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Institute for War and Peace Reporting | Giving Voice, Driving Change
Bos/Hrv/Srp
Djukanovic Confounds Pollsters
Montenegrin leader lives to fight another day after surprise local election triumph
By Milka Tadic-Mijovic
The ruling pro-independence bloc led by Montenegrin president Milo Djukanovic defied expectations last week when it scored an important local election victory over parties favouring continued participation in the Yugoslav federation.
Djukanovic, whose position has recently been threatened over the independence issue, has been hugely bolstered by this electoral triumph. Now Belgrade and the international community will have to take his views on future relations between Serbia and Montenegro more seriously.
Following the elections, the Montenegrin independence bloc - the Democratic Party of Socialists, DPS, Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the Montenegrin Liberal Alliance, LSCG - have the chance to form local governments in ten of the nineteen Montenegrin municipalities.
Parties advocating continued federation with Serbia - the Coalition Together for Yugoslavia, ZZJ - are likely to hold sway in eight municipalities, while an alliance of three ethnic-Albanian parties will probably take control over the southern town of Ulcinj.
The main local election battle took place in the town of Niksic and in Berane in the north and Kotor and Budva in the south. All pre-election forecasts suggested victory for the ZZJ led by Momir Bulatovic, head of the Socialist People's Party, SNP. However, the latter gained only Berane, and that by just one seat, while pro-independence supporters secured the other three.
The electoral results caught many analysts by surprise. Recently conducted opinion polls predicted that Djukanovic's coalition would lose to those political forces supporting continued alliance with Serbia.
In addition to facing electoral defeat, Djukanovic had a lot of other troubles on his plate.
For much of the last year, he has been facing accusations that he and his party were implicated in the "Nacional affair", which linked the president with a number of corruption scandals. Added to this a promised economic revival failed to emerge; the standard of living dropped; and the introduction of the euro raised the prices of staple products.
And in the political arena, DPS leaders seemed bent on a war of words with the LSCG, while the president's decision in March, under intense EU pressure, to maintain a joint state with Serbia led to a break up with the SDP and to the fall of prime minister Filip Vujanovic's government. Vujanovic is one of the president's closest associates.
All these factors seemed to be conspiring against a Djukanovic victory in the local elections, so how does one explain the turnaround?
One of the main reasons could lie in the DPS's election campaign. Eschewing large rallies and high profile meetings, the party pursued a more direct approach, with activists visiting remote villages. The president himself toured the northern municipalities, which are traditional supporters of the pro-Yugoslavia option. He went out of this way to speak with people individually and explain the benefits of independence.
In addition, his grudging decision to agree to the continuation of a joint state with Serbia, known as the Belgrade agreement, worked in his favour, as it showed voters that he didn't want to completely break up the federation. People's Party leader Dragan Soc has long claimed that the president wanted to build "a Chinese Wall with Serbia".
"Instead of building a wall we have chosen to part ways with Serbia peacefully," DPS leaders repeated often during the campaign. They argued that the Belgrade bore this out and that they wanted a gradual and peaceful parting of the ways.
And there are other reasons for the surprise result. Just prior to the elections, the pro-Yugoslav parties gave way to pressure from the international community and Belgrade over the issue of transferring war criminals to The Hague. Although they had previously promised their supporters they would never give in to these demands, they voted for extradition legislation in the federal parliament, which did not go down well with voters.
On top of this, once the agreement on continued union with Serbia was signed, Djukanovic benefited from the fact that now the federation was secure Belgrade would not have to back the pro-Yugoslav parties in Montenegro as assiduously as it had done in the past.
Djukanovic has good reason to feel confident after these election results. Scandals and pro-Yugoslav support all seemed to have chipped away at his power base. Now things have been turned on their head - and he's a serious political player once again. While the ZZJ may remain a respectable force it is in no position to endanger him.
But the president's problems are not over. He still has to restore his alliance with the LSCG and SDP. They withdrew their support following the postponement of a referendum on independence, which was one of the stipulations of the Belgrade agreement. Should their coalition not be renewed Montenegro could face early parliamentary elections.
But, as analysts point out, having made such strides in the local elections, discussions with these parties should prove a whole lot easier.
