By Fallen Missouri Officer Shares Memory, Gratitude Adam Sandler’s Tribute To Chris Farley On ‘SNL’ Made Us All Emotional ‘The Big Bang Theory’ Finale Closes With A Big Dose Of Heart Stevie Wonder Reveals He’s Getting a Kidney Transplant 43rd Annual Mudtown Days Festival Underway In Lowell ‘Dog The Bounty Hunter’ Shares Photo From Wife Beth’s Bedside ‘Batman’ Turns 30: How A Superfan Got Hollywood To Redefine The Dark Knight Anger Over Earlier Police Shooting May Have Helped Fuel Violence In Memphis Darius Rucker Raises $2 Million For St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Alabama Public Television Blocks Episode Of ‘Arthur’ Over Gay Wedding Oklahoma Babies Born On Tax Day Receive College Fund Check Ozzy Osbourne Is Postponing All His 2019 Concert Dates After An Illness And An Injury	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3654
__label__cc	0.67396	0.32604	UV Action Tell NFL's Roger Goodell: Resign immediately Tell NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell: "Resign immediately. Your failure to take domestic violence seriously is outrageous." You will receive periodic updates about UltraViolet and related campaigns. You may unsubscribe at any time. Here's our privacy policy The commissioner of the NFL, Roger Goodell, has been caught in a despicable and disgusting lie and he must resign. He insisted that the NFL had asked for the hotel surveillance video of the horrific and brutal assault of Janay Rice, but had never seen it. However, after law enforcement officials sent the NFL the video in April--and the NFL even acknowledged receiving it--a NFL employee was even quoted saying, "It's terrible." And the new Mueller Report that came out in January 2015 scolds the NFL for taking no initiative to uncover the facts in the case. It goes on to list multiple communications that show Goodell was informed by his staff of what really happened inside the elevator, and knew about what really happened prior to his shocking decision to suspend Rice for only two games. It's not just about Rice--55 cases of abuse have gone unanswered on Goodell's watch. It completely undermines the NFL's credibility. Calls for Goodell's resignation are mounting--it's time for him to go. Will you sign the petition? Photo Credit: "Roger Goodell NFL Commissioner Press Conference Spring League Meeting 2014" by Zennie Abraham, CC BY-ND 2.0 © 2018 UltraViolet Share Center DONATE Contact APPLY FOR A JOB	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3661
__label__wiki	0.588803	0.588803	Tag Archives: Trevor Sheriden Browsing A New, Big Horizon Of iOS : Apple’N’Apps & AppAddict Weekly Podcast Episode 160 Features, Podcast by Brett Nolan on November 16, 2015 Welcome the latest episode of the podcast… In this episode we’ll be surfing the web from giant iPads, while sailing our viking ships to Tibet, where we’ll explore small dungeons and sell goods from our magical carts to buy back our creepy monochromatic home. Last week Apple finally launched its iPad Pro, but does anyone… Leaving Our Rooms To Hunt For Big App Store Games : Apple’N’Apps & AppAddict Weekly Podcast Episode 159 Welcome the latest episode of the podcast… Without much Apple news to speak of, we kick off the show with a look at brilliantly simple local news video streaming app called NewsON App for iOS. Then it’s onto games with a discussion of The Room Three, the utterly fantastic third entry in Fireproof Games’ amazing… Watching An All New App Store Adventure : Apple’N’Apps & AppAddict Weekly Podcast Episode 158 Features, Podcast by Brett Nolan on November 2, 2015 Welcome the latest episode of the podcast… Trevor and I start this week’s show with a look at Apple’s latest earnings report. The new Apple TV is now available and we do a deep dive into Apple’s latest piece of hardware with our initial thoughts on Apple’s revamped entertainment device. We look at the varuiety… Working Together To Play Live On The App Store : Apple’N’Apps & AppAddict Weekly Podcast Episode 157 Features, Podcast by Brett Nolan on October 26, 2015 Welcome the latest episode of the podcast… We kick off this week’s show with a discussion of the recent updates to iOS, El Capitan and Watch OS as well as (today’s) orderability of the new Apple TV. Then we take a quick look at Instagram’s new short looping video app, Boomerang and it’s onto the… Crafting A Slam Dunk In The App Store : Apple’N’Apps & AppAddict Weekly Podcast Episode 156 Welcome the latest episode of the podcast… We kick off this week’s show with a discussion of Apple’s relatively quietly refreshed line of iMacs. Then it is right into the new games with a look at Telltale’s latest brilliant episodic interactive adventure, Minecraft: Story Mode and the challenging falling arcade action of Downwell. We also… A Magical Assortment Of Sharp New Apps : Apple’N’Apps & AppAddict Weekly Podcast Episode 155 Welcome the latest episode of the podcast… We kick off this week’s show with a discussion of the new enhanced iBook editions of the Harry Potter Series available exclusively through the App Store. For new apps we look at the recently updated news and discussion platform, Medium and then it’s pretty much right into games…	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3674
__label__cc	0.630642	0.369358	Home tor Torguard Changed Dns – TorGuard Anonymous VPN Review – 2019 Torguard Changed Dns – TorGuard Anonymous VPN Review – 2019 by newadmin October 30, 2017 Introduction Torguard Changed Dns With an Established track record, TorGuard has Evolved to a high-quality VPN provider for both novices and advanced users. We here at The VPN Lab agree it is among the top 10 VPN providers currently offered. Servers run and provides VPN support that is great at rates that are reasonable. Torguard Changed Dns A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your PC Along with a VPN. Your internet traffic travels through that tube, meaning that anyone snooping around on precisely the exact same system as you, won’t see a thing. A VPN can also help protect. ISPs have insight but not when you use a VPN. There is a VPN, Since it may secure an insecure network An essential tool when traveling or using that shifty, unsecured public network in the neighborhood coffee shop. A VPN makes it more challenging by hiding your IP address, which can be used to determine your location, to identify you online. Journalists and activists use VPN solutions to So they could communicate with the external world, get around government censors. Most VPNs hang their reputation on having the capacity to unblock blocked websites for these clients. You might use so as to watch BBC content or even region-locked MLB, for example a VPN to spoof your location. Note that Netflix is currently working to obstruct VPN trickery. Torguard Changed Dns To Start utilizing TorGuard, just download the appropriate program for your Operating procedure and follow the installation guide. You are able to choose between TorGuard Lite and Torguard Viscosity. The very first one is a more straightforward client software, perfect for first-time VPN users, whereas the latter is a better choice for tech-savvy users. TorGuard Lite automatically connects the VPN once you have entered your Meaning that you essentially do not have to do anything to safely browse the net, information. It is also possible to manually choose the server and protocol. Torguard Viscosity, on the other hand, allows for greater customization. Both clients are simple to use and supply a user-friendly experience. Still, if you are not familiar with the way VPNs work, then you should probably stick to the Lite version. There Is a Great Reason TorGuard is among the hottest and Trusted VPN providers — it’s their features that make them excellent. We are not talking anything mad here, just the basic things that every VPN user needs and wants, but that other VPN providers do not consider a given. For example, unlimited speed and bandwidth come with all TorGuard Packages. Some of them even contain mail storage. You also receive a dedicated, fresh IP address only for you. You will find more than 3,000 VPN servers available in over 55 countries of the world. They’re all strategically distributed throughout the globe so that you may be certain that you will have one close wherever your travels might take you. The business was nice enough to place servers in Australia and New Zealand also, the area that has been so unfairly ignored by many VPN suppliers for a long time. TorGuard has yet another interesting feature that not many other providers Can boast — the server attribute that is stealth. The”stealth” servers are ideal for countries and regions with internet control, most notably China. As a result of this characteristic, the residents of these areas are now able to enjoy the specific same material and access the same websites as anybody else anywhere in the world. TorGuard not only takes but promotes P2P sharing. But there Are a few things to bear in mind here. There are specific, dedicated servers that should only be used for P2P sharing. This is actually pretty smart as you can perform all of your P2P sharing on committed and specifically configured and maintained servers while the rest of the servers remain free for quicker browsing and streaming. There are loads of dedicated servers so you do not have to worry about slow rates on crowded servers. Additionally, TorGuard also supplies a technical torrent proxy, which supports most of significant torrent clients (BitTorrent, uTorrent, Deluge, Vuse, and many more) and also comes with infinite bandwidth. TorgGuard uses OpenVPN/SSTP/L2TP/IPsec encryption protocols. You can Choose whatever you like, but most experts recommend using OpenVPN for greatest security. You can link up to five different apparatus using one TorGuard account. This should cover all of your devices, from computers . TorGuard doesn’t keep any logs so of your connections will be 100% anonymous. Torguard Changed Dns Customer support is another section where TorGuard does very well. Their site has an extensive service region with troubleshooting, knowledge base, FAQ, tutorials, forum and a support ticket system. It is also possible to access support. TorGuard delivers the chat option . The service team is helpful, polite and friendly. The service ticket system also works with responses coming from a matter of a moment or 2. TorGuard advertises itself as the VPN support for users who Want to stay absolutely anonymous and safe in their online action. In reality, their anonymous proxy service is specifically optimized for p2p filesharing and for bypassing geo-restrictions, like watching Netflix or even Hulu in areas where those services are either blocked or unavailable. They have 3,000 servers in over 55 countries, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Australia is also represented, since this area gets ignored which is fine. They boast switching, unlimited bandwidth and speeds, as well As webmail service for complete anonymity and privacy, which is impressive, to say the least. The company also sells VPN routers that are pre-flashed. Speed is one of the areas where TorGuard prevails. When tested, the Rates were shown to be quite fast, which range from good to excellent, very stable and reliable. Exceptional results were attained through the UK and Netherlands servers, which is frequently the case with other VPN services . That is why you consistently connect to the server, although of course, linking to more servers attracted slower speeds. We were pleased to see that there were No WebRTC or DNS leaks whatsoever. Torguard Changed Dns There is more than one way to create an encrypted tunnel Via VPN. My favorite method uses the protocol, which is famous for being reliable and fast. Additionally, it is open-source, which means that you can be certain that its code has been picked over for possible vulnerabilities. TorGuard clearly believes in giving people it, and choices Supports many VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, L2TP, and IPSec. TorGuard also includes Stealth VPN protocols, which use SSL VPN so as to prevent an entity from obstructing the VPN traffic. These include OpenVPN Stealth, ShadowSocks, Stunnel, and AnyConnect (also known as OpenConnect). Other companies provide tools to prevent VPN blocking Similar to Stealth VPN, albeit with different names. Golden Frog VyprVPN and tunnelBear provide this feature, to name two. A TorGuard representative told me that customers can double their Stealth protection by connecting via OpenVPN Stealth or OpenConnect and then use ShadowSocks or Stunnel to defeat deep packet inspection which may be used to block VPN use. Most people probably will not take advantage of this, but it is great that TorGuard makes these attempts to ensure its users can protect their data. You need to trust that the VPN you use Behind it may end up with insight in your online actions. That’s why when I examine VPNs, I talk with the vendors and read the privacy policy. In the case of TorGuard, this part was simple. The company gets the privacy policy I’ve seen, and among the most easy to read. More significant, the material of this policy is good for consumers. This section says it all:”TorGuard.net does not store or log any traffic or usage from its Virtual Private Network (VPN) or Proxy.” The company acknowledges that it will collect information but remember it also allows the usage of payment procedures. Yet, TorGuard says that it earns revenue From subscription revenue, rather than selling information. The organization’s policy isn’t to sell or move. The exception to this is if the provider feels it is obliged to abide by legal action. That final point is something echoed by VPN businesses, That is why it’s important to understand where these companies can be found and under what authority they operate. Some countries have more privacy-friendly legislation than others, after all. The organization behind TorGuard is. That company isalso, in turn, owned by parent company VPNetworks LTD, LLC, located on the Caribbean island of Nevis. I can’t talk to this framework of Nevis, but for its part the US has no laws requiring the retention of data. Before, some VPN companies used to inject ads into Users’ web traffic to be able to market their users. A representative from TorGuard affirms that the firm doesn’t use this strategy, saying,”It’s not something we would even consider.” Torguard Changed Dns Programs and Server Places I look at the amount of servers, While I review VPNs The business has available to be used. The more servers there are available, the more likely you should find one that is not exceptionally crowded, giving you a larger piece of bandwidth. TorGuard has expanded its server supplying, and it Now boasts more than 3,000 servers. That puts it up there using Private Online Access$2.91 at Private Internet accessibility as one of the most robust VPN services I have yet reviewed. NordVPN leads the bunch in size. I also look at where those servers are located. The more Geographic options the more choice you have if you would like to spoof where you are. A strong geographic distribution also suggests that you’re more likely to find a nearby server when traveling, and also a nearby server means lower latency and greater functionality. TorGuard currently offers VPN servers in over 53 countries. All these are well distributed across Asia, the Americas, and Europe. I’m pleased to realize that TorGuard has servers in India, and many servers across Africa and the Middle East, since these regions tend to be ignored by other VPN services. Notably, TorGuard also has servers in China, Russia, and Turkey, that are famous for their repressive online policies. Hide My Ass dominates among VPN services, however. CyberGhost$2.75 in CyberGhosthas fewer server locations, but it does offer physical servers in underserved areas like Africa and South America. Some customers fear about VPN companies servers. All these are software-defined servers, which means that a single hardware server may run many servers . These servers can be configured to appear to be in different locations than where they are truly located. That is a problem if you are worried about where your data is headed, and if you would like to avoid specific geographic regions. A TorGuard representative explained that the company doesn’t use virtual servers, which means you’ll have no trouble here. Torguard Changed Dns In my testing, I installed TorGuard’s applications on A Lenovo ThinkPad T460slaptop operating Windows 10. The TorGuard customer installed quickly and easily, though It’s not a thrill to behold. The app is minimal, looking a bit more like a app than something I’d expect on a desktop computer. There are not one of those cute bears featured in TunnelBear, or the donkeys from Hide My Ass. It does not even have a map interface, and it is a staple of VPN apps. Rather, it looks a lot more like the bare-bones Private Internet Access. Instead of displaying a map or recommending servers for Particular activities, TorGuard just has a list of servers. That is fine, but it isn’t very friendly to new users. Neither will be the arcane options on the app window. The typical user is probably not going to mess with these, but networking pros will no doubt appreciate having these options front and center. A link at the bottom of the app opens a window filled with choices that are byzantine. This program does look like Internet Access that is Personal, it appears to target the exact same type of user that is confident. While I am willing to Generate a Good Deal of adjustments for design, One aspect of TorGuard’s Windows app (and, in fact, all of its other apps, too) bothers me. Will detect which VPN server gets the smallest latency or is nearest. TorGuard does not do so. It’s a small thing, but one I’d like to see changed. TorGuard offers a Kill Switch list, much like NordVPN does. TorGuard will quit any programs should the VPN connection be interrupted. It is a safety measure ensuring that none of your data is transmitted through an unencrypted connection. TorGuard’s Kill Switch is limited, though. I found that you can add. It uses the titles you see in the Task Manager, which affords you more control at the cost of usability. NordVPN enables you to specify applications that aren’t currently running to add to the record, which is handy. Additional VPN services include servers. NordVPN And ProtonVPN are two that offer servers for streaming Netflix content. TorGuard has a few: stealth servers meant to be almost impossible to be blocked by firewalls. Streaming services require a dim view of VPNs. That is That is not created to your particular geographic region because you can use a VPN to spoof get content and your location. If you reside in the US but are vacationing in the UK, streaming video services may block your attempts to VPN back into your house country. While connected to some New York VPN server that is nearby, I had been Unable to see any content. Of course, which may change at a moment’s notice, which will be true for VPNs that functioned with Netflix in my own testing. Notice that section 4.3 of the Netflix terms of support Mentions that where you made your account, you’re only entitled to articles in the area, and that it uses technologies that are certain to confirm your location. It does not expressly forbid using a VPN for obtaining articles, but do not say we did not warn you if your account becomes blocked. Past VPN TorGuard offers a series of services And privacy. In addition to its basic VPN service, TorGuard also sells Anonymous Torrent Proxy for $5.95 a month; Anonymous Mail for $6.95 per month; and the Privacy Bundle, which contains the Proxy and VPN support, for $11.95 a month. If You’re tempted to get the Anonymous Proxy service Rather than the VPN support since it’s cheaper, know the proxy was made to filter traffic that is BitTorrent, whereas the VPN service protects. If you grabbing a torrent or are currently seeding torrents, the proxy makes sure no one sees your IP address. But internet action and your web browsing is not included. It’s a case of internet anonymity occasionally versus the time. Torguard Changed Dns The TorGuard iPhone apphas a striking, Slick appearance. It’s not going to win any design awards, but it is far, far better than the Windows or even Android programs. That said, we think the app that is iPhone is so easy as to be a bit confusing to use. When we reviewed TorGuardwe noticed that it didn’t Include our OpenVPN protocol. Instead, the app uses IKEv2. We are also pleased to see that its iPhone VPN performed well on this stage in our speed tests , too. We like that the TorGuard Android apphas a split Tunneling the majority of the qualities, as well as feature you’ll find in the Windows program. However, TorGuard drops the ball in design. We find the program feel it would be off-putting to new users, and to be confusing. Upon installation which did not inspire confidence, it also generated an odd warning in our testing. While the core TorGuard support is a good one, it is simply outshone by better-designed Android VPN programs. Sadly, the macOS TorGuard program does not have the Modicum of panache which found its way into the program that is iPhone. It is not bad; it’s just fine. It’s a window to get your VPN started. TorGuard didn’t impress me at the time with its speed test Scores on macOS. I look forward to taking another crack in the app in the not too distant future. Nevertheless, I am pleased to see that OpenVPN is included by it. It’s among the VPNs. TorGuard has a great deal a Sensible entry-level Cost, a collection of subscription and also a geographically diverse collection of servers. Especially notable is its focus on BitTorrent usage, and also how it aced our speed tests–two factors which are likely related. TorGuard also has an excellent privacy policy, one that is sweet, short, and consumer-friendly. The exact same can’t be stated for its program experience, which continues to sacrifice ease of use in favor of straightforwardness. This VPN service does a lot right, and it gets a high For doing this, Score. It is neck-and-neck with Private Internet Access, not only in relation to what it offers but the way that it is offered by it. Both are privacy-focused, both have many arcane possibilities, and neither has a UI. TorGuard, for its part, has the speed but it is beaten by Private Internet Access on usability, which is why it requires an Editors’ Choice award along with NordVPN and TunnelBear. Still, TorGuard is an service that’s well worth considering, particularly when speed is everything for you. Torguard Changed Dns Pricing Alternatives TorGuard offers four different subscription plans Dependent on the length of the subscription. You can subscribe to six months, three weeks, one month or one year. The longer your subscription interval, the higher the discount. The monthly plan costs $9.99, the quarterly subscription costs $19.99, and the semi-annual subscription prices $29.99. If you opt for the annual subscription, which costs $59.99, you’ll be paying only $4.99 a month (you will be billed the entire sum at the same time ). TorGuard also offers a biannual plan for the most hardcore users at a price of $99.99 billed every 2 years. In addition to all major credit cards, TorGuard additionally accepts BitCoin, PayPal, UnionPay, and Alipay.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3680
__label__wiki	0.578901	0.578901	COMMENT: Lexi Thompson deserves being penalised but golf needs to ban armchair anoraks Sport360's Joy Chakravarty tries to answer the various questions that arises from the four-shot penalty on Lexi Thompson that denied her success at the ANA Inspiration on Sunday Joy Chakravarty 2017/04/03 What happened to Lexi Thompson at the ANA Inspiration was incredibly cruel and unfortunate. And yet, what cannot be denied is that she was in breach of a rule of golf, and she rightfully got penalized for that. Everything else is subject to people’s opinion. These are the hard facts – during the third round of the tournament, which is the first major of the LPGA season, the American marked her ball on the 17th green, and while replacing it, she did not put it at the right spot. Lexi was about an inch away from where she should have been. On the next day, while she was on the ninth hole and cruising towards a victory, a TV viewer sent an e-mail to LPGA rules officials. After checking the veracity of his claim, the officials informed Lexi on the 12th hole that she was being penalized four shots – two for marking her ball incorrectly and breaking Rule 20-7c, and two for submitting an incorrect scorecard under Rule 6-6d. Leading by three shots at that late stage of the tournament, Lexi then had to produce some incredible golf to play the last six holes in two-under par and make it to the play-off, which she eventually lost. So, here are some of the questions that are being asked on what is now being termed LexiGate… Should there be more common sense applied in the matter of rules? Golf is trying to move in that direction with the proposed new rules that will come into effect in 2019. At least, Lexi was fortunate she wasn’t disqualified for signing a wrong card, something that used to happen in the very near past. Remember the Padraig Harrington incident in Abu Dhabi? The Irishman was disqualified the next day after shooting a 65, because his ball moved ever so slightly while marking and he failed to replace it in its original spot. He should have signed for a 67, but submitting a wrong card led to his disqualification. However, applying common sense to rules is subjective and it is very difficult to establish intent to cheat, or not. Should viewers be allowed to call in and report infringements? Golf is a unique sport in this respect. No other sport takes congnizance of facts brought to light by armchair anoraks. Just imagine how many football results would have to change if this was allowed. As it is, the sport is blessed to have a system that is mostly self-governed, and then there are playing partners, or for that matter any other player or caddie in the field, who can question another player’s action and get officials involved. Most importantly, golf is a game of honour, and it is rare to find intentional cheaters on the Tours. If they do, they are very quickly found out by their competitors and are marked for rest of their careers. Really, TV viewers should have no role to play in officiating what is a self-policed sport. Should players be penalized retrospectively during a tournament? Why not? Breach of rule is a breach of rule. Was the quantum of penalty heaped on Lexi too harsh? It was, if we go by common sense. It wasn’t, if we go by the rules. How was she supposed to know on Saturday that there was a breach of rule and she should have signed for a 69 and not a 67. Was the Lexi incident detrimental to golf? Definitely yes. Only because she is an extremely popular player on the LPGA Tour, and American fans would have loved to see a home winner, which was denied. Most fans do not understand the intricacies of the rules, and when something like this happens, they get cheesed off. ANA Inspirational Golf Lexi Thompson LexiGate LPGA Rules of Golf The Joy of golf	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3687
__label__cc	0.535626	0.464374	By Epic Action LLC Current Version: 4.3.13.159 Adult Rating: 12+ Developer: Epic Action LLC Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire App Rally your troops, deploy your traps, and prepare for the largest battle the Realm has ever seen. Lead your forces to victory and dominate the Realm in Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire! Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire is a mobile MMO experience that delivers massive warfare and thrilling adventures on your device. The possibilities are endless in the Realm. Want to ride a Chocobo to scout an enemy Empire? How about fighting Monsters and raiding their lairs for rare loot? Explore a vast world bursting with content as you build, upgrade, and fight your way to glory. Infantry, mages, cavalry, and siege units are yours to command and level-up. Put your army to the test by fighting alongside your Guild — and even competing in colossal Realm-vs-Realm events! In addition to defeating foes, you can enjoy countless features, including: - Unlock new playable Heroes like Lunafreya, Gladiolus, and Ignis - Build your very own Empire and set powerful Traps to halt your enemies - Craft weapons and armor for your Hero, from Gladiolus’ Hardedge to Aranea Highwind’s signature lance. - Battle Monsters and scavenge their lairs to uncover rare loot. - Chat with players from around the globe, receiving real-time translations in your language Be bold or be destroyed. Summon your strength in Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire! Privacy Policy: https://www.finalfantasyxvapp.com/privacy-policy?lang=en Terms of Service: https://www.finalfantasyxvapp.com/terms-of-use Game Page: https://www.finalfantasyxvapp.com/ Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire app screenshots Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire app reviews Fix the game 1/5 By goddessscat This game could be awesome and fun to play if you really had the monsters that you talk about. I have been playing for a week and have not found one and have already reported this. Fix your game or I am quitting. I also won’t be surprised if more quit the game too. Game is terrible now with new roll out. Don’t play. 1/5 By F-16C A-10C Crew Chief Since the Dark Empire has come out the game continually has play issues with severe lag even with high speed WiFi and Enternet. Also you cannot complete events for resources since you cannot get what you need or you get it too late. Money players are consistently rude and disrespectful and do a lot of bullying in the game. The developers support this bad conduct. A lot of sexual harassment and racist comments with a lot of foul language. Needs to be a Rated R game. Review of The Real Cost - Revised 1/5 By Soliton - 7/13/2019 - The last 2 packs did not have all the items. 3 other items were not functional. I tried to get a refund & i was denied. Absolutely nothing in the app is $1.99 - don’t be fooled This review is for anyone wants to start playing this game want to know the Real Cost of this game. This is not like the previous series of Final Fantasy. This game is Not Free. You have to pay to grow your empire or others will destroy you. Costs: First Pack: $4.99 Second Pack: $19.99 Third Pack & Subsequent others: $99.99 I have been playing this game for nearly 2 years. So i have experienced the beginning and now almost the end. I am at Citadel 141. The weapons, the troop types and abilities become obsolete or useless in approximately every 10 days. In order to compete, you will have to buy multiple packs per month. If you are ready to spend between $400 to $600 each month, you will enjoy the game for short periods of time. Because everyone will use their shields if they have enough, you cannot attack them. Therefore the game becomes extremely boring monotonous. Yes, you are wondering why i played this game for so long? I did it because of my friends playing & having the social benefits. I waited to write this review so I can provide useful information for players that want to start playing. I hope this is useful. Do Not Play this game please. It is not the same as the previous series. Thank You FRAUD PURCHASES 1/5 By J. 3. W First off let me say packs for this game cost 50$-100$. So the developers can up and decide to not give you what you pay for I guess. Bought an instant ma dark pack 2 weeks ago. It didn’t work. They are basically ignoring me now. Terrible support for this game. They lay out loot boxes that are broke and yet they still sell them. Such a good game ran by false advertising CHILDREN sadly Could have been a great game 1/5 By xshockwavex This was fun the first year, even if the unlimited credit card members terrorized everyone who was still trying to level up. Which btw, the devs made it as difficult as possible to do this, unless you paid them $99 per pack. After a year they introduced the dark world which pretty much if you paid anything before then it no longer mattered now, so everyone was basically at the same level. By then a lot of players had left the game. Then 2 months later they start throwing as much new content as possible which was only obtainable via paying. Then again they leveled everyone to the same level with these ideas. So all the money you spent on this game Was worthless. I’ve quit since this update and so have many. Don’t waste your time on this game. Stress inducing, Money Sucker 1/5 By ChaosCerberus This game is the definition of “Pay to Win”. If you want to do anything in this game like build your army or upgrade your buildings you better be willing to spend $200 or more a day. If you want to join a clan you’ll need more money cause they don’t like no wimps who can’t protect themselves. The stress part is the game is always going. You can’t even go to sleep without someone who spends $1000 a day attacking you while your not awake, then too wake up to disappointment and rage it will drive you insane. Not Fun, Cash Cows 1/5 By Top Banana [email protected] It’s a war game, so you will get bullied, but it will not be fun or worth playing unless you can afford to keep up with those who spend thousands per week. you cant keep up unless you’re rich. Ridiculous 1/5 By darcangelsux Game is geared towards rich people required to spend a minimum of $1000 a week to barely keep up. New enhancements every other day. Big waste of time unless you’re very wealthy Don’t worth it 2/5 By 1990azerturk Don’t play unless you get ready to spend a LOTS of money$ over a phone game! you need to buy packs for unlock buildings, heroes,... (it’s not good for free or few bucks$ playing). Supporting team is not good either, I usually don’t consider buying until I’m 100% sure that supporting team is good . I’m playing this game for about 2 months and I sent them an email with an issue that I have for my account but they didn’t answer for days.. ! Malfunction 5/5 By Kristopher0711 I had my unconquerable core activated and my hero was captured?? Now I have spend over three hundred dollars on this game, although I love it to death! But I hope this problem is fixed. Thanks! 👍 Lots of ads 5/5 By gingerpie6478 Please make less ads but besides that it’s the best it’s the only game I play it’s so addicting Greedy Developers are Self-Defeating 2/5 By PTdog The game has potential. Unfortunately, the cost for each purchase package is too expensive. More low cost packages would nickel and dime us into higher revenues. The developers of Vikings: War of Clans really know how to keep players interested and take our money. Games great Developers scamming 1/5 By hofmeye This is a great and fun game to play but developers are definitely scamming! I bout a pack for 108.24 so I could get all pre-2019 boost but guess what didn’t happen yep I bought graphics on my screen that says pre-2019 that’s all no boost that we’re listed no mo roll over nothing. This is absolute scam I contacted the developers and they gave me 1 100k morning that’s worth nothing to a billions account. Be ware they will scam you and do nothing to fix it. Totally unreliable and ask for a refund they do nothing Another Glitched Event 1/5 By Mcarson28 The game has an event that is supposed to run for 24 hours and provide resources and power ups to those who participate. The event has glitched in our realm and has not worked all day. Although numerous players have sent in tickets complaining that the event is not working, MZ calls players liars by telling them it is working. If you want to play a game that glitches a lot and the developers don’t care then this is the game for you. Don’t start now!!! 3/5 By Ohio is for Buckeyes Don’t start now the game is to far along, I started near the release and now the game is completely 100% pay-to-win no strategy at all like it used to be. I had a ton of fun playing this with the fiends I met, but those times are over, find something else trust me. Beware! This game is corrupt! 1/5 By Mfic79 This game caters to those who pay and I mean it. You gotta pay to get anywhere in this game. Also there are lots of bugs that affect the game play, glitches cause tons of problems and wasted money. You will pay a hundred bucks to compete in main events and half the time the main events are all glitched out and the Developers are greedy as all hell so they will not be refunding you when you pay to play and their game glitches causing you to not even be able to compete in event. Sorry to have to say all this but its the truth and when I confronted the developers they acted like my money didn't matter even a little. I work hard for what I have and when I pay for something that doesn't work I expect it to be made right. Wow 5/5 By fortnitr.site Wow me encanto gracias Fortnite.site por recomendarme está juego Involved 1/5 By NopeBoo This app is way more than I was led to believe. The adds for it were okay so I downloaded it to see and really hate it. Definitely not the same. Misleading. Incompetent and dishonest developer! 1/5 By CPST_Jim Through the use of barely legal, and sometimes not legal advertising they will steal your money, not provide what they promised, and then ignore you afterwards. They are crooks and liars. Their customer service reps only reply with Cut & Paste replies, and all appear to be dumber than a sack of rocks. None of them actually play the game they are supposed to be supporting, and so they never actually understand bug reports and complaints. The developers can no longer fix and patch their own game. The list of things broken that people have paid money for, and are just ignored, are a mile long. It appears that no one there understands how the combat actually works anymore, and are either unable or unwilling to balance it. If you didn’t know it, this is yet another MZ (Machine Zone) game, even though they have hidden their hated name via a different developer pseudonym. The game is every awful practice and deception synonymous with MZ. Know what you’re getting into. You have been warned. Bait and switch galore 1/5 The scamming and fraud of their marketing department has got to be criminal Bad support - False advertising 1/5 By Malagouzia84 1. Bad support: The game could be great if the developers could actually evaluate the feedback sent and make some adjustments. Unfortunately they reply with generic answer and the only thing interested is about the players credit card limit. 2. This game is free to download but if you want to excel you have to buy packs. Most of the packs have titles with items that are not included in them. So, before you buy check the list of items. I would have rate it 5 if the game wasn’t so much money centric. Very Expensive to Play 1/5 By TPDV Unless your ready to drop a grand or two, stay away from this game. My guild was great, made a lot of “friends” but I was and will always be food for the wealthy. Packs 1/5 By terrible game dont play it Is an okay game. The problem is that the developers pick certain people in the realm to give special packs to that provide a great benefit but won’t make it available to everyone. It is called the all lifetime boosts before 2019 or the “godpack” as it has been nicknamed. So these people get all the resource reductions and attack and defense boosts and troop training boosts that everyone else has to buy two or three at a time for 99.99 except they get it in one pack. Then they have to spend less to upgrade their citadel and train troops. You can message the developers but they don’t care. I’ve been patiently waiting and requesting this pack for some time. So. O matter what you do or how much you spend, if you aren’t one of the lucky chosen few then you will never be able to win anything or be on top because the people with these packs get to win events easier and have higher attacks than you do False ad 1/5 By Areelss It would be better if they made the game in the ad Getting bad after 2 years of play 1/5 By logosegos Too many problems, falsely advertise packs at discounted the charges full rate. App can’t keep up with server resulting in double collection of resources. Only those that have money to through away! Not worth the time! They depend on high turnover to keep money coming in Everyone back to zero without warning 1/5 By D_R_E_A2002 The game developers have basically reset the game making all past purchases worthless. Everyone Is reset back to zero without warning. And was done so overnight. It’s completely unfair because developers didn’t do anything for players who have spent money and invested time to be competitive. We are literally sitting around playing FarmVille now and we are all “stuck”. It’s completely unfair. If we would have got notice that game was going to make everyone even, perhaps things I would have knew to use everything purchased immediately but since I wasn’t aware, I didn’t know. And It! literally happened overnight. Players that were level 25 are now instantly level 60. Equal to those who have hustled in game. And existing level 60s get nothing. How is that fair? By Mimzymillz I love the game it’s my type of game I’ve been playing it for about two years now but at the same time it’s not for everyone. I am a goe $100 in game purchases required! 1/5 By NightFalcon101 Too much EXPENSIVE building not enough play time you end up watching the building timer, too much bullying, and imposible to advance in game without being a bully or pouring real money into the game. The game has a currency cap so you have to purchase packs to advance or survive if you dont have $100 to throw out each week. Terrible game and a waist of time and money. Final warning!!! DO NOT DOWNLOAD OR BUY!!! An old gamer 1/5 By an old game wolf Game started off being a good challenge but turned to crap with the intro of the dark troops. Game lost all its non paying players due to the pay to play players dominating everything as usual with these type of games Worst game I’ve ever played 1/5 By kravan1989 This game is the biggest scam ever it’s basically a con job if your a free player expect to barely get crumbs if your able to do events at all Don’t waste your time 1/5 By bagb727 This game is a money pit and nothing else. Anything you buy is outdated a week later with new stuff, it’s 100 buck for a pack and they have been releasing multiple things each week, each requiring a 100 pack purchase to keep up. DO NOT BOTHER DOWNLOADING 1/5 By ScrewBRNu Unless you want to spend thousands of dollars on this game like certain people do. The people who pay to play are actually actively weeding out the free 2 play players. So, if you were thinking about playing this game, think again. Buyer beware 1/5 By TCL1963 If you plan to play this game for any length of time, you will need to purchase packs to stay in the game. They can range from $5-&50. The problem with these packs (and they won’t tell you) is that if you purchase a second one within 30 days, any prior daily gold allotments you may be receiving will be nullified. Your purchased daily gold that you paid for will disappear unless you purchased a pack that is more expensive and pays out a higher daily amount. Then they will stack. There is nothing in the game help that warns you of this. I had to contact their support to find out this information and they were pretty nonchalant about it. So if you don’t care and have lots of disposable income, go for it. Otherwise steer clear from these scammers. Not worth your time and money 1/5 By Marimar24! While this game can be fun it’s not worth it unless you are willing to spend tons of money. The players who spends money bully and destroy the smaller empires and so you end up rebuilding things again and again. Unless you are willing to spend money to buy packs to quickly level up and train troops then this game is not for you. Also the strongest guild in this game like to team up with the second strongest and so they like to bully other guilds. One star 1/5 By Crube13 I hate the ads in games they are so annoying Click bait 1/5 By click bait 10 Click bait click bait GETTING WORSE 1/5 By Karol Elisua This game is all about money and not about players. Spend more than $100 from your own money only for the devs to put out new content the following week! And guess what?! IT’S NOT FREE! And this is the same almost every week!!! As they get rid of old things, the packages don’t even replace what you spent before! It’s a scam!!! Ridiculous! Pay to win garbage 1/5 By Indyballfan Don’t waste your time. Pure $$$ trash. Players, pay to win and not fair 4/5 By ziller54 I downloaded this game four times trying to have great attitude to this game but there’s Two people think they own your game they don’t play it they live it which it’s great for you I understand but cussing and saying things I can’t even put on here it I don’t mine them playing fair but the threats I could call the cops on them besides that I love it Justme 999 2/5 By [email protected] fan Looks at key words and can never get it right. I have been ripped ofloved it for a while because even if you didn’t have a lot to spend it wasn’t hard to catch-up. Now it moves at such a fast pace you have to spend $100 to $200 a day to move up slowly. They put out so much stuff so fast that I can’t keep up. It comes out so fast it makes it to hard to keep up. They put out so much last week that I can’t remember everything that came out. Takes the fun out of the game moving so fast. I’m probably going to quit soon. Oh and when you make a complaint it’s not even read. I lose so much stuff. I accept it into I tried inventory but it never makes it there. I have tried to explain it. Took pics and everything. Some times they don’t even respond. I tried 4 times in one day to explain it to get it fixed. Same replie every time from the robot. The issue has been fixed. They never get it fixed. They just quit responding to you. Those are the main reasons why I’m quitting. So goof luck to ya Game is a rip off 1/5 By 689gh Completely pay to play but free to download game has gone down hill and fast events are geared to players willing to spend money to do an event that the prizes don’t even replace what you lose doing event almost all of the events can only be done by spending real money Marisweet 1/5 By marisweer the next time i see this ad im going to yell at the people who made this game ughhhhhh UGHH 1/5 By Madelyn Capozzi My freaking game won’t even load. Also, it’s just a terrible game! I don’t get how this has 4.1 stars. Fun playing 4/5 By tygaberry This game is very nice and you cant stop playing , and the reason why i did not give you 5 stars i have issues with the packs i can get packs everyone in my guild get i dnt get the packs or the offer which is really making me too stop the game anytime soon you should work on making sure everyone get the packs as others i would appreciate if you can help me fix it please Could be better. 1/5 By Peacexful This game gives you so little stuff and when you use it, your literally on your own. Money pit with terrible support 1/5 By Moat Monster My advice after playing this game for well over a year, is don’t bother. While fun at first, and the interaction between players can be enjoyable at times, this game becomes a MASSIVE MONEY PIT, and it will take you between $3000-$5000 in pack purchases to stay remotely competitive. Even that will be short lived as the developers continue to add more levels, stronger troops, stronger monsters to train, and more powerful heroes. Do yourself a favor and find a game that’s worth it and not so focused on pay to win, or the packs don’t cost $100 each. This game will be dead in another six months. Just to add an update, the devs performed a complete reset of the game by introducing “dark” buildings, resources, and troops. Everything people had purchased prior to this point is now WORTHLESS. Some people have spent 10s of thousands on this game...think about that for a minute. I stopped playing the game and now only login to talk with the friends I’ve made in the game. That’s about the only redeeming aspect of this game...sadly. Way to screw up, Epic Action. DON’T PLAY THIS GAME (SCAM!) 1/5 By N O X Deceptive marketing and will steal your money. Unbalanced game, and completely pay2win. (tl;dr at bottom) You can’t succeed in this game unless you pay, and everything costs 100 dollars. First, they sell you 5 dollar packs full of garbage. You won’t get better packs unless you buy a trash pack first. Then, they sell you decent packs...not good though, but 20 dollars. Then, packs cost 50 dollars. Then, 75 dollars. After that, EVERYTHING is 100 dollars. You don’t even get good items in these 100 dollar packs. You have to keep buying them over and over just so you can get enough of what you need. In-game events don’t give you anything useful either. They want you to buy them. Due to the nature of this game, big players can hit you as much as they want. You’ll have a hard time trying to survive in this game unless you want to put in a couple thousand or so. The developers of this game don’t care about how easy it is for free players to get left behind and how easy it is for big players to zero others because it just means more money for them (zero=kill all troops, take all resources, and capture hero.) We’ve asked the developers to make the game more balanced, and they told us to buy more if we want to keep up because apparently they can’t do anything about it. Seriously, the developers of this game only care about getting money. Even if you’ve spent thousands of dollars on this game, customer support is still horrible. Yeah, they MIGHT respond, but with automated messages. Sometimes you have to send MULTIPLE tickets until you get a response. I had to send so many tickets for weeks because this game cheated me out of a reward for an event I worked hard to beat. They accused me of lying even though I had screenshots of proof. I had to argue with them for days even though I HAD PROOF. It’s not even worth trying to be a free player in this game because you can’t attack or defend. You can’t defend as a free player because what is available to you as a free player is not enough to boost your stats against the things paying players can hit you with. They can simply send a march of 5mil at you, and your entire troop count of 30mil will ALL die. You try hitting paying players? You won’t even dent their troop count of 500mil to 1bil. tl;dr - This game is full of greed (everything cost 100 dollars), developers care nothing about players, can’t win unless you pay. Pathetic excuse of a game. It’s a shame this company is using the Final Fantasy brand. MZ/EPIC GAMES NEEDS INVESTIGATION 1/5 By JErtmen GOOGLE PLAY & APPLE GAMES NEED TO TAKE ACTION! Stay away from any games with association to the above MARKETING & SALES company. It’s a complete SCAM & neither Google, nor Apple are doing their due diligence to protect the consumers or to abide by fcc LAWS! Class action lawsuit anyone? Greedy developers 2/5 By 1736372728 The game is fun and the people that play make it worthwhile. The downside, and it’s a big one, is that this is a 90% pay to win game. If you want to build and empire and compete at all you have to spend real money, they will sell you a pack for $5 then the next pack is $20, then after that every pack is $100, sometimes they go on “sale” for $50 or $80. This wouldn’t be bad if you only needed a few to stay competitive but you literally need to spend Thousands to be able to play without being slaughtered in minutes. Most of the top players that have been playing for a while in my guild have spent $3000 plus on building a powerful empire, then the developers recently changed the whole game to “the dark world”. This update basically made all of there upgrades that they purchased 100% useless. They are starting over at the bottom, Thousands of real dollars flushed away. All the developers care about is cash, they care nothing about player experience, the first thing that loads every time you start the game is the “sale” screen. Play if have massive amounts of cash to burn through or if you just want to chat with guild members and don’t really care about being able to compete or hold your ground. Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire app comments	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3692
__label__cc	0.671031	0.328969	Introducing new Bentley Bentayga V8 Since its introduction, Bentley Bentayga has set the luxury SUV benchmark, offering customers an unforgettable Grand Touring experience unrestricted by landscape or conditions. Bentayga V8 is everything Bentayga was designed to be, balancing exquisite refinement with astonishing performance. Call us today to learn more about Bentayga V8. At the heart of the Bentayga V8 is a new-generation 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine which combines immense power with impressive fuel efficiency. The addition of a characteristic V8 engine sound, stylish twin-quad exhaust pipes and optional carbon-ceramic brakes, reveals more of Bentayga V8’s sporting character. Inside, Bentley’s unique craftsmanship is evident, blending exquisite materials and advanced technologies. New styling features include a wood and hide steering wheel and the introduction of a high-gloss carbon-fibre interior panel finish. Immense Performance, Impressive Efficiency At the heart of the new Bentayga V8 sits an all-new 4.0-litre, V8 engine featuring dual twin-scroll turbochargers, enabling the car to develop 542 bhp (550 PS) and 568 lb.ft. (770 Nm) of torque. This gives the Bentayga V8 a top speed of 180 mph (290 km/h) and 0-60 mph in 4.4 seconds (100 km/h in 4.5 seconds). The immense performance of Bentayga V8 is complemented by a range of 464 miles (746 km), with CO2 emissions of 260 g/km. Striking, Individual Exterior Design The shape of the Bentayga V8 is defined by unique muscular, sculptural lines, balancing athleticism with an unmistakable presence on the road. From the four round LED headlamps to the large matrix grille, the Bentayga V8 exudes the Bentley design DNA. For the first time, optional carbon-ceramic brakes, and a red caliper option, are offered on the Bentayga. The braking system is the largest and most powerful ever fitted to a Bentley, and the largest front brake system available on any production car. Eleven wheel designs are available, including an all-new 22” five-spoke wheel with black painted and polished finish. Sublime, Handcrafted Luxury Interior Bentayga V8 continues the Bentley tradition of intricate detailing and fine, handcrafted precision using authentic materials, and with the launch of the V8, Bentayga benefits from a new range of features. Hand cross-stitching, which highlights the interior styling lines of the seats and door panels, is available from March 2018, and there is the choice of Bentayga’s four, five, or seven-seat configuration. Three innovative new interior options are offered in the Bentayga V8: a high-gloss carbon-fibre finish* replacing traditional veneer surfaces; a wood and hide steering wheel; and a new rich red leather, Cricket Ball. Driver-focussed Technologies A suite of state-of-the-art driver assistance systems and infotainment features designed to enhance safety, comfort and convenience make the Bentayga V8 an innovative, advanced and connected luxury SUV. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) including Stop & Go, Predictive ACC and Traffic Assist enables the driver to maintain a set distance to the vehicle in front. Predictive ACC uses the navigation data, sensors and cameras to predict upcoming corners, city boundaries and speed-limit changes and can then modify the vehicle speed accordingly, improving both comfort and fuel economy. In urban environments, there are a number of driver aids available on Bentayga V8. These systems – such as Traffic Sign Recognition, Rear Crossing Traffic Warning, Night Vision and Top View combine to enhance everyday usability. Park Assist is also available. Three different sound systems are available for the Bentayga V8: Bentley Standard Audio, Bentley Signature Audio and Naim for Bentley Premium Audio. The latter is the most powerful system in the segment, with 1,950 watts, a network of 18 speakers and super-tweeters for unrivalled recreation of the highest audio frequencies. Call us to express your interest in Bentayga V8, or visit our showroom today to discover more. *Available to order from March 2018. Please contact your local Bentley dealer for details.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3703
__label__cc	0.602712	0.397288	Bilingual baptism in Llanelli Sarah Jones was recently baptised at a bilingual baptismal service at Greenfield Baptist Church Llanelli. Sarah is a member of Rehoboth Welsh Congregational Church (Annibynwyr Cymraeg) Five Roads, Llanelli and has attended Rehoboth faithfully for many years and also the weekly Tuesday morning service and evening Bible study at Greenfield. The Revd David Jones Minister of Greenfield has led worship at Rehoboth on Sunday afternoons for many years, and the Revd Carys Awen Jones, retired Minister of Bethania Baptist Church, Llanelli, has also been a good friend to the church and also took part in the service. Rehoboth, a Welsh language church at the heart of an expanding village on the outskirts of Llanelli has seen growth in recent years and the congregation were supportive of Sarah’s wish to be baptised. In her testimony Sarah spoke of her teenage years at the local Gospel Hall and then for fourteen years never attending any place of worship. Following her marriage, her three sons began attending the morning Sunday school at Rehoboth and she began attending the afternoon services. Her renewed commitment to Christ came when she became a member of Rehoboth and the conviction about believer’s baptism was a consequence of that commitment. The congregation of Rehoboth joined with friends from the Trimsaran Gospel Hall the congregation at Greenfield and members of Sarah’s family for her baptism held on the afternoon of 10 September. The service was mainly in Welsh and Sarah’s testimony outlined her journey of faith and her then conviction to be baptised. For many from Rehoboth this was their first experience of witnessing a believer’s baptism and the service was one of real joy and fellowship as those of different Christian traditions who came together in celebration and thanksgiving. More Baptisms Little fish: baptism at Warley Baptisms in 2018 Six teenagers baptised in St Austell First baptisms at International Praise Centre Baptisms in Birchington-on-Sea 'Poignant and delightful baptism' Lockwood Baptist and Elam Ministries celebrate four baptisms New year, new life Advent baptism joy in Gillingham 'Momentous - the fruit of four years'	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3704
__label__cc	0.631309	0.368691	Salon De La Guerre (My Music) Beauty is Imperfection RIP Barney Rosset, Torch Bearer For Banned Books, Radical Literature Posted in Books & Literature, tagged Barney Rosset, D.H. Lawrence, Grove Press, Lady Chatterly''s Lover, obit, Samuel Beckett, Waiting for Godot on February 23, 2012\| Leave a Comment » When I was new to New York in the 1990s, I often trolled about Lower Manhattan looking for interesting encounters and odd adventures. I was a single person in my 20s, impetuous for the first time in my life and trying to overcome my shyness. I knew only I wanted to be a writer, but I needed stuff to fill my head with. One night, I found myself at a rather loud clamorous bar on 9th Street called Solas, where the music was loud and the yawping patrons louder. It was a little too hip to be a sports bar, but also too loud a place to talk about things like, say, Samuel Beckett’s work. I had learned a few things as a journalist, though, one of which is to look for incongruities in a picture. The incongruity in that splashy bar on that night was an old man in his 70s sitting in the corner watching the young people caper with the disinterest and mien (and even the glasses) of Jean-Paul Sartre. I did something I rarely do now–overcame my shyness and approached him, knowing somehow only that this must be a guy with a story. Boy, did he have one. I’m not sure how we got to talking after I asked him what he was doing in a loud bar full of hardbodies, but eventually I got it out of him that he, as I, was interested in literature. Usually, a person must be skeptical when the old guy at the bar starts talking shortly thereafter about being on a first-name basis with the author of “Waiting for Godot,” and that he’s named his son Beckett after him as a favor. And yet after I talked more with this guy, I could no longer deny after a short time that I had not just stumbled upon an old guy interested in 20th century literature–but in fact had stumbled upon an honest-to-God 20th century literary figure. Sitting drinking at a bar by himself, ready for a conversation with an amiable dunce. Barney Rosset, the man I found myself speaking to, was in fact the man who helmed Grove Press during the mid-century American literary Renaissance and brought literary greats like Beckett and Jean Genet to America using a cushion of family money and a famously lush caprice. He fought indecency laws by publishing “Lady Chatterly’s Lover” by D.H. Lawrence and “Tropic of Cancer” by Henry Miller for the first time in the U.S. with all their ebullient filthiness intact. Before there was a Larry Flynt or a 2 Live Crew, there was Rosset. He championed beat writers. And communists. And Malcolm X. The postmaster general tried to shut him down for “Lady Chatterly,” but an appeals court made the breakthrough announcement: sometimes smut can be redeeming. That seems like a quaint notion today when South Park makes jokes about little boys licking each other’s balls. Look at that sentence again. If it sounds harsher in print than it does when you’re watching the actual show (where that actually happened), then maybe you have some idea of what Barney Rosset was up against. Ideas are scary. So that I could hold up my end of the conversation with a guy who had seen everything, I remember talking a bit about a book I had set in Nicaragua (that’s a long story). Rosset was not only interested in my ideas, but he said he had a son that had gone down to witness the Sandinista era himself and was able to give me lots of color about the early hope and later disillusion of the young revolutionaries in their Marxist-Leninist government. (I didn’t know until later that Rosset, like a lot of radicals of his generation, was a former disillusioned communist). He was one of the only leftists I ever met who suggested genuine support for the anti-Sandinista UNO party at the end. In his heyday, he not only published works by Jack Kerouac and Tom Stoppard and Malcolm X but even Che Guevara. For his trouble, his office was bombed in 1968 (when, luckily, nobody was in it). He later suffered a backlash from feminists in the late 60s and early 70s who said that the writings he championed mainly degraded women. And in 1985, he sold the Grove Press under a contractual obligation that he remain in charge. He was fired within a year. He spent time in court, settled, and seemed to dabble too much in too many ventures, bad radical films seemingly being a big one. When I went home, I had to delve more deeply into the man I met. Though he didn’t tell me at the time, he’d been married, to Joan Mitchell–one of my favorite abstract expressionist painters (whose work I’d seen at the University of Texas at Austin in the James Michener collection). “Well shit!” I thought. I probably could have spent the whole evening talking about her alone, but I realize in retrospect that Barney Rosset collected a few wives along the way and perhaps wouldn’t have wanted to go there. But who knew. He was open about a lot of things, including the degradations of a close family member at Riker’s Island. What struck me more than anything is that he seemed piqued about the literary projects I was working on … and hinted that I could perhaps send them to him at the Evergreen Review. As if! I knew then that even if my work was ready (it wasn’t) that it probably wasn’t radical enough for the tradition he was carrying on. What he brought was not only the seeds of sexual revolution but a freedom of sensual language in a world that is often depressingly literal. The intellect’s revenge on art, as Susan Sontag put it. Every writer I know owes some debt to that period, even if they don’t like all the work or think some of it is indulgent. Liberation is messy. It has no time for cuteness or the coyness that we’ve since come up with as an antidote to the Aquarian age of sexual Rousseauism. Even Camille Paglia, a supposed sexual radical, regularly craps on the seditionaries of this period for their back-to-nature naivete. I personally felt ridiculous talking about my own work in the context Barney Rosset championed and shaped. But I marveled that this great man had not only encouraged me but showed me enough respect that we could have a two-way conversation. He had a great open mind even in his 70s and what I had to offer him, that night anyway, seemed important enough for him to listen to. I never met him again, but kept up with him and his endeavors and told everyone I knew, “You know there’s an honest to God American literary legend walking around Lower Manhattan who sits in bars and occasionally has to remind people who he is.” Child Development: Eight Months Old Posted in Family, tagged child development on February 22, 2012\| Leave a Comment » My son Xander recently reached the age of 8 months. Every new month brings new milestones in child development, including new abilities, talents and comprehension. What are some of the things I can expect as the father of an 8 month old? –* My son will start moving around on his belly more, creeping towards things or pushing himself backwards with his arms. –He will increasingly start to chew on softened foods. –He used to put the remote control in his mouth. Now he will throw it at my head. –He likes to take objects and bang them, twist them, throw them, squeeze them, drop them, notarize them, send them parcel post, sprinkle them with glitter, sew them to his eyebrow and dissolve them in aqueous acid. –He will now have a better sense of what objects do, whether it’s a comb for straightening his hair, a cup for drinking, or a horse’s head in a bed that sends a message to the Tattaglia family. –He will now exhibit separation anxiety when he leaves me or my wife, unless the person taking him is really hot. –My child’s depth perception is almost adult-like, which means he can likely see right through adults and their bullshit. –If he goes through bouts of persistent crying for no apparent reason, it could be that he’s simply taking after mommy. –Letters of the alphabet will make more sense to him, as will racist jokes. –He will be more able now to stand on his own–with the help of a chair, a table or an illegal prescription drug from a celebrity doctor. –Some studies suggest that babies already have a sense of empathy for other babies in distress at this stage of development. But since I am adult, I can expect him to have no empathy for me whatsoever when I’m trying to sleep and he’s got a wild hair up his butt to yell in a shrill monotone. Thanks for nothing, child empathy! –A baby needs stimulation from more activity at this phase, whether it’s a trip to the zoo, a walk in the park, a rock concert for babies, a rock concert by Phish, the Altamont Concert, a book club, a fight club, an anti-nuclear energy demonstration, a Tea Party event or a jailhouse interview with convicted murderer Charles Manson. –He will like it when I dance with him. Favorite dances include the hora and the box step, but not the macarena, which your baby will recognize as a passé and stupid step from the early 1990s. –For some reason, though, he will likely do the Freddy. –This is a time for him to explore his boundaries and discover his limits. As he gets older, he’ll be doing the former less, while he’ll be doing the latter for the rest of his life. Romney, Severely Posted in Politics, tagged Mitt Romney, severely on February 18, 2012\| Leave a Comment » In a recent speech, Mitt Romney referred to himself as “severely conservative,” an idiom strange to many ears. What other words most often follow “severely” (according to a Google search)? –Severely anemic –Severely atypical mole –Severely abnormal mole –Severely autistic –Severely bloated –Severely bruised toe –Severely bruised knee –Severely burned tongue –Severely chapped lips –Severely constipated –Severely cracked heels –Severely dry skin –Severely damaged hair –Severely depressed –Severely emotionally disturbed –Severely enlarged liver –Severely endangered species –Severely fatigued –Severely greasy hair –Severely high blood pressure –Severely hydrotreated heavy naphthenic oil –Severely herniated disc –Severely hypokinetic –Severely itchy scalp –Severely itchy skin –Severely itchy vulva –Severely impacted wisdom teeth –Severely jammed thumb –Severely jammed toe –Severely jet lagged –Severely knotted hair –Severely knotted muscle –Severely keratinized or ulcerated leukoplakia –Severely low blood pressure –Severely low iron –Severely lupine –Severely lonely –Severely mentally ill –Severely matted dog –Severely matted hair –Severely neglected children –Severely nearsighted –Severely neutropenic –Severely overweight –Severely obese –Severely oily skin –Severely painful hemorrhoids –Severely painful periods –Severely painful gas –Severely pulled back muscle –Severely retroverted uterus –Severely red eyes –Severely retarded –Severely swollen tonsils –Severely sprained ankle –Severely stuffy nose –Severely tired –Severely tilted uterus –Severely underweight –Severely undervalued stocks –Severely underpaid –Severely visually impaired –Severely violent criminals –Severely wounded –Severely wrinkled hands –Severely worn dentition Valentine’s Day Sentiments Posted in Holidays, tagged Valentine's Day on February 15, 2012\| 1 Comment » What do our Valentine’s Day cards say? –You are my heart. –You are my soul. –You are my kidneys. –You are the person I have grown to love after I settled for you. –Love is like two souls joining. Especially in this community property state of Wisconsin. –Top ten reasons you are the only one for me, No. 7: I don’t really need another public divorce, Love Ronald Perelman. –Like Philadelphia, I love you back, but unlike Philadelphia, I am not the meth capital of the U.S. –I’m sorry, I am giving the rose to Courtney. –I’m giving this Valentine’s Day card to you because my fifth grade teacher has ordered us to give cards to everybody else in the class, and thus I have fulfilled my legal obligation. –Valentine’s Day is not just a fake holiday invented by the greeting card industry. It’s also an extra reason for single people to feel awful. –I’m pretty sure that this Valentine’s Day card to you, my love, does not violate the restraining order, but if it does, please disregard. –Few people know what love really is. But I do. It’s part of the male posturing process among monkeys to dominate other males in order to propagate their DNA. –Monkey see, monkey do, roses are red and I love you. –Let’s drop the pretense. Let’s do it! Live Blogging the Grammys Posted in Music, tagged Adele, Foo Fighters, Grammys, Jack Black, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Pink, Whitney Houston on February 13, 2012\| Leave a Comment » –Whitney Houston’s premature death casts a pall over the proceedings, and reminds us not only that a huge hunk of talent has left us, but that large amorphous, clumping chunks of mediocrity have not. –Pink, Kanye West, Jay-Z and Betty White are conspicuous by their absence. –Cross-genre power duets are kind of like the All Star Game. Why would we want to watch talented people perform badly just to titillate 13-year-olds? –Oh, yeah. This is the Grammys. –Suze Orman says variable annuities are a scam. Sorry, I changed the channel there. –Chris Brown makes mediocrity his bitch, slaps that mediocrity and rides it like the mediocre whore she is. You could say he rules the mediocrity. –Adele wins for best pop vocal for “Someone Like You.” You might remember that as the song that was great 10,000 listenings ago. –L.L. Cool J says a prayer for Whitney Houston and tries to turn the Grammys from a sad event into a celebration of music. Bruno Mars turns it back into a sad occasion. –How in the hell does Steve Van Zandt zip around the world to tour with the E. Street Band, shoot the show “Lilyhammer,” and still have time to serve humanitarian causes? I guess you really do have a lot of time on your hands if you refuse to play “Sun City.” –Student loan debt cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, says Suze Orman. … Sorry, I really wasn’t into that Kelly Clarkson duet with what’s his name. –L.L. Cool J is so cool he can ably and confidently lead us through this emotionally confusing moment, when celebration meets loss, in a way that merits comparison with the modernist verse of a William Butler Yeats or the comforting, avuncular, telegenic presence of James Garner on “Eight Simple Rules …” –The ceremony of innocence is drowned. If we are lucky, it will drown out that Maroon 5 song about Mick Jagger. –Never underwrite anything, says Suze. –The Grammys has become expansive enough to include new categories including “Best Grunge,” “Best Gansta Rap,” “Best New Artist Who Is Likely To Die in a Drug Related Incident” and “The Best Bad Music.” –We can feel comfortable that even though Bruce Springsteen’s songs are starting to sound the same, at least his energetic performances are still giving him good cardio burn. –It’s probably good that Jay-Z is not here, since his bodyguards tend to keep people away from places it’s appropriate for them to be, whether it’s parents trying to get into the Lenox Hill neonatal care unit or Adele trying to get to her Grammy. –The Beach Boys’ reunion happens under a cloud–Whitney Houston’s death and Maroon 5’s continued existence. –You can’t argue with Adele’s outrageous success. And yet it keeps arguing with you, even after it has made its point, feeling the need to follow you into every grocery store, every Starbucks, every bank and even into your home and onto your television. This sore winner will not stop trying to win the argument. –”Beach Boys’ Marooned.” “Maroon 5 Beached.” The possibilities are endless. –This just in: Brian Wilson and Keith Richards still alive. –Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, with their odd costumes, bizarre technical difficulties and strange agitprop, remind people of Madonna, but increasingly ought to remind people of Andy Kaufman. –We all seem to forget that Amy Winehouse died this year, too. Thanks, Whitney, for upstaging Amy when it was her time to shine as the prematurely dead substance abuser of the moment. Does Winehouse get no respect even in death? –Taylor Swift is so elegant she belongs in a perfume ad. No, really. She belongs only in a perfume ad. –Justin Vernon of Bon Iver thanks everybody who has won a Grammy and people who will never win a Grammy, his agents, his mom and dad and the people his have worked with … . Barbers who shave themselves, barbers who do not shave themselves. Musicians who have never won and who will never be considered for winning. … You know if he just thanked everybody who drew breath, he’d probably cut down on this acceptance speech … but no, according to Godel’s incompleteness theorem, there are still people he will likely not have thanked… did he mention he didn’t think he deserved to be there? –The best thing about the Grammys, as we listen to a variety of rap, country, rock, soul and jazz, is that we can all get together in a relaxed atmosphere and agree that we hate each other’s music. –Who will win “Artist of the Year”? If you really love music, you could easily turn off the TV before hearing the answer to this misleading, irrelevant question. –*On an extended version of the Beatles’ Abbey Road suite, Paul McCartney leads a star-studded jam session, including Bruce Springsteen, Joe Walsh, Dave Grohl, and others of a small handful of people the music industry hasn’t been awful to. Eric R. Rasmussen is the writer/director of the online Web comedy series "The Retributioners," and the musician behind Salon De La Guerre. He is also a novel-writer, blogger and journalist. Salon De La Guerre (Eric’s Music) “Red Clay Moses” “Steal The Water” “Green Tumbler” “Talk About The Guns” “Malishin'” “Linda’s Blues” “Steppe Bride” “The End Looked Like The Beginning” “Just Waking Up” “When He Was Ultra Sound” “Your Blues Ain’t My Blues” “Mine Disaster” “Incident at Juarez” “Mein Disaster” “The Mechanical Bean” (Part 1) “Test Tube, She” “Transformation Part II” “Transformation Part 1” “When The Lawyers Come” “The Hero In His Own Town” “A Man With No Name” “Over Man” “Alice Ploughshare” “They Turn Against Us” “Goodbye Rabbit” “The Blue Mom” “Five Wounds” “Intro To Exile” “The Mechanical Desert” “Pyrrhic Feat” “The Liberty Roundup” “Dixie Drowned” “All Mechanical” “Children’s Army” “La Chingada” “Kansas, 1921” “Decathect” “The Passion of the Elvis” “TV Head” “New York Christmas, 1945” “First Comes Daddy” “Window Train Movie” “The Merc of Cameroon” “Electra in Birkenstocks” “Patriots/Crossed Lines” “Above It All” “The Names” “Lorca the Duende” “Mockenstein” “The Dionysian Rationale” “Third Wave” “Where You Dream Tonight” “Killer” (The “Retributioners” Theme) “When You’re Sad” “You Define Me” “Bayou Bye-Bye” “Sir Paul” “Top Sheet Blues” “The Secession” “Or Karma Will Get You” “International Pill” “Lazy Yuppies” “Crystal Meth In A Bathtub” “I Indict You” “Budgie McBrain Damage” “Killer” (full version) “In Praise of Her Who Left” “If It Pleases God” “Remember John Fahey” “Let My Ocean Be Your Mind” “The Plane That Took Her To Heaven” All music on the home page written and performed by Eric R. Rasmussen, copyright 1992, 1996, 2007, 2010 and 2013.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3707
__label__wiki	0.815608	0.815608	2 Apr 2015 15:24:11 UTC bye.wikia.com » Age of Empires Series cnc.wikia.com » Egypt dimensionscollide.wikia.com » Genghis Khan dimensionscollide.wikia.com » Kublai Khan galnet.wikia.com » Assassins kingdomheartsfanfiction.wikia.com » Bethlehem kingdomheartsfanfiction.wikia.com » Egypt nordan.daynal.org » Crusades orthodoxwiki.org » John of Phanidjoit sco.wikipedia.org » Talk:Mamluk ta.wikipedia.org » பண்டைய டமாஸ்கஸ் நகரம் tr.wikipedia.org » Tartışma:Memlük Devleti <a href="http://archive.today/Ia97c"> <img style="width:300px;height:200px;background-color:white" src="https://archive.is/Ia97c/a82bbf6fd79ad39249ea2cbb074a93fb56b895b7/scr.png"><br> Mamluk - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia<br> archived 2 Apr 2015 15:24:11 UTC </a> {{cite web \| title = Mamluk - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia \| url = http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mamluk \| date = 2015-04-02 \| archiveurl = http://archive.today/Ia97c \| archivedate = 2015-04-02 }} Mamluk Mamluk (Arabic: مملوك mamlūk (singular), مماليك mamālīk (plural), meaning "property" or "owned slave" of the king, or 'white slave'; also transliterated as mamlouk, mamluq, mamluke, mameluk, mameluke, mamaluke or marmeluke) is an Arabic designation for slaves. A Mamluk nobleman from Aleppo An Egyptian Mamluk warrior in full armor and armed with lance, shield, sabre and pistols More specifically, it refers to: Khwarazmian dynasty in Persia (1077–1231) Mamluk Dynasty (Delhi) (1206–1290) Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo) (1250–1517) Mamluk dynasty of Iraq (1704–1831, under Ottoman Iraq) The most enduring Mamluk realm was the military caste in medieval Egypt that rose from the ranks of slave soldiers who were mainly of Kipchak and many other Turkic tribes,[1] also Circassian,[2] and Georgian[3][4][5] origin, although in the Burji (post-1389) Mamluk sultanate many Mamluks could also be of Balkan origin (Albanian, Greek, South Slavic).[6][7] The "mamluk phenomenon", as David Ayalon dubbed the creation of the specific warrior class,[8] was of great political importance and was extraordinarily long-lived, lasting from the 9th to the 19th centuries AD. Over time, mamluks became a powerful military caste in various Islamic societies. Particularly in Egypt, but also in the Levant, Mesopotamia, and India, mamluks held political and military power. In some cases, they attained the rank of sultan, while in others they held regional power as amirs or beys. Most notably, mamluk factions seized the sultanate for themselves in Egypt and Syria in a period known as the Mamluk Sultanate (1250–1517). The Mamluk Sultanate famously beat back the troops of the Ilkhanate at the Battle of Ain Jalut and fought the Crusaders, effectively driving them out from the Levant by 1291 and officially in 1302 ending the era of the Crusades.[9] While mamluks were purchased, their status was above ordinary slaves, who were not allowed to carry weapons or perform certain tasks. In places such as Egypt from the Ayyubid dynasty to the time of Muhammad Ali of Egypt, mamluks were considered to be “true lords", with social status above freeborn Muslims.[10] 2 Organization 3 Relations with backgrounds 4.1 Early Mamluks in Egypt 4.2 French attack and Mamluk takeover 4.3 Mamluks and the Mongols 4.4 Burji dynasty 4.5 Portuguese-Mamluk Wars 4.6 Ottomans and the end of the Mamluk Sultanate 4.7 Mamluk independence from the Ottomans 4.7.1 Napoleon invades 4.8 After Napoleon 4.9 End of Mamluk power in Egypt 5 Other Mamluk regimes 5.1 South Asia 6 Mamluk rulers 6.1 In Egypt 6.1.1 Bahri Dynasty 6.1.2 Burji Dynasty 6.2 In India 6.3 In Iraq 7 Other uses of the word 7.1 "Mamluk" as derogatory term 8 Office titles and terminology Mamluk lancers, early 16th century (etching by Daniel Hopfer) The origins of the Mamluk system are disputed. Everybody agrees that the story of an entrenched military caste like the Mamluks in Islamic societies begins with the Abbasid caliphs of the 9th century Baghdad. The question is more precisely when in the 9th century. The dominant view up to the 1990s was that the earliest mamluks were known as ghilman (another term for slaves, broadly synonymous[11]) and were bought by the Abbasid caliphs, especially al-Mu'tasim (833-842). By the end of the 9th century, these slaves had become the dominant element in the military. Conflict between these ghilman and the population of Baghdad prompted the caliph al-Mu'tasim to move his capital to the city of Samarra, but this did not succeed in calming tensions; the caliph al-Mutawakkil was assassinated by some of these slave-soldiers in 861 (see Anarchy at Samarra).[12] A more recent interpretation would distinguish between a ghilman system, in Samarra, without training and relying on pre-existing Central Asian hierarchies, mixing adult slaves and freemen, and a later creation of an actual mamluk system, with the systematic training of young slaves, after the return of the caliphate to Baghdad in the 870's [13]). The Mamluk system would have been a small-scale experiment of al-Muwaffaq, combining the efficiency of the steppic warriors with improved reliability. This recent interpretation seems to have been accepted [14]). The use of Mamluk soldiers gave rulers troops who had no link to any established power structure.[citation needed] Local non-Mamluk warriors were often more loyal to their tribal sheikhs, their families, or nobles than to the sultan or caliph. If a commander conspired against the ruler, it was often not possible to deal with the conspiracy without causing unrest among the nobility.[citation needed] The Mamluk slave-troops were foreigners of the lowest possible status who could not conspire against the ruler and who could easily be punished if they caused trouble, making them a great military asset.[citation needed] Contemporary[show] Child labour · Conscription · Debt · (Bride-buying · Wife selling) Forced prostitution · Human trafficking · Peonage · Penal labour · Sexual slavery · Historical[show] Antiquity: Ancient Rome · Babylonia · Ancient Greece · Topics and practices: Atlantic slave trade (Middle Passage) Arab slave trade (Ghilman · Mamluk · Saqaliba) Aztec · Blackbirding · Byzantine Empire · Coolie · Corvée labor · Field slaves in the United States · House slaves · Kholop · Medieval Europe · Panyarring · Thrall · Serfs (History · Russia) Slave raiding · Naval: Galley slave · Impressment · Pirates · Shanghaiing · Slave ship · By country or region[show] Contemporary Africa · Slavery on the Barbary Coast · Barbary slave trade · Slave Coast · Angola · Chad · Ethiopia · Mali · Mauritania · Niger · Somalia · South Africa · Sudan · Seychelles · Americas indigenous (U.S. Natives) (Lei Áurea) Canada · (Barbados · Code Noir) Cuba · (revolt · Restavec) Latin America · Puerto Rico · Trinidad · (colonial · maps · female · partus · penal labor · Slave codes · interregional · Human Trafficking) Virgin Islands · Bhutan · (Booi Aha · Laogai) (Debt bondage · Chukri System) (comfort women) North Korea · Yemen · Australia and Oceania: Blackbirding in Australia · Human trafficking in Australia · Slave raiding in Easter Island · Human trafficking in Papua New Guinea · Blackbirding in Polynesia · Sex trafficking in Europe · British Isles · Dutch Republic · Germany in World War II · Poland · Romania · Russia · (colonies) Middle East and North Africa: Iran · Libya · Ottoman Empire · Religion[show] Bible · Christianity · (21st century) Judaism · Opposition and resistance[show] Timeline · Abolitionism (U.K. · U.S.) Anti-Slavery International · Blockade of Africa Compensated emancipation · Freedman (manumission) Freedom suit · Abolitionists · Slave Power · (songs) Slave rebellion · Slave Trade Acts · International law · 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution · Related[show] Common law · Indentured servant · Unfree labour · Fugitive slaves (laws · Great Dismal Swamp maroons) List of slaves (owners) Slave narrative (films · songs) Slave name · Slave Route Project · Treatment in U.S. (breeding · court cases · Washington · Jefferson · Adams · Lincoln · 40 acres · Freedmen's Bureau · bit) Wage slavery · Emancipation Day · After the fragmentation of the Abbasid Empire, military slaves, known as either Mamluks or Ghilman, became the basis of military power throughout the Islamic world. The Fatimids of Egypt bought Armenian, Turkic and Sudanese slaves, who formed the bulk of their military and often their administration.[15] The powerful vizier Badr al-Jamali, for example, was a Mamluk of Armenian origin. In Iran and Iraq, the Buyids used Turkic slaves throughout their empire, such as the rebel al-Basasiri who eventually ushered in Saljuq rule in Baghdad after attempting a failed rebellion. When the later Abbasids regained military control over Iraq, they also relied on the military slaves called Ghilman.[16] Under Saladin and the Ayyubids of Egypt, the power of the Mamluks increased until they claimed the sultanate in 1250, ruling as the Mamluk Sultanate.[citation needed] Military slavery continued to be employed throughout the Islamic world until the 19th century. The Ottoman Empire's devşirme, or "gathering" of young slaves for the Janissary corps, lasted until the 17th century, while mamluk-based regimes thrived in such Ottoman provinces as Iraq and Egypt into the 19th century.[citation needed] Organization[edit] Ottoman Mamluk heavy cavalry armour, circa 1550 Under the Mamluk Sultanate of Cairo, mamluks were purchased while still young and were raised in the barracks of the Citadel of Cairo. Because of their particular status (no social ties or political affiliations) and their austere military training, they were often trusted. Their training consisted of strict religious and military education to help them become “good Muslim horsemen and fighters."[10] When their training was completed they were discharged, but still attached to the patron who had purchased them. Mamluks relied on the help of their patron for career advancements and likewise the patron’s reputation and power depended on his recruits. A mamluk was also "bound by a strong esprit de corps to his peers in the same household."[10] Mamluks were proud of their origin as slaves and only those who were purchased were eligible to attain the highest positions. The privileges associated with being a mamluk were so desirable that many free Egyptians arranged to be sold in order to gain access to this privileged society.[citation needed] Mamluks spoke Arabic and cultivated their identity by retaining an Egyptian name. However, despite humble origins and an exclusive attitude, mamluks were respected by their Arab subjects. They earned admiration and prestige as the “true guardians of Islam by repelling both the Crusaders and the Mongols."[10] Many people viewed them as a blessing from Allah to the Muslims.[citation needed] After mamluks had converted to Islam, many were trained as cavalry soldiers. Mamluks had to follow the dictates of furusiyya, a code that included values such as courage and generosity, and also cavalry tactics, horsemanship, archery and treatment of wounds.[citation needed] Mamluks lived within their garrisons and mainly spent their time with each other. Their entertainments included sporting events such as archery competitions and presentations of mounted combat skills at least once a week. The intensive and rigorous training of each new recruit helped ensure continuity of mamluk practices.[citation needed] While they were no longer actually slaves after training, they were still obliged to serve the sultan. The sultan kept them as an outsider force, under his direct command, to use in the event of local tribal frictions. The sultan could also send them as far as the Muslim regions of Iberia.[citation needed] Sultans had the largest number of mamluks, but lesser amirs could have their own troops as well. Many mamluks rose to high positions throughout the empire, including army command.[citation needed] At first their status remained non-hereditary and sons were strictly prevented from following their fathers. However, over time, in places such as Egypt, the mamluk forces became linked to existing power structures and gained significant amounts of influence on those powers.[citation needed] A similar evolution occurred in the Ottoman Empire with the Janissaries and in the Iranian Safavid, Afsharid, and Qajar dynasty with the ghulams.[17] Relations with backgrounds[edit] In Egypt Georgian mamluks retained their native language, were aware of the politics of the Caucasus region, received frequent visits from their parents or other relatives, and sent gifts to family members or gave money to build useful structures (a defensive tower, or even a church) in their native villages in Georgia.[18] Egypt[edit] Main article: Mamluk Sultanate (Cairo) Early Mamluks in Egypt[edit] This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this section by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (October 2013) The battle of Wadi al-Khazandar, 1299. depicting Mamluk cavalry and Mongol archers (14th-century illustration from a manuscript of the History of the Tatars) Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Hassan (left) along with the later Al-Rifa'i Mosque (right) and two Ottoman mosques (foreground) – Cairo Ahmad ibn Tulun was a Turkic Mamluk whose father was sent as a gift to the Abbasid Caliph al-Ma'mun in (200H./815–16 A.D.). Ibn Tulun was sent to Egypt in 868 as regent governor for the Abbasids, but through diplomatic intrigue and military might, he effectively operated his Tulunid dynasty autonomously as the earliest Mamluk ruler in Egypt. The Tulunid dynasty was short-lived, and Egypt was reoccupied by Abbassid forces in the winter of 904–05. Throughout the next centuries, Egypt was controlled by a variety of rulers, notably the Ikhshidids and Fatimids. Throughout these dynasties, thousands of Mamluk servants and guards continued to be employed, and even took high offices, including governor of Damascus. This increasing level of influence worried the Arab rulers, foreshadowing the eventual rise of a Mamluk sultan. The origins of the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt lie in the Kurdish Ayyubid dynasty that Saladin (Salah ad-Din) founded in 1174. With his uncle Shirkuh he conquered Egypt for the Zengid King Nur ad-Din of Damascus in 1169. By 1189, after the capture of Jerusalem, Saladin had consolidated the dynasty's control over the Middle East. After Saladin's death his sons fell to squabbling over the division of the Empire, and each attempted to surround himself with larger expanded mamluk retinues. By 1200 Saladin's brother Al-Adil succeeded in securing control over the whole empire by defeating and killing or imprisoning his brothers and nephews in turn. With each victory Al-Adil incorporated the defeated mamluk retinue into his own. This process was repeated at Al-Adil's death in 1218, and at his son Al-Kamil's death in 1238. The Ayyubids became increasingly surrounded by the power of the mamluks, acting semi-autonomously as regional Atabegs, and soon involved them in the internal court politics of the kingdom itself. French attack and Mamluk takeover[edit] Main article: Bahri dynasty In June 1249, the Seventh Crusade under Louis IX of France landed in Egypt and took Damietta. The Egyptian troops retreated at first, spurring the sultan to hang more than 50 commanders as deserters. When the Egyptian sultan As-Salih Ayyub died, the power passed briefly to his son Turanshah and then his favorite wife, the Armenian Shajar al-Durr (or Shajarat-ul-Dur). She took control with mamluk support and launched a counterattack. Troops of the Bahri commander Baibars defeated Louis's troops. The king delayed his retreat too long and was captured by the Mamluks in March 1250, and agreed to a ransom of 400,000 livres (150,000 of which were never paid).[19] Political pressure for a male leader made Shajar marry the mamluk commander Aybak; he was later killed in his bath, and in the power struggle that ensued vice-regent Qutuz took over. He formally founded the first Mamluk sultanate and the Bahri dynasty. The first Mamluk dynasty was named Bahri after the name of one of the regiments, the Bahriya or River Island regiment. The Arabic name Bahri ( Arabic:بحري meaning "of the sea or river"in Arabic) referred to their center in al-Rodah Island in the Nile. The regiment consisted mainly of Kipchak Turks/Cumans.[20] Mamluk-Syrian glassware vessels from the 14th century; in the course of trade, the middle vase shown ended up in Yemen and then China. Mamluks and the Mongols[edit] When the Mongol Empire's troops of Hulagu Khan sacked Baghdad in 1258 and advanced towards Syria, Mamluk Emir Baibars left Damascus for Cairo where he was welcomed by Sultan Qutuz.[21] After taking Damascus, Hulagu demanded that Qutuz surrender Egypt but Qutuz had Hulagu's envoys killed and, with Baibars' help, mobilized his troops. Although Hulagu pulled the majority of his forces out of Syria to attend the kurultai when great Khan Möngke died in action against the Southern Song, he left his lieutenant, the Christian Kitbuqa, in charge with a token force of about 18,000 men as a garrison.[22] Qutuz drew the Ilkhanate army into an ambush near the Orontes River, routed them at the Battle of Ain Jalut in 1260 and captured and executed Kitbuqa (see Qutuz). After this great triumph, Qutuz was assassinated by conspiring Mamluks. It was said that Baibars, who seized power, was involved in the assassination. In the following centuries the rule of mamluks was discontinuous, with an average span of seven years. The Mamluks defeated the Ilkhanates a second time in the First Battle of Homs and began to drive them back east. In the process they consolidated their power over Syria, fortified the area, and formed mail routes and diplomatic connections between the local princes. Baibars's troops attacked Acre in 1263, captured Caesarea in 1265, and took Antioch in 1268. Mamluks attacking at the Fall of Tripoli in 1289 Mamluks also defeated new Ilkhanate attacks in Syria in 1271 and 1281 (Second Battle of Homs). They were defeated by the Ilkhanates and their Christian allies at the Battle of Wadi al-Khazandar in 1299, but soon after that the Mamluks defeated the Ilkhanate again in 1303/1304 and 1312. Finally, the Ilkhanates and the Mamluks signed a treaty of peace in 1323. Burji dynasty[edit] Main article: Burji dynasty By the late fourteenth century, Circassians from the North Caucasus region had become the majority in the Mamluk ranks.[2] In 1382 the Burji dynasty took over, as Barkuk was proclaimed sultan, so ending the Bahri dynasty. Burji (Arabic: برجي Burji is an Arabic term meaning "of the tower") referred to their center in the citadel of Cairo. The dynasty consisted mainly of Circassians. Barkuk became an enemy of Timur, who threatened to invade Syria. Timur invaded Syria, sacked Aleppo and captured Damascus after defeating the Mamluk army. The Sultan of the Ottoman Empire Bayezid I then invaded Syria which was regained by the Mamluk sultan Faraj when Timur died in 1405, but continually facing rebellions from local emirs, he was forced to abdicate in 1412. In 1421, Egypt was attacked by the Kingdom of Cyprus, but the Egyptians forced the Cypriotes to acknowledge the suzerainty of the Egyptian sultan Barsbay. During Barsbay's reign Egypt's population was greatly reduced from what it had been a few centuries before, with only 1/5 the number of towns. Al-Ashraf came to power in 1453 and had friendly relations with the Ottoman Empire, who captured Constantinople later that year, causing great rejoicings in Egypt. However, under the reign of Khoshqadam Egypt began the struggle between the Egyptian and the Ottoman sultanates. In 1467 sultan Kait Bey offended the Ottoman sultan Bayezid II, whose brother was poisoned. Bayezid II seized Adana, Tarsus and other places within Egyptian territory, but was eventually defeated. Kait also tried to help the Muslims in Spain by threatening the Christians in Syria, but without effect. He died in 1496, several hundred thousand ducats in debt to the great Venetian trading families. Portuguese-Mamluk Wars[edit] Vasco da Gama having in 1497 found his way round the Cape of Good Hope pushed his way across the Indian Ocean to the shores of Malabar and Kozhikode, attacking the fleets that carried freight and Muslim pilgrims from India to the Red Sea, and struck terror into the potentates all around. Various engagements took place. Cairo's Mamluk sultan Al-Ashraf Qansuh al-Ghawri was affronted at the attacks upon the Red Sea, the loss of tolls and traffic, the indignities to which Mecca and its port were subjected, and above all at the fate of one of his ships. He vowed vengeance upon Portugal, first sending monks from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre as envoys, he threatened Pope Julius II that if he did not check Manuel I of Portugal in his depredations on the Indian Sea, he would destroy all Christian holy places.[23] The rulers of Gujarat and Yemen also turned for help to the Mamluk Sultan of Egypt. Their chief concern was the fitting-out of a fleet in the Red Sea which could protect their sea routes from Portuguese attack. Jeddah was soon fortified as a harbor of refuge so Arabia and the Red Sea were protected, but the fleets in the Indian Ocean were at the mercy of the enemy. The last Mamluk sultan Al-Ghawri accordingly fitted out a fleet of 50 vessels. As Mamluks had little expertise in naval warfare, the naval enterprise was carried out with the help of the Ottomans.[24] In 1508 at the Battle of Chaul the Mamluk fleet won over the Portuguese viceroy's son Lourenço de Almeida, but in the following year the Portuguese won the Battle of Diu in which the Port city of Diu was wrested from the Gujarat Sultanate. Some years after, Afonso de Albuquerque attacked Aden, while the Egyptian troops suffered disaster in Yemen. Al-Ghawri fitted out a new fleet to punish the enemy and protect the Indian trade; but before its results were known, Egypt had lost her sovereignty, and the Red Sea with Mecca and all its Arabian interests had passed into the hands of the Ottoman Empire. Ottomans and the end of the Mamluk Sultanate[edit] The Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II was engaged in Europe when a new era of hostility with Egypt appeared in 1501.[weasel words] It arose out of the relations with the Safavid dynasty in Persia. Shah Ismail I sent an embassy to the Republic of Venice via Syria, inviting Venice to ally with Persia and recover her territory taken by the Ottomans. Mameluk Egyptian sultan Al-Ghawri was charged by Selim I with giving the Persian envoys passage through Syria on their way to Venice and harboring refugees. To appease him, Al-Ghawri placed in confinement the Venetian merchants then in Syria and Egypt, but after a year released them. After the Battle of Chaldiran in 1514, Selim attacked the bey of Dulkadirids, as Egypt's vassal had stood aloof, and sent his head to Al-Ghawri. Now secure against Persia, in 1516 CE he formed a great army for the conquest of Egypt, but gave out that he intended further attacks on Persia. In 1515, Selim began the war which led to the conquest Egypt and its dependencies. Mamluk cavalry proved no match for the Ottoman artillery and Janissary infantry. On 24 August 1516, at the Battle of Marj Dabiq, Sultan Al-Ghawri was killed. Syria passed into Turkish possession, an event welcomed in many places as it was seen as deliverance from the Mamelukes. The Mamluke Sultanate survived in Egypt until 1517, when Selim captured Cairo on 20 January. Although not in the same form as under the Sultanate, the Ottoman Empire retained the Mamluks as an Egyptian ruling class and the Mamluks and the Burji family succeeded in regaining much of their influence, but as vassals of the Ottomans. Mamluk independence from the Ottomans[edit] Main article: History of Ottoman Egypt Charge of the Mamluk cavalry by Carle Vernet In 1768, Sultan Ali Bey Al-Kabir declared independence from the Ottomans. However, the Ottomans crushed the movement and retained their position after his defeat. By this time new slave recruits were introduced from Georgia in the Caucasus. Napoleon invades[edit] Main article: French campaign in Egypt and Syria In 1798, the ruling Directory of the Republic of France authorised a campaign in "The Orient" to protect French trade interests and undermine Britain's access to India. To this end, Napoleon Bonaparte led an Armée d'Orient to Egypt. The French defeated a Mamluk army in the Battle of the Pyramids and drove the survivors out to Upper Egypt. The Mamluks relied on massed cavalry charges, changed only by the addition of musket. The French infantry formed square and held firm. Despite multiple victories and an initially successful expedition into Syria, mounting conflict in Europe and the earlier defeat of the supporting French fleet by the British Royal Navy at the Battle of the Nile decided the issue. On 14 September 1799 General Jean Baptiste Kléber established a mounted company of Mamluk auxiliaries and Syrian Janissaries from Turkish troops captured at the siege of Acre. Menou reorganized the company on 7 July 1800, forming 3 companies of 100 men each and renaming it the "Mamluks de la République". In 1801 General Jean Rapp was sent to Marseille to organize a squadron of 250 Mamluks. On 7 January 1802 the previous order was canceled and the squadron reduced to 150 men. The list of effectives on 21 April 1802 reveals 3 officers and 155 other ranks. By decree of 25 December 1803 the Mamluks were organized into a company attached to the Chasseurs-à-Cheval of the Imperial Guard (see Mamelukes of the Imperial Guard). Napoleon left with his personal guard in late 1799. His successor in Egypt, General Jean Baptiste Kléber, was assassinated on 14 June 1800. Command of the Army in Egypt fell to Jacques-François Menou. Isolated and out of supplies, Menou surrendered to the British in 1801. After Napoleon[edit] Massacre of the Mamelukes at the Cairo citadel, 1811 After the departure of French troops in 1801 Mamluks continued their struggle for independence, this time against the Ottoman Empire and Great Britain. In 1803, Mamluk leaders Ibrahim Beg and Usman Beg wrote a letter to the Russian consul-general and asked him to act as a mediator with the Sultan to allow them to negotiate for a cease-fire, and a return to their homeland Georgia.[citation needed] The Russian ambassador in Constantinople categorically refused to mediate because the Russian government was afraid of allowing Mamluks to return to Georgia, where a strong national liberation movement was on the rise that might have been encouraged by a Mamluk return. In 1805, the population of Cairo rebelled. This was an excellent opportunity for the Mamluks to seize power, but internal tension and betrayal prevented them from exploiting this opportunity. In 1806, the Mamluks defeated the Turkish forces several times, and in June the rival parties concluded a peace treaty by which Muhammad Ali, who had been appointed as governor of Egypt on 26 March 1806, was to be removed and the state authority in Egypt returned to the Mamluks. However, they were again unable to capitalize on the opportunity due to conflicts between the clans; Muhammad Ali kept his authority. End of Mamluk power in Egypt[edit] Portrait of a Mamluk, 1779 A Mamluk cavalryman, drawing by Carle Vernet, 1810 The Second of May 1808: The Charge of the Mamluks by Francisco de Goya (1814) Charge of the Mamluks during the Battle of the Pyramids by Felician Myrbach. An elite body of cavalry whom the French encountered during their campaign in Egypt in 1798, the Mamluks could trace their lineage of service to the Ottomans back to the mid-13th century. Armenian mamluk Roustam Raza was Napoleon's personal bodyguard; portrait by Jacques-Nicolas Paillot de Montabert Soldiers of Napoleon's 62ème régiment de ligne and a Mameluk (historical reenactment) Today's U.S. Marine Corps officers' Mameluke sword resembles those used by the Mamluks Muhammed Ali knew that eventually he would have to deal with the Mamluks if he ever wanted to control Egypt. They were still the feudal owners of Egypt and their land was still the source of wealth and power. The constant strain on sustaining the military manpower necessary to defend the Mamluks's system from the Europeans and the Mamluk's would eventually weaken them to the point of collapse.[25] On 1 March 1811, Muhammad Ali invited all of the leading Mamluks to his palace to celebrate the declaration of war against the Wahhabis in Arabia. Between 600 and 700 Mamluks paraded in Cairo. Near the Al-Azab gates, in a narrow road down from Mukatam Hill, Muhammad Ali's forces ambushed and killed almost all in what came to be known as the Massacre of the Citadel. According to period reports, only one Mamluk, whose name is given variously as Amim (also Amyn), or Heshjukur (a Besleney), survived when he forced his horse to leap from the walls of the citadel, killing it in the fall.[26] During the following week, hundreds of Mamluks were killed throughout Egypt; in the citadel of Cairo alone more than 1,000 were killed. Throughout Egypt an estimated 3,000 Mamluks and their relatives were killed. Despite Muhammad Ali's destruction of the Mamluks in Egypt, a party of them escaped and fled south into what is now Sudan. In 1811, these Mamluks established a state at Dunqulah in the Sennar as a base for their slave trading. In 1820, the sultan of Sennar informed Muhammad Ali that he was unable to comply with a demand to expel the Mamluks. In response, the pasha sent 4,000 troops to invade Sudan, clear it of Mamluks, and reclaim it for Egypt. The pasha's forces received the submission of the kashif, dispersed the Dunqulah Mamluks, conquered Kordofan, and accepted Sennar's surrender from the last Funj sultan, Badi VII. Other Mamluk regimes[edit] There were various places in which mamluks gained political or military power as a self-replicating military community. South Asia[edit] Main article: Mamluk Sultanate (Delhi) In 1206, the Mamluk commander of the Muslim forces in the Indian subcontinent, Qutb-ud-din Aibak, proclaimed himself Sultan, becoming in effect the first independent Sultan-e-Hind. This Mamluk Sultanate lasted until 1290. Further information: Delhi Sultanate Iraq[edit] Main article: Mamluk dynasty of Iraq Mamluk corps were first introduced in Iraq by Hasan Pasha of Baghdad in 1702. From 1747 to 1831 Iraq was ruled, with short intermissions, by Mamluk officers of Georgian origin[4][27] who succeeded in asserting autonomy from the Sublime Porte, suppressed tribal revolts, curbed the power of the Janissaries, restored order, and introduced a program of modernization of the economy and the military. In 1831 the Ottomans overthrew Dawud Pasha, the last Mamluk ruler, and imposed direct control over Iraq.[28] Mamluk rulers[edit] In Egypt[edit] Bahri Dynasty[edit] 1250 Shajar al-Durr (al-Salih Ayyub's Widow de facto ruler of Egypt) 1250 al-Muizz Izz-ad-Din Aybak 1257 al-Mansur Nur-ad-Din Ali 1259 al-Muzaffar Saif ad-Din Qutuz 1260 al-Zahir Rukn-ad-Din Baibars al-Bunduqdari 1277 al-Said Nasir-ad-Din Barakah Khan 1280 al-Adil Badr al-Din Solamish 1280 al-Mansur Saif-ad-Din Qalawun al-Alfi 1290 al-Ashraf Salah-ad-Din Khalil 1294 al-Nasir Nasir-ad-Din Muhammad ibn Qalawun first reign 1295 al-Adil Zayn-ad-Din Kitbugha 1297 al-Mansur Husam-ad-Din Lajin 1299 al-Nasir Nasir-ad-Din Muhammad ibn Qalawun second reign 1309 al-Muzaffar Rukn-ad-Din Baybars II al-Jashankir 1310 al-Nasir Nasir-ad-Din Muhammad ibn Qalawun third reign 1340 al-Mansur Saif-ad-Din Abu-Bakr 1341 al-Ashraf Ala'a-ad-Din Kujuk 1342 al-Nasir Shihab-ad-Din Ahmad 1342 al-Salih Imad-ad-Din Ismail 1345 al-Kamil Saif ad-Din Shaban 1346 al-Muzaffar Zein-ad-Din Hajji 1347 al-Nasir Badr-ad-Din Abu al-Ma'aly al-Hassan first reign 1351 al-Salih Salah-ad-Din Ibn Muhammad 1354 al-Nasir Badr-ad-Din Abu al-Ma'aly al-Hassan second reign 1361 al-Mansur Salah-ad-Din Mohamed Ibn Hajji 1363 al-Ashraf Zein al-Din Abu al-Ma'ali ibn Shaban 1376 al-Mansur Ala-ad-Din Ali Ibn al-Ashraf Shaban 1382 al-Salih Salah Zein al-Din Hajji II first reign A Mamluk on horseback, with a Piéton or foot Mamluk, and a Bedouin Arab soldier, 1804 1382 az-Zahir Saif ad-Din Barquq, first reign 1389 Hajji II second reign (with honorific title al-Muzaffar or al-Mansur) – Temporary Bahri rule 1390 az-Zahir Saif ad-Din Barquq, Second reign – Burji rule re-established 1399 An-Nasir Naseer ad-Din Faraj 1405 Al-Mansoor Azzaddin Abdal Aziz 1405 An-Nasir Naseer ad-Din Faraj (second time) 1412 Al-Adil Al-Musta'in (Abbasid Caliph, proclaimed as Sultan) 1412 Al-Muayad Sayf ad-Din Shaykh 1421 Al-Muzaffar Ahmad 1421 Az-Zahir Saif ad-Din Tatar 1421 As-Salih Nasir ad-Din Muhammad 1422 Al-Ashraf Sayf ad-Din Barsbay 1438 Al-Aziz Djamal ad-Din Yusuf 1438 Az-Zahir Sayf ad-Din Jaqmaq 1453 Al-Mansoor Fahr ad-Din Osman 1453 Al-Ashraf Sayf ad-Din Enal 1461 Al-Muayad Shihab ad-Din Ahmad 1461 Az-Zahir Sayf ad-Din Khushkadam 1467 Az-Zahir Sayf ad-Din Belbay 1468 Az-Zahir Temurbougha 1468 Al-Ashraf Sayf ad-Din Qaitbay 1496 An-Nasir Muhammad 1498 Az-Zahir Qanshaw 1500 Al-Bilal Ayub 1500 Al-Ashraf Janbulat 1501 Al-Adil Sayf ad-Din Tuman bay I 1501 Al-Ashraf Qansuh al-Ghawri 1517 Al-Ashraf Tuman bay II In India[edit] The mausoleum of Qutub ud Din Aibak in Anarkali, Lahore, Pakistan. 1206 Qutb-ud-din Aybak, founded Mamluk Sultanate, Delhi 1210 Aram Shah 1211 Shams ud din Iltutmish. Son-in-law of Qutb-ud-din Aybak. 1236 Rukn ud din Firuz. Son of Iltutmish. 1236 Razia Sultana. Daughter of Iltutmish. 1240 Muiz ud din Bahram. Son of Iltutmish. 1242 Ala ud din Masud. Son of Rukn ud din. 1246 Nasir ud din Mahmud. Son of Iltutmish. 1266 Ghiyas ud din Balban. Ex-slave, son-in-law of Iltutmish. 1286 Muiz ud din Qaiqabad. Grandson of Balban and Nasir ud din. 1290 Kayumars. Son of Muiz ud din. In Iraq[edit] 1704 Hasan Pasha 1723 Ahmad Pasha, son of Hasan 1749 Sulayman Abu Layla Pasha, son-in-law of Ahmad 1762 Omar Pasha, son of Ahmad 1780 Sulayman Pasha the Great, son of Omar 1802 Ali Pasha, son of Omar 1807 Sulayman Pasha the Little, son of Sulayman Great 1813 Said Pasha, son of Sulayman Great 1816 Dawud Pasha (1816–1831) Other uses of the word[edit] Mameluco is a Portuguese word derived from "mamluk" (also named ameluco in Spanish), used to identify people of mixed European and Amerindian descent in South America. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Mameluco also referred to organized bands of Portuguese slave-hunters based at São Paulo, known primarily as bandeirantes. Mammaluccu in the Sicilian language is used to mean stupid, idiot or simpleton. In Italian American vernacular English, the term "mamaluke" is often used as in Sicilian to refer to someone who does something stupid. Mameluk was used in Hungary in the last decades of the 19th century as a nickname for Members of Parliament belonging to the governing "Liberal" party. This party governed Hungary for 30 years (1875–1905) and its members in Parliament slavishly obeyed party leader and prime minister Kálmán Tisza to keep their parliamentary seats and accompanying privileges. An officer of the United States Marine Corps carries a ceremonial Mameluke sword. In the TV adaptation of the Disney film Aladdin, Mamluks are the undead soldiers and servants of the teenage sorcerer Mozenrath and he had his mentor Destane transformed into one of them. They are portrayed as blue-green skinned, walking corpses dressed in rags and armed with scimitars. "Mamluk" as derogatory term[edit] The term Mamluk became known throughout Europe following the Ottoman conquests of Egypt and Palestine in 1516–1517. It was used in derogatory meaning in Geneva just prior to the overthrow of Savoy rule in 1526 by the supporters of Philibert Berthelier to describe the faction in the state council that advocated the continued rule of the Savoy dynasty. As Mamluk means "slaves of the king", the republican faction in Geneva used it to suggest that the supporters of Savoy rule were the enemies of freedom. Office titles and terminology[edit] The following terms originally come from either Turkish or Ottoman language (it is developed form of Turkish) that is composed of Turkish, Arabic, and Persian words and grammar structures. Alama Sultaniya علامة سلطانية The mark or signature of the Sultan put on his decrees, letters and documents. Al-Nafir al-Am النفير العام General emergency declared during war Amir أمير Prince Amir Akhur أمير آخور supervisor of the royal stable (from Persian {{{2}}} meaning stable) Amir Majlis أمير مجلس Guard of Sultan's seat and bed Atabek أتابك Commander in chief (literally "father-lord," originally meaning an appointed step-father for a non-Mamluk minor prince) Astadar أستادار Chief of the royal servants Barid Jawi بريد جوى Airmail (mail sent by carrier-pigeons, amplified by Sultan Baibars) Bayt al-Mal بيت المال treasury Cheshmeh ششمه A pool of water, or fountain (literally "eye"), from Persian {{{2}}} Dawadar دوادار Holder of Sultan's ink bottle (from Persian دوات‌دار meaning bearer of the ink bottle) Fondok فندق Hotel (some famous hotels in Cairo during the Mamluk era were Dar al-Tofah, Fondok Bilal and Fondok al-Salih) Hajib حاجب Doorkeeper of sultan's court Iqta إقطاع Revenue from land allotment Jamkiya جامكية Salary paid to a Mamluk Jashnakir جاشنكير Food taster of the sultan (to assure food was not poisoned) Jomdar جمدار An official at the department of the Sultan's clothing (from Persian جامه‌دار, meaning keeper of cloths) Kafel al-mamalek al-sharifah al-islamiya al-amir al-amri كافل الممالك الشريفة الاسلامية الأمير الأمرى Title of the Vice-sultan (Guardian of the Prince of Command [lit. Commander-in-command] of the Dignified Islamic Kingdoms) Khan خان A store that specialized in selling a certain commodity Khaskiya خاصكية Courtiers of the sultan and most trusted royal mamluks who functioned as the Sultan's bodyguards/ A privileged group around a prominent Amir (from Persian خاصگیان, meaning close associates) Khastakhaneh خاصتاخانة Hospital (from Ottoman Turkish خسته‌خانه, from Persian) Khond خند Wife of the sultan Khushdashiya خشداشية Mamluks belonging to the same Amir or Sultan. Mahkamat al-Mazalim محكمة المظالم Court of complaint. A court that heard cases of complaints of people against state officials. This court was headed by the sultan himself. Mamalik Kitabeya مماليك كتابية Mamluks still attending training classes and who still live at the Tebaq (campus) Mamalik Sultaneya مماليك سلطانية Mamluks of the sultan;to distinguish from the Mamluks of the Amirs (princes) Modwarat al-Sultan مدورة السلطان Sultan's tent which he used during travel. Mohtaseb محتسب Controller of markets, public works and local affairs. Morqadar مرقدار Works in the Royal Kitchen (from Persian مرغ‌دار meaning one responsible for the fowl) Mushrif مشرف Supervisor of the Royal Kitchen Na'ib Al-Sultan نائب السلطان Vice-sultan Qa'at al-insha'a قاعة الإنشاء Chancery hall Qadi al-Qoda قاضى القضاة Chief justice Qalat al-Jabal قلعة الجبل Citadel of the Mountain (the abode and court of the sultan in Cairo) Qaranisa قرانصة Mamluks who moved to the service of a new Sultan or from the service of an Amir to a sultan. Qussad قصاد Secret couriers and agents who kept the sultan informed Ostaz أستاذ Benefactor of Mamluks (the Sultan or the Emir) (from Persian استاد) Rank رنك An emblem that distinguished the rank and position of a Mamluk (probably from Persian رنگ meaning color) Sanjaqi سنجاقى A standard-bearer of the Sultan. Sharabkhana شرابخانة Storehouse for drinks, medicines and glass-wares of the sultan. (from Persian شراب‌خانه meaning wine cellar) Silihdar سلحدار Arm-Bearer (from Arabic سلاح + Persian دار, meaning arm-bearer) Tabalkhana طبلخانه The amir responsible for the Mamluk military band, from Persian طبل‌خانه Tashrif تشريف Head-covering worn by a Mamluk during the ceremony of inauguration to the position of Amir. Tawashi طواشى A Eunuch responsible for serving the wives of the sultan and supervising new Mamluks. Tebaq طباق Campus of the Mamluks at the citadel of the mountain Tishtkhana طشتخانة Storehouse used for the laundry of the sultan (from Persian تشت‌خانه, meaning tub room) Wali والى viceroy Yuq يوق A large linen closet used in every mamluk home, which stored pillows and sheets. (Related to the present Crimean Tatar word Yuqa, "to sleep". In modern Turkish: Yüklük.) Bahri dynasty Black Guard Burji dynasty Jerusalem in the Mamluk period Mameluco Mameluke sword Mamluk architecture Ghilman Jump up ^ Isichei, Elizabeth (1997). A History of African Societies to 1870. Cambridge University Press. p. 192. Retrieved 8 November 2008. ^ Jump up to: a b McGregor, Andrew James (2006). A Military History of Modern Egypt: From the Ottoman Conquest to the Ramadan War. Greenwood Publishing Group. p. 15. ISBN 9780275986018. By the late fourteenth century Circassians from the north Caucasus region had become the majority in the Mamluk ranks. Jump up ^ Relations of the Georgian Mamluks of Egypt with Their Homeland in the Last Decades of the Eighteenth Century. Daniel Crecelius and Gotcha Djaparidze. Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient, Vol. 45, No. 3 (2002), pp. 320—341. ISSN 0022-4995. ^ Jump up to: a b Basra, the failed Gulf state: separatism and nationalism in southern Iraq, p. 19, at Google Books By Reidar Visser Jump up ^ Hathaway, Jane (February 1995). "The Military Household in Ottoman Egypt". International Journal of Middle East Studies 27 (1): 39–52. doi:10.1017/s0020743800061572. Jump up ^ István Vásáry (2005) Cuman and Tatars, Cambridge University Press. Jump up ^ T. Pavlidis, A Concise History of the Middle East, Chapter 11: Turks and Byzantine Decline, 2011 Jump up ^ Ayalon, David (1979). The Mamlūk military society. Variorum Reprints. ISBN 978-0-86078-049-6. Jump up ^ Asbridge, Thomas. "The Crusades Episode 3". BBC. Retrieved 5 February 2012. ^ Jump up to: a b c d Behrens-Abouseif, Doris. Cairo of the Mamluks: A History of Architecture and Its Culture. New York: Macmillan, 2008. Jump up ^ See D. Sourdel's "Ghulam" in the Encyclopedia of Islam and David Ayalon's "Mamluk" in the Encyclopedia of Islam. Ayalon uses "mamluk" to refer to military slaves in Egypt and Syria and "ghulam" (sing. of ghilman) to refer to military slaves elsewhere. Jump up ^ D. Sourdel. "Ghulam" in the Encyclopedia of Islam. Jump up ^ See E de la Vaissière Samarcande et Samarra, 2007, and also M. Gordon, The Breaking of a Thousand Swords, 2001. Jump up ^ See for instance the review in Der Islam 2012 of de la Vaissière's book by Christopher Melchert: 'Still, de la Vaissière’s dating of the Mamluk phenomenon herewith becomes the conventional wisdom' Jump up ^ Walker, Paul E. Exploring an Islamic Empire: Fatimid History and its Sources (London, I. B. Tauris, 2002) Jump up ^ Eric Hanne. Putting the Caliph in His Place.) Jump up ^ "BARDA and BARDA-DĀRI v. Military slavery in Islamic Iran". Retrieved 15 April 2014. Jump up ^ Relations of the Georgian Mamluks of Egypt with Their Homeland in the Last Decades of the Eighteenth Century. Daniel Crecelius and Gotcha Djaparidze. Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient, Vol. 45, No. 3 (2002), pp. 320-341. ISSN 0022-4995. Jump up ^ Madden, Thomas F. Crusades the Illustrated History. 1st ed. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan P, 2005. 159 Jump up ^ István Vásáry (2005) Cumans and Tatars, Cambridge University Press Jump up ^ Al-Maqrizi, p. 509/vol.1 , Al Selouk Leme'refatt Dewall al-Melouk, Dar al-kotob, 1997. Jump up ^ David Chambers, The Devil's Horsemen, Atheneum, 1979. p. 153-155 Jump up ^ Palmira Johnson Brummett, "Ottoman seapower and Levantine diplomacy in the age of discovery", SUNY Press, 1994, ISBN 0-7914-1701-8 Jump up ^ Andrew James McGregor, A military history of modern Egypt: from the Ottoman Conquest to the Ramadan War, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2006 ISBN 0-275-98601-2 Jump up ^ Abu-Lughod, Janet L. Before European Hegemony The World System A.D. 1250-1350. New York: Oxford UP, USA, 1991. PP. 213 Jump up ^ For the use of the name Amim, see Giovanni Finati, Narrative of the Life and Adventure of Giovanni Finati native of Ferrara, 1830; for Heshjukur, Mustafa Mahir, Marks of the Caucasian Tribes and Some Stories and Notable Events Related to Their Leaders, Boulaq, Cairo, 1892 Jump up ^ The Arab Lands under Ottoman Rule: 1516-1800. Jane Hathaway, Karl Barbir. Person Education Limited, 2008, p. 96. ISBN 978-0-582-41899-8. Jump up ^ "Iraq" Encyclopædia Britannica Online. Retrieved 15 October 2007 Janet L. Abu-Lughod (1 February 1991). Before European hegemony: the world system A.D. 1250–1350. Oxford University Press US. ISBN 978-0-19-506774-3. A. Allouche: Mamluk Economics: A Study and Translation of Al-Maqrizi's Ighathat. Salt Lake City, 1994 Reuven Amitai-Preiss (1995). Mongols and Mamluks: the Mamluk-Īlkhānid War, 1260–1281. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-46226-6. Retrieved 20 June 2011. Matthew Gordon, "The Breaking of a Thousand Swords: A History of the Turkish Military of Samarra (200-275 Ah/815-889 Ce)", SUNY Press, 2001. Ulrich Haarmann: Das Herrschaftssystem der Mamluken, in: Halm / Haarmann (Hrsg.): Geschichte der arabischen Welt. C.H. Beck (2004), ISBN 3-406-47486-1 E. de la Vaissière, Samarcande et Samarra. Elites d'Asie centrale dans l'empire Abbasside, Peeters, 2007 Peeters-leuven.be (French) James Waterson, "The Mamluks" (History Today March 2006) Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mamluks. Wikisource has the text of the 1905 New International Encyclopedia article Mamelukes. Mamluk Studies Resources from the Chicago Online Bibliography of Mamluk Studies and The Chicago Online Encyclopedia of Mamluk Studies Review at the University of Chicago The Mamluks at BBC's In Our Time Qur'an Carpet Page; al-Fatihah from a 14th-century Mamluk Qur'an at the World Digital Library Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Mamluk&oldid=649855628" Circassian nobility Kipchaks Mamluk Sultanate (Delhi) Military units and formations of the Ottoman Empire Ottoman political people Islam and slavery History of Georgia (country) Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from July 2010 Articles containing Persian-language text Articles containing Ottoman Turkish-language text Articles with French-language external links	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3709
__label__cc	0.569071	0.430929	Biz & IT — Driven by necessity, Mozilla to enable HTML5 DRM in Firefox Browser company fearful that users would follow Netflix to other browsers. Peter Bright - May 14, 2014 9:18 pm UTC Moyan Brenn Mozilla announced today that it will follow the lead of Microsoft, Google, and Apple and implement support for the contentious HTML5 digital rights management specification called Encrypted Media Extensions (EME). The organization is partnering with Adobe to make the change. Mozilla will provide the hooks and APIs in Firefox to enable Web content to manipulate DRM-protected content, and Adobe will provide a closed source Content Decryption Module (CDM) to handle the decryption needs. For a group that's committed to open standards and open source, this was a difficult decision. DRM, which tends to restrict fair use access to copyrighted content, and closed source modules both run counter to Mozilla's goals. Explaining the decision, Mozilla Foundation CEO Mitchell Baker argued that the decision was driven by necessity. With Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Safari all enabling EME, Mozilla faced a problem: if it refused to support EME, it risked driving users seeking to watch DRM-protected content to other browsers. That streaming media companies want to use EME is beyond doubt. Netflix, for example, offers an HTML5-based player using EME as an alternative to its Silverlight-based front-end. This HTML5 player works in both Chrome and Internet Explorer 11. Baker argues that users will tend to follow the content and hence switch to these browsers whenever they want to watch protected content. This in turn leads those users to question the use of Firefox entirely. This push for HTML5 and EME is likely to accelerate, too. Google is trying to deprecate support for browser plugins, a move that will, in time, eliminate both Silverlight and Flash as delivery mechanisms for DRM-protected content. For broadcasters that want to target the Web, EME will be the only practical option. This will increase the pressure faced by Mozilla. As much as Mozilla as an organization may dislike DRM, and as much as it may believe the EME specification to be flawed, Baker says that Mozilla cannot change the industry alone. As such, it needs to support DRM, too. The choice of whether to use the DRM facilities will be left to the end user, and those who do not want to use it can elect not to activate it. The CDM will not actually be distributed with Firefox, either; if users elect to use it, it will be downloaded from Adobe. In a more technical post, Mozilla CTO Andreas Gal outlines some of the ways that the Firefox developers have tried to isolate the Adobe CDM to ensure that this closed source black box cannot breach user privacy or undermine system security. The CDM is run in an isolated sandbox without access to the network or the user's hard drive. HTML5's DRM system also includes a unique identifier that content providers can use to identify devices. Mozilla has taken pains to make this as minimally invasive as possible. Firefox will give each site a unique ID, preventing providers from tracking users across multiple sites. The ID will also not disclose any details of the underlying hardware. As a silver lining, Gal writes that implementing EME will make it easier for Mozilla to phase out support for general purpose plugins, as HTML5 DRM eliminates one of the biggest use cases for these plugins. In some ways, the DRM issue mirrors the earlier video codec issue. For a long time, Mozilla refused to implement support for H.264-encoded video because of the licensing and patent issues associated with that compression algorithm. But driven by the need to play back the video that was abundant on the Web—and the battery efficiency that comes from leveraging hardware-accelerated H.264 playback—the group eventually relented. There are some similarities in the way Mozilla has chosen to resolve the issue, too. For H.264 support, Firefox defers to third-party code that's often closed source: the built-in H.264 codecs available on Windows and OS X and the hardware support found in the chips used in tablets and smartphones. In both cases, Mozilla found itself unable to change the direction of media industry juggernauts. DRM, like H.264, is entrenched in the video industry, and the proliferation of apps strongly suggests that content producers would sooner give up the Web before giving up content protection. Combined with a userbase that seems largely indifferent to the concerns raised—Netflix users are demonstrably willing to use DRM, for example—Mozilla's leverage is minimal at best. This is not to say that the organization has not tried. Mozilla has pushed watermarking as a superior alternative to DRM, but this approach seems to have done little to interest content owners. Without some large user-driven pushback against DRM, it's hard to see this situation changing. sbolArs Centurion Funny how psychology works. I have no problem with Netflix using DRM, because it's very clear that their offering is like a "channel", to which you have unlimited access during the time you pay for the subscription. On the other hand, I highly resent DRM in things like ebooks that I've paid for, because I've bought them and they should be MINE, perpetually. DyDx Ars Praefectus Whether or not this particular DRM really achieves its goals is completely moot to me, personally, as long as it 'just works.' DRM-enabled Silverlight worked just fine for Netflix for years, so DRM is not necessarily 'bad' in the sense that it affects the end-user experience -- but this is a good thing because it will lead to proper Linux support for Netflix, which is literally the ONLY reason I am not running SteamOS on my HTPC (and Silverlight replacements don't work well enough). Speaking of which, this article and others online claim that Netflix has had HTML5 support since last Fall -- but does it work in Linux yet, and if not, why not? Last edited by DyDx on Wed May 14, 2014 5:40 pm rickd Ars Praefectus Too late. Version 29 has already driven me to other browsers. alxx Ars Praefectus et Subscriptor Greta , just what we need! More adobe security holes in every browser SomeFunkyDude Seniorius Lurkius Companies, developers, and artists should have a right to protect their content, even if the populous doesn't agree that they can't have it for free. Everything can't be free and open, the core technologies maybe, but the content should be able to be protected somehow. microlith Ars Tribunus Militum et Subscriptor DyDx wrote: Because it only works on Windows using a Microsoft provided CDM. You didn't think this move to DRM-enabled HTML5 would expand platform support, did you? This will simply expand the ability for "licensing efforts" to further push baseless differentiation between desktop PCs, tv-attached devices, and mobile of any kind. Yes I'm watching on my tablet, no that shouldn't mean a goddamn thing. SomeFunkyDude wrote: By demanding that end user systems enforce security hostile to the platform owner? That's broken. The proper course of action is to change business models, which is the problem not of the end user but the business in question. Direwood wrote: PenGun wrote: Oh well, lets crack this puppy. How hard can it be? Probably not hard. It wouldn't be a surprise if it is cracked soon after implementation, like every other DRM scheme has been so far. It doesn't have to be hard. The DMCA makes it illegal to circumvent the protection no matter how brain-dead stupid that protection may be, and it makes distributing code that circumvents the protection a crime, so even if it were a simple matter to write a drop-in replacement for Adobe's module that decrypts the video without you paying, it's illegal under DMCA and you will pay fines well out of proportion to the crime if you get caught. Hell, Adobe could open-source their module (not that they would) and if you hack it to get around the DRM you're breaking the DMCA. Stupid law written by stupid people who don't understand the underlying technology to prop up a stupid industry dependent on failing last-millennium business models. passivesmoking Ars Tribunus Militum DRM wasn't the music industry's saviour, and it certainly won't be the movie industry's savour either. Give it a few years and this silliness will be as forgotten as DRM'd music stores are now. downsideup Ars Praetorian DRM just makes the products that use it Defective by Design. It does not stop pirating; so, all it really is ineffective, closed source crapware on our machines. When Mozilla Accepts DRM, We All Lose. Frankly, I rarely buy DVDs and Blue-Ray movies anymore. I'm sick and tired of being treated like a criminal by the people who take my money. They charge way more than the disk is worth and give damn little to the artists who created the work, keeping the lion's share for themselves - and they insult me in the process. I'd much rather buy the works directly from the artists at the artist's web sites. lunarworks Ars Scholae Palatinae So, when does Mozilla plan on dropping the support into Firefox? Q3 2015? Solomonoff's Secret wrote: Well, the thin end of the wedge has been inserted. Expect more and more sites to take advantage of this DRM. If it's successful enough, it might even spread to non-video data. I expect to see it used in lieu of a paywall on TV station's sites, on YouTube, etc. Maybe not for all videos, but for some. Here's a free 3 minute teaser; if you want the full 15 minutes, enter your credit card number. Mr_Cynical Ars Scholae Palatinae Lonyo wrote: DRM in HTML5 makes sense, as much as open source people might hate it. What we have now is plugins to give DRM. If there was no DRM in HTML5, there would still be plugins. Excluding DRM from HTML 5 doesnt mean people won't use DRM, it means they won't use HTML5. Since it's part of the standard, that means Firefox should support it as much as possible. HTML5 with DRM is better than HTML5 with no DRM, and then 500 plugins for various websites for their DRM. DRM won't go away whether HTML5 does or doesn't include it, and whether Firefox does or doesn't include it. But this Adobe module you need to download for the EMEs to work sounds an awful lot like a plugin. Closed source? Yep Made by someone other than the browser developer? Yep Can't be checked for malware/security flaws/privacy violations by the browser developer? Yep Can't be supplied by the browser developer on every platform they support? Yep In fact it sounds exactly like Adobe Flash. Last edited by Mr_Cynical on Wed May 14, 2014 6:16 pm fishyuk wrote: I'd personally argue that free to play in games isn't great for the consumer in all cases though. It results in a ton of un-played games, micro transactions and lack of involvement. I'd personally rather pay for something decent (emphasis on pay for something decent and not crap) that is worth my time and might actually be completed. No DRM would be great if people were honest, companies weren't shortsighted etc but human nature is unlikely to fix short term. I just don't see what option a company streaming content has to get the rights to do it without enabling DRM? I know that everything is pirated on release and can be obtained very easily but at least the value of the Netflix, Prime, NowTV etc means that its almost more hassle than its worth. Sadly I say that having a friend who drives me nuts, slagging off anything that isn't a £1600 Apple product but who never pays for a single thing he watches, not a rental, cinema viewing or even the tiny £7 a month Netflix Price. This person isn't unique, expects the entire film industry to be working for them and then has the temerity to slag off films he has pirated. I wish someone would go to his workplace, copy his work, sell it for free and see how he feels about that. Yes DRM is a pain for those of us who value someone's work, but what is the solution in an age of people who expect things for free? There was an article on NPR yesterday that discussed the possible Apple buy of Beats. They branched off into a discussion of how Hip Hop artists have morphed themselves into businesses where the music is a loss leader and the profit is made selling shoes, clothes, accessories - even lint rollers! And in Dr. Dre's case, headphones. Kuro san wrote: Asvarduil wrote: DRM amazingly dosen't stop piracy, believe it or not. Most of the pirates either employ side-channel attacks to get at the protected media in a way that DRM has no chance at all to stop, or for the DRM that isn't implement so well, they just break it. DRM isn't about stopping piracy. To take your example, I have personally played pirated free to play games, so pirated because you got all the addon costumes for free (plus levelling curve was much reduced). This is a fact of life; no matter what pricing model you use, some part of the populace will not be willing to pay it, even if it is free. No, DRM is about implementing a business model. It is to implement the glory days of media distribution, where people would buy LaserDisc, VHS, DVD and BluRay versions of Star Wars. It's to sidestep the whole issue that digital data can last forever, unlike a physical disc. What good is 150 years of copyright if one copy you sell can be passed down through the generations on the family cloud? With DRM, you have such awesome features as planned obsoleteness (this service is no longer available), platform resale (now for Windows Phone), account lock-in (this person is dead/account deleted. Please buy again), pay-per-view, different price model depending on screen (unlock on TV for only 99¢ extra) and whatever other restriction that a focus group in a meeting room can cook up. DRM is inconvenient by design. It is made to be inconvenient, so that you can pay the source of the inconvenience to (temporarily) remove the inconvenience. That is creating a business model. This. Disney's goal is to get back to the 1970s, where you had to pay every time you watched one of their movies, or put up with ads to watch it on TV. Asvarduil Ars Praefectus et Subscriptor I'm not disagreeing. Sure, as I was growing up, DRM was explained to me as a way of securing stuff against piracy, but it's pretty plain to see that the reason DRM is so woefully inadequate is because the point is not security; it's to secure purchases. It's about money. Great effort has been expended to include some 'security' into more modern flavors of DRM, which the more clever pirates have summarily broken or sidestepped, as they always seem to do. This is also why I assert that DRM is a waste of time, better and more inclusive business models are what are going to actually help these companies make sustainable profits. You will never eliminate the fact that there are people who want what you've got and simply won't pay for it; all you can do is take as many measures as possible to reduce that number. As far as Mozilla is concerned, I agree that the politics of the situation forces them to play this game; if they don't implement HTML5 DRM, someone else will (Google, Microsoft, someone) and get the payout that companies and guilds will shell out. Unfortunately for all concerned, I think the truth is that this is a false economy, and really isn't buying anyone much of anything. I hope people with greater wisdom appear in all areas - content creation, distribution, consumption, and even among the pirates - and a better solution came up with so that we can quit wasting our freaking time on this. rickd wrote: Even then, there's still nothing stopping them from feeding you 10 minutes worth of commercials that you have to view before your video. Kuro san Wise, Aged Ars Veteran et Subscriptor I think there is a slight difference in our interpretations, actually. DRM is about security; namely, job security. In that sense, DRM is not a waste of time, and has not been a waste of time, as the vast majority of consumers (aka, those that create profits for content providers) have pretty much bought in to it (or, rather, bought the products that contain it). You and I might realise there is no technical barrier for why an H.264 video would not be playable on a TV, computer, phone, or anything else with a CPU/GPU capable of decoding it, but for slightly less technologically savvy consumers, this is about as self-evident as putting a DVD into a toaster, pressing down on the handle, and expecting Iron Man to start playing out of the side. DRM is an ingenious way to play on the expectation that interoperability is an additional feature and not a baseline requirement. This is doubly ironic as the media itself is encoded with an industry standard designed specifically to promote interoperability. But I digress. By and large, DRM means profit. Until such time that a greater profit can be acquired without the use of DRM, it is not a waste of time for the people who derive that profit. To achieve that, however, we most likely need a seismic shift in the entire media funding/production/distribution model, so the income is derived from the production and not the distribution. This means the arrival of "Free to Play" to videos (cf: Colbert/T-Mobile), the re-emergence of patronage, or something completely different. Once the financial incentive is shifted, though, from limiting distribution to encouraging it, then DRM will become a liability instead of an asset. 190 posts \| registered Apr 5, 2006 steelgrass Ars Scholae Palatinae Peter Bright wrote: Google is trying to deprecate support for browser plugins, Why, or why is this unadulterated spin continually being trotted out? Maybe Peter receives a create of 5 year old Sauvignon every time he trots another article uncritically supporting the EME proposal. EME is another plugin interface for gods sake. This won't get rid of plugins. Online video may be a big user of Flash, but isn't anywhere near 50% of usage. I see far more Flash Block icons than I see videos. All this new interface will do is provide another niche for the things to breed in. That said, it may be Mozilla has found a way out of this DRM mess. My chief concern about all of this is they were breaking the core property of HTML and the web that made it useful. It's works on every device. We have had various attempts at building platforms this - like Java VM and Qt, but this the first such attempt that worked. EME plugins that only work on one device or OS would break it. Maybe, just maybe, Mozilla has come up with a way around that. If Adobe's plugin works on everything, or at least on everything that Firefox runs on - BSD, Linux, OSX, Android, yada, yada, then good on Mozilla - you may have just saved the web, again. Last time round you saved it from Microsoft using dumb browsers to protect their Windows monopoly. But then again, maybe we won't. If we end up with a cluster fuck where IE comes with Microsoft's EME plugin, Chrome comes with Google's EME plugin, Firefox comes with Adobe's, all subtly incompatible, then content providers will most likely just chose one of them. And we will back to having to view content by choosing the the device, OS, and browser the provider settled on. I do hope the W3 has thought this through. But nothing I've read anywhere gives any hint they have done so. Edit: grammar. Last edited by steelgrass on Thu May 15, 2014 1:42 am jimjimjimjimjim Ars Praetorian The organization is partnering with Adobe Hopefully they don't use any developers from their Flash team. JohnSpirko Wise, Aged Ars Veteran So we get to replace the buggy proprietary Flash plugin by Adobe with another proprietary plugin by Adobe? arcadium Ars Praefectus daggar wrote: Let the content producers abandon the web... then be dragged back kicking and screaming when video piracy devours them the way it devoured the record companies. Content providers did not need to abandon the web. All they needed to do (and did) was push functionality which wouldn't be allowed in HTML into plugins and apps. rubberpants Wise, Aged Ars Veteran [x] DRM protected video in the browser [ ] DRM protected images in the browser [ ] DRM protected text in the browser RubyPanther Ars Praetorian I'm not interested in slagging on mozilla. What a waste of time. I just want to know, what will the new default OSS browser be? greevar Ars Scholae Palatinae No, they aren't trying to protect their content, but they are trying to protect a business model with a hole in it the size of a Death Star. Also, everything certainly can be free and open. You just need to leverage the right business model. thedannywahl Smack-Fu Master, in training Oops! Looks like they're going to have to update their "What is the Open Web?" presentation! https://developer.mozilla.org/presentat ... _open_web/ tlhIngan Ars Scholae Palatinae et Subscriptor They already have, actually. You may recall "There's an app for that". Guess what? It's happening. There are Netflix apps, Hulu apps, Pandora apps, spotify apps, etc. for PCs (notably Windows 8) and mobile devices. It's enough that a lot of websites simply produce an app. And then you get like what iTunes Preview is - a web page that links to an app. And now what do you have in the end? An app-ified webpage, where every Google search really is a search for an app you must install to see the content. Heck, there are Google apps, too. The web will just become a means to distributing apps, and really we're on the cusp of it really taking over the web. You can't really browse websites on your tablet or phone without sites asking you to install their apps. Netflix promotss their apps on their site. etc. And for the record, Apple originally developed the iPhone to have web-based apps written in HTML5. Ostracus Ars Legatus Legionis greevar wrote: Not everything. Just ask Red Hat what they're charging for. 27189 posts \| registered Oct 22, 2008 Graham J Ars Scholae Palatinae Wow, that an industry fail. Mozilla's position is understandable but I would have loved to see what happened if MS, Google, Apple and Mozilla dropped plugins and denied EME. In other words, if they moved towards a more open web instead of a more closed one. PS I can't wait to have more Adobe software on my machine! Mozilla, please offer an EME-free version. http://arstechnica.com/security/2014/04 ... linux-too/ tlhIngan wrote: mpdugas Smack-Fu Master, in training Ramie wrote: Wouldn't lose me. I watch netflix on Roku or windows 8 metro app on my tablet. Even using android app on my phone. I do not watch netflix in a web browser. If I stream video in a web browser, I am probably on a service that does not have an app for one of those 3 devices and is a site unlikely to even use DRM. I'm not everyone though; I'm sure plenty do watch netflix/other services in web browsers. Edit: Also I do not mind opening up chrome to watch something if need be. not a big deal, just switch right back to FF when i'm done. I don't let content dictate my choice of browser; otherwise, I would have Chrome on my machine (which I do not) and I would have IE on my taskbar, which I do not. There is no good on either side of the copyright arguments: one greedy group (DRM) versus another (thieves who want something for nothing). I try not let the greed of others control me. In a material world, this is a constant, uphill battle. I only use FF, even when it's a bit flukey, as it has been since 29 came out. rgaa Seniorius Lurkius Let the content producers abandon the web... . This is my feeling exactly. Let them abandon the web. I just don't watch the content if my open source browser can't play it. I don't run any proprietary plugins. If I want to watch something that requires a proprietary plugin (HTML5 EME, whatever), I use a DVD player or stream it to Roku. Period. Firefox is making a rational decision to support HTML5 EME. I think they are making the right decision. And like always, they do it in the right way by providing the browser without CDM but giving it the ability to use CDM by allowing the user to freely download it. downsideup wrote: So don't install the CDM. Mozilla has a valid point when they worry users will abandon firefox to watch DRM material on Chrome. These users obviously don't care about free software and will offer themselves into slavery to the content providers. Enough people stop using Firefox, mozilla disappears. But you can still have open source firefox without CDM if you don't download the CDM. it seems a reasonable compromise/setup by Mozilla to me. I wont be installing the CDM from adobe. But hopefully it will stop another from abandoning Firefox for Chrome just cause Chrome plays the latest Transformers movie or something. Looks like they gave up on HTML5 http://html5test.com/results/mobile.html Last edited by beebee on Wed May 14, 2014 9:15 pm http://www.moonbounce.dk/vhf_eme_antennas.htm Abresh Ars Tribunus Militum With all due respect, Flash is NEVER going to be depreciated as a GAME delivery mechanism. Maybe online videos will stop using Flash, but browser games? Not damned likely. Edit: On the subject of the article, I have to say that I foresaw this decision by Mozilla. I knew that as soon as Chrome, Opera, Safari and Internet Explorer ALL supported html5 DRM, Mozilla would have to support it. I know it eats at them to have DRM (which a lot of them believe is not necessary on the internet today) embedded in their browser but sometimes you just have to bow to realism. Graham J wrote: It's an optional download that does not come bundled. IOW, all Firefox browsers are Adobe free by default. RickyP784 Ars Scholae Palatinae et Subscriptor Google is trying to deprecate support for browser plugins... Source? I'm curious where you heard this. koolraap Ars Tribunus Militum afanen01 wrote: It took a while, but they finally came to their senses. I strongly disagree. They took a pragmatic approach, but that is different from a sensible approach. With this approach, video I should lawfully be able to view (e.g. a Netflix stream) will not work if I build a browser for a platform that is not supported by a closed source component. (snip) Which law says you must be able to view encrypted streams in Firefox?	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3713
__label__cc	0.62947	0.37053	Whether you’re drawn to Bali by the legendary beaches and world-class surfing conditions, or by the misty jungles and sparkling highland lakes, it won’t let you down. The Indonesian island encapsulates a tropical world, blessed with cultural riches, spiritual celebrations, and rare wildlife. And of course you can also party the night away in some of the coolest clubs in Asia. Benefiting from a warm, tropical climate, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Bali – even in the rainy season, the sun still puts in a good showing. The dry season between May and September offers the most reliable weather. It’s also a favourite time of year for surfers, with some of the world’s best waves hitting the west coast, but you’ll encounter the largest tourist crowds too. If you’re planning a trip into the mountains, then pack a jumper or two, as temperatures are much cooler there. Not to Miss Kuta may be the go-to destination for visitors to Bali, but it’s definitely worth making a trip inland to Ubud to experience the soul of Bali. These green highlands conceal a world of ancient temples and dark green rice terraces, which capture the essence of Bali culture. It’s a place to pull on your hiking boots and go exploring, to meet the locals and to try authentic cuisine. Bali is a Hindu island in a predominantly Muslim Indonesia, and nowhere does this unique and colourful culture express itself better than in Ubud. Bali is served by Ngurah Rai International Airport, located in the south of the island, just 3 kilometres from central Kuta. It receives flights from major airports across Asia and Autralasia, making it easily accessible. At the airport, there’s an official taxi desk, where you can arrange and pre-pay for your transfer. Car hire is also available if you fancy exploring the region yourself, while for trips to Ubud and the highlands many tours are available with pick-up and drop-off at your hotel. From Irish bars to Italian restaurants, the diverse dining scene in Kuta says a lot about Bali's appeal to visitors from all corners of the globe. It’s ideal for family dining and casual beach snacks at the end of a hard day’s surfing, while elsewhere on the island, particularly up in the highlands, Indonesian cuisine comes to the fore. In Bali, you’ll also find non-Muslim delicacies such as suckling pig, a popular dish for festivals and celebration meals. In cosmopolitan Kuta, almost anything goes, but elsewhere, a little respect for Balinese culture goes a long way. The key thing is to cover up when visiting temples – sarongs and temple scarves are can be borrowed from the entrances. In traditional areas, you might see pavements covered with flowers and herbs – these are offerings to the gods, so try not to trample them. If giving or receiving something, it is polite to use both hands, but rude to use just the left. Generally, you’ll find people to be very welcoming and warm – and happy to advise about potential faux pas. • Population: 4.22 million • Spoken languages: Balinese, Indonesian, English • Electrical: Indonesia runs on 230V, 50 Hz current • Phone Calling Code: +62 36110 Bali Guides Nightlife & Entertainment in Bali Family Friendly Attractions in Bali Arts and Culture in Bali Where to stay in Bali – a neighborhood guide Bali shopping guide - where to shop and what to buy Bhanuswari Resort & Spa3.5 starsA$157A$94 Annupuri Villas Bali3.5 starsA$126A$69 View all Bali Hotel Offers Kuta Selatan 3 starsA$116 Search for Kuta Selatan hotels Ubud City-Centre 3 starsA$72 Search for Ubud City-Centre hotels Kuta Utara Search for Kuta Utara hotels Find your perfect holiday in Bali	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3721
__label__cc	0.53559	0.46441	Mushball Sign In My Schedule Weather Get Alerts SSC POLICIES TEAM ROSTERS: There is no maximum number of players allowed on a team’s roster provided all players have signed the Team Roster and Waiver Form. It is the responsibility of all team captains to ensure players are in compliance with this policy. Teams have up until the third week of the season to make changes to their roster. After the third week, rosters will be frozen. Roster changes that require additional T-Shirts will be subject to availability. All roster changes must be communicated to and approved by the league office. WAIVERS: To be eligible to participate in the league, each player must sign the team waiver form. Team captains can find the team waiver form in the information email sent prior to the start of the season. A link can also be found on the SSC rules page. Captains are required to turn in completed waiver forms to an SSC Coordinator prior to their first game. Players not present for their team’s first game must still submit a signed waiver form prior to participating. Players that register individually agree to the waiver policy electronically, so there is no need to submit a separate waiver form. PLAYER RESTRICTIONS: All SSC participants must be 21 years of age or older prior to their first scheduled game. Players that have participated in Division 1 Collegiate or Professional sports must be a minimum of two years removed from participation to be eligible to play in a similar SSC sport. Players may only be on one roster for any given sport on a given night, regardless of if multiple divisions are offered. Violation of this rule may result in game forfeiture by both teams. The SSC reserves the right to request a photo ID from any player at any time for any reason. Roster checks will be performed by an SSC Gameday Coordinator at the request of the challenging team. Only individual players may be challenged. Entire teams may not be challenged. The challenging team must provide legitimate reasons for submitting a roster check request. Challenging teams must report their intention to initiate a roster check to an SSC Official as soon as possible to ensure the preservation of playing time. Except in the case of a late-arriving player, teams forfeit the right to challenge a player’s eligibility at a point noted in the “Roster” section of each sport’s respective rules document. SPORTSMANSHIP: We are all adults, and the SSC expects all participants and spectators to act like it. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in disqualification. At the request of an SSC Official, disqualified players or spectators must leave the playing area. Repeated or egregious unsportsmanlike behavior, including refusal to leave the playing area, will result in an extended suspension term. Suspended players are not permitted to attend any current or future SSC leagues, tournaments, races, and social events until after having received written approval from SSC Player Services. Violation of this policy may result in a team forfeit and additional suspension. OVERLY COMPETITIVE PLAYERS: All SSC sports are intended to be recreational. Any player who is deemed to be excessively competitive and/or overly aggressive may be removed from competition at the discretion of any SSC official or gameday coordinator. DRONES: Drones, model planes, and any other unmanned aircraft are not permitted at any SSC activity. UNIFORMS: SSC T-Shirts are your team’s uniforms. All players must wear the appropriate color uniform with the current SSC front logo to participate. Past season’s uniforms are not permitted, even if they are the correct color. Any player not wearing the appropriate uniform will be sidelined for that game. The SSC T-Shirt must be worn on the outside of any clothing worn during play with all logos and designs in tact and clearly visible. UNIFORM ALTERATIONS: Players are permitted to modify their uniforms in any way provided they do not cover up or obscure any of the logos printed on the shirts and the resulting garment does not pose a threat to player safety. FORFEITS: If a team is short the minimum number of players to play a regulation game, the game will be ruled a forfeit. In the case of an injured player, at the sole discretion of an SSC Official, a game may be continued if a team does not have the minimum number of players for a regulation game provided the team has a chance to win. FORFEIT FINES: If the forfeiting team is short the minimum number of players to play an exhibition game, a $50 forfeit fine will be assessed. This fine is transferred in full in the form of a gift card or voucher to the offended team who showed up with no game to play. Provided the fine is paid on time, the offended team can collect the forfeit fine from an SSC Coordinator the following week. Forfeit fines must be paid prior to the end of the offending team’s next scheduled game. Payment can be made to an SSC Coordinator by either cash or check. Unpaid forfeit fines may result in additional forfeits and/or suspension from the league. Teams with outstanding fines from past seasons will be barred from future registration in any SSC sport or event until they are paid in full. Game forfeiture notice must be submitted via the SSC website by 5:00 PM on the preceding day (Friday for weekend games) in order to avoid the forfeit fine. The minimum number of players required to play an officiated exhibition game is noted in the “Roster” section of each sport’s respective rules document DIVISION PREFERENCE: Whenever possible, the SSC will separate divisions based on playing experience and/or ability. In the event multiple divisions are not possible, all players will be placed into a single division. Division placement for all teams will be at the sole discretion of the SSC. Any team that wins a super social championship will automatically be placed in the social division for the next season in which they participate. Top finishers from the previous season may also be moved up at the discretion of the SSC. Any player, or team based on the majority of their players, that is determined to be in the incorrect division may, at any point during the season, be asked to switch divisions at the discretion of the SSC. PLAYOFFS: Whenever possible, the SSC will hold a single-elimination playoff tournament after the regular season has concluded. The number of teams to advance to this playoff tournament will vary from season to season based on team records and available venue space. The playoff tournament may be held on a day and time other than the normal day and time of regular season games. Space permitting, eligible teams not advancing to the playoff will be scheduled for an additional game. Teams must be in good standing and have no outstanding balances owed to be considered eligible. Final Week of League Games: INCLEMENT WEATHER: Prior to the start of the game, players and spectators should regularly check the SSC Rainoutline for venue status updates. Players and spectators can also sign up for automatic updates via email and/or text message. Details are available on the SSC website. Once the game has started, gameday coordinators will work with facilities coordinators and SSC Operations personnel to monitor weather and playing conditions in order to determine if play will need to be suspended and/or games postponed. GAME RESCHEDULING: In the event of inclement weather or any other event that causes games to be postponed, the SSC will make every effort to reschedule. In the event of multiple cancellations, the SSC reserves the option to shorten the regular season and/or the playoff schedule. Makeup games may be scheduled on weekdays other than those regularly scheduled. Makeup games may be scheduled at venues other than those regularly scheduled. Neither refunds nor pro-rated refunds will be given if the season is shortened due to inclement weather or due to actions taken by the venue. AUSTIN REC CENTER: Alcohol, glass, and Styrofoam are not permitted in or around City of Austin Recreation Centers. Ask your official or gameday coordinator about great happy hours following every game! Only reclosable containers containing water are permitted inside the gym. All SSC participants, spectators, officials, and gameday coordinators share the responsibility to leave venues in a clean, trash-free condition. DOVE SPRINGS REC CENTER MONTOPOLIS REC CENTER: NORTHWEST REC CENTER: PAN AM REC CENTER GYMNASIUM: ROUND ROCK SPORTS CENTER: Alcohol, glass, and Styrofoam are not permitted in or around City of Round Rock Recreation Centers. Ask your official or gameday coordinator about great happy hours following every game! SOUTH AUSTIN REC CENTER GYMNASIUM: WESTLAKE ATHLETIC COMMUNITY CENTER: Outside food and beverages are not permitted. PLAYING AREA: Courts used for SSC Indoor Volleyball may vary in size, but in general measure approximately 29.5 feet wide and 59 feet long. Nets are approximately 7 feet 11 5/8 inches measured from the top of the tape at the center of the net to the floor. The SSC will provide an official for each match. Arguing with officials will not be tolerated. BALL “IN”: The ball is “in” when it touches the floor of the playing court including the boundary lines. The ball remains playable if it contacts the ceiling or obstruction above the team’s playing area and remains in the team’s playing area. BALL “OUT”: A ball is “out” when: the part of the ball which contacts the floor is completely outside the boundary lines. it touches an object, wall, or curtain outside the court or a person out of play. it touches the rope, post, or net outside of the antenna or the antenna itself. it crosses the vertical plane of the net either partially or totally outside of the antenna. it crosses completely the lower space under the net. it touches the ceiling or obstruction above the team’s playing area and crosses the plane of the net into the opponent’s court. it touches the ceiling or obstruction above the opponent’s playing area after crossing the plane of the net. The SSC will provide one game volleyball for each court. An alternate game ball may be used if agreed to by both team captains. Practice balls are not provided. Athletic shoes with non-marking soles are required while on the court. PLAYING ROSTER: The maximum number of players on the court is six. The minimum number of players is four. The maximum number of males is three. The minimum number of females is two. If one team is short the minimum number of players by game time, that team will automatically forfeit the first set only. If that team is still short the minimum number of players 15 minutes after the originally scheduled game time, the match will be ruled a forfeit. The minimum number of players to play an officiated exhibition game, and avoid the forfeit fine, is three. Teams lose the ability to challenge a player’s eligibility after the first set, except in the case of a late-arriving player. If a team plays a regulation game with fewer than six players, the “Ghost Rule” will be put into effect. That team’s playing formation must account for the “Ghost Player”. When the “Ghost Player” reaches the back right position, the opposing team will be awarded a point and the serve. The sixth player may enter the game immediately upon arrival without having to wait for the serving position to be reached in order to substitute. If both teams are short an equal number of players, the “Ghost Rule” will not apply. When a team has gained the right to serve, its players shall rotate one position clockwise. Substitutions can only be made during a rotation and to replace the player next to serve, except in the case of an injury. Substitutions to replace injured players are permitted at any time. Matches are best of three. Teams will switch serve and side after the first set. Prior to the first set, both captains will meet with the referee to discuss ground rules and decide serve and side with a game of rock, paper, scissors. The winning captain will choose serve or side to begin the first set and, if needed, the deciding third set. The other captain will have the remaining option. A set, with the exception of the deciding third set, is won by the team which first scores 21 points with a minimum lead of two points or the team which first scores 25 points. In the case of a 1-1 tie, the deciding third set is won by the team which first scores 15 points with a minimum lead of two points or the team which first scores 17 points. Rally scoring rules shall apply to all sets. A point is scored by successfully grounding the ball on the opponent’s court, when the opponent commits a fault, or when the opponent receives a penalty. TIME-OUTS: Each team is entitled to a single one-minute time-out per set. Time-outs do not carry over. TEAM HITS: The team is entitled to a maximum of three hits for returning the ball. A player may not hit the ball two times consecutively. The ball may touch any part of the body. The ball must be hit, not caught and/or thrown. A block does not count as a hit. The first hit after the block may be executed by any player, including one who touched the ball during the block. PLAY AT THE NET: The ball may touch the net, including the service. A blocker may touch the ball beyond the net, provided that this does not interfere with the play before or during the opponent’s attack hit. Contact with the net is permitted provided it does not interfere with the play. Contact with the opponent’s court with a foot is permitted, provided that some part of the penetrating foot remains either in contact with or directly above the center line. When the ball is driven into the net and causes it to touch an opponent, no fault is committed. If the serving team wins a rally, it scores a point and continues to serve. If the receiving team wins a rally, it scores a point and gains the right to serve. Jump serves are not permitted. Blocking the opponent’s service is not permitted. Attacking the opponent’s service while the ball is completely above the height of the net is not permitted. The contact, however, is only declared a fault if it completely crosses the vertical plane of the net or is legally contacted by an opponent. At the moment of service, the server may not step on or across the endline. A reasonable allowance may be given, at the referee’s discretion, on courts with tight spaces. Hit Out – A player hits or blocks the ball out. Catch – The ball is caught and/or thrown or does not rebound from hit. Double Contact – A player hits the ball twice or the ball contacts various parts of the player’s body in succession. Four Hits – A team hits the ball four times before returning it. Back Row Attack – A back-row player completes an attack hit or block from the front row area. Service Attack – A player completes an attack hit on the opponent’s service. Service Block – A player completes a block hit on the opponent’s service in the front row area. Service Fault – A player improperly executes the service. Net Interference – A player contacts the net and interferes with the play. A player places a hand near the net in the path of a ball to intentionally deflect the natural rebound of a ball that has been passed into the net by the opponent. Interference Beyond the Net – A player contacts the ball beyond the net prior to an opponent’s attack hit. Penetration Under the Net – A player enters the opponent’s playing space under the net and interferes with the play. A player’s foot enters the opponent’s playing space completely beyond the center line. Illegal Rotation Illegal Substitution Unsportsmanlike Conduct Any rules not specifically mentioned here follow USAV guidelines on adult indoor volleyball play. STANDINGS: Teams earn three points for a win, one point for a tie, and zero points for a loss. Teams are ranked in order based on the following criteria: Total Standings Points Total Sets Allowed Total Set Differential DYNASTY RULE: Everyone loves a little competition, but one team dominating a league season after season can spoil the fun for everybody. If a team retaining more than four players has won three championships in consecutive seasons for which they have been registered, the SSC will have the option to, in its discretion, request that team to form two or more separate teams to promote parity in the league or withdraw their registration. That team will then have the opportunity to form two separate teams with each subsequent roster approved by the SSC. call our rainout line View online, sign-up for alerts, or use the free app! Austin SSC SSC Jobs and Gigs austin ssc network San Antonio SSC LoneStar SSC Downtown Dash TX	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3722
__label__wiki	0.634309	0.634309	Difference between revisions of "Brienne Tarth" Nittanian (talk \| contribs) Mindset (talk \| contribs) (→‎History) Brienne was born the eldest daughter of Lord [[Selwyn Tarth]], Lord of [[Evenfall Hall]], on the island of [[Tarth]]. Her mother died when she was so young that she does not remember her.{{ref\|ACOK\|45}} She had a single older brother, [[Galladon Tarth\|Galladon]], who drowned when she was eight, and two younger sisters, both of whom died in the cradle. This makes her the only living offspring of Lord Selwyn, a fact that naturally encouraged him to find a suitable match for her. Given her ugly and ungainly appearance and attitude, however, the task was a difficult one, especially since Brienne was bent on a martial life rather than a marital one, more comfortable with a sword than in the company of court society. She was tutored by her [[septa]], [[Roelle]], and had the equivalent of a knight's training by a master-at-arms, Ser [[Goodwin]]. Brienne was born the eldest daughter of Lord [[Selwyn Tarth]], Lord of [[Evenfall Hall]], on the island of [[Tarth]]. Her mother died when she was so young that she does not remember her.{{ref\|ACOK\|45}} She had a single older brother, [[Galladon Tarth\|Galladon]], who drowned when he was eight and she was four, and two younger sisters, both of whom died in the cradle.{{ref\|affc\|31}} This makes her the only living offspring of Lord Selwyn, a fact that naturally encouraged him to find a suitable match for her. Given her ugly and ungainly appearance and attitude, however, the task was a difficult one, especially since Brienne was bent on a martial life rather than a marital one, more comfortable with a sword than in the company of court society. She was tutored by her [[septa]], [[Roelle]], and had the equivalent of a knight's training by a master-at-arms, Ser [[Goodwin]].{{ref\|affc\|9}}{{ref\|affc\|20}} [[File:Brienne of tarth by reneaigner.jpg\|350px\|thumb\|Brienne of Tarth, by Rene Aigner ©.]] Brienne's father successfully found three men willing to betroth her, for her father's wealthy lands, though they all fell through. A younger son of Lord [[Bryen Caron]] was Brienne's first betrothed. They met only once, on the occasion of their betrothal, when she was seven and he was ten. The boy died two years later from a chill, along with his father, mother and sisters. Had he not died, Brienne would have been wed to him within the year of her first flowering.{{ref\|AFFC\|4}} The second betrothal was to Ser [[Ronnet Connington]], who was six years older than her. On their meeting, Red Ronnet gave her a rose, and told her it was all she would have of him, breaking the betrothal.{{ref\|aFfC\|27}} The last man Brienne was betrothed to, Ser [[Humfrey Wagstaff]], warned her he would insist she act like "a proper woman" once they were wed. Though only sixteen, Brienne replied she would only accept such a demand from a man who could beat her in combat. In the effort, Humfrey ended up with three broken bones and a broken betrothal.{{ref\|AFFC\|9}} Brienne's father successfully found three men willing to betroth her, though all the betrothals fell through. A younger son of Lord [[Bryen Caron]] was Brienne's first betrothed. They met only once, on the occasion of their betrothal, when she was seven and he was ten. The boy died two years later from a chill, along with his father, mother and sisters. Had he not died, Brienne would have been wed to him within the year of her first flowering.{{ref\|AFFC\|4}} The second betrothal was to Ser [[Ronnet Connington]], who was six years older than her. On their meeting, Red Ronnet gave her a rose, and told her it was all she would have of him, breaking the betrothal as he felt she was a "freak".{{ref\|aFfC\|27}} The last man Brienne was betrothed to, Ser [[Humfrey Wagstaff]], warned her he would insist she act like "a proper woman" once they were wed. Though only sixteen, Brienne replied she would only accept such a demand from a man who could beat her in combat. In the effort, Humfrey ended up with three broken bones and a broken betrothal.{{ref\|AFFC\|9}} After that, Lord Selwyn stopped trying to arrange a marriage for Brienne.{{ref\|AFFC\|9}} Brienne's only positive encounter with a man occurred when [[House Tarth]]'s liege, Lord [[Renly Baratheon]], visited their island during his [[Customs#Age of majority\|coming of age]] tour. He crossed paths with Brienne and treated her courteously, and she fell in love with him.{{ref\|AFFC\|4}} Sometime later, Lord Selwyn sent her to [[Storm's End]].{{ref\|ACOK\|42}} Brienne Tarth Brienne the Blue, of the Rainbow Guard - art by quickreaver ©. Brienne of Tarth[1] Brienne the Beauty[1] Brienne the Blue[1] The Maid of Tarth[2] House Tarth House Baratheon of Storm's End (formerly) Rainbow Guard (formerly) House Tully Stormlands In 280 AC[3], at Evenfall Hall[4] A Feast for Crows (POV) A Dance with Dragons (appears) Season 2 \| Season 3 \| Season 4 \| Season 5 \| Season 6 \| Season 7 Brienne Tarth,[4] commonly called Brienne of Tarth after her island home,[1] is the only living child and heir of Lord Selwyn Tarth of Evenfall.[5] Brienne is sometimes called the Maid of Tarth[6] and mocked as Brienne the Beauty.[7] In the television adaptation Game of Thrones she is portrayed by Gwendoline Christie. 4 Quotes by Brienne 5 Quotes about Brienne 6 Family tree 6.1 Descent See also: Images of Brienne of Tarth Brienne, by Chris Dien - © Fantasy Flight Games. Brienne is unfeminine in appearance and is considered unattractive by Westerosi standards.[1] She is tall, muscular, flat-chested, and ungainly,[1] with long, shoulder-length brittle straw-colored hair[8] and broad, coarse features that are covered in freckles. Brienne's teeth are prominent and crooked. Her mouth is wide, her lips are swollen, and her nose has been broken more than once.[1] She has large, beautiful blue eyes.[9][10] When asked about her height, George R. R. Martin replied: Brienne is well over six feet tall, but not close to seven, no. Just off the top of my head, I would say Brienne is taller than Renly and Jaime and significantly heavier than either, but nowhere near the size of Gregor Clegane, who is the true giant in the series. Shorter than Hodor and the Greatjon, maybe a bit shorter than the Hound, maybe roughly the same height as Robert.[11] Brienne has spent most of her life as the object of scorn, rejection and—at best—pity. When she tried to dress and act like a proper lady, she was met with mockery and disdain for her unattractive appearance and lack of feminine social graces; when she turned to a career more suited to her talents as a warrior, she received only contempt and resentment for her gender despite her considerable skill.[12] Perhaps because of this background, Brienne is as awkward in personality as she is in appearance. While Lady Maege and Dacey Mormont have found respect and acceptance as female warriors[13], Brienne yearns for respect and acceptance from others, and easily gives her love and loyalty to the few people who treat her with any degree of genuine courtesy.[14][15] Brienne can be headstrong and judgmental, but she is also honest, straightforward, loyal and determined. Although she has received poor treatment from most knights, Brienne clings to a naively idealized concept of knighthood. Despite—or perhaps because of—the fact that she has no expectation of ever being recognized by society for her accomplishments, she nevertheless strives to live up to the ideal of a true knight at all times.[16] Brienne's dented steel armor is a brilliant, deep blue cobalt. She wears a velvet doublet quartered rose-and-azure, breeches and boots and a fine-tooled swordbelt. Her horse is barded with the quartered sun-and-moon heraldry of House Tarth.[1] Brienne wields a blunt morningstar during melees.[1] Brienne was born the eldest daughter of Lord Selwyn Tarth, Lord of Evenfall Hall, on the island of Tarth. Her mother died when she was so young that she does not remember her.[9] She had a single older brother, Galladon, who drowned when he was eight and she was four, and two younger sisters, both of whom died in the cradle.[16] This makes her the only living offspring of Lord Selwyn, a fact that naturally encouraged him to find a suitable match for her. Given her ugly and ungainly appearance and attitude, however, the task was a difficult one, especially since Brienne was bent on a martial life rather than a marital one, more comfortable with a sword than in the company of court society. She was tutored by her septa, Roelle, and had the equivalent of a knight's training by a master-at-arms, Ser Goodwin.[12][17] Brienne of Tarth, by Rene Aigner ©. Brienne's father successfully found three men willing to betroth her, though all the betrothals fell through. A younger son of Lord Bryen Caron was Brienne's first betrothed. They met only once, on the occasion of their betrothal, when she was seven and he was ten. The boy died two years later from a chill, along with his father, mother and sisters. Had he not died, Brienne would have been wed to him within the year of her first flowering.[8] The second betrothal was to Ser Ronnet Connington, who was six years older than her. On their meeting, Red Ronnet gave her a rose, and told her it was all she would have of him, breaking the betrothal as he felt she was a "freak".[18] The last man Brienne was betrothed to, Ser Humfrey Wagstaff, warned her he would insist she act like "a proper woman" once they were wed. Though only sixteen, Brienne replied she would only accept such a demand from a man who could beat her in combat. In the effort, Humfrey ended up with three broken bones and a broken betrothal.[12] After that, Lord Selwyn stopped trying to arrange a marriage for Brienne.[12] Brienne's only positive encounter with a man occurred when House Tarth's liege, Lord Renly Baratheon, visited their island during his coming of age tour. He crossed paths with Brienne and treated her courteously, and she fell in love with him.[8] Sometime later, Lord Selwyn sent her to Storm's End.[19] Brienne the Blue from Renly Baratheon's Rainbow Guard, by Tizianobaracchi ©. When Renly Baratheon declares himself king at Highgarden, Brienne joins him in his march to King's Landing.[1] She also attends his marriage to Margaery Tyrell, which greatly saddens her.[16] In Renly's camp, Brienne is continuously mocked. Some of the young knight's wager on who will be the first to get her maidenhead, until Lord Randyll Tarly puts an end to it, warning Brienne that her presence is the cause of the problem.[7] Later in the march, Brienne proves her mettle with a morningstar in a melee at Bitterbridge, defeating Ser Loras Tyrell, the Knight of Flowers, as well as many of her mocking suitors. She asks to join the Rainbow Guard as her prize, becoming Brienne the Blue. She sharply reminds Catelyn Stark of the courtesy due a king, and is later dismayed when Renly denies the need for an escort for a stroll after the night's feast.[1] At Renly's parley with his brother Stannis at the siege of Storm's End, Brienne is his standard-bearer. After the negotiations fail, she is assigned to do the same in the upcoming clash, riding in the vanguard alongside Loras.[20] The next day at dawn, she is arming Renly for battle against his brother when a shadow enters his tent and assassinates him. Brienne is accused of the murder, but Catelyn is able to convince those present that she is innocent and takes Brienne with her when she flees the camp.[21] When they arrive at Riverrun, Brienne wants to leave to take revenge with Renly's sword on Stannis for Renly's death, but Catelyn convinces Brienne to enter her service instead.[14] Brienne is present when Lady Stark speaks with the Kingslayer, Ser Jaime Lannister, in his cell, and grants Catelyn her sword when it is asked for.[22] Brienne and Jaime Lannister in the baths at Harrenhal, by Cabepfir ©. At Riverrun, after receiving news that her sons Bran and Rickon Stark have been killed, Catelyn decides to free Ser Jaime Lannister, making Brienne escort him to King's Landing to fulfill the promise made by the Hand of the King, Tyrion Lannister, to return her daughters Sansa and Arya if the Kingslayer were freed. Ser Cleos Frey, Jaime's cousin, accompanies them as an envoy.[23] Brienne defends Jaime ably. She learns much of his history that is little known to Westeros at large and the two develop a grudging respect for each other. They make for the city by boat, throwing off pursuit from Riverrun when Brienne scales a cliff and rolls boulders onto Ser Robin Ryger's pursuing galley,[10] after which they continue by land. At the Inn of the Kneeling Man, Brienne's wariness prevents the group from taking the innkeeper's travel advice, as he is in league with bandits and is attempting to lead them into ambush.[24] Later, they are ambushed by different outlaws near Maidenpool. Cleos is killed and Jaime tries to escape, dueling Brienne with Cleos's sword. Manacled and out of practice, Jaime cannot defeat Brienne, who holds his head underwater. Their fighting is interrupted by the Brave Companions, however. Four Bloody Mummers beat Brienne, knocking out two of her teeth. The unscrupulous sellswords then chop off Jaime's sword hand.[25] His fighting ability gone, Jaime despairs for his life, but Brienne convinces him to live for revenge. In turn, Jaime prevents Zollo, Rorge, and Shagwell, three of the Mummers, from raping Brienne.[26] The Brave Companions confiscate Brienne's armor and sword.[27] Jaime Lannister rescues Brienne from the bear pit of Harrenhal, by Marc Simonetti ©. At Harrenhal, the two share a bath and Jaime reveals he stopped the wildfire plot of King Aerys II Targaryen during Robert's Rebellion. Qyburn brings her a pink gown, which Jaime thinks she looks ridiculous wearing. Lord Roose Bolton sends Jaime on his way, but keeps Brienne as Vargo Hoat's prize.[27] Jaime returns after dreaming of her, however, and rescues her from the bear pit of Harrenhal.[2] Brienne bites Vargo Hoat's ear,[2] which leaves him delirious from infection.[28] Steelshanks Walton escorts Brienne and Jaime toward King's Landing, and Brienne is shocked when Ser Bertram Beesbury informs them at Brindlewood of Catelyn's death in the Red Wedding.[28] After their arrival in King's Landing, the pair are confronted by Ser Loras Tyrell, who still believes Brienne guilty of Renly's regicide. Jaime has Brienne arrested for her own protection,[28] and he arranges for Loras to speak to her; this finally dispels Brienne's blame.[29] Jaime entrusts Brienne with the Valyrian steel longsword given to him by his father Tywin, naming it Oathkeeper. He sends her to seek the vanished Sansa Stark, to fulfill his promise to Catelyn. As Oathkeeper was forged from the metal of Eddard Stark's greatsword, Ice, Brienne is using Stark steel to rescue the Stark girl. Along with this, Jaime gives her two bags full of coin, a mail hauberk, a Lothston shield, and a letter signed by King Tommen I Baratheon saying that she is on a royal mission.[6] Podrick Payne and Brienne, by mustamirri ©. Ser Jaime Lannister is sent by his sister, Queen Cersei Lannister, to subdue the remaining rebels in the riverlands. At Harrenhal he strikes Ronnet Connington for mocking Brienne.[18] Unbeknownst to Brienne, Sansa Stark is hiding at the Eyrie under the assumed name of Alayne Stone with Lord Petyr Baelish.[30] Brienne searches for Sansa along the Rosby road in the crownlands, meeting Illifer, Creighton Longbough, and Shadrich.[8] She visits the Dun Fort in Duskendale and has her shield repainted to the arms of Ser Duncan the Tall. Podrick Payne, once the squire of Sansa's husband Tyrion Lannister, tries to discretely follow her, and Brienne allows the boy to join her quest.[12] Brienne's next stop is at Maidenpool, which she only enters with the unwanted aid of Ser Hyle Hunt, one of the knights who had mockingly courted her in Renly's camp. There she finds Lord Randyll Tarly dispensing justice; he begrudgingly allows her to continue her search. At the Stinking Goose she meets Nimble Dick Crabb, who leads her after a fool, whom she believes is Dontos Hollard, who might have Sansa with him.[7] Brienne wishes Jaime Lannister had come with her, but realizes his place is with the king.[17] Traveling through Crackclaw Point, the trio arrive at the Whispers, the ruined hall of Nimble Dick's ancestors from House Crabb. They meet a band of Brave Companions remnants led by the fool Shagwell, the psychotic jester. Shagwell kills Dick, but Brienne then kills Pyg and Timeon with Oathkeeper. She forces Shagwell to dig a grave for Dick and then kills him as well when the fool turns on her. Hyle joins her party, having followed her from Maidenpool.[17] Following the sellswords' information, Brienne heads back to the riverlands to find Sandor Clegane, who was reported to be with a girl, unbeknownst to her to be the wrong daughter. At Maidenpool they join with Meribald, an itinerant septon, who accompanies them to Saltpans. From there she visits the nearby Quiet Isle, where the Elder Brother assures her that the Hound is dead.[16] At the inn at the crossroads near the Trident, Brienne encounters another group of former Brave Companions led by Rorge, who has been masquerading as Sandor while raping and murdering in the riverlands. Defending the orphans at the inn, the outnumbered Brienne kills Rorge but is grievously wounded by Biter, who chews the flesh off her cheek.[31] After Gendry rescues her from Biter, he and the remaining members of the brotherhood without banners take her captive, along with Podrick and Hyle. Delirious from the bite, she calls out for Jaime Lannister.[32] The undead Catelyn Stark, now leading the brotherhood as "Lady Stoneheart", does not believe Brienne's explanation of her search for Sansa and instead judges her to be a traitor who is serving House Lannister, due to her sword with a golden lion's head as its pommel, and the letter signed and sealed by King Tommen I Baratheon stating that Brienne is "about his business".[32] Brienne is given the choice of "sword or noose" — either prove her loyalty by killing Jaime Lannister, or hang. Brienne refuses to choose and is sentenced to hang, along with her two companions, Podrick and Ser Hyle.[32] According to a semi-canon source, when she sees Podrick choking, she shouts "sword" to save him.[32][33] Having been spared by the brotherhood, Brienne appears briefly at Pennytree when Jaime camps there. She asks Jaime to help her save Sansa Stark from the Hound, claiming they are a day's ride away. She tells Jaime, however, that he must go with her alone, or the Hound will kill Sansa.[34] Cersei is skeptical when she is informed that her twin, Jaime, disappeared with a woman in the riverlands.[35] Quotes by Brienne Gwendoline Christie as Brienne in Game of Thrones. Winter will never come for the likes of us. Should we die in battle, they will surely sing of us, and it's always summer in the songs. In the songs all knights are gallant, all maids are beautiful, and the sun is always shining.[1] —Brienne to Catelyn Stark Brienne: Fighting is better than this waiting. You don't feel so helpless when you fight. You have a sword and a horse, sometimes an axe. When you're armored it's hard for anyone to hurt you. Catelyn: Knights die in battle. Brienne: As ladies die in childbed. No one sings songs about them.[9] —Brienne and Catelyn Stark Sansa, though ... I will find her, my lady, Brienne swore to Lady Catelyn's restless shade. I will never stop looking. I will give up my life if need be, give up my honor, give up all my dreams, but I will find her.[12] —thoughts of Brienne Young or old, a true knight is sworn to protect those who are weaker than himself, or die in the attempt.[16] I have to find her. There are others looking, all wanting to capture her and sell her to the queen. I have to find her first. I promised Jaime. Oathkeeper, he named the sword. I have to try to save her... or die in the attempt.[16] —Brienne to the Elder Brother Seven, Brienne thought again, despairing. She had no chance against seven, she knew. No chance, and no choice.[31] Quotes about Brienne Brienne the Beauty, they name her ... though not to her face, lest they be called upon to defend those words with their bodies.[1] —Colen of Greenpools to Catelyn Stark I knew Brienne when she was no more than a girl playing at her father’s feet in Evenfall Hall, and I knew her still better when the Evenstar sent her here to Storm's End. She loved Renly Baratheon from the first moment she laid eyes on him, a blind man could see it.[19] —Cortnay Penrose to Guyard Morrigen There is a sweet innocence about you, child.[22] —Catelyn Stark to Brienne She is stronger than I am. The realization chilled him.[25] —thoughts of Jaime Lannister The light was so dim that Jaime could scarcely see her, though they stood a scant few feet apart. In this light she could almost be a beauty, he thought. In this light she could almost be a knight.[2] —dream of Jaime Lannister Loras: Draw your sword, woman! Jaime: Best hope she doesn't. Or it's like to be your corpse we carry out. The wench is as strong as Gregor Clegane, though not so pretty.[28] —Loras Tyrell and Jaime Lannister Brienne's ugly, and pighead stubborn. But she lacks the wits to be a liar, and she is loyal past the point of sense.[29] —Jaime Lannister to Loras Tyrell Loras: Renly thought she was absurd. A woman dressed in man's mail, pretending to be a knight. Jaime: If he'd ever seen her in pink satin and Myrish lace, he would not have complained. Loras: I asked him why he kept her close, if he thought her so grotesque. He said that all his other knights wanted things of him, castles or honors or riches, but all that Brienne wanted was to die for him.[29] Blue is a good color on you, my lady. It goes well with your eyes.[6] —Jaime Lannister to Brienne You have a man’s strength in your arms, but your heart is as soft as any maid's. It is one thing to train in the yard with a blunted sword in hand, and another to drive a foot of sharpened steel into a man’s gut and see the light go out of his eyes.[17] —Goodwin to Brienne It is said that your father is a good man. If so, I pity him. Some men are blessed with sons, some with daughters. No man deserves to be cursed with such as you.[36] —Randyll Tarly to Brienne The queen remembered the Maid of Tarth, a huge, ugly, shambling thing who dressed in man's mail. Jaime would never abandon me for such a creature.[35] —thoughts of Cersei Lannister Endrew Galladon Alysanne Previous speculation on Brienne's descent included that Brienne descends from Ser Duncan the Tall, a former Lord Commander of the Kingsguard during the reign of King Aegon V Targaryen. An argument often raised was that a shield bearing Duncan's personal arms was in the armory at Evenfall Hall, and that Brienne later used these arms while traveling in the crownlands and riverlands.[12] Though George R. R. Martin initially only confirmed that a descendant of Duncan appears in the books,[37][38] in 2016 at Balticon, Martin confirmed Brienne's descent, stating that the exact relation between Duncan and Brienne would be "revealed in time".[39] Brienne of Tarth/Theories ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 22, Catelyn II. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 44, Jaime VI. ↑ See the Brienne of Tarth calculation. ↑ 4.0 4.1 George R. R. Martin's A World of Ice and Fire, Brienne Tarth. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 72, Jaime IX. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 14, Brienne III. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 4, Brienne I. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 45, Catelyn VI. ↑ 10.0 10.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 1, Jaime I. ↑ So Spake Martin: Brienne of Tarth, January 31, 2001 ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 9, Brienne II. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 45, Catelyn V. ↑ 14.0 14.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 39, Catelyn V. ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 1, The Prophet. ↑ 16.0 16.1 16.2 16.3 16.4 16.5 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 31, Brienne VI. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 20, Brienne IV. ↑ 18.0 18.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 27, Jaime III. ↑ 19.0 19.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 42, Davos II. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 31, Catelyn III. ↑ A Clash of Kings, Chapter 33, Catelyn IV. ↑ 22.0 22.1 A Clash of Kings, Chapter 55, Catelyn VII. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 2, Catelyn I. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 11, Jaime II. ↑ 25.0 25.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 21, Jaime III. ↑ A Storm of Swords, Chapter 31, Jaime IV. ↑ 27.0 27.1 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 37, Jaime V. ↑ 28.0 28.1 28.2 28.3 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 62, Jaime VII. ↑ 29.0 29.1 29.2 A Storm of Swords, Chapter 67, Jaime VIII. ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 10, Sansa I. ↑ 31.0 31.1 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 37, Brienne VII. ↑ 32.0 32.1 32.2 32.3 A Feast for Crows, Chapter 42, Brienne VIII. ↑ So Spake Martin: Miscon Report (June 03, 2012) ↑ A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 48, Jaime I. ↑ 35.0 35.1 A Dance with Dragons, Chapter 54, Cersei I. ↑ A Feast for Crows, Chapter 25, Brienne V. ↑ So Spake Martin:US Signing Tour (Dayton, OH) (November 10, 2005) ↑ So Spake Martin:Mysterious Galaxy Signing (San Diego, CA) (November 08, 2000) ↑ The Wertzone: George R.R. Martin confirms GAME OF THRONES/SONG OF ICE AND FIRE fan theory (29 May, 2016) POV Characters Catelyn Eddard Cressen Theon Chett Samwell Merrett Victarion Varamyr Quentyn Barristan Kevan Retrieved from "https://awoiaf.westeros.org/index.php?title=Brienne_Tarth&oldid=219873" Characters from the Stormlands Collaborators of the Brotherhood Without Banners House Tully retainers Members of the Rainbow Guard Sworn shields Supporters of Renly Baratheon in the War of the Five Kings	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3724
__label__wiki	0.944017	0.944017	Home / News / Bakken News / Senators chide freight railroads on delays Senators chide freight railroads on delays Joan Lowy \| The Associated Press Joan Lowy \| Associated Press WASHINGTON — Senators and shippers complained Wednesday that widespread delays in freight rail shipments are hurting a wide array of industries and driving some companies out of business, and they expressed doubt that the railroad companies are doing all they can to fix the problem. The delays, which escalated late last year and continued through the spring and summer, appear to be the result of too few rail cars and too much demand from shippers, officials representing the agriculture, auto and chemical industries told a hearing of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. Lawmakers displayed a photo of a giant mound of wheat standing in the open because North Dakota farmers can’t get a railroad company to ship it. Shipping rates are 90 percent higher than they were in 2002, but service has drastically diminished, said Calvin Dooley, president of the American Chemistry Council. Edward Hamberger, the rail industry’s top lobbyist, said the industry is struggling to keep up with a sharp increase in freight rail demand created by the oil fracking boom in the Bakken region of North Dakota and two years of unusually bountiful harvests, and that the problem was acerbated by an unusually harsh winter. Railroads spent $26 billion last year on new track and other capital improvements, and that shipping rates are the same level they were in 1988 when adjusted for inflation, he said. “This industry recognizes our customers aren’t getting the service to which they have become accustomed,” said Hamberger, president and CEO of the Association of American Railroads. “We didn’t see the surge in traffic coming; many of our customers didn’t either.” Related: Crop shipments still stranded in North Dakota as oil-by-rail dominates Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash, told Hamberger she didn’t believe the $26 billion figure. “I don’t believe your investment figures are sincere figures,” she said. “You are making a ton of money and what is happening is people are losing their jobs and their products can’t get to market.” Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., said he didn’t buy Hamberger’s explanation for the causes of the delays. “You can’t blame everything on the winter. You just can’t do that. Sorry,” Rockefeller said. “I know you have the money. I don’t want to hear about a record amount being invested.” The freight rail industry is “the most powerful, under-the-radar lobbying group” in Washington, he said. But he warned that their support in Congress is ebbing. “I think the world is gradually going to shift against thinking like yours, and I think when that happens you will be surprised and you will be unready … and we’ll have a different situation,” said Rockefeller, a long-time critic of the freight rail industry. Rockefeller has introduced a bill to give the Surface Transportation Board, which regulates freight rail prices, more power to address delays and other problems. This article was written by Joan Lowy from The Associated Press and was legally licensed through the NewsCred publisher network. american chemistry council association of american railroads calvia dooley north dakota rail science and transportation committee senate commerce shipping 2014-09-11 Previous: Sand depot center of contention Next: Scientists say the ozone layer is recovering Pingback: $40 million crude rail offloading facility proposed for Evans \| bakken.com Pingback: Coal competing with oil and gas for space on rail \| bakken.com Pingback: Records reveal extent of crude oil traffic on Pennsylvania railways \| bakken.com Pingback: EDITORIAL: Canada may soon make concerns about oil-train safety moot \| bakken.com	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3726
__label__wiki	0.871334	0.871334	HomeBlogNewsPaper-JustInTech giants use AI to fight famine in coordination with international groups Tech giants use AI to fight famine in coordination with international groups by vnuyda@outlook.com NewsPaper-JustIn Google is one of several tech companies partnering with the U.N. and the World Bank to combat famine. (Reuters) Google, Amazon and Microsoft are linking arms with international organizations to use artificial intelligence to identify and prevent famines. International organizations including the World Bank, the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross are partnering with leading technology firms to launch Famine Action Mechanism (FAM)—an initiative to harness the predictive power of data to prevent famine. In 2017, according to the World Bank, more than 20 million people faced famine or famine-like conditions across northeastern Nigeria, Somalia, Yemen and South Sudan. Responses from humanitarian organizations have often come too late, after many lives have already been lost. AIR FORCE: NEW BOMB TECHNOLOGY LAGS BEHIND LARGE AIR PLATFORM INNOVATION “The FAM seeks to change this by moving towards famine prevention, preparedness and early action—interventions that can save more lives and reduce humanitarian costs by as much as 30 percent,” the World Bank said in a statement made on Sunday. The tech giants are joining forces to provide expertise to develop a set of tools called “Artemis” that will use AI and machine learning to estimate and predict food insecurity in real time, thus allowing authorities and agencies to respond faster. “Artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies can be a powerful force for good, and we’ve already seen that they have the potential to help farmers identify disease in cassava plants, keep cows healthier and more productive, and integrate overall relief efforts,” said Kent Walker, Google’s Senior Vice President of Global Affairs and Chief Legal Officer, in a statement. “Google is proud to partner with the World Bank on the Famine Action Mechanism to help prevent future famine in communities around the world,” he added. NEW APPLE PHONES DON’T SURVIVE DROPS Amazon, Google and Microsoft already use AI in a range of different ways and have big ambitions for the technology. The partnership between tech giants and international groups will be rolled out first to a smaller group of vulnerable countries and later globally. It builds on U.N. work that puts prevention at the top of efforts to address food insecurity, poverty and famine. “Famines have been part of the whole human history throughout human history. In fact, probably the worse famine the world has ever seen took place during my lifetime”, said United National Humanitarian Chief Mark Lowcock on Monday during the General Assembly in New York. Lowcock continued: “But it’s also the case that famine has become much rarer. There have only been only two declared famines during the last 20 years. … The FAM can help us get all countries beyond the scourge.” Christopher Carbone is a reporter and news editor covering science and technology for FoxNews.com. He can be reached at christopher.carbone@foxnews.com. Follow him on Twitter @christocarbone. http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2018/09/24/tech-giants-use-ai-to-fight-famine-in-coordination-with-international-groups.html iPhone XS and XS Max don’t survive drops Kaiann Drance, Apple’s senior director, iPhone Worldwide Product Marketing, speaks about the Apple iPhone XS at the Steve Jobs Theater during an event to announce new Apple products Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2018, in Cupertino, Calif. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez) (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) If you’ve paid a small fortune to have... Twitter urges users to #BeAVoter The Twitter logo and stock prices are shown above the floor of the New York Stock Exchange shortly after the opening bell in New York, U.S., January 23, 2018. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson – RC174055D130 Not yet registered to vote? Twitter and Facebook want to help you check that off your to-do list. Twitter just launched a... B-2 bomber 30-year anniversary: Inside a B-2 stealth attack Slicing through the sky with bat-like wings, eluding enemy radar with stealth technology, quietly destroying enemy air defenses from 50,000 ft and using computers to merge sensor data with targeting information -- the Air Force’s B-2 bomber … has been in the air attacking targets for “30-Years.” Peter Thiel says FBI, CIA should investigate if Chinese intelligence infiltrated Google: report Billionaire tech investor Peter Thiel on Sunday called for the FBI and CIA to investigate whether Chinese intelligence had infiltrated Google, according to a report. We surround ourselves with devices. Our cars respond to us. Our smart TVs listen to us. Every camera in every tablet and laptop is a potential spying device. Even when we're alone, miles from the nearest human, our phones are gateways to the universe, just waiting to share everything it knows.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3729
__label__wiki	0.73991	0.73991	Vertu founder now working on high-end Metawatch smartwatch Chris Smith @chris_writes December 3rd, 2013 at 8:45 PM Metawatch has hired famed Nokia and Vertu designer Frank Nuovo to work on future devices for the company. Metawatch currently sells two smartwatch designs including the Strata (pictured above) and the Frame, which retail for $179.99 and $229.99, respectively, and can be purchased directly from the manufacturer’s online store or in Best Buy stores. Nuovo is already working on a new high-end device for the company, which will be unveiled in the first quarter of 2014, Quartz has learned. Details about the smartwatch aren’t available at this time, but Metawatch CEO Bill Geiser said the device will have a new operating system version and a new display. While the Strata and Frame smartwatches have their own operating system, they work with both iOS and Android devices. Before leaving Nokia in 2006, Nuovo became famous for designing various handsets for the company, including a Vertu piece that sold for approximately $480,000. “I’ve been gnawing on [Nuovo’s] ankle for several years,” Geiser said, “To me it’s about crafting beautiful products. That’s a word you rarely hear in the smartwatch arena – the word beautiful.” Various smartwatch models are available in stores from companies including Sony, Samsung, Qualcomm and Pebble to name just a few, as analysts expect the smartwatch business to continue to grow in the coming years. Apple is also rumored to have its own “iWatch” in stores in the future. Tags: smartwatch Best Deal We've Found Highlighted Deal Almost Sold Out The 10 best deals of Prime Day 2019 By Maren Estrada 7 hours ago The brilliant device that lets you cook perfect steak every time just dropped to its lowest price ever	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3731
__label__wiki	0.668005	0.668005	All posts tagged Oscar Wilde The Magician by William Somerset Maugham (1908) ‘It was the face of a fiend of wickedness.’ (Susie describing Oliver Haddo) This is, surprisingly from Maugham, a horror story. The book begins as a fairly run-of-the-mill love story. Young English surgeon Arthur Burdon knew Margaret Dauncey’s parents. When they died he was named the girl’s executor and guardian, a duty he faithfully performed. When Margaret turned 17 she expressed a wish to go to Paris to study art, which Arthur supported and enabled. It was during her studies in Paris that Margaret discovered her father had died penniless and that Arthur had paid for her entire education and living expenses out of his own pocket. During the tearful conversation where Margaret asks if this is true and Arthur admits it, they both also admit that they’re deeply in love with each other. ‘Don’t you know that I’d do anything in the world for you?’ she cried. And the upshot of these tearful confessions is that agree on the spot that they would like to get married. Nonetheless, Arthur insists that she goes off to Paris to study, see life and so on, before they get wed. He is a thoroughly decent chap. In Paris Margaret stays in the studio of Susie Boyd (at 30, a lot older and more experienced than Margaret), located in Montparnasse, and becomes a regular at the local bar, Le Chien Noir, much frequented by poets, writers and artists. It is at this point that the story proper begins, with Arthur arriving in Paris to meet Margaret and finalise plans for their wedding (all the preceding is told as exposition). Commenting on the action is a much older man, Dr Porhoët, who was friends with Arthur’s parents and has known him ever since he was born. Dr Porhoët is a wise and bookish old man. He spent most of life working as a doctor in Egypt and is now retired, thus conveniently available to the characters for tea, conversation and advice as required. Porhoët candidly tells Arthur he is surprised that he and Margaret are in love because Arthur is such an extremely unimaginative, prosaic, practical man who, by dint of working hard, has made himself into a leading surgeon – whereas Margaret is young and fanciful, not only beautiful but highly imaginative. So far, so standard. The novel looks like settling down to become another of Maugham’s stories about the trials and tribulations of another mismatched couple. Except that into this fairly run-of-the-mill setup Maugham throws a bomb, in the shape of the tall, monstrously obese, absurdly flamboyant and utterly sinister, self-proclaimed magician and master of the dark arts, Oliver Haddo. In the introduction to The Magician which Maugham wrote years later, he freely admits to basing the character of Haddo on the notorious black magician, writer, poet and self-publicist Aleister Crowley, who he met in Paris in the early-1900s, when Maugham was living with the painter Gerald Kelly. In fact not only Haddo-Crowley but many of the other characters and settings are borrowed directly from life. Margaret’s studio is modelled on Kelly’s. Maugham and Kelly were regulars at a bar in Montparnasse called Le Chat Blanc, where local poets and artists congregated almost every evening. In the book this café becomes Le Chien Noir and many of its real-life habitués are coped into Maugham’s book with only slightly altered names. Maugham was notoriously sloppy about this, writing many of his stories almost directly from life and sometimes not even bothering to change people’s names – a habit which got him into trouble, particularly in the classic short stories from south-east Asia a generation later. The main characters I enjoy the old-fashioned way Maugham gives detailed, physical and psychological descriptions of his characters – unlike the modern style for fleeting, brief flashes, or having character revealed by dialogue. In Maugham every character is sat down, given a cup of tea, and thoroughly introduced to the reader. I like the way they appear stiflingly conventional but often have unexpected aspects. We’re so culturally conditioned by Hollywood and advertising stereotypes to expect protagonists of dramas to beyoung, physically fit and good-looking protagonists that it’s a pleasure to go back before the domination of American advertising to be presented with characters who are far more diverse in age and quality. Who, en masse, bespeak an entirely different set of values. Here’s the hero, Arthur: He was very tall and very thin. His frame had a Yorkshireman’s solidity, and his bones were massive. He missed being ungainly only through the serenity of his self-reliance. He had high cheek-bones and a long, lean face. His nose and mouth were large, and his skin was sallow. But there were two characteristics which fascinated her, an imposing strength of purpose and a singular capacity for suffering. Margaret is the most stereotypical of the characters, being young and beautiful. But I still enjoyed the way the longest description of her occurs while she and Arthur are looking at a statue of a perfect young woman in the Louvre: In Arthur’s eyes Margaret had all the exquisite grace of the statue, and the same unconscious composure; and in her also breathed the spring odours of ineffable purity. Her features were chiselled with the clear and divine perfection of this Greek girl’s; her ears were as delicate and as finely wrought. The colour of her skin was so tender that it reminded you vaguely of all beautiful soft things, the radiance of sunset and the darkness of the night, the heart of roses and the depth of running water. The goddess’s hand was raised to her right shoulder, and Margaret’s hand was as small, as dainty, and as white. Whereas here is Maugham’s meticulous description of the older Susie: She was one of those plain women whose plainness does not matter. A gallant Frenchman had to her face called her a belle laide, and, far from denying the justness of his observation, she had been almost flattered. Her mouth was large, and she had little round bright eyes. Her skin was colourless and much disfigured by freckles. Her nose was long and thin. But her face was so kindly, her vivacity so attractive, that no one after ten minutes thought of her ugliness. You noticed then that her hair, though sprinkled with white, was pretty, and that her figure was exceedingly neat. She had good hands, very white and admirably formed, which she waved continually in the fervour of her gesticulation. Now that her means were adequate she took great pains with her dress, and her clothes, though they cost much more than she could afford, were always beautiful. Her taste was so great, her tact so sure, that she was able to make the most of herself. She was determined that if people called her ugly they should be forced in the same breath to confess that she was perfectly gowned. And, a passage to make feminists explode with outrage pithily sums up the (cramped patriarchal) expectations of the era: Susie could not prevent the pang that wrung her heart; for she too was capable of love. There was in her a wealth of passionate affection that none had sought to find. None had ever whispered in her ears the charming nonsense that she read in books. She recognised that she had no beauty to help her, but once she had at least the charm of vivacious youth. That was gone now, and the freedom to go into the world had come too late; yet her instinct told her that she was made to be a decent man’s wife and the mother of children. It is fascinating, chilling, informative, amazing, that at age 30, Susie considers herself an old maid, a spinster, over the hill and on the shelf. It is a vivid insight into social history. Anyway, Susie plays the well-worn role of friend and confidante to the heroine and secret admirer of the hero. It’s a similar role to that played by Miss Ley in Maugham’s second novel Mrs Craddock, and in just the same way that Miss Ley comments sardonically and insightfully into the story of Bertha and Jim in that marriage, so Susie, at least initially, finds everything in the earnest love affair of Arthur and Margaret funny and mockable. (In a tiny grace not, a ‘Miss Ley’ is mentioned in the letter written to Arthur from a friend who knew Haddo at Oxford: the letter describes the dark rumours which described the man even as a student, but it is this casual reference to a ‘Miss Ley’ which makes the Maugham fan’s ears prick up and wonder whether, at one stage, he was going to create an overlapping universe of characters appearing across all his novels. Intriguing thought. Instead of a Marvel Comic Universe, a Maugham Character Universe. To some extent he did do this, with the character of ‘William Ashenden’ narrating both the novel Cakes and Ale and figuring as the protagonist of the spy short stories, Ashenden. Similarly, several of the novels are set in north Kent (where Maugham himself grew up), town of Whitstable appearing in several novels renamed ‘Blackstable.’) Anyway, alongside these good character, there is the villain, Haddo, whose main characteristic is his gross fatness: He was a man of great size, two or three inches more than six feet high; but the most noticeable thing about him was a vast obesity. His paunch was of imposing dimensions. His face was large and fleshy. He had thrown himself into the arrogant attitude of Velasquez’s portrait of Del Borro in the Museum of Berlin; and his countenance bore of set purpose the same contemptuous smile. He was clearly not old, though his corpulence added to his apparent age. His features were good, his ears small, and his nose delicately shaped. He had big teeth, but they were white and even. His mouth was large, with heavy moist lips. He had the neck of a bullock. His dark, curling hair had retreated from the forehead and temples in such a way as to give his clean-shaven face a disconcerting nudity. The baldness of his crown was vaguely like a tonsure. He had the look of a very wicked, sensual priest. Big, fat and evil, Haddo is designed to send shivers of horror through the reader and, as the book proceeds, does so very effectively. Having created and described these characters in great detail, what does Maugham do with them? The plot Through a series of carefully orchestrated events, Haddo becomes an increasing and insidious presence in the lives of the young couple. It is on Arthur’s very first night in Paris that Margaret and Susie take him to Le Chien Noir where he is introduced to the gallery of bohemians, and into which Haddo erupts, fat and grandiloquent and ridiculous and spooky. At first, as Haddo tells a series of preposterous stories about what a wonderful big game hunter and mountain climber he is to the audience of poets and painters at Le Chien Noir, he is met with mockery and scorn. But it isn’t long before the theme of magic is raised and Haddo prompted to tell at length the lives of the famous magicians and alchemists of old – Paracelsus, Raymon Lull et al. (Contemporary critics of the novel drew attention to these factual passages, pointing out that they felt like they had been cut and pasted out of the Encyclopedia Britannica. Maugham candidly admits in his introduction to spending weeks in the British Museum researching the background. I like medieval history and the voodoo feel of the medieval and early Renaissance intellectual world, its domination by powers and thrones and hugely complex theological models, so I enjoyed the atmosphere of flickering candles in darkened cellars, and mystic shapes drawn on the floor and ritual incantations.) Haddo intersperses stories about the alchemists with tales of his own encounters with strange men and women who possess second sight, the ability to control animals and to conjure spirits. Helping to reinforce all this, Dr Porhoët chips in, mostly sceptical but admitting that, during his time in Egypt, he also witnessed strange and unaccountable events. ‘I have seen many things in the East which are inexplicable by the known processes of science.’ The same night, after eating at the bar, Haddo ends up tagging along with Susie, Arthur and Margaret to a fair ‘held at the Lion de Belfort’ in Montparnasse. There then follow a sequence of spooky events. Haddo lays his hands on the mane of the horse which pulls the cab they go to the fair in, and the horse starts whinnying and shivering in fear. As soon as he removes his hand, the horse stops. At the fair they visit a scruffy booth presided over by an oriental woman who has a weird control over the snakes she tends. The role of Dr Porhoët Throughout these scenes the core trio of Arthur, Margaret and Susie are generally accompanied by Dr Porhoët. It becomes clear that his function in the book is to provide a plausible support for Haddo’s supernatural stories. If Haddo had been the only one talking about the Zohar and the Clavicula Salomonis and the Pseudomonarchia Daemonorum of Wierus and the Grimoire of Honorius and the Hexameron of Torquemada and the Tableau de l’Inconstance des Démons, by Delancre and Delrio’s Disquisitiones Magicae he would have been isolated and much less believable. But Maugham has given Dr Porhoët a career in Egypt so that he can have him witness umpteen weird oriental scenes, have Porhoët backing up and reinforcing many of Haddo’s claims. A few days later, when the trio visit Dr Porhoët’s apartment, they discover it to be lined from floor to ceiling with leather-bound ancient volumes by all the great masters of the dark arts. While Porhoët isn’t himself a magician and is drily ironic about most of the ‘learning’ contained in his books, he does have one or two stories of weird and inexplicable events he saw occur during his time in Egypt… So Dr Porhoët is like a straight man to Haddo’s dark magician, not quite believing in magic but helping to establish the fact that there is a vast body of writings on the subject, and that, maybe, you know, there’s something to it… Thus he and Haddo are shown having learned conversations about the old magicians, alchemists and their texts. This dramatic to and fro, spiced with Porhoët’s scepticism, is much more persuasive than if Maugham had had Haddo just give long monologues covering the same material. Dr Porhoët is Haddo’s enabler. He is the door which lets Haddo in. Dr Porhoët’s testimony makes Haddo’s belief in ancient magic much more believable. If a man of science who is basically a sceptic believes some of these stories, then maybe… The crisis of the plot Out of politeness, after the fair outing, Margaret invites Haddo a few days later to come to tea. Part one of this tea party is another long disquisition between Haddo and Dr Porhoët, touching on the lives and works of Paracelsus, Hermes Trismegistus and Albertus Magnus. It builds up to the long and vivid story of how Paracelsus created and nurtured ten little homunculi or spirits in jars. Silly though it sounds, the telling, amid plenty of detail, and horror-stricken intensity, creates a real atmosphere. The story ended, Dr Porhoët rises to leave the little party and disaster strikes. Margaret’s little pet dog, which had started whining and gone to hide in a corner when Haddo first arrived, now inexplicably springs at him and bites Haddo in the hand. Without thinking, Haddo brutally kicks the dog right across the room at which Margaret screams and Arthur – who has met all of Haddo’s stories with mockery and disbelief – punches him full in the face then, while he is on the ground, kicks him again and again. For the usually sedate and restrained Maugham, this is a shocking scene. While they all turn their attention to the dog, Haddo staggers to his feet, where he makes a dignified apology for his behaviour, bows and leaves the apartment. But not before Susie has seen a look of implacable demonic hatred on his face! Haddo’s campaign of seduction Next day Margaret encounters Haddo in the street. The fat man promptly stumbles and collapses. Passersby say he is having a heart attack. Margaret is forced to take him into her apartment, despite her misgivings, to rest, give him a glass of water etc. She is full of dislike but her good manners prevail. This is a bad mistake because Haddo proceeds to seduce Margaret, but not in a sexual sense, something far worse. He entrances her somehow. He is meek and apologetic, he begs forgiveness, she finds herself touched by the tears in his eyes, she finds herself noticing the beauty of his lips and face. He recites Walter Pater’s famous description of the Mona Lisa and then goes on to spin flowery prose poetry about other paintings, paintings characterised by dark atmosphere and unknown sins… the whole thing sounding very much like the purple prose used by Oscar Wilde in The Picture of Dorian Gray – paintings, art, strange moods, rare emotions, unknown pleasures and so on… When he commands her to listen to him playing the piano she follows and sits meekly, aware that she can do no other. He has somehow hypnotised her into admiration and submission. He doesn’t take advantage of her body. Much more insidiously, she finds him entering her heart and affections. Haddo performs magic. He scatters a pinch of blue powder onto a bowl of water and, behold! the water burns up and disappears. Haddo elaborates a fantasy in which he scatters enough blue powder over the world to burn up the oceans! He then scatters dried leaves over the fire to produce a pungent smoke which he tells Margaret to inhale deeply. He takes her hand and suddenly they are transported to a barren cross-roads in a bleak landscape of burnt heather where Margaret sees a sort of witches’ sabbath. Margaret’s gaze was riveted upon a great, ruined tree that stood in that waste place, alone, in ghastly desolation; and though a dead thing, it seemed to suffer a more than human pain. The lightning had torn it asunder, but the wind of centuries had sought in vain to drag up its roots. The tortured branches, bare of any twig, were like a Titan’s arms, convulsed with intolerable anguish. And in a moment she grew sick with fear, for a change came into the tree, and the tremulousness of life was in it; the rough bark was changed into brutish flesh and the twisted branches into human arms. It became a monstrous, goat-legged thing, more vast than the creatures of nightmare. She saw the horns and the long beard, the great hairy legs with their hoofs, and the man’s rapacious hands. The face was horrible with lust and cruelty, and yet it was divine. It was Pan, playing on his pipes, and the lecherous eyes caressed her with a hideous tenderness. But even while she looked, as the mist of early day, rising, discloses a fair country, the animal part of that ghoulish creature seemed to fall away, and she saw a lovely youth, titanic but sublime, leaning against a massive rock. He was more beautiful than the Adam of Michelangelo who wakes into life at the call of the Almighty; and, like him freshly created, he had the adorable languor of one who feels still in his limbs the soft rain on the loose brown earth. Naked and full of majesty he lay, the outcast son of the morning; and she dared not look upon his face, for she knew it was impossible to bear the undying pain that darkened it with ruthless shadows. Impelled by a great curiosity, she sought to come nearer, but the vast figure seemed strangely to dissolve into a cloud; and immediately she felt herself again surrounded by a hurrying throng. Then came all legendary monsters and foul beasts of a madman’s fancy; in the darkness she saw enormous toads, with paws pressed to their flanks, and huge limping scarabs, shelled creatures the like of which she had never seen, and noisome brutes with horny scales and round crabs’ eyes, uncouth primeval things, and winged serpents, and creeping animals begotten of the slime. She heard shrill cries and peals of laughter and the terrifying rattle of men at the point of death. Haggard women, dishevelled and lewd, carried wine; and when they spilt it there were stains like the stains of blood. And it seemed to Margaret that a fire burned in her veins, and her soul fled from her body; but a new soul came in its place, and suddenly she knew all that was obscene. She took part in some festival of hideous lust, and the wickedness of the world was patent to her eyes. She saw things so vile that she screamed in terror, and she heard Oliver laugh in derision by her side. It was a scene of indescribable horror, and she put her hands to her eyes so that she might not see. It is preposterous like all horror stories but, if you give yourself permission, if you read sympathetically and let your imagination go, many passages of the book are genuinely visionary and creepy. All this has taken place on this one visit to her flat prompted when she saw him stumble and collapse in the street. Now Haddo finally leaves, and Margaret comes back to herself. But over the following days she finds herself thinking of him more and more. Haddo had scribbled down his address before he departed and now Margaret finds herself drawn to go and see him, despite her better judgement. Susie returns from the studio. Arthur arrives and takes Margaret in his arms – but she is changed utterly, and walks and talks as in a daze. The wrong marriage Long story short – Margaret makes excuses to Susie and lies to Arthur and starts to visit Haddo every afternoon. He shows her more of the Dark Side, explaining more foul mysteries and mysterious sins. If this was a modern movie I might have expected them to have sex, the camera lingering on the sight of the enormous repulsive slug-like magician ravishing the slender beautiful Margaret in a variety of pornographic postures. However, two things appear to have restrained Maugham from going down this route. One was the censorship of his day, which was smothering. A whole raft of publishers refused to publish Mrs Craddock simply because it merely depicts feelings of arousal and lust. Any hint of actual physical sex would have gotten it banned. (It was a real eye-opener to me to learn just how much Maugham, generally portrayed as a reactionary and second-rate writer, in fact played a progressive role in pushing at the limits of censorship. Nonetheless, there was a definite line he could not cross.) But reason two is that it will become important to the plot that Margaret remain a virgin. Thus, all the time that ‘sensible’ Margaret is making plans for her wedding to Arthur, naming the day, choosing the dress, the cake and so on – ‘possessed’ Margaret is secretly seeing Haddo and, to the reader’s horror and amazement, agreeing to marry him! She is overcome with horror and revulsion but unable to stop herself. On the day that she and Arthur were due to catch the boat train from Paris back to London to get married, Margaret sends a note to Susie to say that she has married Haddo and left town. Flabbergasted, Susie spends a day visiting Margaret’s dressmaker, Haddo’s apartment and the British Embassy, establishing the truth of the story – before she tells Arthur, who is, as you might expect, absolutely devastated. Thus Haddo wreaks the revenge on Arthur that Susie had read on his face, on that fateful day when Haddo had kicked the dog, and Arthur knocked him to the ground. Revenge! Haddo and Margaret’s peregrinations Arthur returns to London where he throws himself into his work, taking two jobs, delivering lectures and editing a big book of surgery in order to try and blot out his intense emotional pain. Susie takes up an invitation from a friend to go and stay in Italy for the winter. In the spring she passes on to the Riviera. In both places she discovers Haddo and Margaret have been staying, behaving scandalously. Haddo gambles intensely, getting Margaret to lay the bets at the tables. They have high society parties but these tend to be ruined by Haddo’s caddish behaviour – he cheats at cards, he tries to pass forged money – and he is blackballed and cold shouldered by Society. In Monte Carlo, Susie witnesses Margaret gambling and then shudders with horror as she sees the once-innocent and pure Margaret smile acquaintance with a notorious courtesan. Into what depths of sin has Haddo dragged her!! Susie returns to London, and meets with Arthur a few times. What Arthur doesn’t realise is that Susie is passionately in love with him. It gives an added intensity to the story that Susie loves Arthur with a pure disinterested love which she knows can never be returned because of Arthur’s total commitment to Margaret. They go to the opera (music, Susie realises, is a drug Arthur uses to help transport him away from his pain at Margaret’s desertion) and bump into an acquaintance of Arthur’s who invites them to make up a dinner at the Savoy. Here they are horrified to discover that two of the other dinner guests are Haddo and Margaret. Margaret behaves coldly and disdainfully to Arthur, while Haddo politely but cruelly mocks Arthur at every opportunity in the conversation. And Susie has to sit watching her beloved suffer, wincing at every one of Haddo’s cruel jibes. They abduct Margaret Convinced that Margaret is not happy but somehow hypnotised by the obese bully, Arthur goes to the Savoy the next day and, after a long pleading conversation in which Margaret reveals that she is unhappy, abducts her – marching her out of the room, into a hansom cab, directing it to Euston and fleeing to the country. There then follows a chapter where Arthur tries, with Susie’s help, to detoxify Margaret. Maugham explains the type of late Victorian divorce which they will arrange for her. But when Arthur returns to London to resume his work and organise the divorce, Margaret becomes more and more restless, and one day Susie goes into her room to find she’s left. She has returned to Haddo. Arthur goes to Haddo’s country house Susie, by now convinced that Haddo’s hold over Margaret really is irrational and magical, travels back to Paris to see Dr Porhoët. This is an opportunity for Maugham to give us more learned tales of how ancient magicians exerted power and control over their victims (designed to reinforce the plausibility of the situation). A few weeks later, Arthur turns up in Paris and tells Susie a long story about how he has visited Haddo’s country seat. (Apart from everything else, Haddo is posh; he went to Eton and Oxford and is heir to a big estate in Staffordshire, named Skene.) Arthur stayed at the local inn and then walked through the bleak and blasted countryside to Skene, to discover that it is a spooky old Gothic house. It is protected by a fence surrounding the grounds. Arthur finds a loose plank, wriggles it loose and and – in an effectively chilling sequence – stumbles through a dark wood to a clearing with a bench. After a while (in a spectacularly convenient coincidence) Margaret comes and sits at this very bench. When Arthur walks out in front of her, she initially thinks Arthur is a phantom and explains to Arthur that she knows Haddo is carrying out all kinds of black magic in the house. She quite calmly tells Arthur that she thinks Haddo is going to kill her, using her in some black magic ritual. Terrified, Arthur pleads for her to come with him but she wriggles free and says No, Haddo will punish her if he knew she was speaking to Arthur, she must go she must go now — and runs off into the pitch blackness of the woods. Arthur searches through the grounds for her but fail, gives up, then retraces his footsteps to the hole in the fence, walks back to the local inn, gets a cab ride the next day to the station, catches the train to London, catches to boat train to Paris and is now standing in front of Susie and Porhoët telling them this narrative. As it happens, Susie and Dr Porhoët had just been having another one of those conversations about black magic and speculating on Haddo’s motives. Now Susie remembers one of the many black rumours about Haddo that she had heard in Monte Carlo. ‘They said there that he was attempting to make living creatures by a magical operation.’ She glanced at the doctor, but spoke to Arthur. ‘Just before you came in, our friend was talking of that book of Paracelsus in which he speaks of feeding the monsters he has made on human blood.’ Arthur gave a horrified cry. (Chapter 13) Susie persuades the by-now distraught Arthur to accompany her for a few days to Chartres to calm his nerves. But one day he rushes into her room convinced that something has happened to Margaret. How? Why? He can’t explain it. Even staid, boring, unimaginative Arthur is now caught up in the atmosphere of magic and irrationality. Back to England, back to Skene They rush back to Paris, co-opt Dr Porhoët (what a hectic retirement he’s turning out to have!), catch the next boat train to London (‘Susie never forgot the horror of that journey to England’), catch a cab to Euston, catch the train to Staffordshire, catch a cab to the local inn at the village of Venning, and hear from the innkeeper’s nosy wife that, Yes, Mr Haddo’s beautiful wife passed away earlier that week. The funeral had taken place the previous day. Arthur is even more distraught. He takes the others to confront the local doctor, slow-minded provincial Dr Richardson, who blandly claims that Margaret died of heart disease. Infuriated at the man’s obtuseness, Arthur lets fly a stream of insults and abuse before storming out. He tells Susie he has a plan. (For a moment I thought he might have been planning to dig up Margaret’s coffin – which would have made for a grim and compelling scene. But no…) Instead, he plans to break into Haddo’s house. Arthur drags Susie and Dr Porhoët along with him to the gates of Skene House, pushes past the outraged gatekeeper, bangs on the front door, and loudly demands admission from the stroppy doorkeeper. While they’re bickering on the doorstep, Haddo himself appears, more physically repulsive than ever. Dr Porhoët, who had not seen him for some time, was astounded at the change which had taken place in him. The corpulence which had been his before was become now a positive disease. He was enormous. His chin was a mass of heavy folds distended with fat, and his cheeks were puffed up so that his eyes were preternaturally small. He peered at you from between the swollen lids. All his features had sunk into that hideous obesity. His ears were horribly bloated, and the lobes were large and swelled. He had apparently a difficulty in breathing, for his large mouth, with its scarlet, shining lips, was constantly open. He had grown much balder and now there was only a crescent of long hair stretching across the back of his head from ear to ear. There was something terrible about that great shining scalp. His paunch was huge; he was a very tall man and held himself erect, so that it protruded like a vast barrel. His hands were infinitely repulsive; they were red and soft and moist. He was sweating freely, and beads of perspiration stood on his forehead and on his shaven lip. (Chapter 14) Haddo simply brushes off their concerns and accusations. Margaret died of a heart attack, the local doctor says so. If Arthur attacks him, Haddo, now, in the doorway of his house in front of witnesses, he will be compelled to report it to the village constable. Incensed with frustration Arthur turns on his heel and marches back down the drive with the other two lamely following in his wake. And now there comes a genuinely unexpected plot development: Arthur – cool, phlegmatic, Anglo-Saxon, rational scientist Arthur – asks Dr Porhoët to raise Margaret’s ghost from the dead! Without his books, and relying on memory, given just a day to buy the basic ingredients from the local store, Porhoët, against all expectations, but in accordance with the book’s by-now dream logic, manages to do this. Out on the blasted heath which surrounds Skene House, miles from any other people, at night, Porhoët arranges bowls, burns incense and commences reciting magic spells. Inexplicably, a sudden terror seized Susie. She felt that the hairs of her head stood up, and a cold sweat broke out on her body. Her limbs had grown on an instant inconceivably heavy so that she could not move. A panic such as she had never known came upon her, and, except that her legs would not carry her, she would have fled blindly. She began to tremble. She tried to speak, but her tongue clave to her throat. Margaret doesn’t appear like the ghost of Hamlet’s father – in the same shape as in life, and clearly commanding revenge. Instead, much more piteously, they at first only hear her, hear the sound of a woman weeping uncontrollably. And then, seeming to come out of nothingness, extraordinarily, they heard with a curious distinctness the sound of a woman weeping. Susie’s heart stood still. They heard the sound of a woman weeping, and they recognized the voice of Margaret. A groan of anguish burst from Arthur’s lips, and he was on the point of starting forward. But quickly Dr Porhoët put out his hand to prevent him. The sound was heartrending, the sobbing of a woman who had lost all hope, the sobbing of a woman terrified. If Susie had been able to stir, she would have put her hands to her ears to shut out the ghastly agony of it. And in a moment, notwithstanding the heavy darkness of the starless night, Arthur saw her. She was seated on the stone bench as when last he had spoken with her. In her anguish she sought not to hide her face. She looked at the ground, and the tears fell down her cheeks. Her bosom heaved with the pain of her weeping. Then Arthur knew that all his suspicions were justified. Fiery climax The die is cast. In the long final chapter two things happen: the fight and the storming of the old house. Several days go by while Arthur goes for long walks in the countryside and Susie and Dr Porhoët worry about him. One afternoon the sultry air is growing heavy with a storm when Arthur returns to the inn. It is getting dark as Susie and Dr Porhoët beg Arthur to tell them what his plan is. He tells them. He is going to kill Haddo. As he utters these words, the wind in the darkness outside rises to a howl and then the lamp in the room they’re in is suddenly extinguished. In the darkness they all realise that someone else is in the room with them. Reading this at night I found it genuinely scary. A huge black shape fills a corner and without a word Arthur flings himself on it, identifying arms and head and neck, rolling over, struggling, fighting for a grip. Arthur seized the huge bullock throat and dug his fingers into it, and they sunk into the heavy rolls of fat; and he flung the whole weight of his body into them. Arthur fights to the death in the pitch blackness, breaking the thing’s arm and then strangling it to death. He staggers to his feet. ‘I’ve killed him,’ he says hoarsely. Except that, when Susie lights a candle with the rasp of a match… the room is empty. There is nothing there! When so much of the dialogue and behaviour is polite, restrained and civilised – these scenes of sudden bestial violence are all the more striking. Arthur insists that they must go, go now, go immediately to Skene. And so he force marches Susie and Dr Porhoët the three or so miles from the inn to the fence of the old Gothic pile. He breaks in through the broken fence. He bangs on the door but there is no answer. They know from the gossipy landlady of the inn that the servants are sent away at night so, confident that the house is empty save for Haddo, Arthur breaks into a ground floor window then comes to the front door to unlock it and let the other two in. Room by room they then search the house, finding half of it abandoned and cold. They search two floors then are stymied about how to get up to the upper floor, the only rooms which they saw lit up from the outside. Arthur finds a secret passage concealed behind the wood panelling. Up they go and discover – chambers of horrors! Three long rooms which are a) dazzlingly lit b) immensely hot, warmed by open furnaces. There is a lengthy description of all the alchemical equipment Haddo had gathered and was using, but the climax of the entire novel comes with the revelation of a series of glass bowls in which Haddo had been experimenting… to create humans, to create human life. This goes far beyond the tales of the homunculi created by Paracelsus and into a world of creating and moulding human beings which is reminiscent of H.G. Wells’s horrifying fantasy of a decade earlier, The Island of Dr Moreau. All of Maugham’s habitual taste and decorum is thrown to the winds as he describes, at nauseating length, a series of half-human abortions and monstrous lumps which are kept in the glass basins, palpitating, or writhing or scuttling on deformed limbs. As a modern reader, who has read about (and seen in umpteen movies) inventive descriptions of disgusting things – I still found the descriptions sickening. God knows what contemporary Edwardian readers must have made of them. In another [bowl] the trunk was almost like that of a human child, except that it was patched strangely with red and grey. But the terror of it was that at the neck it branched hideously, and there were two distinct heads, monstrously large, but duly provided with all their features. The features were a caricature of humanity so shameful that one could hardly bear to look. And as the light fell on it, the eyes of each head opened slowly. They had no pigment in them, but were pink, like the eyes of white rabbits; and they stared for a moment with an odd, unseeing glance. Then they were shut again, and what was curiously terrifying was that the movements were not quite simultaneous; the eyelids of one head fell slowly just before those of the other. And then, over in a corner, they see the vast body of Haddo, lying dead, strangled with protruding eyes and tongue. His arm is broken, as Arthur broke the fat body he fought with in the blackout at the hotel. Somehow, by some magic which we are now totally prepared to believe, Haddo transported his body, or a version of himself, to the hotel room, and Arthur, killing the phantasm there, also killed the host body back here. ‘Out, out,’ cries Arthur, ‘We must leave now,’ and hustles them out of the rooms and down the stairs. Aren’t you coming? cries Susie. ‘In a moment,’ he replies. Moments later he rejoins them at the front door. They run down the drive, then detour into the dark wood, find the hole in the fence and walk the long way back towards the inn. Dawn comes as they approach the inn. Susie feels an enormous sense of life and colour returning to the landscape. And then she realises there is red in the west too. Arthur had set Skene alight. Now it is blazing out of control. The old Gothic ruin, along with the body of its black magician master and the horror of the creatures he made, will all be wiped from the face of the earth. Arthur puts his arm around Susie to support her and she suddenly feels safe and protected. The warm sun rises over the rejuvenated landscape. All will be well. The pleasures of the text Although it’s a preposterous story told in often lurid and over-wrought prose, it is still, like most of Maugham, immensely entertaining and readable. There’s the obvious escape any story offers, namely of escaping your present-day concerns into a world where you are able to understand all the characters and what is going on – where the stories have neat beginnings, middles and ends – all so very unlike the experience of messy, complicated and often inexplicable life that most of us experience. There’s also the pleasure of escape into another era, the Downton Abbey syndrome. There are different clothes (for women an amazing array of rich costumes, gowns, cloaks, dresses, and hats – lots of hats – and fine jewellery). There is the way the streets of London, Paris or the towns they visit are not clogged and poisoned by cars, lorries, buses, taxis and other sources of poisonous toxic fumes. And, something I noticed in Maugham’s novel Mrs Craddock as well as here – all the characters take it for granted that they can just swan off abroad whenever they feel like it. We are told that Arthur is a busy surgeon at a leading hospital but he can not only pop over to Paris for weeks at a time, but go gallivanting off to Chartres, or spend the latter part of the novel running off to Staffordshire, at will. I wish I had that kind of job. Even more I wish I led the life of Susie. On the one hand the modern feminist reader might be horrified at the way she – and presumably the society around her – consider her an old maid on the shelf at age 30, and might object to the rather harsh way in which Maugham repeatedly emphasises the plainness of her looks, verging on ugliness. But on the upside – she doesn’t have to work! As far as I can tell she has no job because she enjoys a modest allowance. This means she spends all day strolling round Paris, visiting galleries, having little tea parties and, when Margaret goes off with Haddo, she simply accepts an invitation from a friend to go and stay in Rome for the winter, where she visits the opera, goes out for dinner, strolls round the galleries. When she gets bored of that, she moves on to the Riviera for spring. Some oppression! Everyone is so polite. It is lovely to dip for a while into the decorum and manners of a long lost era. Sure, it acted as a terrible restraint on people’s feelings – for example, it is made very clear that Arthur suffers immensely because he feels he cannot speak openly to anyone about his anguish over Margaret – but the general level of exquisite politeness at almost every level of society is wonderfully remote from the everyday rudeness and curtness of our own times. And you have to enter into this world of exquisite manners in order to understand, and enjoy, when they are being deliberately manipulated by the characters. For example, it is one of Haddo’s entertaining (shocking) traits that he combines wicked heartlessness with the most polished manners, twisting the emotional knife into Arthur with the politest words and most refined diction. Take the scene where our trio barge their way up to the front door of Skene House to find the truth about Margaret’s death. When Haddo appears he behaves with provocative good manners, the soul of politesse. ‘I have come about Margaret’s death,’ said Arthur. Haddo, as was his habit, did not immediately answer. He looked slowly from Arthur to Dr Porhoët, and from Dr Porhoët to Susie. His eyes rested on her hat, and she felt uncomfortably that he was inventing some gibe about it. ‘I should have thought this hardly the moment to intrude upon my sorrow,’ he said at last. ‘If you have condolences to offer, I venture to suggest that you might conveniently send them by means of the penny post.’ In the midst of all the horror, Maugham makes Haddo the source of wonderfully cynical jibes, clothed in his immensely lofty Eton-Oxford-aristocratic refinement. Here is Arthur shouting at Haddo, and Haddo fending him off with unimpeachable civility. ‘I saw Margaret three weeks ago, and she told me that she went in terror of her life.’ ‘Poor Margaret! She had always the romantic temperament. I think it was that which first brought us together.’ ‘You damned scoundrel!’ cried Arthur. ‘My dear fellow, pray moderate your language. This is surely not an occasion when you should give way to your lamentable taste for abuse. You outrage all Miss Boyd’s susceptibilities.’ He turned to her with an airy wave of his fat hand. ‘You must forgive me if I do not offer you the hospitality of Skene, but the loss I have so lately sustained does not permit me to indulge in the levity of entertaining.’ Well, if you’re going to be a black magician confronted by the fiancé of the woman you stole from him and subsequently murdered as part of your fiendish experiments – this is the style to do it in. The Magician was made into a fabulously melodramatic black-and-white silent film in 1926, directed by Rex Ingram. The Magician online Somerset Maugham’s books 1897 Liza of Lambeth 1902 Mrs Craddock 1908 The Magician 1915 Of Human Bondage 1919 The Moon and Sixpence 1921 The Trembling of a Leaf: Little Stories of the South Sea Islands (short story collection) 1921 The Circle (play) 1922 On a Chinese Screen (travel book) 1923 Our Betters (play) 1925 The Painted Veil (novel) 1926 The Casuarina Tree: Six Stories 1927 The Constant Wife (play) 1928 Ashenden: Or the British Agent (short story collection) 1929 The Sacred Flame (play) 1930 Cakes and Ale: or, the Skeleton in the Cupboard 1930 The Gentleman in the Parlour: A Record of a Journey From Rangoon to Haiphong 1931 Six Stories Written in the First Person Singular (short story collection) 1932 The Narrow Corner (novel) 1933 Ah King (short story collection) 1933 Sheppey (play) 1935 Don Fernando (travel book) 1936 Cosmopolitans (29 x two-page-long short stories) 1937 Theatre (novel) 1938 The Summing Up (autobiography) 1939 Christmas Holiday (novel) 1940 The Mixture as Before (short story collection) 1941 Up at the Villa (crime novella) 1942 The Hour Before The Dawn (novel) 1944 The Razor’s Edge (novel) 1946 Then and Now (historical novel) 1947 Creatures of Circumstance (short story collection) 1948 Catalina (historical novel) 1949 A Writer’s Notebook 1963 Collected short stories volume one (30 stories: Rain, The Fall of Edward Barnard, Honolulu, The Luncheon, The Ant and the Grasshopper, Home, The Pool, Mackintosh, Appearance and Reality, The Three Fat Women of Antibes, The Facts of Life, Gigolo and Gigolette, The Happy Couple, The Voice of the Turtle, The Lion’s Skin, The Unconquered, The Escape, The Judgement Seat, Mr. Know-All, The Happy Man, The Romantic Young Lady, The Point of Honour, The Poet, The Mother, A Man from Glasgow, Before the Party, Louise, The Promise, A String of Beads, The Yellow Streak) 1963 Collected short stories volume two (24 stories: The Vessel of Wrath, The Force of Circumstance, Flotsam and Jetsam, The Alien Corn, The Creative Impulse, The Man with the Scar, Virtue, The Closed Shop, The Bum, The Dream, The Treasure, The Colonel’s Lady, Lord Mountdrago, The Social Sense, The Verger, In A Strange Land, The Taipan, The Consul, A Friend in Need, The Round Dozen, The Human Element, Jane, Footprints in the Jungle, The Door of Opportunity) 1963 Collected short stories volume three (17 stories: A Domiciliary Visit, Miss King, The Hairless Mexican, The Dark Woman, The Greek, A Trip to Paris, Giulia Lazzari, The Traitor, Gustav, His Excellency, Behind the Scenes, Mr Harrington’s Washing, A Chance Acquaintance, Love and Russian Literature, Sanatorium) 1963 Collected short stories volume four (30 stories: The Book-Bag, French Joe, German Harry, The Four Dutchmen, The Back Of Beyond, P. & O., Episode, The Kite, A Woman Of Fifty, Mayhew, The Lotus Eater, Salvatore, The Wash-Tub, A Man With A Conscience, An Official Position, Winter Cruise, Mabel, Masterson, Princess September, A Marriage Of Convenience, Mirage, The Letter, The Outstation, The Portrait Of A Gentleman, Raw Material, Straight Flush, The End Of The Flight, A Casual Affair, Red, Neil Macadam) 2009 The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham by Selina Hastings by Simon on October 14, 2018 • Permalink Posted in Adventure, Books, Fantasy, Horror, Novel Tagged 1908, Albertus Magnus, Aleister Crowley, Arthur Burdon, black magic, Downton Abbey, Dr Porhoët, Egypt, fiction, H.G. Wells, Hermes Trismegistus, horror, horror story, Le Chat Blanc, Margaret Dauncey, Maugham, Miss Ley, Monte Carlo, Montparnasse, Mrs Craddock, necromancy, novel, Oliver Haddo, Oscar Wilde, Paracelsus, Paris, Raymond Lull, Rex Ingram, Skene, Somerset Maugham, sorcery, Staffordshire, Susie Boyd, The Island of Dr Moreau, The Magician, The Picture of Dorian Gray Posted by Simon on October 14, 2018 https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2018/10/14/the-magician-somerset-maugham/ Mrs Craddock by Somerset Maugham (1902) ‘Entre deux amants il-y-a toujours un qui aime, et un qui se laisse aimer.’ After the success of his first novel, Liza of Lambeth in 1897, the 23-year-old William Somerset Maugham optimistically abandoned his career as a trainee doctor to become a professional writer. Later in life, Maugham considered this to have been a bad mistake, for literary success came only slowly and he spent nearly a decade churning out ten novels which sold little or poorly. All the time his real ambition was to be a playwright, but none of his plays were accepted either. It was only in 1907, ten years after Liza, that his play Lady Frederick was finally staged and, to his own surprise, became a runaway success, transforming his reputation and fortunes. Within a year he had four plays running in the West End and had arrived. Mrs Craddock Mrs Craddock, from 1902, is a product of his lean early years, and you can see why. It is a long and uneven narrative, sometimes comic, sometimes tragic, covering ten or so years in the life of Bertha Leys: from when she is a head-strong, romantic orphan under the guardianship of her aunt Mary living in the family home, Court Leys in Kent through her infatuation for and marriage to the virile local farmer Edward Craddock her slow realisation that Edward is conventional, unimaginative and boring and cares more about his wretched cows and pet dogs than about Bertha’s feelings (something she starts to suspect on their honeymoon in London where he laughs at crude vaudeville and can’t see the point of the art galleries which Bertha adores) she is mortified when he humiliates her at tennis at a big party of the local gentry she hopes that getting pregnant and having a child will bring them close together again, or at least provide a focus for her thwarted love but, inevitably, she has a long, drawn-out miscarriage and the baby is still-born worse than anything is the calm, sensible way Edward accepts this and its corollary, the doctor’s conclusion that she will never again be able to have children – news at which Bertha is, understandably, distraught (chapter 17) their married life becomes a series of niggling arguments – like the one about whether the farm workmen should chop down some beech trees which overshadow an important field (Edward) or should not, because they are old and beautiful (Bertha) these escalate into flaring rows and, slowly, Bertha is forced to admit that she can no longer stand her husband so she leaves Edward and Kent to go travelling with Aunt Mary on the Continent for months on her return to London she has an ill-advised but madly passionate fling with a distant cousin, Gerald Vaudrey but when, after torments of separation, and even mad thoughts about going with him to the New World, Gerald finally leaves for New York, Bertha’s spirit snaps and she returns to Court Leys emotionally empty Ironically, throughout the novel, as Bertha’s love for him dwindles and dies, we watch as Edward’s career has gone from strength to strength. He manages the Ley property superbly, making a hefty profit and buying up surrounding land, restoring the house, building a tennis court in the grounds, and becoming the life and soul of local North Kent society. It’s just a shame that Bertha loathes and detests local North Kent society for its parochialism and small-minded snobbery. In the final chapters of the book Bertha and Edward live together but utterly separate in spirit. Bertha, bored out of her mind, walks the local countryside, watches the changing seasons, goes down to the sea and stares for hours at its endless waves, dreaming of escape, dreaming sometimes of suicide or some kind of painless dissolution, anything to make the dreary routine of morning, noon and night, boring dinners with her husband or dreary visits to the local vicar or other landowners, all go away. Then Edward, stubborn and confident to the end, goes out riding on a horse which has already thrown him once and broken his collarbone. The horse shies at a fence, falling on top of him and he dies. Stunned, Bertha staggers to her bed and reviews her life. Shocked and dismayed, she realises that she is… free! On the day of the funeral, there is social comedy about who should get order of precedence in the funeral parade among the various organisations Edward which was a leading member of (the freemasons, the county council, the Conservative Party). But quite separate from all that, Bertha doesn’t attend the funeral. Remote and isolated from the hurly burly of the entire world, she lies on her sofa, in the beautifully restored house, admiring the fine view to the sea, and picks up a book. The End. I enjoyed reading Mrs Craddock but was aware of its numerous faults. For a start, there are several odd passages where Maugham is being ‘experimental’ (or giving in to contemporary literary fashion) but which really don’t come off. One of them occurs half way through, when Bertha, still in her infatuation stage, hears tell that Edward is a little injured, and goes off into a peculiar hallucination of him being brought in dead, her washing the corpse, lowering the coffin into the grave and her throwing herself on top of it, a bizarre stream-of-consciousness hallucination – at the end of which Edward walks in right as rain and wondering why she’s in such a state. The book is also heavily garlanded with over-ripe, purple prose passages describing the Kent countryside or the romantic air of Italy, which go on for pages. That said, the book has two obvious virtues or strengths: One is the effectiveness of the social comedy generated by the stiflingly conventional provincial society of Blackstable (the thinly disguised version of Whitstable where Maugham was himself brought up in the 1880s). The characterisation of the stiff local vicar, Mr Grove, his well-intentioned sister, the hearty doctor, the dashing local landowner Branderton, the chorus of snobbish local ladies led by Mrs Branderston, with Mrs Mayston Ryle and Mrs Molsons not far behind, the scenes involving this little community – are often very funny. The vicar’s sister, Miss Glover, is a particularly memorable character, all shiny stiff dress and sincere Christian sympathy. Maugham was always strong on social comedy, and strong on the subtleties and veiled malice of petty snobbery. It would later reappear in his feel for the thousand and one stupid restrictions on colonial life in the Far East, as described in his short stories of the 1920s. Another is Maugham’s knack for beginning or setting his stories in very mundane settings, and often mundane incidents, but from this base working up passages of tremendous emotional intensity which stay with the reader. Thus, for example, Bertha’s passionate lust and master-worship of Edward are described with real heat, as is her second great infatuation, the sensuality leading to inflamed lust for young Gerald. You can almost smell the sex. Unusual for its day. Similarly, Bertha’s anger when she realises that Edward doesn’t much care if she lives or dies or what she does, is vividly described and moving. And so, again, towards the end, is her prolonged mood of depression as she wanders down to the grey Kent sea and fantasises about drowning in it. So far so good. But whether all these passages really come together to form a convincing description of a plausible personality, such as literature is meant to, I’m not sure. I’m not sure and I’m also not sure if I’m qualified to judge. For a start, maybe only a woman reader or critic could really assess whether Bertha is a ‘realistic’ character. Who am I to say? Secondly, the novel covers a period from the 1880s to the end of the 1890s and… that was so long ago, so far away, in a kind of constipated rural Victorian society which is almost impossible for us to imagine, that I can’t see how any modern reader can make a just assessment of its veracity. What can be confidently made is the criticism that the number two figure in the story – Edward Craddock – never really comes alive. Tall, strong and good-humoured he remains throughout the novel – admittedly putting on weight and growing red-cheeked as the years pass – an unbendingly good, honest, efficient and utterly boring man, the straight man to Bertha’s fireworks display of emotions. Maybe it’s the failure to bring the man in this novel fully alive which has contributed to it being more or less forgotten. But what is good, I think, in the novel, is the slow, slow pace at which Maugham describes Bertha’s slow, slow, slow loss of her infatuation, then loss of her love, then her loss of respect for her husband. The book has to be long because its whole point is to describe the very gradual erosion of her love in great detail. In this respect, in the care with which Maugham has plotted the decay of passionate love, I think the novel works. Sex and lust Without much by way of introduction or preparation the book launches us straight into the flustered mind of twenty-one-year-old Bertha – living calmly and respectably with her aunt in the family home Court Leys – and her fiercely physical infatuation with the tall, strong, dark local farmer, Edward Craddock who is a tenant farmer on the Ley family land, at Bewlie’s Farm. He came nearer, a tall fellow of twenty-seven, massively set together, big boned, with long arms and legs, and a magnificent breadth of chest. Bertha recognised the costume that always pleased her, the knickerbockers and gaiters, the Norfolk-jacket of rough tweed, the white stock and the cap – all redolent of the country which for his sake she was beginning to love, and all vigorously masculine. Even the huge boots which covered his feet gave her by their very size a thrill of pleasure; their dimensions suggested a certain firmness of character, a masterfulness, which were intensely reassuring… His cheeks were flushed and his eyes glistened. His vitality was intense, shining out upon others with almost a material warmth. Although it’s hard for us now to imagine, a number of later writers, in the 1930s and 1940s, paid tribute to the way Maugham broke free of Victorian silence about sex, and wrote with a new openness and candour about passionate, physical love. This fierce physicality was there right from the start in Maugham’swork, in the powerful descriptions of Liza’s pulse racing and her body swooning against the tall, strong, masculine figure of Jim Blakeston in his first novel, Liza of Lambeth (1897) – and exactly the same thing is repeated here, as impressionable young Bertha thrills at the touch and swoons against the tall, strong, masculine figure of young Edward. When he put it round her shoulders, the touch of his hands made her lose the little self-control she had left. A curious spasm passed through her, and she pressed herself closer to him; at the same time his hands sank down, dropping the cloak, and encircled her waist. Then she surrendered herself entirely to his embrace and lifted her face to his. He bent down and kissed her. The kiss was such utter madness that she almost groaned. She could not tell if it was pain or pleasure. She flung her arms round his neck and drew him to her. When at last he bade her good-bye and shook hands, she blushed again; she was extraordinarily troubled, and as, with his rising, the strong masculine odour of the countryside reached her nostrils, her head whirled. In a field she saw him, directing some operation. She trembled at the sight, her heart beat very quickly; and when, seeing her, he came forward with a greeting, she turned red and then white in the most compromising fashion. But he was very handsome as, with easy gait, he sauntered to the hedge; above all he was manly, and the pleasing thought passed through Bertha that his strength must be quite herculean. She barely concealed her admiration. ‘I’m rather frightened of you, sometimes,’ she said, laughing. ‘You’re so strong. I feel so utterly weak and helpless beside you.’ ‘Are you afraid I shall beat you?’ She looked up at him and then down at the strong hands. ‘I don’t think I should mind if you did. I think I should only love you more.’ ‘Let me look at your hands,’ she said. She loved them too. They were large and roughly made, hard with work and exposure, ten times pleasanter, she thought, than the soft hands of the townsman… She stretched out the long, strong fingers. Craddock, knowing her very little, looked with wonder and amusement. She caught his glance, and with a smile bent down to kiss the upturned palms. She wanted to abase herself before the strong man, to be low and humble before him. She would have been his handmaiden, and nothing could have satisfied her so much as to perform for him the most menial services. She knew not how to show the immensity of her passion. It’s a commonplace enough word but in Maugham’s hands the word ‘thrill’, more nakedly than in other writers of the time, describes the physical impact of sexual arousal and lust. Even the huge boots which covered his feet gave her by their very size a thrill of pleasure… Craddock blushed. Bertha noticed it, and a strange little thrill went through her… He took her hand and the contact thrilled her; her knees were giving way, and she almost tottered. His letters had caused her an indescribable thrill, the mere sight of his handwriting had made her tremble, and she wanted to see him; she woke up at night with his kisses on her lips. It gave her a queer thrill to see him turn white when she held his hand, to see him tremble when she leaned on his arm. It’s a striking paradox that such an externally polite, formal, correctly dressed, well-mannered and self-contained man as Maugham wrote so obsessively and fiercely, throughout his career, of complete sexual abandonment and the heart-stopping power of sheer physical lust. Never before had she experienced that utter weakness of the knees so that she feared to fall; her breathing was strangely oppressive, and her heart beat almost painfully. And the candid way he describes the wish to be mastered, dominated, controlled, owned and directed by a powerful strong man. For the moment Bertha forgot her wayward nature, and wished suddenly to subject herself to his strong guidance. His very strength made her feel curiously weak. ‘Shut your eyes,’ she whispered, and she kissed the closed lids; she passed her lips slowly over his lips, and the soft contact made her shudder and laugh. She buried her face in his clothes, inhaling those masterful scents of the countryside which had always fascinated her. Later in the book, the same thing happens all over again when she becomes infatuated with Gerald. In the course of that affair there takes place something you don’t usually read about at the period, which is the clearly defined moment when Bertha decides to have sex with Gerald, to give him the great gift of her body, to make their union unique and unforgettable. You can almost smell the pheromones radiating off the page as Bertha pursues Gerald across London, tracking him down to her aunt’s house, her aunt goes out and they are on the verge of doing something unforgiveable according to Victorian custom (Bertha was still a married woman and keeps telling us that Gerald is almost young enough to be her son) when… there’s a knock at the door and Aunt Mary reappears in the nick of time! Still. The description of Bertha’s heat and arousal as` she gets so close to her goal is almost pornographic in its blood-heating intensity. Later, in the 1920s, Maugham met D.H. Lawrence (but then, he met everyone) although they didn’t hit it off. From the limited knowledge I have, I can’t help thinking that this story about a passionate young woman’s lust for a farmer prefigures Lawrence’s novels of love among the haystacks, and I wonder what the younger man thought of the trail Maugham had blazed with his shocking-for-their-time descriptions. The battle of the sexes Arguably the central subject of ‘the novel’ since its birth has been the battle of the sexes – to be precise the struggle to find and keep the perfect partner. The English novel starts in 1748 with Samuel Richardson’s Pamela, a 500-page battle between a man who wants to ravish his servant girl (Pamela) and the said servant girl who insists that they are married before he takes her ‘virtue’. And the rest of ‘serious’ fiction continued to be centred on this theme for at least 150 years – the sly marriage markets of Jane Austen, the earnest character studies of George Eliot, in the American ladies in Europe of Henry James and the Golden Age snobbery of Edith Wharton, through the endless sex war in D.H. Lawrence, eachoed in the love comedies of H.G. Wells or Aldous Huxley, and so on. Literature which doesn’t address the problem of finding the right partner, and holding onto them i.e. of marriage and adultery, tends not to be thought central to the Great Tradition of the English Novel. Thus ‘serious’ literary critics for a long time refused to admit Sterne, Dickens or Conrad to the ‘canon’. Love, marriage, infidelity, these are the topics which fill vast warehouses of ‘serious’ literature. Madame Bovary. Anna Karenina. Mrs Craddock is smack bang in the middle of that tradition for which marriage is the sole interest of human life and, in particular, unhappy marriage. Unhappy, mismatched and ill-fated love turned out to be the central theme of Maugham’s long career. And Mrs Craddock amounts to an extended early exploration of this theme. Maugham and women And at the heart of these mismatched marriages is the women. Maugham throughout his long career had a special sympathy with women. Take imaginative, free-spirited, if naive, Kitty Garstin getting bored of her dull husband in The Painted Veil. Or Mary Panton, unsuitably married to an alcoholic gambler in Up At the Villa and then seriously considering a second (and obviously foolish) marriage to an eminent diplomat twice her age. Or Julia Lambert, famous actress throwing herself away on a worthless young cad in Theatre. Or Liza giving her heart and body to rascally Jim Blakeston instead of decent loyal Tom in Liza of Lambeth. Mismatches, all of them. And women all at the centre of the stories. In Maugham’s theatrical comedies of manners, there is also a wide array of interesting women characters. There are old and amusingly cynical women (Lady Grayson in Our Betters), younger, powerful women (Constance Middleton in The Constant Woman) and mature, tragic women (Mrs. Tabret in The Sacred Flame). It is the women, and their often painful emotional journeys, who stick in the reader’s imagination, while the callow young men in these plays are often only dramatic ciphers. Maugham’s subject is the eternal erring of the human heart, but it is nearly always a woman’s heart which is described, and felt, with greatest intensity. The New Woman As if the marriage theme wasn’t already central enough in the literary tradition, the 1890s saw a particular interest in the role and experience of women in contemporary society. It was the era of ‘the New Woman’, and a flurry of novels were published examining the issue of women in society, with narratives and characters being created to explore the rights and wrongs of women. The term ‘New Woman’ was popularized by British-American writer Henry James, who used it to describe the growth in the number of feminist, educated, independent career women in Europe and the United States. Independence was not simply a matter of the mind: it also involved physical changes in activity and dress, as activities such as bicycling expanded women’s ability to engage with a broader more active world. The New Woman pushed the limits set by a male-dominated society, especially as modeled in the plays of Norwegian Henrik Ibsen (1828–1906). (Wikipedia) The New Woman was in all the papers, in magazines, in articles, on the stage, discussed in Parliament, aired in a thousand short stories and novels. It even percolated through to the provincial backwater of Blackstable where Mrs Craddock is set, and where clever, cosmopolitan Miss Ley enjoys teasing the hide-bound locals. ‘Which do you think is the predominant partner?’ she asked, smiling drily [referring to Edward and Bertha]. ‘The man, as he should be,’ gruffly replied the doctor. ‘Do you think he has more brains?’ ‘Ah, you’re a feminist,’ said Dr. Ramsay, with great scorn. Striking that old fuddy-duddy Dr Ramsay knows what a feminist is and uses the term ‘feminist’ in a story set in the 1880s. Amazing that women were arguing with men about the role of women, and both able to joke and josh about it, some 130 years ago. In that 130 years hundreds of novels, plays, films, thousands of factual books and hundreds of thousands of articles have been written about the New Woman, about feminism, women’s liberation and #metoo. Quite clearly it is an issue, a real and enormous issue – but one like homelessness and poverty and managing the economy and the North-South divide and how to run the railways, which every generation of intellectuals thinks it has discovered, discusses to death, but which is, somehow, never finally solved. Boldness about marriage I mentioned Maugham’s surprising candour in describing the physical characteristics of lust. He makes at least one of his characters be just as scandalously blunt about the broader realities of sex and reproduction. It is Bertha’s aunt, Miss Ley, who is given a speech impatiently telling the dry-as-dust Miss Glover, the vicar’s sister, that the basis of marriage is biological reproduction and nothing more. ‘Yes, I know what you all think in England,’ said Miss Ley, catching the glance and its meaning. ‘You expect people to marry from every reason except the proper, one – and that is the instinct of reproduction.’ ‘Miss Ley!’ exclaimed Miss Glover, blushing. ‘Oh, you’re old enough to take a sensible view of the, matter,’ answered Miss Ley, somewhat brutally. ‘Bertha is merely the female attracted to the male, and that is the only decent foundation of marriage – the other way seems to me merely horrid. And what does it matter if the man is not of the same station, the instinct has nothing to do with the walk in life; if I’d ever been in love I shouldn’t have cared if it was a pot-boy, I’d have married him – if he asked me.’ ‘Well, upon my word!’ said the doctor. But Miss Ley was roused now, and interrupted him: ‘The particular function of a woman is to propagate her species; and if she’s wise she’ll choose a strong and healthy man to be the father of her children. I have no patience with those women who marry a man because he’s got brains. What is the good of a husband who can make abstruse mathematical calculations? A woman wants a man with strong arms and the digestion of an ox.’ ‘Miss Ley,’ broke in Miss Glover, ‘I’m not clever enough to argue with you, but I know you’re wrong. I don’t think I am right to listen to you; I’m sure Charles wouldn’t like it.’ ‘My dear, you’ve been brought up like the majority of English girls – that is, like a fool.’ Poor Miss Glover blushed. ‘At all events I’ve been brought up to regard marriage as a holy institution. We’re here upon earth to mortify the flesh, not to indulge it. I hope I shall never be tempted to think of such matters in the way you’ve suggested. If ever I marry I know that nothing will be further from me than carnal thoughts. I look upon marriage as a spiritual union in which it is my duty to love, honour, and obey my husband, to assist and sustain him, to live with him such a life that when the end comes we may be prepared for it.’ ‘Fiddlesticks!’ said Miss Ley. As with his hot-blooded descriptions of lust, Maugham’s correlation of human reproduction with animal reproduction i.e. as an animal instinct devoid of all moral or religious meaning, strikes me as definitely anticipating D.H. Lawrence. Boldness about religion And the same goes for his treatment of traditional religion. After his parents died, Maugham was brought up an orphan in the home of his father’s brother, the unimaginative vicar of Whitstable in the 1880s (hence the accuracy of the social comedy of provincial Kentish society in this novel). Sometime in his student years, Maugham’s Christian faith just melted away and he experienced a tremendous sense of liberation, liberation (as Selina Hastings’s fabulous biography of Maugham makes crystal clear) to have sex with whoever he wanted, male or female. Accompanying Miss Ley’s blunt truth-telling about sex, there is a similar passage in which Bertha brutally attacks the Christian faith. Devout, tightly-laced Miss Glover, the vicar’s spinster sister, has come to ‘comfort’ Bertha after she’s lost her baby in childbirth. Bertha demurs. ‘Oh, Bertha, you’re not taking it in the proper spirit – you’re so rebellious, and it’s wrong, it’s utterly wrong.’ ‘I can only think of my baby,’ said Bertha, hoarsely. ‘Why don’t you pray to God, dear – shall I offer a short prayer now, Bertha?’ ‘No, I don’t want to pray to God – He’s either impotent or cruel.’ ‘Bertha,’ cried Miss Glover. ‘You don’t know what you’re saying. Oh, pray to God to melt your stubbornness; pray to God to forgive you.’ ‘I don’t want to be forgiven. I’ve done nothing that needs it. It’s God who needs my forgiveness – not I His.’ The attack continues later, when Miss Glover returns with the vicar as back-up. Bertha initially starts off meekly reading the Prayer Book with them, but then breaks down: ‘I have no wish to “give hearty thanks unto God,”‘ she said, looking almost fiercely at the worthy pair. ‘I’m very sorry to offend your prejudices, but it seems to me absurd that I should prostrate myself in gratitude to God.’ ‘Oh, Mrs. Craddock, I trust you don’t mean what you say,’ said the Vicar. ‘This is what I told you, Charles,’ said Miss Glover. ‘I don’t think Bertha is well, but still this seems to me dreadfully wicked.’ Bertha frowned, finding it difficult to repress the sarcasm which rose to her lips; her forbearance was sorely tried. But Mr. Glover was a little undecided. ‘We must be as thankful to God for the afflictions He sends as for the benefits,’ he said at last. ‘I am not a worm to crawl upon the ground and give thanks to the foot that crushes me.’ ‘I think that is blasphemous, Bertha,’ said Miss Glover. ‘Oh, I have no patience with you, Fanny,’ said Bertha, raising herself, a flush lighting up her face. ‘Can you realise what I’ve gone through, the terrible pain of it? Oh, it was too awful. Even now when I think of it I almost scream.’ ‘It is by suffering that we rise to our higher self,’ said Miss Glover. ‘Suffering is a fire that burns away the grossness of our material natures.’ ‘What rubbish you talk,’ cried Bertha, passionately. ‘You can say that when you’ve never suffered. People say that suffering ennobles one; it’s a lie, it only makes one brutal…. But I would have borne it – for the sake of my child. It was all useless – utterly useless. Dr. Ramsay told me the child had been dead the whole time. Oh, if God made me suffer like that, it’s infamous. I wonder you’re not ashamed to put it down to God. How can you imagine Him to be so stupid, so cruel! Why, even the vilest beast in the slums wouldn’t cause a woman such frightful and useless agony for the mere pleasure of it.’ This powerful scene should take its place in any anthology describing the collapse of Christian belief in the later 19th century. What with the Darwinian view of human reproduction, this forthright atheism, and the implicit theme of the New Woman throughout the novel, along with the numerous natural descriptions which I’ve mentioned, Maugham was clearly making an effort to write a Big Serious Novel tackling some of the fashionable Issues of the Day. It doesn’t work because the central characters aren’t, in the end, really believable enough to support the great weight placed on them. But it’s a valiant attempt. Miss Ley All this is to overlook the third major character in the story who is, on one reading, arguably its most successful character – Bertha’s Aunt Mary, or Miss Ley as she’s referred to. In the opening scenes of the novel, Bertha is still living under Miss Ley’s guardianship, we see them often together, and so she is one of the first characters we get to know and like. Although she then disappears from view for the long stretches which describe Bertha and Edward’s marriage, whenever Miss Ley does reappear – when Bertha goes to stay with her for a short break, and then runs away with her to the continent, and in the prolonged sequence when Bertha is staying with Miss Ley while she has her almost-affair with young Gerald – she was greeted with cheers from this reader. Why? Because she is drily, quietly funny. Miss Ley sat on the sofa by the fireside, a woman of middle-size, very slight, with a thin and much wrinkled face. Of her features the mouth was the most noticeable, not large, with lips that were a little too thin; it was always so tightly compressed as to give her an air of great determination, but there was about the corners an expressive mobility, contradicting in rather an unusual manner the inferences which might be drawn from the rest of her person. She had a habit of fixing her cold eyes on people with a steadiness that was not a little embarrassing. They said Miss Ley looked as if she thought them great fools, and as a matter of fact that usually was her precise opinion. Her thin grey hair was very plainly done; and the extreme simplicity of her costume gave a certain primness, so that her favourite method of saying rather absurd things in the gravest and most decorous manner often disconcerted the casual stranger. ‘Saying rather absurd things in the gravest and most decorous manner’. Miss Ley emerges as the vehicle for the best of the book’s sub-Jane Austen sly wit, acting – especially in the first half – as the tart and comic centre of the novel, as drily cynical and Bertha is passionately romantic. Humanity, Miss Ley took to be a small circle of persons, mostly feminine, middle-aged, unattached, and of independent means, who travelled on the continent, read good literature and abhorred the vast majority of their fellow-creatures. She asked politely after [the doctor]’s wife, to whom she secretly objected for her meek submission to the doctor. Miss Ley made a practice of avoiding those women who had turned themselves into mere shadows of their lords, more especially when their conversation was of household affairs. [Miss Ley] had already come to the conclusion that he [Craddock] was a man likely to say on a given occasion the sort of thing which might be expected; and that, in her eyes, was a hideous crime. Miss Ley was anxious that no altercation should disturb the polite discomfort of the meeting. Miss Ley revels in the embarrassment of other people, especially the uptight, narrow-minded provincials around her. She spends as much time as she can in London, and even more abroad in Italy (in another anticipation of a more famous novelist, this time E.M. Foster with his nice-girls-and-their-aunts-in-Italy stories). Whenever Miss Lay arrives back in Kent it is hilarious to watch the locals being affronted and outraged and shocked and tutting and twitching the curtains, under fire from Miss Ley’s dry wit and through Miss Ley’s quiet, sardonic gaze. And she is not only an appealing character in her own right. But at a number of key moments (throughout Bertha’s early infatuation with Edward, then slyly noticing her loss of faith in her husband, and then throughout the Gerald affair) Miss Ley’s role as onlooker and chorus to the main action pushes her closer to the reader’s perspective. It is as if she was standing next to us in the wings of a theatre, muttering an ironic commentary as we both watch the overwrought romantic heroine fainting and weeping and panting with passion. Moreover, Miss Ley gets most of the book’s one-liners. Much of the dialogue of Mrs Craddock contains the sub-Wildean cynical wit which was to characterise Maugham’s later string of extremely successful plays, such Oscarisms as: ‘Marriage is always a hopeless idiocy for a woman who has enough money of her own to live upon.’ ‘Marriage is an institution of the Church, Miss Ley,’ replied Miss Glover, rather severely. ‘Is it?’ retorted Miss Ley. ‘I always thought it was an arrangement to provide work for the judges in the Divorce Court.’ ‘Mr. Branderton has been to Eton and Oxford, but he conceals the fact with great success.’ ‘My dear Dr. Ramsay, I have trouble enough in arranging my own life; do not ask me to interfere with other people’s.’ It is madness for a happy pair to pretend to have no secrets from one another: it leads them into so much deception. ‘I make a point of thinking with the majority – it’s the only way to get a reputation for wisdom.’ ‘You wouldn’t rob us of our generals,’ said Miss Ley. ‘They’re so useful at tea-parties.’ And the fact that almost all of these lines are given to Miss Ley, and that she emerges as in many ways the most loveable character, explains why Maugham begins the book with a dedication – more precisely, a mock ‘Epistle Dedicatory’ – to her. He obviously liked her best of all the characters in the book, and she is the only one you would want to meet. A tiny Marxist comment Having just been to an extensive feminist art exhibition, and read numerous articles about the Judge Kavanaugh affair, and read some feminist articles about Maugham and Women and, given that Bertha is quite clearly a heroine who traditional feminist criticism would see as the oppressed, repressed, stifled, stymied victim of the Patriarchy – it is worth pointing out that Bertha never does a day’s work in her life. Bertha lives her entire life off the labour of the workers on her father’s farms and estates, as does Miss Ley. Both women live lives full of books and art and travel and galleries and fine feelings, their meals are cooked and served and cleared away by nameless faceless servants (we never learn the names of any of the Craddocks’ household servants or farm workers), their rooms are cleaned, their laundry is washed, trains run for them, boats sail for them, galleries open for them – without them ever lifting a finger to earn it. They belong to the rentier class. They are social parasites. Edward works hard and is efficient and effective at transforming the fortunes of the Ley estate, at managing its livestock and agriculture, and joins local bodies like the parish council and freemasons, which he also runs with exemplary honesty and thoroughness. And for this – he is bitterly mocked by his wife: Bertha soon found that her husband’s mind was not only commonplace, but common. His ignorance no longer seemed touching, but merely shameful; his prejudices no longer amusing but contemptible. She was indignant at having humbled herself so abjectly before a man of such narrowness of mind, of such insignificant character. She could not conceive how she had ever passionately loved him. He was bound in by the stupidest routine. It irritated her beyond measure to see the regularity with which he went through the varying processes of his toilet. She was indignant with his presumption, and self-satisfaction, and conscious rectitude. Edward’s taste was contemptible in books, in pictures, and in music; and his pretentions to judge upon such matters filled Bertha with scorn. Books, art and music – that is how Bertha judges people, not for their character or dutifulness or patriotism or hard work. All these are rather ridiculous qualities in her eyes. This scorn is echoed by young Gerald, himself the wastrel son of rich parents, who was kicked out of public school and has got his family’s housemaid pregnant. On one occasion Edward comes up to see his wife during her stay with Miss Ley. After he has left, Gerald, the good-for-nothing idler, mocks solid, efficient, patriotic Edward Craddock to Miss Ley, who feebly defends him: ‘His locks are somewhat scanty but he has a strong sense of duty.’ ‘I know that,’ shouted Gerald. ‘It oozes out of him whenever he gets hot, just like gum.’ This, one cannot help thinking, is all too often the attitude of high-minded writers and artists – regardless of gender or race – to the actual, physical, hard, demanding labour of making and maintaining the world; the smug condescension of the bookish toward those who do the daily necessary labour which makes their luxurious lives of fine feelings and deep thoughts and carefree travel possible. Maugham pours so much feeling and sentiment and imagination and sympathy into hundreds of pages describing Bertha’s feelings and passions and thoughts and worries and fears and disillusion and unhappiness and despair – that it is easy to forget that she is a leech. Plus ça change Reading older literature, I am continually struck at the way that things which bothered the late-Victorians are still bothering us now. The status, roles and rights of women were exercising many of their best minds. Same now. And so was the problem of the poor, the homeless, and the huge inequalities in society. Same now. But there are other, lesser issues, too, which made me think that some things really never change. Railways For example, it was only last week that we were hearing about the Labour Party’s plans to renationalise the railways because, in private hands, the level of service given by the railways is shocking, and all the money they raise seems to end up as massive dividends for their shareholders. Well, here is what Maugham thought about British railways in 1902. Though it was less than thirty miles from Dover to Blackstable the communications were so bad that it was necessary to wait for hours at the port, or take the boat-train to London and then come sixty miles down again. Bertha was exasperated at the delay, forgetting that she was now (thank Heaven!) in a free country, where the railways were not run for the convenience of passengers, but the passengers necessary evils to create dividends for an ill-managed company. (Chapter 23) Brexit There’s a passage designed to contrast Edward’s narrow-minded Little Englandism and his simple patriotism with Bertha’s cultured cosmopolitanism and loathing of patriotic symbols (in this case, jingoistic late-Victorian music) which anticipates a lot of the rhetoric of Brexit. Manly if thick Edward is talking: ‘I don’t mind confessing that I can’t stand all this foreign music. What I say to Bertha is – why can’t you play English stuff?’ ‘If you must play at all,’ interposed his wife. ‘After all’s said and done The Blue Bells of Scotland has got a tune about it that a fellow can get his teeth into.’ ‘You see, there’s the difference,’ said Bertha, strumming a few bars of Rule Britannia, ‘it sets mine on edge.’ ‘Well, I’m patriotic,’ retorted Edward. ‘I like the good, honest, homely English airs. I like ’em because they’re English. I’m not ashamed to say that for me the best piece of music that’s ever been written is God Save the Queen.’ ‘Which was written by a German, dear Edward,’ said Miss Ley, smiling. ‘That’s as it may be,’ said Edward, unabashed, ‘but the sentiment’s English and that’s all I care about.’ ‘Hear! hear!’ cried Bertha. ‘I believe Edward has aspirations towards a political career. I know I shall finish up as the wife of the local M.P.’ ‘I’m patriotic,’ said Edward, ‘and I’m not ashamed to confess it.’ ‘Rule Britannia,’ sang Bertha, ‘Britannia rules the waves, Britons never, never shall be slaves. Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay! Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay!’ ‘It’s the same everywhere now,’ proceeded the orator. ‘We’re choke full of foreigners and their goods. I think it’s scandalous. English music isn’t good enough for you – you get it from France and Germany. Where do you get your butter from? Brittany! Where d’you get your meat from? New Zealand!’ This he said with great scorn, and Bertha punctuated the observation with a resounding chord. ‘And as far as the butter goes, it isn’t butter – it’s margarine. Where does your bread come from? America. Your vegetables from Jersey.’ ‘Your fish from the sea,’ interposed Bertha. ‘And so it is all along the line – the British farmer hasn’t got a chance!’ (Chapter 12) Or again, Edward stoutly declares: ‘I’m quite content to be as I am, and I don’t want to know a single foreign language. English is quite good enough for me…. I think English people ought to stick to their own country. I don’t pretend to have read any French books, but I’ve never heard anybody deny, that at all events the great majority are indecent, and not the sort of thing a woman should read… What we want now is purity and reconstitution of the national life. I’m in favour of English morals, and English homes, English mothers, and English habits.’ Cosmopolitan contempt for Britain The cosmopolitan Miss Ley thinks there is something intrinsically pathetic about the English. ‘You’ve never had a London season, have you? On the whole I think it’s amusing: the opera is very good and sometimes you see people who are quite well dressed.’ To this day there is a broad streak of intellectual literary life which despises the English and worships the literature, climate, fashion and landscape of France or Italy. Tourism When I went to Barcelona recently I couldn’t miss the graffiti everywhere telling tourists to go home and stop ruining their city. I’ve since read articles about other tourist destinations which are struggling to cope with the number of visitors. Back in 1902 Miss Ley shared this feeling that tourism was ruining everywhere, in this case Paris: We have here a very nice apartment, in the Latin Quarter, away from the rich people and the tourists. I do not know which is more vulgar, the average tripper or the part of Paris which he infests: I must say they become one another to a nicety. I loathe the shoddiness of the boulevards, with their gaudy cafés over-gilt and over-sumptuous, and their crowds of ill-dressed foreigners. But if you come I can show you a different Paris – a restful and old-fashioned Paris, theatres to which tourists do not go; gardens full of pretty children and nursemaids with long ribbons to their caps. I can take you down innumerable grey streets with funny shops, in old churches where you see people actually praying; and it is all very quiet and calming to the nerves. And I can take you to the Louvre at hours when there are few visitors… Infest! She says tourists infest parts of Paris. If she had been describing immigrants, the book would be banned. Politicians are idiots In a funny scene Edward stands for election to the local council and makes a speech riddled with pompous expressions, bad jokes, stories which disappointingly taper off, but still manages to end with rousingly jingoistic rhetoric. Bertha is more ashamed and embarrassed than she’s ever been in her life by its simple-minded idiocy. But the speech is greeted with wild applause and Edward is elected by a landslide. People, Bertha concludes, are idiots. And the biggest idiots of all are running the country. There is nothing so difficult as to persuade men that they are not omniscient. Bertha, exaggerating the seriousness of the affair, thought it charlatanry [of Edward] to undertake a post without knowledge and without capacity. Fortunately that is not the opinion of the majority, or the government of this enlightened country could not proceed. Throughout the book the reader finds the same tone, and the same arguments, applied to the same ‘issues’ that we are still discussing and arguing about, 120 years later. Many superficial details change – but arguments about the rights of women, the idiocy of politicians, the rubbish train system, the philistine patriotism and the snooty snobbery of the book and art world – all of this remains the same as ever. Mrs Craddock online by Simon on October 9, 2018 • Permalink Posted in literature, Novel Tagged 1897, 1902, Aldous Huxley, Anna Karenina, Aunt Mary, Bertha Leys, Bewlie's Farm, Blackstable, Branderton, Brexit, Christianity, Constance Middleton, Court Leys, D.H. Lawrence, David Lodge, Edith Wharton, Edward Craddock, fiction, George Eliot, Gerald Vaudrey, H.G. Wells, Henry James, Howard Jacobson, Ibsen, Italy, Jane Austen, Jim Blakeston, Kent, Kingsley Amis, Kitty Gartsin, Lady Frederick, Lady Grayson, late-Victorian, literature, Liza of Lambeth, Madame Bovary, marriage, Marxism, Mary Panton, Maugham, Miss Glover, Mrs Craddock, Mrs Tabret, New Woman, novel, Oscar Wilde, Paris, Samuel Richardson, Selina Hastings, sex, social comedy, Somerset Maugham Posted by Simon on October 9, 2018 https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2018/10/09/mrs-craddock-somerset-maugham/ Wandsworth Prison Museum Wandsworth Prison was opened in 1851. It is an all-male prison and can currently hold 1,628 prisoners, making it one of the largest prisons in Western Europe. You can only visit the prison itself if you have professional credentials or official business, but out in the forecourt of the prison is what is basically a large garden shed which turns out to be the Prison Museum. This you can visit by appointment or on the occasional open day. Over the weekend of 2-3 June it was open to the public, so I went along. Although small, the museum contains over 400 separate items, packed, hung, arranged and displayed densely together to make a kind of Aladdin’s cave of memorabilia, ephemera, all sorts of documents, old photographs, prison equipment, warders’ uniforms and much much more, all with informative and interesting labels which shed light on the history of Wandsworth Prison in particular and, by extension, on the broader development and evolution of British prisons as a whole. Bird’s eye view of the Surrey House of Correction, as it was known when it opened in 1851 The free handout gives a useful overview so I’ll quote it verbatim: Wandsworth Prison was opened in 1851 as the Surrey House of Correction at Wandsworth. it was owned and run by the County of Surrey until 1978 when the prison was nationalised and became Her Majesty’s Prison, Wandsworth. The prison opened with both male and female prisoners. An original signature piece by the architect, D.R. Hill, a cast iron pillar with the maker’s name plate from the pump house and a letter to Parliament from the first Governor, Richard Onslow, covers the early period of the prison. The First World War is covered with stories of military prisoners, conscientious objectors, spies, Irishmen of the Easter rebellion, their offences and treatment by the authorities. The Second World War includes the bombing of the prison, rocket attack, the formation of the Prison Officers Association, spies, traitors and their executions. The conditions for the staff and their duties, including those called up for military service, especially the Deputy-Governor (later Governor) E.J. Paton-Walsh, who attended the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials. Notable prisoners have included the playwright Oscar Wilde (held at Wandsworth for five months before being transferred to Reading Gaol), James Earl Ray, the assassin of the U.S. civil rights leader, Dr Martin Luther King Jr. The prison was also the location of the escape of the Great Train Robber, Ronnie Biggs, in 1965. Other prisoners have included Train Robber Bruce Reynolds, Reggie Kray, Eddie Richardson and Frankie Fraser. Events such as the band Hawkwind playing a concert in the 1970s and a visit by musician Elton John are also illustrated with items on display. The prison was the last to have an operational gallows that had been installed in 1878, re-built, located in three places and finally removed in 1993. An execution box, No.8, is on display and it contains original items including an execution rope. Details of executions including those of Jack the Ripper suspect, George Chapman, William Joyce (Lord Haw Haw), the last man executed for treason, and John Haigh, the ‘Acid Bath Murderer’, are on display. The last execution at the prison (and in London) was in 1961. Random highlights There is a chronological order of sorts to the exhibits, but part of the pleasure of the place is the sense of unexpected juxtapositions, strange displays, odd stories, surprising objects and the general air of a Curiosity Shop of wonders. Wandsworth was the site of 135 executions, between 1878 and 1961. This is an execution box containing some of the equipment required to set up a working gallows. Execution box Taking up one corners is a gallows frame complete with rope and tackle. In the background are photos of Albert Pierrepoint, Britain’s last executioner (behind the rope on the right) and, obscured by the chain in the middle, Pierrepoint’s death mask. The heavy chain suspended from the crossbeam was used to adjust the length of drop given to a prisoner during judicial hanging. The test bag at the bottom was filled with sand to the same weight as the prisoner, and used in pre-hanging tests to ensure the strength of the rope, the gallows trapdoor, and the cross-beam. The two single ropes with knots in were positioned so to allow prison officers to steady themselves while standing on plank bridges over the ‘drop’ during the execution. Gallows, chain and ropes Photo of the hanging room. The execution room An edition of the Illustrated London news showing the execution of Kate Webster in 1879, the only woman ever executed at the prison. She had been found guilty of the murder of her elderly employer, Julia Thomas, in Richmond. The hanging of Kate Webster, 1879 British citizen William Joyce, known because of his radio broadcasts from Nazi Germany as ‘Lord Haw Haw’, was the last person to be executed in Britain for High Treason. The sentence was carried out at Wandsworth Prison on 3 January 1946. William Joyce aka Lord Haw Haw in the custody of British troops at the end of World War Two This is a photo of anti-capital punishment campaigner Violet van der Elst, outside the prison in 1935, protesting the execution of Percy Anderson. Van der Elst used up her personal fortune campaigning to end capital punishment, and lived long enough to see it finally abolished in 1965. The photo is crying out for a humorous caption in the style of a Private Eye front cover. ‘Oh not ‘er again. She’s always hangin’ round here.’ Anti-capital punishment campaigner, Violet van der Elst, outside Wandsworth Prison, 1935 There were other forms of physical punishment than execution. This is a photo of the last corporal punishment frame at Wandsworth Prison, with the punishment position being demonstrated. Corporal punishment by either birch rod or cat o’ nine tails whip was a court punishment until 1948 and remained a prison punishment until 1967 when it was abolished under the Criminal Justice Act of that year. Its last use in Wandsworth Prison was in 1961. The corporal punishment frame at Wandsworth prison There’s lots to be shocked and outraged by here, if you’re of that turn of mind, starting with capital punishment itself and going on to deplore the whole concept of ‘hard labour’, explained here with a number of contemporary illustrations. There are tales of miscarriages of justice and some horrible examples of the very harsh punishment meted out, as so often, to the poor and hungry and uneducated. For example, the case of Robert Davey, aged ten and sentenced to three months in Wandsworth for stealing rabbits, in 1874. Photo of ten-year-old convict, Robert Davey All this I sort of expected. But one of the things that genuinely surprised me was the revelation of how much of the Victorian infrastructure of the prison endured right down almost to the present day. The very hospitable and informative curator of the museum (himself a prison officer) explained that after the Second World War Britain was bankrupt and forced to continue with its ageing infrastructure of Victorian prisons, despite calls to rebuild them all. Then decade after decade went by with one Home Secretary after another continually putting off the enormous cost of rebuilding Britain’s prisons, with the result that many of the older ones, especially in London, continued to contain fixtures and fittings dating from their Victorian origins. The blue door in the photo below, for example, is Victorian and was painted, repainted and painted again with shiny prison blue, managing to serve its function as a cell door until it was finally replaced in the 2010s. The 2010s! (Next to it is a mannequin wearing prisoner issue denim jacket and blue striped shirt, a style introduced in the late 1970s, familiar to those of us brought up on the TV sitcom Porridge.) Prison door and prison uniform This is a cell card and prisoner information card holder of a design which also dates from the Victorian era, and was still in use as recently as the 1990s. The 1990s! Prisoner information card holder This is a blank escaped prisoner reward sheet. Probably the most famous escapee from Wandsworth was Ronald Biggs who escaped by scaling the wall with a rope ladder and dropping onto a waiting removal van. I wonder how much reward was offered for information leading to his arrest. This blank form from the Victorian era is offering a generous £5. Escaped prisoner reward sheet In 1932 the Governor of the day, Lieutenant Colonel Rich, invited the film star Charlie Chaplin to visit the prison. Chaplin was given a tour of the prison, including the still-working gallows on F wing. Chaplin had briefly known Jack the Ripper suspect George Chapman, from his boyhood days in Southwark. Documentation surrounding Charlie Chaplin’s visit to the prison in 1931 James Earl Ray was accused of being the assassin of the Reverend Martin Luther King Junior, shot dead on 4 April 1968. Immediately after the assassination, Ray fled to Canada, then used a fake passport to travel on to Portugal and, finally, to England. Two months after the assassination he was arrested at Heathrow airport attempting to use a forged Canadian passport to board a flight to Belgium. He was held in Wandsworth prison while arrangements were made to have him extradited back to the US. During this remand period, Ray’s lawyer arranged a plea bargain where, in exchange for pleading guilty, he would avoid the usual sentence for murder, at that time, execution by electrocution – the electric chair. So Ray was extradited, convicted and sentenced to 99 years in prison without a trial and without the evidence against him being tested in court. Soon afterwards he changed his plea, and then spent the rest of his life (until 1998) trying to prove his innocence and that the murder had been the act of a widespread conspiracy. Mugshot of James Earl Ray, on remand in Wandsworth prison This is the view from a gallery of the central atrium of the prison at the centre of its famous radial design. On the right, on the ground floor against a wall, is the old wooden ‘central desk’, which is now in the museum. The main prison centre Prisoner food tray and cutlery. Prison tray and cutlery Prison issue shaving kit. Prison issue toilet kit Implements of restraint – handcuffs, belt, a whistle etc. Handcuffs and other instruments of restraint Prison officers’ equipment, including truncheons and radios. Prison officer equipment Modern helmets: from left to right an officer cap with Senior Officer’s badge (1990s), a Control and Restraint helmet (1990s), and an Officer issue baseball cap (2000s). Prison officer helmets I always imagined prisoners wearing jackets covered in arrows was a cartoon convention. Not so. Just such suits were worn until 1922. Apparently the idea stems from medieval heraldry where the image of the arrow denotes ‘government property’. It was conceived by Sir Edmund Du Cane in the 1870s after his appointment as Chairman of Convict Directors and Surveyor-General of Prisons. He intended the arrows to be a mark of shame and a hindrance to escape insofar as the characteristic outfit was immediately identifiable to anyone who saw an escaped convict. I was surprised to learn that the nails hammered into convicts’ boots were also arrow-shaped so that he left footprints in mud or sand which were also designed to show he was ‘government property’. A convict wearing the characteristic arrow uniform And, in amid the hundreds of factual artefacts and objects, what does it actually feel like to be locked away in prison for years? The museum has a number of examples of prisoner art, creative art, of course, being a technique increasingly used in prisoner rehabilitation. For me this work stood out, not for any technique or sophistication, but for its simple eloquence. It seemed, to me, to be saying ‘Help’. Prisoner artwork – Open hands, from the 2000s To find out more about the museum, correspondence should be directed to: c/o POA Office HMP Wandsworth Heathfield Road London SW18 3HS wandsworthprisonmuseum@hmps.gsi.gov.uk Wandsworth prison Wikipedia article Wandsworth Prison on the Ministry of Justice website Posted in Exhibition, History, Museum Tagged Albert Pierrepoint, Charlie Chaplin, Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Elton John, gallows, Hawkwind, Jack the Ripper, James Earl Ray, John Haigh, Kate Webster, Lord Haw Haw, Oscar Wilde, Reggie Kray, Robert Davey, Ronnie Biggs, Sir Edmund Du Cane, the Easter rebellion, the Second World War, the Surrey House of Correction, Violet van der Elst, Wandsworth Prison, Wandsworth Prison Museum, William Joyce https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2018/06/04/wandsworth-prison-museum/ Under Cover: A Secret History Of Cross-Dressers @ the Photographers’ Gallery The Photographer’s Gallery is a tall, narrow building on a corner of Ramillies Street (numbers 16-18, to be precise) just behind Oxford Street, a hundred yards east of Oxford Circus. It’s an enjoyable maze, with exhibition spaces on the 5th, 4th and 3rd floors, a café on the ground floor and a shop of photography books and film cameras in the basement. Under Cover: A Secret History Of Cross-Dressers I came to see the large exhibition of rare vintage photos of men and women cross-dressing, entitled Under Cover. The exhibition is drawn from the personal archives of French film-maker and photograph collector Sébastien Lifshitz. For over 20 years he’s been building up an extensive collection of amateur photographs from Europe and the US documenting the surprisingly widespread practice of adult cross-dressing. The very earliest photos are from the 1860s and the collection goes on through to the 1960s. Man in makeup wearing a ring. Photograph from a photo booth, with highlights of color. United States, circa 1920.© Sébastien Lifshitz Collection courtesy of Sébastien Lifshitz and The Photographers’ Gallery The photos are all ‘found’ – meaning none were commissioned or taken by Lifshitz, but are largely anonymous photos of unnamed and unknown figures which he has picked up at flea markets, garage sales, junk shops and on Ebay, among other non-specialist sources. As the exhibition introduction puts it: These photographs of men and women posing for the camera, using the clothes and gestures traditionally assigned to the ‘opposite sex’ offer a moving and candid view into the hidden worlds of countless individuals and groups who chose to ‘defy gender conventions.’ Lifshitz’s initial impulse was simply to document the act of cross-dressing, limiting his aim to accumulating photographs which showed men dressing as women and vice versa. But as the collection grew, he began to detect different themes among the images, themes which began to suggest more interesting ways of categorising and explaining cross-dressing culture. A group of twelve cross-dressing women in America, 1912 The historical prevalence of cross-dressing I’m not all that surprised that lots of men have enjoyed dressing up as women because I was raised on the TV sitcoms It Ain’t Half Hot, Mum, The Dick Emery Show and the Kenny Everett Show in which men routinely dressed up as women, albeit for comedic purposes. Drag queen Danny La Rue was all over the telly in my boyhood. He was awarded an OBE. Later on came the popular success of Lily Savage and the ongoing career of her creator, Paul O’Grady, who was awarded an MBE in 2008. Somewhere in between was Julian Clary who dresses fairly modestly now but was on TV throughout the 1980s wearing in the most outrageous outfits. As a teenager I read biographies of Oscar Wilde and his gay circle which included cross-dressers. Also accounts of the ‘decadent’ Paris of the Second Empire or the ‘decadent’ Germany of the Weimar Republic, where men dressed as woman, wore lipstick and so on, and women wore men’s clothes, smoked cigarettes. And so on and so on. In fact it’s a strange thing about the present generation of art curators that they sometimes give the impression of thinking that they’ve invented ‘deviant’ sex – homosexuality, bisexuality and all manner of other sexual practices – as if all these things are somehow new or can ‘only now’ be brought to public attention. This ‘now it can be told’ tone was also apparent in the recent exhibitions of Queer Art at Tate Britain and Outsider Art (featuring plenty of transvestites and transsexuals) at the Barbican. As if there aren’t records of this kind of thing happening among the ancient Greeks or among the Romans, as if we don’t have records of it in Hindu and Moghul societies, as if Shakespeare’s comedies aren’t packed with cross-dressing gender ambivalence, or as if playing with gender roles hasn’t even been recorded among tribal societies. My point is that there is good evidence for so-called ‘deviant’ sexuality having been a permanent feature of the human race for as long as we have records. From Sappho to Sand: Historical Perspective on Crossdressing and Cross Gender (1981) This paper reviews the history of cross-dressing, commencing with the Great Mother Cult through the Greco-Roman period and Judeo-Christian times, followed by the Renaissance period up to the 19th century to illustrate that cross-gender behaviour and cross-dressing are not new phenomena but have been present since the beginning of recorded history. What, I suppose, is new about this treasure trove of material which Sébastien Lifshitz has collected is not the fact of extensive cross-dressing – it is that it has been so extensively documented in photographs. The photographs provide a treasure trove of incontrovertible visual evidence, as opposed to all previous accounts which are based on the more slender and unreliable evidence of written records, anecdote, autobiography etc. What photography does that written journalism or history or ethnography can’t is to say Here we are: we were real people, we had lives like you, we were short and tall and fat and thin and had freckles and spots and imperfections, we were flesh and blood like you and this is what we liked to do. You can’t deny or block or repress us. We were here and this world is our world, too. Themes and chapters The most interesting thing about the exhibition is not the news that for hundreds of years men have liked dressing up as women and women dressing up as men. That in itself is boring. What I found fascinating was the themes or areas into which Lifshitz divides his material. There are about a dozen of them, each introduced by a lengthy wall label and they are as well-ordered and thoughtful as the chapters of a book. They include ‘the New Woman’, cross-dressing in prison camps, cross-dressing in cabarets and vaudeville, the phenomenon of ‘drag queens’, cross-dressing in turn-of-the-century in American universities, in circus and travelling shows, and many more. Cross-dressing prisoners of war It’s the specificity of many of these sub-sets which grabs the attention. Thus anyone who didn’t realise there is a great deal of homosexual activity in any army is naive, but a wall of photos here demonstrate the existence of cross-dressing cabarets in prisoner of war camps during both the First and Second World Wars, surely a very specialised category of activity and image. It is extraordinary that prisoners were allowed to take photos of each other dressed up, and that so many of these images have survived. French prisoners of war in the German prisoner of war camp Königsbrück circa 1915 © Sébastien Lifshitz Collection. Courtesy of Sébastien Lifshitz and The Photographers’ Gallery Not a job for a woman A section deals with the backlash against the ‘New Woman’, a term coined to describe a new vogue for independent and assertive (generally upper-class) women in the 1890s. The usual type of panic-stricken cultural conservative predicted that if women started taking up masculine habits and activities they would soon stop menstruating, become infertile and Western civilisation would grind to a halt. You can read this kind of thing in any number of histories of feminism. Lifshitz has found various photos which are designed as a satire on this fashion. They show women posing in the costumes of traditionally ‘male’ roles (the army etc) and are designed to show how ridiculous it is for women to do the work of men – but done in a comically stylish way which suggests the photographer was taking the mickey out of the conservative critics as much as the women. The sequence is titled ‘Women of the Future’. Women of the Future © Sébastien Lifshitz Collection. Courtesy of Sébastien Lifshitz Collection and The Photographers’ Gallery It’s a tiny window on the past and its popular prejudices, but also shows photographers and their audience quite capable of joking about the subject, about traditional gender roles and their ‘subversion’. Cross-dressing weddings Apparently, cross dressing was fairly common on women-only university campuses in America in the last decades of the nineteenth century. There were clubs in which women could openly wear mannish dress. What I’d never heard of before is that there was a fashion for carrying out wedding ceremonies with an all-female cast, many of whom – well, at least the groom – were dressed as men. Mock wedding, United States, circa 1900 © Sébastien Lifshitz Collection. Courtesy of Sébastien Lifshitz Collection and The Photographers’ Gallery Were these a preparation for ‘adult’ life and marriage, or an odd fashion, or a satire on heterosexual norms? The more of these sub-sets or sub-types of cross-dressing which Lifshitz presents, the more you realise that this apparently simple topic in fact covers or brings together a surprisingly diverse range of activities, attitudes and motives. The nineteenth century growth of bourgeois conformity Just to step back and remind ourselves of a little social history. The mid- and later-19th century saw a hardening of gender roles and stereotypes, and a concomitant a loss of psychological and sexual flexibility. The flamboyant costumes which men commonly wore in the 16th, 17th and 18th century and which had endured into the Regency society which young princess Victoria grew up in – all those silks, ribbons, ruffs and bows – were steadily dropped as the century progressed in favour of increasingly plain, black, stiff and constricting clothes for men, and absurdly big, complex skirts with baffles and corsets, for women. One of the complaints against Tory Party leader and Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli was that he dressed, oiled his hair and perfumed himself like the fashionable dandy which he’d been in the 1830s, long into the 1870s when such looks and behaviour had become frowned upon. It is only in this particular historical context, in the setting of an increasingly ‘bourgeois’ concern for strict conformity to repressive social appearances, that all manner of previous types of ‘dressing up’ increasingly came to be seen as unfashionable, then undesirable, and then began to be perceived as a threat to social norms and conventions. Why did all this happen? The conventional explanation is that the industrial revolution made life harder, more embattled and more intense for everyone, and that this was reflected in increasingly repressive cultural and social norms. In the 18th century there had been the landowner who occasionally came up to Town and saw a small circle of bankers or courtiers, but mostly lived in reasonable agreement with the labourers who worked his land. All this changed and kept on changing relentlessly throughout the 19th century as the new system of factories and industrialisation swept across the country. This turned rural labourers into an embittered and impoverished urban proletariat living in hastily thrown up terraced hovels, who periodically threatened to march on London or overthrow the entire political order. In parallel was created a new class of arriviste factory owners who took advantage of their new-found wealth to try to and compete with the land-owning aristocracy in terms of lifestyle and attitude, but nervously aware of the fragility of their wealth and status. All the classes of Britain felt more threatened and insecure. Britain had more wealth than ever before, but for many (many businessmen, factory owners and the bankers who served them) their wealth was more precarious that the wealth generated from land – as demonstrated by successive economic depressions and banking crashes through the later 19th century. These periodic economic depressions led to the steady sequence of violent socialist revolutions on continental Europe (for example, in France in 1848 and 1870) which put the fear of God into the English bourgeoisie. In this socio-economic context, culture was permeated by a permanent anxiety, a dread that the existing state of affairs could easily collapse, from any number of causes. (I haven’t mentioned the dark cloud of anxiety created by the writings of Thomas Malthus who speculated that, if unchecked, the poorest of the poor would breed like rabbits and swamp society in illiterate thugs – yet another source for the widespread conviction that the uncontrollable sex instinct must be bridled, restricted and channelled into only the most strict, state-endorsed practices.) And so the upper sections of society policed their own behaviour with ever-increasing anxiety that any lapse from the impeccably high standards of behaviour they set themselves might be it, the crack, the first tremor of the great social apocalypse they all feared. The stress and anxiety about sexual deviation which had built up throughout the century into a permanent neurosis helps to explain the viciousness of the gaol sentence given to Oscar Wilde for homosexual behaviour (two years hard labour) since the judge and his class felt that an example must be made to terrify all other homosexuals into abandoning a practice which, according to their history books, had accompanied the decline and fall of the Roman Empire. Imperial dressing up Speaking of empires, it might be illuminating to take a detour to the big exhibition about the British Empire and Artists which Tate Britain held a few years ago. This had a section about imperialists dressing up. It made the point that throughout the 18th century and the first half of the nineteenth century, British men, in particular, had a fancy for ‘going native’ and dressing up in the costumes of their colonial subjects. Take, for example, this image of Captain Colin Mackenzie of the Madras Army, wearing traditional Afghan Dress, by the painter James Sant (1842). Captain Colin Mackenzie of the Madras Army, lately a hostage in Caubool, in his Afghan Dress (1842) by James Sant (Tate Britain) But the Indian Mutiny (or the First War of Independence as Indian historians call it) of 1857 changed all this. It introduced a new note of bitterness between ruler and ruled. After the British Government took over direct rule of India from the East India Company it enforced far more strict divisions between ‘natives’ and their colonial masters, divisions which, within a generation, had hardened into unbreakable taboos. My point is that it wasn’t only in the realm of ‘sexuality’ that people (generally well-off, well-educated people) who had once felt free to dress up as natives or women or generally amuse themselves in fancy costumes, felt themselves, in the second half of the nineteenth century, increasingly constricted in all aspects of their behaviour. It became wise to keep quiet about their little hobby or fetish. The strictness of the taboo reflected the profundity of the anxiety – the anxiety widespread among the ruling, law-making and judging classes that one millimetre of flexibility around these issues of ‘correct’ behaviour would open cracks and fissures, which would quickly see all the ‘civilised’ values of society snap and unravel, the natives throw off their imperial masters, the great mass of impoverished proles rise up and overthrow their frock-coated masters – just as the barbarians had overthrown Rome once it abandoned the high moral principles of the republic and declined into the Tiberius-Caligula-Nero decadence of the empire. Dressing up, wearing lipstick – isn’t that precisely what the Emperor Nero had done! More cross-dressing Back to the exhibition, which continues to entertain and provoke by demonstrating the wide variety of meanings cross dressing can have. Transvestite entertainers Take the enormous subject of cross-dressing entertainers. The wall label usefully distinguishes between men dressing as women to entertain and the far more flamboyant tradition of burlesque, which is characterised not just by women dressing as men, but by the outrageous exaggeration of ‘female’ qualities of grandstanding, elaborate dress, vamped-up make-up and so on. The exhibition has several sets of photos of entertainers from way back at the start of the 20th century, showing how simple, naive and innocent an activity men dressing as women can seem. Five performers on a platform. Albumen print, Hungary, circa 1900 © Sébastien Lifshitz Collection. Courtesy of Sébastien Lifshitz Collection and The Photographers’ Gallery It describes the different forms these entertainments took in different countries, from vaudeville, burlesque and music hall at the turn of the century, on to nightclubs and revue bars between the wars. But the sweet innocence of the turn-of-the-century is a world away, in style, glamour and bombast, from the really outrageously flamboyant cross-dressing entertainers of the 1950s onwards, a hugely popular form of entertainment in post-War Germany and France, which in England was named ‘drag’ – hence ‘drag queens’ – which continued in English popular entertainment down to my day. Straight or gay? Not all these men need have been gay. Many cross-dressers have been happily heterosexual but just enjoyed dressing up as women. There is, quite obviously and supported by the evidence here, a spectrum of cross-dressing behaviours and motivations, from essentially straight men who just liked slipping into a comfortable floral dress and putting on a bit of lippy – all the way to the experience of transgender men who feel from puberty or even earlier that they are inhabiting a body of the wrong gender, and so have gone to various lengths to try and transition to the other gender. On this theme of tansgender – the story of Marie-Pierre Pruvot (born Jean-Pierre Pruvot, 11 November 1935) takes up a couple of walls but is well worth it. Born a male in Algeria, Marie-Pierre became a French transsexual woman who performed under the stage name ‘Bambi’. Bambi was famous enough by 1959 to be the subject of a TV documentary. When her performing days were over she studied for a degree from the Sorbonne and became a teacher of literature in 1974. There are several walls full of photos of her here because Lifshitz made an award-winning documentary about her in 2013. There’s no doubting that in her prime she was gorgeous, in that glamorous late 50s, early 60s way. Bambi (Marie-Pierre Pruvot) in the early 1960s Bambi undertook her own gender reassignment in an amateur way, buying over the counter hormones, until she had enough money to arrange an operation and help from medical professionals. There are several photos of her nude showing well-formed ‘female’ breasts. She didn’t just want to dress as a woman; she wanted to become a woman. My point is that the transgender experience of wanting to become another sex is completely different: from the heterosexual who likes dressing up as the opposite sex, for a while, as a hobby or fetish from the homosexual who is likewise happy in his or her own skin, but as part of their character or as occasional role-playing likes dressing mannishly or femininely from the homosexual who makes a living as a flamboyant drag queen The Washington cross-dressers Off to one side is a room which exhibits what seem to be the photos taken and shared among a network of rather boring, homely men who lived in 1950s Washington D.C., and who liked to dress up as rather boring, homely women and meet up at each other’s houses for parties – as recorded in a trove of photos Lifshitz has come into possession of and puts on display here. Nothing loud or garish about it. The opposite. Rather humdrum. ‘Hello Mr Peters’, ‘Hello Mr Philips’ – except that the men passing the time of the day are wearing tasteful 1950s dresses with matching handbags. Washington cross-dressers © Sébastien Lifshitz Collection. Courtesy of Sébastien Lifshitz Collection and The Photographers’ Gallery This sequence immediately reminded me of the section at the Barbican exhibition about the Casa Susanna, a retreat in the Catskill Mountains of New York state, created solely for cross-dressing men. Casa Susanna explained in a Guardian article. The more you look, the more you see. Women dressing as men As to women dressing as men, some were famous lesbians who made a point of their mannish attire – I can think of a number of Weimar portraits of such aggressively masculine women who cultivated a louche bohemian image. Portrait of the journalist Sylvia von Harden by Otto Dix (1926) But for everyone one of these ‘notorious’ literary or artistic figures, there must have been thousands of essentially ‘straight’ women at American campuses who enjoyed dressing up as men (apparently). And then millions and millions of women who were in no way homosexual but just rebelled against wearing the ridiculously encumbering outfits society had assigned to their gender at the turn of the twentieth century, and so – without ceasing to be heterosexual women – just wore more practical, less ‘feminine’ clothes. What I’m struggling to say is that, the more you look at these photos and the more you study Lifshitz’s fascinating wall labels which draw distinctions and categories and types and flavours of cross-dressing, the more you realise that this apparently ‘simple’ activity has in fact been carried out by a staggeringly wide variety of people, over a long period of time, and for all kinds of reasons, from trivial game-playing to profound identity crisis, from student high jinks to being the basis for a prime-time television career. The long section on Bambi is a bit of a spoiler, really, because not many of the other people on display here are quite as drop-dead gorgeous as her. In this respect the photos serve as a reminder (like most other collections of historic photos) of the way in which sitters for photographs (and the photographers themselves) have become steadily more savvy, more stylish, more self-aware, from the embarrassing lumpishness of 1900 – Burlesque comedian Crun-Crun in Avignon, France, 1900, courtesy of Sebastien Lifshitz and The Photographers’ Gallery to the knowing, rebel fagginess of the 1960s. Man dressed as a woman, Mannheim, Germany, c.1960, courtesy of Sebastien Lifshitz and The Photographers’ Gallery This latter photograph could have been taken today, a reminder that the world changed out of all recognition in the 60 years from 1900 to 1960, from the Boer War to the Beatles, whereas in the sixty years since then most aspects of culture – sex and drugs and rock and roll, package holidays, blockbuster movies and the ‘rebel’ look – have remained surprisingly static. Interview with Sébastien Lifshitz P.S. Size isn’t everything Contrary to the impression given by the reproductions above, all of the images are quite small, certainly none of them are poster-size or painting size. The biggest ones are postcard-size being themselves old prints made from photographic film in the old-fashioned way. Some are even smaller than that – there are whole walls of images no more than a few inches wide: for example, the iconic image of the man wearing lipstick at the top of this review is in reality only a few inches across and you have to lean right in to see it properly. Installation view of Under Cover at the Photographers’ Gallery (photo by the author) Somehow this makes the images seem all the more rare and precious. Not commercially-made images capable of being blown up and sensationalised, but hundreds of small, often intimate, snapshots of secret lives, secret pleasures, secret wishes and secret fantasies, preserved in this fragile format to come back and haunt our brasher, more loudmouth age. P.S. Floof yourself A room to one side of the exhibition contains a big fabric blob covered in felt stick-on glasses, beards, moustaches and so on. To quote the instructions: “Soof the Floof is a genderless, gelatinous, hairy little blob. This installation invites visitors to question ideas of gender, how wear gender, how we can subvert, deconstruct and reimagine gender. Soof the Floof is large felt Floof with felt props you can mix and match and playfully challenge ideas of gender.” The room was empty. Shame. I’d have liked to watch some gender subversion in action. Instructions on how to floof yourself Under Cover: A Secret History Of Cross-Dressers continues at the Photographers’ Gallery until 3 June 2018 Review in the Guardian Other photography reviews Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize @ the Photographers’ Gallery (May 2018) The Great British Seaside @ National Maritime Museum (May 2018) Another Kind of Life: Photography on the Margins @ the Barbican (April 2018) Andreas Gursky @ the Hayward Gallery (April 2018) Post-Soviet Visions @ Calvert 22 Foundation (March 2018) Illuminating India @ the Science Museum (February 2018) Taylor Wessing Photographic Portrait Prize 2017 @ the National Portrait Gallery (January 2018) Syria: A Conflict Explored @ the Imperial War Museum (May 2017) Malick Sidibé @ Somerset House (January 2017) Don McCullin (March 2017) Shaped by War by Don McCullin (2010) Unreasonable Behaviour by Don McCullin (2015) Paul Strand: Photography and Film for the 20th Century @ the V and A (June 2016) Beard @ Somerset House (March 2015) Unseen City: Photos by Martin Parr @ Guildhall Art Gallery (March 2016) Peter Kennard @ Imperial War Museum London (May 2015) Everything Was Moving: Photography from the 60s and 70s @ the Barbican (November 2012) Posted in Exhibition, Photography Tagged 1857, ancient Rome, Bambi, bisexuality, British Empire and Artists, burlesque, Caligula, Captain Colin Mackenzie, Casa Susanna, Crun-Crun, Danny La Rue, Disraeli, drag, drag queen, East India Company, Feminism, First World War, gay, homosexuality, It Ain't Half Hot, James Sant, Jean-Pierre Pruvot, Julian Clary, Kenny Everett Show, lesbian, Lily Savage, Marie-Pierre Pruvot, Mum, Nero, Oscar Wilde, Otto Dix, Outsider Art, Oxford Street, Paul O'Grady, photography, Queen Victoria, Queer Art at Tate Britain, Regency, Sébastien Lifshitz, Second World War, Sylvia von Harden, Tate Britain, The Dick Emery Show, the Indian Mutiny, the new Woman, The Photographers' Gallery, Thomas Malthus, Tiberius, transgender, transsexual, Under Cover, Under Cover: A Secret History Of Cross-Dressers, Washington D.C., Weimar Republic https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2018/06/01/under-cover-a-secret-history-of-cross-dressers-the-photographers-gallery/ Our Betters by Somerset Maugham (1923) This is another of Maugham’s well-made comedies. Apparently it was written during the Great War, in 1915, but not staged in England until 1923 because it was thought that it might alienate American public opinion, which we were trying to persuade to enter the war. It is set in the cynical but stylish High Society we are used to from Maugham, but this time concerns a group of Americans, not posh Brits – Americans who have married into British or European ‘Society’. There is a sort of chorus of three mature American matrons who have married British, French or Italian aristocrats: Pearl, Lady Grayston who married George Grayston, a baronet Minnie Hodges who married and then divorced the Duc de Surennes and now is always in love with some beautiful young man or other, currently the gorgeous pouting young Tony Paxton Flora van Hoog, who married an Italian aristocrat to become the Princess della Cercola but, when he began taking mistresses, abandoned him to come and live in London and now pursues philanthropic causes and charities which she pesters her friends about. There is also a couple of older American men who have made their way in British society: the brash, loud and over-dressed Thornton Clay, and the corrupt 70-year-old American Arthur Fenwick who made his fortune selling poor quality food to the American working classes and is now opening stores to do the same here in London. Together these five represent a variety of ways older Americans have integrated and exploited their position. Set against them are the Younger Generation who are trying to make their life decisions, namely whether to marry for love or money (a dilemma which would have been familiar to Jane Austen a century earlier). Young Bessie Saunders is heiress to an American fortune staying with her older sister, Pearl. Pearl’s husband, Lord George Grayston, very conveniently doesn’t live with her, allowing her to conduct her gay social life and numerous flirtations in London’s High Society without hindrance. All three acts are set in her houses – Act One in her grand town house in Grosvenor Square Mayfair, and Acts Two and Three in Pearl’s country retreat at Abbots Kenton, Suffolk. Bessie has only recently arrived from America and been swept off her feet by the giddy whirl of London society. Back in the States she was engaged to a nice, unspoilt, young American gentleman, Fleming Harvey when she was 16 and he 18. Soon after arriving in London and seeing the wider world she wrote him a letter breaking off the engagement. She is being wooed by an English aristocrat, Lord Harry Bleane. Now Harvey has arrived in London and, understandably, commences trying to woo her back. Meanwhile Act One introduces the love triangle between the good looking, slender, immaculately dressed but poor young Brit, Tony Paxton, with whom the ‘Duchesse’ (original name Minnie Hodgson, daughter of a Chicago millionaire who made his money in pork) is besottedly in love. It only slowly emerges that Tony is revolted by the desperation of the Duchesse’s passion and has become smitten with Pearl, precisely because she is so playfully unavailable. Comedy is extracted from the interaction of all these types – the three cynical ladies, the earnest and easily shocked young American boy Harvey, the sincere English Lord Bleane, the spoilt brat Tony Paxton, with Bessie playing her part: only slowly does it emerge that the play hinges on Bessie’s choice of whether to stay in England and marry an English lord in order to join the kind of amoral if stiflingly ‘correct’ lifestyle the three ladies live – or whether to reject European corruption and return to pure and innocent America (the subject of many of Henry James’s novels). And there is something deeply comic about the way all these amoral characters pursue their cynical schemes against the backdrop of the impeccable formality of the grand house in Grosvenor Square Mayfair and at Pearl’s country retreat at Abbots Kenton, Suffolk, with their silent servants, especially the butler, Pole. Just the existence of a dutiful and obedient butler, overhearing all their selfish schemes with complete discretion, is itself funny. ‘Very good, m’lady.’ Speaking of Funny, Maugham isn’t Oscar Wilde. His bon mots don’t ring and dazzle. But the play does have quite a few moments of brightly comic dialogue. Bessie: Does George know? Pearl: Who is George? Bessie: Don’t be absurd, Pearl. George – your husband. Fleming: Has it occurred to you that he wants to marry you for your money? Bessie: You could put it more prettily. You could say that he wants to marry me with my money. Clay: Some of these American women are strangely sexless. Fleming: I have an idea that some of them are even virtuous. Pearl [with a smile]: It takes all sorts to make a world. Duchesse: I know he’s lying to me, there’s not a word of truth in anything he says. But he’s so slim I can never catch him out. Pearl: You’re the very person we want, Thornton. An entirely strange young man has suddenly appeared on my doorstep and says he is my cousin. Clay: My dear Pearl, that is a calamity which we Americans must always be prepared for. Duchesse: He makes me so miserable but I love him… He wants to marry me, Pearl. Pearl: You’re not going to! Duchesse: No, I won’t be such a fool as that. If I married him I’d have no hold over him at all. In Act Two, at Pearl’s country house, various interactions give us a deeper sense of the characters – of the three older women’s American backgrounds, the men they married, how they’ve coped with divorce and separation and so on. Fleming is still really sweet on Bessie but she is agonising over whether to accept Lord Bleane. Fleming would like to hate Bleane but is disappointed to discover that he’s actually a good guy who tells Bessie he was originally attracted to her money (the fact that she was rich being broadcast all over London by her elder sister, Pearl) but that now he really is in love with her. Their story is, for this middle part of the play, eclipsed by the passion with which pretty young Tony Paxton a) is revolted by the cloying over-attention the lurid Duchesse lavishes on him b) is powerfully attracted to Pearl. Against the latter’s better judgement Paxton persuades her to accompany him to the tea-house in the garden. Duchesse, in her violent jealousy, suspecting something is up, despatches innocent little Bessie to fetch her handbag from the same tea-house where Bessie sees… something so horrible that she rushes back into the drawing room where all the other characters are playing cards (are the couple having just a snog or actually having sex??). When Minnie provocatively asks what on earth is wrong with her, it prompts the tear-filled admission that she has seen Pearl and Tony… together! When Pearl and Paxton make a nonchalant entrance to the drawing room it is to discover that everybody knows (know what? were they having a snog? a grope? full-on sex? it is never explained). Tony has blown his relationship with Duchesse. More fatally, the doting old millionaire Fenwick has all his fond illusions about Pearl being pure and romantic utterly burst. ‘The slut, the slut’ he repeats, in angry despair. Given that he substantially funds her lifestyle this is a major blow. Act Three takes place in the same drawing room on the afternoon of the following day. The atmosphere is very strained, Pearl didn’t come down from her bedroom for either breakfast or lunch, the innocent menfolk (Clay and Fleming) and women (the Princess) tiptoed around the furious fuming Duchess while Fenwick was purple with rage. Their conversation informs us that the previous evening turned into a blazing row with words exiting the dementedly angry Duchess’s mouth that none of them had ever heard before, as she screamed her rage at Tony and Pearl. The Duchess is pouring her heart out to the Princess when Tony sidles in looking for cigarettes. There is a comic scene where she turns on him, all outraged pride and anger, insisting he leave the house immediately and will be booted out of the flat in London which she pays for him to live in, while Tony is all sullen pouting. But the comedy is in the slow insinuating way in which their positions shift until the Duchesse is begging Tony to be nice to her and, eventually, she makes the Grand Concession of relenting and saying she will marry him – to which Tony’s only response is ‘Does that mean I’ll be able to drive the Rolls-Royce?’ By this stage we have grasped the depths of the Duchess’s helpless infatuation and the true extent of Paxton’s shallow selfishness. The remaining scenes showcase Pearl’s brilliantly scheming to redeem a tricky situation: it will take all her wiles and cunning. First she makes an entrance looking fabulous. Then she holds tete-a-tetes with Bessie, Clay, the Duchess and Fenwick. She reveals all her cunning ploys to Clay (and thus, to us, the audience). 1. To the Duchess she reveals that she has been phoning all her contacts that morning and has managed to get Tony a job in the government, nothing too demanding. Over the course of feline dialogue she is slowly able to win the Duchess back round to being her friend. 2. Then she explains to Clay how she is going to play the little-girl-lost for Fenwick whose self-image is of a Strong Masterly Man; she will play weak to encourage his narcissistic sense of his own masculine resilience, and so it pans out. After five minutes she has him back eating out the palm of her hand under the delusion that he is magnanimously forgiving her. Only Bessie, her sister, sees straight through her and indeed through the lifestyle of all these Americans-in-Europe. She has a big scene where she begs Lord Blaine to release her from their engagement. At the centre of the scene is the Author’s Message: Bessie has seen that English girls are bred up to responsibility and dignity and so know how to handle and manage their wealth; whereas the American women who marry into the British aristocracy have no sense of noblesse oblige or duty, but simply see it as an opportunity for frivolous pleasure, hence their silly flirting and superficial romances. It is not them, it is the niche they move into, which turns them into monsters. As Bessie has seen at close quarters how her beloved elder sister Pearl has become a monster of manipulation. Bessie is determined not to become like that. The play ends with her witnessing her sister’s pièce de resistance – first thing that morning Pearl had sent her Rolls to London to collect the most fashionable dancing teacher in London and beg him to come down and stay the night. When he enters all the guests who swore they would leave in disgust at her behaviour (Fenwick, the Princess, but especially the Duchesse and Paxton) all confirm that they will stay for dinner and dancing. Despite committing just about the worst social crime imaginable (being caught red-handed being unfaithful to her elderly lover and stealing her best friend’s lover) Pearl has manipulated everyone into forgiving and forgetting. Bessie watches all this with disgust and, in the last line of the play, vows she will be returning to America at the first opportunity. So it’s a brittle social comedy of comically amoral, upper-class behaviour among rich American title-hunters in England – with just enough of a sting in the tail to elude the censorship but have the more high-minded critics admitting that it does have a sound moral message. It is, in other words, a clever and entertaining theatrical confection perfectly suited for its times. The play was turned into a Hollywood movie in 1933, directed by George Cukor. Here’s a clip. It was adapted for BBC radio in 1998. It had previously been revived at the Chichester Theatre in 1997, with the throaty American actress Kathleen Turner playing Pearl and Rula Lenska as the Duchesse. The fact that Turner plays the same role in the radio broadcast suggests that one led on to the other. The Daily Telegraph reviewed the stage play. I am puzzled why Patrick O’Connor casually calls Maugham misogynist since a) all the strongest characters are women, the men being just foils and pretexts b) the women themselves cover a wide range from the strong, clever, scheming Pearl to the genuinely innocent but, ultimately decisive, Bessie. Daily Telegraph review of Our Betters Selected Plays by Somerset Maugham on Amazon This is nowhere near a complete bibliography. Maugham also wrote countless articles and reviews, quite a few travel books, two books of reminiscence, as well as some 25 successful stage plays and editing numerous anthologies. This is a list of the novels, short story collections, and the five plays in the Pan Selected Plays volume. 1898 The Making of a Saint (historical novel) 1899 Orientations (short story collection) 1901 The Hero 1904 The Merry-go-round 1906 The Bishop’s Apron 1908 The Explorer 1908 The Magician (horror novel) 1932 The Narrow Corner 1937 Theatre (romantic novel) 1948 Quartet (portmanteau film using four short stories –The Facts of Life, The Alien Corn, The Kite and The Colonel’s Lady) 1950 Trio (film follow-up to Quartet, featuring The Verger, Mr. Know-All and Sanatorium) 1951 The Complete Short Stories in three volumes 1952 Encore (film follow-up to Quartet and Trio featuring The Ant and the Grasshopper, Winter Cruise and Gigolo and Gigolette) by Simon on April 10, 2018 • Permalink Posted in literature, play, Theatre Tagged 1917, 1923, Arthur Fenwick, Bessie Saunders, Fleming Harvey, Flora van Hoog, George Grayston, Grosvenor Square, Harry Bleane, High Society, Lady Grayston, Maugham, Mayfair, Minnie Hodges, Oscar Wilde, Pearl, Princess della Cercola, Suffolk, the Duc de Surennes, Thornton Clay, Tony Paxton Posted by Simon on April 10, 2018 https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2018/04/10/our-betters-somerset-maugham/ Opera: Passion, Power and Politics @ the Victoria and Albert Museum The V&A have spent £55 million on a vast new underground exhibition space, named the Exhibition Road Quarter because you enter it from Exhibition Road. It opened in July 2017. The angled courtyard you walk across is no great shakes, but once inside you go down white steps between sheer, polished black walls to arrive at the huge new, open exhibition space, all 1,100 square metres of it (‘one of the largest exhibition spaces in Europe’), which is currently hosting a wonderfully enjoyable exhibition on the history of opera. Installation view showing paintings, wall text, books and pamphlets and a large wall illustration relating to Monteverdi’s L’incoronazione di Poppea (1642) Opera and me In my 20s and 30s I developed a passion for opera and, in total, saw about 100 productions, at the Royal Opera House, the Colosseum, at other theatres around the country, at a few experimental venues, and twice at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. In my late 20s I was commissioned to write a libretto, an adaptation of the famous Oscar Wilde novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, which was set to music by the composer Ron McAllister and performed as part of the Huddersfield classical music festival. So I have a reasonably good feel for opera, its history and possibilities. Passion, Power and Politics 400 years of a Europe-wide art form is a big subject to tackle. The curators have taken the neat, practical step of focusing on seven epoch-making or representative works. The huge exhibition space is divided into temporary ‘rooms’ whose walls are plastered with information about the year and city of their premieres, investigating how each one crystallised the history, culture, technology, ideologies and, of course, the music of their times. Before we get to the specific operas it’s necessary to say something about the layout & content of the show. The audioguide First and foremost, all visitors are given a free audioguide which plays wonderful soaring music from each of the featured operas. As you walk between the ‘rooms’ or sections devoted to each opera, the audioguide automatically senses where you are and changes the music accordingly. It not only plays a popular aria or overture or passage from each opera but also snippets of behind-the-scenes moments from real productions, with orchestras tuning up, the floor manager counting down to curtain up and so on, all of which gives the listener a real sense of being at the theatre. I think it’s the best use of an audioguide I’ve ever experienced. Not many exhibitions have given me as much pure pleasure as listening to music from Handel’s Rinaldo while looking at paintings showing the London of Handel’s day, or listening to the Venusberg music from Wagner’s Tannhäuser while watching a video installation showing how different directors have staged ‘erotic’ ballets to accompany this deeply sensual music. Objects, dresses and accessories Secondly, each section is stuffed with wonderful, rare, precious and evocative objects from each era. Period musical instruments include viols, lutes and cornets from Monteverdi’s time (the 1600s), the very piano Mozart performed on in Prague and a beautifully made pedal harp from the court of Marie Antoinette (both from the 1780s). The Venice section features 400-year-old combs and mirrors used by the city’s courtesans during the annual carnival, and so on. Each section also features paintings which portray the city or the opera house, the composer, or actual performances. Some of these are really top quality, making it an interesting exhibition of painting in its own right, with works by artists from the late Baroque, some Impressionists (Degas), some of Die Brücke group of German Expressionists and, in the final room, a suite of dynamic Agitprop posters and designs from the early experimental era of the Soviet Union. The Viola da Gamba Musician by Bernardo Strozzi (1630-40) The Gemaldegalerie, Dresden, Germany © 2017 Photo Scala, Florence As you might expect from the V&A, there are also sumptuous costumes from each of the key periods, with a luxury hand-sewn coat, waistcoat and breeches from Mozart’s day, a beautiful white dress to be worn by he character of Violetta in La Traviata. Right at the start there is a risqué courtesan outfit from Venice, made of thick red velvet in the shape of a leotard i.e. only just covering the loins. This was designed to be worn under a long red skirt, split in the middle which could be teasingly parted to reveal… the 18-inch-high chopines or stylised shoes which the city’s better class courtesans wore. Almost impossible to walk in, the wearer had to lean heavily on a consort or male escort. There are tiaras and top hats from the premier of Tannhauser in Paris in 1861. If you like historic costumes, there are plenty hear to savour and enjoy. Rooms like sets Because this huge exhibition space has no formal ‘rooms’, the designers have been free to create room-shaped ‘spaces’ for each period, and to design as they wish, with the result that the spaces sometimes incorporate large elements which help make the spaces themselves seem like stage sets. The most obvious example is the Handel section, where they have recreated a scale version of the actual stage set of the first production of Handel’s Rinaldo. Visitors are invited to sit on a bench in front of it, listening to the glorious music, and watch the stage magic of the early 18th century – namely the way several tiers of wooden waves are made to move across the stage, while a small model ship bobs among them, representing the journey of the hero to exotic foreign lands. Installation view showing the mocked-up 18th century theatre set for Handel’s Rinaldo (1711) This is the most splendid example, but later ‘rooms’ feature an Italian flag, bust and props from Verdi’s time, and an enormous red hammer and sickle dominating the Soviet section. Referring specifically to the operas and their productions, the show includes original autograph scores, along with stage directions, libretti, set models and costume designs for each of them. Altogether there are over 300 objects to savour, marvel at, learn about, ponder and enjoy, all the time your head filled with some of the greatest music ever written. Among these is a new recording of the Royal Opera Chorus singing ‘Va pensiero’ (the Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves) from Giuseppe Verdi’s Nabucco recorded specially for the exhibition. Just – wow! The operas 1. Venice L’incoronazione di Poppea (1642) by Claudio Monteverdi. Venice was a Renaissance centre of trade and commerce, famous for its glassware and the colourfulness of its textiles and paintings. Unsurprisingly, it was also a centre for entertainment, gambling and disguise, especially at the time of the annual carnival. The earliest operas were staged in the private houses of the very rich. Monteverdi mostly wrote church music but he composed a few of the very first ‘operas’, basing them on classical stories. L’incoronazione di Poppea is about the notorious Roman Emperor Nero, his wife and mistress. Poppea premiered in Venice’s Carnival season of 1642-3 and represents opera’s transition from private court entertainment to the public realm. 