Milka Tadic is editor in chief of Montenegro weekly Monitor
BCR Issue 337
http://tinyurl.com/yyabfrhx
Kosovo: Rexhepi Offers Serbs Olive Branch
Croatia: Old Enemies Share Power in Vukovar
Serbia: Politicians Rubbish Milosevic 'Insider'
IMPACT / BY TOPIC
More IWPR's Global Voices
Monitoring Malawi's Elections
Projects will enhance local reporting on crucial polls.
Bringing Kenyan Journalists and Activists Together
Nigeria: Joining Forces for Human Rights
Could China Be Softening Stance on Kazak, Kyrgyz Minorities?
Mass release of detainees stirs hopes that international criticism may be working.
Tajikistan: Afghans Refugees Feel Secure - But Poor
Afghanistan: The Wives Left Behind
IWPR Launches Regional Leadership Platform
Young people from across Europe’s Eastern Partnership countries came together for a groundbreaking six-day crisis management and leadership skills...
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HMS Westminster sails for NATO deployment
HMS Westminster has sailed from her home port of Portsmouth on a NATO deployment to northern Europe and the Baltic.
The Type 23 Duke-class frigate will join Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 (SNMG1) under NATO's Maritime Command. The task group is to deploy to northern Europe and the Baltic region where they will reassure allies of their presence while acting as a deterrent to potential adversaries.
She will conduct exercises within her task group as well as a variety of port visits that will include capability demonstrations.
We have a ship's company who have recent experience of operating in the area
Commander Will Paston
Commander Will Paston, Westminster's Commanding Officer, said: "We have a ship's company who have recent experience of operating in the area, which is a great opportunity to train with our NATO allies and maintain close ties with our longstanding regional partners."
The SNMG1 is a task group of four ships led by their commander Rear Admiral Edward Cashman of the US Navy, who will be embarked in the Arleigh Burke destroyer USS Gravely.
The other two ships forming the task group are the German Rhön-class tanker FGS Spessart and the Polish frigate ORP General Kazimierz Pulaski.
Prior to joining SNMG1 HMS Westminster will take part in Exercise Joint Warrior off North Western Scotland. More than 10,000 troops from 14 nations are taking part in the three-week exercise.
Sub hunters play cat and mouse in Arctic
The game is on again for the Navy’s premier submarine killers as they join the largest hunt in northern waters this year.
Royal chefs add sparkle to HMS Westminster's 'fish Friday'
HMS Westminster on NATO Baltic mission
Sailors, Royal Marines and RFA personnel recognised for outstanding contribution and excellence on operations
HMS Westminster drives home for Christmas
HMS Westminster (F237)
HMS Iron Duke (F234)
HMS St Albans (F83)
HMS Richmond (F239)
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Table 1. Steps in the Evaluation of Goldman and Colleagues' Clinical Decision Rule
Figure 1. Clinical Decision Rule for Patients With Suspected Acute Cardiac Ischemia in the Emergency Department (ED)
* Modification to Goldman's prediction rule: Left bundle-branch block not known to be old was also considered evidence of ischemia on ECG.
†Unstable ischemic heart disease was defined as a worsening of previously stable angina, the new onset of postinfarction angina or angina after a coronary revascularization procedure, or pain that was the same as that associated with a prior MI.
‡Cardiology consultation in the ED (for possible admission to the coronary care unit) was recommended for patients stratified as high risk, which included patients who had experienced a major complication in the ED (eg, cardiogenic shock). Modification to Goldman's prediction rule: Cardiology consultation for possible coronary care unit admission was also recommended for 2 subgroups of patients: (1) patients stratified as moderate risk by the original prediction rule because they had acute pulmonary edema or ongoing angina despite maximal medical therapy in the ED, and (2) patients presenting with unstable angina within 2 weeks of acute MI or within 6 months of coronary revascularization. Patients stratified as moderate risk who also had a high probability of significant coronary artery disease (using the Diamond and Forrester criteria25) were recommended for cardiology consultation.
Figure 2. Triage Decisions: Preintervention, Intervention, and Postintervention
Error bars represent 95% CI.
Table 2. Characteristics of the 1008 Intervention-Group Patients*
Table 3. Major Cardiac Complications Within 72 Hours of Triage for Intervention-Group Patients*
Table 4. Distribution of Patients and Complications by Risk Category and Admission Site*
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Cardiology Clinical Decision Support Emergency Medicine Ischemic Heart Disease
Reilly BM, Evans AT, Schaider JJ, et al. Impact of a Clinical Decision Rule on Hospital Triage of Patients With Suspected Acute Cardiac Ischemia in the Emergency Department. JAMA. 2002;288(3):342–350. doi:10.1001/jama.288.3.342
Impact of a Clinical Decision Rule on Hospital Triage of Patients With Suspected Acute Cardiac Ischemia in the Emergency Department
Brendan M. Reilly, MD; Arthur T. Evans, MD, MPH; Jeffrey J. Schaider, MD; et al Krishna Das, MD; James E. Calvin, MD; Lea Anne Moran, MSc; Rebecca R. Roberts, MD; Enrique Martinez, MD
Author Affiliations: Department of Medicine (Drs Reilly, Evans, Das, Calvin, and Martinez and Ms Moran) and Department of Emergency Medicine (Drs Schaider and Roberts), Cook County Hospital and Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill.
Context Emergency department (ED) physicians often are uncertain about where in the hospital to triage patients with suspected acute cardiac ischemia. Many patients are triaged unnecessarily to intensive or intermediate cardiac care units.
Objective To determine whether use of a clinical decision rule improves physicians' hospital triage decisions for patients with suspected acute cardiac ischemia.
Design and Setting Prospective before-after impact analysis conducted at a large, urban, US public hospital.
Participants Consecutive patients admitted from the ED with suspected acute cardiac ischemia during 2 periods: preintervention group (n = 207 patients enrolled in March 1997) and intervention group (n = 1008 patients enrolled in August-November 1999).
Intervention An adaptation of a previously validated clinical decision rule was adopted as the standard of care in the ED after a 3-month period of pilot testing and training. The rule predicts major cardiac complications within 72 hours after evaluation in the ED and stratifies patients' risk of major complications into 4 groups—high, moderate, low, and very low—according to electrocardiographic findings and presence or absence of 3 clinical predictors in the ED.
Main Outcome Measures Safety of physicians' triage decisions, defined as the proportion of patients with major cardiac complications who were admitted to inpatient cardiac care beds (coronary care unit or inpatient telemetry unit); efficiency of decisions, defined as the proportion of patients without major complications who were triaged to an ED observation unit or an unmonitored ward.
Results By intention-to-treat analysis, efficiency was higher in the intervention group (36%) than the preintervention group (21%) (difference, 15%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 8%-21%; P<.001). Safety was not significantly different (94% in the intervention group vs 89%; difference, 5%; 95% CI, −11% to 39%; P = .57). Subgroup analysis of intervention-group patients showed higher efficiency when physicians actually used the decision rule (38% vs 27%; difference, 11%; 95% CI, 3%-18%; P = .01). Improved efficiency was explained solely by different triage decisions for very low-risk patients. Most surveyed physicians (16/19 [84%]) believed that the decision rule improved patient care.
Conclusions Use of the clinical decision rule had a favorable impact on physicians' hospital triage decisions. Efficiency improved without compromising safety.
Among patients admitted from the emergency department (ED) with possible acute cardiac ischemia, only one quarter are diagnosed with unstable angina or acute myocardial infarction (MI), and less than 5% experience a life-threatening complication.1,2 Many of these patients are admitted unnecessarily to cardiac care units. At the same time, 2% to 5% of patients with acute cardiac ischemia are improperly diagnosed in the ED and not triaged to cardiac care units.3-8 Some of these patients experience life-threatening complications, raising concerns about the safety of physicians' decisions.
In response to these concerns, researchers have developed prediction rules to risk-stratify patients in the ED, and hospitals have established various levels of care: coronary care units, telemetry units, and, more recently, short-stay observation units.1,2,9-17 However, no study has addressed whether accurate risk stratification can improve physicians' decisions in triaging patients to these different levels of care.
In 1996, Goldman and colleagues1 published their prediction rule for complications in ED patients with suspected acute cardiac ischemia. Although these investigators derived and validated their prediction rule in more than 15 000 ED patients, they did not measure its actual impact on physicians' decisions or patients' outcomes. In this study, we performed a prospective impact analysis of their prediction rule, as recommended by the Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group.18 Using previous studies (Table 118-21), we hypothesized that the rule's use would reduce unnecessary admissions to the coronary care or telemetry unit without increasing complications in patients triaged instead to observation units or unmonitored wards.