2. London Rinaldo by George Frideric Handel was premiered in London in 1711, one of the first Italian language operas performed in London, just as Britain was emerging as one of the leading empires in Europe. It is fascinating to read contemporary criticism by conservatives like the artist William Hogarth and the editors of the Spectator magazine, who heartily condemned this importation of a decadent and foreign art form into good old Blighty. The paintings of early 18th century London on show here are almost as fascinating as the spectacular stage set, and the Handel music emerged as, I think, my favourite of all that on the audioguide – stately, elegant, refined, other-worldly in its elegance. George Frideric Handel by Louis Francois Roubiliac (1702-62) © Fitzwilliam Museum Bridgeman Images 3. Vienna Le nozze di Figaro (1786) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was premiered in 1786 in Vienna, which had become one of the centres of the European Enlightenment under its liberal Emperor Joseph II. After the Handel, the Mozart music seemed infinitely more dramatic, concerning itself with recognisably real people and passions: Le nozze di Figaro being a comic story about mismatched love between the classes. The excerpt on the audioguide synchs up with a scene projected onto an enormous screen on the wall, an aria sung by the pageboy Cherubino who is just coming into adolescence and finds himself flushing and confused among attractive adult women. On display are a piano Mozart played in Prague, fashionable dresses that would have been worn by the opera’s aristocratic characters, and displays explaining the relationship between the opera’s source – a play by the French playwright Beaumarchais – and the contemporary beliefs of Enlightenment Europe. 4. Milan Nabucco by Giuseppe Verdi was premiered in Milan in 1842. Verdi’s operas developed the importance of the chorus, which is often given his most rousing tunes. Verdi was closely identified with the Risorgimento, the political movement to kick out the foreign powers which occupied various parts of Italy (notably Austria) and create a united country. Hence the big Italian flag draped over this section, the patriotic bust of Verdi, and the choice of the ‘Chorus of the Hebrew Slaves’ (‘Va pensiero’) from Nabucco, which became a sort of unofficial national anthem for Italian nationalists. 5. Paris Tannhäuser by Richard Wagner premiered in Paris in 1861. Paris was fast becoming the intellectual and artistic capital of Europe. Modernists loved the opera with its radical technical innovations: Wagner hated Italian opera which broke the music up into set-piece arias and choruses – by contrast, in a Wagner opera the music flows seamlessly from start to finish in one great engulfing flow. It also shocked because of its daring subject matter, a story about the temptations of sensuality to the high-minded musician of the title. The progressive poet Charles Baudelaire praised it profusely. The information panels tell us that it was traditional for French composers to arrange a short ballet to start the second or third act. This was because the more aristocratic patrons generally didn’t arrive till after the interval, and mostly came to see pretty girls dancing (many of whom were their mistresses). In a deliberate act of defiance Wagner placed the ballet number right at the start of act one. 6. Dresden The Biblical story of Salome, the sensual step-daughter of King Herod, who dances a strip-tease for him in order to get him to behead St John the Baptist, was a central obsession of the Symbolist movement in all the arts at the end of the 19th century, combining heavy sensuality, perversion, death and the exotic. Oscar Wilde wrote a play about Salome (in French) for which the wonderful fin-de-siecle artist Aubrey Beardsley created his matchlessly sinuous line illustrations. Illustration for Salome by Aubrey Beardsley (1894) In 1905 Dresden saw the premiere of a heavily sensual and violent opera based on Wilde’s play composed by Richard Strauss. It was the era of Expressionism in the arts, and the exhibition features not only a selection of Beardsley’s illustrations (and Strauss’s copy of Wilde’s play, with Strauss’s own hand-written notes and underlinings) but also a selection of powerful woodcuts and paintings by artists from the German art movement, Die Brücke). There are two large posters on the same subject by Parisian poster designers, including La Loïe Fuller Dans Sa Création Nouvelle, Salomé by Georges de Feure. Dominating this ‘room’ is a huge screen displaying an excerpt from a modern production of the opera, showing the climax of the action where Salome, in a slip covered in blood, sings an aria to John the Baptist’s severed head, before gruesomely kissing it. Nadja Michael as Salome at the Royal Opera House, London, 2008 © Robbie Jack Corbis/Getty Images 7. St Petersburg The blood-soaked theme is continued in the final choice, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk by Dmitri Shostakovich, which premiered in Leningrad in 1934. This final section is dominated by a huge model of a red hammer and sickle. Next to it is a blow-up of a woman’s face from a Soviet agitprop poster (the full poster can be seen at the excellent exhibition of Soviet art and posters currently at Tate Modern). To one side is a mock-up of Shostakovich’s study with writing table and chair. Behind it is projected a clip from a Soviet publicity film showing the great man knocking out a composition at the piano. The walls are decked with fabulously stylish Soviet posters and art works. Installation view of the Shostakovich section of Opera – Passion, Power and Politics Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk is based on a 19th century novel about a woman who is unfaithful to her husband, has an affair with one of his farm workers, poisons her father-in-law, and much more in the same vein. Unfortunately, the opera premiered just as Stalin consolidated his grip on the Soviet Union and his cultural commissar Zhdanov promulgated the new doctrine of Socialist realism, i.e. that all art works should be optimistic, readily understandable to the proletariat, and show the new Soviet society in an upbeat, positive way. Very obviously Shostakovich’s opera did the exact opposite and in 1936 was savagely criticised in a threatening article in Pravda which most contemporaries thought had been written by Stalin himself. The production was hurriedly cancelled and Shostakovich not only suppressed it but also cancelled preparations for his huge dissonant Fourth Symphony. He quickly turned to writing more ‘inspiring’ music – specifically the moving Fifth Symphony which was ostentatiously sub-titled ‘a Soviet artist’s creative response to justified criticism’. The opera wasn’t performed again in the USSR until 1961. In other words, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk not only represents a nexus of violence, lust, revenge and class conflict in its plotline, but stands at a key cultural moment in the development of the twentieth century’s most important event, the Russian Revolution and the Great Communist Experiment. The threat to Shostakovich was in effect a threat to an entire generation of artists and composers. Opera around the world Only here at the end do you realise that the exhibition rooms are arranged in a circle around a big empty central area. This big space contains half a dozen huge screens onto which are projected excerpts from 20th century and contemporary operas such as Benjamin Britten’s Peter Grimes, Philip Glass’s Einstein on the Beach, Stockhausen’s Mittwoch aus Licht and George Benjamin’s Written on Skin, all making the point that opera is as alive and kicking as ever. This is an enormous, ground-breaking, genuinely innovative exhibition which manages to convincingly cover its enormous subject, shedding light not only on opera and music, but the other arts and the broader history of Europe across an immense sweep of time. So big, so many beautiful objects, so much inspiring music, that it probably merits being visited more than once to really soak up all the stories, all the passion and all the beauty on display (I’ve been twice and might go again before it closes). Opera: Passion, Power and Politics continues at the Victoria and Albert Museum until 25 February 2018 Inside the exhibition Opera the total art form Other V&A blog posts Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains (October 2017) Opus Anglicanum (November 2016) You Say You Want A Revolution (October 2016) Paul Strand: Photography and Film for the 20th Century Botticelli Reimagined (March 2016) Masterpieces of Chinese Painting 700-1900 (January 2014) Shoes: Pleasure and Pain (November 2015) Constable: The Making of a Master (January 2015) Medieval and Renaissance Art (January 2016) Every room in the V&A (part one) by Simon on January 6, 2018 • Permalink Posted in Art, Exhibition, Fashion, History, Sex Tagged agitprop, art, Aubrey Beardsley, Benjamin Britten, Bernardo Strozzi, Charles Baudelaire, classical music, Claudio Monteverdi, Die Brucke, Dresden, Einstein on the Beach, Emperor Joseph II, Exhibition Road Quarter, Expressionism, George Benjamin, George Frideric Handel, Georges de Feure, Giuseppe Verdi, King Herod, L'incoronazione di Poppea, La Traviata, Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk, Le nozze di Figaro, Loïe Fuller, London, Louis Francois Roubiliac, Milan, Mittwoch aus Licht, Nabucco, Nadja Michael, opera, Opera: Passion, Oscar Wilde, Paris, Peter Grimes, Philip Glass, Power and Politics, Pravda, Richard Wagner, Rinaldo, Risorgimento, Ron McAllister, Royal Opera, Salome, Socialist Realism, Soviet Union, Spectator, St John the Baptist, St Petersburg, Stalin, Stockhausen, Symbolism, Tannhäuser, The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Victoria and Albert Museum, V&A, Va pensiero, Venice, Vienna, William Hogarth, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Written on Skin, Zhdanov Posted by Simon on January 6, 2018 https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2018/01/06/opera-passion-power-and-politics-the-victoria-and-albert-museum/ Symbolism by Michael Gibson (1995) The most striking characteristic of Symbolist artists is their withdrawal into the realm of the imagination. It is the solitude of the dreamer, of one who, marooned on a desert island, tells stories to himself. It is the solipsistic solitude of one who is sure of nothing outside himself. (p.35) This is an enormous coffee-table book, some 31.5 cm tall and 25 cm wide. The hardback version I borrowed from the library would break your toes if you dropped it. Its 227 pages of text contain a cornucopia of richly-coloured reproductions of symbolist paintings, famous and obscure, from right across the continent, with separate chapters focusing on France, Great Britain, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Scandinavia, the Slavic countries, the Mediterranean countries and so on. The main body of the text is followed by eight pages giving potted biographies of the key symbolist artists, and a handy table of illustrations – all of this textual paraphernalia as well as the end-covers and the incidental pages are lavishly decorated with the evocative line drawings of Aubrey Beardsley. It is a beautiful book to have and hold and flip through and relish. Symbolism was a literary movement So what is Symbolism? A big question which has stymied many art historians. Gibson approaches the problem from a number of angles. For a start Symbolism was a literary movement before it was an artistic one. The Symbolist manifesto published in 1886 was written by a poet, Jean Moreas, and referred to poets of the day such as Verlaine or the young Mallarmé. Moreas suggested that these writers were aiming ‘to clothe the idea in perceptible form.’ In looking for ways to illustrate this point he mentioned the similar aim in several contemporary artists, most notably Gustave Moreau. What idea? Well, there were eventually hundreds of symbolist painters and, arguably, every single one of them had a different ‘idea’. Symbolism against the modern world Gibson takes a different tack and offers a sociological explanation. What they almost all had in common was a rejection of the scientific rationalism and the industrial pragmatism of the age (the late nineteenth century). These latter movements were represented by a writer like Émile Zola, who embraced the modern age in its dirt and squalor and poverty and drunkenness, developing an approach he called ‘Naturalism’. The influential philosopher Auguste Comte preached a social philosophy called ‘Positivism’, which thought we could use scientific and technological advances to create a new society – a technocratic and utopian ideal which finds its fullest flood in the English-speaking world in the scientific utopias of H.G. Wells. Symbolists hated all this. They thought it was killing off all the mystery and imagination in life. They went in search of the strange, the obscure, the irrational, the mysterious, the barely articulatable. Symbolism a legacy of lapsed Catholicism Gibson makes the profound point that symbolism flourished in a) Catholic countries b) that were affected by industralisation. So the strongly Catholic countries of the Mediterranean (Spain or Italy) were unaffected because they hadn’t suffered the upheavals of widespread industrialisation. Symbolism flourished in the northern Catholic regions of heavily industrialised France, Germany and Belgium. He explains how the Industrial Revolution, coming later to these countries than to pioneering Britain, seriously disrupted the age-old beliefs, traditions and customs of Roman Catholicism. In particular, huge numbers of the peasant population left the land and flocked to the cities, to become a new industrial proletariat (or fled Europe altogether, emigrating to the United States). In the second half of the nineteenth century Europe saw social disruption and upheaval on an unprecedented scale. Urban intellectuals in Catholic countries felt that the age-old sense of community and tradition embodied by continent-wide Catholicism had been ruptured and broken. Many lost their faith in the face of such huge social changes, or as a result of the intellectual impact of Darwinism, or the visible triumph of science and technology. But they regretted what they’d lost. The Great Upheaval by Henry de Groux (1893) Gibson reads this confusingly cluttered painting as representing the disruption of traditional values in a society undergoing rapid change – note the broken crucifix in the middle of the composition. Symbolism, to some extent, represents the mood right across northern Europe, of artists and intellectuals for whom traditional Catholicism has died, but who still dreamed of transcendental values, of a realm of mysteries and hints from ‘the beyond’. As Gibson eloquently puts it, Symbolism is: the negative imprint of a bygone age rich in symbols and the expression of yearning and grief at the loss of an increasingly idealised past. (p.24) Hence the widespread movement among intellectuals to set up clubs, new religious ‘orders’, hermetic societies, cabbalistic cults, to turn to spiritualism, clairvoyance, and a wide range of fin-de-siecle voodoo. Portrait of Péladan (1891) by Alexandre Séon Péladan was one of the founders of the mystical Salon de la Rose+Cross which aimed to support Symbolist art. He changed his name to Sâr (or ‘Magus’) Mérodak. Mention of voodoo prompts the thought that, up till now I’ve made it sound like harmless replacement for lost religious certainties. I haven’t brought out the widespread sense of anxiety and nightmarish fear which also dominates much of Symbolist art. Vertigo, magic staircase (1908) by Léon Spilliaert Symbolism and the femme fatale There’s a lot of threat in Symbolist paintings. In Monet women innocently walk through fields with parasols, in Renoir women are laughing partners in sunlit gardens. But in Symbolist paintings women tend to be depicted as extremes, either as muses dreaming of another world or as sexually threatening and voracious demons. Salome (1909) by Julius Klinger The Biblical story of Salome who persuades King Herod to have John the Baptist beheaded, haunts the fin-de-siecle era. Wilde wrote a play about it, Strauss an opera, and there are scores of paintings. In most of them Salome represents the femme fatale, the woman who uses her sexual attraction to lure men into dangerous or fatal situations. Dr Freud of Vienna would have said the real terror lying hidden in these paintings was the male castration complex. Surely the idea was never made more explicit than in this painting by Julius Klinger which shows Salome carrying – not the traditional head of John – but a severed set of testicles and penis drooling blood, along with the blood-red knife with which she has just cut off a man’s penis. Why this anxiety? Why, above all, did it present in sexual form? Maybe because Symbolist artists were almost all men (there were several successful women Impressionists but no female Symbolists that I can see), and that they were dedicated to exploring the irrational aspects of human nature – and not much is more irrational than people’s sex lives, fantasies, desires and anxieties. And so these men, psyched up to explore the strange, the fantastical, the edgy the socially taboo – projected onto the blank canvas of ‘woman’ a florid range of their own longings and fears. The ‘irrational’ is not the friend of feminism. Sin (1893) by Franz von Stuck The alluring half-naked woman with her pink nipples and her mild smile almost distracts you from the enormous snake draped round her and ready to bite off your… your what? (‘Paging Dr Freud’ as they used to say in Hollywood screwball comedies.) A very Catholic image since, after all, the basis of Catholicism is the snake tempting Eve who in turn tempted Adam into the Fall. In this image Snake and Woman once again tempt the (male) viewer. Symbolism and death If Symbolist art often portrays Woman (with a capital W) as femme fatale, it just as often betrays anxieties about Death (with a capital D). But death not as we most of us will experience it (hooked up to beeping machines in a soulless hospital ward), instead encountered like a seductive figure in a folk tale, often handsome and alluring, often female, even sexy. Death and the Gravedigger (1890) by Carlos Schwabe The Tomb of Arnold Bocklin (1901-02) by Ferdinand Keller Thanatos (1898) by Jacek Malczewski Symbolism and decadence Fin-de-siecle art is often identified with ‘Decadence’, the cult of etiolated aristocrats reclining on velvet divans in an atmosphere heavy with incense and debauchery, as epitomised in the classic novel, Against Nature by J.K. Huysmans. Gibson sheds light on this, too, by saying the Decadence wasn’t fuelled so much by a sense of decline, as by a resolute opposition to the doctrine of Progress, a subtly different idea. This artistically aristocratic sensibility refused to kow-tow to the vulgar jingoism and gimcrack technical advances of the age (telegraphs, telephones, electric lights, early cinema – how ghastly), remaining nostalgic for the imagined superiority of its ancestors in an imaginary, pre-scientific age. There are always servants in Decadent literature. From a sociological point of view that is one of their most important features. In fact servants feature in the most famous line from the the ‘decadent’ dram Axël by French writer Auguste Villiers de l’Isle-Adam, where a typically aloof aristocrat drawls: As to living, our servants will do that for us. The Salon de la Rose+Croix In 1891 the Symbolist Salon de la Rose+Croix published a manifesto in which they declared that Symbolist artists were forbidden to practice history, patriotic and military painting, all representation of contemporary life, portrait painting, rural scenes, seascapes, orientalism, ‘all animals either domestic or connected with sport’, flowers or fruit. On the plus side, they welcomed mystic ecstasy and the Catholic ideal, any work based on legend, myth, allegory or dream (p.56). It’s an accurate enough snapshot of the Symbolist mentality. The Sphinx (1896) by Fernand Khnopff Detail from Apollo’s Chariot (1914) by Odilon Redon (In the 1890s Redon took to working solely in pastels, like Edgar Degas at the same period.) This sensibility locks itself away from the world, cloistered (a Catholic image) in an ivory tower, waking only at night (Symbolism is as fascinated by night, by shades of darkness, as Impressionism is by sunlight and daytime). Rejecting science, the exoteric (obvious), and everyday banality, it retreats into esoteric studies of the past, into alchemy, into the artificial recreation of medieval ‘orders’ (the more artificial, the more delicious), into mesmeric incantations about sin and death and damnation (overlooking the rather more mundane positive elements of Catholicism – charity, good works and so on). The vast range of Symbolism The great success of this book is in bringing together a really vast range of works from right across Europe to show how this mood, this urge, this wish for another, stranger, irrational world, took so many weird and wonderful forms, in the paintings of hundreds of European artists. And it also investigates the shifting borders of Symbolism, where the impulse to ‘clothe the Idea’ shaded off into other schools or movements – of post-Impressionist abstraction, or Expressionist Angst, into Art Nouveau decorativeness, or just into something weird, unique and one-off. The more I read on and the more examples I saw, the more I began to wonder in particular about the border between Symbolism and ‘the Fantastic’. Despite Gibson’s inclusivity, some of the paintings reproduced here look more like illustrations for fantasy novels than grand gestures towards a solemn mystery world. It’s a tricky business, trying to navigate through such a varied plethora of images. Here, from the hundreds on offer, are the paintings which stood out for me: I lock my door upon myself (1891) by Fernand Khnopff Feels symbolist because its apparent naturalism is very obviously pregnant with meaning – Is she enacting the characteristic gesture of Decadents everywhere, locking herself away from the drab, workaday world? Portrait of Georges Rodenbach (1895) by Lucien Levy-Dhurmer A breath-taking combination of immaculate draughtsmanship with the soft shimmering effect achieved by pastels. Isabel and the pot of basil (1897) by John White Alexander What magnificent light effects! Satan’s Treasures (1895) by Jean Delville Not much mystery about the sexual imagery in this orgy. The three fiancées (1893) by Jan Toorop Toorop was half-Javanese hence, apparently, the stick-thin limbs which reference Javanese shadow theatre. Money (1899) by Frantisek Kupka Possibly more the illustration to a Grimm’s fairy tale than a work of fine art. Setting aside all the fine art movements of the day, this was also the classic era of book illustration, by the likes of Arthur Rackham. Can book illustrations be symbolist? Sadko (1876) by Ilya Repin Is this symbolist in the sense of pointing towards some deeper meaning – or just plain fantasy painting for its own sake? Symbolists against nature Numerous symbolist writers and artists argued that the world of art is radically separate from the so-called ‘real world’. They thought that the Impressionists (who they heartily disliked) were simply striving for a better type of naturalism. Symbolists, on the contrary, wanted next to nothing to do with the yukky real world. As Gibson puts it: No longer was nature to be studied in the attempt to decipher its divine message. Instead, the artist sought subjects uncanny enough to emancipate imagination from the familiar world and give a voice to neurosis, a form to anxiety, a face, unsettling as it might be to the profoundest dreams. And not the dreams of an individual, but of the community as a whole, the dreams of a culture whose structure was riddled with subterranean fissures. (p.27) Symbolists found the idea of the total autonomy of the work of art No following of nature, then, but, in various manifestos, essays, poems and paintings, the Symbolists claimed the total autonomy of art, accountable to no-one but the artist and the imagination of their reader or viewer. Gibson argues that these claims for the complete autonomy of art lie at the root, provide the foundation of, all the later movements of Modernism. Symbolism ended by the Great War What is certain is that the strange otherworlds of Symbolism tended to come to a grinding halt with the Great War, which tore apart the community of Europe more violently than the Industrial Revolution. The movements which emerged just before and during it – the absurdist Dadaists, the violent Futurists, the avant-garde cubists – all tended to despise wishy-washy spiritualism, all guff about another world. However the irrational mood, the imperative to reject the business-like bourgeois world, was revived by the Surrealists (founded in 1924) and it’s easy to identify a continuity of fantastical imagery from the later symbolists through to the Surrealists. But the Surrealists’ great secret wasn’t other-worldly, it was other-mindly. Their worldview wasn’t underpinned by lapsed Catholic notions of the divine and the demonic. The Surrealists were students of Freud who thought that if they brought the creatures of the unconscious out into the open – via automatic writings and artfully bizarre imagery – they would somehow liberate the world, or at least themselves, from bourgeois constraints. But in practice some of the art from the 1920s, and even 1930s, is not that distinguishable from the weirder visions of the 1880s and 1890s. The conservatism of Symbolism Reading steadily through the book made me have a thought which Gibson doesn’t articulate, which is that almost all of this art was oddly conservative in technique. It is overwhelmingly realistic and figurative, in that it portrays human beings (or angels of death or satanic women or whatever), generally painted in a very traditional academic way. There are (as the Rose+Croix wanted) on the whole no landscapes, still lives or history scenes featuring crowds. Instead you get one or two people caught in moments of sombre meaningfulness. And hardly any of it is experimental in form. Not much of it invokes the scattered brush work of a Monet or the unfinished sketchiness of a Degas or the interest in geometric forms of a Cézanne. Nothing in the book is as outrageous as the colour-slashed paintings by the Fauves, by Derain or Vlaminck. This art of the strange and the other-worldly was peculiarly conservative. I guess that chimes with the way the belief almost all these artists shared in some kind of otherworld, some meaning or presence deeper than our everyday existence, was profoundly conservative, a nostalgic hearkening back to an imagined era of intellectual and spiritual completeness. The twentieth century was to blow away both these things – both the belief in some vaporous, misty otherworld, and the traditional 19th century naturalist style which (on the whole) had been used to convey it. Cars and planes, tanks and bombs, were to obliterate both fields of poppies and séances and spiritualism. Symbolism on Amazon Symbolist Art by Edward Lucie-Smith (1972) Art Nouveau by Alastair Duncan (1994) Cézanne Portraits @ The National Portrait Gallery Fauvism by Sarah Whitfield (1991) In Montmartre: Picasso, Matisse and Modernism in Paris 1900-1910 by Sue Roe (2014) The Post-Impressionists by Belinda Thompson (2nd edition 1990) The Private Lives of the Impressionists by Sue Roe (2006) by Simon on December 27, 2017 • Permalink Posted in Art, Books, Christianity, European History, Fantasy, French literature, Great War, History, Poetry Tagged 1995, Alexandre Séon, art, art history, Auguste Comte, Carlos Schwabe, Cathoicism, Decadence, Emile Zola, femme fatale, Ferdinand Keller, Fernand Khnopff, fin-de-siecle, Frantisek Kupka, Franz von Stuck, Freud, Futurism, Gustave Moreau, H.G. Wells, Henry de Groux, history, Ilya Repin, Industrial revolution, J.K. Huysmans, Jacek Malczewski, Jan Toorop, Jean Delville, Jean Moreas, John White Alexander, Julius Klinger, Léon Spilliaert, Lucien Levy-Dhurmer, Michael Gibson, Monet, Odilon Redon, Oscar Wilde, painting, Péladan, Renoir, Salome, Salon de la Rose+Cross, Surrealism, Symbolism, The Fall Posted by Simon on December 27, 2017 https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2017/12/27/symbolism-michael-gibson/ Queer British Art 1861-1967 @ Tate Britain Female Figure Lying on Her Back Can you tell whether this painting was done by a man or a woman, lesbian or gay, bisexual or transsexual? And does it matter? If by a man, is it a horrible example of the Male Gaze, encouraging male ‘ownership’ and mastery of the female figure, encouraging lascivious thoughts in the male viewer, reducing women to sexualised objects, exploiting women for semi-pornographic purposes? If by a woman, is it a joyously unashamed celebration of the female body, the lazy posture and yawning stretch of the subject marvellously capturing a moment of real, unvarnished intimacy? Does knowledge of the painter’s gender or sexual orientation change your ‘reading’ of this picture, your enjoyment of it, your ‘understanding’ of it? And why? These are just some of the questions raised by this fascinating and thought-provoking exhibition. I was a member of the Campaign for Homosexual Equality back in the 1970s, going on marches, signing petitions, habituating Windsor’s only gay pub, campaigning for gay rights, the central one being getting the age of gay consent brought down in line with the age for straights. In the years since, I’ve supported gay marriage, gay and women priests, and so on. It’s always been obvious to me that LGBT people should be treated absolutely the same as anyone else, and benefit from exactly the same rights and life opportunities. I am not myself gay, but it’s always seemed obvious to me that a) no-one should judge any form of sexual practice among consenting adults b) no-one should be allowed to discriminate in any way against anyone on account of their sexual orientation or sexual practices. The jargon of desire In the late 1960s French structuralist literary criticism began to morph into post-structuralist criticism and theory. Reflecting the move from the politicised 1960s into the more narcissistic 1970s, and an ongoing obsession with Freudian psychoanalysis – and also being French and proud of it – a lot of this criticism became more personal, about identity, as constituted in texts and wider society, and a lot more about sex. The works of literary critics like Roland Barthes (b.1915, The Pleasure of the Text), the historian Michel Foucault (b.1926 A History of Sexuality), the philosopher Jacques Derrida (b.1930), the psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan (b.1901), feminist theorists like Hélène Cixous (b.1937) and Julia Kristeva (b.1941 Desire in language), and the pioneer of Queer Studies, Judith Butler (b.1956, Subjects of desire, Gender trouble, Undoing gender), plus many others have led to the vast proliferation of the ‘discourse of desire’, to countless books and articles and conferences and degree and postgraduate courses about gender and sexuality, demonstrating how this, that or the other work of art or fiction or film ‘subverts’ or ‘challenges’ or ‘confronts’ gender conventions and ‘transgresses’ gender stereotypes and ‘rewrites’ gender narratives. With the collapse of communism in the early 1990s, young students wanting to prove how rebellious and subversive they were found themselves bereft of an ideological alternative to consumer capitalism, and so found themselves forced towards the only two games in town, anti-sexism and anti-racism, embodied in Women’s Studies/Gender Studies, and Post-Colonial Studies, respectively. For at least thirty years humanities departments – literature, art, philosophy – have been teaching courses showing how all Western writing, art, philosophy was riddled with racist/sexist assumptions, and built on evil imperialism and slavery. Many graduates of these courses, imbued with this way of thinking, moved on into the media and press, into film and theatre and the art world, where in the pages of the Guardian or the Huffington Post or the Independent, and in galleries and theatres across the West, they can be seen every day writing scandalised articles, producing documentaries, putting on plays angry about the persistence of sexism and racism and homophobia. But there are more women than immigrants in this country and, as a result, more Feminist Studies, Women’s Studies, Gender Studies courses than Post-Colonial courses – and so books and articles and films and documentaries about the multiple unfairnesses and injustices perpetrated on women throughout the ages by the ever-present Patriarchy, continue to thrive and proliferate. On one level this exhibition represents a triumph of this kind of discourse, a discourse a) obsessed by sex, conceived of in a rather dry and boring theoretical way b) driven and animated by a fathomless sense of grievance and injustice. Exhibitions about any aspect of sexuality represent a perfect marriage of victim politics with the high-flown ‘discourse of desire’. Why use the word ‘queer’? To quote the curators: Queer has a mixed history – from the 19th century onwards it has been used both as a term of abuse and as a term by LGBT people to refer to themselves. Our inspiration for using it came from Derek Jarman who said that it used to frighten him but now ‘for me to use the word queer is a liberation’. More recently, of course, it has become reclaimed as a fluid term for people of different sexualities and gender identities. Historians of sexuality have also argued that it is preferable to other terms for sexualities in the past as these often don’t map onto modern sexual identities. In addition to carrying out audience research, we took advice from Stonewall and other LGBT charities and held focus groups with LGBT people. The advice from all of these sources was overwhelmingly that we should use it. While we tried other titles, no other option captured the full diversity of sexualities and gender identities that are represented in the show. What is a queer work of art? Does it have to portray a homosexual or lesbian act i.e. be pornographic (as a small number of the works here do, some rude sketches by Keith Vaughan and the super well-known big phalluses of Aubrey Beardsley’s illustrations to Lysistrata)? Illustrations to Lysistrata by Aubrey Beardsley (1896) Is queer art any work by an overtly gay or lesbian or bi or trans artist? But how many Victorian and Edwardian and Georgian painters thought of themselves in those terms? Don’t the curators run the risk of – in fact aren’t they running headlong into – defining, naming and limiting people from the past a) by our own modern 2017 categories of sexuality (Yes); and b) of defining people entirely by their ‘sexuality’, whatever that is. I thought that was precisely what CHE and Gay Rights and their successors were trying to escape from: from being tied down, limited, constrained and defined solely in terms of your sexual preferences, as if that were the only important part of your life, as if society is correct to pigeonhole all of us on the basis of this one attribute. And what if the queer artist’s subject matter is not only not particularly erotic, what if it’s not even of human body? For example, is this queer art? Lilac and guelder rose by Gluck Hannah Gluckstein, known as Gluck (1895 – 1978) was a lesbian painter. So is her painting of flowers a work of queer art? Should queer art also include works which just look ‘sort of’ homoerotic or a bit lesbian, either a) in the eyes of contemporary viewers (in which case it might have caused a ‘scandal’ and ‘shocked Victorian society’), or b) in the eyes of modern curators trained to spot the slightest sign of gender stereotypes being ‘subverted’ and gender norms being ‘transgressed’ and narratives of heterosexuality being ‘questioned’ and ‘interrogated’? Either way, categorising art in terms of the audience’s response to it, is dicey. What constitutes ‘art’ has changed out of all recognition the past 150 years. People’s responses to ‘art’ have become similarly complex and varied. Tricky questions. In the event, this exhibition includes works chosen by all these criteria, and more. The drawbacks of telling history through art This decade Tate Britain has run a series of exhibitions based not around artists or movements, but on broad themes and topics. Thus they’ve staged exhibitions about: folk art, the aesthetic of ruins, the British Empire, Victorian sculpture, the destruction of art works, the depiction of war. Many of them had an amusingly random element, delicate watercolours of Tintern Abbey placed next to vast photos of Nazi war bunkers (Ruin Lust), or some maps of the Empire next to some flags of the Empire next to random artifacts from the Empire (Artist and Empire). Although they put a brave face on it, the cumulative impression of visiting all these shows raises the suspicion that the curators are under orders to find pretexts to bring out the more obscure and neglected works languishing in Tate’s vast archives, and display them in exhibitions with eye-catching and ‘controversial’ themes. While the aim of rotating their (doubtless huge) collection for us to view is laudable, the pretexts the curators come up with are sometimes ambitiously wide-ranging and grand-sounding, while the collection of artifacts actually on display often turns out to be rather patchy and random. The history of the British Empire is an enormous subject: the Tate exhibition about it amounted to a jumble sale of odds and sods from across the huge geographic reach and vast periods of time involved: the Empire used maps, here’s some maps; the Empire had flags, here’s half a dozen flags; the Empire allowed botanists and naturalists to travel the world and see exotic species so here’s a painting of tiger; here’s some native spears; and so on. Although Tate calls in plentiful loans from other collections to create the exhibitions, the core of these shows tends to be focused on dusting off and displaying many of it hidden assets, themselves bought at various times for various reasons, hence the feeling they give of a patchwork quilt made from odds and ends. Sometimes it feels as if they’re trying do a vast jigsaw without most of the pieces. Written histories can conjure up anything with words, creating continuities, linking themes and ideas at will: in words, anything is possible. Histories told through objects, however, immediately limit which areas can be covered, and which stories can be told, by virtue of what is available, what has survived. And histories told through works of ‘art’ are even more limited by the random nature of any particular art collection, as well as biases intrinsic in what kind of subjects get turned into ‘art’ and what don’t (the experiences of most ‘ordinary’ people, for example, or the entire world of work, especially housework). All these limitations apply to this exhibition, with the additional challenge that sex, sexuality, gender, desire – call it what you will – is, by and large, quite a private part of most people’s lives. Artists and performers, by the nature of their work and output, are a kind of exception to the rule that most people keep their sex lives pretty private. And forms of sexuality which were banned by law and subject to harsh punishments are all the more likely to be hidden and suppressed, to not leave traces in the written – and especially the painted – record. In other words, even more than Tate’s other wide-ranging historical exhibitions, this one feels haunted by gaps and absences. The dates In 1861 the death penalty for sodomy was abolished; in 1967 sex between men was (partially) decriminalised. These provide handy end dates. The exhibition is in eight rooms Coded desires covers the later Victorian period. This was dominated by the Aesthetic Movement and the group of painters known as the Olympians, who specialised in sensuous paintings of lightly-clad women lounging around in a dreamy ancient Roman baths or terraces. Just thinking about either of these interlinked movements brings to mind the extraordinary sensuality present in so much art of this period, along with a worship of the classical world, in pictures and in words, which stretched towards a feel for the same-sex relationships present in, especially, the writings of the Greeks, where a sexual relationship between an older man and a younger man or boy was socially acceptable. This may or may not be present in the works here, But the bigger story about most late Victorian art is the remarkable extent to which ‘desire’, physical sensuousness, in all shapes and forms, was more openly depicted than ever before in this period. The exhibition has some striking works by the king of the Olympians, Frederick Leighton, on the basis that he sometimes depicted sensual male nudes – although many of his works are characterised by sensuality for men or women. Icarus and Daedalus (1869) by Frederic Leighton – a stunningly sensual picture: but is it gay? The Sluggard (1885) by Frederic Leighton Leighton was rumoured to be gay, but then again it’s thought he had an affair with one of his female models. Tricky, therefore, to shoehorn him into modern categories of straight, gay, bi etc. One of the liberating things about studying history, past lives, is they did things differently, thought, wrote, spoke, painted, perceived, differently to us. Don’t fit into our modern categories. Was Lord Leighton gay? The bulk of works in the room are by Simeon Solomon, who was unfortunate enough to be arrested in a public lavatory off Oxford Street, charged with attempting to commit sodomy and fined £100, then a year later arrested in Paris and sentenced to three months in prison. This makes him a bona fide gay hero. To the viewer, however, his works seem mostly sub-standard examples of the Olympian style done much more smoothly by the likes of Alma-Tadema or Albert Moore. Sappho and Erinna in a Garden at Mytilene (1864) by Simeon Solomon (Watercolour) Tate William Blake Richmond (1842-1921) is a painter you don’t hear about much. He also painted supremely sensual paintings on sunny classical themes, e.g. Hera in the House of Hephaistos or just sumptuous late-Victorian portraits e.g. Mrs Luke Ionides. Nothing particularly ‘transgressive’ about these, in the way our curators want to see ‘gender norms’ being ‘transgressed’, but they’ve included one big painting The Bowlers. The Bowlers by William Blake Richmond Apparently, this scandalised the Victorians (didn’t everything ‘scandalise’ the Victorians?) for its inclusion of naked women (you can see some breasts) and naked men in the same scene. And some of the men have their arms round each other. Shock horror. Richmond was married and wasn’t arrested in any toilets, so not a transgressive hero per se. After looking at it for a while I noticed the way a line drawn along the top of the heads of the figures on the right forms a diagonal going down towards the centre of the composition, while the heads of the women on the left line up as a mirror diagonal heading down towards the centre: at the very centre is a black vase against a thick central pillar, to the left of which is a woman in a see-through toga and on the right the zigzagging black trunk of a wisteria tree. Which means or symbolises? Who knows. My favourite things in this room were the three paintings by the marvellous Henry Scott Tuke (1858-1929). Tuke was one of a group of artists who settled in Newlyn in Cornwall and painted en plein air. Almost all are of young men, nude or half-undressed, by the sparkling sea in the sunshine. In the permanent gallery upstairs they display August Blue (1893), a wonderful composition in terms of the draughtsmanship of the figures, also the figurative accuracy of the rowboat and the ships on the horizon, and also of course the wonderfully clear blues and greens – you can smell the sea, you can feel the sun on your skin. There are three of his paintings here alongside a cabinet showing some of the many photographs he took of gorgeous-looking young men. The Critics (1927) by Henry Scott Tuke. Warwick District Council (Leamington Spa, UK) Public indecency ‘looks at ways in which sexuality and gender identity did – and did not – go public from the 1880s to the 1920s.’ Thus we have the trial of Oscar Wilde (who has not heard of the trial of Oscar Wilde? How many films have been made of it?) the prosecution of Radclyffe Hall for her lesbian novel The Well of Loneliness (1928), and we get some of Aubrey Beardsley’s ‘scandalous’ illustrations for the Greek play Lysistrata thrown in. This is the kind of thing you should learn in 6th form and certainly early in an English or humanities degree course, so that you can tut and fret and criticise horrible dead white men for repressing ‘transgressive’ sexualities. But it’s worth remembering that this period also saw the persecution of male heterosexual artists as well – James Joyce’s Ulysses went on trial in 1921 because of its description of a man masturbating, the police raided an exhibition of paintings by D.H. Lawrence and (admittedly not in England) the Austrian artist Egon Schiele was arrested and 100 of his art works were confiscated – one of them was burned by the judge in court in front of the artist -for their sexual explicitness. It was an era when many artists of all persuasions were pushing at the boundaries of what society thought was acceptable depiction of sexuality, and many artists, gay, straight or what-have-you – fell foul of the authorities. Alongside the Wilde and Beardsley are testaments to the work of the sexologists Richard von Krafft-Ebbing and Havelock Ellis, who collaborated with the gay writer John Addington Symonds on his book Sexual Inversion (1896). These ‘scientific’ works can either be seen (optimistically) as the start of a ‘modern’ liberal attitude to a wide range of sexual practices or (pessimistically) as ‘science’ and the State beginning to move into areas of private life, with a view to defining and categorising all possible practices (or perversions as they’d have been called) and the human ‘types’ which engage in them. You don’t have to be Michel Foucault to suspect that the ‘liberating’ effects of writing about varieties of sexuality can be accompanied by new types of definition, surveillance and control. Theatrical types The theatre and performing arts have long offered a refuge for exhibitionists, people who like to dress up, fantasise, play act and generally behave in ways which would not be acceptable in everyday life. So the theatre has long attracted gay men and this room features photos of famous performers who were gay, photographers who were gay, with a special case devoted to cross-dressing entertainers. There’s a lot of photos by Angus McBean (1904-90) the fabulous b&w photographer, who did lots of semi-surreal fashion shots before the war (his ‘surrealised portraits’), was arrested in 1942 for homosexual acts and served two years in gaol, before emerging to resume his career post-war in a rather more traditional vision. But everything he did is touched by class and style. The show includes a typically weird portrait of the now-forgotten actor Robert Helpmann as Hamlet, though I know him for his appearances in Powell and Pressburger’s two extraordinary films, The Red Shoes and The Tales of Hoffmann. Robert Helpmann as Hamlet by Angus McBean (1948) The British have a problem with sex, full stop, whether straight or gay, and have long had a reputation for gross hypocrisy, with the ‘respectable’ classes enforcing repressive laws at home then vacationing in Paris where they could sleep with countless courtesans (as squeaky clean Charles Dickens was reputed to do and the heir to the throne, Prince Albert certainly did) or swanning off to North Africa, to Algeria or Morocco where there was an endless supply of boys for sex. This nervousness, shame and embarrassment may be part of what lies behind the long tradition of men dressing up as women for vaudeville entertainment, a tradition which goes back a long way, but is certainly present in the Victorian music hall, through the pre-war years and was still going strong in my boyhood in figures like Danny La Rue, Dick Emery (‘Oh you are awful… but I like you!’), Kenny Everett (‘and then all my clothes fell off!’), Dame Edna Everage, Lily Savage. And that’s without mentioning the vast tradition of English pantomime with its Widow Twanky and Ugly Sisters, traditionally played by men and a huge opportunity for all kinds of blue, risqué and ‘transgender’ comedy. A display case here presents a dozen or so photos and posters illustrating some of the cross-dressing stars of yore, most of which I’d never heard of simply because they were before the days of TV. Here, as elsewhere in the show (and as often in the Tate ‘history’ exhibitions) you feel this is an absolutely vast subject which has been only briefly sketched and hinted at, and possibly not one which is necessarily best approached through the medium of ‘art’ at all. Douglas Byng (1934) by Paul Tanqueray. Vintage bromide print © Estate of Paul Tanqueray Bloomsbury and beyond I am prejudiced against Bloomsbury because of their snobbery and their smug, self-congratulatory elitism. They all slept with each other and described each other, in private letters and public reviews, as geniuses. What’s lasted has tended to be the writings of figures on the periphery – the economics of John Maynard Keynes, the novels of E.M. Forster, the novels of Virginia Woolf, though she was a core member. The art work of figures like Dora Carrington, Vanessa Bell (recently featured in a handsome exhibition at the Dulwich Picture House), Duncan Grant, Roger Fry, hasn’t really stood the test of time. The catalogue says this room is meant to represent: a generation of artists and sitters exploring, confronting and coming to terms with themselves and their desires. Which makes it sound much more exciting and dynamic than most of their sleepy decorative pictures. Ethel Sands’s Tea with Sickert symbolises everything pretty, decorative and forgettable which I tend not to like about Bloomsbury art. Perhaps I just can’t slow myself down to this atmosphere of coma-like inaction. The commentary on the other hand, because Sands was in a queer relationship with fellow painter Nan Hudson, claims it is a ‘quietly subversive’ work, with ‘queer undercurrents’. Can you spot the queer undercurrents? Tea with Sickert (1911) by Ethel Sands John Gielgud’s Room (1933) by Clare Atwood The commentary makes the case that, although not overtly sexual in the least, these tranquil interiors are a) painted by queer artists and b) if you look closely, very closely, you can see small hints and traces of ‘queer lives’ which ‘history has long neglected’. Maybe… That said, I did find myself, on repeated viewings and to my surprise, warming to the selection of works by Duncan Grant on show here. These ranged from small, explicitly gay pornographic sketches to a vast mural, commissioned to decorate the dining room of the new Borough Polytechnic in 1911. It’s a huge work – and the more I looked at it the more I admired the mix of abstract and figurative elements to achieve an overall decorative effect, and came to understand that it follows the action of a single diver from standing poised on the shore, at right, through diving in, and swimming to the boat which he clambers into at top left. Bathing (1911) by Duncan Grant © Tate Similarly, I was impressed by the sheer size of the massive Excursion of Nausicaa by Dame Ethel Walker. It’s 18 metres wide by almost 4 high and makes a dramatic impact. It’s just as well a bench is provided for you to sit and take it all in. Although, when you look closer, it seems an uncomfortable mix of Gauguin-style primitivism with Art Deco style neo-classical figures, it is still at first sight, an enormous and confident composition. The excursion of Nausicaa by Ethel Walker (1920) There is a vibrant portrait by Glyn Warren Philpot (1884–1937) of his servant, Henry Thomas (1935). Note: his servant. In fact there were half a dozen Philpots scattered through the show, though this is the most vivid. Henry Thomas (1935) by Glyn Warren Philpot Similarly, the South African artist Edward Wolfe is represented by a portrait of Pat Nelson, his model and thought to be his gay lover. Portrait of Pat Nelson by Edward Wolfe The Bloomsburyites’ pursuit of ‘unconventional’ sexual arrangements (i.e. being bisexual, living with several lovers at once etc) through the Great War and into the twenties, led in to the cultural dominance of gay writers, poets and artists during the 1930s, given extra bite by the availability of the ‘decadent’ Weimar Republic in post-war Germany, whither trekked a generation of young gay men like Auden, Christopher Isherwood and so on. Defying convention This room shows how early 20th century British artists ‘challenged gender norms’ i.e. by being lesbians, living with other women, having ‘open marriages’ and so on. For example, Laura Knight, the curators claim, in this picture is laying ‘claim to traditional masculine sources of artistic authority by depicting [herself] in the act of painting nude female models’. It’s another very big painting and very red. Self portrait and Nude (1913) by Laura Knight. National Portrait Gallery There is a factual background to the image in that Knight was prevented from attending the life classes at Nottingham Art College because she was a woman; only when she moved to Newlyn was she able to hire life models, and so this composition is a sort of act of defiance. That changes our attitude to the image. Still, in and of itself, would you know that it lays claims to masculine sources of artistic authority, if it hadn’t been carefully explained. Maybe… Anyway, on pretexts solid or flimsy, a number of big, colourful and attractive works are on show in this room, especially of the phenomenally posh women who populated early 20th century feminism. Lady with a Red Hat (1918) by William Strang – the lady being the lesbian and gardening writer Vita Sackville-West, the Honourable Mrs Harold Nicholson, Companion of Honour, daughter of the third Baron Sackville. She is holding her recently published book of poems – Poems of West and East – showing the influence of Tennyson’s world-weariness, A.E. Housman’s lad poems, and the childlike orientalism of John Masefield and other Georgians. They’re sweet and melancholy. Dame Edith Sitwell (1916) by Alberto Guevara – daughter of Sir George Sitwell, 4th Baronet, of Renishaw Hall, and Lady Ida Emily Augusta (née Denison), a daughter of the Earl of Londesborough and a granddaughter of Henry Somerset, 7th Duke of Beaufort. Romance (1920) by Cecile Walton – Walton doesn’t appear to have been gay, having had two marriages (to men) but this self-portrait is ‘challenging’ and ‘subverting’ ‘gender norms’ surrounding birth. Having been present at the birth of my daughter, I can testify that it certainly challenges the reality of childbirth which is a lot less calm and dignified than this static scenario. Arcadia and Soho ‘London was a magnet for queer artists’. The most striking works here are by the neglected surrealist artist Edward Burra (1905-76). According to a review of his biography, his sensibility was gay, and his closest friend was a male ballet dancer, ‘but they were never lovers’. Am I alone in finding this modern inquisitiveness about the exact nature of other people’s sexuality, and the precise borders of their sexual activity, prurient and controlling? Who cares? His art is weird and extra, a really stunning, outlandish vision. Soldiers at Rye (1941) Burra incorporates masks from Venetian carnival, fabric from Spanish baroque, with a kind of sado-military hugeness to create this monstrous surreal panorama. Izzy Orts (1937) Burra was introduced to the portside bars of Charleston, with their mix of jazz musicians, pimps and dealers, and sailors in tight-fitting uniforms. Perfect! The opposite wall is devoted to a trio of gay artists – John Craxton, John Minton and Keith Vaughan – who were loosely described as ‘neo-romantics’ in the 1940s. They were certainly gay. There’s a display case of overtly gay and pornographic pencil sketches by Vaughan, as well as a handful of photos he took of gorgeous young men. Drawing of two men kissing (1958–73) by Keith Vaughan © DACS, The Estate of Keith Vaughan At an exhibition years ago I saw a whole stand of the b&w photos Vaughan took of beautiful young men lounging around classic 1930s lidos, at Hampstead Pools or the Serpentine, and have been haunted by them ever since. Men at Hampstead Ponds (1935) Next to the figurative sketches are his much more abstract paintings: Bather: August 4th 1961 Three figures In these Vaughan seems to me to have developed a new and exciting way of depicting the (mostly male) figure. Alongside Vaughan are some lighter, more ‘naive’ works by John Craxton. Head of a Greek Sailor (1940) by John Craxton © Estate of John Craxton. All rights reserved, DACS 2016. Photo credit: London Borough of Camden Craxton, Minton and Vaughan are three interesting figures, maybe worthy of a joint exhibition some time. Public/private lives In the decade leading up to the 1967 Sexual Offences Act gay men lived a strange twilight life. In many places gay relationships among the famous, especially the arty, were permitted – the eminent actor John Gielgud was arrested for indecency in a public toilet in 1953, was fined, released and was roundly applauded the next time he took to the stage. Maybe the most famous example was the close ‘friendship’ between England’s leading composer Benjamin Britten and the singer Peter Pears. The fuzz couldn’t go arresting the nation’s premier composer. But they did continue to arrest and imprison a steady stream of less well-known gay men, creating the trickle of protest which grew louder and more widespread for the law to be repealed or abolished. This room goes heavy on the lurid relationship of gay playwright Joe Orton and his jealous lover Kenneth Halliwell, because it ended in a garish tragedy. But in the whole room the most powerful image for me was a still from the 1961 movie Victim, a genuinely taboo-breaking work starring Dirk Bogarde as an impeccably upper-middle class lawyer married to the fragrant Sylvia Sims, but who is photographed in a compromising situation with good-looking young Peter McEnery, and blackmailed. I saw this film as a boy and it left a lasting impression of the needless pain and suffering caused by bigots and criminals given license by a stupidly interfering state. It influenced me to join the Campaign for Homosexual Equality. Francis Bacon and David Hockney I think we all know about these bad boys. This final room gives us the opportunity to marvel again at the bleak power of Bacon’s nihilistic paintings and the scratchy undergraduate humour of Hockney’s early Pop style. Life Painting for a Diploma (1962) by David Hockney © Yageo Foundation Scholarship or prurient gossip? As I progressed through the exhibition, reading every wall label carefully, a theme began to emerge (above and beyond the obvious ones about ‘gender fluidity’ and ‘same-sex desire’): ‘De Morgan’s repeated images of Hales have encouraged speculation about the nature of their relationship…’ ‘There is some evidence that Henry Bishop was attracted to men…’ ‘Beardsley does not seem to have had relationships with men…’ ‘There has been much speculation about Tuke’s relationships with his Cornish models although nothing has been substantiated…’ ‘Little is known about Meteyard’s sexuality, other than the fact that he was married…’ ‘Leighton’s sexuality has been the subject of much speculation from his own times to the present, but he guarded his privacy closely…’ ‘Glen Byam Shaw had almost certainly been the lover of the poet Siegfried Sassoon…’ ‘The exact nature of Thomas and Philpot’s relationship is unknown…’ Duncan Grant’s ‘close friend and possible lover Paul Roche…’ ‘There has been a lot of speculation about the nature of Walker’s relationship with the painter Clara Christian with whom she lived and worked in the 1880s although little evidence survives…’ ‘The poet Edith Sitwell does not seem to have had sexual relationships…’ What does it matter to an appreciation of their work what an artist did or did not do with their penis or vagina, or to someone else’s penis or vagina? Why do scholars obsess about the sexual act being a vital threshold in a relationship? On one level, this breathless fascination with the precise nature of people’s relationships, and whether they ever did the deed together, is just a highbrow form of gutter gossip, an educated equivalent to who’s shagging who in The Only Way Is Essex or Celebrity Big Brother, little different to the tittle-tattle of the tabloid press. On a more disturbing level, this intrusion of scholarly enquiry into the heart of people’s private lives is because modern art critics and curators need to know precisely who had sex with who and when, so that they can categorise and define artists, writers, poets, photographers, performers and so on according to their tidy definitions. So that artists can be neatly arranged into canons and genres and books and essays and exhibitions about straight or gay or queer or whatever art. ‘[Dirk Bogarde] never publicly affirmed a sexual identity and his personal life has to be inferred from his long relationship with his manager Tony Forwood (1915-88) with whom he shared his home.’ Has to be? Who says it has to be? Why this compulsion? Why must everyone’s sexuality be nailed down and defined? To be a bit fierce, you could say that modern art scholars and curators talk the talk about gender fluidity and multiple narratives and transgressing this, that or the other – but in practice, it is they more than any other group in British society who are obsessed with tracking down their subjects’ every sexual act and desire in order to categorise, limit, define and control both artists and their works. I found the obsessive probing into these dead people’s private lives unpleasant and disturbing. The repetition over and again, in the introductions to each room and on labels for individual works, of the phrases ‘same-sex desire’ and ‘gender norms’, all of which are ‘challenged’ and ‘confronted’ and ‘transgressed’, of artists ‘fearlessly stripping away’ convention and ‘pushing the boundaries’ – all this gets pretty monotonous after a while. Luckily, the art itself is much more varied, stimulating and unexpected than the ideological monomania of the commentary would suggest. If the downside of these historically-themed Tate exhibitions is that they take on vast subjects which they then struggle to adequately cover, the upside is that they turn up all sorts of unexpected treasures by relatively unknown figures, and make you want to see more. For example, I’d love to see an exhibition devoted to Craxton, Minton and Vaughan, exploring that strange sensibility of the 1940s, surely the most overlooked of 20th century decades. An exhibition devoted to the late Victorian ‘Olympian’ artists would not only be a feast of sensuality but could explore in more detail the complex areas of sexuality and sensuality which were so present in Victorian art, yet so repressed in Victorian life. Edward Burra, can we have a show dedicated to him, please, his last retrospective was in 1973. How about a show devoted to Tuke and the Newlyn School, what a wonderful treat that would be for the dark English winter. The more I looked at the Angus McBean photos, the more wonderful they seemed – how about an exhibition of him – or a broader exhibition about Theatre and Photography? Or, as simple an idea as ‘Neglected Women Artists 1860-1960’, showcasing the work of less well-known women artists (Laura Knight, Cecile Walton, Ethel Walker) from this era, gay, straight or whatever. In conclusion, I was irritated by the curator-speak but I thought it was a wonderful show, went back to see it twice, bought the catalogue, and am still being pleasantly beguiled by many of the wonderful paintings, large and small, brash or quiet. What an extraordinary, and huge, contribution gay/lesbian/queer artists have made to every aspect of British culture. Queer British Art 1861-1967 continues at Tate Britain until 1 October 2017 A queer walk through British Art at Tate Five stories of queer artists What does LGBTQ+ mean? John Martin exhibition @ Tate Britain (December 2011) Tagged Angus McBean, art, Aubrey Beardsley, Campaign for Homosexual Equality, Cecile Walton, D.H. Lawrence, Dame Edith Sitwell, Dame Edna Everage, Danny La Rue, David Hockney, desire, Dick Emery, Dirk Bogarde, Douglas Byng, Duncan Grant, Edward Burra, Edward Wolfe, Egon Schiele, Ethel Walker, exhibition, Francis Bacon, Frederick Leighton, gay, gay marriage, gay rights, Gender Studies, Gluck, Glyn Warren Philpot, Hannah Gluckstein, Havelock Ellis, Hélène Cixous, Henry Scott Tuke, Jacques Derrida, Jacques Lacan, James Joyce, Joe Orton, John Addington Symonds, John Craxton, John Minton, Judith Butler, Julia Kristeva, Keith Vaughan, Kenneth Halliwell, Kenny Everett, Laura Knight, lesbian, LGBT, Lily Savage, Michel Foucault, Oscar Wilde, Paul Tanqueray, Post-Colonial Studies, queer, Queer British Art, Radclyffe Hall, Richard von Krafft-Ebbing, Roland Barthes, Simeon Solomon, Tate Britain, the Aesthetic Movement, the Newlyn School, the Olympians, The Well of Loneliness, Ulysses, Victim, Vita Sackville-West, William Blake Richmond, William Strang, Women's Studies https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2017/04/28/queer-british-art-1861-1967-tate-britain/ Author, Author by David Lodge (2004) Lodge (b.1935) taught English literature at university level from 1960 to his retirement in 1987, specialising in classic novels of the 19th century, from Jane Austen to Henry James, explaining and theorising about them in his many works of literary criticism. Coming towards the end of his writing career, this novel can perhaps be taken as a labour of love – a long (382 densely-printed pages in the Penguin paperback), lovingly detailed account of the life and career of the writer many regard as the novelist, Henry James. The novel focuses on the years during which James tried – and embarrassingly failed – to write for the stage, writing half a dozen plays (The American, Mrs Jasper’s Way, Summersoft) most of which weren’t even staged or were flops, leading up to the public disaster of Guy Domville where James himself, going to take a bow after the first night performance – to cries of ‘author, author’ from the audience – was heartily booed and jeered, a public humiliation which his biographer, Leon Edel, claims he never recovered from. Lodge the pedagogue Lodge always writes clearly and logically. He knows where the interest lies for sure – but quite often it is a factual or historical or literary interest. An academic interest. Dry, unemotional. This ability to write clearly, to demystify literary terminology and ideas, explains the success of the articles he wrote for the Independent newspaper in the early 1990s, which were brought together in the book The Art of Fiction: Illustrated from Classic and Modern Texts. He is/was a great teacher. And this urge to teach and inform explains why, from the beginning, his novels have included plenty of factual information along with the plot: In the early ones, there’s lots of patient explication of Roman Catholic theology and the changes to it brought about by the Second Vatican Council. In his mid-70s comedy classics he uses his in-depth knowledge of literature as the background for hilarious high jinks, stuffed with witty references to Eng Lit classics. The novel before this one, Thinks… (2001), similarly tries – unsuccessfully, in my opinion – to insert a lot of current scientific theory about Artificial Intelligence and the nature of human consciousness into an all-too-predictable story about a randy married university lecturer seducing the new, dim writer-in-residence. So he’s always been a fact-based novelist. A historical novel This is Lodge’s first historical novel, not set during a period he’s lived through and not, to some extent, based on his own life experiences. The novel starts with Henry James’s final months (he died in February 1916) then flashes back to the mid-1880s and gives a slow patient description of his attempts to write for the stage over the next decade, interspersed with a wealth of detail about James’s densely packed social life and professional activities. It is all very readable and interesting, very enjoyable, very easy to dip in and out of – but in a completely factual way. I don’t know that much about James and so was interested to learn about his family background, about the two brothers who fought in the American Civil War and were ruined by it, while he and brother William James escaped conscription as students and went on to have eminent careers – as well as about his invalid sister, Alice, her final decline and death, tended to the end by a loyal lady friend in that claustrophobic Victorian style. Most of all I enjoyed Lodge’s weaving of the lives and biographies of all the men of letters, musicians, artists, actors and theatrical people who the hugely sociable James knew, met, dined and corresponded with. Being unmarried and celibate gave James the time to have an enormous circle of friends and to be invited everywhere. He seems to have known everyone who was anyone during the period and the novel therefore amounts to a panoramic overview of many of the most interesting literary and artistic events of the period. Interesting anecdotes For example, we get an interesting account of his long friendship with Punch cartoonist-turned novelist, George du Maurier (nickname ‘Kiki’), whose failing sight leads him to diversify into writing novels and eventually to the popular success of Trilby, the book which gave the world the phrase ‘Svengali’ (meaning ‘a person who completely dominates another, usually with selfish or sinister motives’) as well as the trilby hat. Trilby‘s phenomenal world-wide success and the wealth it brought du Maurier stand as a permanent ironic reproach to James’s own failing fortunes: in the year du Maurier’s novel sells 250,000 copies, some of James’s books barely sell 20. Another long-term friendship is with the novelist and poet Constance Fenimore Woolson, who he took to referring to as ‘Fenimore’ and whose meetings of mind and imagination, but slight reticences and hesitations, are delicately depicted. It comes as all the more of a shock when, half way through the book, we learn that she committed suicide by jumping from a hotel balcony in Venice. James feels unbearable guilt at the things left unsaid and unfelt in their relationship. Then there are numerous references to the wider world of letters, particularly to his encounters with contemporary writers such as Oscar Wilde (who he found vulgar and preening), the young Rudyard Kipling (whose bride Caroline ‘Carrie’ Balestier he found himself giving away at their wedding) but who he found beastly and vulgar, accounts of his good friend Robert Louis Stevenson who has travelled to the other side of the world to live in the South Seas – and so on and so on. We meet the French in the shape of the ageing novelist Alphonse Daudet whose incontinence means he has to keep slipping away from his chair at the banquet called in his honour to take a pee into a chamber pot behind a carefully positioned screen (the toilet is too far away); and Guy de Maupassant who shocks James by asking him to approach a lone woman in a restaurant, because Maupassant ‘needs’ a woman’, hasn’t had a woman for a whole week! In fact the atmosphere of moral turpitude i.e. free love i.e lots of sex, in the French literary world, is the single factor which had decided James not to live in Paris but to settle in more philistine, but more restrained, London. Thus Author, Author has the feel of a leisurely literary biography, full of interesting grace notes and biographical asides. The theatrical impresario who takes on James’s first play and puts up with his endless emendations before it flops in London, Edward Compton, is shown being father to a promising little boy, who the alert reader realises will grow up to be Sir Compton Mackenzie, OBE the ‘Scottish writer of fiction, biography, histories and a memoir, as well as a cultural commentator, raconteur and lifelong Scottish nationalist’, most famous for his comic novels Whiskey Galore and Monarch of the Glen. When James hears that John Addington Symonds has died (April 1893) it gives rise to a couple of pages telling us about Symonds’ privately published pamphlet calling for society to accept sexual love between Uranists (who were, as Lodge helpfully points out, just starting to be described by the new term ‘homo-sexuals’) and James’s own opinion on the matter. When du Maurier confides that he doesn’t believe in God he is careful to use the newish word ‘agnostic’ and Lodge is careful to let us know it was a neologism recently coined by the Darwin apologist, Thomas Henry Huxley, in 1869. When James and du Maurier ponder the amazing popularity of Henry Rider Haggard’s debut adventure novel, King Solomon’s Mines (1885), du Maurier is made to remind us how this success was partly due to the blizzard of posters put up all over London the morning the book was published by Haggard’s enterprising publishers, Cassells, in an early example of a mass advertising campaign. One of James’s young men friends, Henry Harland, is planning to set up a new literary and artistic journal, The Yellow Book, and Lodge (through James) contrasts the style of its main illustrator, the young Aubrey Beardsley, with that of du Maurier’s more traditional Victorian illustrations for Punch magazine. The historical novelist as tour guide Fenimore and James happen to be walking through the Place Vendôme in Paris where James takes the opportunity to tell her that the column at its centre is made from 1200 cannon captured at the Battle of Austerlitz, and Fenimore replies that he sounds like a guide book (p.178). In fact the whole text often sounds like a guide book. The hero is strolling across Piccadilly Circus? An opportunity to share with us that the statue of Eros (erected 1893) is made of aluminium so as not to tarnish in the smoggy London atmosphere (p.244). Walking past Buckingham Palace? An opportunity to tell us that Queen Victoria had recently opened some of the royal apartments to visitors. And so on. Same with people, with the famous personalities of the day. Who is this in the stalls at the first night of Guy Domville, reviewing it for the Saturday Review? Could it be the red-haired figure of George Bernard Shaw, the up-and-coming music critic, rumoured to have written a few plays of his own? And over there, surely that’s the Pall Mall magazine’s new drama critic, Herbert Wells, been in his job all of four days since the PM’s editor Harry Cust promised the thrusting young freelance journalist the first vacancy which came up at the magazine and this turned out to be it. So wet behind the ears he had to rush out to buy a set of evening dress made for him in just 24 hours. When Shaw and Wells get chatting Herbert boasts about the short story he’s just sold to the Pall Mall Gazette for £100, entitled The Time Machine. And so on. There is a kind of innocence about the exchanges like this which pepper the book, as if a teacher had set his 6th formers a piece of homework to imagine a conversation between the young H.G. Wells and Bernard Shaw. The book evinces a kind of simple-minded excitement at the sheer existence of these writers, a wonderment that Wells and Shaw and, in fact, the young Arnold Bennett, were alive and bumping into each other in the same town, along with Oscar Wilde and Rider Haggard and Conan Doyle, not to mention artists like Singer Sargent, Burne-Jones, Alma-Tadema, Frederick Leighton and so on. What bubbles up off the page is Lodge’s sheer enjoyment of this star-studded era. A guide not a novel? There are scores and scores of other examples of interesting and beguiling facts, stories and anecdotes throughout the book, as well as countless titbits about Paris and London, Rome and Venice. Taken together they probably make up the majority of the actual text. Author, Author has plenty of biography of the great man and lots of stories about his (fascinating) life and times, and the world of literature and art as it swirled around him. All very interesting, and Lodge has gathered much be interested and informed about. But not in the teeniest bit moving or emotional. I didn’t feel anything at all at any part of the book – even at the climax where James takes the stage after the first performance of Guy Domville (5 January 1895) to be publicly booed and humiliated. Well, what of it? We know that James will survive and go on to write the late masterpieces which have secured him a high place in the history of English Literature. Even the scenes where he is called to Venice to help the distraught family of Fenimore dispose of her vast collection of belongings, I found interesting rather than moving. And the final pages which revert to James on his death-bed in 1916 are done very factually and so, I’m afraid, didn’t move me at all. I was more interested in the way the James family nobly offered his loyal servants continued employment after his death. This is a very enjoyable book but for long stretches it doesn’t feel like a novel at all, more like an old-fashioned literary biography with made-up scenes and conversation added to enliven the basic narrative of events, and plenty of fascinating facts thrown in. It could have been called ‘Henry James and His World’. On this basis I’m looking forward to reading Lodge’s last novel, A Man Of Parts, which hopefully does much the same thing for H.G. Wells, another pivotal and well-connected figure from a slightly later period. Author, Author by David Lodge was published by Secker and Warburg in 2004. All quotes and references are to the 2005 Penguin paperback edition. Author, Author on Amazon David Lodge Wikipedia article Guardian review by Alan Hollinghurst Review by Terry Eagleton in the London Review of Books Observer review by Adam Mars-Jones Penguin paperback edition of Author, Author David Lodge’s novels 1960 – The Picturegoers – An ensemble piece following the lives of various characters in the fictional London suburb of Brickley, all linked by their attendance at their local cinema, the Palladium, as they fall in and out of love, practice various degrees of Catholicism and worry about sex. 1962 – Ginger, You’re Barmy – Jonathan Browne is fresh from gaining a First in English when he is plunged into National Service among brutal proles and cruel NCOs in a windswept barracks in Yorkshire. Onto this amiable backdrop is nailed a melodramatic story about his friend at university, Mike the ginger-haired renegade of the title, attacking a cruel NCO, being imprisoned, being spring by the IRA, and then forced to return to make a raid on the barracks which Jonathan, by freakish coincidence, ends up foiling. 1965 – The British Museum Is Falling Down – a day in the life of young academic Adam Appleby, unhappy Catholic father of three, who spends a day at the BM failing to do any research and finds himself embroiled in more and more comic complexities, all the time panic-stricken that his wife might be pregnant for an unbearable fourth time. 1970 – Out of the Shelter – the boyhood and teenage years of Timothy Young, child of very ordinary suburban London parents, who is a toddler during the Blitz, a boy at the end of the war, and a teenager when he goes to stay with his older sister in post-war Germany, where he makes all kinds of discoveries about war and peace and life and love. 1975 – Changing Places: A Tale of Two Campuses – It is January 1969 and two English Literature professors are swapping jobs for a term: down-trodden Englishman Philip Swallow is heading for the Californian delights of Euphoria State University, and lit crit superstar Morris Zapp is heading towards rundown rainy Rummidge University. How will they cope with the resulting culture shocks? A hilariously knowing romp, a sophisticated comedy classic. 1980 – How Far Can You Go? – The stories of 10 young Catholics in the 1950s and their adventures as they mature during the 1960s and 70s, larded with lots of commentary about the sweeping changes to Catholic dogma during this period, and lots and lots of clinical descriptions of sex, in a surprisingly flat and unentertaining novel. 1984 – Small World: An Academic Romance – a brilliantly conceived comedy of manners satirising the world of modern literary scholarship with its cast of jetsetting, globe-trotting, back-stabbing, vaultingly ambitious and goatishly lecherous academics, led by the protagonists of Changing Places, but with a whole lot more characters added, all travelling, questing and falling in and out of love in the artfully contrived and very funny modern-day equivalent of a medieval romance. (A pilgrimage novel) 1988 – Nice Work – feminist literary academic Robyn Penrose reluctantly takes part in the university’s scheme to shadow figures from local industry, being assigned to the equally reluctant Vic Wilcox, Managing Director of J. Pringle and Sons, a local metal-working factory. Initially antagonistic, they open each other’s eyes to new worlds, rather inevitably, fall in love, but then go beyond that to reach a more mature and realistic friendship. 1991 – Paradise News – Agnostic priest Bernard Walsh is rung up by his dying aunt Ursula who lives in Honolulu (she married an American during the war) asking him to come visit her and bring his father (her brother). Thus begins a ‘holiday’ in ‘paradise’ in which old family secrets are disinterred, old wounds healed, and new life begins. (A pilgrimage novel) 1995 – Therapy – Successful TV scriptwriter Laurence Passmore has it all – hit show, sexy wife, grown-up kids flown the nest, big house, flash car – but is still obscurely unhappy, a problem which turns into a plight when his wife abruptly sues for divorce and he seeks refuge in the past as his life falls apart. (A pilgrimage novel) 2001 – Thinks… – At the (fictional) University of Gloucester, clever, lecherous cognitive scientist Ralph Messenger fancies fucking bereaved novelist Helen Reed, in a story sprinkled with lectures on artificial intelligence which feel as if they’ve been cut & pasted from the popular science books of the 1990s. 2004 – Author, Author – A long and fascinating account of Henry James’s life from the mid-1880s to the mid-1890s as he attempted to branch out from writing novels and short stories with a sustained attempt to write plays for the stage, which proved, in the end, to be a humiliating failure – all told in a text rich with interesting stories and gossip from the era. 2008 – Deaf Sentence 2011 – A Man of Parts Posted in Books, English literature, History, Novel Tagged 2004, Author, David Lodge, George Bernard Shaw, H.G. Wells, Henry James, Oscar Wilde https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2016/09/01/author-author-david-lodge/ The Decay of Lying: An Observation by Oscar Wilde (1891) The aim of the liar is simply to charm, to delight, to give pleasure. He is the very basis of civilized society. Originally published as a magazine article in 1889, Wilde substantially rewrote this essay for inclusion in his volume of four essays, Intentions (1891). Dialogue form It is in dialogue form, harking back to the Platonic dialogues Wilde would have studied for his Classics degree, signaling Wilde’s embryonic interest in drama – and his realisation that his ‘ideas’ were maybe less amusing than his taste for paradox, for surprising reversals of expectations, for sudden bon mots and witty phrases – all of which are easier to engineer in dialogue form. Dialogue allows: quick fire interchange one person to develop an idea at length until it is in danger of becoming boring, at which point – the other person interrupts with a deflating remark or a witty summary of the story so far, so treatment of individual notions can be pages long or made in a throwaway one-liner, and the case of the proponent can itself subjected to irony and satire by the interlocutor – Wilde can parody or ironise his own argument In The Soul of Man Under Socialism Wilde has to go a long distance in his own voice and strains a bit to make a consistent ‘argument’. In Lying, as soon as the dramatic lead (Vivian) tires of one line of witty sophistry, his foil (Cyril) can interrupt, not understanding, or pooh-poohing the idea or asking for clarification: whatever new direction Wilde requires at that moment. The Argument All Art is lying, wonderful imaginative lying. Lying, the telling of beautiful untrue things, is the proper aim of Art. However, in Wilde’s time more and more artists were determined to drag the ‘real world’ into their art, making it ‘relevant’, addressing ‘issues’ and thus showing a tragic misunderstanding of what Art is and is for, and – the great crime in Wilde’s eyes – destroying their individuality – so that all the writers end up sounding like Parliamentary reports and all the artists end up creating works which are grim and depressing. Now, everything is changed. Facts are not merely finding a footing place in history, but they are usurping the domain of Fancy, and have invaded the kingdom of Romance. Their chilling touch is over everything. They are vulgarising mankind. Art is a form of lying, of rejecting the banality of ‘reality’ and creating something marvellous from our imaginations. Wilde must have had notebooks packed with sentences starting ‘Art is…’: The object of Art is not simple truth but complex beauty. Art itself is really a form of exaggeration; and selection, which is the very spirit of art, is nothing more than an intensified mode of overemphasis. The proper school to learn art in is not Life but Art. Art never expresses anything but itself. This is the principle of my new a aesthetics; and it is this, more than that vital connection between form and substance, on which Mr. Pater dwells, that makes music the type of all the arts. Taking this as his point of departure, the entire essay enjoys contradicting the popular view of the day (Wordsworth, Ruskin, Morris), that we must somehow get ‘back to Nature’, that Nature is a cure for modern industrial society. Quite the opposite: What Art really reveals to us is Nature’s lack of design, her curious crudities, her extraordinary monotony, her absolutely unfinished condition… Art is our spirited protest, our gallant attempt to teach Nature her proper place. As for the infinite variety of Nature, that is a pure myth. It is not to be found in Nature herself. It resides in the imagination, or fancy, or cultivated blindness of the man who looks at her. If Nature had been comfortable, mankind would never have invented architecture, and I prefer houses to the open air. In a house we all feel of the proper proportions. Everything is subordinated to us, fashioned for our use and our pleasure. Egotism itself, which is so necessary to a proper sense of human dignity’ is entirely the result of indoor life. Out of doors one becomes abstract and impersonal. One’s individuality absolutely leaves one. And then Nature is so indifferent, so unappreciative. Whenever I am walking in the park here, I always feel that I am no more to her than the cattle that browse on the slope, or the burdock that blooms in the ditch. Nothing is more evident than that Nature hates Mind. Provocation 1 – The incongruous Wilde enjoys provoking his reader, which takes at least two forms: one is the unexpected and witty application of homely phraseology in an unexpected way, to create a humorously incongruous effect. Nature has good intentions, of course, but, as Aristotle once said, she cannot carry them out… Art is … our gallant attempt to teach Nature her proper place. A great artist invents a type, and Life tries to copy it, to reproduce it in a popular form, like an enterprising publisher. Thus, as he endeavours to show his friend Cyril how far lying has decayed, the protagonist Vivian makes a humorous survey of the professions, all on the witty assumption that they are and have been professed liars, so that he is in the witty position of lamenting the decay of lying in professions which most Victorians would assume to have been the bedrock of British honesty and probity: CYRIL. Lying! I should have thought that our politicians kept up that habit. VIVIAN. I assure you that they do not. They never rise beyond the level of misrepresentation, and actually condescend to prove, to discuss, to argue [!]… Something may, perhaps, be urged on behalf of the Bar. The mantle of the Sophist has fallen on its members. Their feigned ardours and unreal rhetoric are delightful… They … have been known to wrest from reluctant juries triumphant verdicts of acquittal for their clients, even when those clients, as often happens, were clearly and unmistakeably innocent [!]. But they are briefed by the prosaic, and are not ashamed to appeal to precedent. In spite of their endeavours, the truth will out. Newspapers, even, have degenerated. They may now be absolutely relied upon [!] One feels it as one wades through their columns… Many a young man starts in life with a natural gift for exaggeration which, if nurtured in congenial and sympathetic surroundings, or by the imitation of the best models, might grow into something really great and wonderful. But, as a rule, he comes to nothing. He either falls into careless habits of accuracy… or takes to frequenting the society of the aged and the well-informed. Both things are equally fatal to his imagination! and in a short time he develops a morbid and unhealthy faculty of truth telling, begins to verify all statements made in his presence, has no hesitation in contradicting people who are much younger than himself, and often ends by writing novels which are so like life that no one can possibly believe in their probability. Later, he manages to include journalists in his list of the lying professions. The same journalists who would hound him into prison and cackle around his fallen corpse. Lying for the sake of a monthly salary is of course well known in Fleet Street, and the profession of a political leaderwriter is not without its advantages. But it is said to be a somewhat dull occupation, and it certainly does not lead to much beyond a kind of ostentatious obscurity. Provocation 2 – Anti-England Like any man of feeling or imagination, Wilde is depressed by the small-minded, xenophobic, philistine culture of England (something which has always driven our best writers abroad, to escape our stifling conformity and seek out a wider world). An attitude given bite by the fact that he was, of course, Irish and saw himself, as so many literary men of the Modern period (1890s onwards), as an outsider.(1) Thinking is the most unhealthy thing in the world, and people die of it just as they die of any other disease. Fortunately, in England at any rate, thought is not catching. Our splendid physique as a people is entirely due to our national stupidity. Nonetheless, one trembles when one reads his casual insults of England and the English. For, as we know, the English were going to have their total and humiliating revenge on Wilde and to drag all his witty paradoxes down into the lowest mud. A thoughtful young friend of ours once told us that it reminded him of the sort of conversation that goes on at a meat tea in the house of a serious Noncomformist family, and we can quite believe it. Indeed it is only in England that such a book could be produced. England is the home of lost ideas. But in the English Church a man succeeds, not through his capacity for belief but through his capacity for disbelief. Ours is the only Church where the sceptic stands at the altar, and where St. Thomas is regarded as the ideal apostle. The solid stolid British intellect lies in the desert sands like the Sphinx in Flaubert’s marvellous tale, and fantasy La Chimere, dances round it, and calls to it with her false, flutetoned voice. The contemporary scene Wilde gives a fascinating summary of the contemporary literary scene, of which he laments: ‘the modern novelist presents us with dull facts under the guise of fiction.’ He is to be found at the Librairie Nationale, or at the British Museum, shamelessly reading up his subject. He has not even the courage of other people’s ideas, but insists on going directly to life for everything’ and ultimately, between encyclopaedias and personal experience, he comes to the ground, having drawn his types from the family circle or from the weekly washerwoman, and having acquired an amount of useful information from which never, even in his most meditative moments, can he thoroughly free himself. The loss that results to literature in general from this false ideal of our time can hardly be overestimated. In his way Wilde is echoing Stevenson’s essay on Romance – a conscious revolt against the gradgrindish obsession with facts, a wish to escape, to soar on the wings of free imagination. Although Stevenson is first in line to be criticised: Mr Robert Louis Stevenson… is tainted with this modern vice [of realism]… There is such a thing as robbing a story of its reality by trying to make it too true, and The Black Arrow is so inartistic as not to contain a single anachronism to boast of, while the transformation of Dr. Jekyll reads dangerously like an experiment out of the Lancet. Mr. Rider Haggard, who really has, or had once, the makings of a perfectly magnificent liar, he is now so afraid of being suspected of genius that when he does tell us anything marvellous, he feels bound to invent a personal reminiscence, and to put it into a footnote as a kind of cowardly corroboration. Mr. Henry James writes fiction as if it were a painful duty, and wastes upon mean motives and imperceptible ‘points of view’ his neat literary style, his felicitous phrases, his swift and caustic satire. Mr George Meredith! Who can define him ? His style is chaos illumined by flashes of lightning. As a writer he has mastered everything except language: as a novelist he can do everything, except tell a story: as an artist he is everything, except articulate. Mr. Hall Caine, it is true, aims at the grandiose, but then he writes at the top of his voice. He is so loud that one cannot hear what he says. Mr. James Payn is an adept in the art of concealing what is not worth finding. He hunts down the obvious with the enthusiasm of a shortsighted detective. The horses of Mr. William Black’s phaeton do not soar towards the sun. They merely frighten the sky at evening into violent chromolithographic effects. Mrs. Oliphant prattles pleasantly about curates, lawntennis parties, domesticity, and other wearisome things. Mr. Marion Crawford has immolated himself upon the altar of local colour. He is like the lady in the French comedy who keeps talking about ‘le beau ciel d’Italie.’ Besides, he has fallen into a bad habit of uttering moral platitudes. He is always telling us that to be good is to be good, and that to be bad is to be wicked. At times he is almost edifying. Robert Elsmere is of course a masterpiece–a masterpiece of the ‘genre ennuyeux,’ the one form of literature that the English people seem to thoroughly enjoy. It is only in England that such a book could be produced. As for that great and daily increasing school of novelists for whom the sun always rises in the East End, the only thing that can be said about them is that they find life crude, and leave it raw. Wilde prided himself of his knowledge of French culture – their poetry and painting vastly more advanced than their English counterparts. But he dwells on the realist school and is equally as damning: M. Guy de Maupassant, with his keen mordant irony and his hard vivid style, strips life of the few poor rags that still cover her, and shows us foul sore and festering wound. He writes lurid little tragedies in which everybody is ridiculous; bitter comedies at which one cannot laugh for very tears. M. Zola is determined to show that, if he has not got genius, he can at least be dull. And how well he succeeds!.. The author is perfectly truthful, and describes things exactly as they happen. What more can any moralist desire? We have no sympathy at all with the moral indignation of our time against M. Zola. It is simply the indignation of Tartuffe on being exposed. M. Zola’s characters have their dreary vices, and their drearier virtues. The record of their lives is absolutely without interest. Who cares what happens to them? In literature we require distinction, charm, beauty, and imaginative power. We don’t want to be harrowed and disgusted with an account of the doings of the lower orders. M. Daudet is better. He has wit, a light touch, and an amusing style. But he has lately committed literary suicide… The only real people are the people who never existed, and if a novelist is base enough to go to life for his personages he should at least pretend that they are creations, and not boast of them as copies. The justification of a character in a novel is not that other persons are what they are, but that the author is what he is. Otherwise the novel is not a work of art. What is interesting about people in good society – and M. Bourget rarely moves out of the Faubourg St. Germain, except to come to London – is the mask that each one of them wears, not the reality that lies behind the mask. It is a humiliating confession, but we are all of us made out of the same stuff. In Falstaff there is something of Hamlet, in Hamlet there is not a little of Falstaff. The fat knight has his moods of melancholy, and the young prince his moments of coarse humour. Where we differ from each other is purely in accidentals: in dress, manner, tone of voice, religious opinions, personal appearance, tricks of habit, and the like. The more one analyses people, the more all reasons for analysis disappear. Sooner or later one comes to that dreadful universal thing called human nature. Indeed, as any one who has ever worked among the poor knows only too well, the brotherhood of man is no mere poet’s dream, it is a most depressing and humiliating reality! But he likes Balzac: Balzac was a most wonderful combination of the artistic temperament with the scientific spirit. The latter he bequeathed to his disciples: the former was entirely his own. The difference between such a book as M. Zola’s L’Assommoir and Balzac’s Illusions Perdues is the difference between unimaginative realism and imaginative reality… A steady course of Balzac reduces our living friends to shadows, and our acquaintances to the shadows of shades. His characters have a kind of fervent fierycoloured existence. They dominate us, and defy scepticism… But Balzac is no more a realist than Holbein was. He created life, he did not copy it. Art does not express the world. Yuk. It expresses the individuality, the genius, of the artist. Art should be quite detached, quite useless Where Morris the Marxist argued that Art in an ideal world would be the results of happy men expressing their creativity, especially in decorating the everyday objects of our lives, so that everything a happy fulfilled worker makes is Art – Wilde the hyper aesthete argues that all Art should be quite useless, quite irrelevant to our everyday lives and concerns: that is its point. The only beautiful things, as somebody once said, are the things that do not concern us. As long as a thing is useful or necessary to us, or affects us in any way, either for pain or for pleasure, or appeals strongly to our sympathies, or is a vital part of the environment in which we live, it is outside the proper sphere of art. To art’s subject matter we should be more or less indifferent. We should, at any rate, have no preferences, no prejudices, no partisan feeling of any kind… I do not know anything in the whole history of literature sadder than the artistic career of Charles Reade. He wrote one beautiful book, The Cloister and the Hearth, a book as much above Romola as Romola is above Daniel Deronda, and wasted the rest of his life in a foolish attempt to be modern, to draw public attention to the state of our convict prisons, and the management of our private lunatic asylums. Charles Dickens was depressing enough in all conscience when he tried to arouse our sympathy for the victims of the poor law administration; but Charles Reade, an artist, a scholar, a man with a true sense of beauty, raging and roaring over the abuses of contemporary life like a common pamphleteer or a sensational journalist, is really a sight for the angels to weep over. Life imitates Art So far, so plausible. Wilde has moved beyond outraging the bourgeoisie to establish his main point: Art is a wonderful kind of lying which, in his age, was everywhere in danger of being hobbled by the mania for Realism. But the essay goes to another level when Wilde pushes the conceit further to say that, not only is vulgar, dull Life bad for Art, but that Life itself actually copies Art. Paradox though it may seem, it is none the less true that Life imitates art far more than Art imitates life. We have all seen in our own day in England how a certain curious and fascinating type of beauty, invented and emphasised by two imaginative painters [the pre-Raphaelites Rossetti and Burne-Jones], has so influenced Life that whenever one goes to a private view or to an artistic salon one sees, here the mystic eyes of Rossetti’s dream, the long ivory throat, the strange squarecut jaw, the loosened shadowy hair that he so ardently loved, there the sweet maidenhood of The Golden Stair, the blossom-like mouth and weary loveliness of the Laus Amoris, the passion-pale face of Andromeda, the thin hands and lithe beauty of the Vivien in Merlin’s Dream. [See illustration below] And it has always been so. A great artist invents a type, and Life tries to copy it, to reproduce it in a popular form, like an enterprising publisher. Neither Holbein nor Vandyck found in England what they have given us. They brought their types with them, and Life, with her keen imitative faculty, set herself to supply the master with models. As it is with the visible arts, so it is with literature. The most obvious and the vulgarest form in which this is shown is in the case of the silly boys who, after reading the adventures of Jack Sheppard or Dick Turpin, pillage the stalls of unfortunate applewomen, break into sweet shops at night, and alarm old gentlemen who are returning home from the city by leaping out on them in suburban lanes, with black masks and unloaded revolvers… The boy burglar is simply the inevitable result of life’s imitative instinct. He is Fact, occupied as Fact usually is with trying to reproduce Fiction. Schopenhauer has analysed the pessimism that characterises modern thought, but Hamlet invented it. The world has become sad because a puppet was once melancholy. The Nihilist, that strange martyr who has no faith, who goes to the stake without enthusiasm, and dies for what he does not believe in, is a purely literary product. He was invented by Tourgenieff, and completed by Dostoieffski. Robespierre came out of the pages of Rousseau as surely as the People’s Palace rose out debris of a novel. Literature always anticipates life. It does not copy it, but moulds it to its purpose. The nineteenth century, as we know it, is largely an invention of Balzac. Our Luciens de Rubempre, our Rastignacs, and De Marsays made their first appearance on the stage of the Comedie Humaine. We are merely carrying out, with footnotes and unnecessary additions, the whim or fancy or creative vision of a great novelist. At some point this argument begins to overlap with very modern concerns about people imitating violent films or video games. Wilde doesn’t say there is a tendency to copy art: he think sit is an absolute rule: Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life, and I feel sure that if you think seriously about it you will find that it is true. Life holds the mirror up to Art, and either reproduces some strange type imagined by painter or sculptor, or realizes in fact what has been dreamed in fiction. Scientifically speaking, the basis of life – the energy of life, as Aristotle would call it – is simply the desire for expression, and Art is always presenting various forms through which this expression can be attained. Life seizes on them and uses them, even if they be to her own hurt. Young men have committed suicide because Rolla did so, have died by their own hand because by his own hand Werther died. Think of what we owe to the imitation of Christ, of what we owe to the imitation of Caesar. This anticipates Raymond Chandler’s 1930s comments about his hoodlums and gangsters modeling themselves on the movies, a sentiment echoed by Alistair MacLean in his thrillers of the 1960s, and of what I know of Auden and his circle modeling their posing, the way they lit and held cigarettes, on the movie stars of the 1930s. It seems to me a very persuasive argument indeed that Art gives us the models and then people enthusiastically set about copying them – except that Wilde probably wouldn’t call movies, TV and pop videos Art: but they are what provide contemporary humanity with our models for behaving and talking. Nature imitates Art And Wilde’s comic style, his essential humour, combines wonderfully when Vivian is goaded by Cyril to go one step further and prove that Nature imitates Art – the precise opposite of what most of the nineteenth century has been telling itself: Where, if not from the Impressionists, do we get those wonderful brown fogs that come creeping down our streets, blurring the gaslamps and changing the houses into monstrous shadows ? To whom, if not to them and their master, do we owe the lovely silver mists that brood over our river, and turn to faint forms of fading grace curved bridge and swaying barge ? The extraordinary change that has taken place in the climate of London during the last ten years is entirely due to this particular school of Art. Nature is no great mother who has borne us. She is our creation. It is in our brain that she quickens to life. Things are because we see them, and what we see, and how we see it, depends on the Arts that have influenced us. To look at a thing is very different from seeing a thing. One does not see anything until one sees its beauty. Then, and then only, does it come into existence. At present, people see fogs, not because there are fogs, but because poets and painters have taught them the mysterious loveliness of such effects. There may have been fogs for centuries in London. I dare say there were. But no one saw them, and so we do not know anything about them. They did not exist till Art had invented them. Now, it must be admitted, fogs are carried to excess. They have become the mere mannerism of a clique, and the exaggerated realism of their method gives dull people bronchitis. Where the cultured catch an effect, the uncultured catch cold. And so, let us be humane, and invite Art to turn her wonderful eyes elsewhere. She has done so already, indeed. That white quivering sunlight that one sees now in France, with its strange blotches of mauve, and its restless violet shadows, is her latest fancy, and, on the whole, Nature reproduces it quite admirably. Where she used to give us Corots and Daubignys, she gives us now exquisite Monets and entrancing Pisaros. Indeed there are moments, rare, it is true, but still to be observed from time to time, when Nature becomes absolutely modern. Of course she is not always to be relied upon. The fact is that she is in this unfortunate position. Art creates an incomparable and unique effect, and, having done so, passes on to other things. Nature, upon the other hand, forgetting that imitation can be made the sincerest form of insult, keeps on repeating this effect until we all become absolutely wearied of it. Nobody of any real culture, for instance, ever talks nowadays about the beauty of a sunset. Sunsets are quite old fashioned. They belong to the time when Turner was the last note in art. To admire them is a distinct sign of provincialism of temperament. But I don’t want to be too hard on Nature… That she imitates Art, I don’t think even her worst enemy would deny now. It is the one thing that keeps her in touch with civilized man. Art doesn’t reflect its society & times – it creates them In the same spirit, Wilde rejects another cliche, that Art reflects the society and times it was created in. Wrong, says Wilde; the precise opposite: Art doesn’t reflect: Art creates the style and look of its times. No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist. Take an example from our own day. I know that you are fond of Japanese things. Now, do you really imagine that the Japanese people, as they are presented to us in art, have any existence ? If you do, you have never understood Japanese art at all. The Japanese people are the deliberate selfconscious creation of certain individual artists. If you set a picture by Hokusai, or Hokkei, or any of the great native painters, beside a real Japanese gentleman or lady, you will see that there is not the slightest resemblance between them. The actual people who live in Japan are not unlike the general run of English people; that is to say, they are extremely commonplace, and have nothing curious or extraordinary about them. In fact the whole of Japan is a pure invention. There is no such country, there are no such people. The Japanese people are, in fact, simply a mode of style, an exquisite fancy of art. And so, if you desire to see a Japanese effect, you will not behave like a tourist and go to Tokio. On the contrary, you will stay at home, and steep yourself in the work of certain Japanese artists, and then, when you have absorbed the spirit of their style, and caught their imaginative manner of vision, you will go some afternoon and sit in the Park or stroll down Piccadilly, and if you cannot see an absolutely Japanese effect there, you will not see it anywhere. The fact is that we look back on the ages entirely through the medium of Art, and Art, very fortunately, has never once told us the truth. The essay ends, with a witty call for a revival of lying at all levels of society, beginning in the nursery and extending through school and into the higher professions. In a kind of satire on the millenial, revolutionary rhetoric of this decade of revolutionaries and nihilists and anarchists, Wilde looks forward to the overthrow of the present dull world of facts and the rebirth of a wonderful world of lying and imagination: The solid stolid British intellect may not hear the voice of fantasy now, but surely some day, when we are all bored to death with the commonplace character of modern fiction, it will hearken to her and try to borrow her wings. And when that day dawns, or sunset reddens how joyous we shall all be! Facts will be regarded as discreditable, Truth will be found mourning over her fetters, and Romance, with her temper of wonder, will return to the land. The very aspect of the world will change to our startled eyes. Out of the sea will rise Behemoth and Leviathan and sail round the high-pooped galleys, as they do on the delightful maps of those ages when books on geography were actually readable. Dragons will wander about the waste places, and the phoenix will soar from her nest of fire into the air. We shall lay our hands upon the basilisk, and see the jewel in the toad’s head. Champing his gilded oats, the Hippogriff will stand in our stalls, and over our heads will float the Blue Bird singing of beautiful and impossible things, of things that are lovely and that never happened, of things that are not and that should be. But before this comes to pass we must cultivate the lost art of Lying. And the essay winds up with some more generalisations from Wilde’s books of sentences about Art. Art never expresses anything but itself. It has an independent life, just as Thought has, and develops purely on its own lines. It is not necessarily realistic in an age of realism, nor spiritual in an age of faith. So far from being the creation of its time, it is usually in direct opposition to it, and the only history that it preserves for us is the history of its own progress. All bad art comes from returning to Life and Nature, and elevating them into ideals. Life and Nature may sometimes be used as part of Art’s rough material, but before they are of any real service to art they must be translated into artistic conventions. The moment Art surrenders its imaginative medium it surrenders everything… It is only the modern that ever becomes oldfashioned. M. Zola sits down to give us a picture of the Second Empire. Who cares for the Second Empire now? It is out of date. Life goes faster than Realism, but Romanticism is always in front of Life. The third doctrine is that Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life. This results not merely from Life’s imitative instinct, but from the fact that the self-conscious aim of Life is to find expression, and that Art offers it certain beautiful forms through which it may realize that energy. 1. It is a revealing moment when Wilde jokingly says that society must return to its ‘lost leader’, the skilled liar. Mostly this is paradoxical wit – but the phrase ‘lost leader’, by 1891, already referred to Charles Stewart Parnell, whose affair with a married woman split the Home Rule party of which he was leader, and, arguably, set back the cause of Irish independence by a generation. And of course, Wilde’s oblique reference to a man hounded to his death by the British establishment because of his private life has a terrible reverberation for us who know Wilde’s fate. The Decay of Lying online The Beguiling of Merlin by Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1874) Tagged 1891, Decay of Lying, humour, Oscar Wilde, Wilde https://astrofella.wordpress.com/2014/08/03/the-decay-of-lying-oscar-wilde/	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3739
__label__cc	0.710061	0.289939	Children's Picture Book Reviews: Dada, Grumpy Pants, and I Hear a Pickle (and smell, see, touch and taste it too) Description: Have you ever had a grumpy day and not known why? Penguin is having a grumpy day like that. No matter what he does, he just can't shake it! Sometimes the only thing left to do is wash the grumpy day away and start over. Review: We all have bad days where we are moody, sad, and grumpy. We can easily sympathize with Penguin who is in a very bad mood. He simply can't shake his grumpiness. He stomps inside and begins shedding layers. Off come the "grumpy boots," "grumpy overalls," even his "grumpy underpants." Unfortunately taking off his grumpy clothes doesn't put him in a better mood. He tries several things to help him feel better. After a nice cold shower, putting on some cozy pajamas, having a warm cup of cocoa to drink, reading his favorite book, and having a teddy bear by his side soon melts Penguin's grumpiness away. frown But not even stripping down to his birthday suit can brighten his disposition. The simple text and illustrations captures Penguin's emotions. Younger readers will have a great time laughing at Penguin as he tries to brighten up his mood. The images and texts brighten as Penguin gets better and things start to look up. It's nice reminder that bad moods and bad days thankfully don't last forever. Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades PreK-1. If you like this book try: Leave Me Alone! by Vera Brosgol Description: Your baby's first word will be ..."Dada!" Right? Everyone knows that fathers wage a secret campaign to ensure that their babies' first word is "Dada!" But how does it work? One of the most popular entertainers in the world and NBC's The Tonight Show host, Jimmy Fallon, shows you how. Review: I'm a fan of the Tonight Show so I decided to check out Jimmy Fallon's picture book. While the illustrations are cute, there really is no story. It's a repetitive narrative of a male parent trying to get his child to say Dada as his/her first word and failing miserably. It was funny for the first few pages but then it got old really quick. If you like this book try: Me and Dad by Maria Catherine, Because I'm Your Dad by Ahmet Zappa Description: Hearing, smelling, seeing, touching, tasting--our five senses allow us to experience the world in so many ways! With our ears we hear the birds sing; with our nose we smell the stinky cheese; with our eyes we see the moon and stars (and sometimes glasses help us see even better!); with our skin we feel the rain (and learn not to touch the hot stove!); and with our tongue we can taste our favorite foods. Review: This is a great introduction to the five senses for younger readers. The author presents the five senses in a large-format featuring several small pictures of children on every spacious double-page spread. Each of the book’s five sections focuses on one of the senses, illustrated by a large, multicultural cast of toddler and preschool characters which was really nice to see. Like the simple texts, the illustrations are also whimsical and charming. The white space on the pages allow the reader to focus on the individual characters displaying the senses will help younger readers make the connection between the action and the senses. I Hear a Pickle would be a great read-aloud and also very effective if used one on one. If you like this book try: My Five Senses by Aliki, Taste the Clouds by Rita Marshall, Hello, Ocean! by Pam Munoz, Labels: 2 stars, 2016 YRHMB Reading Challenge, 4 stars, Childrens, Humor, Picture Book 2 comments \| \| Ask Me How I Got Here Description: Addie has always known what she was running toward. In cross-country, in life, in love. Until she and her boyfriend—her sensitive, good-guy boyfriend—are careless one night and she ends up pregnant. Addie makes the difficult choice to have an abortion. And after that—even though she knows it was the right decision for her—nothing is the same anymore. She doesn’t want anyone besides her parents and her boyfriend to know what happened; she doesn’t want to run cross-country; she can’t bring herself to be excited about anything. Until she reconnects with Juliana, a former teammate who’s going through her own dark places. Review: Ask Me How I Got Here is not an easy read and tackles serious issues such as teen sexuality, abortion, morality, and religion which may be uncomfortable for some readers. Addie Solokowski seems to fit the almost-perfect teen trope: she has supportive parents, a top athlete, and a loving boyfriend. Addie and Nick are enjoying a healthy, deeply supportive, and sex-positive relationship. When they are less careful one night, Addie becomes pregnant. After some serious deliberation and support from her parents and Nick, Addie has an abortion. The author does a good job in showing how externally Addie may be okay with her decision but internally she is grappling with depression as we watch her slowly pull away from track and lose interest with Nick. Though Addie struggles with her decision afterward, she remains solid in the fact that she made the right one. The book could easily be didactic, but Addie's musings on religion, sexuality, and keen observation avoids the preachy tone. Interspersed with poetry are Addie's letters to her unborn baby are short yet powerful and the book's strength. My biggest problem with the book is that it abruptly changes direction as Addie rapidly develops a crush on Juliana, a girl who is wrestling with her own personal demons and seeking therapy for self harm. The last minute switch is jarring and undeveloped. I'm not completely sure if the novel in verse format is the right for the characters and the topic. I would much rather have had this book written in prose so it can flesh out some of the characters and under developed parts of the book. Words of Caution: There are allusions to sex and having an abortion as mentioned in the book's description. There is also some language, underage drinking, and crude sexual humor. Recommended for older teens. If you like this book try: I Know It's Over by C.K. Martin, Detour for Emmy by Marilyn Reynolds Labels: 2016 YRHMB Reading Challenge, 3 stars, Family, Friendship, Novel in Verse, Realistic Fiction, YA 3 comments \| \| In the Language of Miracles Description: Samir and Nagla Al-Menshawy appear to have attained the American dream. After immigrating to the United States from Egypt, Samir successfully works his way through a residency and launches his own medical practice as Nagla tends to their firstborn, Hosaam, in the cramped quarters of a small apartment. Soon the growing family moves into a big house in the manicured New Jersey suburb of Summerset, where their three children eventually attend school with Natalie Bradstreet, the daughter of their neighbors and best friends. More than a decade later, the family’s seemingly stable life is suddenly upended when a devastating turn of events leaves Hosaam and Natalie dead and turns the Al-Menshawys into outcasts in their own town. Review: Hassib's debut novel is timely, sensitive, and offers no easy answers. The Al-Menshawys are Egyptian, Muslim immigrants to a small New Jersey town. They were once loved and embraced into their tight, niche community until a tragedy ostracized them with prejudice and shaming them with Islamophobia. The author does not hold back on how awful the family is treated. Though the actual events of the tragedy are slowly revealed, they are not the focus of the story but rather how the family members react to it. The novel takes place over the five days leading up to the memorial service for Natalie, the neighbors and once close friends with the Al-Menshawys. We watch how each member of the Al-Menshawys struggles to come to terms with the memorial service and through the character's memories and flashbacks we follow the family's struggle of assimilating to the United States. Mother Nagla is paralyzed by grief and guilt. She is a traditional, conservative wife who still relies on her mother, Ehsan, to run the household while she broods and sulks in the house. She is absolutely appalled when her husband, Samir, a one-time respected doctor, decides that a memorial service is the perfect opportunity to rejoin the community and to clear the air of any misunderstanding. The author does a nice job in showing the range of emotions from the older generation such as Samir's overbearing personality, Nagla's passive-aggressive attitude, Ehsan's sole reliance on faith and whatever is "God's will" as well as interfering and manipulative nature and the yearning for direction in the new generation. Though all the characters are equally interesting, I was more drawn to the remaining siblings. Fatima, the youngest, has turned to religion as a source of comfort. She is becoming more pious and modest in clothing, experimenting with wearing the hijab which her family feels is adding to growing reasons why their family is singled out by their community. In contrast, Khaled is re-evaluating his entire identity and blames his brother for controlling the whole family's behavior and internally clashes with his own desires and his family's expectations. The bonds of love and loyalty in the Al-Al-Menshawys is authentic and palpable. The situation they find themselves in would threaten to fracture any family. The climax at the memorial service is gut wrenching, awkward, and painful as it would be in real life. The epilogue does provide a ray of hope that affirms that people can survive even the most horrific traumas. In the Language of Miracles is steeped in Egyptian culture and in Islam without being didactic while turning a sharp eye on the immigrant experience. I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading another book by Hassib. Words of Caution: There is some language in the book and disturbing images. Recommended for older teens and adults. If you like this book try: The Year of the Runaways by Sunjeev Sahota, Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue, The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez Labels: 2016 Diverse Reads Challenge, 2016 YRHMB Reading Challenge, 4 stars, Adult, Death, Family, Immigrants, Prejudice, Realistic Fiction, Religion 3 comments \| \| The Land of Forgotten Girls Description: Soledad has always been able to escape into the stories she creates. Just like her mother always could. And Soledad has needed that escape more than ever in the five years since her mother and sister died and her father moved Sol and her youngest sister from the Philippines to Louisiana. Then he left, and all Sol and Ming have now is their evil stepmother, Vea. Sol has protected Ming all this time, but then Ming begins to believe that Auntie Jove—their mythical, world-traveling aunt—is really going to come rescue them. Have Sol’s stories done more harm than good? Can she protect Ming from this impossible hope? Review: Don't let the "feel good" cover fool you, The Land of Forgotten Girls deals with tough issues such as abandonment, verbal and physical abuse; it mostly succeeds but doesn't quite solidify as a powerful read as it hoped to be. Sol and her baby sister Ming are abandoned by their father and raised by their unhappy stepmother Vea after their family migrated from the Philippines to a small Louisiana town. Sol creates fantasies and magical scenarios to help her and her sister escape their harsh reality. Sol often pictures herself and Ming as princesses fighting an evil dragon (i.e. their stepmother who verbally and physically abuse them) as their squalid, subsidized apartment building transform into a fairy-tale tower. As Sol begins to make friends around her, she begins to rely less on her stories while Ming desperately holds on. For the majority of the book I felt disconnected to Sol and Ming. While I felt sorry for the sisters and their predicament, I wasn't moved by them. I was also not a big fan of Sol who felt too pushy for me. There are several moments where she and her best friend Manny bully a white girl who they call "Casper" because she looks pale. These moments made me uneasy, especially when the bullied girl is injured by a pine cone thrown by Sol. Their resolution into friendship was not believable at all and this is where the story really dragged for me. Sol, however, does grow up a bit as she tries to stay positive for the sake of her sister and stands up to Vea. We also learn more about Sol's inner struggle with guilt, but the story lacks the momentum to turn its quiet plot into a serious one that tackles the issues of class and immigration. full-blown tale that effectively handles the class and race issues that it touches upon. Overall The Land of Forgotten Girls is a promising story that could have been so much better. Words of Caution: There are a few scenes where Sol and Manny bully a girl who they call "Casper" because of her pale skin and there are also a couple of scenes where Sol and Manny steal ice cream from a store. Recommended for Grades 4 and up. If you like this book try: Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara Pennypacker Labels: 2017 Reading Challenge, 3 stars, Childrens, Diversity, Family, Immigrants, Physical Abuse, Realistic Fiction 3 comments \| \| Description: Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland and a favorite of the unmarried King, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, she wants to open a shop and create delectable pastries. But for her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for a woman who could be a queen. At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the King’s marriage proposal, she meets handsome and mysterious Jest. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into a secret courtship. Cath is determined to choose her own destiny. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans. Review: In Heartless Marissa Meyer provides an origin story of the evil Queen of Hearts in Carroll's classic Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Before she was a megalomaniac who ordered people's heads cut off in a moments notice, she was Catherine, a spirited daughter of royalty, destined to wed the King of Hearts. Catherine detests her fated destiny and wants to exercise her free will in becoming a baker and having her own bakery with her best friend and longtime maid. I admired Catherine's temerity in establishing her wants and desires so openly. The clash between Catherine's dreams and her mother's relentless goal of making her daughter queen is the highlight of the book and done exceptionally well. The world building of a refined yet still whimsical realm of Wonderland is executed quite nicely. We see favorite characters such as the mercurial Mad Hatter, who in my opinion stole the show in his short page time, and the mysterious Cheshire whose one-liners accurately sums up the emotions of others and sets the scene. We are also have a new character, the court joker aptly called Jester whose earnest boyishness makes him far more charming than his royal boss and captures Catherine's heart instantly. The clandestine romance between Jest and Catherine is inevitable. To be honest I was not a fan of Jester and Catherine's romance. I didn't feel the chemistry between the two and I really think much of him besides his flirtatious behavior. I found the first half of the story very slow going and boring. The slow build up that pits Catherine against her mother gets repetitive at times. There are no other subplots to make the story suspenseful. I was actually more interested in Catherine when her darkness showed. Unfortunately, her descent into darkness felt rushed. Despite my issues with the pacing and the romance in the story, I enjoyed Heartless but not as nearly as much as I enjoyed Meyer's Lunar Chronicles. Words of Caution: There are some disturbing images and scenes. Recommended for Grades 8 and up. If you like this book try: Queen of Hearts by Colleen Oakes, The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black, Stealing Snow by Danielle Paige, Dark Shimmer by Donna Jo Napoli Labels: 2016 YRHMB Reading Challenge, 3.5 stars, Fairy tales, Fantasy, Marriage, Retelling, Romance, YA 4 comments \| \| Giant Days Vol. 1 + Giant Days Vol. 2 Description: Susan, Esther, and Daisy started at university three weeks ago and became fast friends. Now, away from home for the first time, all three want to reinvent themselves. But in the face of hand-wringing boys, “personal experimentation,” influenza, mystery-mold, nu-chauvinism, and the willful, unwanted intrusion of “academia,” they may be lucky just to make it to spring alive. Going off to university is always a time of change and growth, but for Esther, Susan, and Daisy, things are about to get a little weird. Review: Giant Days is a slice of life comic which takes a hilarious peek into freshman year of college from the eyes of three spunky, different, and realistic young women in the U.K. Susan, Esther, and Daisy have become fast friends during the first few weeks at university mainly because they all live in the same dorm. Susan is blunt and angsty since she broke up with her longtime boyfriend. Esther is a punk/goth girl who dwells in drama and Daisy is a sweet, sheltered, wallflower who is beginning to explore different parts of herself as she first experiences drugs, goes clubbing, and has girl crushes that she finds confusing. On the whole the graphic novel is a bit manic. There is no linear narrative or story arc, but rather episodic, misadventures of the three girls. We see them endure a dorm room flu epidemic and bringing down the frat boys who are responsible for putting Esther on a website that objectifies "hot" freshmen girls. I had a few chuckles while reading this volume and a few eye roll moments of exaggeration. Since it takes place in the U.K. the humor is British and there are few Briticism and references that are sprinkled in the volume but they are not distracting. The illustrations are vibrant, warm, and cartoony. Words of Caution: There is drug usage and drinking, which is legal for 18 year olds in the U.K., there is also language, and crude sexual humor. Recommended for Grades 10 and up. Description: Continuing their first semester at university, fast friends Susan, Esther, and Daisy want to find their footing in life. But in the face of hand-wringing boys, holiday balls, hometown rivals, and the willful, unwanted intrusion of "academia," they may be lucky just to make it to spring alive. Review: I liked the second volume of Giant Days a bit more than the first. Esther, Susie, and Daisy are getting ready for a big dance at their university. Their meager budgets send them to a second-hand store on the hunt for the perfect dress. Thanks to Esther’s handy sewing-machine skills, the ladies look fantastic. What hoped to be a magical evening turns out to be the exact opposite. In the other chapters Susie doesn't have a pleasant experience going home for break considering she burned some important bridges the last time she was there. The girls also tackle exams, bad relationships, and binge watching one of my favorite tv shows, Friday Night Lights. My favorite part of the volume is the poignant moments where Daisy further explores her sexuality. The artwork continues to complement the manic tone of the graphic novel with bright colors that show the warm and colorful personalities of its characters. I'm not completely in love with this series and I don't plan on continuing it. Words of Caution: There is drinking, which is legal for 18 year olds in the U.K., allusions to sexual situations, language, and crude sexual humor. Recommended for Grades 10 and up. If you like these books try: Lumberjanes series by Noelle Stevenson, Adulthood is a Myth by Sarah Andersen Labels: 2016 YRHMB Reading Challenge, 3 stars, Adult, Graphic Novel, Humor, Realistic Fiction, YA 3 comments \| \| The Hating Game Description: Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman hate each other. Not dislike. Not begrudgingly tolerate. Hate. And they have no problem displaying their feelings through a series of ritualistic passive aggressive maneuvers as they sit across from each other, executive assistants to co-CEOs of a publishing company. Lucy can’t understand Joshua’s joyless, uptight, meticulous approach to his job. Joshua is clearly baffled by Lucy’s overly bright clothes, quirkiness, and Pollyanna attitude. Now up for the same promotion, their battle of wills has come to a head and Lucy refuses to back down when their latest game could cost her her dream job…But the tension between Lucy and Joshua has also reached its boiling point, and Lucy is discovering that maybe she doesn’t hate Joshua. And maybe, he doesn’t hate her either. Or maybe this is just another game. Review: The Hating Game is a delightful romantic comedy that is destined to be made into a movie. Lucy Hutton and Joshua Templeman sit across from each other working as executive assistants for their co-CEO bosses of the merged publishing house Bexley and Gamin. They do not like one another. Lucy is petite, approachable, loves vintage fashion, fiesty, and has an affinity to her flamethrower lipstick. Josh is a tall, aloof, cold, intimidating, and wears the same colored shirts in the same sequence every week. Both take extensive notes about one another and play a game where they keep score on how they can offend one another to the extent of filing complaints at human resources, which they aptly title the HR Game. It was apparent to me that there is a lot of romantic tension and frustration lurking between these two, but it was made crystal clear when Josh kisses Lucy in an elevator that things will certainly become more interesting. When a promotion possibility comes up, both Josh and Lucy would do anything to get it. The Hating Game is more than just a story between two coworkers who try to one-up one another. Lucy and Josh take a long winding road from treatise, awkward friendship, and possibly love. Through their wayward journey to happiness, the characters begin to unfurl their insecurities both inside and between themselves. I appreciated that the author included both a balance between Lucy's fear of everyone liking her and her self doubts of seizing the promotion at work and Josh's own insecurities of not living up to people's expectations, particularly of his father's and interestingly his body image. I just wished we got a little bit more of this in the story. In addition to learning about their vulnerabilities,we also learn what is the heart of what makes Lucy and Joshua tick. My only big complaint with The Hating Game is that it ended too abruptly for me. I wanted to know who got the job promotion and what happened next to Lucy and Josh! I will definitely will keep an eye out for Thorne's next book as I enjoyed this one. If you like antagonistic romance stories you should definitely pick this book up! Words of Caution: There is some strong language, sexual crude humor, and sexual situations that are quite graphic. Recommended for adults only. If you like this book try: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion, Attachments by Rainbow Rowell Labels: 2017 Reading Challenge, 4 stars, Adult, Humor, Realistic Fiction, Romance 3 comments \| \| Description: Archer Magill has spent a lively five years of grade school with one eye out in search of grown-up role models. Three of the best are his grandpa, the great architect; his dad, the great vintage car customizer,; and his uncle Paul, who is just plain great. These are the three he wants to be. Along the way he finds a fourth--Mr. McLeod, a teacher. In fact, the first male teacher in the history of the school. But now here comes middle school and puberty. Change. Archer wonders how much change has to happen before his voice does. He doesn't see too far ahead, so every day or so a startling revelation breaks over him. Then a really big one when he's the best man at the wedding of two of his role models. But that gets ahead of the story. Review: The Best Man is an adorable, funny, and insightful coming-of-age story that traces the milestones in Archer Magill's life from first to sixth grade while deftly addressing a variety of social issues. The book begins at a hilarious mishap when Archer was six year old and had to perform as ring bearer duties in a pair of muddy, too-tight shorts that have split open in the back. He recalls that he never wanted to participate in a wedding again until his two favorite people in the world get married. Archer has always had terrific male role models that he always looked up to: his father, as good at fixing problems as he is at restoring vintage cars; his stylish Uncle Paul; and his dignified grandfather Magill. He adds another person to his list when he meets his student-teacher Mr. McLeod, who accidentally causes a lockdown when he shows up at school in his National Guard uniform. Each of his role models teach Archer valuable lessons about prejudice, how to solve problems by talking them out, grieving, and gay rights. None of these values are heavy handed but are woven seamlessly into the narrative as Archer gains some wisdom on his own and by talking to others such as his mom and role models. Archer also realizes that his role models also have flaws just like he does. Overall this was a delightful, fun, quick story about friendship, family, and what it means to be a best man literally and metaphorically. Words of Caution: There is a scene of bullying in which a student writes a homophobic slur on a character's forehead. Recommended for Grades 4 and up. If you like this book try: Marco Impossible by Hannah Moskowitz, Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart Labels: 2016 Diverse Reads Challenge, 2016 YRHMB Reading Challenge, 4 stars, Childrens, Family, Friendship, GLBT, Marriage, Realistic Fiction 3 comments \| \| Gemina (The Illuminae Files, #2) Description: Moving to a space station at the edge of the galaxy was always going to be the death of Hanna’s social life. Nobody said it might actually get her killed. The sci-fi saga that began with the breakout bestseller Illuminae continues on board the Jump Station Heimdall, where two new characters will confront the next wave of the BeiTech assault. Hanna is the station captain’s pampered daughter; Nik the reluctant member of a notorious crime family. But while the pair are struggling with the realities of life aboard the galaxy's most boring space station, little do they know that Kady Grant and the Hypatia are headed right toward Heimdall, carrying news of the Kerenza invasion. When an elite BeiTech strike team invades the station, Hanna and Nik are thrown together to defend their home. But alien predators are picking off the station residents one by one, and a malfunction in the station's wormhole means the space-time continuum might be ripped in two before dinner. Soon Hanna and Nik aren’t just fighting for their own survival; the fate of everyone on the Hypatia—and possibly the known universe—is in their hands. But relax. They've totally got this. They hope. Review: Gemina is another action-packed, nail biting installment of the Illuminae Files. It is more like a companion novel than an actual sequel since we follow the events of Jump Station Heimdall while the spaceship Hypatia was trying to get there. Though the format of Gemina is the same as its predecessor that had a collage style narration in various formats ranging from instant messages to diary entries to video transcripts this time it is more streamlined and is framed as evidence at a tribunal investigating the activities of BeiTech Industries. While it took me a while to wrap my head around the format of the first book, I had no trouble getting sucked into Gemina thanks to authors providing a context to their story. We follow two new characters from complete opposite social statures. Hannah is the daughter of the station commander. She begins as your stereotypical rich girl who just wants to have a good time, but we get to see peeks of her real personality shine through when the crisis on the Heimdall begin to happen. Nik is a drug dealer and the son of a notorious crime family. Nik is your quintessential bad boy. These two characters meet when Hannah arranges for drug purchase for a party on the ship. Obviously things take a dive before the transaction when a multiracial commando team of BeiTech “auditors” board Heimdall to take over its wormhole for a BeiTech drone assault fleet sent to eliminate Kerenza’s witnesses. With lots of sneaking, combat, quick thinking, and the crucial help of Nik’s younger cousin Ella (a fiesty and snarky, brilliant hacker disabled by a space plague she barely survived), Hannah and Nik try to stay a few steps ahead of their assailants. There is also an introduction to a drug operation that relies on mind-eating, multi-headed, predatory parasites with psychoactive venom, that are let loose on the station when the cartel is out of commission, which rises the ante in suspense on this already tense survival story. The snowball effect of small complications that keep growing made turning the pages that much faster to see how our protagonists will survive. There are plenty of twists and turns to the story including a cliffhanger ending that will have readers anticipating for the last book in the Illuminae Files. Due to its fast-paced, suspense filled story, I would highly recommend this series to reluctant readers and fans of science fiction. Words of Caution: There is strong language (though most of it is censored out), strong violence, and some crude sexual humor. There is also mention of drug usage and allusions to sexual situations. Recommended for Grades 9 and up. If you like this book try: Starbound trilogy by Amie Kauffman and Megan Spooner, Sky Chaser series by Amy Kathleen Ryan, 2001: Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke Labels: 2017 Reading Challenge, 4 stars, Illuminae Files, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller, YA 4 comments \| \| Description: Catrina and her family are moving to the coast of Northern California because her little sister, Maya, is sick. Cat isn't happy about leaving her friends for Bahía de la Luna, but Maya has cystic fibrosis and will benefit from the cool, salty air that blows in from the sea. As the girls explore their new home, a neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahía de la Luna. Maya is determined to meet one, but Cat wants nothing to do with them. As the time of year when ghosts reunite with their loved ones approaches, Cat must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister's sake - and her own. Review: In her latest graphic novel, Ghosts, Telgemeier tackles magical realism. Catrina and her family move north from sunny Southern California to the foggy though fictional town of Bahia de la Luna in order to make breathing easier for Cat’s little sister Maya, who has cystic fibrosis. The sisters meet their ghost-obsessed neighbor Carlos, who teaches them about the town’s traditions including celebrating the festival of Dia de los Muertos, which sparks a renewed interest in the biracial kids’ Mexican roots, especially their deceased abuela (grandmother). When the girls meet ghosts face to face, the results are scary both physically and psychologically, with Maya’s health declining and Cat’s anxieties escalating. However, the girls gradually learn the meaning behind the Day of the Dead celebration (there are obvious liberties taken in this part of the story which Telgemeier doesn't note at the end of the graphic novel), the sisters become more comfortable with the supernatural and get a chance to focus on the moment. Like Telgemeier's other graphic novel hits, the plot moves at a nice place, building to moments of high emotion, often seen in enlarged panels or full-page illustrations. A muted color palette reflects the foggy, misty setting. Ghosts appear bed sheet–like from afar, but at close range resemble human skeletons with smiling faces, making them more approachable and even comforting than frightening. There is a nice balance between slice of life events from sisters arguing and potential romance for Catrina and Carlos. This is a fun graphic novel but I wished there was a cultural background note that discussed what the Day of the Dead entails and its history. Words of Caution: There are potentially scary moments when the ghosts take shape of human skeletons when they come up close to the main characters. Recommended for Grades 4 and up. If you like this book try: Anya's Ghost by Vera Brosgol Labels: 2016 Diverse Reads Challenge, 2016 YRHMB Reading Challenge, 4 stars, Childrens, Family, Friendship, Graphic Novel, Supernatural 4 comments \| \| Mini-Reviews Charley Davidson Edition: Eighth Grave After Dark + Brighter Than the Sun + Dirt in the Ninth Grave I'm all caught up reading the Charley Davidson series, but I'm behind in review the series on the blog. Here are my reviews for books 8 and 9 plus a Reyes novella. I enjoyed all of these books. Description (edited to avoid spoilers): With twelve hellhounds after her, Charley Davidson takes refuge at the only place she thinks they can’t get to her: the grounds of an abandoned convent. But after months of being cooped up there, Charley is ready to pop. Fortunately, a new case has captured her attention, one that involves a murder on the very grounds the team has taken shelter upon. A decades-old murder of the newly-vowed nun she keeps seeing in the shadows is almost enough to pull her out of her doldrums. Charley’s been forbidden to step foot off the sacred grounds. While the angry hellhounds can’t traverse the consecrated soil, they can lurk just beyond its borders. They have the entire team on edge, especially Reyes. And if Charley didn’t know better, she would swear Reyes is getting sick. He grows hotter with every moment that passes, his heat scorching across her skin every time he’s near, but naturally he swears he’s fine. While the team searches for clues on the Twelve, Charley just wants answers and is powerless to get them. But the mass of friends they’ve accrued helps. They convince her even more that everyone in her recent life has somehow been drawn to her, as though they were a part of a bigger picture all along. But the good feelings don’t last for long because Charley is about to get the surprise of her crazy, mixed-up, supernatural life. Review: Reading this installment of the Charley Davidson series is much like riding a roller coaster. There were so many moments of happiness only to crash you with the deepest lows. We finally get to see a wedding though I would have liked an actual account of it rather than the rushed version that we got. There were a two mysteries that surrounded the church, but the ones about the girls held my attention and the nun one was just filler. Like the other books, we are finally getting some answers regarding the twelve hellhounds and the mystery of Mr. Wong is finally solved! Of course with the answers we are also have a lot of more questions to ask. The ending broke me and it was horrible. This is really a world breaking installment and I'm curious to see which direction Jones takes her heroine. All I know is that I'm fully on board. Words of Caution: There is some strong language, some strong violence, and crude sexual humor. Recommended for adults only. Description: All his life, Reyes Alexander Farrow has suffered the torments of the damned. Only one thing has given him hope: the woman who radiates a light that no mortals can see; a light that only the departed can see. Told from his point of view, Brighter Than the Sun chronicles the first time Reyes ever encountered Charley, and how their relationship has been the one thing that can either save him or doom him. Review: This is a fun novella that takes place that takes place during the timeline of First Grave on the Right and told from Reyes's point of view. While it was great hearing Reyes's voice, no new information was gained from reading this novella. I did, however, get a better sense of his discomfort in having everyone lust after him. I used to think he just tuned it out especially with the women at the diner, but it really does bother him. I would only recommend picking this novella up if you are a die hard Charley Davidson or Reyes fan. Description: In a small village in New York lives Jane Doe, a girl with no memory of who she is or where she came from. So when she is working at a diner and slowly begins to realize she can see dead people, she's more than a little taken aback. Stranger still are the people entering her life. They seem to know things about her. Things they hide with lies and half-truths. Soon, she senses something far darker. A force that wants to cause her harm, she is sure of it. Her saving grace comes in the form of a new friend she feels she can confide in and the fry cook, a devastatingly handsome man whose smile is breathtaking and touch is scalding. He stays close, and she almost feels safe with him around. Review: Like the eighth book, this one was a very bittersweet novel. After a life shattering event, Charley is suffering from amnesia and going through life as struggling waitress Janey. She has no memory of who she is or how she ended up in the café, but we as readers find familiar faces to help make sure Charley is safe and okay. It hurt my heart to see our lovable heroine be so lost especially when she felt that she was the "other woman" with Reyes. I couldn't imagine what Reyes must have gone through. We slowly watch Charley's past reasserting itself: she is still able to converse with the dead, and she realizes that there are beings out there trying to kill her. While there is a side mystery, the focus is clearly on Charley as we bite our nails in hopes that she recovers her memory by the end of the book. Words of Caution: There is some strong language, some strong violence, sexual situations, and crude sexual humor. Recommended for adults only. If you like this series try: Naked Werewolf series by Molly Harper, Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews, The Disillusionists series by Carolyn Crane Labels: 2015 YRHMB Reading Challenge, 2016 YRHMB Reading Challenge, 3 stars, 4.5 stars, Adult, Charley Davidson series, Humor, Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, Urban Fantasy 4 comments \| \| Caldecott Honorees Review: Leave Me Alone! + Freedom in Congo Square + They All Saw a Cat Description: One day, a grandmother shouts, "LEAVE ME ALONE!" and leaves her tiny home and her very big family to journey to the moon and beyond to find peace and quiet to finish her knitting. Along the way, she encounters ravenous bears, obnoxious goats, and even hordes of aliens! But nothing stops grandma from accomplishing her goal--knitting sweaters for her many grandchildren to keep them warm and toasty for the coming winter. Review: We all have a day where we need just a few moments of quiet to get things done and/or concentrate on a project. Well, we can all sympathize with Granny who just wants to knit sweaters in peace except she is constantly interrupted wherever she goes. The story has a Eastern European folktale vibe to it. It is incredibly funny and entertaining. The repetitive line of "Leave Me Alone!" makes it a good choice to read aloud. The picture books is filled with colorful images, all white except the aliens on the moon which stand out against the white pages. This contrasts well to the place where Granny finally finds peace. Words of Caution: None. Recommended for PreK to Grade 1. If you like this book try: Grumpy Pants by Claire Messer Description: As slaves relentlessly toiled in an unjust system in 19th century Louisiana, they all counted down the days until Sunday, when at least for half a day they were briefly able to congregate in Congo Square in New Orleans. Here they were free to set up an open market, sing, dance, and play music. They were free to forget their cares, their struggles, and their oppression. This story chronicles slaves' duties each day, from chopping logs on Mondays to baking bread on Wednesdays to plucking hens on Saturday, and builds to the freedom of Sundays and the special experience of an afternoon spent in Congo Square. Review: This is a story that I have not heard before. In historic Louisiana, enslaved Africans were provided a half-day of rest each Sunday, and in New Orleans their official and legal gathering place was Congo Square. With two spare couplets for each day of the week, Weatherford tells readers what slavery looks like. We can see its brutality and inhumanity from the verses and the slow steady rhythm that builds until that peaceful Sunday. I appreciated that the author didn't avoid talking about a tough subject, but does so respectfully while admitting the horrifying truths without the graphic details. The illustrations are bright and fully embrace the text that it describes. The slaves' bodies are made up of sharp angles in the slaves’ bodies while they work and they have a softer curves and angles as they relax and enjoy the dance. There is an author's note that provides historical context for the real place the book describes. Words of Caution: None. Grades 1-3. If you like this book try: Seeds of Freedom by Hester Brass Description: In this glorious celebration of observation, curiosity, and imagination, Brendan Wenzel shows us the many lives of one cat, and how perspective shapes what we see. When you see a cat, what do you see? Review: This picture book is a perfect example in teaching younger readers about perspective. The author uses the word saw to its fullest extent. The repeating phrase is "They all saw a cat" as a cat walks through the world and pages. Each page reveals how the creatures sees the cat. To the child, it is big-eyed and adorably fluffy; to the fish in the bowl, it’s two huge, blurry eyes; and to the bee, it is a series of faceted dots. To create these varied visions, Wenzel uses the spacious width of double-page spreads and a wide range of materials, including oil, pastels, watercolor, and pencils. He plays with perspective in other ways, too. A yellow bird looks down at the cat below, and a flea peers through a forest of fur. While the story is simple, the concept behind the book is thought-provoking and taken into consideration. Words of Caution: None. Recommended for Grades PreK to Grade 2. If you like this book try: Press Here by Hervé Tullet, I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen Labels: 2016 Diverse Reads Challenge, 2016 YRHMB Reading Challenge, 4 stars, Caudill, Childrens, Humor, Nonfiction, Picture Book, Poetry 2 comments \| \| Children's Picture Book Reviews: Dada, Grumpy Pant... Mini-Reviews Charley Davidson Edition: Eighth Grav... Caldecott Honorees Review: Leave Me Alone! + Freed...	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3747
__label__cc	0.717272	0.282728	She smelled the way the Taj Mahal looks by moonlight. - The Little Sister by Raymond Chandler Synaethesia is either a mental condition whereby colours are perceived as smells, smells as sounds, sounds as tastes etc, or it is a rhetorical device whereby one sense is described in terms of another. If colours are harmonious, or a voice is silky, that is synaesthesia (or some other spelling). It is a common enough device, except that there seem to be rules, or norms governing which senses can be coupled. Sight and sound are interchangeable. Quite aside from John Lennon's request to George Martin that the orchestration of Strawberry Fields should be "orange", colours can be loud or discordant while melodies can be bright and rumblings dark. Tone is even an ambiguous word that can be applied to either sense, and I thoroughly recommend Ernest Bloch's Sketches in Sepia. (I omit colours that are purely symbolic: blues music is no more blue than blue movies are). Touch can be applied to sound - a gravelly voice - and to the warm colours of a painting. But rarely is the favour returned, indeed I can't think of a single example. Taste gives you a couple of terms of approbation - delicious and tasty - and of deprecation - bland or disgusting. But again it receives no thanks from its fellow senses. And smell. Smell sits apart on his own, blowing his nose. Odious, before you ask, means hateful and has nothing to do with odour. Rank and pungent have, over the centuries, been sent as emissaries to the other senses, but that is all and it is possible to forget that words were ever native to a nostril. And smells are never described as being like anything else at all. And that is why the Raymond Chandler line is so striking. Though the sense is quite discernible, the expression of it pulls you up short. The phrase is memorable in a way that it would never have been were it "she sounded the way the Taj Mahal looks by moonlight." Synaesthesias of smell are jarring and effective. It is probably an easy shortcut to a memorable line. However, caution, dear reader, should be observed. You may not want your line to be remembered. Many critics have been wrong, some amazingly so, but few will be remembered verbatim as Eduard Hanslick was when he wrote of Tchaikovsky's First Violin Concerto that it showed there could be "music that stinks to the ear." I shall leave you with an extract from A Rebours, in which our hero has constructed an organ that when the stops are touched gives out drinks. The idea was stolen and perhaps improved upon by Boris Vian in the wonderful L'Ecume des Jours. Moreover, each liquor corresponded, according to his thinking, to the sound of some instrument. Dry curacoa, for example, to the clarinet whose tone is sourish and velvety; kummel to the oboe whose sonorous notes snuffle; mint and anisette to the flute, at once sugary and peppery, puling and sweet; while, to complete the orchestra, kirschwasser has the furious ring of the trumpet; gin and whiskey burn the palate with their strident crashings of trombones and cornets; brandy storms with the deafening hubbub of tubas; while the thunder-claps of the cymbals and the furiously beaten drum roll in the mouth by means of the rakis de Chio. The whole can be read here. I may be wrong in all these observations and expect a cataract of counter-examples. That's how she smelled P.S. If you're reading this and you've got my copy of A Rebours, give it back before I track you down and hang you. Mrs Malaprop, same goes for you and my copy Ecume Des Jours, they don't publish that translation anymore. Read more about: Chandler, Rhetoric, Technique Everet Lapel (P.hD) 14 April 2010 at 17:37 Wonderful post, Dogberry. Where do you stand on the colors of vowels? Science has demonstrated a link, but there is an ongoing argument about the exact correspondences. I'm very concerned by this issue. One researcher says A= black, I= red, U= green. However, another says U was more of a greenish blue... Which one shoudl I listen to, Dogberry? Mrs. Malaprop 14 April 2010 at 17:58 I have never even seen your copy of A Rebours. I think the froth book is somewhere in my files. This is a very interesting post. You should read the best perfume reviewers, though; they find many poetic ways to describe smell, including references to touch and sight and smell and sound... check out "Perfumes: The Guide", or blogs like boisdejasmin or nowsmellthis. Dogberry 14 April 2010 at 18:18 A is very definitely yellow. When I was little (or at least when my younger brother was) we had a wall chart up in our room with letters and an illustration so A was apple, B Bucephalus, C Cicatrice etc. The letters were in bright colours and I think most letter-hue relationships probably come down to the wall chart manufacturers. Mrs M, I never accused you of having A Rebours, if I thought you had BOTH books I would be down Covent Garden way with my set of recreational scalpels and a beatific grin. P.S. Almost forgot the [only] good line from that horrible urination on Conrad's memory popularly known as Apocalypse Now: "I love the smell of napalm in the morning... smells like victory. Some day this war's going to be over" Deborah 14 April 2010 at 20:48 I recently heard a neurologist say that most children experience synaesthesia (associated with numbers, particularly) but that this tends to disappear around the age of 7. I'm enthralled by the things you have to say and the way you say them. Reading this post put me in heaven. brokenbiro 14 April 2010 at 21:52 I did some (very loose) research a few years a go and discovered that many people felt certain days of the week were certain colours. It's all very odd (and this from someone who looks the way the Taj Mahal smells the next morning) Mrs M 14 April 2010 at 21:56 Tuesdays are yellow, I have always felt - other days of the week I am not so sure about. Brokenbiro - was there any consistency or was it entirely personal? Moptop 14 April 2010 at 23:21 Sunday evenings are charcoal grey and scratchy - like an arran-wool jumper. Saturdays are various shades of pink - almost red as the day goes on - and coconut flavour. (Not coconut ice, but more chilli coconut with coriander.) I thought Tuesdays were blue and Wednesdays were yellow? But they may both verge on green (no pun intended). Thursdays are brown. And not a nice brown either. Mrs Malaprop - Didn't Perfumes the Guide settle on the most beautiful scent of all being Guerlain's Mitsouko? I used to think it smelled of powdery old ladies, but have become quite smitten with it of late. Sorry - poor manners - this is indeed a wonderful post. I urge the Young Scholars to read Inky Fool regularly. Actually, if they'd just READ I'd be delighted ... Pray continue, Dogberry! BTW - did you find a word that means ugly-beautiful? No I didn't, but I'm sure it exists. The French have jolie laide, but then again the French have a lot of things. I know the word you mean and I'm sure that it exists, but I can't place my finger on it and am worried that I may merely be half-remembering a concept in a book on aesthetics. Alternatively it's a Greek compound eu- or kalos- something. Greek aesthetics was all I could find when I searched for it, too. All those different concepts of beauty such as a young girl trying to look older - ooh, topical! Padded bikinis for seven year olds - not being considered beautiful. Horaios - being of ones hour. But nothing that meant ugly-beautiful. And nothing in Italian either. (And everything the French have, they want.) Here's another challenge. Say someone was to tell an -ist joke to someone whom he knew didn't hold -ist views (in a sort of hyper aware knowing way) what is it called? It has something to do with anachronisms, but it's not that ... Could you start a problem page on your blog? Moptop - Mitsouko is indeed their favourite perfume and I am ashamed to admit that it is too sophisticated for me. Edmund M. Grady 15 April 2010 at 15:28 Dogberry, Your condescending reference to Apocalypse Now is rather more prétentieux than your level of precision allows for. May I merely suggest you look up the quote and correct the tense and the words where appropriate. As for napalm it makes me shudder. Not for the usual reasons. I made the mistake of my life when I helped a young entrepreneur from the farmlands outside LA gain traction in the Californian import/export community very early in my career. He later went on to assist Dow Chemicals in their production of Napalm B. I wish I had left him behind in the desert, but such is la vie du bienfaiteur. Mrs Malaprop ~ I'm on my last dregs of Mitsouko (which DOES make me smell like a powdery old lady) and have moved onto Jo Malone's Ginger and Nutmeg which makes me smell like a sponge pudding. I'm not sure which is preferable ... Cut & pasted from the BBC website: "Marmite... pickled onions... ink" - Analysis of the first TV leaders' debate by James Wannerton, who experiences words as tastes. Mr Wannerton has a neurological condition known as lexical-gustatory synaesthesia, which is when a person experiences words as tastes and textures. He said Gordon Brown's name tasted of Marmite, Nick Clegg's tasted of pickled onion and David Cameron's tasted of ink. More details (the Guardian) wendy v 21 April 2010 at 09:26 Dog, great post. I've become a regular reader and link to your lingua-meditations and obsessions on my own blog now and then. Science is beginning to pay attention to synaesthesia (the condition) while maintaining an oblviousness to its relationship with language. And can we really divorce language from behavior/ conception ? Some Homeric scholars tell us the Greeks had no word for 'blue' as we think of blue today, but rather an indication of measurement of depth or saturation...sort've like the word 'tint' would be used today. And 'green' to the Greeks (it's proposed) meant a condition (of freshness or newness) rather than a 'color' as we think of color today. All this from the records of a blind poet. I think I have always had a touch of synaesthesia, but then I have a touch of many things. I begin to wonder what the arts and the sciences -- and gawd, language itself, would be like today if humans hadn't developed such (relatively) keen eyeballs. Vision is like the Terminator III of the senses. Well, we'd have likely have gone belly up long ago without sharp vision, but it's an interesting question about (collective)perception and language. Who was it said, 'nobody's ever proven that the mind exists in the brain ...' I believe that most oriental languages don't differentiate between green and blue. Your Greek point might explain why the sea in Homer is always wine-dark. I think that a dog's primary sense is smell, which would change the world completely. One more quote that I came across in Wittgenstein's Remarks on Psychology "I mean it laughs, and now it practices the thing in various ways (as if you were to point out that vowels have colours). Another child neither perceives these colours nor understands what is meant by that change of aspect" One of the Antipodeans, the one that likes cricket and Shakespeare and men with lovely manners and dressing gowns, she 30 June 2010 at 17:04 Ash Wednesday. Immerd Wales and Bad English Inappropriate Places To Kill People Pseudaposematic Bottoms Girouettism Repetition, Repetition, Repetition When Metaphors Collide Incommunicable Earliness Thou and You Immemorial Time Masochism and Leopold Von Sacher Masoch Parataxis The Wright Brothers, Baedeker and the Beauty of Py... A Singèd Bottom All Involved With Stench and Smoke... Richard of York Gave Battle in Vain No Truck with Truck Llareggub Yobs Comprachico The Lullaby Meter Haywire Straw Polls And The Grass Roots Dissolving Parliament The Acronyms and Initialisms Database System Jesus, Bulgarian Revolutionaries and the Life and ... Nolo Episcopari and the Rule of the Bellman Gowks, Cuckoos, Biscuits and Middle Eastern Politi... April is Icumen In	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3755
__label__cc	0.514489	0.485511	RNA reprogramming Growth Factors and Cytokines Antibodies and Staining Kits Pluripotent Stem Cell (PSC) Culture Media Cell Substrates Cryopreservation Media Dissociation Solution Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) Differentiated iPSCs and Related Reagents Feeder Cells 3D Cell Culture and Labware Drug Discovery Assay Catalog Distributors of REPROCELL Products Worldwide Stem Cell Services Stem Cell Services – Overview Target Cell Isolation iPSC Reprogramming iPSC Expansion, Characterization and Banking Cell Differentiation Predictive Drug Discovery Services Predictive Drug Discovery – Overview Cardiac Assays Vascular Assays Respiratory Assays Gastrointestinal Assays ADME/DMPK Assays Skin/Skin Model Assays Genitourinary Assays Comparative Pharmacology Assays Other Assay Requests Human Tissue Samples Molecular Services 3D Cell Services Primary Cell Isolation Services DNA & RNA Extraction Services Area of Focus View All Area of Focus Drug Discovery – Overview Target Identification Target Validation Lead Identification Pre-Clinical Safety Therapeutic Area – Overview Biomarker Research Application Notes and White Papers Stemgent Protocols Alvetex Protocols REPROCELL Protocols BioServe BioServe — Human Tissue Samples BioServe — Molecular Services Alvetex Biopta Stemgent Videos Alvetex Videos Alvetex Webinars Biopta Videos REPROCELL on Social Media Scientific Founders and Advisers Careers at REPROCELL Visit the REPROCELL Blog The REPROCELL Blog Sign up to receive information from REPROCELL about our products, services, applications, promotions, and news (includes a weekly blog update email). REPROCELL Europe (46) Alvetex (30) Biopta (12) Human Tissues (12) Stem Cells (12) Research & Development (8) iPSCs (6) 3D Cell Culture (4) Bio-engineered Tissue Models (4) Primary Cells (3) Tissue Spotlight (3) Government Partnership (2) Ussing Chambers (2) iPSC Reprogramming (2) Barrier assays (1) COPD (1) Cancer Research (1) Cell Therapy (1) Clinical Grade (1) Drug Therapies (1) Functional Genomics (1) Genome Sequencing (1) Global Expertise (1) ISSCR (1) Medicines Discovery Catapault (1) Neurite outgrowth assays (1) Neurons (1) REPROCELL USA (1) REPROCELL website news (1) RNA Reprogramming (1) Scotland's Economic Performance (1) Stemgent (1) On the right path to a cure for IBD Chris Hissom, BS, MBA Research & Development, Ussing Chambers, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, IBD, Gastrointestinal Advances in diagnostics, treatments, and frontiers of research In light of World Digestive Disease Day, which is celebrated every year on the 29th of May[1], we will explore the different facets of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and highlight recent advances on the diagnostics, treatments, and the frontiers of research that will one day hopefully provide a cure. What is IBD? IBD is an umbrella term for inflammatory disorders of the small and large intestine. Crohn’s disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) are the two primary types of IBD distinguished mainly by the location of the inflammation. CD is vast and complications are commonly observed in the mouth, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and rectum. UC, on the other hand, is localized to the colon and the rectum. How common is IBD? While the total number of US adults diagnosed with IBD has increased from two million, in 1999, to three million in 2015, there is an overall stabilization in the number of IBD cases reported in the US[2]. However, developing countries in South America, Africa, and Asia, are experiencing an increase in incidence since 1990[3]. What are some of the symptoms associated with IBD? Individuals affected by IBD endure severe abdominal pain, cramping, fatigue, weight loss, rectal bleeding, fever, and more. UC patients, in particular, suffer from a recurring sensation, but not an actual need, to go to the bathroom[4]. This uncomfortable sensation is primarily caused by localized inflammation in the rectum. How is IBD diagnosed and what new techniques are available? The persistence of these symptoms may indicate IBD and a specialist could recommend the following: contrast x-rays with barium, computerized tomography (CT) scans, an endoscopy, or even a white blood cell scan. Currently, IBD can’t be diagnosed with a simple blood test. However, it's been noted that patients with UC have elevated levels of perinuclear anti-neutrophil antibodies (pANCA), while patients with Crohn’s are more likely to have anti-Saccharomyces Cerevisiae antibodies (ASCA) in their blood[5]. This has paved the way for novel blood tests that can be used to distinguish the type of IBD. In terms of tests with stool samples, new protein biomarkers such as calprotectin may help doctors predict IBD relapses. What are the common treatments for IBD? Immune system suppressors such as azathioprine (Azasan®, Imuran®), mercaptopurine (Purinethol®, Purixan®), cyclosporine (Gengraf®, Neoral®, Sandimmune®) are commonly prescribed and often work better in combination[6]. The newly approved biologics, or tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, such as Infliximab® and Adalimumab®, promote a healthy immune response to specific proteins present in IBD patients. And while the number of treatments and available resources continues to grow, still an average of 20% of UC patients and roughly 50% of Crohn’s patients will require a surgical resection/ partial removal of the patients gastrointestinal (GI) tract[7]. This procedure can often cure UC patients, but it only alleviates symptoms and does not prevent recurrence in CD patients. What are doctors and researchers doing to improve patient wellbeing? Novel biologics are gradually making their way from research laboratories and into the clinic. Vedolizumab®, a potent lymphocyte trafficking inhibitor, was approved in 2014 for the treatment of UC and CD. Because this treatment is highly selective to the tissues in the intestine, there is a reduction in unwanted side effects and an overall increase in the rate of mucosal healing. Small molecule immunomodulatory agonists for the S1P1 receptors are also showing positive results. Ozanimod ®, in particular, promotes lymphocyte sequestration and decreases the number of lymphocytes traveling to the GI tract. A very recent discovery that emerged from genetic data gathered from 1,800 IBD patients noted elevated levels of the blood clotting gene, SERPINE-1, and its protein PAI-1[8]. These scientists from Washington University School of Medicine took the next step and evaluated the effects of a PAI-1 inhibitor in an induced IBD model in mice. While the in vivo results demonstrated positive results, questions remain as to the efficacy and safety of this compound in humans. What advances have been made in research tools to advance the drug discovery process of IBD treatments? Ex vivo models that use healthy and diseased human donor tissues are decreasing the likelihood of failed clinical studies. The drug discovery process as a funnel might start with hundreds of versions of the same compound. Researchers then leverage high throughput in vitro assays to narrow the list and identify which versions of the compound are most likely to work. This set of lead compounds is then tested in animals to determine if the compounds are well absorbed, safe, and actually able to cure or treat a disease. But if the disease doesn’t exist in lab animals, researchers must find a way to mimic the symptoms in healthy animals. At the end of the day, a number of animal studies are conducted that may or may not accurately predict how the compound will be absorbed, tolerated, or exude its therapeutic effect in humans. Recent advances in ex vivo models that use healthy and diseased human donor tissues have emerged as a powerful tool for R&D. This new approach is accelerating R&D efforts and saving pharmaceutical companies billions on research expenses by decreasing the likelihood of failed clinical studies. REPROCELL, a center for outsourced research, has set itself as the leader in human ex vivo models, allowing pharmaceutical companies to evaluate lead compounds in a system that directly translates to the clinic. The same surgical resections that can cure UC and treat CD provide IBD patients with an opportunity to donate small unhealthy sections of their GI tract to research facilities such as REPROCELL, empowering scientists with a new efficient and predictive path to the discovery of better treatments and ultimately a cure for IBD. World Gastroenterology Organisation. World Digestive Health Day (WDHD) \| World Gastroenterology Organisation (2017). National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data and Statistics (2019) King, James A., et al. Trends in hospitalisation rates for inflammatory bowel disease in western versus newly industrialised countries: a population-based study of countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology 4.4 (2019). UCLA Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Ulcerative Colitis vs Crohn’s Disease (2012). Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. Diagnosing Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (2010). Mayo Clinic. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care at Mayo Clinic (2017). Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. Fact Sheet — About Surgery for IBD (2012) Paddock. IBD: New approach to symptom relief looks promising (2019) By Chris Hissom, BS, MBA Manager — Drug Discovery, REPROCELL USA REPROCELL E: orders-us@reprocell.com E: orders-emea@reprocell.com © 2019 REPROCELL Inc. 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__label__wiki	0.548355	0.548355	Captive Bred Wildlife Registration 1998 Which Wildcats are Endangered or ... Captive Bred Wildlife Registration Creating Generic Tiger Loophole SUMMARY: The final rule amends the definition of ``harass'' in Sec. 17.3 applied to captive wildlife to exclude generally accepted animal husbandry practices, breeding procedures, and provisions of veterinary care that are not likely to result in injury to the animal. The final rule deletes the requirement to obtain a CBW registration for eight species of pheasants, parakeets of the species Neophema splendida and N. pulchella, the Laysan duck, and the ``generic'' or inter- subspecific crossed tiger. This final rule will be followed in the future by a new proposed rule that will set forth proposed criteria for addition to, or deletion from, the list of taxa exempted from registration requirements, and will further consider the subject of DATES: This rule is effective October 13, 1998. ADDRESSES: The complete file for this rule is available for inspection by appointment at the Office of Management Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 700, Arlington, VA 22203. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Teiko Saito, Chief, [see ADDRESSES section] telephone 703/358-2093; fax 703/358-2281. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 7, 1992, the Service initiated a review of the Captive-bred Wildlife (CBW) regulation (50 CFR 17.21(g)). On June 11, 1993, the Service followed with a proposed rule (58 FR 32632) that included several proposed changes to the CBW regulation, including elimination of CBW registrations for several species that are present in the United States in large numbers and/or that are genetically unsuitable for scientifically based breeding programs; amendment of the definition of ``harass'' in 50 CFR 17.3 to exclude normal animal husbandry practices such as humane and healthful care when applied to captive wildlife; and deletion of education from the definition of ``enhance'' in Sec. 17.3. On December 27, 1993, the Service published a final rule (58 FR 68323) that eliminated public education through exhibition of living wildlife as the sole justification for issuance of a CBW registration. On the same date, the Service published a notice (58 FR 68383) that reopened the comment period on the balance of the issues in the proposed rule, including the larger question of the value education provides to the conservation of non-native species in the wild as it applies to endangered and threatened species permits issued under Secs. 17.22 and 17.32. The Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq.), and implementing regulations prohibit any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States from conducting certain activities with endangered or threatened species of fish, wildlife, or plants. These activities include import, export, take, and interstate or foreign commerce. The Secretary of the Interior (or the Secretary of Commerce in the case of certain marine species) may permit such activities, under such terms and conditions as he/she will prescribe, for scientific purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species, provided these activities are consistent with the purposes of the Act. The Secretary of the Interior's authority to administer permit matters relating to endangered and threatened species generally has been delegated through the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service to the Office of Management Authority (OMA). Since 1976, the Service has been striving to achieve an appropriate degree of control over prohibited activities involving living wildlife of non-native species born in captivity in the United States. In 1978, the Service announced a review of regulations on captive- bred wildlife (43 FR 16144, April 14, 1978). The notice reiterated the Service's philosophy on its approach to captive versus wild populations. The Service considers the purpose of the Act to be best served by conserving species in the wild along with their ecosystems. Populations of species in captivity are, in large degree, removed from their natural ecosystems and have a role in survival of the species only to the extent that they maintain genetic integrity and offer the potential of restocking natural ecosystems where the species has become depleted or no longer occurs. Following an extensive public review in 1978 and 1979, the Service published a final rule (44 FR 54002, September 17, 1979) that established the Captive-bred Wildlife (CBW) registration system. The final rule amended regulations in 50 CFR 17.21 by adding Sec. 17.21(g), which granted general, conditional permission to take; export or re- import; deliver, receive, carry, transport, or ship in the course of a commercial activity; or sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce any non-native endangered or threatened wildlife that is bred in captivity in the United States. In other words, the regulation itself contains the permit. For persons or institutions to operate under that permit, certain conditions must be met, including that the person or institution must first register with the Service. Authorization for the Service to collect information from persons wanting to register was submitted and approved by the Office of Management and Budget under the clearance number of 1018-0093. Unless an exception is made under Sec. 17.21(g)(5), the CBW system applies only to species that do not include any part of the United States (as defined in 50 CFR part 10) in their natural geographic distribution. Additionally, the individual specimens must have been born in captivity in the United States. The registration authorizes interstate purchase and sale only between entities that each hold a registration for living wildlife of the taxon concerned. Interstate or foreign commere, in the course of commercial activity, with respect to non-living wildlife is not authorized under a CBW registration. To conduct such activities, separate permits must be applied for under the appropriate regulations for endangered or threatened wildlife at 50 CFR 17.22 or 50 CFR 17.32. The 1979 final rule also amended the definition of ``enhance the propagation or survival'' of wildlife in captivity to include a wide range of normal animal husbandry practices used to maintain self- sustaining and genetically viable stocks of wildlife in captivity. Specifically included in those practices were ``culling'' and ``euthanasia''. Other aspects of the definition of ``enhance'' that were codified in 1979 and are still used today include accumulation and holding and transfer of animals not immediately needed or suitable for propagative or scientific purposes (50 CFR 17.3). The above definition is found in subpart A, the General Provisions of part 17. Therefore, it applies not only to CBW registrations, but to all endangered and threatened species permits for captive wildlife issued under Secs. 17.22 and 17.32. After 12 years' experience with the system, the Service began another review with a notice of intent to propose a rule, published on January 7, 1992 (57 FR 548). The notice discussed problems the Service was experiencing with the system and offered for discussion three options intended to show the range of possible actions that might be taken. These ranged from no action (no change in the system) to complete elimination of the CBW registration process. The notice also questioned whether the term ``harass'' as defined in Sec. 17.3 applied to captive-born wildlife, and whether education of the American public through exhibition of living, non-native wildlife actually accomplished measurable enhancement of the survival of the affected species in the wild. Three options for dealing with education were presented, ranging from no change in the existing definition to deleting education as a justification for permits and CBW registrations. It should be noted here that while the preamble to the proposed rule referred to ``captive-born wildlife'' in the context of the discussion of the proposed amendment of the term ``harass'', the proposed rulemaking language refers to ``captive wildlife''. This was, and is, the Service's intent. Therefore, the rest of this discussion is in terms of ``captive wildlife'' to make it agree with both proposed and final rulemaking language. Public comments and suggestions were solicited. Written responses were received from 942 individuals, institutions, and organizations. After review of comments received, the Service published a proposed rule on June 11, 1993 (58 FR 32632), that proposed several changes to Sec. 17.21(g): Elimination of registration for several species that are restriction of eligibility for CBW registrations to those entities that are participants in an approved responsible cooperative breeding program for the taxon concerned; amendment to the definition of ``harass'' in Sec. 17.3 to exclude normal animal husbandry practices such as humane and healthful care when applied to captive wildlife; and, the conditional deletion of education from the definition of ``enhance'' in Sec. 17.3. On December 27, 1993, the Service published a final rule (58 FR 68323) that was limited to the narrow issue of education as it relates to the CBW system. That rule eliminated public education through exhibition of living wildlife as the sole justification for issuance of a CBW registration under Sec. 17.21(g). That decision was based on the Service's belief that the scope of the CBW system should be revised to relate more closely to its original intent, i.e., the encouragement of responsible breeding that is specifically designed to help conserve the species involved. On the same date, the Service published a notice (58 FR 68383) that reopened the comment period on the balance of the issues in the proposed rule, including the larger question of the value that education provides to the conservation of non-native species in the wild as it applies to endangered and threatened species permits Information and Comments A total of 1,269 sets of written information and comments were received from individuals, institutions, and organizations in response to the proposed rule and during the re-opened comment period. Some commenters responded both times. Of comments received, some 450 were form letters, patterned responses, or multiple signatures on letters or petitions. Opinions expressed on specific issues are summarized as follows (a number of letters offered comments on more than one issue): Retain education as part of the definition of enhancement of survival of the species...........................................1,165 Retain education, but establish guidelines...........................29 Delete education.....................................................10 Require CBW registrants to participate in a responsible cooperative breeding program.........................................17 Do not require participation in a responsible cooperative breeding program.....................................................77 Change definition of ``harass'' to exclude normal animal husbandry practices for captive wildlife.............................18 Do not change definition of ``harass''................................3 Replace CBW registration with rebuttable presumption..................2 Do not use rebuttable presumption....................................37 Completely deregulate captive-bred wildlife..........................36 Deregulate interstate commerce in captive-bred wildlife..............65 Exempt certain species from registration requirements as proposed Exempt some species but not all of the proposed taxa.................13 Exempt no species.....................................................2 Because the Service has decided to reformulate its proposal concerning deletion of education from the definition of ``enhancement'', the discussion below deals only with comments on other aspects of the proposed rule. Comments concerning education are being considered and will be the subject of a Federal Register notice at a later date. Comments Concerning Definitions Comment: Commenters generally favored changing the definition of ``harass'' to exclude normal animal husbandry practices for captive wildlife. Some felt that terms such as ``normal'', ``adequate'', ``safe'', and ``healthful'' are vague, subjective, and amenable to widely varying interpretation. Various suggestions for rewording the definition were offered. Response: The Service agrees and believes that the revised definition in this final rule reduces subjectivity to the extent Comment: Some commenters objected to a change in the definition of ``harass''. Some believed that the change created a broad exception to the prohibition against harassment. One commenter suggested that any concerns over the definition be addressed through specific permit restrictions for individual permittees and registrants, thus tailoring protection to the particular affected species. Response: The Service believes this approach could result in the need for preparing husbandry manuals for each species and would not result in a commensurate benefit to the species. To evaluate facilities and care provided by applicants, the Service will continue to consult with experts such as the Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which is charged with administering the Animal Welfare Act, and knowledgeable persons in the zoo and aquarium communities and the private sector, as needed. Comment: Several commenters recommended amending the definition of ``take'' to apply only to animals from the wild. This is based on the concern that holding animals in captivity or transferring them for breeding opportunities could be construed as a ``taking''. Response: ``Take'' was defined by Congress in Section 3 of the Act as * * * ``to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect * * *'' endangered or threatened wildlife, whether wild or captive. Therefore, the definition can be clarified by further defining its component terms, but the statutory term cannot be changed administratively. The purpose of amending the Service's definition of ``harass'' is to exclude proper animal husbandry practices that are not likely to result in injury from the prohibition against ``take''. Since captive animals can be subjected to improper husbandry as well as to harm and other taking activities, the Service considers it prudent to maintain such protections, consistent with Congressional intent. Comment: One comment was that the Service is not authorized to treat members of a particular species differently based on whether the specimen is wild or held in captivity; the Act's protections are afforded to whole species of endangered and threatened animals and their habitats. Response: It is true that the Act applies to all specimens that comprise a ``species'' (as defined in the Act) that has been listed as endangered or threatened, and in general does not distinguish between wild and captive specimens thereof. However, the definition of ``take'' in the Act clearly applies to individual specimens or groups of specimens, and the captive or non-captive status of a particular specimen is a significant factor in determining whether particular actions would ``harass'' that specimen or whether such actions would ``enhance the propagation or survival'' of the species. The Service believes that ample authority is provided by the Act to adopt the regulatory amendments set out in this final rule as a proper interpretation of the statutory provisions of the Act. To decide otherwise would place those persons holding captive specimens of a listed species in an untenable position. If providing for the maintenance and veterinary care of a live animal were considered to be ``harassment'', those persons holding such specimens in captivity would be forced to obtain a permit or give up possession since any failure to provide proper care and maintenance would be an unlawful ``taking''. Since Congress chose not to prohibit the mere possession of lawfully-taken listed species in Section 9(a)(1) of the Act, the Service believes that congressional intent supports the proposition that measures necessary for the proper care and maintenance of listed wildlife in captivity do not constitute ``harassment'' or ``taking''. Comments Concerning CBW Questions Comment: Responses showed over-whelming opposition to a rebuttable presumption, usually based on the argument that it would in effect mean that a person was considered guilty until proven innocent. Response: The Service does not agree with this assessment. As discussed in detail in the preamble to the proposed rule a rebuttable presumption is not a presumption of guilt. Section 10(g) of the Act imposes a burden of proof on any person claiming the benefit of an exemption or permit under the Act. Thus, the final regulation requires persons claiming benefit of exception at Sec. 17.21(g) to maintain records and make them available for inspection at reasonable hours by law enforcement officials as prescribed by 50 CFR 13.46 and 13.47 to document legal Comment: A few commenters favored completely deregulating captive- bred wildlife. However, most commenters thought the Service should deregulate and exempt only certain non-native species from the CBW registration requirements. Response: The Service agrees that it is best, at this time, to delete the registration requirement for species that are known to be in the United States in large numbers and breeding well, and/or are genetically unsuitable for scientific breeding programs. Comment: Commenters generally favored efforts by the Service to lessen the regulatory and paperwork requirements for interstate breeding transactions with captive-bred wildlife. Many believed that the current regulations for interstate commerce were the cause of inbreeding and hybridization of certain species within their State. Some stated that a change to the regulations would increase interstate breeding transactions resulting in better management of captive Response: The Service agrees that provisions of the final rule will facilitate interstate breeding transactions with exempted species, and thereby, increase successful breeding and maintenance of these endangered and threatened species. Comment: Seventy-seven commenters opposed and seventeen favored the proposal to restrict CBW registrations to those entities that participate in an organized breeding program. Most of those opposed were concerned that currently there are very few organized programs other than the Species Survival Plans (SSP) of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA). As private breeders or non-AZA member institutions, they might have difficulty gaining approval to participate in an SSP. Another objection was that SSP's do not exist for most species and that it would be unrealistic to estimate more than 80-100 programs by the year 2000. Some commented to the effect that the proposed rule would create a monopoly on the part of the entity that would approve programs and would mandate a bureaucratic nightmare. Another concern was the cost and difficulty of developing and maintaining new breeding programs as opposed to participating in those already in place. One commenter noted that the proposal doesn't meet Vice President Gore's goal of reducing regulatory burden and unnecessary paperwork; it actually creates a new layer of regulatory oversight and adds potential for litigation by those who disagree with the Service's decisions regarding those programs or participants that do or do not qualify. Another comment was that the Service couldn't, in effect, deny a permit to one who was refused participation in a breeding program without allowing the exercise of the appeal process; this would constitute abdication of the Service's responsibility to a private group or institution. Some commenters also questioned what would happen if there were two applications for approval of a program for the same species; some said there should only be a single program for each species/subspecies, while others argued that more than one program should be allowed. Finally, it was pointed out that the goal should not be to develop a single well-managed genetically diverse and self-sustaining population. A species can be managed for either retention of alleles or of heterozygosity, and possibly both management schemes could be correct. Response: While the Service believes that the concept embodied in the proposal is theoretically sound, the proposal has been deleted from this final rule. The practical, socio-economic, and biological problems inherent in attempting to manage such an effort in an effective and equitable manner could result in a significant increase in workload and paperwork. There is a potential for agency decisions to be perceived as unfair or biologically improper. Such a situation might give rise to frequent appeals and litigation, that would add to the burden on the public and the Service while contributing little to management of captive-bred wildlife. Comment: The proposal to exempt certain species from CBW registration requirements elicited 142 comments, of which 101 recommended either complete deregulation of captive-bred wildlife or at least of interstate commerce in such animals. The proposal was supported by 26 commenters and opposed by 2. Thirteen other commenters favored or opposed some, but not all of the taxa proposed for exemption. The majority of the latter were concerned about exempting generic tigers because it might encourage uncontrolled breeding and further hybridization for commercial sales and exploitation. A related concern was that purebred tigers might be ``laundered'' as generic in order to avoid regulation, thus losing potentially valuable breeders from the SSP's for the various subspecies. Response: The Service believes that the breeding of generic tigers has not been affected by the CBW system. Those who hold CBW registrations can legally purchase and sell generic tigers in interstate commerce. Non-commercial interstate transfers (e.g., breeding loans, donations) are not prohibited. As pointed out in the notice of intent to propose rule (57 FR 548), generic tigers can be found in most of the 50 states, and intrastate commerce is not regulated. The Service does not believe that ``laundering'' of purebred tigers as generic animals in order to avoid regulation would be widespread, since so doing would decrease the value of the animals in most cases. Further, those who would do this would probably not be likely participants in SSP's for purebred tiger subspecies. Comment: Two commenters who generally supported the exemption for pheasants argued that several species are not present in the United States in large numbers (if at all), and therefore those species should continue to be regulated under the CBW system. These species are: Edwards, cheer, Swinhoe's, Mikado, imperial, and white eared pheasants; Sclater's and Chinese monals; and Blyth's, Cabot's, and western tragopans. Response: Based on the 1993 survey conducted by the American Pheasant and Waterfowl Society (482 respondents, or the equivalent of nearly 25% of APWS membership), several of these species do have low captive populations: Imperial pheasant--0; Sclater's monal--0; western tragopan--25; Blyth's tragopan--32; and Cabot's tragopan--75. Therefore, these species will not be exempted from the CBW registration requirements at this time. Of the other 10 species to be exempted, the sample shows numbers of 222 or more. As stated in the proposed rule, it is impossible to project total pheasant populations in the United States with any certainty due to possible sampling bias, plus the fact that there is probably a significant number of pheasant breeders who do not belong to the APWS. Comment: One objection to exemption was received for each of the following: Laysan duck, white-winged wood duck, and Neophema. Response: The APWS survey indicates healthy captive populations of the Laysan duck (445) and the white-winged wood duck (278); therefore, they will be exempted from CBW registration requirements. The 1991 Psittacine Captive Breeding Survey, done by World Wildlife Fund in collaboration with the American Federation of Aviculture, concludes that serious thought should be given to downlisting or delisting the captive stocks of Neophema splendida and N. pulchella because the survival of these species in captivity appears assured if inbreeding can be minimized. Both 1990 and 1991 censuses showed that these species are well represented and are breeding well in captivity. In 1991, 114 pairs of N. splendida hatched 337 eggs, and 61 pairs of N. pulchella hatched 266 eggs. Thus, these species are exempted by this final rule. Comment: No criteria were provided for the addition or deletion of taxa from the list exempted from the CBW registration requirement. Response: The Service believes that a case-by-case determination of eligibility, consistent with the provisions of the Act and the public notice and comment procedure, is adequate for the small number of species that will be considered for exemptions. In the near future, the Service will propose a new rule that sets criteria for adding or deleting taxa from the list exempted from the CBW registration requirements. The Service will solicit comments from the public on the proposed rule to ensure that the proposal is as accurate and effective Comment: The proposed exemptions from registration requirements violate the notice, comment, and finding provisions of sections 10(c) and (d) of the Act. Response: The proposed exemptions make no change in existing CBW procedures concerning notice and review. Section 17.21(g)(1) contains a general permit issued to ``any person''. The question involved here is whether entities (permittees) holding the exempted taxa would be required to register with the Service. Thus, the new exemptions represent changes to the terms of the existing general permit, and public notice and comment procedures have been observed in developing those changes. Comment: The proposed exemptions improperly do away with the Act's requirement that listed species be held for scientific purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of the species. Response: The proposed rule did not specify that the purpose of activities with species from taxa where the holder is exempted from registrating must be for the enhancement of propagation or survival of the species. This final rule now includes such language in the regulation at Sec. 17.21(g)(6)(i). Captive U.S. stocks of taxa to be exempted from the CBW registration requirement are characterized by large numbers of specimens and successful breeding efforts; therefore, their survival in captivity appears assured. The fact that these stocks are sufficient to satisfy demand is evidenced by little or no demand for additional specimens from the wild. Computerized permit records show that in the 3-year period 1991 to 1993, there were no imports of wild specimens of any of these taxa (for the pheasants, there have been no requests for such imports since 1986). Importation of wild-caught specimens of these taxa for breeding purposes could be approved only in unusual circumstances, including a definitive showing of need for new bloodlines that could only be satisfied by wild animals. A determination would have to be made that the status of the wild population would safely allow limited taking. Preference would be given to imports of captive-born specimens of the exempted taxa. The importation of either wild-caught specimens or specimens born in captivity outside the United States would continue to require permits under section 10 of the Act as well as the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. Comment: In the final rule published on December 27, 1993 (58 FR 68323), Sec. 17.21(g)(1) was amended to state that the principal purpose of activities with animals regulated under the CBW system must be to facilitate captive breeding. Section 17.21(g)(1)(ii) requires that the purpose be to enhance the propagation or survival of the species. This double requirement is confusing and apparently redundant. Response: The Service agrees. The purpose of the wording added to Sec. 17.21(g)(1) was to indicate that public education could not be used as the sole basis for justifying issuance of a CBW registration for species that do not qualify for the exempted taxa list. The text of this final rule has been revised to clarify this issue. Comment: An objection was made that the proposed rule would require entities such as circuses to show that permanent exports of generic tigers would be for the purpose of enhancement of propagation or survival of the species in accordance with Sec. 17.21(g)(4). This does not make sense, since the Service has concluded that inter-subspecific crossed or generic tigers have no value in terms of preserving the species through propagation because they no longer have the same genetic makeup as wild populations. Response: The Service agrees that generic or inter-subspecific crossed tigers cannot be used for enhancement of propagation of the species. However, they can be used in a manner that should enhance survival of the species in the wild. Examples include exhibition in a manner designed to educate the public about the ecological role and conservation needs of the species and satisfaction of demand for tigers so that wild specimens or captive purebred subspecies are not used. Export of any of the exempted taxa will continue to require appropriate CITES documentation under 50 CFR part 23. The information required by Sec. 17.21(g)(4) can be submitted with the CITES application, as is current practice. Discussion of Final Rule This final rule revises existing Secs. 17.3 and 17.21(g). These revisions and their effects are discussed below: 1. ``Harass'' under the definition of ``take in Sec. 17.3 is an act or omission that creates the likelihood of injury by annoying wildlife to such an extent as to significantly disrupt normal behavior patterns. The applicability of this concept to captive-held animals has been unclear, since human activities, including normal husbandry practices, provided in caring for captive-held wildlife in all probability disrupt behavior patterns. In light of this, the definition of ``harass'' in 50 CFR 17.3 is modified to exclude normal animal husbandry practices that are not likely to result in injury such as humane and healthful care when applied to captive wildlife. While no permit is required to possess lawfully acquired listed wildlife, a person cannot possess wildlife without doing something to it that might be construed as harassment under a literal interpretation of the definition in use since 1979, e.g., keep it in confinement, provide veterinary care, etc. Under this scenario, a person who legally possessed wildlife without a permit could be considered in violation of the prohibition against harassment unless they obtained a specific permit that authorized them to conduct normal animal husbandry activities. Had Congress intended this result, the prohibition on possession in section 9 of the Act would not have been limited to endangered species taken in violation of the Act. However, maintaining animals in inadequate, unsafe or unsanitary conditions, physical mistreatment, and the like constitute harassment because such conditions might create the likelihood of injury or sickness. The Act continues to afford protection to listed species that are not being treated in a humane manner. 2. Ten species of pheasants (family Phasianidae), parakeets of the species Neophema splendida and N. pulchella, the Laysan duck, the white-winged wood duck, and the ``generic'' tiger are exempted from the CBW registration requirements of Sec. 17.21(g)(2), because their survival in captivity appears assured. All of these taxa are present in the United States in large numbers and/or are genetically unsuitable for scientifically- based breeding programs (as is the case with the generic tiger). The four purebred subspecies of tiger in captivity in the United States are the subject of breeding programs under SSP's and will continue to require CBW registrations. Current holders of CBW registrations for the above taxa (listed in Sec. 17.21(g)(6)) will no longer need them. Applications for new or renewed registrations for these taxa that are pending before the Service on the effective date of this rule will not be processed. No written annual reports will be required of holders of these exempted taxa. However, record keeping and inspection requirements of 50 CFR 13.46 and 13.47 are still in place for persons holding the exempted taxa or other captive-bred species requiring a CBW registration. It is estimated that the paperwork burden of the CBW system on the Service and the public will be reduced. The Service believes that this relaxation of the registration requirement in Sec. 17.21(g) will not operate to the disadvantage of the species in the wild; further, it will be consistent with the conservation of the species because domestic demand has been, and will continue to be, satisfied by captive-born wildlife. The import of live wild-caught specimens, including those belonging to the exempted taxa, would not be authorized unless evidence showed a need for new bloodlines that could not be satisfied by internal exchange or that foreign-bred specimens were unavailable. Furthermore, the Service would have to determine that the wild populations could sustain limited taking. Regulatory Analysis This rulemaking has been reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget review under Executive Order 12866. Furthermore, the Department of the Interior certifies that this document will not have a significant economic effect on a substantial number of small entities (zoos, circuses, independent breeders) under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.). This rule will beneficially affect about 400 small entities currently registered under the CBW system. The economic effects are minor since they represent less than $20,000 and thus, the total effect on such small entities will be minimal. There will be a regulatory reduction for those entities holding species to be exempted from registration by this rule. This rule may also provide a reduction of risk to holders of captive wildlife because of the amended definition of ``harass''. This final rule is not a major rule under 5 U.S.C. 804(2), the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act and will not negatively effect the economy, consumer costs, or U.S. based- enterprises. The Service recognizes that the rule will effect a substantial number of small entities, such as zoo, circuses, or independent breeders, but in a beneficial manner. The Service has determined and certified pursuant to the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, 2 U.S.C. 1502 et seq., that this rulemaking will not impose a cost of $100 million or more in any given year on private entities, or local or State governments. The Department has determined that these final regulations meet the applicable standards provided in Section 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order 12988. This rule will not have substantial direct effects on the States, in their relationship between the Federal Government and the States or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612 the Service has determined that the rule does not have significant Federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment. The Service has determined that the rule has no potential takings of private property implications as defined in Executive Order 12630. Persons registering with the Service for a captive-bred wildlife registration requires the collection of information, and the Office of Management and Budget has approved the collection of information contained in this rule under 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. and assigned clearance number 1018-0093 with an expiration date of February 28, 20001. The application information submitted by a person for a captive- bred wildlife registration is used by the Service to make decisions in accordance with wildlife regulations on the issuance, suspension, revocation or denial of permits. The Service has reviewed all permit information collection requirements and ensured the burden imposed on the public is the lowest possible. It should be noted that the main intent of this rule is to lower the number of persons needing a The Service has reviewed this rule under Executive Order 12372 and determined that intergovernmental consultation is unnessary. The Service has determined that these regulations are categorically excluded from further National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. Part 516 of the Departmental Manual, Chapter 6, Appendix I, section 1.4(A)(1) categorically excludes changes or amendments to an approved action when such changes have no potential for causing substantial environmental impact. The Service has evaluated possible effects on Federally recognized Tribes and determined that there will be no adverse effects to any Tribe. Any individual tribal member possessing a CBW registration will receive the same beneficial regulatory and economic relief as other registrants who hold wildlife species that will be exempted by this List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17 Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Transportation. Regulation Promulgation For the reasons set forth in the preamble, title 50, chapter I, subchapter B, part 17, subpart C is amended as set forth below. PART 17--[AMENDED] 1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows: Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 16 U.S.C. 1531-1544; 16 U.S.C. 4201-4245; 99, 100 Stat. 3500. Subpart A--Introduction and General Provisions 2. The definition of ``Harass'' in Sec. 17.3 is revised to read as Sec. 17.3 Definitions. Harass in the definition of ``take'' in the Act means an intentional or negligent act or omission which creates the likelihood of injury to wildlife by annoying it to such an extent as to significantly disrupt normal behavioral patterns which include, but are not limited to, breeding, feeding, or sheltering. This definition, when applied to captive wildlife, does not include generally accepted: (1) Animal husbandry practices that meet or exceed the minimum standards for facilities and care under the Animal Welfare Act, (2) Breeding procedures, or (3) Provisions of veterinary care for confining, tranquilizing, or anesthetizing, when such practices, procedures, or provisions are not likely to to result in injury to the wildlife. Subpart C--Endangered Wildlife 3. Section 17.21(g) is revised to read as follows: Sec. 17.21 Prohibitions. (g) Captive-bred wildlife. (1) Notwithstanding paragraphs (b), (c), (e) and (f) of this section, any person may take; export or re-import; deliver, receive, carry, transport or ship in interstate or foreign commerce, in the course of a commercial activity; or sell or offer for sale in interstate or foreign commerce any endangered wildlife that is bred in captivity in the United States provided either that the wildlife is of a taxon listed in paragraph (g)(6) of this section, or that the following conditions are met: (i) The wildlife is of a species having a natural geographic distribution not including any part of the United States, or the wildlife is of a species that the Director has determined to be eligible in accordance with paragraph (g)(5) of this section; (ii) The purpose of such activity is to enhance the propagation or survival of the affected species; (iii) Such activity does not involve interstate or foreign commerce, in the course of a commercial activity, with respect to non- living wildlife; (iv) Each specimen of wildlife to be re-imported is uniquely identified by a band, tattoo or other means that was reported in writing to an official of the Service at a port of export prior to export from the United States; and (v) Any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States who engages in any of the activities authorized by this paragraph does so in accordance with paragraphs (g) (2), (3) and (4) of this section, and with all other applicable regulations in this Subchapter B. (2) Any person subject to the jurisdiction of the United States seeking to engage in any of the activities authorized by this paragraph must first register with the Service (Office of Management Authority, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Arlington, Virginia 22203). Requests for registration must be submitted on an official application form (Form 3-200-41) provided by the Service, and must include the following information: (i) The types of wildlife sought to be covered by the registration, identified by common and scientific name to the taxonomic level of family, genus or species; (ii) A description of the applicant's experience in maintaining and propagating the types of wildlife sought to be covered by the registration, and when appropriate, in conducting research directly related to maintaining and propagating such wildlife; (iii) Photograph(s) or other evidence clearly depicting the facilities where such wildlife will be maintained; and (iv) a copy of the applicant's license or registration, if any, under the animal welfare regulations of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (9 CFR part 2). (3) Upon receiving a complete application, the Director will decide whether or not the registration will be approved. In making this decision, the Director will consider, in addition to the general criteria in Sec. 13.21(b) of this subchapter, whether the expertise, facilities or other resources available to the applicant appear adequate to enhance the propagation or survival of the affected wildlife. Public education activities may not be the sole basis to justify issuance of a registration or to otherwise establish eligibility for the exception granted in paragraph (g)(1) of this section. Each person so registered must maintain accurate written records of activities conducted under the registration, and allow reasonable access to Service agents for inspection purposes as set forth in Secs. 13.46 and 13.47. Each person registered must submit to the Director an individual written annual report of activities, including all births, deaths and transfers of any type. seeking to export or conduct foreign commerce in captive-bred endangered wildlife that will not remain under the care of that person must first obtain approval by providing written evidence to satisfy the Director that the proposed recipient of the wildlife has expertise, facilities or other resources adequate to enhance the propagation or survival of such wildlife and that the proposed recipient will use such wildlife for purposes of enhancing the propagation or survival of the affected species. (5)(i) The Director will use the following criteria to determine if wildlife of any species having a natural geographic distribution that includes any part of the United States is eligible for the provisions of this paragraph: (A) Whether there is a low demand for taking of the species from wild populations, either because of the success of captive breeding or because of other reasons, and (B) Whether the wild populations of the species are effectively protected from unauthorized taking as a result of the inaccessibility of their habitat to humans or as a result of the effectiveness of law enforcement. (ii) The Director will follow the procedures set forth in the Act and in the regulations thereunder with respect to petitions and notification of the public and governors of affected States when determining the eligibility of species for purposes of this paragraph. (iii) In accordance with the criteria in paragraph (g)(5)(i) of this section, the Director has determined the following species to be eligible for the provisions of this paragraph: Laysan duck (Anas laysanensis). seeking to engage in any of the activities authorized by paragraph (g)(1) of this section may do so without first registering with the Service with respect to the bar-tailed pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae), Elliot's pheasant (S. ellioti), Mikado pheasant (S. mikado), brown eared pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum), white eared pheasant (C. crossoptilon), cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichii), Edward's pheasant (Lophura edwardsi), Swinhoe's pheasant (L. swinhoii), Chinese monal (Lophophorus lhuysii), and Palawan peacock pheasant (Polyplectron emphanum); parakeets of the species Neophema pulchella and N. splendida; the Laysan duck (Anas laysanensis); the white-winged wood duck (Cairina scutulata); and the inter-subspecific crossed or ``generic'' tiger (Panthera tigris) (i e., specimens not identified or identifiable as members of the Bengal, Sumatran, Siberian or Indochinese subspecies (Panthera tigris tigris, P.t. sumatrae, P.t. altaica and P.t. corbetti, respectively) provided: (i) The purpose of such activity is to enhance the propagation or survival of the affected exempted species; (ii) Such activity does not involve interstate or foreign commerce, in the course of a commercial activity, with respect to non-living wildlife; (iii) Each specimen to be re-imported is uniquely identified by a band, tattoo or other means that was reported in writing to an official of the Service at a port of export prior to export of the specimen from the United States; (iv) No specimens of the taxa in this paragraph (g)(6) of this section that were taken from the wild may be imported for breeding purposes absent a definitive showing that the need for new bloodlines can only be met by wild specimens, that suitable foreign-bred, captive individuals are unavailable, and that wild populations can sustain limited taking, and an import permit is issued under Sec. 17.22; (v) Any permanent exports of such specimens meet the requirements of paragraph (g)(4) of this section; and (vi) Each person claiming the benefit of the exception in paragraph (g)(1) of this section must maintain accurate written records of activities, including births, deaths and transfers of specimens, and make those records accessible to Service agents for inspection at reasonable hours as set forth in Secs. 13.46 and 13.47. Donald J. Barry, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks. [FR Doc. 98-24384 Filed 9-10-98; 8:45 am] http://www.federalregister.gov/articles/1998/09/11/98-24384/captive-bred-wildlife-regulation Which Wildcats are Endangered or Threatened? Support Real Conservation Circus Life…”Captive” Entertainment Circus Life…”Captive” Entertainment Circus Life…Step Right up to the Greatest Show of ... Big Cat Laws Wisconsin Big Cats The state of Wisconsin is one of just five US states that currently has ... TigerShows ACTION ALERT! RINGLING WANTS TO EXPORT 8 OF THEIR CIRCUS TIGERS TO GERMANY TO ...	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3761
__label__wiki	0.666059	0.666059	Ne-Yo Gets Transformed Into The Tin Man For ‘The Wiz Live!’ Along With More Cast Pictures Lindsey Paul Your Tin Man. #TheWiz pic.twitter.com/hgQJJf6SmB — NE-YO (@NeYoCompound) October 13, 2015 The cast of The Wiz Live! is ready for action, and fans finally have a preview of what they can expect from the musical. Earlier this year, Shanice Williams had us all in our feelings when she landed the role of Dorothy for the upcoming televised play, but her cast mates are what have us shocked. The actress will be joined by David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion, Elijah Kelley as the Scarecrow, but Ne-Yo as the Tin Man certainly has social media blown away right now. Ease on down, NBC #TheWizLive pic.twitter.com/iGnb5QYgJp — Jarett Wieselman (@JarettSays) October 13, 2015 Promotional photos for the special were released by People Magazine, showing the R&B singer in full Tin Man costume, where he is nearly unrecognizable in his gear. Costume designer, Paul Tazewell, talked about the costume, revealing, “He is a woodsman translated into the world of tin. It’s much more literal to work clothing than it is created out of a patchwork of metal. And it’s topped off with a tree-worker’s metal hat.” See all of the cast photos from The Wiz Live! here, and watch it when it airs on December 3rd on NBC. SOURCE: People \| PHOTO CREDIT: Getty, Twitter Ne-Yo Gets Transformed Into The Tin Man For ‘The Wiz Live!’ Along With More Cast Pictures was originally published on globalgrind.com Ne-Yo , Shanice Williams , the wiz , the wiz live! , tin man	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3764
__label__wiki	0.779033	0.779033	break my words LABOUR CONFERENCE 2017 – a first time delegate reports DAY ONE: Protecting The Community The family gatherings I am used to attending usually end in a sing-along of some description. I blame failed musical ambitions and a taste for real ale. This Labour Party get together on the South Coast was unusual in that it started with one. The now familiar refrain that is Seven Nation Army set to the chant of Oh Jeremy Corbyn was chorused to the heavens by the massed ranks of the Labour membership as they stood to applaud the opening of Conference 2017. The man himself, watching bemusedly from the stage had the good grace to look a little embarrassed as he accepted the tribute with a smile and a wave. Personally, after the electric summer Jeremy has had, I would have not been surprised to see him join in full voice while ripping off his shirt and insisting that Tom Watson parade him around the room at shoulder height. You will perhaps be disappointed to learn that this didn’t happen. Instead, the deputy leader stood at JC’s side and displayed equal good grace in appearing to be overjoyed as the throng echoed on. After such a kick-off, it would be true to say that the rest of conference lived up to expectations. There was surprise and delight in equal measure. It was inclusive and inspiring. Sure, disagreement and dissent did materialise – conference is a family gathering after all, but the after effects of the general election result and all the super heated positivity it has created failed to lower any high spirits. We were even blessed with sunshine – the alignment of that particular star with what is normally a wet September weekend perhaps a metaphor too far for the newly energised Labour Party. Apologies for any further clumsy analogies – my only excuse is that I am a newcomer to the party conference scene. It fell to Lloyd Russell Moyle, the recently elected and Tory ousting MP for Kemptown to welcome all to Brighton. Drawing on Labour’s national 2017 successes as a parallel with Brighton and Hove Albion’s arrival in the Premiership, Lloyd gave a consummate performance which did not betray the nerves he said he felt on being asked to open the show. There were however no calls from the floor for Jeremy to manage the Seagulls! A team that perhaps could do with a touch of the Corbyn effect! ...but none for Theresa May! The chair (Glenis Willmott) was then moved to speak on the wider climate of politics; Trump, Macron and the rumblings of the far right in Europe as a backdrop to the UK scene; in which the rejection of UKIP, austerity and the resurgence of Labour under Corbyn has given hope to all – and it was hope with a capital H that proved to be the on-going theme of all four days of conference. Conference Arrangements Committee Download Day 1 CAC report and guide here On to the main order of business for day one – Harry Donaldson the Chair of the Conference Arrangements Committee outlined the responsibility of all delegates; To decide which 8 subjects from all the contemporary motions submitted by trade unions, socialist societies and CLPs would be prioritised for debate for †he remainder of Conference 2017. A responsibility that would create lengthy discussions healthier than a fully funded NHS with no private sector interest! Dianne Abbot was the headline act of Day One, but before the queen of Hackney graced the stage, the first of the speakers from the floor were invited to make the first contributions: There were voices from Bristol West, Birkenhead and Manchester Gorton who had reservations about Sadiq Khan’s invitation to speak at conference. All expressed views that London gets enough airtime. That the regional voices of other elected Metro Mayors would be refreshing for conference. Just as we were all appreciating the subtext, thinking here of Khan’s criticism of Corbyn in the run up to the general election, a further delegate invited to the podium urged for Sadiq’s appearance on the grounds of his large personal mandate when elected to the office of London mayor. This received a mix bag of emotive outpourings. Cheered in some sections and jeered in others, the chair rightfully called the floor to order. This delegate has some sympathy; Khan’s victory was hugely symbolic as both the first Asian and first Muslim mayor of London and no one should forget the divisive and despicable campaign staged against Khan by his mayoral rival Zak Goldsmith. Democracy broke out in a deep red rash: Harlow CLP challenged conference to consider the North Korea USA stand off. Stroud CLP questioned why there was only one motion on the issue of education, while Guildford South spoke against trigger ballots. Islington North reminded all that the membership is as important than any single MP. Several points were made about disabled access, and conference did seem to be ill prepared for this – the most poignant of which was the chair of Disability Labour who found herself in what must have been the embarrassing position of criticising her own party. All of this debate proved to be a dynamic precursor for the days to come; some serious challenges would be issued to policy and party bureaucracy from the gathered membership in the hall. Underlining to this observer that this party is a very healthy, very vibrant beast that is genuinely for the many, and not just the few. Will the real iron lady please stand up. When Diana Abbot did arrive, she was greeted with a standing ovation that was so much more than an appreciation of all that she has achieved in politics. This was also a very palpable gesture of solidarity against the personal abuse this particular MP had suffered during the general election campaign. Diana has somehow pre-empted the mood of the crowd in her speech: declaring to further adulation the words “I’m still standing” Getting into her stride along the day’s theme of Protecting The Community, she spoke to the cuts in public services in the face of terror atrocities – committing Labour to reversing them. She spoke to the fact that austerity undermines law and order as much as it does health and committed Labour to recruiting 10,000 new police officers. She spoke movingly of Grenfell and promised 3000 more firefighters, and an end to deregulation – the fire brigade, she said, will be the lead agency for assessing and signing off risk in building regulations – as opposed to the private sector. She would end indefinite detention for immigrants and delirium ensued upon guaranteeing the rights of the 3 million EU nationals resident in the UK. The announcement of a full enquiry into Orgreave resonated profoundly – the potential correcting of an injustice more than three decades old spoke to the very reason the Labour movement was born. Download her full speech here. Highlights: Other speakers from the floor Day 1: Daniel Harris from Hove CLP told a moving story of how his mental health issues had catapulted him into homelessness. His passionate exhortation to build more social housing than Labour has yet committed to was hugely appreciated in the hall. Meanwhile Lauren Stocks a blue haired future red firebrand described the experience of anxiety, pressure and mental health issues arising in the personal narratives of those young people studying their GCSEs. The record books have yet to confirm whether or not Laura was the first person to use the word bollocks from the podium at any party conference – A story which made it all the way to the Daily Mirror Watch here. Naomi Wimborne-Idrissi – A Jewish delegate from Chingford CLP spoke eloquently about how legitimate criticism of the government of Israel in their conduct towards Palestine did not amount to anti-semitism, a topic which seemed to dog conference proceedings, at least according to some sections of media. Most inside the hall would agree that the tone of the debate on the Israeli / Palestinian issue was passionate rather than prejudicial. Other speakers: Andrew Gwynne Shadow Secretary of State for Communities; Download Andrew Gwynne Speech Here, Ian Lavery MP and Labour Party Chair, Ian McNichol General Secretary Labour Party, who made the first of what would be several name checks to Momentum over the course of conference, Mike Payne GMB and chair of Wales Executive, Rt Hon Carwyn Jones who opened up in Welsh and received an tsunami of appreciation when, in a testament to devolution, he informed conference that there is no privatisation in any hospital in Wales. BUSINESS CONCLUDED: Announcement of policy directives – see Dianne Abbot, Ian Lavery and Andrew Gwynne speeches. Agreement by vote to focus conference around Rail, Social Care, NHS, Housing, Grenfell, Growth and Investment, Workers Rights and Public Sector Pay. Our delegation from Brighton Pavilion had voted for Rail, NHS, Housing and Learn Direct – we felt that an educational theme needed introducing to proceedings: How the votes to decide conference priorities played out. The Conference Arrangements Committee report was agreed DAY TWO: Oh Emily Thornberry Brexit, the economy, jobs, living standards and equalities. Download the CAC Report for Monday 25th Sept The molten hot topic of Brexit and Internationalism has liquified politics and it burnt a few fingers here! Underlined by a well attended pro remain demo outside the Brighton Centre the day before, the subject was prime focus for the reconvening of conference. No free movement for Brexit protestors! Glenis Willmott, leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party in what was her last major speech ahead of her retirement as an MEP spoke of her fight to remain in Europe. She underlined the need to extend that fight to any exit deal that threatens the peace in Northern Ireland, or undermines the peace of mind of EU nationals in the UK or those Brits who have carved out lives in Europe, or attacks workers rights and safety standards. Download Glenis Willmott speech here. Emily Thornberry opened her conference address with a cheeky reference to Corbyn’s now infamous mistimed high five gesture as the general election results came in, and with comic prowess she described the Brexit process as a paternity test that Boris Johnson did not wish to take. She spoke to the precarious state of peace in the world, Not another high five Emily please! calling out the world’s human rights abusers and sabre rattlers; openly referring to Trump as akin to a rogue dictator while calling for a Labour government to challenge international injustices. A stark contrast she said to the spineless unwillingness of the Conservatives to take on such a mission. Download Emily Thornberry speech here. Keir Starmer criticised the failings of the Tory Brexit negotiators which need no repeating here. He spoke to the need of a flexible approach that swept no options off the the table, suggesting that remaining in a form of customs union with the EU would be one of the possible end destinations for Labour Download Keir Starmer speech here. John McDonnell was in combative mood, and in the main he delivered a Tory bashing speech for the gallery! Stand out points for me included the IFA study which indicated that writing off student debt would cost £10 Billion by 2050, and that action was needed now by the incumbent government. Calling out the scale of profits made from PFI deals in the past six years; some £831 Million, was also revelatory and eye watering. His subsequent announcement that companies based in tax havens should not own shares in PFI’ schemes as well as confirming that, under Labour, all PFI contracts will be bought back in house inspired conference to its feet. Download John McDonnell speech here. Sadiq Khan: Download Sadiq Khan speech here. Debbie Abrahams: Download Debbie Abrahams speech here. Speakers from the floor: A common theme emerged of how the problems of the global economy have been visited upon migrants in context of Brexit – the emotive testament from an Italian migrant from Hackney CLP told how unwelcome she and her family now felt in post referendum UK touched all who heard it. Ian Page from Bath CLP went so far as to state that, as the evidence for remaining in Europe was overwhelming, a reconsideration should be on the cards. This was in contrast to Daryl Hannah from Hove CLP who reminded conference that, as democratic socialists, the result of the referendum should be respected. Turkey and Palestine were both mentioned. Jean Butcher from UNISON informed conference that supply chains spread poverty around the world and reminded us all to of Dr Martin Luther King’s quote – before you eat breakfast in the morning you have depended on half the world. It’s true – I had a banana and a coffee; from the Caribbean via Columbia to Brighton. The beast of Bolsover; the legendary Dennis Skinner was also called from the floor. He gave a typically barnstorming performance in regard to where the money will come from to fund our manifesto promises – his advice, to emulate the private sector and borrow it: Reference Back. There were two instances of note: Nottingham South called for Brexit policy to be ‘referenced back’ to the National Policy Forum; the delegate concerned wanting the UK to remain in the customs union and the European Economic Area. Conference overwhelmingly voted against the delegate and this was reflected in the votes by the Pavilion contingency. Taunton Deane referenced back a section of the National Policy Forum on welfare demanding the scrapping of all planned welfare cuts. The Pavilion delegation voted overwhelmingly to support Taunton, and it seemed, from our vantage point, that the rest of conference did too. However the chair recounted several times inducing a fair bit of tension, before the vote was carried in favour of Taunton to send that section of policy to be reconsidered by the forum. Much cheering ensued. Votes – acceptance of the international policy commission report; Economy, Business and Trade Policy Commission Report; Work, Pensions and Equalities Commission Report Affiliates vote only: Contemporary Composite 1 – Growth and Prosperity Contemporary Composite 2 – Public Sector Pay Contemporary Composite 3 – Public Sector Pay Contemporary Composite 4 – Workers’ Rights DAY THREE: In the black with a white elephant Early years, education and skills; investing in the future; health and care Download CAC Report for Tuesday 26th Oct A big day for conference democracy. Voting in the ballot for two seats on the National Constitutional Committee, alongside other votes to decide a number of CLP and NEC rule changes would lead to dramatic interludes on the conference floor, and no less than two Pavillion delegates made it onto the podium to express some firm views: Both were well supported from the floor. Boris Johnson’s attempt to gatecrash Lab17 dressed as a white elephant did not fool conference security. Diana Holland, national treasurer gave an overview of party finances, confirming to all that the party was now, largely thanks to a massively expanded membership, out of debt, mortgage free, and in the black to the tune of over 6 million quid – nice work! Our very own Amanda Evans, resplendent in a very distinctive hat, and in her role as local treasurer stepped up to the lecturn and demanded to know why, given we had just heard the national party was in such fine fettle financially, that a stall in the exhibition hall was denied to us on the grounds that ‘the national party could not afford to give the space away! Adding insult to injury we found yet another Labour Party merchandise stand, to add to the other Labour Party merchandise stands present, in the space ordinarily reserved for the local hosts – us! The question went unanswered but the point was well made. Pavilion secretary Claire Wadey moved an emergency motion on the issue of the ongoing suspension of local member Greg Hadfield during the fallout of the 2016 Brighton and Hove District Labour Party elections. Claire eloquently described the lack of information coming back from the NEC over an unnecessarily prolonged period of time as ‘justice delayed, justice denied’. Momentum had pressed for support of Pavilion’s motion and there seemed to be a lot of support in the hall – prior to Claire moving the motion I distributed leaflets outlining the full nature of our complaint and here again there was much sympathy. However, following a dramatic card vote, we lost in the hall. DOWNLOAD BRIGHTON EMERGENCY MOTION The main speakers today included Rebecca Long Bailey who spoke excitingly of being at the brink of the fourth industrial revolution, and how the pace of technological change calls for new models of ownership, alluding to how intellectual property rights and the fundamentals of business are structured to benefit the few over the many. Download Rebecca Long Bailey speech. Angela Rayner, my favourite member of the shadow cabinet was sensational, referring back to her own start in life as a young mum of 16 with no qualifications. Speaking to how Sure Start had been instrumental in giving her the confidence to get to where she is now. Her promise to rebuild Sure Start with an injection of £500 Million was both personal and emotive. Naomi Klein, The author, activist, and eagerly awaited speaker to this conference was up next. Speaking to the global uncertainty in the world and how the new left movement centred in the UK continues to provide hope to the poor, oppressed, and under privileged people of the world. You really should watch this particular speech… Tom Watson’s moment on the podium was remarkable in that he whipped the throng into (yet another) chorus of Oh Jeremy Corbyn. I later saw the Fire Brigades Union General Secretary Matt Wrack speak at a fringe event organised by the Labour Representation Committee. Matt joked that Tom Watson had not bothered to learn the words to that song until the general election results had come through – hilarious! OTHER BUSINESS CONCLUDED: Places on the National Executive Committee: Anna Dyer and Emina Ibrahim, also known as ‘the left candidates’ won 71 per cent of the vote at conference – a landslide. Both candidates were supported by Brighton Pavilion. National Policy Forum report on education: A paragraph was ‘referenced back’ by show of hands because it failed to clearly commit to proper democratic control of schooling, with no clear refutation of academy type education. NHS: Another section of the National Policy Forum was ‘referenced back’ because of a glaring oversight that had gone unnoticed by all except one delegate in the room. The current policy committing to make the NHS the ‘preferred provider’ to the NHS, when in fact it should have read, the ONLY provider! The show of hands in support of this reference back was overwhelming! Rule Changes: The NEC recommendations for voting to rule changes can be seen above while the actual results of votes can be downloaded in full here: CAC Report of Ballot Results and Statement-3 DAY 4: The leader’s speech JC day today! The grand finale to four days of finely tuned debate was preceded by a selection of policy seminars in which delegates were invited to help shape ongoing Labour policy. Waiter! The Brexit seminar was well attended and the panel included Emily Thornberry, Kier Starmer, Glenis Willmott and Barry Gardiner – the full shadow Brexit team. Gardiner spoke to the notion that rising GDP is concomitant with rising inequality which Starmer underlined, drawing on the Tory agenda for post Brexit Britain as deregulation, deregulation, deregulation. Adding a poignant thought on why the phrase ‘take back control’ had such resonance with the public at the time of the referendum as a phenomena that Labour better needed to understand; the list of things that might have made it onto such a list would be potentially very long, but the issue of immigration caught Labour on the back foot he said, and the vote was further bound up in freedom of movement. The clarification of Labour’s policy on the customs union and freedom of movement as announced in Starmer’s earlier speech was very welcome. A delegate from Carlise CLP made the observation that her local council bins policy got more scrutiny that the EU trade deal proposals, a phrase which both Starmer and Gardiner threatened to steal for future usage. The big one! The Work, Pensions and Equalities seminar hosted by Deborah Abrahams and Diana Holland was not short of delegates wishing to contribute. Pavilion’s Juliet McCaffrey spoke to the need to consider the Gypsy and Travellers community in equality legislation, and your very own correspondent suggested an equality idea that Diana Holland later complimented, and said would be considered as future policy: The legal obligation for all corporations to hire a Diversity and Inclusion manager to guard against unconscious bias in such equality issues as setting of pay, promotion and hiring, and to minimise gender pay gaps while expanding equal opportunities – BOOM! Jeremy Corbyn – Oh Jeremy Corbyn – Oh Jeremy Corbyn etc, etc… Corbyn quickly found his stride, plainly the endless campaigning has done wonders for his stage presence, and ability to capture a room. Ruminating on how some political theorising states that elections are won from the centre ground, he suggested that this might be true as long as you accept that the political centre of gravity has now moved – to the left. Check the leader out… Debate, democracy, drama – tick Energetic, educational, entertaining – tick Inspiring? Absolutely. Frustrating? Sometimes. Would I come again? Hell yes. To paraphrase Corbyn in his conference address, the Labour party in its current vibrant form is now the mainstream. As I looked around the packed hall teeming with talent, ideas, energy and the will to challenge party bureaucracy, it seemed hard to refute that Labour is the government in waiting. How Labour Can Win In 3 Steps With the gap in the opinion polls seemingly shortening, what measures might Labour take to accelerate their position, and is there the time, and a convincing enough argument to move ahead? As I run a company working in advertising, it is irresistible for me not to contrive of prescriptive shorthand bullet points for how to achieve answers to all sorts of problems. I love an underdog too! Here’s 3 steps I would pitch to Labour’s 2017 campaign boss: Would it convince you though? I am betting that like me, you would very much like to see a fairer, more equal society; a world featuring a balanced distribution of opportunity, wealth and power while embracing a diversity of opinion and beliefs. I reckon if I asked them, my three children would love to grow up in such a place and I would bet their school shirts that if they asked their mates, then they would be up for that kind of vision too. Who, regardless of whatever political stripe they are painted, would turn it down? In my reading of the Labour Party’s actual policies, the stuff they believe in, I find that they also want the same society as the one described above. Amazing! It transpires that lots of other people who have taken the time to read Labour Party policy are also similarly moved to say yep, that chimes with me! Especially if, according to a Yougov poll, those policies were not attributed to any party at all when they read them! The poll implies the respondents prefer Labour’s thinking, but that this does not translate to support for the party when it’s revealed whose policies they are. In other words, those surveyed were influenced by the tone and tenor of the fierce media furore that has existed around the current leader. It’s a problem for sure, but what to do about it? How wide and how many are the strides needed to step it up in the polls? 1. IDENTIFY THE EASY WINS AND WIN THEM! There are circa 16 million Millennials (18-34) in the UK. That’s enough to swing an argument one-way or the other, and there is rock solid rationale as to why they should give their vote to the candidate wearing a red rosette. This age group, due to economic forces beyond their control, have been excluded from the opportunities afforded to previous generations. This is not new news. Your average millennial is struggling with the idea that they may never own their own home. They probably won’t even get a chance to stand at the foot of the property ladder and hold it for their kids to climb! Huge swathes of them are still bunking up with the folks; 30 to 34% of them according to where you read. Consequently, they are more than a little peeved. For this generation, this is a situation unlikely to get any better under the auspices of those who will be sporting a blue rosette on June 8th. Whereas team Red are offering hope with promises such as a living wage, axing university fees, building houses, reining in the excesses of private landlords, increasing corporation tax and diverting the proceeds back into society. These are the sorts of things a millennial with a grudge might swing behind. To add insult to a slap in the face, this group will be most affected by the long-term fallout of Brexit. Especially the ‘hard’ version as envisioned by Theresa May. 73% of young people favoured Remain, and in the case of the 1.4 million university students, 94% of them registered to vote in advance of the EU referendum. As we now know, the sad truth is that they did not turn up to vote in such numbers, and as a collective they are now living to regret that. Moreover, should they not wish to blame themselves, their current plight can definitely be pinned, like a wilted buttonhole, on the lapel of a former prime minister of the current government. Voting Labour in this election will give young people a real chance to vent. The party’s election campaign needs to keep up the pressure in getting this generation registered to vote, and this time, keep reminding them, over and over again, why they should be angry. That should ensure they actually get down to the polling station come June 8th! 2. HEAT UP THE POSITIVES / FREEZE OUT THE NEGATIVES Regardless of where you stand on the Corbyn debate, and lets face it, there is a very full spectrum of opinion here, it is now irrelevant. Theresa May has rang the bell and Corbyn is the man in the opposite corner, but who is Joshua, and who is Klitschko? To win out, Labour has to really amplify the positives, and even the most fervent detractor would admit to some, while deftly side stepping the negatives. Unelectable? Corbyn’s so called ‘unelectable’ quality is easily cast aside. The man has proved he is in fact electable, in fairly spectacular style, in not one but two gruelling leadership contests. He has previous form! There is more to be cantilevered here; If either of Corbyn’s leadership contests where actually an opinion poll to gauge the mood of a nation, then Corbyn’s sample size would be very robust in research industry terms. Polls and most bodies of research are conducted by consulting on average, several hundred people, and at best several thousand. Obviously the more people in your sample size the more robust the research industry will consider your work. Take BARB for instance, which is a broadcaster and ad industry initiative designed to ascertain the TV viewing habits of the UK. This has a sample size of 5,100 homes and returns the data of some 11,500 people in those homes. This information is used to aggregate the behaviour of 26 million TV viewing households, and so help advertisers determine where staggering amounts of advertising money will get spent. It is considered exceptionally robust. Corbyn’s second leadership election expanded Labour’s eligible voter base to well over 500,000 making it the biggest party in Europe. 313,209, or 62% of those eligible, voted Corbyn. A very robust sample size! Corbyn’s detractors seeking to undermine such a convincing endorsement have claimed a secret cabal of extreme left-wingers signed up in droves to vote. Which is a charge that would raise more than a few chuckles in court; the biggest far left wing organisation in the UK is the Socialist Workers Party with a reported membership of less than 6000. The numbers simply don’t stack up! So, if its not left wing extremists who got him to the party top job, then a sample size of this magnitude would be highly likely to represent the views of a much wider body of ordinary people. All of whom must have recognised other qualities they valued beyond pure leadership ability; which include the perception that he is an honest man, someone you can trust, who has integrity, and other such superlatives that don’t ordinarily trip off the tongue when the word preceding them is politician! And as we have seen since, he certainly possesses dignity under fire – a much needed quality in office. It is these descriptors that need to be amplified to out shout the too familiar narrative that Corbyn does not cut it as a leader in the traditional sense. Each and every time that singular argument is trotted out, turn up the heat on the positives and freeze out the negatives. Then turn the narrative back to the policies as quickly as you can! Make the vote about the party, not one man! 3. CHANGE THE TONE OF VOICE / STOP TALKING TO THE ENEMY All advertising seeks to influence and change the behaviour of an audience, and there are some basic psychological rules as to how you approach such an objective. These rules hold true even if you are embroiled in the tribal heat of an election campaign. To close that gap and overtake, in this election, or the next, Labour are going to have to influence a chunk of people who may currently identify as blue, or are wavering but leaning to the right, or are in fact swayed by the hysterical obsession with the stylistic contrast between May and Corbyn as mentioned earlier. To win over any crowd, and more so a tough crowd, you cannot open dialogue by introducing the barrier that will be inevitably pulled up because you started with the wrong tone of voice, by addressing your audience as the enemy. And yet, this is exactly what happens time and time again in campaign communications and in party meetings up and down the land. My advice would be to stop shouting Tories Out, and drop all reference to Tories as ‘the enemy’ in any campaign communication, whether that’s within a humble press release, a tweet, a clarion call when out canvassing, a strap line in your advertising and all points in between. In fact; negate the power of the word Tory completely by pretending it does not exist; In an election campaign it will always be right and proper to call out current policy failing and illustrate the negative impact it may have on society. But don’t call it a Tory failure! Sure, call it callous or uncaring, but always, always, always substitute the word Tory for the rather bland nomenclature of the phrase ‘ ‘current government’ when attributing such shortcomings. In so doing it suggests, by the very use of the word current, that their tenure is temporary, but you also give permission to any wavering, or potential voter listening to you, to switch sides, to change their minds, to come over to your viewpoint, to not break tribal lines. Don’t think of those you need to influence as the enemy, think of them as an ally in waiting! In summary; Press home the argument to the audiences with most to gain from a more equal society, make it about the long term party vision, not a single personality and… Don’t go to war. Go on a diplomacy mission! PLEASE DO SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM TO LIKE/SHARE/COMMENT… 1. Yougov breakdown of the Labour Leadership contest 2016 and how the voting went 2. Labour Party’s official breakdown of how the 2016 leadership election voting went: 3. Current size of the Labour Party in comparison with other UK political parties according to UK Parliament: http://researchbriefings.parliament.uk/ResearchBriefing/Summary/SN05125 PDF available here 4. Size of the Membership of the Socialist Workers Party: https://leftfootforward.org/2015/07/hard-left-plot-to-elect-corbyn-labour-leader-the-numbers-dont-add-up/ 5. Preference for Labour Party policy versus Conservative http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/jeremy-corbyn-media-policies-labour_uk_57fe651be4b0010a7f3da76b 6. Estimate size of UK Millennial generation: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/jun/28/young-people-bad-voting-millennials-eu-vote-politics http://www.thisisinkling.com/inklingreports/2016/1/21/inkling-report-no-1-uk-millennials 7. University students and their relationship with the EU referendum: https://www.youthsight.com/uk-students-brexit/ 8. Young people and Brexit: http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/eu-referendum-brexit-young-people-upset-by-the-outcome-of-the-eu-referendum-why-didnt-you-vote-a7105396.html 9. BARB and how it works: http://www.barb.co.uk/about-us/how-we-do-what-we-do/	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3770
__label__cc	0.514165	0.485835	Files: GIF, JPG, PNG, TXT, Maximum:11000 KB, Thumbnails: 600x600 pixels [ Return ] [ Entire Thread ] [ First 100 posts ] [ Last 50 posts ] Posting mode: Reply [Last 50 posts] Subject (reply to 420040) File [ I am saging ] >> Anonymous 18/09/07 (Fri)20:48 No. 420040 Anonymous Friday 8:48 pm 420040 Time for a new weekend thread. How goes it, lads? 210 posts omitted. Last 50 posts shown. Expand all images. >> Anonymous 18/09/15 (Sat)21:48 No. 420307 Anonymous Saturday 9:48 pm 420307 You can put those goalposts back where you found them, lad. Saturday 10:05 pm 420310 Fuck the goalposts, it's what happens in the scrum. >It is the 50/50 glucose and fructose, the same qualities as it occurs in sucrose, but not bonded together. This isn't quite correct. The two commonly used grades of HFCS contain 42% and 55% fructose. 55 tends to go into drinks. Worth noting that the "high-fructose" part refers to the fructose content being higher than usual for corn. Corn starch breaks down mainly to glucose, and the manufacturing process for HFCS converts some of it to fructose. No point being a hooker if you don't like touching balls. Today I learned that the sugar in apples is 110% sugar. I hate to be that bloke but can you please proofread your posts, I'm finding it hard to understand your writing. >> Anonymous 18/09/16 (Sun)06:41 No. 420335 Anonymous Sunday 6:41 am 420335 I had an objectively enjoyable time yesterday, looking at art and various museum exhibits. For some reason though I still carried a feeling of dread in my chest and had frequent bouts of total awareness of my own mortality. Rather tainted the experience, frankly. I rounded up a load of numbers to the nearest 5% no great mystery there. Sunday 12:44 pm 420339 It's also worth noting that some kinds of fruit have a much higher fructose-glucose ratio. A fully ripe apple can have a fructose-glucose ratio of 6 to 8, meaning it will contain six to eight times more fructose than glucose (or 85% to 15%), and ripe mangoes will still have a ratio of around 3. Eating an actual apple will probably still give you less "bad" fructose than drinking a glass of apple juice. Due to all the fibre and other carbohydrates contained in an apple, you will probably not manage to eat more than two apples at a time without feeling full. But to obtain about a 200 ml glass of apple juice, you have to put some four to six apples through a juicer. What matters, then, is that an apple has a much lower glycaemic index than a glass of apple juice, i.e. an apple affects your blood sugar level much less than a glass of apple juice, while they will feel about equally satisfying. Also, the problem isn't that you should make a resolution to not eat fruit anymore, but it's that sugar is added to all kinds of processed foods without the consumer being fully aware of it. Sugar has a property of acting as a flavour enhancer, which can mask the fact that you are actually using low-grade, low-quality other ingredients in your processed food. It works in a similar way as salt, which is another inexpensive flavour enhancer. If you buy Lidl's cheapest instant chicken soup in a sachet for 29p, it will contain about a third more salt than Knorr's brand-name chicken stock. Because that way, the actual chicken stock content of your sachet from Lidl can be reduced and it still tastes - vaguely - like chicken soup. Sunday 1:50 pm 420341 Why don't you cunts just read the labels Reading is for boffs, init Too busy reading harry potter with my Ribena and chicken dippers lad. Today I bought a 2001 Daewoo Matiz in Dark Orange. 0.8l of power. I like those cars. They look like guinea pigs. T H A T ' L L B E T H E D A E W O O I genuinely love bargain-basement cars. Fabric seats, scratchy plastics, manual window winders, the lot. They seem to burst the bubble of consumer capitalism - you owe the bank £40k for your BMW, I paid £800 for my tinny little shitbox, but we're both stuck in the same traffic jam. One of my brother's mates was known in school for driving the cheapest possible cars he could find. And I mean, the cheapest possible. One time, he got a late 70s Rover for £100. This was around 1990, so the car was well over ten years old by then and in a sorry state. It miraculously still had a few months MOT and an engine that would start, and it got him to school in the morning. Except not for long. About eight weeks later, the car just died in the middle of the road on the way back from school. It simply went out and try as he did, he couldn't bring the engine back to life. I think there were some serious electrical problems, and something that would have cost far more to fix than the 100 quid that he paid for the car in the first place. So he decided to have it towed to the breaker's, and I think he even got 100 quid for the car from the breaker or something. So it was a zero sum game for him. 100 quid spent buying the car, and 100 quid back when he sold it. Personally, I agree completely that there is no point buying a car for 40 grand and then selling your soul to a a bank for a loan. The car isn't yours and never will be. It may be your name in the papers, but as far as the bank is concerned, your car is collateral in case you default and stop your regular payments. And then your 5 series Bimmer with the big engine in your driveway will just disappear into thin air. Wow, a car just over ten years old... >> Anonymous 18/09/17 (Mon)00:02 No. 420352 Anonymous Monday 12:02 am 420352 >>420349>>420350 I've had a lot of cars over the years, but I've always bought them outright. I'd much rather drive around in a £300 micra for a year while saving up ten grand for a nice second hand sports car. The thing I never understood about buying a BMW or Merc or whatever on finance is that 90% of people go for an utterly uninspiring motor anyway, like the 1.8 BMWs that honestly are probably outperformed by that lad's Daewoo on power to weight. You're paying all that money for brand recognition. I bought a 325ti for less than two grand and it's all the car I'll ever need in terms of speed and fun. It's ugly as fuck but that adds to it for me, you don't see many of them about. Between that and the other old cars I've had, RX8's, Celicas, Skoda VRS, 350z, Merc SLKs, even Land Rovers and Rangies, I've always typically had the sportiest and most eye catching cars of any of my mates/colleagues, and rarely have I broken ten grand to get one. By the time I've had my fun I can sell it and get at least a very good chunk of my money back. In the case of some, I even profit. Certainly no car I've ever owned I've spend more on than I would have on finance. I'm mechanically minded though, so I'm capable of dealing with the pitfalls of owning an older car. Not that a 2005 mid to high-end car is much of a money pit, most of these cars (most) are solid. Don't talk to me about the RX8. This is exactly how I feel filtering through traffic on my shite motorbike. Albeit slightly wetter. Monday 1:06 am 420354 I used to cycle to work and I got there about ten times faster. I understand why motorists hate bikes so much, as I sailed past hundreds of gridlocked cars with my smug little cycling cap on. Yeah, the paying for brand recognition thing goes all the way to the top end of the market as well. Take the Nissan GTR for example, at £80,000 new it can embarrass prestigious super cars many times its price, some times ever classics worth millions. >RX8 Did you have trouble with the wankel engine after 60,000 miles? Also do you watch Wheeler Dealers - it's a great show about fixing up classic cars and selling them on for a profit. Free view channel 37. I take it you've never owned a 70s Rover. British cars of that era were shockingly awful by modern standards. It wasn't unusual to see a brand new car on the dealer's forecourt with visible rust in the wheel arches. After three or four years, you'd expect to need holes patched up or replacement body panels to get your car through an MOT. Most BL cars left the factory with rattly panels and loose bits of trim and started disintegrating almost immediately. On cold winter mornings, you'd hear a chorus of struggling starter motors as the owners fruitlessly tried to start their cars before the battery went flat. A modern car will run for ten years with no major maintenance, but that's only because the Japanese revolutionised the industry in the 1980s and massively raised our expectations of quality. >Take the Nissan GTR for example, at £80,000 new it can embarrass prestigious super cars many times its price, some times ever classics worth millions. The GTR is my end goal, really. I'd genuinely rather have one over a Lambo, and I'm at a point in my life where a (used!) supercar isn't just a dream anymore. Depending on how my next job goes, it might be something I'm looking at relatively soon. It's the one car I'd be tempted to finance, but with careful saving I might not need to. I can't imagine needing another car after that, except maybe a Land Rover or a van for the weekends. They don't have much space for groceries. >Did you have trouble with the wankel engine after 60,000 miles? Stationary gear bearing failure, which isn't quite the apex seal failure that's most common, but it's still wankel related, obviously. I bought the car for about £900, one owner, at 72,000 miles, and it still hot started and worked fine for a few thousand miles. I knew fully what I was getting into, though, I was well aware of the problems and had budgeted five grand into repairing it. I also wouldn't have even thought about buying one had I not lived in Leeds at the time, which is where Rotary Revs, the best place in Europe for rotary engines, is. Seriously, in my visits there I saw lads from Germany, Spain, France, all bringing their cars over to get this lot to work on them. If I wasn't just down the road from such experts, I would never have bothered. Anyway, it cost me £3800 to get the engine rebuilt, with a 100k mile warranty from RR, some electrical work, a new head unit, and new (refurbished) wheels and a new midpipe. It was worth every penny. That car was probably the best car I've ever had, but it was the only car I've ever had that I couldn't work on myself (Even the Range Rover I could change a gasket on), and I really didn't like that feeling of knowing I had to take it to a specialist even to tweak something basic like timing or fuel intake. I sold it for about 7k on ebay, as that Rotary Revs rebuild certificate is worth it's weight in gold. I wish I'd kept it as a track toy, I've never had anything that handled better, apart from an MX5, which is not surprising, it's the same chassis. Anyway, I certainly had more fun in it than I ever could have in a financed repmobile. I'd recommend every petrol head to own one at least once, but it's not something you can do when you're short on cash. The wankel is a beautiful thing, it feels like you're driving a four wheeled superbike. >Also do you watch Wheeler Dealers Love it, I've bought a couple of motors because of them. Haven't seen any of the show post Ed China though, I've heard it's bad now. Monday 12:16 pm 420358 >I take it you've never owned a 70s Rover. British cars of that era were shockingly awful by modern standards. This also had a lot to do with union strikes in the 70s, before ARE Maggie went and sacrificed the unions on the altar of capitalism. Coordination between different BL plants had always been less than exemplary, but with all the strikes and what-have-you going on from the second half of the 70s, it meant that little actual work got done in the factories, and product quality suffered badly. There is a famous anecdote about former PM James Callaghan, who was given a Rover SD1 specially made for him with bulletproof glass and all the trimmings. When he tried to roll down the power window next to his back seat the first time they took the car out, the window reportedly fell in his lap, and he later said to the driver, "Don't bring this car again!" Rover in particular never fully overcame its quality and reliability issues. Even up until the early 2000s before they went tits up, they were known for shoddy build quality and inattention to detail. I call an S-reg MG F my own, and although it's a fun little car and I love it to bits, build quality is only so-so even for a 20-year-old car. I've spent years ironing out the niggles and today it's in pretty good nick, but it has been difficult. When I bought it six years ago with just over 50K miles, it was like a rattle on wheels, and everytime you went on a cobblestone road, you could identify about ten different sources of rattling noises. I have fixed about 95 percent of them now, and my car feels like any well put together late 90s roadster. But again, dozens of weekend afternoons were spent getting it to where it is now. The Rover 75 was pretty tasty. ronda.jpg My dad is something of a R75 connoiseur, while they have had their selection of faults, none of them have had build quality issues. I think it's essentially a BMW underneath, which is why the quality wasn't as bad as its predecessors. That said, The Rover 400 series in the 90s were simply rebadged Honda Civics; the 600 shared a platform with the Accord iirc, so I would guess aside from the K-series engine they were fairly reliable. I guess it's difficult to shake a reputation though. The K series was actually a decent engine, I've got the 1.8-litre, 120 hp MPI variant of it in my MG F. The main worry with it was crumbling cylinder heads, and in the F, owed to its layout as a mid engine car, there were coolant and heat dissipation issues that could result in head gasket failure, exacerbated by poor quality factory installed head gaskets. A popular swap after head gasket failure was a metal gasket from the Lotus Elise. All that said, the coolant problems were often the result of improper and incomplete bleeding of the coolant system after changing the coolant, or undetected coolant leaks that led to air pockets in the engine's nooks and crannies. With the engine in the back and the coolant radiator in the front, it's really a pretty complex setup. There are essentially four different bleed points in the coolant system of the MGF, two under the bonnet and two in the engine bay, and all of them need to be bled carefully and completely so that all the air will be out of the system. This is often overlooked by DIY mechanics with patchy knowledge of the F's engine, but also occasionally by car mechanics. Not many people nowadays still know how to properly service an MGF. One reason why I do nearly all the repairs myself. Monday 6:53 pm 420364 The first car I ever joy rode back in the late 90s was a Rover 420 GSi, brings a tear to my eye to think about, so it does. 2gsjq4i.jpg >I think it's essentially a BMW underneath, which is why the quality wasn't as bad as its predecessors. Not quite, in that they didn't just stick some different looking body panels on a BMW chassis. BMW were more or less working with what Honda had left behind as their involvement in Rover ended. A small selection of mechanical parts will actually fit between a 90s Rover and a BMW, which is good when you have to go find parts for the cars, but it's really no rebadged BMW. The Bavarians were smart enough not to sink any of their relatively expensive proprietary technology in the cars of a subsidiary brand that was struggling at the best of times while BMW owned them. MG and especially the MGF were worse still though. Although Rover stuck MG badges on the more ambitious model trims of its hatchbacks, saloons and estates, the MGF was in large part really just a hodgepodge of off the shelf parts thrown together from old 1980s and 1970s Rovers and Austins. The MGF has hydragas suspension, for example, which dates back to 1973 in the Austin Allegro. I'm not saying it's a bad system, in fact, it makes for very smooth braking and roadholding in the F. But it was already 22 years old when it was put in the MGF from 1995, until it was retired for its successor, the TF, in 2002, which then had coil springs instead. What was even worse, BMW spent no real money of its own on MG's model evolution between the first 1995 MGF and the TF which was built until 2005 (and briefly again in 2008 under Chinese management). And BMW always saw the F/TF as a potential competitor to its then new Z3, which meant BMW had an interest in keeping down both the F/TF's build quality and their potential appeal to people that BMW wanted to persuade to buy a Z3. So the F especially, but also the TF were indeed purebred British cars. But to a large extent, in all the wrong ways. I'd still never sell my MGF though. Because all is forgotten when you take an F that's in good nick for a spin up and down some curvy country lanes, where it really comes into its own and delivers tons of driving fun. >> Anonymous 18/09/18 (Tue)06:38 No. 420377 Anonymous Tuesday 6:38 am 420377 TEACON 1 TEACON 1 TEACON 1 PLEASE ADVISE! I nearly got flipping bum rushed by a horde of wasps! Sorry about the terrible photo quality, but as I said this was a TEACON 1 situation; Shedbunker status; compromised, rice status: away on iPhone drying duties. I suppose an unlikely combination of bad weather, a recently baked cake and a slightly ajar kitchen window had almost doomed me, but fortunately I decided I'd have a coffee several hours earlier than usual and spotted this absolute nightmare just before it germinated into full blown living night terror. Four managed to get in, but I could only catch one of those because of the awkwardly shaped light fixtures they decided to hang around on. Three's managable, especially compared to the thirty-odd on the window, who have all cleared off now I'm glad to report. Tuesday 11:46 am 420385 >>420377 The Mrs is one of those daft fuckers who flail at wasps, to maximise the chance of getting stung. She got stung at the weekend, and her hand is now swollen like a cartoon glove. WTF? This is just going to make her flail more, isn't it? No amount of rice-packing is going to stop her trying to swipe wasps off me. I suspect I also need to declare a mild teacon. Tuesday 1:33 pm 420391 I tried to properly zen my way through a wasp landing on my face at the train station the other day, but then it started trying to crawl between my lips at which point I thought "fuck it" and finally flapped at it to get it piss off. Cheeky little yellow bastard, trying to get in my mouth with no warning. At least buy me dinner first. You have a legal duty to protect animals from unnecessary suffering. If she's not learnt her lesson and starts trying to hit animals again I suggest you involve the police. POTY WE'VE DONE IT LADS Thank fuck for that, see you lads in January. Bye! >> Anonymous 18/09/19 (Wed)13:54 No. 420413 Anonymous Wednesday 1:54 pm 420413 Just picked up a proper heavy duty side box barrel barbeque, £150 down from £400, just because it was missing some brackets that can be easily fabricated by me. Used to have great fun with a similar but much flimsier model back in the day, I can't wait to start again. First project will be hot smoked salmon, maybe mussels too once the season for them picks up. And fuck loads of ribs and pork, goes without saying. > Don't talk to me about the RX8. Sorry mate, that's exactly what I would like to talk about. How did it feel on the road? It's alright. I did bang on about it earlier in the thread but I'm happy to do it again. It's genuinely one of the best cars to drive I've ever experienced, it felt much more planted than even something like a Lotus Elise. It's all MX5 chassis and running gear, so the handling is world class. If you've ever driven a mk1 or mk2 MX5, imagine exactly that, but with 230 bhp. I can't overstate how fun the car is to drive. The only reason they're not hugely valuable classics at this point is the engine. The rotary is a joy to drive, but the maintenance and inevitable rebuilds scare people off, and I don't really blame them. I'm fully convinced if Mazda had put a more traditional engine in the thing, maybe a supercharged version of their MX-5 DOHC block, we'd be looking at them selling for twenty grand, still. Though, saying that, the rotary is part of its charm. It revs up to 12k, for fucks sake. I think every petrolhead should own one at least once, but you can't go into it expecting the car to be a lucky one that doesn't need a rebuild. It will. I would suggest getting a cheap one at about the failure mark (60k miles), and taking it for a rebuild, rather than buying one off someone that's already had it rebuilt, just so you have the warranty etc. Even though the cars pre-rebuild rarely go for more than two grand, you really do need to budget AT LEAST another three grand on that for the engine rebuild. You also need to consider that basically the only place worth going to for the work is Rotary Revs in Leeds, so you might need to work that into the cost of ownership too. There's a reason they're mostly track toys these days, and not cars to be relied upon daily. When you add in the rebuild budget, we're talking a five or six grand car - for that, in terms of RWD coupes/sports we could also be looking at a Nissan 350z, BMW E46 330ci/325ti, Toyota GT86, MR2, even an old Boxster. I'd probably recommend any of those over the RX8 if it was your only car, unless you REALLY don't mind having to take it to a specialist garage for work, and are patient enough to live with everything that comes along with it - constant oil top ups (it uses oil to lube the rotors) having to heat up the engine before driving every time - you risk serious damage if not - and having to hold the revs at 6k for a full minute before turning the car off to purge the oil from the engine to prevent flooding. All that put me off keeping it, I was driving it daily and it just felt like I was looking after a sick child. It more than made up for that on the B roads, but I just ended up fatigued by the specialist maintenance. They look amazing, too. I love everything about the visual design of them, even the weird rear suicide doors. This was a car designed from the rubber up by one man with a vision, and it shows. TL;DR get one if your mental constitution and financial situation allows it. I totally forgot to mention something important about the drive - the torque is fairly underwhelming, You'll never beat someone off the line in a similarly powered straight 6 or turbo 4 pot. All the pull is in the top end. It's a bit weird to get used to, but basically the car wants you to rev the tits off it. It lives in the 6-8k rpm range, and you're supposed to redline it every so often to keep the engine clean. > I did bang on about it earlier in the thread Bugger. I'm moderately bleary-eyed, kind of glossed over it. Appreciate the detail anyway. > They look amazing, too. Catchy, yes. > get one if your mental constitution and financial situation allows it. Not in the country I'm residing at now. I've seen RX8 here too though; mildly interested about the maintenance as I doubt there's a repair shop similar to Rotary Revs anywhere around here. >The rotary is a joy to drive, but the maintenance and inevitable rebuilds scare people off, and I don't really blame them. In its own way, the concept of a rotary engine is a much more elegant way of turning combustion energy into kinetic energy and propelling a car than a piston engine. Because you don't have to convert an up and down movement of pistons into a rotary movement, which you need in the first place to drive your transmission and wheels. But as you say, the mechanics of it are really a problem. I'm not sure they can ever be fixed and the concept improved in such a way that rotary engines will be as reliable and durable as old-fashioned piston engines. The difficulties lie in the fundamental design itself. >as I doubt there's a repair shop similar to Rotary Revs anywhere around here. There's not even any in Europe. I've seen lads from as far as Germany drive over here to get their work done by Revs. It's a little bit mental, but goes to show the lengths people are willing to go to run these things. I agree. I think there's probably a great many ways to make the rotary engine more reliable, but the problem is, elegant as it is, it's not particularly useful for anything other than their incredible power to weight ratio, so no manufacturer has any reason to build or research them. I'm a little surprised they never took off in racing. A rotary F1 would be a fantastic thing to see, but as I understand most motorsports outright ban them, not sure why, possibly just because of the headaches involved in trying to categorise them next to piston engines. It's not like you could run your 1.3L RX8 against piston engined cars with the same displacement. >>420421 It's not like you could run your 1.3L RX8 against piston engined cars with the same displacement. Well, you could, and you 'd have won Le Mans exactly once. But it would be a glorious sounding once. Lesser motorsport series do have engine equivalency rules - certainly for forced induction and I'm pretty sure I saw mention of Wankel somewhere. However, I suspect that bike engines are cheaper and at least as much fun, without some of the maintenance and integration hassles (and there are entire series dedicated to them). Wednesday 11:37 pm 420436 NSU_Ro80.jpg >I think there's probably a great many ways to make the rotary engine more reliable, but the problem is, elegant as it is, it's not particularly useful for anything other than their incredible power to weight ratio, so no manufacturer has any reason to build or research them. True. And nearly all noteworthy manufacturers have decades, if not a century of experience building piston engines. They can produce a bog standard, reliable 1.6-litre four-cylinder four-stroke engine effortlessly because it is just something that has such a long engineering history. Nearly all the big problems that ever existed with the concept have been cracked. But reliable rotary engines are still elusive for most carmakers and engine manufacturers. Arguably because they never were more than a marginal occurence and never really found large market demand. So there was never an incentive to commit as many resources to their development as to the evolution of piston engines. Not to mention that the reputation of wankel engines probably suffered irreparably from the faults of various rotary engine cars in the 1960s and 1970s, when the concept was in its first heyday. If you read up on the RO 80, which was a car by German Audi subsidiary NSU, then they had massive problems with the rotor tip seals early on during production, and were unable to fix the problem reliably even after various revisions. Substantial engine wear and faults began to appear as early as 20,000 miles from new. NSU installed replacement engines for free for a time, but they, too, often didn't last much longer. If what you read is true, the joke was that RO 80 drivers used to salute each other on the road, and signal to each other with their fingers how many replacement engines they had already gone through in their car. Apparently, later RO 80s had much more dependable engines, but the damage was done, nobody wanted to buy an RO 80 anymore, and together with the cost of all the replacement engines that were given to customers largely for free, it was all such a financial disaster that Audi decided to retire the NSU brand, and for good. Shame, really. The RO 80 had some revolutionary specs. For example, it was one of the first production cars with a fully galvanised body shell. A concept that Audi later perfected for cars under its own brand name, and which gave its cars from the mid-80s onwards a legendary reputation for body shell longevity. I've seen 30-year-old Audis with barely a speck of rust. >> Anonymous 18/09/20 (Thu)15:39 No. 420443 Anonymous Thursday 3:39 pm 420443 Then it's even more interesting. This piece of land is not in the EU. Probably means that whoever was barmy enough to buy an RX8 here is going to be fucked up royally sooner or later. But then again, perhaps I am mistaken and because of some bloody miracle there is a place around proficient enough to deal with rotary engines. Anyway I doubt that. >perhaps I am mistaken and because of some bloody miracle there is a place around proficient enough to deal with rotary engines. Anyway I doubt that. It's certainly possible. If you're in some post-soviet part of the world, it'd not be as surprising, since Lada did make rotary cars for a while - whether or not anyone is still interested in maintaining them, who knows, but a place tooled out to fix those could service an RX8, even if it's the only one they've ever seen, it's still basically the same thing. If you're anywhere else, fuck knows. All this talk of Mazda, and I completely forgot that they did showcase an RX9 concept a couple of years ago, and told us it was going to be in full production. I'll probably end up buying one, despite the risks. Friday 10:07 am 420491 zaglavnya-2500x1060-1480597987.jpg > If you're in some post-soviet part of the world I've never heard about a rotary engine Lada IRL though. Read about one, right. But that's the only amount of exposure I've had to it. I don't recall how many of them were made and how good or bad the engine was. My father has a load of old Soviet car magazines in his garage, maybe I'll flick through them for information. > RX9 concept I've seen only a few pics and quite unsure if those were even real. Strongly resembled Mazda6 from the front. Friday 10:36 pm 420531 Mango season is picking up. The Iranian greengrocer not far from here had good sized Brazilian mangoes today for £1.50 a piece. Fully ripe and fucking delicious. I honestly don't know how they survive. They sell 40-pound watermelons for 8 quid a piece during the summer months, and now they've got some of the best mangoes I've seen in a long time for a quid and a half. Even my local M&S here rarely has mangoes this good. Or maybe it is because they are fully ripe. Maybe the big chains don't buy up produce like this because of the limited shelf life. I'm indeed not sure the one I just had would have lasted much longer, because it really was at peak ripeness. Maybe my Iranian greengrocer gets them at a discount that way, from wherever it is that they get their groceries. Saturday 1:53 am 420543 @7:14 Those keys look like a bowl of cereal.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3775
__label__wiki	0.723173	0.723173	Crisis for Pope Francis as top-level cardinals tell him: your synod could lead to the collapse of the church Update, 3.20pm Monday: As I write this, various cardinals have said they didn’t sign the letter, some of them waiting several hours before distancing themselves from it. Now Erdö says he didn’t sign it. It’s extremely hard to get at the truth. ‘Not signing’ can mean a number of things, ranging from an outright false claim that a cardinal supported the letter to panicky backtracking by cardinals who did assent to it but are grasping at the technicality that they didn’t personally append their signature. But the damage to the synod is done. A group of cardinals – including some of the most powerful figures in the Catholic Church – have written to Pope Francis telling him that his Synod on the Family, now meeting in Rome, has gone badly off the rails and could cause the church to collapse. Their leaked letter, written as the synod started, presumably explains why a few days ago the Pope suddenly warned against ‘conspiracy’ and reminded the cardinals that he, and only he, will decide the outcome of the synod. This is the gravest crisis he has faced, worse than anything that happened to Benedict XVI, and he knows it. And, talking of the Pope Emeritus, I suspect that, had he been free to sign the letter, he would have done so. The cardinals warn the Pope, in diplomatic language, that (a) the synod is being hijacked by liberals obsessed with the narrow issue of giving Communion to divorced and remarried people; (b) going down the route of ‘pastoral flexibility’ could lead to the Catholic Church falling apart in the same way as liberal Protestant denominations; and (c) the synod working papers prepared by the Pope’s allies Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri and Archbishop Bruno Forte are a mess and going down badly with the Synod Fathers. The seniority of the signatories shows how close the church is to civil war. Cardinal Gerhard Müller, Prefect of the Congregation of the Faith – the Church’s doctrinal watchdog – is on the list. So is Cardinal George Pell, head of the Vatican’s finances, and Cardinal Robert Sarah, in charge of the Church’s worship. Sarah is the most prominent African cardinal in the church, along with Cardinal Wilfred Napier of Durban, who has also signed. Add to that the name of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, archbishop of New York, and it becomes clear that the loss of confidence in Pope Francis extends far beyond the Vatican. He is, however, passionately supported by liberal cardinals in Europe and Latin America, among them Cardinal Reinhard Marx, head of the German bishops. He can also count of the unquestioning loyalty of Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster. As the Catholic Herald reported this morning: Two of the cardinals who signed the letter, published in full by [Vatican commentator] Sandro Magister, have prominent roles in the synod. Cardinal Péter Erdö is its relator general, and Cardinal Wilfrid Napier is a president delegate. [NB: On Monday afternoon, several hours after it appeared Cardinal Erdö denied signing the letter.] Other signatories included Vatican officials Cardinal Gerhard Müller and Cardinal George Pell. In the letter, the cardinals expressed concern that ‘a synod designed to address a vital pastoral matter – reinforcing the dignity of marriage and family – may become dominated by the theological/doctrinal issue of Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried’. The letter continued: ‘The collapse of liberal Protestant churches in the modern era, accelerated by their abandonment of key elements of Christian belief and practice in the name of pastoral adaptation, warrants great caution in our own synodal discussions.’ The cardinals also asked the Pope to ‘consider a number of concerns we have heard from other synod fathers, and which we share’ and criticised the synod’s Instrumentum Laboris, or working document. ‘While the synod’s preparatory document, the Instrumentum Laboris, has admirable elements, it also has sections that would benefit from substantial reflection and reworking,’ the letter said. ‘The new procedures guiding the synod seem to guarantee it excessive influence on the synod’s deliberations and on the final synodal document. As it stands, and given the concerns we have already heard from many of the fathers about its various problematic sections, the Instrumentum cannot adequately serve as a guiding text or the foundation of a final document.’ Here is the list as originally reported by Magister: • Carlo Caffarra, archbishop of Bologna, Italy, theologian, formerly the first president of the Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family; • Thomas C. Collins, archbishop of Toronto, Canada; • Timothy M. Dolan, archbishop of New York, United States; • Willem J. Eijk, archbishop of Utrecht, Holland; • Péter Erdö, archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, Hungary, president of the Council of the Bishops’ Conferences of Europe and relator general of the synod underway, as also at the previous session of October 2014 [He has now denied signing the letter, though there was a noticeable delay before he did so]; • Gerhard L. Müller, former bishop of Regensburg, Germany, since 2012 prefect of the congregation for the doctrine of the faith; • Wilfrid Fox Napier, archbishop of Durban, South Africa, president delegate of the synod underway as also at the previous session of the synod of October 2014; • George Pell, archbishop emeritus of Sydney, Australia, since 2014 prefect in the Vatican of the secretariat for the economy; • Mauro Piacenza, Genoa, Italy, former prefect of the congregation for the clergy, since 2013 penitentiary major. [He now denies signing the letter]; • Robert Sarah, former archbishop of Conakry, Guinea, since 2014 prefect of the congregation for divine worship and the discipline; • Angelo Scola, archbishop of Milan, Italy. [He now denies signing the letter]; • Jorge L. Urosa Savino, archbishop of Caracas, Venezuela; • André Vingt-Trois, archbishop of Paris, France, president delegate of the synod underway as also at the previous session of the synod of October 2014. [He now denies signing the letter.] Note that not all these cardinals are regarded as outright conservatives: Cardinal Dolan, for example, is gently orthodox, an amiable figure far removed from the thundering traditionalist Cardinal Raymond Burke, who has been excluded from the synod. Moreover – and this is very dangerous for Francis – the main point of contention is not the question of whether the church should be give communion to divorce people in second marriages, or whether gay unions should be given some degree of recognition. This is an argument about the wisdom of calling the synod in the first place, and expresses the suspicion of over 100 Synod Fathers that the organisers are manipulating proceedings by confronting them with working papers and procedures designed to push them in a liberal direction. Others are simply fed up with the amateurish nature of the proceedings and wonder why, after last year’s chaotic preparatory synod, the Pope left the same people in charge. To quote the Australian Archbishop Mark Coleridge, ‘At times our work has seemed more muddled than methodical’. I’m one of countless commentators who has warned that holding this synod could split the church. Now it’s happening, much faster than any of us anticipated. Archbishop Bruno Forte Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri Cardinal Reinhard Marx Cardinal Wilfred Napier Synod on the Family This week the Catholic Church is in chaos. And Pope Francis is to blame This Catholic ‘earthquake’ on homosexuality is splitting the Church Cardinal Pell: ‘no possibility’ of liberals getting their way on Communion for divorced and remarried ‘Farce’ and ‘verbiage’ behind the scenes at the Pope’s synod: an Aussie archbishop spills the beans… The Vatican Synod on the Family is over and the conservatives have won Pope Francis and ‘the Great Division’: the Catholic civil war draws closer	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3793
__label__wiki	0.852531	0.852531	Boddie-Noell’s commitment to friendly service and great-tasting food dates back to the 1960’s. founders Mayo Boddie (left) and Nick Boddie (right) The Boddie-Noell story began in Fayetteville, N.C. in 1962 when Carleton Noell and his two entrepreneurial nephews, Mayo and Nick Boddie, opened one of the first Hardee’s restaurants. Fast food was a relatively new concept back then, but BNE’s commitment to friendly service and great-tasting charbroiled burgers established it as one of the industry’s leaders. Despite our rapid growth and expansion throughout the Carolinas, Virginia, and Kentucky, BNE has maintained a close-knit family culture in which every individual is treated with dignity and respect. Today, Boddie-Noell Enterprises operates more than 350 Hardee’s restaurants and is the popular brand’s largest franchisee. Our business also includes BNE Land & Development, the company’s commercial land ventures and resort property development; Rose Hill, the Boddie family’s unique site for weddings and other events; Rose Hill Farm, a splendid working farm with more than 200 head of cattle, a skeet range and farming community; and an additional restaurant concept, The Highway Diner. Boddie-Noell Timeline: The first 50 years On January 20, Boddie-Noell opens its first Hardee’s franchise in Fayetteville, NC from 6 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. Total day’s sales: $178.42. On January 7, BNE moves out of two-room office and into new headquarters on Sunset Avenue. In July 1974, Mayo, Nick and Carleton attend the grand opening of BNE’s 100th Hardee’s in Hampton, VA. BNE introduces homemade biscuits. Many BNE Hardee’s begin adding drive-thru windows. Mayo Boddie purchases Rose Hill, the ancestral home in Nash County lost during the Depression. BNE suffers the loss of Chairman and Co-founder Carleton Noell on April 23rd. BNE moves into current home office. BNE’s first annual Biscuit Bake-Off to select the company best biscuit maker. BNE Land & Development established. BNE introduces Fresh & Juicy Fried Chicken to the Hardee’s menu and offers 8 pcs. for $5.99. BNE Land & Development opens the Currituck Club on the Outer Banks. BNE opens its first Texas Steakhouse & Saloon in Rocky Mount. BNE introduces a 1950s-style dining retro experience with the Highway Diner. Mayo & Nick Boddie named NC Restaurant Association’s Restaurateurs of the Year. BNE Land & Development opens Marshes Light development in Manteo on the Outer Banks. BNE opens its first Moe’s Southwest Grill. Rose Hill expands with addition of Nathan Hall. BNE Land & Development opens Arlington Place near Oriental and New Bern. BNE Acquires Cafe Carolina and Bakery. BNE purchases 34 more Hardee’s in NC from Hardee’s Food Systems. BNE Land & Development launches Viniterra and the New Kent Winery in VA. Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™ tested by BNE then rolled out nationally by Hardee’s. East Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts renames Pamlico County youth facilities as Camp Boddie. BNE suffers the loss of company co-founder Nick Boddie on December 2nd. Boddie-Noell celebrates its first 50 years. Introduce Fresh Baked Buns. The opening of a Hardee’s in Appomattox, VA will be the first of eight more new restaurant openings over the next year and a half. Our Hardee’s across Virginia raise a record $97,644 for Special Olympics Virginia to send athletes to attend the organization’s Summer Games. The growth of our Hardee’s business continues as we open six new restaurant locations throughout the year. Our growth continues. Starting this year in Oxford, NC, we open new Hardee’s locations throughout the year. It even includes a total rebuild of an existing restaurant. For the first time in the 38-year history of our partnership with Special Olympics Virginia, our Virginia Hardee’s raise more than $100,000 from customers. Proceeds pay to send athletes to the annual Summer Games. Over time, our Hardee’s have raised more than $1.8 million for these special athletes.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3797
__label__cc	0.534313	0.465687	In 2016 Smartphones, IoT and Mobile Payment at Top of List for Break-ins Regional Project Targets Data Storage for Research Cloud Strongspace's 10-Day Crash Highlights Web Storage Risks By Becky Nagel For the last 10 days, Sausalito, CA-based online document and storage hosting company Joyent struggled to get its online secure document collaboration service, Strongspace, back online. During the outage, the company's clients had no access to their hosted documents--leaving some IT pros to wonder whether the features of such online collaboration services are worth the risks. A Bad Week Gets Worse It all started Saturday, Jan. 12, when the company's two online repositories--BingoDisk, for data storage, and Strongspace--went down owing to issues encountered by its Sunfire X4500 server. Joyent CEO David Young started a Jan. 16 post announcing the crash by joking that it "was not the week to stop drinking." "We got bit by a massive ZFS bug. That's the long and the short of it," he wrote in a follow-up post. "The good news is we can unravel the corruption. The bad news, given the fact that Strongspace and BingoDisk ran on a Thumper (aka SunFire X4500) (48 500GiB drives), was that we have to use other Thumpers to stage the uncoding of the ZFS mess. Moving so much data around to decode the ZFS corruption has taken time." And it did. While BingoDisk went back online Friday, problems with Storagespace continued. On Sunday, the company sent an e-mail to customers stating that the service was back up, only to send another e-mail today that it was back down. Several "up" and "down" notifications on the company's Web site and blogs followed, with estimates for the service being restored "late Monday afternoon." The service was down around 3 p.m PST Monday afternoon, then appeared to be back up a short time later. A post made late Monday said that the servers were back up and being watched "closely." "I'll put it back into production for a period of 24 hours and we'll watch it closely," a company tech stated in the latest post. "The hope will be that ... Tuesday night we can do a clean shutdown and be beyond this silliness. Fingers crossed." Joyent did not respond to our request for verification of the service's current status and comment on the situation by press time. Too Late? While Joyent has repeatedly assured customers that no data has been lost -- it praised ZFS highly for its work in helping fix the problem--the amount of time the service was out combined with the up-and-down nature of the restoration appears to have shaken some customers. "While I appreciate the hard work you guys are doing to get everything back online, I'm starting to find it unacceptable that we've unable to use the service for over a week," wrote one user on the company's blog. "We rely on the service for client data transfers that are critical to our business. When our non-technical clients ask why there seems to be no redundancy built into a service that is likely used by many for business critical purposes, I find myself with no explanation." "What a mess. Please, just fix it or simply admit that you cannot. This has been going on for ONE WEEK," wrote another. Another blog poster wrote that while he's relatively happy with how Joyent has communicated about the problems, "the false starts are unfortunate...in a situation like this, given everything that's happened, I would expect them to fully test things (and double check them) before claiming that things are back to normal." An IT executive and Joyent customer we talked with who asked not to be named said that the whole experience is "just unacceptable," leaving him to question the future of his company using online document hosting -- whether from Joyent or others. "How could they allow this to happen?" he questioned. "This is really bad--you can't even access your account, let alone the documents." While his company is not hosting any current projects on the service, it did a few months ago, and he said if this outage had happened then, "We'd be dead in the water." "Obviously, it changes my intial view that this was a very secure, high-availability solution for remote storage," he stated, adding that the situation is a game-changer for any IT professional looking at this or similar solutions: "[IT professionals are] going to have to...to treat [hosted services] much like you would internal storage, and have a backup and recovery plan, because it's clear these types of vendors face internally the same IT issues [as] internal IT departments." Young posted Joyent and customers will receive "generous" compensation for the outages; details have yet to be released. In the meantime, customers located near Joyent's office may want to cruise by: The company has a standing offer to give any customer who drops in a Joyent T-shirt plus "a fine whiskey, a glass of Pernod, or for you lightweights ... a good old bottle of water." Considering what's happened during the last week, it shouldn't be too hard to convince Joyent to give you a double--or to find someone to join you. Becky Nagel is executive editor, Web Initiatives for the 1105 Redmond Media Group and the editor of Redmondmag.com. IT’s Guide to Cybersecurity Threats on Higher Ed Campuses	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3806
__label__wiki	0.929773	0.929773	Cannabinoids / THCV vs CBD: Understanding the Differences Published by Nicola Bridges at March 23, 2019 THCV comes from the cannabis plant, just like CBD does, but are they the same thing? Image Credit: By Gleti on Shutterstock You’ve heard of CBD. Otherwise known as cannabidiol, it’s the second most common cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant and, according to recent clinical research, it can support and help human bodies manage everything from anxiety to Parkinson’s disease, depression to pediatric epilepsy. Over the past year, American health food store shelves have been packed with CBD products, as more and more brands tout its miraculous healing properties. If you believe advocates and anecdotal accounts, CBD seems like a modern-day cure-all, able to resolve almost anything that ails us. While the (concrete, scientific) jury is still out over what exactly CBD can do (particularly over the long term), experts are beginning to turn their focus to other, lesser known cannabinoids (scientists have identified 113 cannabinoids overall). One that has been gaining attention recently is the cannabis compound known as THCV or tetrahydrocannabivarin — specifically, how THCV compares to its widely popular cousin, CBD. Similarities between the two have already been identified — most notably in the way they can reduce the psychoactive effects of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) while still offering therapeutic health benefits. THCV vs. CBD: Know the Difference As the name suggests, THCV is more similar to the molecular makeup of THC (cannabis’s most prevalent cannabinoid which produces what we traditionally think of when we imagine the marijuana “high”) than it does CBD — but research shows that, when taken in small doses, THCV does not produce the same psychoactive results. That’s not to say THCV does not contain mind-altering properties— in large quantities, THCV can cause similar mind/body changes — however, even at high doses, the effects from THCV last just half the time of THC. The fact that, in small amounts, THCV is not psychoactive and has been shown to have promising health benefits, is how the comparisons to CBD began. However, the correlation between the two is tricky. In smaller doses, THCV can act like CBD, yes, but in higher doses, it acts more like THC. As for its benefits, early studies suggest that THCV supports different systems in the body than CBD does (for example, it could be a powerful appetite suppressant and potential weight loss aid.) So what are the other differences between the two? The truth is scientists still have little definitive information about THCV. But research on CBD may provide insight into this lesser-known cannabinoid. The Known Benefits of CBD Typically taken as oil in tinctures and gel caps, as vaporized oil in pens, or in edibles — CBD has been the trendsetter of alternative health care methods for the variety of health issues. So far, it’s shown potential for promoting a calm sleep, reducing inflammation, and providing relief from some autoimmune conditions. Animal studies and clinical trials have shown that CBD has a profoundly positive impact with helping to ease symptoms of many medical conditions, including chronic pain and anxiety disorders. Another breakthrough for CBD is that it also has anti-aging properties. It’s currently found in a slew of beauty products — including face cream, makeup, and hair-care treatments. Preliminary Findings on THCV With the World Health Organization estimating that 1.9 billion adults are overweight or obese (39 percent of the global population) — including an estimated 160 million Americans — it’s expected that THCV’s primary success will be as an appetite suppressant. In recent studies involving mice, THCV seemed to reduce food intake. Remember that THCV is in the early stages of clinical research, and much of that is speculative. However, given what researchers have uncovered thus far, one can imagine a scenario in which THCV and CBD will ultimately be partnered together to provide more qualitative results. So Why Should I Care About THCV? You shouldn’t — at least not yet. THCV is more on a “ones to watch” list than those “to try.” Early research suggests the cannabis compound could have positive effects on patients with diabetes (those same mice studies showed animals who took THCV improved their resistance to insulin) and indicate that THCV could additionally help Alzheimer’s patients with memory and those who suffer from osteoporosis by stimulating bone growth. Though doctors don’t know enough yet to recommend THCV as a treatment option, it’s clearly a promising member of the cannabinoid family, and, as more is discovered about THCV’s full potential, those watching developments in cannabis medicine are sure to take note. Nicola Bridges Nicola Bridges is an award-winning writer and editor who’s covered health, wellness, and women’s lifestyle for the past two decades. The former editorial director for Prevention.com and editor in chief of Working Mother, she is currently a regular contributor to Parade Magazine and The Fine Line where she writes about trends in modern health. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds secreted in the plant’s resin. Image Credit: By mikeledray on shutterstock. How Many Cannabinoids Does Cannabis Actually Have? \| Cannabinoids The duration of the urinary cannabinoid detection window is not settled science. Image Credit: By Guschenkova on shutterstock. How Long Does THC Stay In Your Urine? Non-THC vape juice was not meant to be infused with THC. Image Credit: By archielv on shutterstock. Is Infusing Non-THC E-Liquid With THC Worth the Hassle? Image Credit: By Lifestyle discover on Shutterstock This Is Tetrahydrocannabinol: A Quick Guide to THC Do mangoes accentuate a cannabis high? Image Credit: By YARUNIV Studio on shutterstock. Cannabis 101: Understanding the Myrcene Mango Theory Myrcene is one of hundreds of different organic compounds called terpenes. Image Credit: By Rattiya Thongdumhyu on shutterstock. Myrcene: Everything You Need to Know About This Cannabis Terpene	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3808
__label__cc	0.649298	0.350702	CBD / What Can CBD Hemp Oil Do for You? Published by Niamh Tumilty at May 19, 2018 Image Credit: By New Africa on Shutterstock Both hemp and marijuana are plants belonging to the Cannabis family. The seeds of Cannabis Sativa are rich in CBD oil. This cannabis oil or hemp seed oil is also full of natural ingredients such as polyunsaturated fatty acids and proteins. Its goodness does not end here as CBD hemp oil is littered with terpenes and cannabinoids which make it one of the few plants laden with so many complex healing constituents. However, because it is derived from a plant which is synonymous with misuse and addiction, its full potential as a medicinal herb remains untapped. Click here to read more about the difference between CBD and THC, the component which causes the addictive ‘high’ associated with marijuana. However, times are changing. Pressure from citizen groups and medical fraternities across the globe has forced several countries and American states to legalize the use of medical marijuana. At the same time it is also important that the products derived from such plants are safe to use and do not contain ingredients which are addictive in nature. This typically means the percentage of psychoactive cannabinoid present in CBD hemp oil products needs to be within the prescribed limits. How Does the CBD Cannabinoid Work? Cannabinoids such as CBD work after they have been introduced to the body by interacting with cannabinoid receptors within our endocannabinoid system (ECS). How you introduce the cannabinoids to your body can determine how much and how effective they can be. The three factors you need to consider are dosage, concentration (high purity) and method of intake i.e. smoking, vaping or oil dropper etc. The cannabinoid receptors within our ECS are known as Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2). It is theorized that more receptors exist but have yet to be documented. CB1 is said to appear mainly within the brain while CB2 appears mainly throughout the body with a small presence within the brain. Earlier, it was assumed that CBD actually hooked on to the receptors to produce the necessary effect, but it now appears that CBD does not play a firsthand role. It simply influences the human body to produce more cannabinoids and heal symptoms accordingly. It is because of the divided opinion that surrounds CBD that medical marijuana has not been able to generate enough confidence and support to affect real change in legal status, and also one of the reasons why medical and political fraternity is wary of the continuous debate. At the same time, the fact cannot be denied that CBD hemp oil has been used with high levels of success to treat skin disorders such as dermatitis, acne, and more serious ailments such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Some of the recent studies have mentioned CBD’s impressive powers in treating anorexia, pain, inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Tourette’s syndrome, and Alzheimer’s disease. While it isn’t proven that CBD can diagnose, treat or cure any disease, there is mounting evidence that it can help to minimise symptoms significantly. Although the claims are still in their nascent stage and its efficacy needs to be looked into, cannabinoids in general and CBD oil in particular demands veritable attention. CBD’s anti inflammatory and antibacterial properties are now well known. Moreover, people suffering from persistent pain arising out of chronic ailments such as arthritis have sworn that CBD hemp oil has changed their lives, as they are now able to manage their pain in a positive way. Laws and views may differ between federal and state governments and even within political and medical fraternities, but there is a general consensus that medical marijuana needs more attention and support, more research and to be evaluated by the FDA in order to assess whether it really can be used to treat or cure any of the conditions and diseases mentioned above. If it happens then millions of sufferers would see improved quality of life and an end to their misery. If you are suffering with a condition that you suspect may benefit from treatment with cannabidiol CBD oil, always check with your physician before you purchase any online. Niamh Tumilty Niamh Tumilty is a writer and multimedia producer for cannabisMD where she is constantly evaluating the continued growth of CBD and its presence in the news. Her research and writing on cannabis and CBD can be found at niamhtumilty.com. Image Credit: By lzf on shutterstock. How to Incorporate CBD Into Your Morning Routine \| CBD New cannabisMD columnist Shira Adler discusses her journey into the CBD industry. Image Credit: cannabisMD. Why We Need to Learn ‘The ABCs of CBD’ If you’re struggling with parenting stress, these products could help. Image Credit: By o_shumilova on shutterstock. The CBD-Infused Survival Kit for Stressed Parents CBD is a blurry line that insurance companies are reluctant to cross. Image Credit: By alexskopje on Shutterstock Does Health Insurance Cover CBD Oil? CBD makeup is gaining in popularity, but what does it actually do? Image Credit: By YoSoyFoto on shutterstock. CBD Was the Star of the 2019 Makeup Show. But Is It All Hype? The range of books on CBD has grown considerably in recent years. Image Credit: cannabisMD. The Only Books on CBD You’ll Ever Need	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3809
__label__cc	0.538276	0.461724	Buddhism, New Kadampa Tradition by tenpel October 9, 201212:16 pm February 13, 2017 The Birth of the New Kadampa Tradition ‘Lineage’: ‘Teething Problems’ Recently, a poster on this blog spoke of “cases of denial, which, in the current climate here in the UK, especially with regard to sexual exploitation, are relevant. These are related to individual’s actions and not to policy but there was a reluctance to accept that this was happening.” For the sake of clarity, these issues are here recounted.It should be noted that since the deposition of Steve Wass, Kelsang Gyatso’s second appointed but failed successor, further appointees have come and gone, under circumstances which are far from clear (how could it be otherwise in a climate where cover ups and a complete unwillingness to admit to mistakes are clearly the norm?) Those knowledgeable about these circumstances are welcome to share that knowledge here, provided they are not simply repeating rumour, as are those with knowledge of the ongoing psychiatric consequences experienced by the victims of the abuse cited, as well as their attempts to come to terms with these. The link between Gyatso and Elliott was and is a strong one and it is clear that from very early in their relationship, the former recognized the latter’s potential as an effective orator and organizer. One of the conditions of membership that Gyatso stipulated in his 1991 letter to centres inviting them to join the NKT was that, when he died, ‘Gen Thubten Gyatso’ (Elliott) would be the organisation’s ‘Spiritual Director’.[1] Gyatso even went so far as to pen a long life prayer for his disciple which, until 1996, was regularly sung throughout all of the NKT’s centres. Elliott reciprocated by referring to his teacher as the greatest reformer of the Buddhist traditions since Tzong Ka Pa, ‘the Third Buddha’ who ‘restored the essential purity of Buddha’s doctrine’ and demonstrated ‘how to practice it in these extremely impure times’. According to Bunting, Elliott was, ‘The power behind the throne’;[2] he was certainly a figure held in awe by many among the organisation’s ever-burgeoning intake. Elliott himself was an enigmatic individual, oft seen in his early ordained days pounding Manjushri’s cloister beneath a dark cloud with furrowed brow, an indication perhaps of the intense personal struggles he was undergoing at the time; the above, somewhat dualistic portrayal of the ‘pure’ versus ‘impure’ dichotomy that haunts so many beginners in Buddhism perhaps offering an insight into what the nature of those internal struggles might have been. In time however, he gave the appearance of having controlled his demons and subsequently became a central figure in the development of the NKT. Kay tells us that many of the distinguishing features that pervade today’s NKT, such as its study programmes and expansionist policies, were a direct result of Elliott’s inspiration. He was also a keen propitiant of Dorje Shugden and it was his influence as much as Gyatso’s that led to its instigation as a central and universal NKT practice. The intensity of his devotion to both deity and teacher were rewarded, as we have seen, by Gyatso’s authorization of Elliott to grant Shugden initiations. Elliott was portrayed as, ‘…the first qualified English Tantric meditation master in Britain’[3] though actually, two other English teachers of Tibetan Buddhism in the UK[4] had several years previously been given permission to grant initiations; unlike Elliott however, each had trained for lengthy periods in their own respective traditions. That the myth of Elliott’s uniqueness continues to endure demonstrates the ignorance of those who perpetrated it and those who believed it with respect to their knowledge of the other Tibetan Buddhist traditions extant in the UK at the time. As Lord Acton observed, absolute power corrupts and this seems to be exactly what happened with Elliott, as a result of the absolute power which he came, so rapidly, to wield.[5] Delusions of grandeur seem to have set in by the spring of 1994 when he declared NKT teachers (and thereby, by implication, himself) to be ‘emanations’[6] of Gyatso, ‘the Third Buddha’, a declaration that, with little imagination, could be interpreted as a direct claim to enlightened status. Despite the fact that such a claim, if untrue, represents one of the ‘four defeats’ resulting in immediate expulsion from the monastic community,[7] this does not appear to have been the basis for his rather unceremonious public disrobing in 1996, after what the Guardian newspaper described somewhat nebulously as a ‘breach of his monastic vows’.[8] That Elliott should fall prey to worldly whims and stumble back into the garden of earthly delights is not an indication of great evil but rather an indication of his being subject to the same basic frailties that affect each of our ordinary human lives. Nevertheless, the event was extremely damaging for Gyatso and the NKT for a number of reasons, not least because it cast doubt on the judgment of one perceived by his followers to be the ‘Third Buddha’. Again, for someone in a position of such power and respect to demonstrate what appear to have been some rather basic human shortcomings cast doubts over the efficacy of the whole of the NKT’s path, of which Elliott was probably the most devoted adherent. Finally, if Elliott’s misconduct was of a sexual nature, this raises the spectre of misuse of power and sexual abuse, something which the NKT would certainly not wish to be associated with; the fact that the organization repeatedly refused to comment on the specific causes for his expulsion could be interpreted as an indication of a fear of the potential damage such allegations might cause.[9] Elliott disappeared from the radar for a short while but, despite his initially being ‘banned’ by the NKT,[10] returned to the organization as a layman and now resides at Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre (formerly ‘Manjushri Institute’) where, according to ex members, he continues to play an important role in the NKT. In 2003, the NKT’s publishing house Tharpa produced yet another of the ubiquitous translations of Shantideva’s popular ‘Guide to the Bodhisattva’s way of Life’, this particular translation being the work of Kelsang Gyatso and Neil Elliott. Images of him alongside members of the press during the demonstrations against the Dalai Lama outside the Albert Hall in 2008 and videoing the demonstration in Nürnberg indicate that Elliott is also involved with the WSS at a relatively senior level. After the debacle of Neil Elliott’s very public disrobing in 1996, Gyatso eventually appointed Steve Wass, or Gen-la Samden Gyatso, as his next successor and Assistant Spiritual Director in charge of the worldwide development of the NKT. ‘Gen-la’, one of the first of Gyatso’s first disciples to have ordained under his newly created system of ordination, was described as: …a powerful and inspiring teacher with vast personal experience of the Buddhist path. He teaches even the most profound teachings with perfect clarity and is loved and respected internationally for his practical, warm-hearted approach to Buddha’s teachings.[11] Elsewhere, he was portrayed as: …a perfect example of the extraordinary qualities we can develop through sincerely relying on a spiritual teacher and putting Buddha’s teachings into practice in our daily lives … If we follow his example and rely on his teachings we can make our lives truly meaningful.[12] However, websites[13] created by NKT followers in 2008 to ‘fight the smears’ against the organisation, indicate that ‘Gen-la’s’ behavior behind closed doors at the time was far from exemplary. These tell us that in December 2006 allegations began to surface on the internet that Samden Gyatso had been engaging in sexual acts with a number of women over a considerable period of time, behaviour allegedly justified by his claiming the sex was ‘tantric’. Moreover, it was suggested that, despite having full knowledge of this, Kelsang Gyatso had failed to act. As a result, Samden remained in his position and continued the abuse for a significant period of time.[14] According to the NKT’s ‘smears’ website, in November 2005 an ex-NKT monk wrote to Gyatso explaining his suspicions about Samden’s misconduct, suspicions based on specific advice Samden had given him. Gyatso asked if the ex-monk had any evidence of misconduct, which he had not. He was then asked not to repeat the allegations, unless he could produce said evidence. In January 2006, the same person wrote to Gyatso again, explaining the nature of his suspicions in more detail. Once again, he had no proof; neither had he seen anything, nor had anyone confided in him; he simply felt a ‘strong suspicion’. Gyatso revealed in response that he had in fact confronted Samden over the allegations, but that the latter had responded by denying any wrongdoing. Samden Gyatso was finally removed fifteen months later, in February 2007, purportedly for other, unassociated reasons,[15] reasons which were outlined in a letter sent to the Resident Teachers (RTs) of each of the NKT’s many centres. It was only after his removal, the NKT claim, that a small number of people came forward, each with similar stories of sexual exploitation providing evidence that there was indeed substance to the earlier allegations. Gyatso then wrote to Samden condemning his behaviour. The letter, which was copied to all NKT RTs read: You have destroyed the NKTs reputation and the power of all NKT Resident Teachers. Through your actions so many ordained Teachers have disrobed following your view which is opposite to Buddhist view – you tried to spread a sexual lineage which you yourself created. Even in society a Teacher cannot have sex with students. After you left many people confessed to me that you had had sex with them … We will never allow your sexual lineage to spread in this world. According to the ‘smears’ website, Gyatso and others in the NKT are presently trying to help individually anyone affected by Samden’s behaviour. Samden himself simply disappeared from the NKT radar: in May 2007, Vishvapani of the FWBO noted that: If you follow links to Samden on the NKT’s webpage they will take you, in a somewhat Orwellian manner, to his replacement, Kelsang Khenrab, with no word of explanation of how or why the change took place.[16] The deposition of Samden Gyatso was an imperative for Gyatso for a number of reasons. Firstly, in Tzong Ka Pa’s monastic tradition, to engage in sexual acts with a physical partner is totally forbidden for monks; Gelug monastic practitioners must rely only on a visualized partner throughout their corporeal life before achieving enlightenment in the after-death state through meditative transformation of that experience.[17] For Samden to introduce a path which contradicted this, as the above implies, represented a clear threat to Gyatso’s portrayal of his organization as the inheritor’s of the purity of Tzong Ka Pa’s tradition; if Samden’s path were to gain credence, this would totally undermine such a claim. Secondly, the deposition was imperative from a public perspective because, in distancing themselves from Samden and his actions, the NKT and Gyatso were able to separate themselves from the abuse which he had seemingly perpetrated. What seems rather strange however is that, in doing so, they openly revealed both the nature and degree of the abuse in which their former Assistant Spiritual Director had supposedly engaged. In light of the circumstances surrounding his predecessor’s deposition still remaining a closely guarded secret, this represented a significant change of tack by the NKT. Let us examine the nature of this alleged abuse so as to understand why this unprecedented revelation was necessary. It can be argued that while all forms of sexual abuse are immoral, the level of that immorality varies in dependence upon the nature and context of the abuse. For instance, while the sexual abuse of an adult is immoral, the sexual abuse of a vulnerable minor is perhaps significantly more so. In this case, the sexual activity is alleged to have taken place between two, consenting adults at any one time. Normally, such a consensual act would not be considered immoral. However, Samden was both a monk and the Assistant Spiritual Director of the whole of the NKT empire and, as such, occupied a position of trust. This raised status transforms a consensual act into an abusive one. The UK Sexual Offences Act 2000 for example, argues that it is an abuse where a person who holds a position of trust over another engages in sexual relations with that person. Since Samden was in a position of great power and trust at the time these events are said to have occurred and the supposed relationship between the individuals concerned was a fiduciary one, it would certainly be appropriate to refer to such acts as abusive. Of course, it could be argued that, because the supposed victims were adults under the impression that the sexual activity was, it seems, ‘tantric’ and therefore conducive to their long term well-being they would have consented to the activity, thus rendering it non-abusive. The reality of the situation however, is that the path that Samden is alleged to have espoused was common to him alone; as Gyatso put it, ‘you tried to spread a sexual lineage which you yourself created’. As a trained Buddhist practitioner with many years experience of teaching the tantric path, Gyatso would surely have been capable of distinguishing a fabricated path from a valid, historically established one. What this means is that, not only would Samden’s purported multiple relationships with his female students been abusive, occurring as they seem to have done in the context of an unequal relationship, but also that they were justified on the basis of a false representation of the Buddhist path which promised the victim spiritual benefits if they participated. The sexual abuse then would have been of a ritualized form. It was therefore, of the utmost importance for the credibility of Gyatso and the NKT that they publicly distanced themselves from Samden’s actions at the earliest opportunity, since no organization would want to be accused of knowingly and consistently presiding over adult ritual abuse or be forced to deal with the aftermath of such a scandal. As with the case of Neil Elliott however, this raises some important questions, not least among them, how Gyatso could once again have not realized that he was presiding over misconduct, misconduct that had been pointed out to him repeatedly but against which he had failed to act. Seemingly, this occurred because the initial accuser had not presented Gyatso with any substantial evidence. Some however must surely have wondered why the ‘Third Buddha’ would have needed such evidence and, in light of his experience with his first proposed successor, why Gyatso had not acted significantly earlier. In a 2008 response to allegations that ‘Geshe Kelsang has made mistakes in establishing the manner of his succession’[18] the NKT claimed that Gyatso had in fact ‘…shown great skill in establishing the manner of his succession’, and that it was ‘…thanks to having experienced first-hand the limitations of the other methods of succession that NKT practitioners can appreciate the current system and realize its wisdom’; unsurprisingly, the response made no specific reference to the nature of the ‘limitations’ highlighted by the inappropriate actions of either Elliott or Samden, despite their magnitude. [1] Kay (2004) p 79 [2] M Bunting (August 15th 1996) ‘Sect Disrobes British Monk’ The Guardian, London [3] Bunting (August 15th 1996) [4] Rigdzin Shikpo (Mike Hookham) of the Nyingma and Kagyu traditions, and Lama Jampa Thaye of the Sakya and Kagyu traditions. [5] John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, first Baron Acton (1834-1902). The historian and moralist, expressed the opinion in a letter to Bishop Mandell Creighton in 1887 that: ‘Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Great men are almost always bad men.’ [6] Thubten Gyatso ‘On training as a teacher’ in ‘Full Moon’ NKT magazine [7] 1) Penetrative sexual intercourse. 2) Stealing above a trivial amount. 3) Killing a human being. 4) Falsely claiming superior spiritual achievements. If a monk engages in any of these four actions, he is no longer a monk and is not readmitted into the community. [9] Bluck (2006) ‘…senior disciple Gen Thubten Gyatso was ‘disrobed and banned’ from the NKT, ostensibly because of a ‘breach of his monastic vows’ … though there is some confusion here.’ p 132 [10] Bunting (15th August 1996) [11] Publicity, Australasian Festival 2006, published 24th March 2005 [12] Publicity for a course at the NKT’s Rameshori centre in Atlanta, Georgia, November 2005 [13] http://www.newkadampatruth.org http://newkadampatruth.wordpress.com/about [14] http://newkadampatruth.wordpress.com/2008/09/03/nathaniels-31-reasons-for-leaving-the-nkt/ [15] One person appears to have been told that Samden had resigned because he found the prospect of eventually becoming the NKT’s General Spiritual Director too heavy, and that he had withdrawn ‘into retreat’. See Vishvapani (May 2007) ‘NKT Succession and Questions of Authority’ http://dharmasights.blogspot.com/2007/05/nkt-succession-questions-of-authority.html [16] Vishvapani (May 2007) [17] See A Berzin (August 2003) ‘A Short Biography of Tsongkhapa’: ‘Tsongkhapa died at Ganden in 1419, at the age of 62. He attained enlightenment after his death by achieving an illusory body (sgyu-lus) instead of bardo. This was to emphasize the need for monks to follow strict celibacy, since enlightenment in this lifetime requires practice with a consort at least once.’ [18] http://www.newkadampatruth.org/newkadampa47.php#kadampa Tagged with: Geshe Kelsang Gyatso Kadampa Buddhism NKT Succession john swainson on October 9, 2012 at 7:21 pm This is not meant to be a flippant reply but at one of the festivals at Manjushri I went for a wander with a teacher and the subject of Gen Thubten arose. My view was this man was a skilled orator, but there was something there, that if he were selling me a car, I would not buy it. She questioned me on this, using the usual NKT stuff. I could not put my finger on the way I felt and in consequence her argument won the day,…. for her. I am claiming no more than a gut reaction but my doubts proved to be founded. Samden, on the other hand, may have sold me the car as he invoked no doubts for me. Where had my intuition gone? This leads me to issue a warning to all who may have a gut reaction about a teacher. I had a feeling about one of them but not the other. This is probably why the search for a guru, if you need one, comes with a warning. anon di.fab on October 29, 2012 at 8:06 pm Neil Elliot runs the Kadampa Communications and has done so for many years, the media side of the NKT empire. It’s changed name recently but I can’t remember the new name. There are now password closed internet sites for NKT members and NKT centres are expected to use the Kadampa web hosting. http://kadampa.org/fr/newsletters/2771/?height=500&width=500 He also controls the filming for the NKT websites. Nothing gets put out on the main ones without his approval – I tried to get his approval for some filming one of his camera women did for the Dharma for kid’s project. He was so impolite and almost totally in-communicative, even though we asked and asked him, he refused to even talk about it with us. That camera woman is now a well known activist film-maker. Eliott was also a very sophisticated teacher; astute, intelligent and very fast. Tapes and a copy of the long life prayers for him are at Inform. His teachings on Highest Yoga Tantra in 1995 were very sexualised. I don’t think it can all have come from him – he was giving a commentary on what Gyatso taught in the mornings at the Summer Festival and it was early days when Gyatso was around more and there were fewer students. A year later, in 1996, the teachings, given by someone else and did not mention sexuality at all! The similarity between the two men – Thubten and Samden – and their ‘sexual lineages’ is immense & only 10 years between the ‘fall’ of each of them and the corresponding anti-Dalai Lama pro-Shugden demonstrations to prevent any questions being asked. .. A little odd if two Deputy Spiritual Directors end up with the same problem!!!! What are the dynamics that cause this? You could say that Gyatso’s ‘effect’ is not to give the tantric teachings properly – there is too much ambiguity – Gyatso definitely talks of ‘sexual bliss’ in his books as something you use in the practice (as it is the power that will push your subtle minds into the central channel) – for me it seems that he didn’t supervise or give enough personal advice to anyone at all in the NKT. Everyone was adrift. All the information had to come from the books and there just isn’t enough in them to be able to practice tantra alone. You need proper advice from a teacher and Gyatso certainly wasn’t giving that to any of the senior teachers I knew. I certainly know from Lodro telling us in TTP that he saw even less of Gyatso the ‘higher’ he got – at that time he was giving the commentaries in the afternoon at the Festivals. And he left the NKT with a younger nun too… I remember one resident teacher, ordained, being quite relieved when reading the just published ‘Essence of Vajrayana’ where it says that you can get enlightened without having the ‘live’ mudra. Surely this is something you would have clarified with your teacher already, or through studying the Vinaya? We weren’t certain of the path – you just had to plod on in your own way with your peers. Gyatso’s tantric books are quite ambiguous in terms of what sexual behaviour you need to get enlightened. As Gyatso doesn’t give any further teachings than reading a few paragraphs from the books, certainly not the lengthy explanations that occur elsewhere, then how were people to orient themselves? And also, there is no Vinaya in the NKT – no study of moral discipline any different at all to lay people…what does that provoke? Carol McQuire on October 29, 2012 at 9:52 pm EXAMINING AND WORKING WITH A SPIRITUAL TEACHER When they first meet, it is crucial for master and disciple to examine each other[to determine whether they can brave] a spiritual relationship. [….] The consequences are particularly unfortunate when a tantric master initiates disciples indiscriminately without first testing them. An unworthy disciple will be unable to honor pledges. This will lead to the ruin of both master and disciple in this life and the next, and their commitments will deteriorate. The master’s own spiritual accomplishment will be remote and he or she will be beset by obstacles. Similarly, many detrimental results befall a disciple who fails to determine whether a master is fully qualified and receives initiation from anyone at all. He or she is likely to be deceived by a false guide. Thereafter, the disciple will be unable to keep the words of honor [pledged in the presence of the master], and the very source of accomplishment will be destroyed. Led astray on a false path [by a deceptive master], the disciple cannot take advantage of life’s leisure and endowments. From: The Treasury of Knowledge, Book 5, Buddhist Ethics, Jamgon Kongtrul Lodro Thayep.56-7 anon on October 30, 2012 at 9:54 am “Gyatso definitely talks of ‘sexual bliss’ in his books as something you use in the practice (as it is the power that will push your subtle minds into the central channel) – for me it seems that he didn’t supervise or give enough personal advice to anyone at all in the NKT” Quite right, as any genuine tantric teacher, in the necessary indeed indispensable close relationship tantric practice requires, would have made it very clear that you must first have a stable realization of inner heat before engaging in any such practices. Without such, any ‘tantric sex’ (thank you ” I can go all night” Sting [how very un-macho]) is just ordinary gratification of primal lust, no matter how it is dressed up. Its bit like NKT ordination, just ordinary beings, dressed up to look spiritual. Still, dressing up makes money and false promises of liberation through sex produces willing victims I guess tenpel on October 30, 2012 at 11:07 am I heard two days ago the first time a high, experienced and old Rinpoche, a Hotuktu, familiar with the West, saying that NKT are not Buddhist, they are somewhat of an esoteric group. anon on October 30, 2012 at 12:15 pm Hutuktu is a khalka mongol word meaning noble one (skt ‘arya’ tib ‘phagpa’ ). it is the word used in Mongolia for a tulku or reincarnate lama tenpel on October 30, 2012 at 4:06 pm I meant Hothogthu Nomonhan (Engl. Noble; Tib. ‘phags-pa, Skr. Arya). Hothogthus are among a small group of the highest ranking reincarnated lamas who were often reincarnations of Regents (Tib. Gyaltul) of Tibet. anon on October 30, 2012 at 6:56 pm yeah-like Dalai, its Mongolian, prob from the time of the Fifth and Altan Khan Carol McQuire on October 30, 2012 at 10:44 pm No Buddha – it’s all Gyatso; No Dharma – it’s all teachings by rote; No Sangha – all allegiance is to the organisation…But there we were, memorizing an edited Shantideva, an edited Tsongkhapa, an edited Chandrakirti…May all my mothers and fathers on paths that mix the Dharma with worldly concerns be liberated. tenpel on October 30, 2012 at 11:50 pm I was asking myself if it is really correct to call NKT non-Buddhists. It’s a bit tricky. A Buddhist either has taken refuge in the three jewels or has developed the four seals in mind. Since NKT has abandoned the Sangha of fully ordained and disconnects their people even from them its hard to say they take refuge in the Three Jewels – though the ordained Sangha is “only” the nominal Sangha Jewel. On the other hand all masters, especially the Kadampas like Atisha to Dromtönpa have – contrary to NKT – always shown highest respect for the ordained Sangha. Also to see one outer cause as the sole cause of suffering (the Dalai Lama with respect to Shugden) is a perverted and non-Buddhist view. If one goes along that line of reasoning one might find reasons for the claim NKT are non-Buddhist. NKT takes refuge in KG as the highest authority, in his books as the highest authority, and his disciples and teachers as the highest authority. This sounds rather like a personality cult than anything to do with Buddhism. But to pinpoint this with good reasoning, I think I have to put more thoughts into it … Maybe Anon can contribute with some thoughts? NKT take refuge in Shakyamuni Buddha, his teaching, and partially, in the arya sangha of their ‘lineage’. However. the dividing line between Buddhist and non-Buddhist is refuge. A fundamental refuge vow is not to take refuge in worldly gods. DS is a worldly god. NKT refuge is thus thoroughly and continuously undermined by this and IMO rendered significantly ineffective Personality cults and exclusivism exist within Tibetan Buddhism. This does not render refuge ineffective to the same degree However. If we combine all 3: personality cult, exclusivism AND worldly deity worship, the recipe is one for disaster. This does not even start to consider the issue of causing a schism in the sangha, which is institutional behaviour in the NKT. Add all these things together and the refuge is thoroughly diluted If they are Buddhist, they are hanging on by the skin of their teeth tenpel on October 31, 2012 at 8:56 am Thank you. However, they only take formally “refuge in Shakyamuni Buddha, his teaching”. Of Shakyamuni Buddha only the Heart Sutra is present, the Vinaya and other teachings are absent and are thought of they can be neglected and are “not modern” (e.g. Vinaya). Note that no-one is a ‘willing victim’. People have had their lives ruined by these experiences, finding it very difficult to recover and trust the path again. And the even greater tragedy is that many people who join the NKT have very sincere intentions that are warped by the organisation. I utter agree with you. Forsaking the Guru, Kelsang Gyatso, is worse than the karma generated by Hitler and Mao Tse Tung? « Tibetan Buddhism :: Struggling With Difficult Issues on November 1, 2012 at 10:47 pm […] over“. When I remember correctly it was at this thread where the first public account of sexual misconduct of Kelsang Gyatso’s appointed successor Steven Wass (Kelsang Samden) appeared. After it became public at E-Sangha over night – in the literal sense – Samten was […] beth on February 25, 2013 at 3:42 pm It was Samden. Samten has had no scandal. tenpel on February 25, 2013 at 7:44 pm Thank you, I’ll correct it and I do apologize! john swainson on February 25, 2013 at 8:12 pm Hello Beth Consider this…it is a post on New Kadampa Truth by myself related to the closure of the Losang Dragpa Centre in Todmorden. ‘I have seen the letter which came from head office and it said… ‘due to the actions of the last three teachers, the centre has now become impure’… It is public knowledge who these were. Samden, Samten and Chogkya, not sure if I used the right spelling there. So, the parent organization identified who was ‘to blame’. The Samden issue is well documented. What Samten did I have no idea. When Samten left, he was replaced by Chogkya. However, Samden returned to help her establish herself. He gave many teachings which were well attended, you could hardly move in the car park. What Chogkya did to contribute to ‘impurity’ I have no idea.’ During Samten’s reign at LDC the Centre appeared to be flourishing. The Chaity Commission accounts bear this out. So, Samten, as far as I was concerned was fine. I asked this question of the NKT. If Samten had been a contrbuting factor to the impurity of the centre, then how is he now a resident teacher in New York? No reply. Anon on February 25, 2013 at 8:18 pm if its the Samden of Indian extraction I met some years ago, I am not surprised however, lets be careful about saying so and so has had no scandal -experience tells us that in the NKT, as with most abuse nowadays, there is a long history of concealment tenpel on February 25, 2013 at 10:02 pm It would be very good if people are not accused without any basis. Samten might have been made into a “impure person” in the post which John quotes just for political reasons. Maybe just because NKT wanted to close or sell the assets or something like this. Anon on February 26, 2013 at 9:13 am Oh for goodness sake-all this talk over a simple spelling mistake, a mistake arising from the NKT people knowing nothing of Tibetan it seems. Samden is the same word as Samten but with an alternative spelling-it means concentration Samden (the Indian guy?) is probably kosher (or halal or whatever) but we cant be sure Why?Because KG seems to let his big guns screw up a few times before it becomes public AFAIK the other SamTen was accused either of a) running off with a nun (yikes!) or downloading porn on the centre computer EKC probably knows which misdemeanour it was they used as an excuse to close the place down AFAICS LDC was closed because it was not profitable and there were too many people turning up with ‘problems’ beyond the scope of a so called Buddhist centre’s ability to cope with I think they call us ‘nutters’ (Not sane as in screaming with hatred at the DL and demon worshipping) Yes, we can never be sure as long as people don’t speak up as it happened with Wass & Elliot … Samten is the Indian. At least he had the courage to refuse to take part in the protests against the Dalai Lama during the first campaign because – according to what my RT said – he was fully ordained or received Getsul ordination from the Dalai Lama or was in any other way connected with him. As a result of his refusal to partake in the protests he had to step down of his position as the chief teacher of the NKT’s Teacher Training Programme. So at least – if this information is correct – he stayed true to himself, which is quite something in the cosmos of NKT. When I understand it now correctly LDC was closed because it was not profitable but Tara Centre was closed – against the wishes of the people there, to sell the assets and to get cash? (I am not much in this material issues of NKT …) We simpletons, who have no knowledge of Tibetan, have to use the nomenclature we have been given. So to refer to Samten when we mean Samden may do Samten an injustice. To say that Anon is a murdering bastard from another planet when we meant Znon, would be to besmirch Anon’s reputation, even if by mistake. But we can’t be sure. I was once a murdering b*tard from another planet! Beware mistaken nomenclature: surgeons searching for tendons may well end up in Denton! john swainson on February 26, 2013 at 10:56 am I asked New Kadamppa Truth this question. ‘Are we then to believe after steps have been taken that both Samten and Chokgya ignored The Educational Council Representatives and were then dismissed from their positions as they had caused the centre to become impure?’ newkadampatruth says: ‘In response to John, the answer is yes.’ If the above is true, then I suggest that any ordinary person may say that they were given a chance to conform but having chosen to ignore the Educational Council, justice was done. Below is an extract from the Internal Rules. 12§3. As the moral discipline guides, the Education Council Representatives shall concentrate on the following three steps: (a) becoming aware of any breach of moral discipline or of these Internal Rules which has occurred, principally regarding (i) Dharma Centres, (ii) ordained Sangha, (iii) Resident Teachers and (iv) practitioners living in NKT-IKBU Dharma Centres. When any such problem is recognised, the Education Council Representatives should: (b) ask and encourage the Dharma Centre or individuals involved to stop their inappropriate behaviour. If they do not agree to change their behaviour accordingly: (c) report the problem to the Directors of the NKT-IKBU Charity, and then implement any practical solution that the Directors may require. Following Samten’s removal he went on a three year retreat. Re-education? Both Samten and Chokgya are now Resident Teachers. Thank you. Does having “ignored The Educational Council Representatives” mean always to have violated a branch of moral discipline? Or could organisational failings or “not following Geshe-la’s wishes” be included in that category too? john swainson on February 27, 2013 at 8:45 am Depends on the definition of moral discipline. tenpel on February 27, 2013 at 9:23 am This definition of moral discipline is all in all under control of KG and NKT what ever they think is suited is included or excluded from the definition, thereby “moral discipline” becomes a powerful tool for power trips and control but not a guide to train the mind. There are reasons why the Vinaya is absent in NKT, its democratic layout is contrary to autocrat leadership. Subsequently KG is even the god who can bestow vows and take them away as he pleases … if you leave him you loose your vows, if you stay with him you are keeping them (even if you break them). What a mess … Some people are willing to do anything to maintain their status in the spiritual hierarchy-better to be yourself than trying to be somebody else Oh yes, “I rejoice in his virtue” etc etc Was that 3 years spent worshiping a demon daily? He’s in for a shock then! its more than clinging on position. nkt thorough blinds you, you are like in a endless circling spinning washing machine without break, you cannot get a distance to what you are actual into. its a powerful all pervasive deluding machine … I cannot and I won’t blame the people stuck into it (nor Geshe-la) because he is blinded himself. I do wish we could stop referring to KG as Geshela No one calls me Captain Anon, because I admit I have never been given the rank, KG admits himself that he never sat his final geshe exam so why do we persist in calling him Geshela? his supreme royal eminence, the prime minister of wadoodooland (formerly British wakajawaka) bishop to the gods and adviser to the stars “Geshe-la” for NKT (or ex-NKT) is the cosy closeness emulating name of a person you (once) love(d) (virtually). I like to play with it in order to avoid to get angry or negative … it’s not so much the title than the name and what it means/t to you … ‘his supreme royal eminence, the prime minister of wadoodooland (formerly British wakajawaka) bishop to the gods and adviser to the stars’…once a murdering b*ard from another planet and now an imperialist! Surgeons searching for tendons may find snotends. Could be a touch frosty in Denton. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-humber-20424136 Civil claims for compensation for historical sexual abuse can be brought against organisations in two ways. Organisations are automatically liable for the acts of people they employ. It’s known as vicarious liability. They can also be sued in negligence if they failed to act to prevent sexual abuse when they had enough knowledge to know that it was a real threat. However, negligence is not automatic. It has to be proved and that can be a complex process involving proof of complaints, the knowledge the organisation had of the issue, and whether any measures it put in place to prevent abuse were sufficient. Claims in vicarious liability are therefore quicker and easier, and so the preferred route for claimants. Today’s judgement is of real significance because it broadens the traditional vicarious liability of organisations. In the past this has largely been confined to the employer/employee relationship. Today’s ruling makes it clear that that can be an artificial distinction, and that liability can arise from other relationships which are akin to employment. This means the victims of Steve Wass and Neil Elliott can claim damages for the abuse they suffered from the NKT provided they can prove that Kelsang Gyatso knew and that the measures put in place to prevent it proved ineffective. Since the abuse by Wass took place after the Elliott case, any measures were clearly ineffective. All Wass’s victims need do is contact the person who reported the abuse to Kelsang and, hey presto, compensation and redress should be forthcoming- PLEASE pass it on! Catholic teaching institute liable for abuse at school (See full piece at above URL) A Catholic teaching institute is liable for alleged physical and sexual abuse at a former boys’ school, the Supreme Court has ruled. Claims of abuse are being made by 170 former pupils of St William’s in Market Weighton, East Yorkshire. Judges said the De La Salle Brotherhood was liable along with the Middlesbrough diocese which owned the school. The BBC’s Danny Shaw said it was a landmark ruling which could affect other claims of abuse at institutions. Just to remind everyone how adults were abused………..While all sexual abuse is immoral, it is obvious that the depth of the immorality varies in dependence on the context of the abuse: the abuse of an adult is immoral, but that of a minor is significantly more so. Here, in the cases of these two NKT seniors, sexual activity at first seems to have occurred between two, consenting adults and, generally speaking, such a consensual act would not be considered immoral; this is certainly how some appears to perceive it. However, where a religious figure in a position of trust engages in a sexual act with a follower, that person’s status transforms a seemingly consensual act into an abusive one. It is blatant abuse where a person in a position of trust engages in sexual relations with another, both from the perspective of the abuse of power and the abuse of the individual victim. The status of the teacher too contributes to determining the depth of the abusiveness of the act. If relations occur between a ‘mere mortal’ teacher and an equally mortal student, that is one thing. But where the teacher is perceived as a ‘tantric master’, and the act is accompanied by the promise of spiritual benefit, this moves everything to an even deeper level of abusive depravity. If the multiple allegations against Wass are true and were accompanied by promises of a ‘tantric experience’the relations were abusive and ritualized. It is clear that in groups of all religious traditions, this type of abuse has existed for generations. To be a victim of such renders one yet another unfortunate victim of that serious and calculated deception that, while as old as the hills, remains as improper and immoral as it has done for the millennia it has existed throughout mankind’s different cultures and creeds. That it has existed for so long however renders it no less immoral. In fact, with religion in the advanced state of decline that it is, this renders the act even more so, for it destroys what little is left of what is good in the world. If the faiths are to survive and assist the spiritually needy, we have a responsibility to rid all of the traditions of those who engage in such selfish and irreligious acts in the name of their faith. This (abuse) is in large part a result of the naiveté of westerners when it comes to gurus teaching the exotic path of tantric Buddhism. People who are deeply suspicious of western organized religion seem to suspend all scepticism when it comes to smiling bald headed men telling them to let go of their attachments as they use this as an excuse for their own sexual gratification-now their chance has come to seek redress for this abuse. The NKT must be VERY worried! Anon2 on February 3, 2016 at 1:46 pm I first met Neil Elliot before he was a monk. At that time he was one of several course leaders at Manjushri Institute and in that roll, the rapport he had with course participants derived largely from his lack of piety, his sense of humour, and his lack of pretense — he didn’t have any spiritual affectations and came across as a regular guy. Indeed, that was what he was because there was numerous other residents both ordained and non-ordained who were much more experienced than him. He then became a monk, but again, this didn’t provide any particular status beyond that conferred on everyone who donned robes. A major shift in Neil’s way of presenting himself came not long after he moved to the Madhyamka centre outside York to become the director. When I visited him there, the transformation was quite shocking. He had constructed an impenetrable facade through his new-found persona as a guru. For those of us who knew him as Neil, it was impossible not to see his persona as “Gen-la” as fake and I got the sense that he only felt comfortable around people who had never known him before he acquired this spiritual identity. Neil’s spiritual elevation also coincided with the emerging rift between Lama Yeshe and Kelsang Gyatso. Among other things, this rift had the effect of separating Neil from the other Western teachers who had more experience than him because they all had closer ties with Lama Yeshe. Whether by chance or design, Neil now occupied a perch upon which there were no rivals. Having seen from close quarters and more than once how cults evolve, the crucial enabling factor, I believe, is the suspension of disbelief. The individuals who get involved surrender their own capacity to make autonomous judgments and apply what outside a spiritual context would be simple common sense. In exchange for this suspension of disbelief, one is rewarded by a collectively sustained conviction that one is now participating in the greatest of all human enterprises. In reality, sooner or later it becomes evident that the enterprise cannot even meet the ethical standards that are required for running an elementary school.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3815
__label__cc	0.701276	0.298724	Start Over You searched for: Authors Rush, Benjamin, 1746-1813 ✖Remove constraint Authors: Rush, Benjamin, 1746-1813 1. Medical inquiries and observations upon the diseases of the mind Philadelphia : Grigg, 1827 3. Medical inquiries and observations Philadelphia : Printed and sold by Prichard & Hall, in Market Street near Front Street, MDCCLXXXIX [1789] Philadelphia : Published by Anthony Finley ..., 1818 7. Directions for the use of the mineral water and cold bath, at Harrogate, near Philadelphia Philadelphia : Printed by Melchior Steiner, in Race-Street, between Second-and Third-Streets, 1786 Mineral Waters -- therapeutic use Balneology 8. Directions for preserving the health of soldiers: addressed to the officers of the Army of the United States [Philadelphia : Printed for Thomas Dobson, Fry and Kammerer, printers, 1808] 9. An enquiry into the origin of the late epidemic fever in Philadelphia: in a letter to Dr. John Redman, president of the College of Physicians, from Doctor Benjamin Rush Philadelphia : From the press of Mathew Carey, December 11, 1793 Yellow Fever -- etiology 10. Essays, literary, moral & philosophical Philadelphia : Printed by Thomas & Samuel F. Bradford ..., 1798 11. Essays, literary, moral and philosophical Philadelphia : Printed by Thomas and William Bradford ..., 1806 12. An eulogium in honor of the late Dr. William Cullen, professor of the practice of physic in the University of Edinburgh: delivered before the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, on the 9th of July, agreeably to their vote of the 4th of May, 1790 Philadelphia : Printed by Thomas Dobson, bookseller at the stone house in Second Street, MDCCXC [1790] Cullen, William, 1710-1790. 13. An inquiry into the effects of spirituous liquors on the human body: to which is added, a moral and physical thermometer Printed at Boston : By Thomas and Andrews ; at Faust's Statue, no. 45, Newbury Street, MDCCXC [1790] Alcoholic Beverages -- adverse effects 14. An eulogium, intended to perpetuate the memory of David Rittenhouse, late president of the American Philosphical Society: delivered before the Society in the First Presbyterian Church, in High-Street, Philadelphia, on the 17th Dec. 1796 ; agreeably to appointment Philadelphia : Printed for J. Ormrod, no. 41, Chesnut-Street, by Ormrod & Conrad, [1797] Famous Persons Rittenhouse, David, 1732-1796. 15. An enquiry into the effects of spirituous liquors upon the human body, and their influence upon the happiness of society Philadelphia : Printed by John M'Culloch, in Third-Street, no. I, north of High-Street, MDCCXCI [1791] 16. Experiments and observations on the mineral waters of Philadelphia, Abington, and Bristol, in the province of Pennsylvania: read June 18, 1773, before the American Philosophical Society, held at Philadelphia Philadelphia : Printed by James Humphreys, Junior, in Front-Street, MDCCLXXIII [1773] Mineral Waters -- analysis 17. An inquiry into the various sources of the usual forms of summer & autumnal disease in the United States, and the means of preventing them: to which are added, Facts, intended to prove the yellow fever not to be contagious Philadelphia : Published by J. Conrad & Co., Philadelphia; M. & J. Conrad & Co., Baltimore; Rapin, Conrad, & Co., Washington; Somervell & Conrad, Petersburg; and Bonsal, Conrad, & Co., Norfolk; printed by T. & G. Palmer ..., 1805 Yellow Fever -- transmission 18. An inquiry into the effects of ardent spirits upon the human body and mind: with an account of the means of preventing, and of the remedies for curing them New-York : Printed for Cornelius Davis, 1812 Exeter [N.H.] : Printed for Josiah Richardson preacher of the gospel, 1819 Brookfield [Mass.] : Printed by E. Merriam & Co., 1814 22. Extracts from Dr. Benjamin Rush's Inquiry into the effects of ardent spirits upon the human body and mind Philadelphia : To be had of Benjamin & Thomas Kite, no. 20, North Third Street : and for sale by Solomon W. Conrad, no. 87, Kimber & Sharpless, no. 93, John Richardson, no. 31, and Isaac Peirce, no. 316, Market Street ; Joseph R.A. Skerrett, printer, no. 135, south Ninth street, 1816 Boston : Printed by Manning & Loring, 1812 24. An essay on the pernicious effects of the use of ardent spirits Trenton, N. J. : Printed by George Sherman, 1815 New-Brunswick [N.J.] : Printed and published by Lewis Deare, 1813 Philadelphia : To be had of Benjamin & Thomas Kite ... and for sale by Solomon W. Conrad ... [and 3 others], 1818 27. Medical inquiries and observations, upon the diseases of the mind Philadelphia : Published by Kimber & Richardson ... ; Merritt, printer ..., 1812 Philadelphia : Published by Kimber & Richardson ..., 1812 Philadelphia : Published by John Richardson ..., 1818 30. The new method of inoculating for the small pox: delivered in a lecture in the University of Philadelphia, Feb. 20th, 1781 Philadelphia : Printed by Charles Cist, in Market-Street, MDCCLXXXI [1781] 31. The new method of inoculating for the small-pox: delivered in a lecture in the University of Pennsylvania, on the 20th of February, 1781 Philadelphia : Printed and sold by Parry Hall, no. 149, Chesnut Street, near Fourth Street, MDCCXCII [1792] 32. An oration, delivered February 4, 1774, before the American Philosophical Society, held at Philadelphia: containing, an enquiry into the natural history of medicine among the Indians in North-America, and a comparitive view of their diseases and remedies, with those of civilized nations ; together with an appendix, containing, proofs and illustrations Philadelphia : Printed by Joseph Crukshank in Market-Street, between Second and Third Streets, [1774] 33. Observations upon the present government of Pennsylvania. In four letters to the people of Pennsylvania Philadelphia : Printed and sold by Styner and Cist, in Second-Street, six doors above Arch-Street, MDCCLXXVII [1777] Legislation as Topic 34. A second address to the citizens of Philadelphia, containing additional proofs of the domestic origin of the malignant bilious, or yellow fever: to which are added, observations, intended to shew that a belief in that opinion, is calculated to lessen the mortality of the disease, and to prevent its recurrence Philadelphia : Printed by Budd and Bartram, for Thomas Dobson, at the stone house, no 41, South Second Street, 1799 35. Six introductory lectures, to courses of lectures, upon the institutes and practice of medicine: delivered in the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia : Published by John Conrad, & Co. ... : M. & J. Conrad, & Co. ... Baltimore; and Rapin, Conrad, & Co., Washington City; H. Maxwell, printer, 1801 36. Observations upon the origin of the malignant bilious, or yellow fever in Philadelphia, and upon the means of preventing it: addressed to the citizens of Philadelphia 37. Sixteen introductory lectures, to courses of lectures upon the institutes and practice of medicine: with a syllabus of the latter : to which are added, two lectures upon the pleasures of the senses and of the mind, with an inquiry into their proximate cause : delivered in the University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia : Published by Bradford and Innskeep ..., 1811 38. A syllabus of a course of lectures on the institutes of medicine Philadelphia : Printed by Parry Hall, no. 149, Chesnut Street, between Fourth and Fifth Streets, MDCCXCII [1792] Philadelphia : Printed by Thomas & Samuel F. Bradford, no. 8, South Front-Street, 1798 40. Three lectures upon animal life: delivered in the University of Pennsylvania 41. Medical inquiries and observations Philadelphia : Printed by T. Dobson, at the stone-house, no. 41, South Second-Street, MDCCXCIII [1793] Philadelphia : Printed by Thomas Dobson, at the stone-house, no 41, South Second-Street, MDCCXCVII [1797] Tuberculosis, Pulmonary 43. An account of the bilious remitting yellow fever, as it appeared in the city of Philadelphia, in the year 1793 44. Medical inquiries and observations: containing an account of the bilious and remitting and intermitting yellow fever,as it appeared in Philadelphia in the year 1794 ; together with an inquiry into the proximate cause of fever ; and a defence of blood-letting as a remedy for certain diseases 45. Medical inquiries and observations: containing an account of the yellow fever, as it appeared in Philadelphia in 1797, and observations upon the nature and cure of the gout, and hydrophobia Boston : Loring, 1823 Alcoholism -- prevention & control 47. An inquiry into the influence of physical causes upon the moral faculty: delivered before the American Philosophical Society, held in Philadelphia on the twenty-seventh of February, 1786 Philadelphia : Haswell, Barrington, and Haswell, 1839 48. Dissertatio physica inauguralis, De coctione ciborum in ventriculo: quam, annuente summo numine, ex auctoritate reverendi admodum viri, Gulielmi Robertson, S.S.T.P. academiae Edinburgenae praefecti ; nec non amplissimi senatus academici consensu, et nobilissimae facultatis medicae decreto ; pro gradu doctoris, summisque in medicina honoribus et privilegiis rite et legitime consequendis Edinburgi : Apud Balfour, Auld, et Smellie, academiae typographos, MDCCLXVIII [1768] 49. An enquiry into the effects of spirituous liquors upon the human body: and their influence upon the happiness of society Philadelphia : Printed by Thomas Bradford in Front-Street, four doors from the coffee-house, [1784?] Ethanol -- pharmacology 50. An enquiry into the effects of public punishments upon criminals and upon society: read in the Society for Promoting Political Enquiries, convened at the house of His Excellency Benjamin Franklin, Esquire, in Philadelphia, March 9th, 1787 Philadelphia : Printed by Joseph James, in Chesnut-Street, MDCCLXXXVII [1787] Crime -- prevention & control 51. Medical inquiries and observations (Volume 1) Philadelphia : Published by J. Conrad & Co. ..., Philadelphia; M. & J. Conrad & Co., Baltimore; Rapin, Conrad, & Co., Washington; Somervell & Conrad, Petersburg; and Bonsal, Conrad, & Co., Norfolk; printed by T. & G. Palmer ..., 1805 55. Medical inquiries and observations (Volume 1-2) Philadelphia : Printed for M. Carey, no. 121, Chestnut Street ; Griggs & Dickinsons, printers, 1815 Philadelphia : Printed by M. Carey & Son; B. Warner; A. Finley; S. W. Conrad; T. & W. Bradford; B. & T. Kite, and Bennett and Walton, 1818 Philadelphia : Published by Mathew Carey [and 7 others], 1809 Medicine in the Americas, 1610-192069 Unique English Imprints, pre-18001 Disease Outbreaks11 Alcohol-Related Disorders10 Yellow Fever10 Mental Disorders5 Rush, Benjamin, 1746-1813✖[remove]69 Medical inquiries and observations10 An inquiry into the effects of ardent spirits upon the human body and mind: with an account of the means of preventing, and of the remedies for curing them7 Medical inquiries and observations (Volume 1-2)3 Medical inquiries and observations, upon the diseases of the mind3	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3821
__label__wiki	0.877108	0.877108	CelebPoster.com Blog Celebrity Posters Store Tag Archives for " Nick Jonas " Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas’ Italy Getaway Is Straight Out of a Romantic Movie Under the Tuscan sun! Priyanka Chopra and Nick Jonas continue to prove they are the definition of relationship goals.After taking the streets of Paris for Sophie Turner and Joe Jonas’ ultra-glamorous second wedding and hitting up runway shows during Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, the power couple is enjoying alone time in Tuscany.On Saturday, the “Sucker” […] Joe Jonas’ Bachelor Party Was So Wild the Police Were Called 3 Times It looks like Joe Jonas’ bachelor party was a wild time—so wild, in fact, the police called on the groom and his gang three times in one night.Nick Jonas and Kevin Jonas dished on their brother’s big night during Wednesday’s episode of The Tonight Show.The admission came up during a round of “Know Your Bro”—a […] Kevin Jonas We’re a “Sucker” for the Jonas Brothers’ Classroom Instruments Performance With Jimmy Fallon You’ve never heard “Sucker” sung like this before.The Jonas Brothers teamed up with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots to perform a special rendition of their hit single for Monday’s episode of The Tonight Show.But instead of rocking out on their guitars, the trio broke out a few classroom instruments.That’s right! 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While appearing on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge on Thursday, the 24-year-old singer covered the Jonas Brothers’ hit song “Sucker.” In her performance, Halsey made the song her own, slowing down the beat and bringing her soulful energy to the track.The performance was so electric that it even caught the […] Priyanka Chopra Gets “a Lot of S–t” Over 10-Year Age Gap With Nick Jonas It’s been six months since Priyanka Chopra married Nick Jonas in one of the biggest weddings of the year.However, not everyone is basking in their newlywed bliss.The actress opens up about the hate they’ve received over their 10-year age difference in her new cover story for InStyle.”People gave us a lot of s–t about that […] Nick Jonas’ Purity Ring Changed the Way He Looks at Sex Nick Jonas was just a teenager when the world started discussing his sex life, which the Jonas Brothers star now calls “very strange.” When the Jonas Brothers rose to fame, Nick, Joe Jonas and Kevin Jonas became known for wearing purity rings, sparking a conversation about abstinence and the trio’s personal lives.In the years to follow, the Jonas Brothers steadily stopped […] Joe Jonas Plays Perfect Instagram Husband for Sophie Turner on the Red Carpet Chasing happiness…and the perfect red carpet photo. On Monday night, Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner seemingly found both at the Los Angeles premiere of the Jonas Brothers’ new documentary, Chasing Happiness.Along with Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas and their respective spouses, Priyanka Chopra and Danielle Jonas, the famous family dazzled the red carpet in honor of their highly anticipated project. In between posing with […] Danielle Jonas Jonas 2020? Priyanka Chopra ‘Would Love’ Husband Nick Jonas to Run for President Could Nick Jonas swap life as a rock star for life in the White House? Wife Priyanka Chopra sure seems to think so.The Quantico actress opened up about the political aspirations she has for both herself and her husband, revealing she’s got her eye on a run for office.“I would love to run for prime […] Follow @CelebPoster_com Hot Celebrities Playboy Posters TOP 20 MLB posters Top 20 NBA Posters Top 20 NHL Posters Top 20 NFL Posters Things You Need to Know about Novak Djokovic, the 2018 Wimbledon Winner The Path of Angelique Kerber to the 2018 Wimbledon Title The Incredible Phenomenon of Serena Williams Why Kevin Anderson Is One of the Best Tennis Players in the World? Venus Williams and Her Key Achievements Career Highlights of Alexander Zverev The Incredible Tennis Success of Rafael Nadal Biography of Karolina Pliskova, a Czech Tennis Player What You Need to Know about Caroline Wozniacki? How John Isner Became One of the Best Tennis Players in the World? 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__label__wiki	0.790979	0.790979	732-328-8721info@creativeairco.com Amazon Celebrates 20 Years: A Look Back In 1994, an internet job posting from a “well-capitalized start-up” in Seattle looked for “extremely gifted … programmers to assist in pioneering commerce on the Internet.” Familiarity with web servers, websites, and HTML “would be helpful but not essential.” Successful nominees could expect “talented, motivated, intense, and interesting coworkers.” Compensation comprised “significant equity ownership.” In the past two decades, Amazon has completely redefined their area of commerce, becoming an eCommerce giant with $88 billion-plus in revenues. But Bezos started the organization as an on-line publication seller July 15, 1995 and ran it as such. There was virtually no inventory; as they were demanded by customers, books were purchased from providers. The very first title sold was Fluid Concepts & Creative Analogies: Computer Models of Thought. Bezos himself didn’t realized how huge the firm would become, based on an interview that the company’s first worker, Shel Kaphan, gave to GeekWire. “The early group came on board with all the only mission of making [books] accessible to everyone on earth,” Jonathan Kochmer, an early worker, told Fortune. As the company began selling everything from women’s trend to the Kindle and other electronic equipment that soon changed. The firm is now pioneering merchandise delivery by drone, is a significant power in cloud computing, plans an on-line marketplace for local services, and bankrolls movies and TV shows. The level of aspiration may be unmatched by any other firm. Its 1995 sales were $511,000. when Amazon filed its paperwork to go public In 1996 they hit $15.7 million. Amazon is currently a behemoth that’s one of America’s most respected and much-criticized firms. Some consider it a spare all expense of a rival with a punishing work environment. But 20 years ago, the firm was a start up and attempting to get its feet square on the floor. Here are a few memories of what it had been like to work there at the time, from folks who got in (and, in some cases, got out) early. The company was first coined Cadabra, as in an abbreviated version of Abracadabra, the first name Bezos selected. As GeekWire was told by Kaphan, there was one difficulty: Individuals frequently heard the name as cadaver, which was, to say the least, off-putting. Bezos then wanted to name it “Relentless,” as in intently meeting customers’ wants. “It took a little convincing that perhaps that was not likely to get the appropriate connotations in everybody’s heads,” Kaphan said. The staff moved into a new building after getting too large for the Bezos garage. One of them, the Columbia Building at 1516 Second Avenue, was in that which you may call a neighborhood that is tough. “If you had to enter the building late during the night, like at 3 AM, because something terrible had gone wrong and you could not mend it from home, you occasionally had to step over or around folks sleeping in the doorway.” Once when she was walking back from having lunch, “a whole hunk of the region around the building was cordoned off by police because there was a guy brandishing a big sword standing in the junction surrounded by police officers attempting to talk him down,” she said. It was demanding, (What start up is not?) But occasionally work meant never needing to go home. Kochmer remembered a long stretch where he hadn’t gone home. “It wasn’t because folks were breathing down my desk. Because I used to be very enthusiastic about what I was doing it was. I only lived a 15 minute bus ride away. And a closeby laundromat. The system did some impressive things, but it was likewise strung together in the “bubblegum and electrical tape nature of how things worked in that time,” Allen said. The company used information from vendor databases that was never meant to be viewed by consumers, so titles or author names were often misspelled. When Allen joined the firm, there was merely a “rudimentary” mechanism to override the database contents. Oprah’s book club started around the same time. “Somebody at the top at promotions talked to Oprah’s people and convinced them to tell us in advance the next novel announcement so we had would know what Oprah would be reading next.” It was Ursula Hegi’s Stones from the River. Her name was spelled incorrectly in the database. A couple of folks came over to me and asked me to make the correction.” Allen inquired if they were completely certain because making a change was speculative. They were convinced; they also were wrong. That got fixed, but the demand to help keep things running never ended. In fact, programmers were the only real ones who were exempt from packing boxes in the Christmas rush. Even Bezos was active in the warehouse. For all the drive to make advanced technology, it was the simple things that sometimes could escape notice. People working on their knees or were squatting on the floor while packing boxes. Bezos had suggested getting everyone knee pads. Nicholas Lovejoy, the one who introduced Bezos to Kochmer and a former housemate, pointed out that using tables to pack would be more easy. “Fantastic,” Bezos called the idea. The organization still apparently builds tables out of doors with the addition of legs. The pay Forget the existing concept of technology firms feeding workers and offering all manner of luxurious benefits. “At that point, a lot of us were still very poor,” Kochmer said. “The wages were kind of low. I ate lots of ramen with frozen peas.” But the gamble paid off. Allen left before reaching the burnout position. “I come from a working class history,” she said. I left.” But she held onto her stock, that was the huge payoff. “I’m never going to have to work again,” she said. AIRBNB STYLE PROPERTY LISTING SITE AIMS TO DISRUPT REAL ESTATE We are based at the beautiful Jersey Shore with partners from coast to coast > Web Design > ecommerce > I.T. Consulting > iPhone App Development > Android App Development > Software App Development > Web Hosting > SEO How to migrate to the WP Engine staging environment Sending Emails From Local With Postfix and MAMP Source Molecular Site Launch 50 Awesome Free WordPress Web Design Resources for Your Next Project – ThemeIsle Blog Copyright - Creative Air Co. - All Rights Reserved	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3830
__label__wiki	0.928802	0.928802	Lancashire CCC Lancashire batsmen impress on opening day Lancashire v Cambridge: Day One Review Alex Davies, Steven Croft, Dane Vilas and Jordan Clark all hit half centuries on the opening day as Lancashire declared on 338/6 against Cambridge MCCU at Fenner’s. The home side won the toss and elected to bowl first with Alex Davies and Haseeb Hameed opening the batting for Lancashire. Runs were hard to come by in the opening overs. In the final ball of the seventh over, Hameed was struck on the hand by fast bowler Tim Moses and was forced to retire hurt. The 20 year-old would later go to hospital for a precautionary scan and the Lancashire batsman will be reassessed overnight. Liam Livingstone (1) joined Davies but was soon dismissed after opening bowler Rippington trapped the Cumbrian-born batsman lbw. Captain Steven Croft came in at four and played positively for Lancashire as runs started to flow for opener Alex Davies, who was playing in his first competitive game since a long-term knee injury last year. Croft took particular liking to Cambridge spin bowler Luke Chapman as he hit two boundaries in the 26th over. The following over, Davies dispatched Barton for two more as the Lancashire wicket keeper moved to his half century off 96 balls just before lunch. Davies and Croft (78) played nicely after lunch as the pair put on 155 for the second wicket before the Lancashire Captain was dismissed by Barton. Davies (80) fell shortly after to the same bowler before Ryan McLaren fell without scoring as Lancashire went from 173/1 to 183/4. SCORECARD / MATCH CENTRE Dane Vilas and Jordan Clark had some rebuilding work to do for Lancashire and both players started steadily against a Cambridge attack who had their tails up. Clark hit the first maximum of the innings down the ground before Vilas hit his maiden Lancashire First Class half century from 80 balls. Vilas (56) was soon dismissed by Barton, his third of the day, with the former South African Test batsman wicket keeper getting a leading edge and was caught in the covers. Clark (64) continued to play positively and hit two further sixes but was bowled by Chapman. Stephen Parry (14) Tom Bailey (10) finished off the innings as Lancashire delared on 338/6 with 45 minutes left in the day. The university opening batsman faced a stern test with James Anderson and Kyle Jarvis opening the bowling and an early breakthrough came for the visitors. Anderson dimissed both openers cheaply as Cambridge finished the day on 15/2 from a testing 12 overs. Join the Red Rose this summer and get access to a wide range of benefits, including exclusive behind-the-scenes access and match day content. Becoming a Member of Lancashire County Cricket Club has never been better with updated benefits for 2017 as Lancashire once again take part in the Specsavers County Championship, Royal London One-Day Cup and the NatWest T20 Blast. Just some of the benefits include: Access to all home fixtures* FREE England v South Africa Day 3 ticket* Access to Members' areas on match days Members' voting rights *depending on category.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3832
__label__cc	0.504779	0.495221	Tag Archives: Atypical 5 Comments Posted in Disability in Society, Media Representation of Disability Tagged #ActuallyAtypical, #ActuallyAutistic, #OwnVoices, Atypical, Netflix, Own Voices Image Description: Promotional poster for Netflix series Atypical. The Main cast is lined up on the bottom of the screen Casey (Brigette Lundy-Paine), then only the top of Sam’s (Keir Gilchrist), Doug (Michael Rapaport), and Elsa (Jennifer Jason Leigh) a cartoon thought bubble surrounded by penguins is coming out of Sam’s head featuring the show title and release date (Aug. 11) I wrote the previous paragraph on Twitter yesterday in response to someone who suggested that despite Atypical’s extremely problematic portrayal of autism that it was still a tool for learning. Image Description: A screenshot of a tweet with the tweeter redacted. It reads “Us NTs could use a little awareness. No show will ever completely encompass such huge important topics. But they plant curiosity to learn +” The problem with Atypical isn’t that it’s merely imperfect. It’s loaded with stereotypes and misinformation. This tweet positions autistic people’s concerns about Atypical as merely whining and an unreasonable demand for perfection rather than the actual protest that it is against the genuinely harmful messages of the show. I am however going to focus on the last assertion of her tweet, that the show and shows like it create genuine curiosity to discover the truth about the marginalized peoples being misrepresented. This is patently false. The actions of this person actually exemplify that. This tweet only came about because autistic people had pushed back against their uncritical demand for a second season. It also came after their original rebuttal of “If you don’t like it you don’t have to watch it”. This latter argument entirely ignores the harm that can occur if people watch harmful portrayals of disability and believe and internalize those messages. Disabled people don’t have the luxury of just ignoring harmful representation. We need to know what happened so we can challenge it. The fact that they originally wanted me to just check out is entirely indicative of someone who didn’t want to engage with the show in a critical way. The later suggestion that people might use it as a jumping off point to learn about autism was just a last ditch effort to try and deflect uncomfortable criticisms about something they enjoy. They didn’t want to have to potentially feel uncomfortable about the implications of the media they consume. I have yet to see op-eds about individuals who have watched Atypical or any other awful portrayals of disability that talk about how the show inspired them to take a deep dive into the autistic community and then truly learned something. The critical pieces I see come from disabled people themselves or from writers who have seen the backlash and are reporting on it and this is by design. In the last five years or so, disabled people pushing back against awful portrayals has been getting more mainstream attention. (see the pushback against the film Me Before You as the perfect example). This hasn’t resulted in better disability portrayals but it has changed how disability portrayals are marketed. Now it is almost inevitable that presenting a disability portrayal as accurate and authentic will make up in some part of the marketing of that film or television show. This is certainly true of Atypical where show creator and writer Robia Rashid gave an interview which hinted at a personal connection to someone with autism and where she talked about all of the consultants and parents of children with autism that will present on the sets. She talked about how neurotypical actor Keir Gilchrist had previously worked with autistic children. We saw the same phenomenon with the film The Accountant. A film, I will remind you whose entire plot revolves around an autistic accountant who was also a skilled and dispassionate killer (he is often described as a hitman, however, at no point in the show or in his back story is he actually ever explicitly paid to kill somebody). Even this ridiculous character whose description is so unbelievable was treated to the veneer of authenticity by their marketing department. The people making the shows and films are already controlling for the off chance someone will become curious about the genuine authenticity of the portrayal. They are building in safeguards to actually mitigate curiosity. The goal of these portrayals is that they be accepted at face value and they are. Image Description: A screenshot of a tweet that reads “@Atypical is such a true representation of autism, I really hope it raises awareness and gives people a better understanding” it closes with a clapping emoji The person who wrote this tweet later told me in a tweet which they quickly deleted that they had an artistic brother and that’s how they knew how “authentic” it was. considering that the tweet was deleted so quickly that I couldn’t get a screenshot of it I remain sceptical of this claim, though it is far from impossible. The family members of disabled people can, unfortunately, be a major source of misinformation and misunderstanding of disability. Image Description: A screenshot of two tweets with the original author’s information redacted by images of a tennis ball and of floppy disks (I got the screen shot off of Twitter). The first tweet reads “the “people first” language in this show!!! @Atypical this is so awesome! person then diagnosis! “Child with autism”, not “autistic child”. Second week which is a response from the same author to the first rates “such a huge step forward in the normalization of the importance of mental health! and representation!!” it is not hard to find autistic people who prefer identity first language. It is widely held to be the predominant preference of the autistic community. So the fact that this individual was celebrating people first language which is contrary to that fact that only shows that they don’t know better but that they will use the show to validate their preconceived notions around language and identity in ways that invalidate autistic people and their preferences. These are pretty representative of the sorts of comments that portrayals of disability will receive from nondisabled people. They are their internalization’s of that media’s messaging or they will use that media to validate their preconceived ideas. As Twitter user @sorrysorryetc pointed out, the show was so poorly written that it was often unclear what the intended message was particularly as it pertains to language usage so people are just going to end up taking what they want from the show and not actually interrogating whether or not they have interpreted it correctly or whether the show was wrong entirely. The mere existence of bad portrayals of disability are not learning opportunities. Watching these shows can be educational if it is done with a critical eye and if it is being fact checked with the people being presented. For the shows to be truly educational they would need to be accompanied by a comprehensive syllabus and lessons learned would likely not be about disability itself but rather how media helps to construct oppressive systems around disability by misrepresenting them to an audience that is assumed to be nondisabled. 6 Comments Posted in Disability in Society, Media Representation of Disability Tagged #ActuallyAtypical, #ActuallyAutistic, ableism, Atypical, authenticity, disability, Robia Rashid, teachable moments I have now completed watching all eight episodes of the first season (it ended on a cliff hanger so they’re clearly angling for a second) of the Netflix series Atypical. It goes without saying that this post will include spoilers and quite frankly you’re welcome. Now you don’t have to watch it. The show is in a word terrible. The autistic character Sam has no perceivable personality and is largely just a collection of autism diagnostic criteria and stereotypes. His only driving factor is to get a girlfriend. Pretty much all of the characters are irredeemably awful. Elsa, the mother is the archetypal overbearing autism mom. She is controlling to the point of actually damaging Sam’s ability to function in the world. The show doesn’t actually really concretely address the extent of the harm. She is attention seeking and presents herself as a martyr on the altar of autism. Every horrible thing she does is blamed on Sam, from ignoring her other child to having an affair. Doug, the father starts out promising but turns out to be awful. initially, he just seems to be cluelessly but genuinely trying to connect with his son. It is later revealed that after Sam was diagnosed he left the family for eight months because he couldn’t deal. He spends the series which takes place well over a decade later enabling Sam’s creepy misogynistic behaviour under the excuse of trying to make up for leaving. He does have some good lines challenging some autism moms person first rhetoric but in the context of everything else he’s still awful. Casey, Sam’s younger sister is the only genuinely likeable person in the show. She treats him like a human being, though she uses him as a prop to further her own goals by referencing him in her interview to get into prep school. This is actually pretty realistic and in a better show might have been a genuine commentary on how even loving accepting family members can be ableist. Unfortunately, Atypical is not that show. Claire is the most well rounded and complex character in the show. Evan, Casey’s boyfriend is a nice generic good looking boyfriend. Pretty much sums him up. They hint at a difficult home life but it’s basically a failed attempt at making him not a generic boyfriend character and as an excuse for why he’s a convenient human lie detector. Julia Sasaki, Sam’s therapist, doesn’t know how to be a therapist. She’s ostensibly supposed to be helping him with life skills but can’t even set up clear boundaries. The first indication that Sam is creepy and doesn’t know how to talk to women is when he points out her bra strap is showing. She’s embarrassed but doesn’t use the opportunity to tell him that this might be an inappropriate behaviour. This foreshadows the rest of the show. Where Sam invariably gives someone a lot of warning that he might do something shitty and that person does nothing to stop it. No one explains anything to him in accessible terms. Zahid, is Sam’s only friend and coworker. On the one hand, Zahid is truly accepting of Sam which is great. If only that wasn’t entirely undercut by his cartoonish level of misogyny and the fact that he eggs on an facilitates Sam’s being a creepy piece of shit. Paige, Sam’s (ex)girlfriend, while Sam does treat her abysmally which is inexcusable, Paige also takes advantage of him and creates a controlling relationship where she defines all aspects of the relationship. She won’t let him talk about the things that interest him and in fact, implements a punitive system to limit his ability to steer the conversation. The show would need more autistic characters to act as counterpoints to Sam. This could be achieved by having autistic activists who engage with Elsa at one of her autism walks. They would challenge her and of course, she would inevitably utter the all to common phrase “you can’t speak for my child”. Elsa would double down on her awful behaviour which would be reinforced by the uncritical support of her autism mom’s support group. The inclusion of other autistic characters would help clear up the issue around the group’s use of language. Showing autistic people unapologetically identifying as autistic and owning their identities would throw Sam’s harsh reality into sharp relief. Sam would spend more time second guessing everything he says because his mother’s constant control would have destroyed his self-esteem. The show would make it clear that he has no escape at home from the bullying he experiences at school because home is just a different kind of abuse. It’s hard to figure out what to do with Zahid because in Netflix’s version he is the only person who genuinely accepts Sam. Realistically though his blatant sexism is likely what would trigger Sam to conclude that a girlfriend would fix all his problems. I hate getting rid of the accepting force but realistically the contradictions of the character don’t work well. More realistically, after finding no acceptance at school or home Sam would be ripe for coercion and abuse from someone who presents a veneer of acceptance. Someone who thinks it’s funny to put Sam into uncomfortable situations with women. Not someone who genuinely thinks they’re helping. Sam’s first attempt at a sexual encounter (which ends in him hitting the woman he’s with) might at least flirt with actual consequences. Maybe She calls the cops and they send an ambulance which is conveniently staffed by Sam’s EMT dad who talks her out of pressing charges. This would at least more concretely deal with explaining why Sam has built up this idea that his words and actions have no meaningful consequences beyond how they make him feel. Clear parallels would be drawn between Elsa and Paige and show that Sam is essentially exchanging one controlling relationship for another. Julia Sasaki would be as ineffective and there would likely be more direct controntations between her and Elsa. the show might actually show how therapists and medical professionals buy into stereotypes of disability and how this invariably hurts their patients. Paige would still plan the silent dance but she’d likely call the media and be publically celebrated for her altruism. Casey wouldn’t change much but a better show would offer more context about her. Show how she learned that it was okay to use her brother as a prop. Interrogate why the prep school interviewer not only let her get away with it but bought into it completely. That is what would make Atypical more real. Really, however, a better show would humanize autistic ppl and not turn us into victims. A better show would move away from the autistic white boy norm. An actually affirming autistic love story might include finding a partner who is able to communicate more clearly. This might allow for a more realistic portrayal of romantic and sexual exploration. What about instead of a first failed sexual experience that ends in violence. Sam still gets overwhelmed but that’s okay. What if instead of ending the season with a hand job in an igloo. Sam has a partner who is willing to try different sexual activities so that they have a mutually enjoyable experience. What if a handjob is shown as a more comfortable introduction to sexual activity? What if that’s where he stays comfortable and that’s okay? What if he was in a relationship where he understood that women are people and so they used creativity to make sure that he is able to reciprocate for his partner? What if his mother wasn’t sexually repressive? What if he had autistic friends? If not in person then online. What is an autistic love story was written by autistic people and a major company actually produced it? 7 Comments Posted in Disability in Society, Media Representation of Disability Tagged #ActuallyAtypical, #ActuallyAutistic, Atypical, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Keir Gilchrist, Michael Rapaport, Netflix, Robia Rashid	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3833
__label__cc	0.519586	0.480414	Archive for the ‘HaZiQ aLi’ Category Feature Friday is BACK.!! Posted: April 16, 2010 in HaZiQ aLi Tags: Feature Friday, hip hop, mixtape, music, rap, talent So it’s been a couple months since I did a “Feature Friday.” It’s been difficult to find awesome talent that really deserves to be exploited. I found one though and I’m totally diggin’ his swag! Music is sooo different but so HIP HOP! I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Haziq Ali in person but he’s a good dude. Definitely someone to collaborate with. Check him out!! Can music have a message and still move the crowd? It’s an age-old question in rap. While some have their doubts, D.C. rapper Haziq Ali knows it’s possible. Already, along with his business partner-in-rhyme Tabi Bonney, this innovative wordsmith is forging a new rap renaissance built on thoughtful lyrics that dont abandon hot beats and party anthems, the bedrock of successful contemporary rap music. “I’m really tryin’ to be that perfect mixture between the streets and the spirit, somebody called what I make ‘U-Can-Do-It! Music’, and I loved that… with so much going on in the world, people deserve to be inspired”, Haziq says. Ali, who currently splits his time between D.C., and Atlanta, wants to push rap’s boundaries in other ways as well. While recognizing that sampling has been an important staple of rap, and has played a key role in its success, Ali wants to create more opportunities for live musicians in the genre. This live sound, popular in the south, is a key element to his emerging sound. He says, “I want to combine down south musical sensibilities with up north-East Coast lyricism and word play.” If there is one rap tradition Ali has followed wholeheartedly without hesitation, it’s performing live. From New York City to North Carolina to Atlanta, Ali has honed the skills of the live show, which includes tours like Rock The Bells with 50 Cent, Killer Mike, Kanye West, Dead Prez, and others. Haziq’s incomparable delivery has also captured the ear of music lovers worldwide through heavy circulation on the hottest mixtapes by DJ Rondevu, DJ Scream and Big Mike among other heavyweight notables. Be sure to log onto http://haziqali.wordpress.com/ to watch as Ali showcases his ability to move the crowd. Also check out some more of Haziq Ali‘s music below. http://twiturm.com/c6z79 -Freedom http://twiturm.com/7jrz -We Flyin http://twiturm.com/okqer -Get Down http://twiturm.com/mmixw -Vans rmx ft Lil Wayne	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3834
__label__cc	0.612428	0.387572	Fading Of The Cries (Upcoming Film) Mendicant_Bias I'm not really into the fantasy genre in films, books or games, although I have made some exceptions. After watching the teaser trailer for Fading of the Cries, I think I'll have to make another exception. Here's the plot : The Story tells of a young man who defends his town from evil forces, aided by a magic sword. He saves Sarah from a malevolent evil that has begun plaguing a farmland town, in search of an amulet that had belonged to Sarah’s uncle. The couple set out to get to Sarah's house safely, while traveling through streets, fields, churches and underground tunnels, while being pursued from hordes of demonic creatures. And here's the trailer. "For he did not know that beyond the lake he called home lies a deeper, darker ocean green, where waves are both wilder and more serene. To its ports I've been. To its ports I've been." M.O.T.H. Re: Fading Of The Cries (Upcoming Film) Wow this looks bad. Am I the only one who gets a christian movie vibe from this as well? That trailer was a jumbled mess. BxB402 Ehhh, I'd watch it when it hits netflix, but it doesn't look all that great. The way it's filmed and the special effects kinda Remind me of Ink and this Asian movie called Re-Cycle(both on netflix instant, check em out.) but the plot and stuff look really meh. AIM/GT: BxB402 "Super perfundo on the early eve of your day." Is this just fantasy? It looks like multiple genres like a horror harry potter movie with swords and zombies. The effects looks epic but the trailer is confusing and the plot sounds weird. I will see it in theatres but it doesn't list a release date it just says coming soon. Overall still looks like it could be awesome.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3842
__label__wiki	0.549664	0.549664	Venom (2018). We’re going out on a limb – this comic-based film isn’t bad! Film review by Claire Durrant of the comic-based movie Venom starring Tom Hardy as a journalist who is taken over by a symbiotic parasite. To like this post, comment on it or follow this blog, please scroll to the bottom. Use the search function on the left of the screen to look for other reviews and updates. Journalist Eddie Brock (Tom Hardy) is trying to expose Carlton Drake (Riz Ahmed) of his questionable and twisted experiments at Life Foundation. During Eddie’s investigation, he discovers an alien symbiote, which merges with him. Naming himself Venom (also Hardy), this parasite grants Eddie superhuman strength and ability. Together they agree to take down Drake and the other symbiotes who want to control Earth. Review, by @claire_d_air Calm yo’ tits…stop being so venemous! It’s been a while since I’ve critiqued a film, and honestly I feel out of the loop. It may be silly to share this, but I need to get something off my chest. Here it goes – guys, Venom was…okay. I know right?! But – calm yo’ tits! Now, Venom is by no means a great film, but it is in no way deserving of the hate it’s receiving. I hear people say the film is as bad as Catwoman (2004). No – it is not. Venom isn’t even the worst Sony produced superhero film – FANT4STIC (2015) still earns that shame. All I’m saying is that Venom still has enough merits to deem the film watchable, even enjoyable at times. It is fair to say that Tom Hardy is a likeable actor. People enjoy looking at his face (when it’s not covered in a mask) as well as listening to his voice (when it isn’t embellished). Venom supplies both. Unfortunately however, Hardy’s acting at times lacked charisma and poise. That being said, the acting all round was not at a high standard – even from Michelle Williams, whose usually high calibre work deserves so much more than the girlfriend trope. That being said, the split personality of Eddie and Venom (which works as an internal buddy-comedy film of sorts) was an element I immensely enjoyed, despite people wanting and expecting a darker toned film. The CGI design of Venom and the symbiotesis impressive; with Venom looking sinister, wicked and strangely oily. The action scenes were also well choreographed and edited. The biggest issue I had with the film was its 15 rating. Venom could have benefited more from being an 18. Films like Logan (2017) and Deadpool (2016) have proven that darker comic book films can be financially and critically successful. It’s a shame Sony couldn’t take that same risk, especially since the story and character of Venom is dark, evil and horrific. There are scenes in the film in which characters are killed in gruesome ways. Heads are bitten off, throats are slashed, yet there is not one drop of blood. It’s sickeningly disappointing! With a threadbare story, villain and pace, I can understand why people are upset that a beloved anti-hero didn’t get the standalone film it deserved. I for one hope the filmmakers learn from their mistakes and get green lighted for a better sequel. Just, please calm down your hate for what is only a mediocre film. Don’t be so venomous! For more, see the official website. Cast and Credits Director: Ruben Fleischer. Avi Arad Productions/Columbia Pictures Corporation/Marvel Entertainment/SPE et al. Producers: Avi Arad, Amy Pascal, Matt Tolmach. Writers: Jeff Pinkner, Scott Rosenberg, Kelly Marcel. Camera: Matthew Libatique. Music: Ludwig Göransson. Sets: Oliver Scholl. Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed, Reid Scott, Scott Haze, Jenny Slate. Tags Claire Durrant, Comics, Film review, Marvel Film, Michelle Williams, Parasite, Tom Hardy, Venom film The House with a Clock in Its Walls (2018). This magic fantasy casts a decent spell Smallfoot (2018). A cute, cryptozoological cartoon that needs more comedy	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3845
__label__wiki	0.824295	0.824295	General 5.6.2019 12:49 pm PPF calls on Ramaphosa to convene summit of SA black executives President Cyril Ramaphosa during the swearing in of the new Presidential Cabinet at the Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria, 30 May 2019. Picture: Jacques Nelles The call comes after the resignations of Phakamani Hadebe and Vuyani Jarana from Eskom and South African Airways respectively. The Progressive Professionals Forum (PPF) on Wednesday called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to convene a South African black executives summit which would dissect the state of corporate governance and management of state-owned enterprises. The call comes after the resignations of two black executives, Phakamani Hadebe and Vuyani Jarana from Eskom and South African Airways (SAA) respectively. The PPF said Jarana’s resignation came at a time when the South African black executives were continuously finding themselves embroiled in the turmoil of the current state of corporate governance and management of the state-owned enterprises, resulting in them resigning. “Of great concern to PPF, representing the South African middle strata and the professionals though, are the reasons openly cited by the SAA’ s black executive Vuyani Jarana which are attributed to his resignation,” said the PPF’s national chair Abram Luruli, adding that these were reasons which couldn’t be taken lightly, especially by the newly inaugurated South African government as led by Ramaphosa, mainly because they remained a threat to the thrust of the new dawn and the agenda to ‘grow South Africa together’. The forum said it would like to join other progressive voices that were making calls to pay particular attention to the corporate vulnerability of the South African black executives, especially those who were entrusted with the driving of the developmental agenda of the state-owned enterprises and public service in general. “The think tank and resource base of South Africa management and governance in South Africa, especially the SOEs and the public sector, with a view to emerge with an institutionalised roadmap through which corporate lapses, blockages, [and] hinderances identified shall be addressed and tracked regularly. “PPF will also join hands with other progressive voices in ensuring that the Black Empowerment and Recognition Agenda especially during this era of growing South Africa together is not sidetracked,” said Luruli. – African News Agency Ramaphosa to host 70 girls as part of Take a Girl Child to Work campaign 30.5.2019 State of the nation address set for June 20 30.5.2019 SANDF rubbish ‘fake news’ around paratrooper mishap at Ramaphosa inauguration 27.5.2019	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3846
__label__cc	0.524623	0.475377	How to Write a Discursive Essay By Isaiah David ••• Ingram Publishing/Ingram Publishing/Getty Images A discursive essay, sometimes called a argument essay, is a critical analysis of a controversial topic that supports an opinion about that topic. The writer of a discursive essay attempts to present both sides of an issue, while showing why one side has greater merit. Discursive writing is a good way to learn how to structure an argument logically and to anticipate and counter the arguments of the other side. These fundamentals are essential for a good essay. Introduce a controversial topic in the first paragraph and explain the topic and how you feel about it. Explain your strongest argument in the second paragraph. This should be the most compelling piece of evidence that you can support logically to aid your position. Strengthen it with expert opinions, statistics and real-world examples, but avoid anecdotal claims, especially when writing college essays. Write supporting paragraphs in descending order of importance. Each paragraph should illustrate a single argument. Explain the counterarguments to your essay's thesis. Explain their beliefs and reasoning as completely as possible. Don't artificially weaken your opponent's arguments. Your essay will be stronger if you represent the counterarguments fairly. Explain why you reject the opponent's arguments. Your reasons might be moral, practical or logical. You may start with a concession statement, admitting that some of the opposing arguments are valid, but state that you still think your side is right. Write a conclusion for your discursive essay that acknowledges your opponents' principal argument, and explain why you don't subscribe to it. For example, if you were writing a paper against the death penalty, you might say, "I acknowledge that murderers deserve the most severe punishment society has, but I believe the death penalty should not be used because it can lead to the execution of innocent people." Computer or pen and paper Original sources for research BBC: English Topics How to Write Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide for All Levels, with Sample Essays; Don Shiach Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan. Ingram Publishing/Ingram Publishing/Getty Images How to Write a Historical Persuasive Essay How to Write a Persuasive Essay	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3848
__label__wiki	0.933511	0.933511	Home AFRICAN Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts. Credit to Livemint and MrOwl. CB presents the Full Story of a Technology Entrepreneur who is best known with the nickname “Iron Man“. Our Elon Musk Childhood Story plus Untold Biography Facts brings you a full account of notable events from his childhood time to date. The analysis involves his early life, life story before fame, family background and personal life. More so, other OFF and ON-Screen little-known facts about him. Yes, everyone knows he is one of the greatest and most prolific modern inventors. However, only a few consider Elon Musk’s biography which is quite interesting. Now, without further ado, let’s begin. Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts: Early Life and Family Background Elon Reeve Musk was born on the 28th day of June 1981 at Pretoria in Transvaal, South Africa. He is eldest of three children born of the union between his father Errol Musk (an electromagnetic engineer) and his mother Maye Musk (a model and dietitian). Elon Musk’s parents Maye and Errol. Credits: The Independent and Stuff. The American, Canadian and South African national of mixed ethnicity with English, French Huguenot, Afrikaner/Dutch, German and Swiss-German roots was raised in Pretoria, South Africa. Ellon Musk is of mixed ethnicity with diverse roots. Credits: MrOwl. Growing up in Pretoria alongside his younger brother, Kimbal and sister, Tosca, young Musk was an introverted kid and deep thinker. So intense was Musk’s introversion that his mother feared he might be deaf. Musk was raised at Pretoria, South Africa alongside his siblings. Credits: CNBC. In addition, Musk was an avid reader and computer enthusiast who taught himself how to program. By the time Musk was aged 12, he created his first software – a video game – called Blastar and sold it for approximately $500. Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts: Education and Career Buildup Musk’s education background comprises of his studies at Waterkloof House Preparatory School before he progressed to Bryanston High School. He completed his secondary education at Pretoria Boys High School. While at the respective institutions Musk was a good kid who did his best to stay out of trouble however his school days were ruined by bullies who pounced on him at any given opportunity. At the height of such attacks, Musk was thrown down a flight of stairs and smashed his head on the hard pavement during descent. He immediately lost consciousness and was hospitalized with a severely broken nose that was corrected via a nose job. Elon Musk was the victim of bullies for the most part of his school days. Credits: Fascinate. Subsequent academic pursuits saw Musk got enrolled at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario Canada. He studied at the college for two years and got transferred to the University of Pennsylvania in the U.S. where he obtained degrees in economics and physics. Thereafter, the tech prodigy headed to Stanford University in California to pursue a PhD in energy physics but dropped out after just two days of classes to become an internet entrepreneur. Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts: Early Career Life First stop in that regard was starting a web software company, called Zip2 Corporation in 1995. The company which was started by Musk and his brother Kimbal via money raised from angel investors developed and marketed an Internet city guide for newspapers and publishing industry. Elon Musk and his brother Started Zip2 in 1995. Credits: HotFridayTalks Musk struggled to keep Zip2 afloat including selling majority control of the company to venture capitalists in exchange for a $3.6 million investment. Zip was eventually acquired by Compaq which paid Musk US$22 million and settled other board members accordingly. Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts: Road To Fame Moving on, Musk Started an online financial services and e-mail payment company called X.com in 1999. The company was one year later merged with Confinity which had a money-transfer service called PayPal. Upon the merge, X.com and PayPal became one company named PayPal with a focus on making the company a global payment transfer provider. Paypal was eventually acquired by eBay for US$1.5 billion of which US$165 million was paid to Musk. Elon Musk with one of the co-founders of PayPal Peter Thiel. Credits: QZ. Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts: Rise To Fame Musk was relatively unknown until he founded his third company known as Space Exploration Technologies or SpaceX in 2002. The company which is still owned by Musk develops rocket technology and builds spacecraft for commercial space travel. Elon Musk and the founding staff of SpaceX celebrate their first office space with a mariachi band in 2002. Credits: Business Insider. Before SpaceX could be fully established in 2008, Musk co-founded Tesla Motors of which he is the sole product architect. Through Tesla, Musk designs electric vehicles that utilize renewable energy with embedded artificial intelligence features. The rest, as they say, is history. Musk co-founded Tesla Motors in 2008 and he is the sole product architect till date. Credits: Fortune. Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts: Relationship Life Musk is the genius recording success with his diverse innovations geared towards making the world a better place. However, being an innovator with maintaining relationships seems to be rocket science for the developer of rocket technology. We bring you details about his failed marriages and current relationship. Marriage with Justine Wilson. Musk was first married to Canadian author, Justine Wilson. The estranged couples met and began dating during their studies at Queen’s University in Canada Ontario. They took their relationship to the next level by getting married in 2000. Elon Musk with first wife Justine. Credits: Daily Mail. Their marriage was blessed with six sons. First was Nevada Alexander (born 2002) who died from SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) when he was only 10 weeks old. Others are twins: Xavier and Griffin (born 2004) and triplets: Damian, Kai, and Saxon (born 2006). Musk and Justine were not meant to be together forever as they brought their near decade long marriage to an end in 2008. Marriage with Talulah Riley. Not willing to stay alone, Musk began dating British actress Talulah Riley in 2008. The duo walked down the aisle in 2010 before walking out of the marital union two years later. Elon Musk with second wife Talulah Riley. Credits: The Independent. Seeming unsure about what they both wanted, Musk and Talulah retied their loose knot in July 2013 but got divorced in December 2014. They were back together shortly until 2016 when goodbyes had its true meaning in their lives. Moving on, Musk had a romantic stint with Johnny Depp‘s former wife, actress Amber Heard between 2016 and 2017. Elon Musk relationship with Amber Heard. Credits: Page Six. He is currently having an affair with Canadian musician, Claire Elise Boucher A.K.A Grimes. The couples who began dating in late 2017 made their first public outing on the 7th of May 2018 at the Met Gala. It is hoped that Grimes has all that it takes to keep Musk happy. Elon Musk with girlfriend Grimes. Credits: Business Insider. Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts: Family Life Musk was born into a family of 5. we bring you factual details about members of his family. About Elon Musk’s Father: Errol Graham Musk is the Dad of the technology entrepreneur. He is a wealthy National of South African and worked as an electromagnetic engineer. Eroll got separated from Musk Mother when the innovator was only aged 10. Musk’s father Eroll is a National of South Africa. Credits: Stuff. Musk choose to live with his father in South Africa after the separation, a decision which he later admits regretting describing Errol as a terrible human being. Reasons for Musk’s severed ties with his father borders on the fact that Eroll was tough in raising Musk and his siblings to the point of abuse. About Elon Musk’s Mother: Maye Haldeman is Musk’s mom. She is a model and a successful dietician. The Canadian National came to South Africa in 1950 and met Musk father during their studies at a high school in Pretoria. Unlike Eroll, Maye is accommodating to her children including Musk who declined attending a South African college in order to be reunited with his mother in Canada. Elon Musk with his accommodating mother Maye Musk. Credits: fortune. About Elon Musk’s Siblings: Musk has two siblings born of the union between his father and mother. They include his younger brother Kimbal and his younger sister Tosc. Kimbal, born on the 20th of September 1972 grew up with Musk and co-founded Zip2 Corporation with him in 1995. He is now an established businessman who specializes in sourcing food directly from farmers and bringing it to the table of many homes. Elon Musk’s younger brother Kimbal. Credits: Twitter. Tosca, born on the 20th of July 1974 is an award-winning filmmaker. The beauty who also grew up with Musk has her own Film production studio in Los Angeles. She is currently married with kids. Elon Musk’s Younger Sister Tosca. Credits: SA. About Elon Musk’s half Siblings: Musk has three half-siblings born of his father’s subsequent relationship. They include Alexandra Musk, Asha Rose Musk and Elliot Rush. Alexandra Musk was born in 1993 of Musk’s father’s subsequent relationship and studied Environmental science in University of Colorado Boulder. Little is known about Musk’s other half-sibling Asha Rose Musk. Musk’s half-sister Alexandra Musk. Credits: BHW. Elliot Rush is Musk’s half brother born of Errol’s ‘shameful affair’ with his half daughter Jana Bezuidenhout. According to Errol’: “It happened one evening when Jana’s boyfriend threw her out of the house and she had slept over at my house”. He told Rapport newspaper. “You have to understand – I’ve been single for 20 years and I’m just a man who makes mistakes.” Elon Musk’s half brother Elliot Rush with his mother Jana Bezuidenhout (Errol’s half-daughter). Credits: Daily Mail. About Elon Musk’s Relations: Moving on to members of Musk’s extended family, his maternal grandfather was an American-born Canadian called Dr Joshua Haldeman. He has an aunt called Kaye Rive. She is the twin sister of Musk’s mother Maye. Through aunt Kaye Rive, Musk has two cousins; Peter and Lyndon Rive whom he gave total control of his company SolarCity. Musk also has a step-mother called Heidi-Mari Musk. She is the biological mother of Asha Rose Musk and Jana Bezuidenhout whom Eroll got impregnated. Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts: Personal Facts What makes Musk tick? sit back as we bring you makings of his personality to help you have a complete picture of him. To begin with, Musk persona is a blend of the INTJ (Introversion, Intuition, Thinking, Judgement) traits. He is unemotional, self-driven and self-motivated to achieve his goals against all odds. As a result, he lives an unbalanced life that is characterized by insane long working hours. Elon Musk works no fewer than 80 hours a week. Credits: CNBC. On the bright side, Musk knows how to celebrate success and dedicates part of his allotted 24 hours to reading, listening to music and watching movies. He also plays video games, bakes cookies every Sunday morning and hangs out with his family and friends. Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts: Lifestyle With an estimated net worth of $22.8 billion, Musk lives the life of a spendthrift billionaire and seemingly has more than he can live with. For starters, the CEO owns not less than $70 million worth of residential property in the Bel-Air neighbourhood of Los Angeles. including a 20,248-square-foot mansion worth $17 million in the neighbourhood. Elon Musk Mansion $17 million mansions at Bel-Air neighbourhood of Los Angeles. Credits: Business Insider. Added to that are mansions spread across continents and islands of the world. It would only be a matter of time before he creates a paradise for himself in Mars. Being the leader and sole architect of Tesla Cars, Musk knows and acquire hi-tech cars that stimulate his innovative prowess. Little wonder his cars collection include a Lotus Esprit submarine car used in a James Bond movie. He also owns two gas-powered cars: a Jaguar E-Type Series 1 Roadster and a Ford Model T. Elon Musk has two gas-powered cars in his collection. Credits: Business Insider. Elon Musk Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts: Untold Facts Musk has appeared in several television shows including the Simpsons and Big Bang Theory. In addition, he has produced several films including the 2005 film Thank You for Smoking. Elon Musk in an episode of Big Bang Theory. Credits: Fascinate. Although he is worth $23 billion, Musk has never taken a paycheck from Tesla. He rather invests billions of dollars of revenue from Tesla into research. Musk was in 2010 awarded the Gold Space Medal from the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. The award is the highest honour in the air and space world. Previous recipients of the award include famous American astronauts Neil Armstrong and John Glenn. The award is deserving of Musk who is working towards creating a human colony on Mars. Elon Musk’s SpaceX is developing a reusable rocket-spaceship system called the BFR to help make Mars settlement economically feasible. Credits: Space. He is one among numerous tech billionaires that have signed the Giving Pledge. By signing the pledge, Musk promises to donate the majority of his wealth to philanthropic efforts. Notable tech entrepreneurs that have also signed the pledge include Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, among others. The latest of his innovative idea that is yet to be actualized is the Hyperloop, a new form of transportation that could theoretically send people from San Francisco to Los Angeles in half an hour by way of pressurized tubes. Image conceptualization of Musk’s planned Hyperloop. Credits: Daily Mail. FACT CHECK: Thanks for reading our Elon Musk Childhood Story plus untold biography facts. At childhood biography, we strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn’t look right in this article, please place your comment or contact us! Childhood Biography Diary- for Male Billionaires Evan Spiegel Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts Warren Buffett Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts Larry Page Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts Jeff Bezos Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts Larry Ellison Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts Aliko Dangote Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts Mark Zuckerberg Childhood Story Plus Untold Biography Facts	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3856
__label__wiki	0.626858	0.626858	Lady Dior: An Icon With everyone talking about the sell-out V&A exhibition Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams and ahead of our exciting Chiswick Lates with Connie Karol Burks, Assistant Curator of the landmark exhibition, we discuss the Lady Dior, the fashion house’s most iconic bag ever… The story goes that in September 1995, Princess Diana was gifted the new Dior “Chouchou” bag by Bernadette Chirac, First Lady of France, at the Cezanne Art Exhibition at the Grand Palais in Paris. Diana loved it so much she ordered one in every available colour. It was regularly photographed on her arm and the name was later changed to Lady Dior in Diana’s honour. Within the first two years they had sold more than 200,000 Lady Dior’s, cementing its iconic status. Over the years there have been numerous women including Carla Bruni, Diane Kruger, Monica Bellucci, Marion Cottillard and Jennifer Lawrence who have represented and modernised it. Dior famously said “Real luxury requires the best materials and the best craftsmanship”. This philosophy can be seen in the Lady Dior. The bag was originally designed by Gianfranco Ferre in 1994. The iconic Cannage motif is said to be taken from the Napoleon III chairs used by Dior in his first show in 1947. Each bag takes eight hours to make and seven skilled craftsmen. All 140 pieces of lambskin leather are hand stretched and stitched. Lot 25. Christian Dior Limited Edition Black Crocodile Lady Dior MM. Estimate: £6,000-8,000 Lot 199. Christian Dior Limited Edition Coral Crocodile Lady Dior MM. Estimate: £4,000-6,000 Lot 5. Marc Quinn for Christian Dior ‘Fossil Record’ Lady Dior GM. Estimate: £1,200-1,800 Through the years, the Lady Dior has come in a variety of exotic skins including ostrich, lizard and crocodile (Lots 25 and 199), as well as limited edition pieces (Lot 5). In 2016, the artist Marc Quinn collaborated with Dior to mark the opening of their New Bond Street store. The collaboration was only available in the New Bond Street store and was limited to no more than 100 pieces per item, making it an incredibly sought-after collection. Quinn reinterpreted the classic aesthetic, using bright colours and his classic orchid motif, creating a juxtaposition between the clean, classic silhouette and his bold, contemporary designs. Chiswick Auctions are excited to be able to offer a selection of the finest Lady Dior’s on the pre-loved market in our forthcoming Designer Handbags & Fashion auction taking place on Wednesday 15th May.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3857
__label__cc	0.646964	0.353036	Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ... Christian Canvas Art I like to have a few areas in my house that I change out when the mood strikes me. The kitchen message board I have is one of those places and adding a new bible verse here always brightens my day. Maybe you have a spot that could use something new? You can visit any of the sites below to download a FREE piece of scripture art!!! I suggest downloading the pieces you like and having them printed on heavy cardstock. Go ahead and print a few at a time, then you have them on hand to change out. If you are a frequent visitor to the blog you know I provide a new free printable scripture download every month, so be sure to get yours here! Now on to some more freebies from some of my favorites bloggers on the internet (plus a few more from me!)! Christian Art and Gifts "You shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel, six of their names on the one stone and the names of the remaining six on the other stone, according to their birth. "As a jeweler engraves a signet, you shall engrave the two stones according to the names of the sons of Israel; you shall set them in filigree settings of gold.read more. Christian Canvas Art He also made two capitals of molten bronze to set on the tops of the pillars; the height of the one capital was five cubits and the height of the other capital was five cubits. There were nets of network and twisted threads of chainwork for the capitals which were on the top of the pillars; seven for the one capital and seven for the other capital. So he made the pillars, and two rows around on the one network to cover the capitals which were on the top of the pomegranates; and so he did for the other capital. The capitals which were on the top of the pillars in the porch were of lily design, four cubits. There were capitals on the two pillars, even above and close to the rounded projection which was beside the network; and the pomegranates numbered two hundred in rows around both capitals. Thus he set up the pillars at the porch of the nave; and he set up the right pillar and named it Jachin, and he set up the left pillar and named it Boaz. On the top of the pillars was lily design. So the work of the pillars was finished. Christian Art and Gifts For the entrance of the inner sanctuary he made doors of olive wood, the lintel and five-sided doorposts. So he made two doors of olive wood, and he carved on them carvings of cherubim, palm trees, and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold; and he spread the gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees. So also he made for the entrance of the nave four-sided doorposts of olive woodread more. Christian Art and Gifts "Now her sister Oholibah saw this, yet she was more corrupt in her lust than she, and her harlotries were more than the harlotries of her sister. "She lusted after the Assyrians, governors and officials, the ones near, magnificently dressed, horsemen riding on horses, all of them desirable young men. "I saw that she had defiled herself; they both took the same way.read more. Christian Art and Gifts Masters, treat your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. ... Share Your Faith Products Canvas Art I’ve been working on expanding my printables library and I’ve added some scripture and hymn wall art! These Bible verses (and one hymn) to print are simple and are available in download for an 8×10 or 5×7 frame. My original intent was that they be Bible verse decor for walls, but as I developed them I couldn’t help thinking that they would also look great on a desk or on top of a mantel – so download and use them wherever you think best! Huram also made the pails, the shovels and the bowls. So Huram finished doing the work which he performed for King Solomon in the house of God: the two pillars, the bowls and the two capitals on top of the pillars, and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals which were on top of the pillars, and the four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, two rows of pomegranates for each network to cover the two bowls of the capitals which were on the pillars.read more. Share Your Faith Products Canvas Art Remember that biblical art, as a visual representation of the Bible, is not always rated “G.” The Bible is not a children’s story, so some biblical art contains nudity or bloody depictions of violence. Not all things in the Bible are beautiful and calming; many times biblical stories are full of distortion and dissonance. As such, biblical artwork will tell the full Story of God that includes creation, fall, and redemption, with each of its harsh realities. As in all of life, the believer is called to be discerning. Christian Art and Gifts Our extensive experience ensures you of the highest quality product. As in most industries, when they start to mature the low price competitors come in to make quick money with inferior products. The Vinyl Wall Decal industry has been no different. Just in the past few years, we have seen a flood of inferior products coming in from overseas. While these products are usually cheap, they aren’t usually even functional. These products come without necessities like pre-installed transfer tape making it almost impossible for you to actually install the product. One company we know of doesn’t even “weed” their products making them useless for most customers. Of course, trying to fight with a Chinese company for a $5 refund is seldom worth the time so most users just end up frustrated and disappointed. He made two cherubim of gold; he made them of hammered work at the two ends of the mercy seat; one cherub at the one end and one cherub at the other end; he made the cherubim of one piece with the mercy seat at the two ends. The cherubim had their wings spread upward, covering the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces toward each other; the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat. Christian Canvas Art	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3862
__label__wiki	0.562714	0.562714	How to reconcile the Didache's instruction with Apostolic succession? As it pertains primarily to Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and other large denominations that not only lay claim to an unbroken successive line, but who also put significant emphasis on it: The Didache instructs congregations to "elect" Bishops and Deacons "for themselves." Chap. XV. Elect therefore for yourselves Bishops and Deacons worthy of the Lord, men meek, and not lovers of money, and truthful, and approved; for they too minister to you the ministry of the Prophets and Teachers. http://www.catholicplanet.com/ebooks/didache.htm My initial understanding of this would be that these communities are in charge of [democratically?] naming their own clergy. That in itself isn't terribly contradictory sounding, but there's no mention of any formal process or Church approval -- let alone a consecration of the "elected" by the Church. The omission of such formality in what appears to be a very formal and detailed early "Church Handbook" seems to call into question the notion that a strict Apostolic Succession was present in the early Church. In the very least, one might wonder whether some congregations in the early Church did elect their own Bishops, without pre-approval or education by the Church, blurring the line of succession. How do we adequately square the Didache's instruction with Apostolic Succession? catholicism apostolic-succession didache Alex Strasser svidgensvidgen Henry Chadwick writes about this in his book The Early Church (Penguin, 1993), on page 50. First he explains that the role of the "bishop" (episkopos) evolved to be a primus among the elders (presbyters) in the late apostolic or early post-apostolic era. But it would take a while until the bishop received a more formal recognition as a separate tier of leadership. The writings of Ignatios of Antioch thus do not describe a common practice at his time, but something he recommends, and that gradually became accepted as a way to guarantee unity. The pressure from gnostic movements was the primary influencing factor. The episkopos thus remained a presbyter as well. The first thing that differentiated bishops from other elders, was the power to ordain. He would be the primary layer on of hands, when a new presbyter was ordained, though others might join in. But when a new episkopos was ordained, all of the other presbyters would lay hands on him, though "some variations in custom appears". At Alexandria we are told they did so, until the third century and there is no mention of visiting bishops; but in Rome by the time of Hippolytos (early 3d century presbyter) only the bishops who came from other churches laid hands on the one consecrated, the chief consecrator being chosen by the bishops themselves... The actual choice of the candidate rested with the whole congregation... Election by the people likewise played a large part in the ordination of presbyters and deacons. This of course is a secondary source, but from my reading of other books on Church History, the explanation is non-controversial. itpastornitpastorn Good information. I have to ponder whether it answers my question, which is intended primarily to focus on how we are to interpret the relevant lines in the Didache without threatening our understanding of the Apostolic Succession and its value. – svidgen Nov 8 '12 at 22:33 Well, or whether it simply does threaten our understanding of Apostolic Succession. Your answer suggests that it doesn't, which is my inclination too. But, I'm not sure how to relate other information to the Didache then without somewhat discrediting the Didache and/or the other source. Perhaps I need to do some more research on the intent of the Didache. Intent is always valuable in interpretation. – svidgen Nov 8 '12 at 22:35 My answer perhaps was more about the context. And actually, I think that the early churches did not have the concept of apostolic succession. Also, note that the Didache passage you mention talks about a two tiered leadership, thus the idea of a special role for the bishop - a key component for the idea of apostolic succession AFAIK - is not supported by that passage. The text bears witness to the fact that Ignatios of Antioch's writing in fact do not contain universally accepted ideas, since his writings are from about the same time. So I can't say how it squares, I think it does not. – itpastorn Nov 9 '12 at 0:31 Thanks for contributing an answer to Christianity Stack Exchange! Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged catholicism apostolic-succession didache or ask your own question. How is Lutheran apostolic succession conferred? In which other churches do Roman Catholics recognize apostolic succession? Apostolic Succession in the Catholic church Why is Apostolic succession required in some denominations? How do Lutherans who accept apostolic succession trace theirs? How do Anglicans, who recognize apostolic succession, trace theirs? How has apostolic succession been “unbroken” in the wake of depositions, antipopes, immorality, and simony? How did the threefold distinction of Deacon, Priest and Bishop come about? Anglican apostolic succession Existence of Catholic Church without hierarchy	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3865
__label__cc	0.701189	0.298811	Lastes Issue Submissions Featured CONTRIBUTORS ARCHIVE Lastes IssueSubmissionsFeaturedCONTRIBUTORSARCHIVE Fine Art Photography Magazine Submission Guidelines! THE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES AND COPYRIGHT CAREFULLY BEFORE SUBMITTING Submissions that do not meet the submission guidelines will not be reviewed. DO NOT submit images that contain any visual watermark/text/frames or quotes/graphic overlays. Digitally embedded watermarks are welcome. DO NOT PUT YOUR IMAGES INTO A WORD DOCUMENT to submit them! DO NOT write your information or file names in all CAPITAL LETTERS PLEASE be careful not to resubmit images that have already been published in Red Fox Nature Photography Magazine! Submit your image via email as an attachment. DO NOT just share an image with a link to your site! 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__label__cc	0.507629	0.492371	DatenverarbeitungChevron Right Dieser Kurs ist Teil der Spezialisierung Spezialisierung Mathematics for Machine Learning Mathematics for Machine Learning: Linear Algebra Spezialisierung Mathematics for Machine Learning 342,336 recent views In this course on Linear Algebra we look at what linear algebra is and how it relates to vectors and matrices. Then we look through what vectors and matrices are and how to work with them, including the knotty problem of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and how to use these to solve problems. Finally we look at how to use these to do fun things with datasets - like how to rotate images of faces and how to extract eigenvectors to look at how the Pagerank algorithm works. Since we're aiming at data-driven applications, we'll be implementing some of these ideas in code, not just on pencil and paper. Towards the end of the course, you'll write code blocks and encounter Jupyter notebooks in Python, but don't worry, these will be quite short, focussed on the concepts, and will guide you through if you’ve not coded before. At the end of this course you will have an intuitive understanding of vectors and matrices that will help you bridge the gap into linear algebra problems, and how to apply these concepts to machine learning. Empfohlen: 5 weeks of study, 2-5 hours/week... Eigenvalues And EigenvectorsBasis (Linear Algebra)Transformation MatrixLinear Algebra Introduction to Linear Algebra and to Mathematics for Machine Learning In this first module we look at how linear algebra is relevant to machine learning and data science. Then we'll wind up the module with an initial introduction to vectors. Throughout, we're focussing on developing your mathematical intuition, not of crunching through algebra or doing long pen-and-paper examples. For many of these operations, there are callable functions in Python that can do the adding up - the point is to appreciate what they do and how they work so that, when things go wrong or there are special cases, you can understand why and what to do. Introduction: Solving data science challenges with mathematics2m Motivations for linear algebra3m Getting a handle on vectors9m Operations with vectors11m Summary1m About Imperial College & the team5m How to be successful in this course5m Grading policy5m Additional readings & helpful references10m Exploring parameter space20m Solving some simultaneous equations15m Doing some vector operations14m Vectors are objects that move around space In this module, we look at operations we can do with vectors - finding the modulus (size), angle between vectors (dot or inner product) and projections of one vector onto another. We can then examine how the entries describing a vector will depend on what vectors we use to define the axes - the basis. That will then let us determine whether a proposed set of basis vectors are what's called 'linearly independent.' This will complete our examination of vectors, allowing us to move on to matrices in module 3 and then start to solve linear algebra problems. Introduction to module 2 - Vectors49 Modulus & inner product10m Cosine & dot product5m Projection6m Changing basis11m Basis, vector space, and linear independence4m Applications of changing basis3m Dot product of vectors15m Linear dependency of a set of vectors15m Vector operations assessment15m Matrices in Linear Algebra: Objects that operate on Vectors Now that we've looked at vectors, we can turn to matrices. First we look at how to use matrices as tools to solve linear algebra problems, and as objects that transform vectors. Then we look at how to solve systems of linear equations using matrices, which will then take us on to look at inverse matrices and determinants, and to think about what the determinant really is, intuitively speaking. Finally, we'll look at cases of special matrices that mean that the determinant is zero or where the matrix isn't invertible - cases where algorithms that need to invert a matrix will fail. Matrices, vectors, and solving simultaneous equation problems5m How matrices transform space5m Types of matrix transformation8m Composition or combination of matrix transformations8m Solving the apples and bananas problem: Gaussian elimination8m Going from Gaussian elimination to finding the inverse matrix8m Determinants and inverses10m Summary59 Using matrices to make transformations12m Solving linear equations using the inverse matrix16m Matrices make linear mappings In Module 4, we continue our discussion of matrices; first we think about how to code up matrix multiplication and matrix operations using the Einstein Summation Convention, which is a widely used notation in more advanced linear algebra courses. Then, we look at how matrices can transform a description of a vector from one basis (set of axes) to another. This will allow us to, for example, figure out how to apply a reflection to an image and manipulate images. We'll also look at how to construct a convenient basis vector set in order to do such transformations. Then, we'll write some code to do these transformations and apply this work computationally. Introduction: Einstein summation convention and the symmetry of the dot product9m Matrices changing basis11m Doing a transformation in a changed basis4m Orthogonal matrices6m The Gram–Schmidt process6m Example: Reflecting in a plane14m Non-square matrix multiplication20m Example: Using non-square matrices to do a projection12m Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors: Application to Data Problems Eigenvectors are particular vectors that are unrotated by a transformation matrix, and eigenvalues are the amount by which the eigenvectors are stretched. These special 'eigen-things' are very useful in linear algebra and will let us examine Google's famous PageRank algorithm for presenting web search results. Then we'll apply this in code, which will wrap up the course. Welcome to module 552 What are eigenvalues and eigenvectors?4m Special eigen-cases3m Calculating eigenvectors10m Changing to the eigenbasis5m Eigenbasis example7m Introduction to PageRank8m Wrap up of this linear algebra course1m Did you like the course? Let us know!10m Selecting eigenvectors by inspection20m Characteristic polynomials, eigenvalues and eigenvectors30m Diagonalisation and applications20m Eigenvalues and eigenvectors25m Top reviews from Mathematics for Machine Learning: Linear Algebra von NS•Dec 23rd 2018 Professors teaches in so much friendly manner. This is beginner level course. Don't expect you will dive deep inside the Linear Algebra. But the foundation will become solid if you attend this course. von CS•Apr 1st 2018 Amazing course, great instructors. The amount of working linear algebra knowledge you get from this single course is substantial. It has already helped solidify my learning in other ML and AI courses. David Dye Professor of Metallurgy Department of Materials Samuel J. Cooper Dyson School of Design Engineering A. Freddie Page Strategic Teaching Fellow Über Imperial College London Imperial College London is a world top ten university with an international reputation for excellence in science, engineering, medicine and business. located in the heart of London. Imperial is a multidisciplinary space for education, research, translation and commercialisation, harnessing science and innovation to tackle global challenges. Imperial students benefit from a world-leading, inclusive educational experience, rooted in the College’s world-leading research. Our online courses are designed to promote interactivity, learning and the development of core skills, through the use of cutting-edge digital technology.... Über die Spezialisierung Mathematics for Machine Learning For a lot of higher level courses in Machine Learning and Data Science, you find you need to freshen up on the basics in mathematics - stuff you may have studied before in school or university, but which was taught in another context, or not very intuitively, such that you struggle to relate it to how it’s used in Computer Science. This specialization aims to bridge that gap, getting you up to speed in the underlying mathematics, building an intuitive understanding, and relating it to Machine Learning and Data Science. In the first course on Linear Algebra we look at what linear algebra is and how it relates to data. Then we look through what vectors and matrices are and how to work with them. The second course, Multivariate Calculus, builds on this to look at how to optimize fitting functions to get good fits to data. It starts from introductory calculus and then uses the matrices and vectors from the first course to look at data fitting. The third course, Dimensionality Reduction with Principal Component Analysis, uses the mathematics from the first two courses to compress high-dimensional data. This course is of intermediate difficulty and will require basic Python and numpy knowledge. At the end of this specialization you will have gained the prerequisite mathematical knowledge to continue your journey and take more advanced courses in machine learning....	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3875
__label__cc	0.684326	0.315674	No One Likes Me Igneous “Original, honest and brave, intertwines raw emotion with physical expression" —ArtsHub A solo show of one man’s journey from childhood to adulthood. Written and Performed by Darren Vizer at La Mama Theatre 2014 & 2016 Photos by Darren Gill, Sarah Hall This is a one-man show, 1 hour long. It is a snap shot autobiographical story of boy growing up, learning and trying to fit in’. A story being liked and not liked. This show explores the impact of bullying from childhood, the way a son sees his mother and father, suicide, depression, sexuality, being gay and HIV. This work his a hybrid theatre piece of method acting and dance. It has range of tragedy, sorrow, humor and laughs. It demonstrates the resilience of person, who has gone through many hardships, up and downs, which comes out the other end on top to share his story Arts Hub Review 'No One Likes Me' 2014 Sofia Monkiewicz http://bit.ly/2VbIYzr Review: Aussie Theatre, Midsumma: No one likes me \| James Jackson http://bit.ly/2VNtXZh © 2019 DevizeCo. All Rights Reserved. Subscribe to Devize Co	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3876
__label__wiki	0.682457	0.682457	Edward G. Mazurs Collection of Periodic Systems Images This collection predominantly consists of lantern slides and transparencies of models of the periodic table used by Edward G. Mazurs in the production of his book Graphic Representations of the Periodic System During One Hundred Years. The collection includes models by Dmitri Mendeleev, Edward Janet, and other notables, as well as Mazurs himself, and effectively provides a panorama of the evolution of the periodic table in the one hundred years following Mendeleev's initial 1869 design. Alternative layouts for the table include circular, cylindrical, pyramidal, spiral, and triangular forms ranging in date from the 1860s to the 1950s, with the bulk of the images dating from the 1880s to the 1920s. View in library catalog Search within the Edward G. Mazurs Collection of Periodic Systems Images Search Collection Edward G. Mazurs Collection of Periodic Systems Images Genre Slides Remove constraint Genre: Slides Creator Mazurs, Edward G. Remove constraint Creator: Mazurs, Edward G. Subject Chemical elements Remove constraint Subject: Chemical elements Chemical elements[remove]87 Periodic law87 Periodic table of the elements87 Scientific illustration87 Mazurs, Edward G.[remove]87 Bassett, Henry3 Janet, Charles, 1849-19323 Béguyer de Chancourtois, A. E. (Alexandre Emile), 1820-18862 Charts, diagrams, etc87 Slides[remove]87 No Copyright - United States58 No Known Copyright29 Archives87 Previous 1 - 25 of 87 Next Periodic table in style of helix drawn on one cylinder Top and perspective views of a graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements depicted as a helix drawn on a single cylinder. This table was originated by French geologist and mineralogist… Creator Béguyer de Chancourtois, A. E. (Alexandre Emile), 1820-1886 and Mazurs, Edward G. Subject Scientific illustration, Chemical elements, Béguyer de Chancourtois, A. E. (Alexandre Emile), 1820-1886, Periodic table of the elements, and Periodic law Right-side electronic configuration series table Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements designed as a right-side electronic configuration series table. While the design of this table is unattributed, it bears some similarity to Subtype… Creator Mazurs, Edward G. Subject Scientific illustration, Chemical elements, Periodic law, and Periodic table of the elements Left-step series table with elements arranged according to their valences Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements designed as a left-step series table with the symbols of the elements arranged according to their valences. This table was originated by chemist Edward… Subject Scientific illustration, Chemical elements, Periodic table of the elements, and Periodic law Partial left-step series table designed by Edward G. Mazurs Partial graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements designed as a left-step series table with the symbols of the elements arranged according to their valences. The section displayed here depicts… Periodic table in style of helix and space lemniscate with two additional loops for rare earth elements Top and perspective views of a graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements in the style of a helix and space lemniscate with two additional loops for the rare earth elements. This table was… Creator Gooch, Frank Austin, 1852-1929, Mazurs, Edward G., and Walker, Claude Frederic Subject Scientific illustration, Chemical elements, Gooch, Frank Austin, 1852-1929, Periodic table of the elements, and Periodic law Periodic table in style of helix and space lemniscate with additional loop for rare earth elements Top and perspective views of a graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements in the style of a helix and space lemniscate with an additional loop for the rare earth elements. This table was… Creator Schirmeisen, Karl and Mazurs, Edward G. Periodic table in style of helix wound on three main stepwise cylinders Top and perspective views of a graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements designed in the style of a helix wound on three main stepwise cylinders placed laterally with a common generating line at… Creator Stintzing, Hugo, 1888-1970 and Mazurs, Edward G. Periodic table in the style of Archimedes spiral Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements as an Archimedes spiral with a single revolution. This table was originated by Nicolas Opolonick in 1935 and classified by chemist Edward G. Mazurs as… Creator Mazurs, Edward G. and Opolonick, Nicolas Series table consisting of two mirror-like images Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements designed as a series table consisting of two parts that are arranged like mirror-images of one another. While the design of this table is unattributed,… Periodic table in the style of a space lemniscate Top and perspective views of a graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements in the style of a space lemniscate. This table was originated by British chemist and physicist Sir William Crookes… Creator Crookes, William, 1832-1919 and Mazurs, Edward G. Subject Scientific illustration, Chemical elements, Periodic table of the elements, Crookes, William, 1832-1919, and Periodic law Periodic table in style of helix with three sizes of revolutions Top and perspective views of a graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements in the style of a helix with three sizes of revolutions. This table was originated by Henry Bassett in 1892 and classified… Creator Bassett, Henry and Mazurs, Edward G. Top and perspective views of a graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements in the style of a helix with three sizes of revolutions for eight representative, ten transitional, and fourteen rare… Creator Vogel, Rudolf and Mazurs, Edward G. Right-side electronic configuration series table symmetrical about a horizontal line Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements designed as a right-side electronic configuration series table symmetrical about a horizontal line. This table was originated by Italian chemists Luigi… Creator Rolla, Luigi, Piccardi, Giorgio, 1895-1972, and Mazurs, Edward G. Subject Scientific illustration, Chemical elements, Piccardi, Giorgio, 1895-1972, Periodic table of the elements, and Periodic law Periodic tables in style of spiral with eight radii Two graphic representations of the periodic table of chemical elements depicted as a spiral with eight radii. While the design of these tables is unattributed, it bears some similarity to Types IB2-2, IB2-4, and IB2-5… Periodic table in style of parallel lines Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements in the style of parallel lines, with the single lines representing subshells and the groups of parallel lines representing different shells. This table… Creator Steinberg, Robert A. and Mazurs, Edward G. Periodic table in style of concentric circles on a plane Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements in the style of concentric circles on a plane. This table was originated by L. Sibaiya in 1941 and classified by chemist Edward G. Mazurs as Type IIIB4-3… Creator Mazurs, Edward G. and Sibaiya, L. Periodic table in style of space concentric circles in eight planes Top and perspective views of a graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements in the style of space concentric circles in eight planes. This table was originated by G. Haenzel in 1943 and classified… Creator Mazurs, Edward G. and Haenzel, G. Left-side electronic configuration series table with combined blocks of alkali metals and nonmetals Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements designed as a left-side electronic configuration series table with the alkali metals and nonmetals combined into one block of representative elements.… Creator Rodriguez, Gil Chaverri, 1921-2005 and Mazurs, Edward G. Left-side electronic configuration series table "stretched" in vertical direction Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements designed as a left-side electronic configuration series table "stretched" in a vertical direction. This table was originated by David T. Gibson in 1948… Creator Gibson, David T. and Mazurs, Edward G. Periodic table in the style of a right-side zigzag Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements in the style of a right-side zigzag. This table was originated by C.H. Douglas Clark in 1931 and classified by chemist Edward G. Mazurs as Type IIIC4-2… Creator Douglas Clark, C. H. and Mazurs, Edward G. Periodic table in style of spiral with different sizes of revolutions Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements in the style of a spiral with different sizes of revolutions. This table was originated by French engineer, inventor, and biologist Charles Janet… Creator Janet, Charles, 1849-1932 and Mazurs, Edward G. Subject Scientific illustration, Chemical elements, Janet, Charles, 1849-1932, Periodic table of the elements, and Periodic law Periodic table in the style of spiral with varying sizes of revolutions Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements in the style of a spiral with varying sizes of revolutions. This table was originated by C.J. Monroe and W.D. Turner in 1926 and classified by chemist… Periodic table in style of helix with different sizes of revolutions Graphic representation of the periodic table of chemical elements in the style of a helix with different sizes of revolutions for 2, 6, 10, and 14 elements. This table was originated by George Schaltenbrand in 1920 and … Creator Schaltenbrand, George and Mazurs, Edward G.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3879
__label__cc	0.69577	0.30423	Teddy Bear Tears Triple Shirt Packages Production Partners HomeUncategorized1 Out Of 10 1 Out Of 10 Therapists: The Poetry of Romanovsky & Phillips Lyrics This book includes 44 selections published to celebrate the 30th anniversary of R&P’s first musical appearance in 1982. Pioneers of the gay folk music scene, Ron Romanovsky & Paul Phillips began their career at San Francisco’s Valencia Rose Cafe as the musical break for Gay Comedy Open Mic Night. Over the next two decades they toured across the nation as well as abroad and released a number of albums which are available again at their Official Web-site. The title of this volume comes from their Official Tour t-shirts sold at concerts in community centers, auditoriums and church halls across North America. The text(“1 out of 10 therapists recommend Romanovsky & Phillips to their patients who listen to music“) and teal, purple & orange colors reflected the spirit of hope and fun that R&P brought to their concerts. The volume includes 44 selections from 1977 to 2007. “Romanovsky and Phillips came flying across the gender spectrum in brave form. Queer, feminist, outrageous, funny, tender. Congratulations on 30 years of daring work.“ You can read a preview of selected pages or purchase your own copy. MEDIA INQUIRIES: See our Press Kit. Please Share 'Word Of Mouse' Gryphon Kaleidoscopes Every Day: Miracles Please follow & like us: Copyright © 2008 - 2019 by The Digital Gryphon LLC \| MH Magazine WordPress Theme by MH Themes	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3880
__label__wiki	0.798852	0.798852	XENON to upgrade CSIRO supercomputer cluster Vijith Vazhayil, Chillibreeze news The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Australia’s national science agency, has chosen Australian company XENON Systems to provide internationally competitive, customized technology solutions. XENON, a Melbourne-based high-performance computing solutions provider, will upgrade CSIRO’s GPU cluster based on the new Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family, enabling it to combine traditional CPUs with more powerful graphics processing units (GPU). XENON’s brand new HPC Cluster solutions, optimised for performance, power, and density has substantial headroom for future upgrades as well. The new CSIRO GPU HPC Cluster, located in Canberra, Australia, will provide world-class computational and simulation science facilities to its researchers to increase productivity significantly, and help speed up scientific discovery. CSIRO chose XENON because it best met CSIRO’s highly specific technology requirements even as it helped minimise the impact on the environment; remotely managed the system; and extracted the highest performance possible from the scientific and engineering computational technology used. Dr John Taylor, CSIRO’s head of Computational and Simulation Sciences, who leads CSIRO’s research team to develop new methodologies for analysing and exploiting large and complex data sets and data streams, said: “We’re in the business of turning information into knowledge and quantifying uncertainty to help people make better decisions.” Believing that the new GPU HPC cluster would help CSIRO scientists perform computations in a single morning (something that used to take weeks), as well as help them perform tasks that were once computationally infeasible, he stated: “The faster we can process data, the faster we can get solutions to market – and that’s in Australia’s best interests. We chose XENON due to a combination of its expertise in delivering the project according to our very specific requirements, and our history of knowing the quality of work the team delivers.” XENON Systems managing director Dragan Dimitrovici added: “We’re proud to work with one of the world’s leading scientific research organisations and one of the world’s most innovative technology companies to deliver one of Australia’s first Intel Xeon projects and the most advanced GPU technology.” Kamil Gurgen, Intel channel platform manager said he was confident that the Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 product family would deliver leadership performance, energy efficiency and scalability. About the upgrade: The all-new XENON Nitro G16 3GPU 1U Compute Node is based on the latest Intel architecture and powered by Intel’s new generation E5-2600 series Xeon “Sandy Bridge-EP” 8-core processors. CSIRO’s GPU cluster will move to the new Intel platform architecture, opening space for a variety of latest and forthcoming GPU cards, enhancing a number of important capacities such as: Higher GPU density – with up to 4 GPU cards per 1U of rack space Double I/O bandwidth to up to 8GT/s with the next generation PCIe 3.0 bus technology Up to 8 cores and integrated quad-channel memory controller FDR10 InfiniBand high-speed interconnect solution with high-efficiency data handling and utilising latest “GPUDirect” and “CORE-direct” technologies. The CSIRO GPU HPC Cluster is made of 134 Compute Nodes powered by 268 Intel Xeon E5-2650 processors (2144 CPU cores) and features 390 NVidia Tesla 2050 GPU cards (174,720 GPU cores). XENON previously worked with CSIRO to deliver the world’s 11th greenest supercomputer in November 2010. Image credit: Whrelf Siemens, royalty free ANU buys hemisphere’s biggest supercomputer HP to build Victorian supercomputer Weather bureau gets $80m Cray supercomputer University of Melbourne launches new hybrid supercomputer Monash University invests $4.1m in supercomputer project xenon systems	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3881
__label__cc	0.593456	0.406544	Weapons of Mass Contagion: why our amazement and anger at Facebook’s emotion experiment is misdirected June 30, 2014 · by chris stephenson · in mediating, social media-ising, social networking. · a Wordle of Facebook’s Statement of Rights and Responsibilities which “derives from the Facebook Principles, and is our terms of service that governs our relationship with users and others who interact with Facebook. By using or accessing Facebook, you agree to this Statement.” source “We’re walking backwards into the future” observed Mark Holden as he introduced Jason Silva at PHD’s keynote at Cannes this year. his elegant observation describes how we can only see the future by looking at what has already happened, we project back over our shoulders to imagine what wonders are to come. but every now and again we get to peek over our shoulder. occasionally the curtain that hides tomorrow’s world slips, and we get a glimpse of what is to come … and sometimes we come to suspect that our future may already be here. and sometimes we don’t like what we see. such a slip occurred today when it was revealed that in 2012 Facebook collaborated with academics from Cornell and the University of California in an experiment to manipulate the news feeds of 689,000 users’ home pages … discovering in the process that – through a process known as ’emotional contagion’ the social network could actually make people feel more positive or negative. they found that exposure to friends’ ‘positive emotional content’ led to fewer positive posts by those users. the opposite – an increase in negative posts occurred when exposure to ‘negative emotional content’ increased. the reaction has been strong and has emerged from every side of the debate. Clay Johnson of the Barack Obama’s 2008 online presidential campaign commented that “The Facebook ‘transmission of anger’ experiment is terrifying”, whilst professor of law at Maryland University James Grimmelmann said Facebook had failed to gain ‘informed consent’ for the research. Even Jim Sheridan of Britain’s Commons media select committee, weighed in: “This is extraordinarily powerful stuff and if there is not already legislation on this, then there should be to protect people … They are manipulating material from people’s personal lives and I am worried about the ability of Facebook and others to manipulate people’s thoughts in politics or other areas. If people are being thought-controlled in this kind of way there needs to be protection and they at least need to know about it.” above quotes via The Guardian it should be noted that the sheer audacity of a member of the UK Government criticizing data protection is the equivalent of the pot not just calling the kettle black, but hiring the Red Arrows to sky-write in big flashing rainbow letters “that kettle is black and this pot says so” in the skies above London. the UK Government’s (and silent Opposition’s) lack of response to the GCHQ Tempora revelations leaves them with little latitude to point the finger. and yet they are pointing. and they’re not alone … in fact a small queue is forming around the block at Menlo Park to join in calls for “down with this sort of thing”. the response is not surprising. its one of (1) our amazement that social contagion exists and is possible at such scale (2) concern that it appears to be so easy to manipulate and (3) anger at the revelation that as the curtain slipped, it revealed that as our lives, adventures, and hook-ups migrate online – we are more exposed, more vulnerable, more subject to the influence of (in the presence of doubt, assumed) dark forces. if an algorithm can make me happier what does that say about me? if a social network can make me sad what does that say about my ability to self-determine who I am? and yet this is the deal. this is the contract. every one of us who uses a social network does so with an inherent and reasonable value exchange. the problem isn’t the contract people have made with Facebook or any other social platform … the problem is that most people don’t stop to think about the fact that they’ve signed a contract in the first place. until a decade ago our contract with media providers and marketing was one of an attention-based value exchange. brands paid for space that paid for content to which we gave our attention in exchange for getting that content for free. brands used that attention to generate reach which led to awareness and sales. but the contract changed, its just that most people haven’t realised. the contract isn’t just attention based, its now also information based. a new generation of media platforms trade not in attention but information. Facebook trades in information about every aspect of our lives. Google sits on the largest database of intention information in the solar system. platforms sell this information to brands who use it to target, re-target, content create, segment, insight-generate and even start one-on-one conversations with us. the information they’re using is ours. most people gave it away freely and willingly in a value exchange. an un-negotiated contract in which we handed over data for utility. and our data has bought us riches – Google’s search engine, Spotify’s music streaming, Facebook’s continual partial presence to everyone we know, or the credibility we get from the adulation of our #nofilter Instagram pic. none of this came for free, we gladly paid for it with our information. utility, information, education, inspiration, connection, entertainment, advice and Tinder swipes all paid for with information through a contract the existence of which most people are unaware. until the curtain slips. people shouldn’t be amazed and angry by Facebook’s ability to unleash weapons of mass contagion. they should be amazed and angry that they rushed so headlong into a new contract without considering the implications. our anger is misdirected. Facebook and media organisations like them have created amazing utility in the world. if you’re going to get angry get angry with yourself for thinking that there was ever such a thing as a free lunch Instagram pic. Tags: experiment, facebook, privacy, social contagion, social network ← What’s your Story?: a tale of two narratives, and a big lesson in the power of narrative via Jamie Oliver and Thank You Group Being a true version of yourself: Lessons on transparency from Kyle and Jackie O, and Bethany Mota →	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3886
__label__cc	0.585322	0.414678	SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI Liberation Dx2 Official Site 07/11/2019　03:04 7/11 Emergency Maintenance Here we would like to announce the detail of the "compensation" for the emergency maintenance. To compensate for your inconvenience, we will distribute the following items to users who have held an account before the maintenance took place. - Gems (Free) x100 This items will be available until 7/12 (Fri) 7:59 PDT. - Alice Spirit x5 This items will be distributed after the scheduled data update on 7/18 (Thu) The end time has changed to 3:45 PDT. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and thank you for your patience while we resolve this issue. The detail of the compensation for the maintenance will be announced at a later date. Thank you for playing "SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI Liberation Dx2". Emergency Server Maintenance takes place to resolve the issues, including the game server problem occurred after the ver. 2.4.00 update. 7/11 (Thu) 2:40 - 5:00 3:45 PDT *Scheduled time may be subject to change without prior warning. - Adjustments to the server. - Resolving the issue that player can receive the title for “Demon Buster Kiwami: Mara” without meeting the requirement. - Correcting the requirement for the title mission. - For the players who received the titles without meeting the requirement, the title will be deleted at a later date. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. -"SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI Liberation Dx2" Operations Team ©SEGA/©ATLUS ※"Megami Tensei", "Shin Megami Tensei" are registered trademarks or trademarks of ATLUS. CO., LTD. ※"SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI Liberation Dx2" is a registered trademark of SEGA Games Co., Ltd. The images, writings and information used by this site are the exclusive property of SEGA Holdings Co., Ltd. or its affiliates and are protected by copyright. Unauthorized copying, reproduction, etc., is strictly prohibited. ■Privacy Policy ■Terms of Use ■Contact Us	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3890
__label__cc	0.732544	0.267456	Lawmakers Hit WH Over Million-Plus Incorrect Obamacare Subsidies Sarah Hurtubise Reporter Republicans are hitting the Obama administration over a weekend report that at least one million of those receiving Obamacare subsidies aren’t being paid the right amount. The House Energy and Commerce Committee wrote Monday to outgoing Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and three federal contractors — Accenture, CGI and Serco — asking for all documents relating to incorrect subsidy payments, as well as problems with enrollees’ immigration status. The Washington Post reported Saturday that the federal government may be paying out incorrect health-care subsidies to over one million Americans. A large proportion of those who have signed up for coverage through Obamacare exchanges listed incomes that differ significantly from their incomes on file with the IRS. Tennessee Republican Rep. Diane Black also took a swipe at the Obama administration Monday over the inaccurate payments. “We knew that paying out subsidies without first confirming that someone was eligible would become a nightmare for American taxpayers, and these reports confirm our concerns,” Black said in a statement Monday. “Not only are taxpayers potentially on the hook for billions of dollars in fraudulent subsidy claims, but honest Americans who merely make a mistake filling out Obamacare forms might now be hounded years later for back taxes.” The Obama administration announced last July that it wouldn’t be verifying any subsidy eligibility information throughout 2014, hoping to have verification systems in place by 2015 instead. The House passed Black’s legislation to ban the Obama administration from issuing Obamacare subsidies without a working verification system, but the bill failed to make it past the Senate. The absence of any verification systems for subsidies means that the federal government is currently accepting consumer testimonies about their income at face value and issuing insurance companies premium subsidies accordingly. Administration officials reportedly are not sure what proportion of the discrepancies are overpayments or underpayments. Those who have been overcompensated will be expected to return the difference to the federal government in 2015. The Washington Post reported that for the 8 million Obamacare sign-ups, federal contractors have found 4 million inconsistencies of any kind in Obamacare applications. Of those, 1.1 million to 1.5 million are discrepancies in income — the largest of any type of application issue. Just 650,000 customers have sent in their proof to address the problem. In the past, the Obama administration has brushed aside concerns over its failure to establish a subsidy verification system, arguing that consumers’ self-attestation about their income would suffice because consumers would have to come clean in their tax filings next year. The administration issued rules Friday establishing civil fines of up to $250,000 for intentionally providing false income information in order to receive Obamacare subsidies. The penalty for submitting incorrect information even without malicious intent could still cost up to $25,000, the Associated Press reported. Follow Sarah on Twitter Tags : barack obama diane black obamacare Sarah Hurtubise	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3892
__label__wiki	0.620485	0.620485	After Scientology, Leah Remini Finds ‘Amazing’ Comfort In Catholic Church Kaitlan Collins White House Correspondent November 03, 2015 10:57 AM ET Leah Remini said she’s found “amazing” comfort in the Catholic Church after leaving Scientology two years ago. During an interview with Howard Stern Tuesday morning, the 45-year-old actress said she was raised Catholic by her family, who was “very insistent” on religion. “My grandmother lived in Little Italy, and she went to church every day,” Remini told Stern. “She’d go light candles, she’d pray, and as a child that was comforting to me.” (RELATED: Tom Cruise And Katie Holmes Left Their Daughter On Bathroom Floor During Wedding) (Photo: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) “She’d go pray and do the sign of the cross on her forehead. She’d pray to this one, and pray to that one if she lost her keys. It was always very comforting to me to have faith in something.” Remini said being back in the Catholic Church has been “amazing.” “Now that I’m older and out of the Church [of Scientology], I’m reconnecting to a faith where I can go in and light a candle.” “I have always been spiritual.” (RELATED: The Most Outrageous Claims From Leah Remini’s Scientology Tell-All) (Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Life is Good) “Scientology was more about helping people and Scientologists want to help people, and they really do believe that. But, you know, not acknowledging that policies exist [in Scientology] that break up families, break up friendships…these things are there.” (RELATED: Leah Remini Reveals How Shockingly Powerful Tom Cruise Is In Scientology) Tags : katie holmes leah remini scientology tom cruise Kaitlan Collins	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3893
__label__wiki	0.952604	0.952604	WILEY/ZOMBY Step 2001 (hand-stamped 1-sided 12") Cat: BD 270. Rel: 22 Sep 15 Step 2001 (3:24) Step 2001 (instrumental) (3:26) Review: YES! We'd been waiting on this collaboration from UK start vocalist Wiley and shadowy electronic pioneer Zomby for a long time now, and it's about time it's landed on our shelves. "Step 2001" is a straight-up grime piece, a clicking, twisted groove made up of darting hi-hats and pacman sounds; you know when they say "they don't make them like they used to!"? Well, this doesn't apply here, as it's a serious head-dive back into the early noughties scene. There's also an instrumental version for maximum damage. Gespielt von: Ikpathua, IZC With Love (3xLP + MP3 download code) Cat: CAD 3305. Rel: 15 Jun 13 As Darkness Falls If I Will The Things You Do Vanishment VI-XI VxV Digital Smoke Entropy Sketch Glass Ocean How To Ascend I Saw Golden Light Pyrex Nights (feat Last Japan) Quickening Reflection In Black Glass Sunshine In November Vast Emptiness Review: The original enfant terrible of the bass music world marks his second long player for 4AD with a sprawling opus of more than 30 skits and skirmishes daubed in his trademark colourful sonic scrawl. There is plenty here that reminds you of the early days of the producer's emergence when dubstep was a younger beast, from the spacious "Horrid" to the measured arpeggios of "Pray For Me", but you'll also find more intricate musings such as the dynamic and dramatic "Memories". Hype abounds on the creepy Funky of "VI-XI", while "Overdose" launches enthusiastically into a jungle tear out. At any given turn, you'll find yourself surprised, lurched from a serene mood into a manic one, only to be tempered again. There's a staggering range of ideas and styles to comprehend here, but would you want it any other way from one of electronic music's most outspoken upstarts? Gespielt von: Ian Blevins, Kid Fonque, Shiftee, Rivet, Phiorio (Metroline Limited), Juno Recommends Bass, Groove College Where Were U In '92? (LP) CVLT Music Cat: DCLXVI 001LP. Rel: 02 Aug 16 Fuck Mixing, Let's Dance (3:20) Euphoria (3:27) We Got The Sound (1:30) Daft Punk Rave (1:10) Tears In The Rain (4:54) Get Sorted (1:58) GTI (1:29) Float (3:20) Need Ur Lovin' (2:17) Pillz (4:29) Hench (2:50) B With Me (3:25) Where Were U In '92? (2:04) U Are My Fantasy (Street Fighter II Theme remix) (1:52) Gespielt von: Juno Recommends Drum & Bass, DJ Downrock, MYDAS Ultra (2xLP + MP3 download code) Cat: HDBLP 033. Rel: 02 Sep 16 Reflection (4:53) Burst (2:10) Fly 2 (with Banshee) (5:29) E.S.P. (3:00) I (2:03) Glass (4:30) Sweetz (with Burial) (6:59) Her (4:51) Quandary (with Darkstar) (4:23) Freeze (2:17) Yeti (2:18) SDYF (with Rezzett) (5:33) Thaw (3:55) Review: Zomby returns to Hyperdub with his first album in three years, trailed in high profile fashion by that Burial collaboration "Sweetz." That particular tune is one of Ultra's headline attractions, alongside eyebrow-raising collaborations with Darkstar, Banshee and Rezzett. What really impresses, though, is the skewed, left-of-centre nature of the mask-wearing producer's heavy, post-grime rhythms, sparse but sparkling synth work, and the breathlessly cut-up R&B vocals dotted throughout the set. Interestingly, there are subtle nods towards new wave synth-pop, ghetto-tech, spacey ambient and alien IDM, making Ultra Zomby's most intriguing and consistently on-point album to date. Gespielt von: Juno Recommends Bass Ultra (CD) Cat: HDBCD 033. Rel: 02 Sep 16 S.D.Y.F (with Rezzett) (2:00) Review: Zomby returns to Hyperdub with his first album in three years, trailed in high profile fashion by the Burial collaboration "Sweetz." That particular tune is one of Ultra's headline attractions, alongside eyebrow-raising collaborations with Darkstar, Banshee and Rezzett. What really impresses, though, is the skewed, left-of-centre nature of the mask-wearing producer's heavy, post-grime rhythms, sparse but sparkling synth work, and the breathlessly cut-up R&B vocals dotted throughout the set. Interestingly, there are subtle nods towards new wave synth-pop, ghetto-tech, spacey ambient and alien IDM, making Ultra Zomby's most intriguing and consistently on-point album to date. Gespielt von: Juno Recommends CD Albums Mercury's Rainbow (gatefold 2xLP) Cat: LOVE 107. Rel: 29 Nov 17 Mercury's Rainbow (2:08) Choke (2:09) Poison (1:54) Static (1:46) Delvaux (3:32) Silver Ocean (2:23) Immersion (1:55) Waterfall Of Ice (3:07) Rigamortis (2:09) Whirlpool (2:18) Tet5uo (2:51) Solar Ashes (3:50) Horizon (3:05) Patina (1:45) X Ray (2:59) Atmos (1:28) Review: Modern Love's newest release comes from British beatmaker Zomby, who has reached into his archives to unearth a long lost album nearly a decade after its completion. Said to be recorded between two weeks around 2008-2009, the Mercury's Rainbow LP sees the London based producer interpreting grime innovator Wiley's Eskibeat productions, which played an instrumental role in the genre's formation. It features the 4AD/Hyperdub affiliated artist utilising intricately hand-programmed arpeggios, 'sliding Triton squares' and post-garage drum patterns. On a conceptual level, it uses theories of colour and its relation to the sonic chromatic spectrum - the circle of fifths. Vanta (clear vinyl 12") Bedouin UAE Cat: BDN 023. Rel: 23 May 19 Void (7:12) Bleed (7:29) Emerald (3:04) Threshold (3:06) Zexor (4:25) Gespielt von: S Crosbie (dark arts) ZOMBY/BURIAL Sweetz (limited 1-sided 10") Cat: HDB 103. Rel: 29 Jul 16 Sweetz (7:08) Review: Woof! Hyperdub bring together two of the most recognisable and enigmatic artists of recent times on this 10", as Zomby and Burial square down ahead of the former's new album for the label. Zomby's Ultra LP is undoubtedly one of this year's most anticipated albums and "Sweetz" suggests it may be a very moody affair indeed. Whilst rooted in UK dance, Zomby and Burial do look elsewhere for inspiration too. Just under seven minutes long, "Sweetz" veers through various sub-heavy soundscapes with intermittent rhythmic patters and a distinctive looped vocal sample whose pitch changes with dramatic effect. mercury's rainbow sweetz where were u in '92?	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3895
__label__wiki	0.691615	0.691615	Home NEWS National #NoDAPL: Should water protectors leave Standing Rock? #NoDAPL: Should water protectors leave Standing Rock? After the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Sunday that the Dakota Access Pipeline owners—Energy Transfer Partners, MarEn Bakken, Phillips 66 and Sunoco Logistics Partners—would not be granted easement to drill beneath Lake Oahe on the Missouri River, many water protectors at Standing Rock celebrated, but with the clear-eyed certainty that the fight is far from over. Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Council Chairman David Archambault II, however, has a different take: He wants anyone who isn’t a member of the Standing Rock tribe to pack it up and leave the Oceti Sakowin (Seven Council Fires) Camp. Citing inclement weather as his primary concern, Archambault also warned that any water protectors committing a crime, such as hurting law enforcement or destroying equipment, could undermine all of their efforts to stop the pipeline. Let’s be clear: the violence that has descended on Standing Rock has all been courtesy of law enforcement’s rubber bullets, water cannons, attack dogs and tear gas trained on water protectors. One of the most heinous examples is what happened to Sophia Wilansky, 21. The water protector from the Bronx, N.Y., may lose her arm after being hit by a concussion grenade. Archambault’s words mirror those of Cass County, N.D., Sheriff Paul Laney, who told Valley News Live, “That heavy presence is gone now, and I really hope in this de-escalation they’ll see that, and in good faith … the leadership in those camps will start squashing the violent factions.” EXCLUSIVE: @CassNDSheriff Laney, speaking from behind blockaded bridge on Highway 1806, "It's time [for protesters] to go home." V @MPRnews pic.twitter.com/85GpJbiGU0 — Doualy Xaykaothao (@DoualyX) December 5, 2016 The tribal chairman’s words have reportedly caused some confusion and disappointment among those gathered at the Oceti Sakowin. “A lot of folks were still celebrating,” said MPR News correspondent Doualy Xaykaothao, reporting from the camp. “The idea that people should go home after such a victory, obviously there’s some disappointment here.” With Donald Trump taking office in a little over a month, his support of and financial investment in DAPL makes it a certainty that he will attempt to push construction of the pipeline forward. DAPL owners released a statement Sunday night making it clear that Beltway political maneuvering will not stop them from constructing around and beneath Lake Oahe: The White House’s directive today to the Corps for further delay is just the latest in a series of overt and transparent political actions by an administration which has abandoned the rule of law in favor of currying favor with a narrow and extreme political constituency. As stated all along, ETP and SXL are fully committed to ensuring that this vital project is brought to completion and fully expect to complete construction of the pipeline without any additional rerouting in and around Lake Oahe. Nothing this Administration has done today changes that in any way. Archambault said that he is willing to work with Trump and convince him that the Army Corps decision was the right one to make. “The tribe has been forgiving for over 200 years,” he said. “We have to take the next step on this issue and get over it and start working together again.” This approach seems futile, for good reason. Energy Transfer Partners CEO Kelcy Warren has been clear not only that Trump will pave the way for the pipeline but also that Warren himself doesn’t give a damn about the water protectors or their ancestral land. “The people of the state of North Dakota are generally, generally wonderful people, law-abiding, nonviolent people. And they’re trying to go about their lives,” Warren said. “This has been such a disruption to that state. “This is not a peaceful protest,” he continued. “So if they want to stick around and continue to do what they’re doing, great, but we’re building the pipeline.” Archambault’s rush to declare victory before being certain that DAPL will, in fact, be rerouted away from Lake Oahe is not embraced by many people in the Standing Rock nation. In a video posted Dec. 6, Standing Rock member Chase Iron Eyes said that he respectfully disagrees with Archambault. Though it is critical that white colonial settlers leave indigenous sacred land upon request and not claim space for themselves, Iron Eyes has asked all water protectors to stay and stand with Standing Rock. In addition to saying that indigenous peoples from other tribes are welcome, he said, “Anybody from the Veterans Camp, anybody from Occupy [Wall Street], the feminist movement, from Black Lives Matter … there are literally 8,000 people at that camp right now. “I understand where our chairman is coming from, but as a Standing Rock national, as a tribal member, as a person who is descended from the 1868 [Laramie] Treaty, we need to stand up right now and invite those of you who can and will stay at your own risk, who understand the inherent risk of staying in a North Dakota winter, to stand with us,” he continued. “Because this pipeline [battle] is not finished. And we have to stand strong and stay vigilant until it’s done.” Facebook user Johnny Dangers, who has become known on social media for his citizen reporting from Standing Rock, echoed Chase Lion Eyes’ sentiments: There is still currently a standing Eviction Order for the Oceti Sakowin Camp by the US Army Core [sic] and this could easily be used to pressure the camp to leave the Treaty land. If the numbers at camp go way down as I expect from these headlines and statements by even GreenPeace “claiming victory” it will be easier to attempt to force the remaining Water Protectors out. I can see Morton County Sheriff and DAPL Private Security currently in the hills across the Cannonball River riding around. The monstrous militarized concrete barricades blocking the highway where police laughed as they aimed Water Cannons in below freezing temperatures at innocent people remain. The Concertina wire on Turtle Island and all throughout the hills remain. This can’t be said enough: Not only was DAPL approved by the Army Corps of Engineers, but it was done despite clear treaty violations. On Sept. 30, 2014, Standing Rock Tribal Council leaders met with DAPL representatives and discussed living in a “national sacrifice area.” “You must know we are Sitting Bull’s people,” said former Standing Rock Sioux Councilwoman Phyllis Young. “You must know who we are. We sit on a previous military fort and we have survived that. And we have rebuilt on what was taken from us. We survived Wounded Knee, a massacre. We are survivors. We are fighters and we are protectors of our land. “We realize we are in a national sacrifice area; we have always been,” Young continued. “The Black Hills are a part of our territory. National sacrifice so America could take the largest gold mine and take all the gold from our people.” Read more at www.theroot.com. SOURCEtheroot.com Previous articleChance the Rapper makes Grammy history at 23 Next articleNine end-of-year tax tips for procrastinators & planners Sherri Shepherd in custody battle with ex-husband Soul II Soul singer Melissa Bell dead at 53 Pioneering jazz pianist Geri Allen dies at 60	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3898
__label__cc	0.683322	0.316678	Hot and Sinful Nights: Sylvie Fox The curtains are drawn, and the sheets are rumpled… Prepare to melt for 22 tales of lustful abandon that will fulfill your deepest, darkest, most secret desires on many HOT & SINFUL NIGHTS. Inside, you’ll find over one million words of sexy and steamy romance from today’s NEW YORK TIMES, USA TODAY, and International bestselling authors! These wanton and wicked novels promise happily ever afters and enough heat to set more than your heart aflame with bikers, bad boys, fighters, dashing rogues, rock stars, athletes, doctors, billionaires, and more! Don’t worry – there are plenty of book boyfriends to go around! So go on…be a bad girl…and preorder your copy today! Two shattered lives. Can they help each other put the pieces back together? Shattered by Sexy Contemporary Romance Author, Sylvie Fox will join twenty one other smoking novels in the September release Hot and Sinful Nights. Ex-child star Gemma Hart is sick and tired of hiding—from the paparazzi, from her thieving relatives, and from the ex who made a sex tape public—with her center stage. She wants to move on with her life, on her own terms. And she knows just the man to help her… Adonis Andreis likes his work as contractor to the stars. He gets to work in beautiful surroundings on interesting projects. Of course, he knows he’d better keep his eyes and his desires strictly off of his lovely boss. Gemma Hart is way out of his league. Adonis also has bigger problems, like getting his sister to speak to him again. He killed her best friend driving drunk, and they haven’t spoken since. And don’t even get him started on his father—who is having all the romantic adventures Adonis isn’t. Can two shattered people find their way back to life, together? GET SHATTERED AND 21 OTHER TALES OF LUSTFUL ABANDON. PRE-ORDER HOT & SINFUL NIGHTS TODAY iBooks \| Nook \| Amazon \| Kobo \| Google Play \| Books2Read Learn More About HOT & SINFUL NIGHTS Website \| Facebook \| Giveaways PreOrder Now and Get These Bonus Gifts! Sylvie Fox is the author of smart women’s fiction. Her compelling stories are boldly told, designed to keep readers turning the pages. Whether you’re reading Sylvie’s romantic women’s fiction or legal thrillers, penned as Aime Austin, she wants you to enjoy the heroine’s journey. She splits her time between Los Angeles and Budapest, where she enjoys yoga, knitting, farm-to-table cooking, and life with her husband and son. When she’s not writing, her nose is stuck in a book. Website \| Facebook \| Twitter \| Goodreads \| BookBub \| Instagram \| Pinterest \| Tumblr Filed Under: Authors, Books, Teaser Tagged With: Hot and SInful Nights, Shattered, Sylvie Fox Hot and Sinful Nights: Katalina Leon Exclusively featuring…. NOBLESWORD By Katalina Leon Did curiosity really kill the cat, or did the cat decide that facing life with her curiosity unsatisfied wasn’t worth living? If you felt safe, would you sign a contract that allowed an exclusive sex club to claim you as their property for twelve hours? If exciting partners could deliver your wildest fantasies, would you submit? If the situation were completely secure and all members vetted, would you say yes? If management knew what you really wanted and not just what you said you wanted, would you say, take me, I’m ready? Gwen Bel Geddes just did. Now she’s going to discover the secret to one of the world’s most exclusive sexual boutiques. Going undercover as a submissive, Gwen turns herself over body and soul to be transformed into an erotic plaything for wealthy dominant men and a very special man stakes his claim on her. Noblesword is a lush “free play zone” where adults can express themselves and test their personal boundaries. Erotic games of every description are played here. Gwen must determine for herself if the risqué Noblesword is as dangerous as it looks or simply an erotic circus of the mind. Would you sign the contract and take the biggest sexual adventure of your life? Note: At Noblesword sexual expression is encouraged. Be warned that the novel contains graphic material, BDSM, some sensual f/f interaction along with a described m/m/f ménage. Want a free taste of NOBLESWORD? Claim a sample chapter here: https://www.instafreebie.com/free/IJTUo Author Bio. Katalina Leon is an artist and author who can’t commit to a single romance subgenre. Her favorite playgrounds are historical, sci-fi, contemporary, and most of all paranormal realms. Lately, she has paranormal romance and vampires on the brain. Katalina brings a sense of adventure and a touch of the mystical to romance. She believes there’s a daring heroine inside every woman who wants to take a wild ride with a strong, worthy hero. Read More from Katalina Leon www.amazon.com/-/e/B00BIXI8BQ https://www.facebook.com/katalinaleonauthor/ www.katalinaleon.com Filed Under: Authors, Promo, Tour Tagged With: Hot and SInful Nights, Katalina Leon, Nobelsword Hot and Sinful Nights: Marie Long You’ll love Hot and Sinful Nights. 22 full length novels including…No Strings Attached by Marie Long… Desmond Black worked the doors of the New York City clubs for five years as he struggled to escape the haunting nightmares of his younger sister’s death. One night, he takes his anger out on an unruly patron, ultimately costing him his job. While drowning his sorrows in whiskey, Desmond meets the mysterious and talented bass player, Tianna Gadson. He senses there’s more to her than she’s letting on. The closer he gets to her, the more he realizes his feelings for her have become hazardous to them both—attracting the attention of a dangerous underground organization with its sights on Tianna and her family. Is Desmond willing to risk his life for Tianna? Or will he be forced to keep their relationship strictly business? Whiskey tends to taste better when my brain is wrecked. Not even the light jazz music playing on stage can soothe my nerves. My mind has been in a week-long spiral from hell, and I wish I could just forget. But that’s not gonna happen. I’m a man with dignity, and I stand by my decision. You didn’t take the first swing; he did, I keep telling myself. Last week is a blur. That beautiful girl—what was her name? Danielle?—thought she could sneak into the club with a fake ID and her fortysomething ‘boyfriend.’ But I’ve dealt with that shit in my line of work far too many times. Her sugar daddy thought she was privileged to go to this club or something because she was so young, so ‘innocent.’ No, you stupid sick fuck. I’d expected the usual: a plastered look of utter shock, a declaration of authenticity, and a smirk as some rolled-up cash was discreetly forced into my hand. I would’ve proceeded to bounce them right on their pretentious asses. But no, this guy decided to be a punk instead, lashing out with a solid punch to my ribs. If I hadn’t stepped back, he would’ve broken his hand on my damn near harder-than-steel body. I’d returned the sentiment. My knuckles felt nice across that asshole’s face. But apparently, the ‘excessive force’ had cost me a one-week job suspension without pay. Unlike the grungier underground New York City clubs I’d been used to for years, the elite Posh Diamond Luxury Lounge preferred subtler means to remove unruly patrons. Thank God I had friends in high places who were able to get my assault charges dropped. I pick up my shot glass and stare at its light-brown contents. I’m sure that bastard’s doing whatever he pleases to that poor girl. He strikes me as the type, and rarely am I ever wrong. It comes with the territory—and the job—of being around a lot of personalities for long periods of time. You can read people, know their intentions, empathize, almost like a sixth sense. I down the shot in one gulp and set the glass on the bar top with a clunk, thinking about how fucked up some people are. Charlie comes over with a bottle of whiskey. “You look like shit. Need another?” I can’t waste away like this. I made a promise a long time ago that I wouldn’t. I nod and casually flick my hand. “Yeah, sure, man. One more.” The corner of his mouth twitches, and he fills the shot glass. I swipe it up and stare at its contents. “Listen, Desmond.” Charlie wipes the bar with a white cloth. “It could’ve been worse. At least you still have a job, y’know?” I snort. “Shit like that gets under my skin, Charlie. There’re too many desperate people out there looking for acceptance. For love, whatever that means.” I down the shot. “I can’t help them.” “No, you can’t. For some people, that’s the only life they know.” I swivel in the high-backed barstool and look out at the crowd. The nightclub’s packed for a Thursday night. Couples sit at tiny tables and loungers, and larger groups claim the semicircular booths surrounding a small stage, where a four-man jazz band plays. “Say, you got any work around here for me?” I ask Charlie without looking at him. “Nah, kid. Joe’s got it.” Applause erupts from the crowd as the band wraps up. I look back at Charlie, who’s nervously checking his watch. “Damn, where is she?” he mutters. I arch an eyebrow. “Who?” “Marigold.” “Since when did you start hiring strippers?” He chuckles. “She’s a local jazz artist. She was scheduled for an eleven o’clock gig, but…” He checks his watch again and frowns. “This ain’t the way to make a good first impression. Know what I’m sayin’?” I nod and gaze out at the crowd, letting the lull of voices ease my mind. So many personalities and so many stories. Some of those stories I know all too well, like the three men in a round booth center right of the stage—players, all of them, from their too-nice button-down shirts and designer blazers to their flashy bling and gaudy sports shoes. Their faces are flushed, their eyes glazed. They laugh and make lewd comments at an approaching waitress carrying a pitcher of beer. She hastily refills their drinks, avoiding eye contact, turns, and hustles to another table. “Christ, there she is!” Charlie suddenly says, and I whip my head around. A girl rushes through the entrance, snaking her way through a small group of people on their way out. She carries a black guitar case on her back. A bright-orange marigold is tucked in the white headband holding back her shoulder-length dreadlocks. Out of breath, she reaches the bar and plasters an exhausted smile on her full lips. “Hi, I’m Marigold,” she says between pants. “Sorry I’m late.” Charlie’s lips form a thin line. “S’alright, Miss Marigold.” He gestures to the stage with his head. “Go on. Your audience awaits.” She smiles graciously and brushes past me. For a brief moment, we lock eyes. She’s got those doe eyes, brought out with a little makeup. She’s beautiful. Her gaze falters and moves to a point beside me, as if she’s overwhelmed by the initial contact. I sense beyond that beauty, she carries an ugly story. She gets up on stage, sits on the stool, and retrieves her bass guitar and a small MP3 player from her backpack-like case. It takes her less than a minute to set up. She does a quick tune of her strings then smiles at the audience. The stage track lights shine on her smooth mocha skin and bring out the bright red of her halter-top. “Hi, everyone. My name is Marigold. Thank you for having me here tonight. I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves.” She scans the room as she talks, her eyes settling briefly at the bar—on Charlie, most likely. Lucky son of a bitch. A mix of mellow drum and piano accompaniment filters through the stage speakers, and Marigold starts to play. Her fingers glide across the strings with ease as she produces some articulate vibes that I can’t help bobbing my head to. The audience falls silent, puts down their phones, and stares attentively toward the stage, moving their bodies in time with the beat. Then she starts to sing. She doesn’t need a mic. Her beautiful voice, relaxed and flowing like smooth velvet, carries throughout the room, complementing the low, mellow strums of the guitar. “…Why, oh why, do the birds gotta fly? Fly so far, far away from me? Why, oh why, can’t I spread these wings? Spread these wings and fly so free…” “Wow” doesn’t even begin to describe her multiple talents. Charlie tends to a patron a few stools down then returns to me. “She’s good,” I say. Charlie nods. “Yeah. I guess I can forgive her for being late just this once.” Smiling, I look back at her. She’s fearless as she sits up there alone, strumming her heart out. But fear and doubt are definitely in her. She reminds me of Little Miss Danielle, except Marigold looks several years older. Marigold’s song speaks of what I can see in her eyes. She sings about pain and running away, but she hides it in her catchy tune. The audience seems none the wiser. My smile fades as I look at the group of guys in the corner, who appear pretty damn close to their drinking limits. They eye Marigold like a pack of hungry wolves. Thankfully, they stay put and quiet while she plays. Wandering waiters and waitresses keep their drinks coming. Marigold sings four more songs, and before I know it, it’s already midnight. Marigold’s show is over. She rises from her stool, bows, and receives massive applause from the crowd. Even the drunk guys are on their feet, clapping wildly and whistling. She packs up her things. Some audience members make their ways to the exit. I release the breath I’d been unconsciously holding. “Wow, Charlie, you have got to have her back here.” “I plan to.” Charlie grins. “That was the loudest applause I’ve heard all night. Not bad for a stripper, eh?” It’s my turn to laugh. Marigold stops at the bar and smiles at Charlie. “Thank you so much for letting me play. And I’m sorry again for being late.” Charlie shakes his head. “Don’t worry about that. You did a good show. When are you available to come back?” Her doe eyes widen. “Whenever you want me, sir!” He grins. “Okay, how about this Saturday? Same time?” “That’s perfect! I will be here. Thank you so much.” They shake hands, and she brushes past me again. The side of her guitar case bumps into my arm. She stops and turns around, her face flushed. “I’m sorry, sir.” I smile at her cute look of embarrassment. “It’s all right. Hey, you were pretty good up there. Great show.” I look at the case. “Do you need some help with that?” “No, I got it. Thanks.” She heads for the exit. I watch her leave, taking in every bit of her from behind. When she’s gone, I face Charlie, who smirks at me. “Ever the gentleman, aren’t you?” “Yeah, and what of it?” I puff out my chest. He laughs and moves farther down the bar, gathering up the empty wine and shot glasses. I glance out at the rest of the club. The crowd’s gotten considerably thinner. I look for the guys in the corner, but they’re gone. A waitress is busy cleaning the table with a grateful look on her face. Remembering the primal way those guys ogled her, I feel my throat tighten. Did those guys leave with Marigold? She couldn’t have gone far unless she took a taxi home. I tap the bar to get Charlie’s attention. “Hey, I’ll see you later.” Charlie gives me a small salute and turns to another group of customers. I grab my baseball cap out of the empty chair next to me and hurry outside. Even on an early Friday morning, Midtown Manhattan is still busy. I look around for any signs of Marigold, but she’s nowhere to be found. Shoving my hands in my pockets, I cross the street toward the subway station. A small crowd emerges, and something on the stairs catches my eye. I stop. On the second step is an orange marigold, trampled by many feet. My skin prickles. Is she in trouble? I look down the stairs. A few more people come and go, brushing past me as though I don’t exist. I head underground… Click to get Hot & Sinful Nights at your favorite retailer… Enter to win $100 Gift Card AND 1 Year of PassionFlix here plus pre-order bonuses: Marie Long is a novelist who enjoys the snowy weather, the mountains, and a cup of hot white chocolate. She’s an avid supporter of literacy movements like We Need Diverse Books (WNDB) and National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Join Marie’s newsletter and get a FREE story! www.MarieLongAuthor.com/newsletter Website: http://www.marielongauthor.com Newsletter: http://www.marielongauthor.com/newsletter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marielongauthor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marielongauthor/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/marielongauthor Goodreads: https://goodreads.com/marie_long Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/marielongauthor Google+: plus.google.com/+MarieLongAuthor/ Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie-long Amazon: http://amazon.com/author/marielong Filed Under: Authors, Promo, Teaser, Tour Tagged With: Hot and SInful Nights, Marie Long, No Strings Attached Hot, hot, hot! 12/09/2017 by Deliaria 21 Comments Is it already that time? Two weeks and counting until the release of Hot and Sinful Nights! I thought it might be time to spoil you with one of the hotter scenes from the book! “I’m going to get out of these contacts, and into something less constricting. Um, where are my bags?” She looked around the front of the bus. “In my room.” Jace said with a wicked grin. “Oh. I thought I was just going to stay on the couch again.” She shrugged. It had been a long night but Sol was ready to play if Jace was. She stretched her arms as far as possible in the bus, her chest rising higher, making Jace drool. “Not after last night.” He whispered against her ear. “Oh,” Sol headed into the bathroom to take out her contacts. There was a rap on the door and she cracked it. Jace was standing there with her sweats and a grin. “Let me in. I need to piss!” He pleaded. Filed Under: Authors, Blogs, Books, Spoiler, Teaser, Tour Tagged With: Authors, blogs, Books, Deliaria Davis, Hot and SInful Nights, Midnight Kisses, Red Bar Hot and Sinful Nights: Jeanne St. James You’ll love Hot and Sinful Nights. 22 full length novels including…Damaged by Jeanne St. James… Two scarred souls: one physically, one mentally. Both on the mend, hiding from their pasts… Mace Walker can’t wait to get home. Being buried deep undercover for the past two years, on the most complex case of his career, has torn him down physically and mentally. Now the FBI agent has come home to recover after having his leg badly injured from a gunshot wound. Arriving home late one night, his relief is short-lived as he’s faced with a stranger pointing a gun to his head, acting like he is the one who doesn’t belong there! Colby Parks, a biochemist at the local university, had come to town a year earlier to escape an abusive relationship. She vows never to put herself in that situation again. Then the perfect opportunity comes along: house-sitting for Mace’s sister while making the house she purchased habitable. But she couldn’t anticipate this big snag: the one wearing the tight Levi’s and worn leather jacket, looking like he had just escaped prison. Being forced to share a house creates sparks between them in more ways than one. However, things take a turn when their pasts catch up to them, threatening to pull them apart forever. As Mace Walker slid the key into the lock, an immediate sense of relief washed over him. He hadn’t been home in…Hell, forever. Even though he owned the house and considered it his home, he felt like a stranger when he opened the front door. He chucked his keys on the table by the door with a sigh. He’d been home for a whole thirty seconds and restlessness already ate at him. The house was quiet, and he wondered where his sister was. Probably sleeping, dummy, since it was—he glanced at his watch—freaking one in the morning. Most normal folk slept at this hour. But then, he wasn’t normal. He couldn’t be to do his job. But, he couldn’t do his job right now, anyway. He’d been forced home to heal. Against his wishes. Fucking bullshit. The foyer was dark, but he didn’t need to hit the light. He still knew the house well enough. He made his way to the stairs where he dumped his duffle bags on the floor and ran a hand through his too-long hair. Those two small duffels held little evidence of his life for the past couple years—just some toiletries and a few basic items of clothing. He turned toward the kitchen, and the foyer lit up, blinding him for a second. He blinked against the harsh light, and a young voice rang out from the top of the steps. “Hold it right there! Put your arms up and back away from the stairs.” Mace had expected to see his sister bounding down the stairway of his two-story colonial, excited after not seeing him for the past two years. Actually, more like one year, eleven months, and fifteen days. Not that he’d counted. But instead, he stared up into the deadly eye of a Glock. And from his viewpoint, it looked like a model 27, a .40 caliber—a compact, but still a decent sized gun in a very small, very uneasy hand. Instantly, the hairs on the back of his neck rose. He’d dealt with crime bosses and their flunkies—from drug to porno rings—and had managed to survive. Now he was going to be killed by some measly punk he surprised while burglarizing his house when he happened to come home? The cruel irony made him want to laugh. Instead, he did as instructed. With caution, he raised his hands above his head before stepping back toward the middle of the foyer. He avoided standing directly under the light, trying to get a better view of the top of the steps. But he didn’t have much success; the upstairs hallway and the upper section of the stairway were hidden in shadows. If he played his cards right, this little situation would be under his control in no time at all. He just had to keep the kid calm and make the skinny punk believe he was the one in command. The Glock didn’t have a conventional safety. All the kid had to do was pull the trigger and pull it again and again until all the rounds in the clip emptied into Mace’s body. And from what he could see in the limited light, the kid’s fingers twitched from nervousness. Not a good sign. Where had a young punk gotten an expensive handgun like that? It certainly hadn’t been in the house. And if it had been, it would have been locked up in the gun safe. If only he could see the boy’s face. He needed to see the eyes. Without seeing those, Mace couldn’t even begin to predict what the kid would do. “Don’t you dare move, or I’ll blow your face off!” The kid’s voice raised an octave, making him sound more and more like…a female. Mace tensed when the person started down the steps. At first, he could see bare toes, a slim calf, then another. His gaze flicked to the gun before returning to the shapely naked thighs which couldn’t belong to a kid. No fucking way. Especially not a boy. Those smooth legs definitely belonged to a woman, and he couldn’t wait to see the rest of her. So far, the view almost made it worth being held at gunpoint. Almost. JEANNE ST. JAMES is a best-selling erotic romance author who loves an Alpha male (or two). She was only thirteen when she started writing since it gave her an escape from teenage angst! Her first paid published piece was an erotic story in Playgirl magazine. Her first erotic romance novel, Banged Up, was published in 2009. She is happily owned by farting French bulldogs. She writes M/F, M/M, and M/M/F ménages. Want to read a sample of her work? Download a sampler book here: BookHip.com/MTQQKK To keep up with her busy release schedule check her website at www.jeannestjames.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jeannestjames.com/newslettersignup Website: http://www.jeannestjames.com Blog: http://jeannestjames.blogspot.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JeanneStJamesAuthor/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeannestjames/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanneStJames Filed Under: Authors, Books, Promo, Tour Tagged With: Damaged, Hot and SInful Nights, Jeanne St. James	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3899
__label__cc	0.688829	0.311171	Added on July 11, 2019 Judy Rae calendar , newsletter South Bay Community Calendar 7-11-19 Friday, July 12 – Sunday, July 14 St. Katherine’s Greek Festival The South Bay Greek Festival celebrates over 50 years of Greek food, dancing and music. $2/day at the door. Fri. 5 – 10 p.m., Sat. 12 noon – 10 p.m., Sun., 12 noon – 9 p.m. St. Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church, 722 Knob Hill, Redondo Beach. For questions and information call (310) 540-2434 or visit SBGreekFestival.com. “Incredibles” under the stars at Botanic Garden Movie night in the garden for a unique outdoor summer experience. Dress the part of your favorite superhero! Bring your blankets, chairs and picnic to sit among the flowers and under the stars to watch the main attraction: Incredibles 2. South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes. 6 – 10 p.m. Tickets $6 members/$11 non-members. To purchase tickets visit southcoastbotanicgarden.org/event/movie-night-incredibles-2/. For questions call (310) 544-1948. Yoga on the Pier Bring a yoga mat, towel and water. All levels welcome. 10 – 11 a.m. Redondo Beach Pier, 500 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach. For a list of future events visit Redondopier.com. Blue Butterfly Walking Join Beach Cities Health District and biologist Ann Dalkey for a free guided walking tour along the Redondo Beach Esplanade to learn about and view the endangered El Segundo Blue Butterfly. 10 – 11 a.m. Miramar Park, 201 Paseo De La Playa, Redondo Beach. Register at bchd.org/moai. Lazy Acres/Blue Zones cooking The newly opened Hermosa Beach Lazy Acres market hosts a Blue Zones food program with registered dietitians Sarah Soufl. Get a taste of how to live longer, better. 2510 Pacific Coast Highway (at Artesia Boulevard). Registration is required. Register bchd.org. Questions? Call (310) 374-3426, x256. Del Amo Summer of Music Second Saturdays of the month. The Summer Music Series features diverse music styles by artists from Greater Los Angeles. Free. 2 – 4 p.m. Del Amo Mall Fashion Center, 3525 West Carson Street Torrance. For more information visit simon.com/mall/del-amo-fashion-center. The Second Annual Swim the Avenues is Sunday, July 14, along the Avenues. Photo by Randy Angel Swim the Avenues, Open Ocean Swim The Second Annual Redondo Beach Open Water Swim sign-ins are at 6:30 a.m. 1-mile starts at 8 a.m., followed by a 1/2-mile race. The race is a qualifying swim for the 2-mile International Surf Festival Dwight Crum Pier-to-Pier swim on Sun., Aug. 4 in Hermosa Beach. Miramar Park, 201 Paseo De La Playa, Redondo Beach. For information Call Village Runner at (310) 375-2626 or visit villagerunner.com/swim-the-avenues/. PV Art Center Chefs & Cellars The Associates to Benefit Palos Verdes Art Center hosts a sunset dining and wine tasting at Catalina View Gardens, overlooking the Pacific. 4 — 7 p.m. Catalina View Gardens, 6001 Palos Verdes Drive South, Rancho Palos Verdes. $125. For tickets visit celebratechefs.com. Hermosa blood drive A community blood drive hosted for UCLA Hospital patients will meet urgent needs. Your pint can potentially save 3 lives. 12 – 5 p.m. Clark Building, 861 Valley Dr., Hermosa Beach. Text or call (310) 406-5907. Learn about the history of the State’s water sources and the infrastructure challenges of imported water. 12:30 p.m. West Basin Donald L. Dear Building, 17140 S. Avalon Blvd., Carson. Free parking. RSVP’s are required. Questions or requests for additional information can be emailed to info@westbasin.org. To RSVP visit westbasin.org/lunchandlearn. Mindful Yoga This free, community-wide event brings together Beach Cities residents, fitness and fun. All ages and ability levels are welcome to participate. Invite your friends and family. Visit bchd.org/freefitness for a full schedule of events and to register. 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. In the sand south of the Manhattan Beach Pier, 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach. Register at bchd.org/freefitness. Surfing and eating with Jim Kempton Surfer, cook and writer Jim Kempton talks about “First We Surf Then We Eat,” his book on surf related recipes, restaurants, adventures and misadventures. Kempton is president of the California Surf Museum. 6 – 7:30 p.m. Main Library 2nd floor meeting room, 303 N. Pacific Coast Hwy., Redondo Beach. For questions call (310) 318-0675. The 58th Annual Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix, the second oldest one-day bike race in the country, is Sunday July 21. Chevron Grand Prix The 58th Annual Chevron Manhattan Beach Grand Prix is the second oldest one-day bike race in the county and promises to be a day of fun for South Bay residents. Food Stands, local exhibits, and family fun. 7 a.m. – 4 p.m. Live Oak Park, 1901 N. Valley Dr., Manhattan Beach. Visit mbgp.com for a complete events schedule. through Sunday, July 28 MB Tennis Open The 52nd Annual Manhattan Beach Open Tennis tournament, presented by Audi Pacific runs from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Free. Live Oak Park Tennis courts, 1901 N. Valley Dr, Manhattan Beach and Mira Costa Tennis Courts, 1401 Artesia Blvd., Manhattan Beach. To register and to view schedule visit citymb.info. For questions contact Michael Hudak at (310) 802-5432 or email mhudak@citymb.info. Manhattan native Alix Klineman is among the Olympic hopefuls who will compete in the AVP Hermosa Beach Open, the weekend of Friday, July 26. AVP Open The AVP Hermosa Beach Open brings the sports biggest stars to town (those that don’t already live here). The neighboring Manhattan Beach Open follows August 16-18. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hermosa Beach Pier. avp.com/event/avp-hermosa-beach-open/. Lifeguard Medal of Valor dinner Los Angeles County Lifeguards are recognized for acts of heroism during this annual dinner, sponsored by the Redondo Beach Chamber of Commerce since 1981. 6:30 p.m. Redondo Beach Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach. $20. For questions call Dave Story at (310) 619-4291 or davestory@me.com. For tickets and information visit surffestival.org/valor. International Surf Festival The world’s premier watermen, water women and volleyball players converge on the three beach cities for five days of competition in the water and on the sand. The festival starts with the Charlie Saikley six man volleyball (and costume) tournament at the Manhattan Pier on Friday and Saturday. Top teams are stacked with former pro volleyball and basketball players. Friday at 7:30 p.m. the LA County Lifeguard Championships will be held at the Hermosa Beach Pier. Saturday, the Southern California Lifeguard Championships will be held at the Hermosa Pier at 7:30 p.m. Other Saturday events include surfing and body surfing contests at the Manhattan Pier, a two-mile soft sand race at the Hermosa pier and an eight mile paddleboard race at Torrance Beach. On Sunday the 1.5 mile Velzy-Stevens Paddleboard race starts at 7:30 a.m. at the Manhattan pier, followed by the Dwight Crum Two-mile Swim, which starts at 9 a.m. at the Hermosa pier. The open ocean swim (now an Olympic sport) attracts over 1,000 swimmers from around the world. Hermosa, Manhattan, Redondo, Torrance. Visit SurfFestival.org. The 59th annual Sand Castle Contest is part of the International Surf Festival. Prizes all divisions for places 1st through 5th. All ages are welcome. Free. Beach registration 7 – 7:20 a.m., Sand castle building 7:30 – 9:30 a.m., Awards Ceremony 10 a.m. Manhattan Beach Pier, Southside. For questions call (310) 802-5448 or visit Surffestival.org. Go fly a kite in El Segundo Bring your family and friends to Go Fly-A-Kite Day. Free kites for the first 50 families. Live music. Food & Beverage vendors. Kite crafting area and more. Recreation Park, 401 Sheldon Street, El Segundo. For information call (310) 524-2700 or visit elsegundo.org/depts/recreations/. Meet the Falconer on the pier Lori of On the Wings Falconry Services with special guest hawks and falcons will offer an educational presentation and answer questions about these amazing animals. Free. 10 – 11 a.m. West end of the Municipal Horseshoe Pier, 100 Fisherman’s Wharf, Redondo Beach. For future Falconer events visit redondopier.com. Grow’s Barry Fisher, daughter Megan and son Brendan are among the local grocers and restaurants participating in annual Manhattan Beach Chamber of Commerce. Bite at the Beach on Saturday, Aug. 10 on New York backlot at Manhattan Beach Studios. Bite at the Beach with brews The Manhattan Beach Chamber presents the annual Bite at the Beach to highlight culinary delights from around the South Bay and the many local, craft breweries. Held at the Marvel Comics studio, MBS Media Campus, 1600 Rosecrans Ave., Manhattan Beach. Guests sample tastes from the paired restaurants and breweries. 3 – 6 p.m. For information call (310) 545-5313 or visit Manhattanbeachchamber.com. Kids Extreme at Begg Pool Be ready to swim, run, go over, under, through and between various obstacles at Begg Field/Pool. It’s a fun, challenging experience for all levels. Kids won’t just face fears, they’ll swim through them, go over, under, around, and through them. Youngsters will test strength, stamina, and grit with mud, tires, hay, water and walls. Everyone comes out a winner. 9 – 11 a.m. Begg Pool, 1402 N. Peck Ave., Manhattan Beach. $40 res/$45 nonres. Visit citymb.info/aquatics for future events. For more information contact Jesus Sandoval, Aquatics Supervisor, (310) 802-5429.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3901
__label__cc	0.694405	0.305595	From Emerging Managers to Superstars... Changing the Paradigm The concept of two people with a Bloomberg in a garage starting a fund has long faded from reality to become a mere figment of our imagination. With increased barriers to entry resulting from emphasis on transparency, infrastructure, focus on reputational risk, the reality is very different today versus 10 years ago. Today, we see numerous new fund ideas being launched, with muted growth trajectory. What does the next generation of fund managers look like? And what is their path to success? Emerging managers start off in the lower left quadrant, and the ones who put up solid performance numbers may attract allocations from investors who are willing to take business risk and /or have managed account capabilities. Once managers build up their back office and resources in general, they are viewed as strong in both operational and investment areas. These are the coveted “Unicorns” or “superstars”, the sweet spot in manager selection. However, as AUM grows substantially, select managers can go through growing pains which leads to under-performance, causing their relative investment strength to decline. One-shot venture financing, multiple paths Most fund managers these days need a minimum and stable capital base or operational funding to get to the next stage. The initial seed investment / founders class investment or working capital line usually comes in exchange of one or more of the following: Fee discount Ownership interest with or without a sunset provision However, even though this initial support gets them started, the biggest handicap in the industry is that it’s a one-shot deal. This is different from traditional startups in the following ways: Traditional startups start with friends and family, move to seed stage and then get Series A / B / C rounds. They receive different valuations at each stage, along with investors with different risk profiles and resources to support growth and strategy at each stage. In contrast, funds don’t have this luxury. Financing is a one shot deal, without progressive rounds of funding. If they make it past the “valley of death”, there are firms that provide exit opportunities and help take the manager to the next level of growth. Necessity, why is it not spurring invention? New risks and complexities: The evaluation process for early stage managers is less structured and repeatable as risks can be very different from Manager A to Manager B. However, certain factors bubble up, and performance still remains the dominant metric, as it’s an equalizer. However, the biggest challenge with performance is that it’s difficult to confirm ownership of the track record or its’ validity especially for prop traders where the numerator (revenue) is usually a known factor, but denominator (capital base) is an unknown. Plus the intangibles of access to intelligence as part of a platform, or the psychological impact of managing a fixed capital base is unknown. Too small to matter: It is not easy for most institutional investors to make a direct commitment to emerging managers. The performance impact is too small as a percent of their portfolio, and it is just not viable to devote underwriting and monitoring bandwidth. For example, a $50mm seed generates a 25bps allocation for a $20bn investor. Over-diversification? Limited exits: The traditional startup exit concept is not widely adopted in the investment industry. We can count (on one hand?) the number of buyouts or exits that have occurred in the industry. The exit comes in the form of sunset provisions few years later or sometimes the relationship becomes perpetual. Fragmented industry: The investment management industry is fragmented, with no common platform to match buyers and sellers. There are a few platforms that are starting to address this need, but they are still very much in their infancy. There is a huge place for further innovation to narrow the gap between buyers and sellers. Markets as an uncertainty factor: Once a traditional startup is successful in understanding its clients and has a great management team in place, their growth trajectory is usually well understood, and the number of unknowns decline. With fund management, markets become a much bigger unknown variable, generally taking years to give investors comfort in their ability to consistently deliver performance. So yes, early stage investors are sparse, and these factors result in a chicken or the egg problem. Which comes first, successful track record or assets? Assets won’t be allocated to an emerging fund without a performance track record, but how does the track record come without enough assets to sustain the team? The need for evolution in the market structure Barriers to entry in starting a fund created by the need for institutionalization and regulation are real. However, there’s no denying the need to change the status quo. A fundamental re-think of market structure for fund investing is needed. Create boundaries: One area of re-framing the current approach could be in creating a new ecosystem where investors in emerging managers are clearly defining their area of focus. Currently, the lines are amorphous, and as a result, managers don’t have focus on which investor(s) to approach for an allocation. Multi-step ladder (similar to traditional startups): Another area that could be reworked is the actual structure of the funding from a one-shot to a staggered approach, similar to the traditional startup community. For example, one group of investors writes checks to unproven managers, taking 20% in the GP. As the fund manager grows, subject to certain thresholds, these investors will be willing to reduce their stake. This paves the way for new investors to come in who would support the manager through the next wave of growth. Staggering eventually provides an avenue for the first investor to exit. Risk and return tranching (equity, mezz, senior): A final idea is to create investment structures that offer multiple tranches defined by the stage of investment managers. For example, the equity tranche includes exposure to manager incubation. The mezz tranche is exposed to seeding managers with successful 1-3 years and the senior tranche can be managers that are past the initial time and AUM thresholds are looking for growth partnerships. Overall, changing the paradigm of investment fund startups is key to reducing barriers to entry, allow for a more efficient allocation of capital across this investment strategy, and ease some of the pains of asset management entrepreneurship. Originally published on Hedgeconnection What's in the Name This blog introduces things you wished you knew about DiligenceVault Series! Growing up I repeatedly read the moral story (Aesop's fable) about a clever crow. One... Monel Amin 27 March 2016 Vaultly Due-diligence Bookends: Art vs. Commoditization In a recent Operational Due Diligence (ODD) conference, there was a lot of talk about the risk of commoditization. Well… What could have gotten this topic... Monel Amin 28 April 2016 Seriously	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3915
__label__cc	0.557044	0.442956	Dynamic Line Rating System Span Sentry provides an accurate, real-time estimation of the ampacity (current carrying capacity) of transmission conductors for a maximum operating temperature. Incorporating multiple on-site sensors, Span Sentry monitors conductor clearance, line current and weather conditions to calculate conductor ampacity, temperature and tension. This summary information is provided in real-time to EMS operators in order to more efficiently manage their transmission network, particularly in high load and contingency situations. WHY SPAN SENTRY Span Sentry calculates ampacity by accurately measuring conductor sag, which is directly related to the intrinsic conductor temperature. Conductor sag and temperature result from the cumulative effects of heating and cooling variances over several spans of conductor. Single point measurements of conductor temperature are a less accurate means of accounting for the net impact of these multiple factors. Span Sentry calculates and immediately communicates ampacity on SCADA or cellular Internet in real-time, without the need for installing additional hardware or software at a substation or operations center. Supporting data, such as ampacity based on live weather monitoring, conductor tension, and line current can also be provided. Live images of the monitored conductor can be provided separately over cellular internet. Span Sentry can be installed in 4 hours (or less) on any system at any location without de-energizing lines, and can be easily removed and re-located to another location. GRID WATCH FIELD DATA Select image for larger view Samuel Jack \| 970-204-4001 \| This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Diane Hurst \| 970-204-4001 \| This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. What does Span Sentry provide to an electric utility? Span Sentry provides an accurate, real time estimation of the ampacity (current carrying capacity) of transmission systems for a maximum operating temperature. This information allows EMS operators to more quickly and efficiently manage their transmission network, especially in high load and contingency situations. This allows utilities to validate and/or modify their static ratings, avert forced outages, alleviate line constraints, and defer costly line up upgrades. How does Span Sentry work? Span Sentry utilizes on-site sensory data collected on a span of overhead transmission conductor to furnish real-time ampacity information. The system employs a specialized machine vision camera to directly measure conductor clearance with a ± 0.5 in / 15mm accuracy level both vertically and horizontally – day or night. Weather sensors monitor wind speed and direction, ambient temperature and solar radiation. A current sensor monitors and reports line amperage to generate a complete snapshot of the load carrying capacity of a transmission circuit. Why Span Sentry? Span Sentry calculates and immediately communicates ampacity on SCADA or cellular Internet in real-time, without the need for installing additional hardware or software at a substation or operations center. Supporting data, such as ampacity based on live weather monitoring, conductor tension, and line current can also be provided. Live images of the monitored conductor can be provided separately over cellular internet. What are Span Sentry’s installation requirements? Is installation assistance available? Span Sentry has no installation limitations, and can be quickly deployed (usually 4 hours or less) on energized lines anywhere on a transmission system, on any type of structure. It can be just as easily removed and re-installed at another location within the same timeframes. EDM provides on-site installation assistance upon request. Can Span Sentry be configured to monitor more than one conductor? Yes. A single system can accept input from two cameras, providing simultaneous monitoring for adjacent spans. How is Span Sentry Powered? Span Sentry uses a self-contained photovoltaic system to support operation virtually anywhere on a utility transmission circuit. What type of communication options are available for Span Sentry? Span Sentry can be deployed using a variety of communication systems, including M2M - CDMA or GSM IP networks, local radio or fiber optic configurations. What software options are available to support line rating analysis? EDM provides a real-time web based data service called GridWatchRT, available via any web browser over the Internet. Live ampacity data is received from Span Sentry, along with individual readings displaying clearance, temperature, wind speed/direction and line current. What are Span Sentry’s calibration requirements? If assisting with the installation, EDM will measure the ground-to-target clearance using a laser rangefinder. Then, using survey data and/or a PLS-CADD model of the span, EDM formulates a model of the span to generate a sag-temperature relationship. From there, 3-6 weeks of line current data provided by the utility will be used to verify the current sensor calibration. The system can then provide summary ampacity information. What type of warranty comes with Span Sentry? A one year full service warranty is included, with annual extended warranties available. How long has EDM been involved in Line Rating? EDM first performed line rating studies in the 1990s, in which probabilistic-based static ratings were derived from decades of weather data. In 1997 these studies inspired a joint development with the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) to design a line rating system based on conductor sag. The first prototype “Sagometers” were deployed on utility systems in 1999. Since that time, over 80 units have been deployed throughout North America. In 2012, EDM began developing its first dynamic line rating system incorporating elements of Sagometer to provide total circuit ampacity for transmission systems. What happened to the Sagometer system? Span Sentry incorporates elements of the original Sagometer product that directly measures conductor sag using a camera and target system. This technology was developed in conjunction with EPRI and the California Energy Commission, and has been deployed throughout the US and Canada over the past several years. Complimenting Sagometer with advanced weather and current sensors, Span Sentry combines these sensory aspects to derive circuit ampacity.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3928
__label__cc	0.742148	0.257852	You are here: Home / GracEmail / this world we inhabit / facing death / ACCEPT FROM ONE WE TRUST ACCEPT FROM ONE WE TRUST THE THIRTEENTH DAY OF SEPTEMBER IN THE YEAR OF GRACE TWO THOUSAND AND FIFTEEN. I recently received an email from a lady named Darlene, whom I did not know, stating that my friend Wayne had urged her to tell me about a special situation and to request that I mention it in gracEmail. Harry Robert Fox, 94, a long-time missionary to Japan, now in a care facility, had written what he considered his “final paper,” Darlene said. Wayne thought I would appreciate it, as would many gracEmail subscribers. This was an easy call. I first met Harry Robert Fox 25 years ago at the Pepperdine Lectures, loved him immediately as one thoroughly devoted to Christ, then lost touch with him through the years. Darlene sent me his 12-page “final paper,” a combined Bible study and personal testimonial titled “God’s Unconditional Commitment to Us.” Using Galatians and other scripture texts, Fox shows the absolute certainty of God’s commitment to the believer, beginning with God’s unconditional and unilateral promise to give childless old Abram and his barren wife Sarai a natural-born heir, through whom God would bless all nations of the earth. I read the paper immediately and recommended it to gracEmail subscribers in the “family notes” dated Wednesday, September 9. (You can still obtain a copy of Fox’s 12-page paper by a simple request to darleneadamg@yahoo.com .) Harry also invited me to visit with him by phone. Our ongoing “visit,” in sections timed to accommodate his needs, now cumulatively totals about three hours. These conversations have touched me deeply, strengthened my own faith, and reminded me of the things that matter most. The first time Harry answered the telephone, his voice sounded as strong as ever, making his reply even more startling when I asked, “How are you today?” and he answered, “From the neck up, I am fine; from there down, totally useless.” Harry Robert Fox is in hospice care (“for people expected to live not more than six months”) and he receives morphine patches to minimize his pain. He is totally dependent on caregivers for everything. But most of all, Harry Robert Fox, at six years short of the century mark, is triumphant and hopeful, grateful and full of joy. “I have had more opportunities to share the gospel here than at any other time in my life,” he told me with excitement in his voice. “I have had a blessed life,” he reflected. “I know that God is unconditionally committed to me for my ultimate good.” He paused, then declared with firm conviction, “For that reason I am able to accept even my present condition as also from his loving hand.” Filed Under: facing death, GracEmail, our mortal life	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3929
__label__cc	0.706423	0.293577	Academic Achievement 77 Program Effectiveness 77 Educational Policy 57 Educational Assessment 56 Achievement Gap 55 Federal Programs 55 Outcomes of Education 55 State Programs 54 Mathematics Achievement 52 Achievement Gains 51 Reading Achievement 51 Scores 51 Achievement Rating 50 Disabilities 50 School Effectiveness 50 Student Evaluation 50 White Students 50 African American Students 49 High Achievement 49 Hispanic American Students 49 Center on Education Policy 49 Texas Center for Educational… 5 ProQuest LLC 4 Massachusetts 2020 3 Thomas B. Fordham Institute 2 Achieve, Inc. 1 Center for Collaborative… 1 Educational Policy Reform… 1 Guam Department of Education 1 Journal of School Choice 1 NASSP Bulletin 1 National Center for Research… 1 New Visions for Public Schools 1 Regional Educational… 1 Research For Action 1 Review of Educational Research 1 Southern Regional Education… 1 Maloney, Catherine 5 Sheehan, Daniel 5 Rainey, Katie 4 Whipple, Allyson 2 Ballard, Amy 1 Berry, Carolyn 1 Bottoms, Gene 1 Brown, Richard S. 1 Chudowsky, Naomi 1 Chudowsky, Victor 1 Cohen, Rebecca W. 1 Donohue, Beverly 1 Fairchild, Susan 1 Fletcher, Jason M. 1 Gagnon, Laurie 1 Genn, Ruth 1 Gopalsingh, Bhagyalakshmi 1 Griffith, David 1 Gunton, Brad 1 Han, Lingling 1 Herman, Joan L. 1 Holme, Jennifer Jellison 1 Hsu, Vivian 1 Jimerson, Jo Beth 1 Reports - Evaluative 56 Dissertations/Theses -… 5 Reports -… 1 High Schools 77 Secondary Education 69 Carl D Perkins Vocational and… 1 Georgia High School… 2 Massachusetts Comprehensive… 2 Alabama High School… 1 Connecticut Mastery Testing… 1 Delaware Student Testing… 1 Georgia Criterion Referenced… 1 Indiana Statewide Testing for… 1 Iowa Tests of Educational… 1 Minnesota Comprehensive… 1 Washington Assessment of… 1 Program Effectiveness X Academic Achievement X Educational Indicators X Annual State of Public Education Report, SY 2016-2017 Guam Department of Education, 2017 The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) presents this report in compliance with Guam Public Law 26-26 that specifically requires the Department to report on the following information in the Annual State of Public Education Report (ASPER): (1) Demographic information on public school children in the community; (2) Information pertaining to student… Descriptors: Annual Reports, Public Education, Demography, Academic Achievement Influence of a School District's Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) Program on Self-Efficacy and Other Indicators of Student Achievement Pugh, Philip M.; Tschannen-Moran, Megan – NASSP Bulletin, 2016 This article examines a school district's Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) program using perceived self-efficacy in academic achievement and self-regulated learning, GPA and attendance as indicators of program effectiveness. Results suggest that AVID participation was positively and significantly correlated with attendance in the… Descriptors: School Districts, Academic Achievement, Self Determination, Program Evaluation High Stakes for High Schoolers: State Accountability in the Age of ESSA, Part II Petrilli, Michael J.; Griffith, David; Wright, Brandon L. – Thomas B. Fordham Institute, 2016 A companion piece to "High Stakes for High Achievers: State Accountability in the Age of ESSA," this report appraises states' current (or planned) accountability systems as they affect high-achieving students in high school. They were examined and rated based on whether they incorporate under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) the… Descriptors: High Stakes Tests, Accountability, State Regulation, State Standards The College and Career Readiness of U.S. High School Graduates Achieve, Inc., 2016 For more than a decade, Achieve has issued an annual 50-state report on each state's adoption of college- and career-ready (CCR) policies as reflected in state standards, graduation requirements, assessments, and accountability systems. Having the right policies is necessary to ensure that students graduate academically prepared for college and… Descriptors: High School Graduates, College Readiness, Career Readiness, Educational Policy Project LIFT: Year 1 Report Norton, Michael; Piccinino, Kelly – Research For Action, 2014 Research for Action (RFA) is currently in the second year of a five-year external evaluation of the Project Leadership and Investment for Transformation (LIFT) Initiative in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District (CMS). Project LIFT is a public-private partnership between CMS and the local philanthropic and business communities in Charlotte,… Descriptors: School Turnaround, Program Implementation, Educational Quality, Educational Environment Evaluation of Green Dot's Locke Transformation Project: Findings for Cohort 1 and 2 Students. CRESST Report 815 Herman, Joan L.; Wang, Jia; Rickles, Jordan; Hsu, Vivian; Monroe, Scott; Leon, Seth; Straubhaar, Rolf – National Center for Research on Evaluation, Standards, and Student Testing (CRESST), 2012 With funding from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, CRESST conducted a multi-year evaluation of a major school reform project at Alain Leroy Locke High School, historically one of California's lowest performing secondary schools. Beginning in 2007, Locke High School transitioned into a set of smaller, Green Dot Charter High Schools,… Descriptors: Quasiexperimental Design, Academic Achievement, Grade 9, Control Groups A Quantitative Comparison of Pennsylvania High School Student Achievement by Middle States Association's Accreditation Status Johnson, Christopher A. – ProQuest LLC, 2012 As public school accountability for student achievement has continued to increase, prior to and as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, schools have sought ways of bringing new instructional services to their students to raise their levels of achievement. Some Pennsylvania public high schools have attempted to improve student… Descriptors: Public Schools, High Schools, Student Improvement, Student Certification The Effect of Studying Tech Prep in High School and College Academic Performance Ray, Larry A. – ProQuest LLC, 2011 This study examined the academic performance of Tech Prep students (referred to as participants) in comparison to non-Tech Prep students (referred to as non-participants) entering a two-year community college from sixteen different high schools in Stark County, Ohio. This study provided a quantitative analysis of students' academic experiences to… Descriptors: Test Results, Grade Point Average, College Preparation, Academic Achievement Student Progress to Graduation in New York City High Schools: A Metric Designed by New Visions for Public Schools. Part I: Core Components Fairchild, Susan; Gunton, Brad; Donohue, Beverly; Berry, Carolyn; Genn, Ruth; Knevals, Jessica – New Visions for Public Schools, 2011 Students who achieve critical academic benchmarks such as high attendance rates, continuous levels of credit accumulation, and high grades have a greater likelihood of success throughout high school and beyond. However, keeping students on track toward meeting graduation requirements and quickly identifying students who are at risk of falling off… Descriptors: Public Schools, Academic Achievement, At Risk Students, Graduation Requirements Massachusetts Expanded Learning Time Initiative 2010-11 Update Massachusetts 2020, 2011 2010 was a pioneering year for Massachusetts public schools. State leaders recognized that while the Commonwealth leads the nation in student achievement on national measures such as NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress), more needed to be done to close the persistent achievement gaps between our wealthy and poor students. Combining a… Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Comparative Analysis, Surveys, Teacher Collaboration Assessing the Effects of High School Exit Examinations Holme, Jennifer Jellison; Richards, Meredith P.; Jimerson, Jo Beth; Cohen, Rebecca W. – Review of Educational Research, 2010 High school exit exams are affecting a growing majority of high school students. Although exit testing polices were enacted with the goal of improving student achievement as well as postsecondary outcomes, they also have the potential for negative effects. To better understand the effects of exit testing policies, in this article the authors… Descriptors: Academic Achievement, Exit Examinations, High School Students, Educational Policy Designing an Early Warning System for Hawaii: Identifying Indicators of Positive High School Outcomes Oyadomari-Chun, Tammi J. – ProQuest LLC, 2010 Many studies examine the impact of students' characteristics and behaviors on high school outcomes: high school completion, college enrollment or college completion. This study uses regression analyses to explore the association of students' characteristics and behaviors and students' positive high school outcomes: graduating on-time, enrolling in… Descriptors: Student Records, High School Graduates, Program Effectiveness, Student Characteristics SC State Profile. South Carolina: High School Assessment Program (HSAP) Center on Education Policy, 2010 This paper provides information about South Carolina's High School Assessment Program. The purpose of the test is to: (1) Demonstrate students' achievement based on selected South Carolina academic standards; (2) Provide data to state policymakers on student attainment of state education goals to inform educational policy decisions; and (3) Meet a… Descriptors: High Schools, Exit Examinations, Academic Standards, Program Effectiveness The Texas Rural Technology (R-TECH) Pilot Program: Second Interim Evaluation Report. Executive Summary Maloney, Catherine; Sheehan, Daniel; Rainey, Katie – Texas Center for Educational Research, 2010 In 2007, the Texas Legislature (80th Texas Legislature, Regular Session, 2007) authorized the creation of the Texas Rural Technology (R-Tech) Pilot program, which provides $8 million in funding to support rural districts in implementing technology-based supplemental education programs. In order to be eligible for funding, districts must have… Descriptors: Student Participation, Laptop Computers, Summer Schools, Administrator Role The Texas Rural Technology (R-TECH) Pilot Program: Second Interim Evaluation Report Descriptors: Online Surveys, Teacher Surveys, Student Surveys, Facilitators (Individuals) Pages: 1 \| 2 \| 3 \| 4 \| 5 \| 6	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3934
__label__cc	0.701553	0.298447	Orders of magnitude (bit rate) An order of magnitude is generally a factor of ten. A quantity growing by four orders of magnitude implies it has grown by a factor of 10000 or 104. However, because computers are binary, orders of magnitude are sometimes given as powers of two. This article presents a list of multiples, sorted by orders of magnitude, for bit rates measured in bits per second. Since some bit rates may measured in other quantities of data or time (like MB/s), information to assist with converting to and from these formats is provided. This article assumes the following: A group of 8 bits (8 b) constitutes one byte (1 B). The byte is the most common unit of measurement of information (megabyte, mebibyte, gigabyte, gibibyte, etc.). The decimal SI prefixes kilo, mega etc., are powers of 10. The power of two equivalents are the binary prefixes kibi, mebi, etc. Accordingly: 1 kB (kilobyte) = 1000 bytes = 8000 bits 1 KiB (kibibyte) = 210 bytes = 1024 bytes = 8192 bits 1 kb (kilobit) = 125 bytes = 1000 bits 1 Kib (kibibit) = 210 bits = 1024 bits = 128 bytes Factor (bit/s) SI prefix 10−2 5.0×10−2 bit/s Text data Project ELF bit rate for transmitting 3-letter codes to US nuclear submarines [1][2] 100 bit/s 101 5.0×101 bit/s Positioning system Bit rate for transmissions from GPS satellites [3] 5.6×101 bit/s Text data Bit rate for a skilled operator in Morse code [4] 103 kbit/s 4×103 bit/s Audio data Minimum achieved for encoding recognizable speech (using special-purpose speech codecs) 8×103 bit/s Audio data Low bit rate telephone quality 3.2×104 bit/s Audio data MW quality and ADPCM voice in telephony, doubling the capacity of a 30 chan link to 60 ch. 5.6×104 bit/s Networking 56kbit modem – 56 kbit/s – 56,000 bit/s 6.4×104 bit/s Networking 64 kbit/s in an ISDN B channel or best quality, uncompressed telephone line. 105 1.28×105 bit/s Audio data 128 kbit/s MP3 – 128,000 bit/s 1.92×105 bit/s Audio data Nearly CD quality[citation needed] for a file compressed in the MP3 format 106 Mbit/s 1.4112×106 bit/s Audio data CD audio (uncompressed, 16 bit samples × 44.1 kHz × 2 channels) 1.536×106 bit/s Networking 24 channels of telephone in the US, or a good VTC T1. 2×106 bit/s Video data 30 channels of telephone audio or a Video Tele-Conference at VHS quality 8×106 bit/s Video data DVD quality 107 1×107 bit/s Networking Classic Ethernet 1×107 bit/s Biology Research suggests that the human retina transmits data to the brain at the rate of ca. 107 bit/sec[5][6] 2.7×107 bit/s Video data HDTV quality 108 1×108 bit/s Networking Fast Ethernet 4.8×108 bit/s Computer data interfaces USB 2.0 High-Speed (interface signalling rate) 7.86×108 bit/s Computer data interfaces FireWire IEEE 1394b-2002 S800 9.5×108 bit/s Computer storage Harddrive read, Samsung SpinPoint F1 HD103Uj [7] 109 Gbit/s 1×109 bit/s Networking Gigabit Ethernet 1.067×109 bit/s Computer data interfaces Parallel ATA UDMA 6; conventional PCI 32 bit 33 MHz – 133 MB/s 1.244×109 bit/s Networking OC-24, a 1.244 Gbit/s SONET data channel 1.5×109 bit/s Computer data interfaces SATA 1.5Gbit/s – First generation (interface signaling rate) 3×109 bit/s Computer data interfaces SATA 3Gbit/s – Second generation (interface signaling rate) 5×109 bit/s Computer data interfaces USB 3.0 SuperSpeed (interface signaling rate) 6×109 bit/s Computer data interfaces SATA 6Gbit/s – Third generation (interface signaling rate) 8.533×109 bit/s Computer data interfaces PCI-X 64 bit 133 MHz – 1,067 MB/s 9.953×109 bit/s Networking OC-192, a 9.953 Gbit/s SONET data channel 1010 1.0×1010 bit/s Computer data interfaces Thunderbolt 1.0×1010 bit/s Networking 10 Gigabit Ethernet 1.0×1010 bit/s Computer data interfaces USB 3.1 SuperSpeed 10 Gbit/s (interface signaling rate) 3.9813×1010 bit/s Networking OC-768, a 39.813 Gbit/s SONET data channel, the fastest in current use 8×1010 bit/s Computer data interfaces PCI Express ×16 v2.0 (interface signaling rate) 9.6×1010 bit/s Computer data interfaces InfiniBand 12X QDR 1011 1.0×1011 bit/s Networking 100 Gigabit Ethernet 1.28×1011 bit/s Computer data interfaces PCI Express ×16 v3.0 (interface signaling rate) 2.0×1011 bit/s Networking 200 Gigabit Ethernet 1012 Tbit/s 1.28×1012 bit/s Networking SEA-ME-WE 4 submarine communications cable – 1.28 terabits per second [8] 3.84×1012 bit/s Networking I-ME-WE submarine communications cable – design capacity of 3.84 terabits per second [9] 1014 2.45×1014 bit/s Networking Projected average global internet traffic in 2015 according to Cisco's 2011 VNI IP traffic forecast [10][11] 1015 Pbit/s 1.050×1015 bit/s Networking Data rate over a 14 transmission core optical fiber developed by NEC and Corning researchers.[12] Data rate units List of device bit rates Spectral efficiency Orders of magnitude (data) Orders of magnitude (time) ^ Heppenheimer, T. A. (April 1987). "Signaling Subs". Popular Science. New York: Times Mirror Magazines. 230 (4): 44–48. Retrieved 17 February 2012. ^ Source specifies a transmission rate of 3 characters in 5 minutes. An uppercase character can be represented with 5 bits. ^ "The Promising Marriage of Wireless and GPS Technologies" (PDF). U-blox. November 2009. p. 7. Retrieved 5 August 2013. ^ WPM, or Words Per Minute, is the number of times the word "PARIS" is transferred per minute. Strictly speaking the code is quinary, accounting inter-element, inter-letter, and inter-word gaps, yielding 50 binary elements (bits) per one word. Therefore 40 wpm is 2000 bits/min or 55.6 bit/s. Counting characters, including inter-word gaps, gives six characters per word or 240 characters per minute, and finally four characters per second. ^ Penn researchers calculate how much the eye tells the brain, 26 July 2006 ^ How Much the Eye Tells the Brain ^ "Samsung overtakes". ^ "Fujitsu Completes Construction of SEA-ME-WE 4 Submarine Cable Network". Fujitsu Press Releases. Fujitsu. 13 December 2005. Archived from the original on 17 March 2007. Retrieved 31 January 2008. ^ "Imewe Picks Alcatel-Lucent". LR Mobile News. 11 February 2008. Archived from the original on 23 May 2016. Retrieved 4 August 2013. ^ "Cisco: The Internet Is, Like, Really Big, and Getting Bigger". Dow Jones & Company. 1 June 2011. Retrieved 5 August 2013. ^ Calculated based on Cisco's figure of 966 exabytes per year, using the astronomical definition of a Julian year (365.25 days per year, 86,400 seconds per day). ^ "NEC, Corning claim petabit transmission over a single optical fiber". PennWell. 17 January 2013. Retrieved 4 August 2013. Orders of magnitude Energy / Energy density / Energy flow density Luminance / Luminous flux Molarity Sound pressure Specific energy Back-of-the-envelope calculation Fermi problem Powers of 10 Metric (SI) prefix Macroscopic scale Microscopic scale Quantum realm Astronomical system of units Earth's location in the Universe "Cosmic View" (1957 essay) To the Moon and Beyond (1964 film) Cosmic Zoom (1968 film) Powers of Ten (1968 and 1977 films) Cosmic Voyage (1996 documentary) Cosmic Eye (2012) Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Orders_of_magnitude_(bit_rate)&oldid=829037804" Use dmy dates from April 2012	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3940
__label__wiki	0.753208	0.753208	For other uses, see Potosi. City & Municipality in Bolivia City & Municipality View of Potosí Villa Imperial Location in Bolivia Coordinates: 19°35′S 65°45′W / 19.583°S 65.750°W / -19.583; -65.750Coordinates: 19°35′S 65°45′W / 19.583°S 65.750°W / -19.583; -65.750 Tomás Frías Potosí Municipality René Joaquino Cabrera • City & Municipality 118.218 km2 (45.6 sq mi) 4,090 m (13,420 ft) (2012 Census)[1] www.potosy.com.bo Cultural: ii, iv, vi Potosí is a capital city and a municipality of the Department of Potosí in Bolivia. It is one of the highest cities in the world at a nominal 4,090 metres (13,420 ft).[2] For centuries, it was the location of the Spanish colonial mint. Potosí lies at the foot of the Cerro de Potosí[3] —sometimes referred to as the Cerro Rico ("rich mountain")— a mountain popularly conceived of as being "made of" silver ore that dominates the city. The Cerro Rico is the reason for Potosí's historical importance since it was the major supply of silver for Spanish Empire until Guanajuato in Mexico surpassed it in the 18th century.[4] The silver was taken by llama and mule train to the Pacific coast, shipped north to Panama City, and carried by mule train across the isthmus of Panama to Nombre de Dios or Portobelo, whence it was taken to Spain on the Spanish treasure fleets. Some of the silver also made its way east to Buenos Aires, via the Rio de la Plata.[5] Cerro de Potosí's peak is 4,824 metres (15,827 ft) above sea level.[6]:376 1 Geology 2 History and silver extraction 2.1 16th century silver boom 2.2 Labor 2.3 Independence era 3 Origin of the name 4 Climate 5 Neighborhoods 9 Sister cities Geology[edit] Located in the Bolivian Tin Belt, Cerro Rico de Potosí is the world's largest silver deposit and has been mined since the sixteenth century, producing up to 60,000 tonnes by 1996. Estimates are that much silver still remains in the mines. Potosí became the second largest city, and the site of the first mint, in the Americas. By 1891, low silver prices prompted the change to mining tin, which continued until 1985. At peak production in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the ore contained up to 40% silver.[6]:374 The ore deposits reside in veins present in the dacite volcanic dome. The hill is "honeycombed" with underground workings, reaching from the summit to depths of 1,150 metres (3,770 ft). The conical hill has a reddish-brown gossan cap of iron-oxides and quartz, with grayish-blue altered dacite and many mine dumps below.[6]:374–376 Basement rocks consist of Ordovician clastic sediments consisting of phyllite with some sandstone interbedding. At about 13.8 Ma, the dome was extruded. During the explosive process, the Venus breccia formed when the ascending dacite magma reacted with groundwater to produce a phreatic eruption. The released pressure allowed the formation of the Caracoles tuff ring on top of the breccia. The magma then extruded outward from a dike to form a volcanic dome over the tuff. The dacite dome is 1,700 metres (5,600 ft) by 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) at the surface and narrows down to the 100 metres (330 ft) wide dike at depth. Hydrothermal circulation and fracturing soon followed, altering the dacite and depositing ore minerals and gangue in the veins.[6]:375,381,384 History and silver extraction[edit] See also: National Mint of Bolivia Manuel Rivera-Ortiz: widow of the Mines, Potosí, Bolivia 2004 Miners at work Potosí, aerial photo 16th century silver boom[edit] See also: Real Situado and Global silver trade from the 16th to 18th centuries Founded in 1545 as a mining town, it soon produced fabulous wealth, and the population eventually exceeded 200,000 people. The city gave rise to a Spanish expression, still in use: vale un Potosí, ("to be worth a Potosí") meaning "to be of great value". The rich mountain, Cerro Rico, produced an estimated 60% of all silver mined in the world during the second half of the 16th century.[7] Potosi miners at first mined the rich oxidized ores with native silver and silver chloride (cerargyrite) that could be fed directly into smelting furnaces. Especially successful were the small clay “flower pot” furnaces called guayras, which had been used by the Incas. But by 1565, the miners had exhausted the direct-smelting ore, and silver production plummeted. Silver production was revived by the introduction of the patio process, invented in Mexico in 1557. The patio process used mercury amalgamation to extract silver from lower-grade ores, and those containing silver sulfide (argentite), as was typical of the unoxidized ores found deeper in the mountain. In 1609, another mercury amalgamation method, the pan amalgamation process was invented in Potosi, and proved better-adapted to the conditions at Potosi.[8] Spanish American mines were the world's cheapest sources of silver during this time period. Spanish America's ability to supply a great amount of silver and China's strong demand for this commodity resulted in a spectacular mining boom. The true champion of this boom in the silver industry was indeed the Spanish crown. By allowing private-sector entrepreneurs to operate mines and placing high taxes on mining profits, the Spanish empire was able to extract the greatest benefits. An example of a tax that was levied includes the quinto, a 20% severance tax on gross value.[7] From the raw materials extracted from the mines, coins called pieces of eight were fashioned at the Potosí mint. For Europeans, Peru–Bolivia was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru and was known as Alto Perú before becoming independent as part of Bolivia. Potosi was a mythical land of riches, it is mentioned in Miguel de Cervantes' famous novel, Don Quixote (second part, chap. LXXI) as a land of "extraordinary richness". One theory holds that the mint mark of Potosí (the letters "PTSI" superimposed on one another) is the origin of the dollar sign, although the likelier origin of the symbol is the $-shaped scroll-wrapped columns on the reverse of the Spanish dollar. By the early 17th century, Basques were well established in the city and made up for a substantial number of the inhabitants in Potosí. They gathered in a confederation opposed to another one, the Vicuñas, a melting pot of natives and non-Basque Spanish and Portuguese colonists, fighting for control over ore extraction from the mines and its management. Eventually, tension among both factions came to a head, resulting in the eruption of overt armed conflict starting 1622 up to 1625. The Spanish Crown intervened, siding at one point with the Basques. Finally, both factions reached a settlement sealed with a wedding between the son and daughter of the leaders in either side, the Basque Francisco Oyanume and the Vicuña general Castillo. Labor[edit] Native-American laborers were conscripted and forced to work in Potosí's silver mines through the traditional Incan mita system of contributed labor. Many of them died due to the harsh conditions of the mine life and natural gases. At such a high altitude, pneumonia was always a concern, and mercury poisoning took the lives of many involved in the refining process.[9] According to Noble David Cook, "A key factor in understanding the impact of the Potosi mita on the Indians is that mita labor was only one form of work at the mines. A 1603 report stated that of 58,800 Indians working at Potosi, 5100 were mitayos, or less than one in ten. In addition to the mitayos there were 10,500 mingas (contractual workers) and 43,200 free wage earners. Yet mitayos were required to do the work others refused: predominantly the transport of the ore up the shafts to the mouth of the mine."[10] From around 1600, the death rate skyrocketed among the local Indian communities. To compensate for the diminishing indigenous labor force, the colonists made a request in 1608 to the Crown in Madrid to begin allowing the importation of 1,500 to 2,000 African slaves per year.[citation needed] An estimated total of 30,000 African slaves were taken to Potosí during the colonial era. Like the native laborers, they too died in large numbers. African slaves were also forced to work in the Casa de la Moneda (mint) as acémilas humanas (human mules). Since mules would die after a couple of months pushing the mills, the colonists replaced the four mules with twenty African slaves.[11] Independence era[edit] During the Bolivian War of Independence (1809–1825), Potosí frequently passed between the control of Royalist and Patriot forces. Major leadership mistakes came when the First Auxiliary Army arrived from Buenos Aires (under the command of Juan José Castelli), which led to an increased sense that Potosi required its own independent government. When the Second Auxiliary Army arrived (under the command of Manuel Belgrano). When the Second Auxiliary was forced to retreat, Belgrano made the decision to blow up the Casa de la Moneda. The natives undid the fuse, as many refused to evacuate and would have lost their lives. Two more expeditions from Buenos Aires would seize Potosí. Origin of the name[edit] This section includes a list of references, but its sources remain unclear because it has insufficient inline citations. Please help to improve this section by introducing more precise citations. (September 2010) (Learn how and when to remove this template message) A Spanish colonial two-reales piece ("two bits") from the Potosí Mint There is no authoritative etymology for the word "Potosí". According to legend, in about 1462, Huayna Capac, the eleventh Sapa Inca of what by then was known as the Inca Empire "set out for Ccolque Porco and Andaccaua, the location of his mines from which were taken innumerable arrobas of silver" (an arroba is a Spanish unit of weight equivalent to approximately 25 pounds (11 kg)). Before leaving there, he saw Potosí, and admiring its beauty and grandeur, he said (speaking to those of his Court): "This doubtless must have much silver in its heart"; whereby he subsequently ordered his vassals to go to Ccolque Porco ... and work the mines and remove from them all the rich metal. They did so, and having brought their tools of flint and reinforced wood, they climbed the hill; and after having probed for its veins, they were about to open those veins when they heard a frightening thunderous noise which shook the whole hill, and after this, they heard a voice which said: "Do not take the silver from this hill, because it is destined for other masters." Amazed at hearing this reasoning, the Incan vassals desisted in their purpose and returned to Porco and told the king what had happened; relating the occurrence in their own language, on coming to the word noise, they said "Potocsí" which means there was a great thunderous noise, and from that later was derived (corrupting a letter) the name of potosí.[citation needed] It is believed[who?] that "Potosí" is a Quechua word.[citation needed] However, in Quechua the phoneme p'otoj does not refer to a thunderous noise, whereas it does in Aymara. Thus, if Potosí encompasses the idea of a thunderous noise, the location would have an Aymaran root rather than a Quechuan.[citation needed] The actual sharp structure of the term is contrary to the nature of both Aymara and Quechua. Another explanation, given by several Quechua speakers,[specify] is that potoq is an onomatopoeic word that reproduces the sound of the hammer against the ore, and oral tradition has it that the town derived its name from this word. Potosí with Cerro Rico in the background. Potosí features a rare climate for a city of its size, due to its extreme elevation at over 4000m. Semiarid and with average temperatures in its warmest month sitting right on the 10 °C threshold, the city's climate straddles that of the subtropical highland climate (Cwc, according to the Köppen climate classification), with subpolar oceanic characteristics and an alpine climate (E). Summers are cool and wet with daily highs rarely rising above 20 °C, while winters feature cooler days with much colder nights averaging −4 °C. These low temperatures are a result of the extreme precipitation deficit during the winter months with the resulting aridity leading to an increased diurnal temperature variation. Climate data for Potosi, Bolivia (2000−2012) Average high °C (°F) Daily mean °C (°F) (48) 9 (47.3) 6.5 (41.9) 5 (49.1) 10 Average low °C (°F) (32) −2 Average precipitation mm (inches) (3.6) 86 (3.0) 397 Average precipitation days (≥ 1.0 mm) 17 16 12 5 1 0 0 1 2 5 7 14 80 Mean daily sunshine hours 6 6 7 8 9 9 9 9 8 8 7 7 7.75 Source: WeatherWorld[12] Neighborhoods[edit] La Chacra Alto Potosí Nuevo Potosí Pampa Ingenio Nacional Potosí Pailaviri Cachi Rancho Mercado Uyuni Huachacalla Cantumarca Ciudad Satélite Las Delicias Los Pinos-Cordepo Las Lecherías Villa Mecànicos Villa Copacabana Villa Venezuela Villa Nazaret Sports[edit] Potosí is home to football team Club Bamin Real Potosí, who play their matches at the 32,000-capacity multi-purpose stadium Estadio Víctor Agustín Ugarte, one of the highest stadiums in the world. The city is served by Aeropuerto Capitán Nicolas Rojas, with commercial airline flights by Boliviana de Aviación, Bolivia's flag air carrier. The city of San Luis Potosí in Mexico was named after Potosí in Bolivia. In the United States, the name Potosi was optimistically given to lead-mining towns of Potosi, Wisconsin,[13] and Potosi, Missouri, and also to the silver-mining town of Potosi, Nevada. Sister cities[edit] San Luis Potosí, Mexico Lhasa, Tibet, China Potosi, the first image in Europe. Pedro Cieza de León, 1553. Central Potosi street Potosí Cathedral under restoration works. Potosi surface mining Laguna Verde, Bolivia A street in Potosí with Cerro Rico in the background. Salar de Chalviri, Potosi Potosí Mint (Casa de la Moneda) Potosi Mountains A figure of El Tio in Potosi mines, 1993 Geology of Bolivia San Cristóbal mine (Bolivia) Pari Urqu Potosí mountain range Tinku – A local combat ritual and agricultural fertility rite El Tio Mapuche silver finery Cervecería Potosina - One of few Bolivian breweries ^ "World Gazetteer". Archived from the original on 2013-01-11. ^ Bolivia & Main Cities / Potosí from boliviaweb.com. Retrieved 2010-09-27. ^ Not to be mistaken with Cerro Potosí, Mexico ^ Tutino, John (2017). The Mexican Heartland: How Communities Shaped Capitalism, a Nation, and World History, 1500-2000. Princeton University Press. ^ Kritzler, Edward (2008). Jewish Pirates of the Caribbean. Anchor Books. p. 151. ISBN 978-0-7679-1952-4. ^ a b c d Cunningham, C.G., Zartman, R.E., McKee, E.H., Rye, R.O., Naeser, C.W., Sanjines V., O., Ericksen, G.E., Tavera V., F., 1996, The age and thermal history of Cerro rico de Potosi, Bolivia, Mineralium Deposita, 31, 374-385 ^ a b Flynn, Dennis; Giráldez, Arturo (1995). "Born with a 'Silver Spoon': The Origin of World Trade in 1571". Journal of World History. University of Hawai'i Press. ^ Ronald D. Crozier, “Silver processing in Spanish America; the patio process and beyond,” CIM Bulletin, July-Aug. 1993, v.86 n.972 p.86-91. ^ "BBC - A History of the World - About: Transcripts - Episode 80 - Pieces of eight". Retrieved 2016-05-07. ^ Cook, Noble David (1981). Demographic collapse, Indian Perú, 1520-1620. Cambridge University Press. p. 237. ISBN 0-521-23995-8. ^ Angola Maconde, 1999 ^ "Climate Data and Activities". WeatherWorldOnline. Retrieved 15 October 2013. ^ "Potosi [origin of place name]". Wisconsinhistory.org. 1941-10-10. Retrieved 2010-04-13. Angola Maconde, Juan. "Raíces de un pueblo: cultura afroboliviana." La Paz: Producciones CIMA, 1999. Arzáns de Orsúa y Vela, Bartolomé. Historia de la Villa Imperial de Potosí. Edición de Lewis Hanke y Gunnar Mendoza. Providence, R.I.: Brown University Press, 1965. Bakewell, Peter. "Miners of the Red Mountain: Indian Labor in Potosi, 1545-1650". University of New Mexico Press 2010. Bakewell, Peter. "Silver and Entrepreneurship in Seventeenth-Century Potosí: The Life and Times of Antonio López de Quiroga". Southern Methodist University Press 1995. Cobb, Gwendolin Ballantine. "Potosí, a South American Mining Frontier." Greater America: Essays in Honor of Herbert Eugene Bolton. Freeport, N.Y.: Books for Libraries Press, 1968, © 1945, pp. 39–58. Gil Montero, Raquel. "Ciudades efimeras. El ciclo minero de la plata en Lipez (Bolivia), siglos XVI - XIX". Instituto Frances de Estudios Andinos - IFEA- Plural Editores, 2014. Hanke, Lewis (writer) and Jean-Claude Wicky (photographer). The Imperial City of Potosí. The Hague: Nijhoff, 1956. Ross, John F. Mountains of Pain Smithsonian Magazine, November 2000. Tandeter, Enrique. "Coaccion y mercado. La mineria de plata en el Potosi colonial, 1692-1826". Siglo XXI Editores 2001. Wikimedia Commons has media related to Potosí. Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Potosí. Potosí Department Capital: Potosí Antonio Quijarro Bernardino Bilbao Chayanta Cornelio Saavedra Enrique Baldivieso José María Linares Nor Chichas Nor Lípez Rafael Bustillo Sud Chichas Sur Lípez Municipalities (and seats) Acasio (Acasio) Arampampa (Arampampa) Atocha (Atocha) Betanzos (Betanzos) Caiza "D" (Caiza "D") Ckochas (Ckochas) Caripuyo (Caripuyo) Chaquí (Chaquí) Chayanta (Chayanta) Chuquihuta (Chuquihuta) Colcha "K" (Colcha "K") Colquechaca (Colquechaca) Cotagaita (Cotagaita) Llallagua (Llallagua) Llica (Llica) Mojinete Municipality (Mojinete) Ocurí (Ocurí) Pocoata (Pocoata) Porco (Porco) Potosí (Potosí) Puna (Puna) Ravelo (Ravelo) Sacaca (Sacaca) San Agustín (San Agustín) San Antonio de Esmoruco (San Antonio de Esmoruco) San Pablo de Lípez (San Pablo de Lípez) San Pedro de Buena Vista (San Pedro de Buena Vista) San Pedro de Quemes (San Pedro de Quemes) Tacobamba (Tacobamba) Tahua (Tahua) Tinguipaya (Tinguipaya) Tomave (Tomave) Toro Toro (Toro Toro) Tupiza (Tupiza) Uncía (Uncía) Urmiri (Urmiri) Uyuni (Uyuni) Villazón (Villazón) Vitichi (Vitichi) Yocalla (Yocalla) World Heritage Sites in Bolivia Jesuit Missions of Chiquitos Fuerte de Samaipata Noel Kempff Mercado National Park City of Potosí Historic City of Sucre Tiwanaku: Spiritual and Political Centre of the Tiwanaku Culture Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Potosí&oldid=897687764" Populated places in Potosí Department Articles containing Spanish-language text Articles lacking in-text citations from September 2010 Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from September 2013 Articles needing more detailed references	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3941
__label__cc	0.631352	0.368648	EB-101, Potential Cell Therapy for RDEB, Seen to Lead to Sustained Wound Healing in Trial by Marisa Wexler EB-101, a cell therapy candidate from Abeona Therapeutics, induced sustained wound healing lasting for three years or more in a large proportion of people with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), the long-term follow-up of a Phase 1/2 trial shows. Data were detailed at the 77th Annual Meeting of the Society for Investigative Dermatology in a presentation titled, “Genetically corrected autologous keratinocyte epidermal grafts improve wound healing and patient reported outcomes in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.” RDEB is caused by defects in the gene COL7A1, which lead to an inability to produce type VII collagen, an important structural molecule in the skin that keeps the epidermis (top layer of the skin) attached to the dermis (the layer below the epidermis). The lack of collagen makes the skin fragile and prone to frequent blistering. EB-101 aims to replace the defective COL7A1 gene with a working version, allowing for proper production of type VII collagen. It uses a patient’s skin cells (keratinocytes), which are cultured in the laboratory and modified to produce a functioning type VII collagen protein. These genetically engineered skin cells are then grown to form sheets that are transplanted onto the patient with the aim of treating the wounds and blisters, and restoring normal type VII collagen expression in the skin. The completed Phase 1/2 trial (NCT01263379) included seven people with RDEB who were treated with EB-101 between 2013 and 2017. Each received six individual grafts, for a total 42 grafts among all seven people in the trial. The data presented covered three years of follow-up, though some patients were followed for as long as five years. The grafts were tested for their wound healing ability, and most (83%) showed 50% or greater wound healing, with two-thirds of these grafts (66%) demonstrating 75% or greater wound healing at three years. To put that in perspective, only 16% of untreated wounds (serving as controls) showed at least 50% wound healing. (It should be noted that this data came from tests of six control wounds analyzed at one year.) Wound healing was assessed with the Investigator Global Assessment Scale, which uses skin inflammation criteria to measure such healing. Importantly, patients reported feeling better: all said there was a “notable improvement” in pain and itchiness, and nearly two-thirds reported having fewer blisters at graft sites. No adverse effects were reported. Researchers plan to continuing to follow the patients, and a multicenter Phase 3 trial in up to 15 RDEB patients— called VITAL — is expected to open this year. It will compare EB-101 treatment to untreated wounds in the same patient. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) designated the EB-101 program a regenerative medicine advanced therapy (RMAT) in 2018, a recognition to assist and speed the development of promising “regenerative” therapies — cell therapies, tissue engineering, or cell and tissue products. The treatment candidate had already been recognized a rare pediatric disease potential therapy for dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB), including RDEB, breakthrough therapy designation, and orphan drug designation in the U.S. EB-101 also received orphan drug designation from the European Medicines Agency in March 2017. Tagged Abeona Therapeutics, cell therapy, EB-101, Gene therapy, Skin graft. Previous: RDEB Gene Therapy Candidate FCX-007 Given FDA Regenerative Medicine Advanced Therapy Status Next:‘Rare Barometer’ Program Helps Eurordis Shape EU Rare Disease Policy Liz Arias says: Please my daughter has DREB how can ti make for enrollment in this treatment Hanaa elsadat says: Hi..my name is hanaa elsadat from Egypt, I had a RDEB daughter yasmin 1997-2012. I established a non profit organization to help all EB children in Egypt with treatment and support. I have more than 110 patients caring for..please advise more details about EB101 treatment and can it be used in Egypt. Hanaa elsadat Ajith Ranatunge says: My daughter is suffering from RDEB, from Sri Lanka. I am the President of Debra Sri Lanka, attached Debra NewZealand. How can I undergo this treatment with my daughter. Ajith Ranatunge	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3944
__label__wiki	0.838562	0.838562	Are accident and emergency senior house officers getting slower? Jump to comment: ED workload: Who does what? Roger Dalton Published on: 28 February 2006 Variation in speed is important. Peadar Gilligan Published on: 17 January 2005 What about variation in speed between physicians? Sam G Campbell Published on: 2 November 2004 Roger Dalton, Research Fellow Other Contributors: Tom Burton, Derek Burke <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"??> In response to Drs Gilligan and Campbell, a study carried out in our ED has shown some interesting findings. We examined SHO workload on cohorts of ED SHOs in our department, (paediatric ED in a major tertiary centre), between February 2000 and February 2005. SHOs from February 2000 to February 2001 (2 cohorts), saw 22798 patients, 62.52% of total attendances. SHOs from February 2004 to F... We examined SHO workload on cohorts of ED SHOs in our department, (paediatric ED in a major tertiary centre), between February 2000 and February 2005. SHOs from February 2000 to February 2001 (2 cohorts), saw 22798 patients, 62.52% of total attendances. SHOs from February 2004 to February 2005 saw 23627 patients, 62.2% of total patients. There were 8 full time ED SHOs in each cohort, each working a full shift rota, which was unchanged through the study period. The rota is fully European Working Time Directive compliant. By comparison, ED middle grades saw 5577 patients between Feruary 2000 and February 2001 (15.29%)and 5585 patients between February 2004 and February 2005 (14.7%). ED consultants showed the biggest change, seeing 597 patients between February 2000 and February 2001 (1.64%), and 1152 patients between February 2004 and February 2005 (3.03%). Nurse Practitioners saw 464 patients from February 2000 to February 2001 (1.27%), and 1157 patients from February 2004 to February 2005 (3.04%). The total number of new patient episodes was 36463 from February 2000 to 2001 and 37986 from February 2004 to 2005. It can be seen that the number of patients seen by ED SHOs has not varied significantly over this 5 year period. In both absolute and percentage terms, the figure remains constant. Similarly, middle grade workload remains essentially unchanged. The major point of note is the increased input of consultants and nurse practitioners. This represents a considerable change in the delivery of emergency care provision. The impact of the European Working Time Directive and Modernising Medical Careers will almost certainly have a further significant effect on working patterns and hence service delivery and EM training. The delivery of patient care is anecdotally shifting away from an SHO delivered service to utilising other grades of medical staff, or other health care professionals altogether (ENPs/ECPs). Although this trend is borne out of necessity, caution is needed to prevent detrimental impact on the training of Emergency Medicine doctors and, ultimately, patient care. Conflict of Interest: None declared. Peadar Gilligan, A&E Consultant R N Illingworth, S Crane, and D Hegarty We accept, as pointed out by Dr Campbell, that our retrospective findings could be confounded by many factors. Nonetheless our Doctors were on average seeing 154 less patients per six months by the end of the study period.[1] The concept of developing "ideal practice patterns" is an interesting one and would in itself merit debate. Certainly from the patient's perspective the time waiting to see a... The concept of developing "ideal practice patterns" is an interesting one and would in itself merit debate. Certainly from the patient's perspective the time waiting to see a Doctor and the time from arrival to discharge or admission are taken as indicatiors of efficient practice and are significantly impacted upon by the speed with which Doctors see patients. The questions raised with regards to the implications of a Doctor's speediness for quality of care, education and longevity need to be addressed independently of our study and probably using a qualitative approach. The fact remains that the Senior House Officers in the second half of our 5 year retrospective study were seeing fewer patients in their six months in Accident & Emergency than they used. In a predominantly Senior House Officer delivered service this has implications for the future delivery of Emergency Care. (1) P Gilligan, RN Illingworth, S Crane, D Hegarty. Are accident and Emergency senior House Officers getting slower? Emerg Med J 2004; 21: 646. doi:10.1136/emj.2004.014787 Sam G Campbell, Emergency Physician The letter by Gilligan and colleagues suggests that SHO's in emergency departments are getting slower, seeing far fewer patients in a standard full shift rota than in previous years. Using 'before-after' comparisons can be confounded by factors such as increased patient acuity, or increased availability of slower tests. Decreased access to actually seeing patients, because ED beds are 'blocked' by admi... The letter by Gilligan and colleagues suggests that SHO's in emergency departments are getting slower, seeing far fewer patients in a standard full shift rota than in previous years. Using 'before-after' comparisons can be confounded by factors such as increased patient acuity, or increased availability of slower tests. Decreased access to actually seeing patients, because ED beds are 'blocked' by admitted patients waiting for hospital beds an also reduce the numbers of patients we are able to see. Practice patterns and patient expectations may also have changed. I was most interested in their comparisons between SHO's of different sex or different clinical interest, because further examination of these could contribute to our understanding of what elements of practice could be embraced to teach 'ideal' practice patterns for doctors who wish to work in emergency. The aspect of 'productivity' (defined for this letter as 'number of patients seen per unit time'), of the variation in 'speed' between emergency physicians is an uncomfortable one to address, and has been neglected. In a one-year (01.07.01 to 30.06.02) audit of a group of 22 academic emergency physicians at a 70 000 visit/year emergency department, we found that the number of patients seen per hour varied from 2.3 to 4.8 patients/hour. This variation was found to be consistent when times were compared for high- and low-acuity patient areas [1]. These variations leaves us with many questions unanswered, including whether ‘fast’ care is of an inferior quality to ‘slow’, whether ‘fast’ physicians teach trainees less effectively, or whether there is a difference in clinical longevity between physicians performing at different speeds? Regardless of these answers, we need to recognise that the physician is often the bottleneck in the system, and physician productivity is a significant determinant of department overcrowding. Physician practice patterns undoubtedly contribute to this, and safe strategies for managing patient flow need further research [2]. Although rapid transit of patients through the ED should not be achieved at the cost of good, appropriate patient care, an ideal standard should be developed appropriate to patient acuity, that can be used for training and quality management purposes. (1) Campbell SG, Maxwell DM, Sinclair DE. Is individual Emergency Physician efficiency a significant determinant of ED overcrowding. (Abstr) CJEM 2003;5:202. (2) Campbell SG, Sinclair D. Strategies for managing a busy emergency department. CJEM 2004;6(4):271-6.	cc/2019-30/en_middle_0053.json.gz/line3946

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