Our prospective study compared physicians' triage decisions before and after the clinical decision rule was established as the standard of care in our ED. We studied 2 cohorts of patients admitted consecutively from the ED with suspected acute cardiac ischemia: one cohort before (preintervention group) and one cohort after introduction of the decision rule (intervention group). This study design is consistent with the Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group conclusion that "randomization of individual patients is unlikely to be appropriate" in the impact analysis of clinical decision rules.18
The primary impact of the decision rule was assessed by measuring the safety and efficiency of ED physicians' triage decisions. Safety was defined as the proportion of all patients who experienced major cardiac complications within 72 hours who were triaged to a coronary care or telemetry unit after evaluation in the ED. Efficiency was defined as the proportion of all patients who did not experience major cardiac complications who were triaged to an ED observation unit or unmonitored ward.
To test for possible temporal confounding, we used identical methods to study a third cohort (postintervention group) 1 year after the decision rule was discontinued as standard practice in the ED.
The study was performed at Cook County Hospital, a 700-bed urban teaching hospital whose ED cares for 120 000 adults annually. The ED is staffed by full-time emergency medicine attending physicians and residents in the departments of emergency medicine or medicine. Usual options for hospital triage of patients with suspected acute cardiac ischemia include the coronary care unit, the inpatient telemetry unit, and the ED observation unit. When the observation unit is full, physicians might also admit patients to an unmonitored ward. Unlike the 12-bed inpatient telemetry unit, the 11-bed ED observation unit does not have telemetry monitoring, house staff coverage, or nurses with special training in cardiac care.20,22 Patients triaged to the observation unit remain for fewer than 24 hours and receive serial electrocardiograms and cardiac enzyme measurements according to protocols administered by ED nurses and physician assistants, with backup from attending physicians. Patients triaged to the telemetry unit have an average hospital stay of 3 days.
Emergency medicine attending physicians make all admitting decisions, but cardiology consultation and approval is required for admitting patients to the coronary care unit. During the 4 years spent studying the decision rule, there were no significant changes in our hospital's ED patient volume, number of medical admissions, number of admissions to the ED observation unit, number of admissions for suspected acute cardiac ischemia, or number of beds in the coronary care unit, inpatient telemetry unit, or ED observation unit.
Patients were eligible for study if they were triaged from the ED to the hospital or the ED observation unit with suspected acute cardiac ischemia. Inclusion criteria included an admitting diagnosis of acute MI, rule out MI, unstable angina, acute cardiac ischemia, or coronary artery disease if cardiac enzyme tests were ordered in the ED. Patients in cardiac or respiratory arrest on initial presentation to the ED were ineligible for study, and we excluded patients who experienced cardiac or respiratory arrest after presentation to the ED but before triage could be performed.
The preintervention group was studied prospectively during 4 consecutive weeks in March 1997.19 After 3 months of pilot testing the decision rule in the ED, we enrolled the intervention group during 14 consecutive weeks from August 1999 through November 1999. We then discontinued use of the decision rule during the data analysis phase and 12 months later enrolled the postintervention group during 4 consecutive weeks in November 2000.
Our eligibility criteria differed from those in the study by Goldman and colleagues1 in 2 ways: Goldman et al enrolled only patients presenting with chest pain and included patients discharged home directly from the ED. We enrolled patients with and without chest pain because a minority of patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes do not have chest pain,23 and the decision rule appears to perform well for these patients.20 We excluded patients discharged home directly from the ED because in our ED, patients are discharged home only if the ED physician has excluded the possibility of acute cardiac ischemia and identified a convincing alternative diagnosis. Thus, our study eligibility criteria included all patients in whom the diagnosis of acute cardiac ischemia remained possible after evaluation by the ED physician.
However, to investigate whether use of the decision rule might have an unintended effect on decisions to discharge patients home, we studied a separate cohort of patients discharged home directly from the ED to monitor the safety of those decisions. During 5 consecutive weeks of the 14-week intervention period, we identified and followed up all patients discharged home from the ED after presenting with complaints of chest pain, epigastric pain, or dyspnea and in whom a 12-lead electrocardiogram was performed to evaluate possible acute cardiac ischemia. These patients were followed up for occurrence of major cardiac complications within 72 hours after discharge from the ED.
Decision Rule
The rule of Goldman and colleagues1 predicts major cardiac complications within 72 hours after evaluation in the ED. These complications include ventricular fibrillation, cardiac arrest, new complete heart block, insertion of a temporary pacemaker, emergency cardioversion, cardiogenic shock, use of an intra-aortic balloon pump, intubation, and recurrent ischemic chest pain requiring urgent coronary revascularization (coronary artery bypass grafting or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty before discharge from the hospital). The definition of complications in this study was identical to that used in the original study.1
The prediction rule stratifies patients' risk of major complications into 4 groups—high, moderate, low, and very low—according to electrocardiographic findings (Q waves or ST-segment elevations suggesting acute MI; ST-segment depressions or T-wave inversions suggesting acute ischemia) and the presence or absence of 3 clinical predictors in the ED: systolic blood pressure less than 100 mm Hg, rales heard above both lung bases, and known unstable ischemic heart disease. Risk is upgraded if complications (eg, cardiogenic shock) occur in the ED.1
We created a 1-page written decision rule (available on request) for physicians' use in the ED; it incorporates the prediction rule's risk-stratification algorithm and Goldman's subsequently published recommendations24 about how to use the algorithm for triage decisions (Figure 1). During the process of creating the written decision rule, our ED physicians insisted on slight modifications to Goldman's triage recommendations because, unlike his risk-stratification algorithm, his triage recommendations had never been evaluated prospectively. However, only 1 of these modifications had the potential to affect our primary study outcomes: the written decision rule recommended triage to the telemetry unit, not the observation unit, for very low-risk patients with left bundle-branch blocks not known to be old.
On the 1-page depiction of the decision rule, there were prompts for ED physicians to provide the clinical data necessary to apply the rule accurately and space for an explanation when physicians made a triage decision different from the decision rule recommendation. Physicians' completion of the written decision rule form in the ED determined whether the physician had used the decision rule when making hospital triage decisions.
After approval by the institutional review board, trained research assistants enrolled all eligible patients who met inclusion criteria. The research assistants, blinded to the risk stratification process and not involved in subsequent data collection, identified patients' actual site of triage and personally interviewed patients to corroborate demographic data needed for posthospital follow-up (telephone numbers, addresses, next of kin, etc) after obtaining oral informed consent as specified by the hospital's institutional review board.
For patients discharged before 72 hours, we determined whether complications occurred outside the hospital within the 72-hour follow-up period by using telephone interviews. We visited the residence of patients we were unable to contact by telephone for face-to-face interviews. Interviews that identified patient contact with a clinician during the follow-up period prompted a review of all medical records. Any deaths within 72 hours were attributed to a major cardiac complication. For patients lost to follow-up, we reviewed clinic and hospital records and searched county, state, and national death records for 6 to 12 months following enrollment.
After patients were discharged from the hospital, their medical records were reviewed for possible cardiac complications by trained physician chart reviewers blinded to the risk stratification process and the clinical decision rule forms. At least 2 members of the outcomes adjudication panel then independently reviewed the charts of all patients with possible complications; if the 2 panel members disagreed about the occurrence, type, location, or timing of a complication, a third panel member reviewed the records and helped resolve the disagreement after further discussion.
At the conclusion of the study (after all patients were enrolled but before results were analyzed), we surveyed ED physicians about their perceptions of the usefulness of the clinical decision rule, its impact on their work in the ED, its impact on their triage decisions, and their opinions about continuing or discontinuing its use.
We planned a sample size of 1000 intervention-group patients so that the width of the 95% confidence interval (CI) for each of our 2 primary outcome measures—safety and efficiency—would be no greater than 10 percentage points, assuming a 3% overall risk of major complications. This sample size provided more than 80% power to demonstrate a 10% difference in efficiency compared with that of the preintervention group, assuming a 2-sided α of .05.
To test for differences between groups, we used Wilcoxon rank-sum tests for ordinal data and Fisher exact or χ2 tests for categorical data. For the primary study outcomes—triage decisions and their safety and efficiency—we constructed CIs for the differences between proportions in comparison groups by using the method of Miettinen and Nurminen.26
We assessed whether the effect of the clinical decision rule on triage decisions was homogeneous across the 4 risk strata by using stratified analysis and logistic regression (with design variables for the interaction between risk strata and comparison group). We chose to reject the conclusion of a homogeneous effect if the test for interaction was significant at the 10% level.
We stratified on baseline risk to control for differences between comparison groups. In subgroup analysis, we used logistic regression to examine whether ED physician differences confounded the relationship between use of the clinical decision rule and triage site (using an indicator variable for each attending ED physician). To assess for temporal trend in outcomes during the preintervention, intervention, and postintervention periods, we used χ2 tests of linear trend. All P values are 2-sided, and because of multiple comparisons, we considered P<.005 as statistically significant. Data analysis was conducted with Stata, versions 6 and 7 (Stata Corp, College Station, Tex) and Arcus QuickStat Biomedical (Research Solutions, Cambridge, England).
Study Patients
Patients in the preintervention group have been described.19 Among 1011 eligible patients in the intervention group, 3 were excluded because of respiratory arrest before triage. Of the remaining 1008 patients (Table 2), follow-up was complete in 994 (98.6%); no deaths were documented in the remaining 14. Overall, 35 patients (3.5%) experienced major cardiac complications during the initial 72 hours (Table 3). The clinical decision rule effectively stratified patients according to risk (Table 4).
Intention-to-Treat Analysis: Efficiency and Safety of Physicians' Triage Decisions
Intervention-group and preintervention-group patients were comparable in distribution across risk strata, overall risk of major complications, and stratum-specific risk of major complications (Table 4).
Among 973 intervention-group patients who did not experience major complications, 350 were triaged to an observation unit or unmonitored ward. Thus, efficiency during the intervention period was 36% (350/973), significantly higher than that of the preintervention group (21% [42/198]; difference, 15%; 95% CI, 8%-21%; P<.001).
Among the 35 intervention-group patients who experienced major cardiac complications, 33 were triaged to the coronary care unit (n = 18) or telemetry unit (n = 15), and 2 were triaged to the observation unit. Thus, safety in the intervention group (94% [33/35]) was not significantly different from that of the preintervention group (89% [8/9]; difference, 5%; 95% CI: −11% to 39%; P = .57).
Overall, fewer intervention-group patients were triaged to inpatient monitored beds (coronary care or telemetry unit), reflecting a significant increase in triage to the observation unit, a decrease in triage to the telemetry unit, but no change in triage to the coronary care unit. These changes in triage decisions were explained by differences involving only very low-risk patients (P<.001); there were no significant differences in decisions involving high- (P = .71), moderate- (P = .73), or low-risk (P = .43) patients. As a result, patients in the intervention group who were triaged to the telemetry unit were more likely to be from risk strata higher than very low risk.
Secondary Analyses: Subgroup Comparisons and Temporal Trends
Physicians used the decision rule in 832 (83%) of the 1008 intervention-group patients. When this subgroup was compared with the subgroup of 176 (17%) intervention-group patients in whom the decision rule was not used, all comparisons exactly paralleled the comparisons described above between the entire intervention group and the preintervention group. The 2 subgroups were comparable in the distribution across risk strata, stratum-specific risk, and overall risk of major complications. Efficiency was greater in the subgroup in which the decision rule was actually used (38% vs 27%; difference, 11%; 95% CI, 3%-18%; P = .01). In this subgroup, fewer very low-risk patients were triaged to inpatient monitored beds (P<.001), and a smaller proportion of admissions to the telemetry unit were patients at very low risk (P = .02). These subgroup differences persisted after patients' baseline risk and the identity of ED physicians were controlled for in the logistic regression model.
Figure 2 depicts temporal trends in physicians' triage decisions for the preintervention (1997), intervention (1999), and postintervention (2000) periods. Patient characteristics were comparable during these 3 periods, and tests for linear trend were not significant (P>.14 for all patients, P = .22 for very low-risk patients, and P = .64 for telemetry patients) for each of the 3 outcome measures. Thus, there was no evidence supporting temporal trend as an alternative explanation for the observed differences in triage decisions during the intervention period.
Physicians' Opinions About the Decision Rule
The physician survey was completed by 19 (73%) of the 26 attending ED physicians. Respondents evaluated the prediction rule favorably: 68% (13/19) reported that they thought it helped them make their triage decisions, and 84% (16/19) reported that they thought it improved patient care. Only 1 respondent favored discontinuing use of the prediction rule.
Patients Discharged Home Directly From the ED
During the intervention period, we followed up 326 consecutive patients in whom possible acute cardiac ischemia was initially suspected and who were discharged home directly from the ED (and therefore were not included in the intervention group) after the attending physician excluded the possibility of acute cardiac ischemia and made an alternative diagnosis. There were no complications or deaths among the 300 patients with complete follow-up. Among the 26 patients who were lost to follow-up, there were no recorded deaths (according to hospital, county, state, and national databases) during the 6 months following enrollment.
Use of the decision rule improved our physicians' decisions. It reduced unnecessary admissions to inpatient monitored beds without increasing complications in patients triaged instead to a short-stay observation unit. This improvement was achieved primarily by identifying very low-risk patients and not admitting them to inpatient telemetry beds. These results provide strong evidence that the decision rule can "inform physicians' judgments . . . with beneficial consequences."18
These findings are important for 3 reasons. First, no other decision rule or practice guideline applicable to all ED patients with suspected acute cardiac ischemia has achieved the same high level of evidentiary support. Goldman and colleagues' original study1 met all methodologic standards of the Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group for the derivation and validation of a decision rule.18 Subsequent studies in other settings19,20 provided broader validation of the rule (Table 1). This study extends those findings and documents the beneficial impact of the decision rule when it is used prospectively in clinical practice (level 1 evidence).18
Second, our study expands the clinical scope of the decision rule. Goldman and colleagues1 included in their study only patients presenting with a chief complaint of chest pain. In this study, we demonstrated benefit of the decision rule when it is applied to all ED patients with suspected acute cardiac ischemia, not just those with chest pain, which is important because one third of all patients with acute MI may present without chest pain.23
Third, our study's primary impact measures—safety and efficiency—link the decision physicians must make in the ED (triage to an inpatient monitored bed or not) with the most telling outcome of that decision (occurrence of a life-threatening complication within the next few days). Although these impact measures seem obvious, they have not been well described or studied before. It is important not to confuse safety and efficiency (as we define them) with the sensitivity and specificity of the decision rule itself. These 2 sets of measures may differ for a variety of reasons: physicians may apply the decision rule inaccurately or unreliably, they may overrule its recommendations in specific cases even when using it as a general rule, or they may be unable to implement its recommendations because of practical constraints (for example, bed availability). For these reasons, measures of the decision rule's impact (safety and efficiency) must be distinguished from measures of its predictive accuracy (sensitivity and specificity).
Although our study is not a randomized controlled trial, our analyses strongly support its internal validity. Baseline risk stratification and complication rates were similar in all patient groups studied. Improvement in physicians' efficiency could not be explained by temporal trends, and subgroup analysis during the intervention period suggested that actual use of the decision rule best explained the differences.
However, the external validity of our findings must be questioned. When used in other settings, the decision rule's impact may vary for several reasons. First, not all hospitals have observation units.27,28 Hospitals without observation units will need alternative low-intensity-care triage options for very low-risk patients to benefit from use of the decision rule. Second, we undertook this study only after extensive baseline data collection, pilot testing, and simulated impact analyses of the decision rule.19-21 Similar painstaking groundwork—essential for physician "buy in" to quality improvement—may be needed in other hospitals, too. We cannot exclude the possibility of a Hawthorne effect in the intervention group, because the 1-page decision rule might have served as a daily reminder of ongoing investigation, whereas no such reminder occurred during the preintervention period. Finally, physicians' diagnosis of unstable angina and interpretation of electrocardiograms vary considerably.19,21,29 Research designed to improve and standardize performance in these areas—critical to the accurate, reliable use of the decision rule—deserves wide attention.2,14
Precedent for caution about clinical impact can be found in studies of the Acute Cardiac Ischemia Time-Insensitive Predictive Instrument (ACI-TIPI),2 which provides probability estimates of the diagnosis of unstable angina or acute MI. In the pretelemetry era (before 1983), Pozen and colleagues9 found that use of this instrument modestly reduced admission to the coronary care unit for patients without acute cardiac ischemia (from 24% to 17%; P = .003). However, in a much larger study (N = 10 016) involving different hospitals in 1993,2 the ACI-TIPI instrument had no significant impact on attending physicians' admitting decisions for patients with or without acute cardiac ischemia. Thus, we believe that broad verification of the decision rule's impact is no less important than broad validation of its accuracy.
Patients discharged home directly from the ED were not included in our measures of the decision rule's safety and efficiency. If they were, the calculated estimate of efficiency would rise markedly. The absence of life-threatening complications in such patients is reassuring; however, uncomplicated MIs may have been missed.3,5-7 The constant distribution of risk strata across the 3 periods—before, during, and after use of the decision rule—suggests that the decision rule did not change physicians' threshold for hospital triage, another potential unintended consequence.
It is noteworthy that much larger sample sizes will be needed to achieve narrow confidence limits for the decision rule's safety. For example, given a 4% major complication rate,1,19 14 500 patients would be needed in each group to have 90% power to demonstrate a statistically significant increase in safety from 89% to 94%, the point estimates in our intention-to-treat analysis. Meta-analysis of more trials like this study, performed in varied settings, could provide the necessary statistical power, which is important from a medicolegal perspective because litigants may demand perfect safety (100%), an unrealistic goal. There have been no published reports documenting safety greater than that observed in this study when physicians actually used the decision rule (97%).
Future studies should also measure the impact of the decision rule on other outcomes: longer-term morbidity and mortality, resource use and cost-effectiveness, and physicians' timely use of complementary decision aids for treating subsets of triaged patients.30-35 It is also important to learn whether information not used to derive and validate the original prediction rule—serum markers,36-40 for example, or physicians' clinical judgment—can further improve the decision rule's accuracy or its safe efficient use. But, pending future research, we believe the decision rule provides the best available evidence-based foundation for physicians' decision making in this challenging clinical area.
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Accidental Raider
Accidental Champion Book 2
By Jamie Davis and C.J. Davis
Series: Accidental Traveler
Pirate Raiders, a Threatened Heir, and a High Seas LitRPG Swashbuckler
Cari Dix is tired of playing by the rules. Let everyone else race to rescue the fate of an Empire. She chooses a return to the high seas and her raider ship, the Vengeance.
Then Cari discovers a secret that could change the world and once again save the heir to the Crystal Throne. The chase is on for Raider Captain Cari Dix. Her parents, Hal and Mona, follow along behind, trying to catch up to their daughter, lost in the game of Fantasma.
Come along for book 2 in this real-life swashbuckling romp of a lifetime, returning to the Gamelit world of Fantasma once again. Play along with Cari as she once again fights to save the last of the Empire’s heirs in this pirate role-playing adventure.
Click to buy Accidental Raider now.
Get the e-book:
Paperback available at:
Audiobook available at:
Click to Read an ExcerptCollapse the Excerpt
“Hal, hurry up,” Mona said from behind him. “Who knows how long Cari has been in there.”
Hal tapped at the old mechanical keyboard, attempting to force the game program “Fantasma” to restart.
“I’m trying Mona, the program isn’t responding and now the OS is hung,” Hal responded. “I’m going as fast as this old hardware can handle.”
Hal had lovingly restored his old computer with Cari 10 years ago as a fun “father-daughter” activity. He had a soft spot for this machine and often complained about newer technologies to his wife, Mona, but he definitely didn’t miss the slow load times and crashes that came with the old hardware.
Mona paced behind him. She had already changed into her old hunting outfit, including black leather pants, knee-high boots, a black silk blouse and forest green woolen coat. She had her repeating crossbow slung across her back and what he liked to call her utility belt, with its myriad of pouches, wrapped around her waist. The whole ensemble still fit her very well even after fourteen years.
“Mona, it’s going as fast as it can. The system has to reboot. There appears to have been some sort of forced update to the game.”
“Update? I thought that archaic machine was too old to connect to the net anymore.”
“It shouldn’t be able to download anything, but an update was loaded somehow. A new Fantasma game file with additional DLC packs are now installed. I didn’t put them there. I have no idea where they came from. No one except me should have access to anything on this particular computer.”
“That means the update came from the other side,” Mona said. “It must be Tildi or another mage accessing the system. When I get my hands on who did this, I’ll make sure they never interfere in our lives again.”
“If it had been Tildi, she would have sent word to me directly, not activated the system this way. It’s as if the whole thing was automated somehow to update at some future time and place.”
“Did you call Colin? Maybe he knows what’s going on. You know he still checks in on things via that store of his.”
“I tried him first of all. I got his holomail outgoing message. It says he’s out of town until next week. I don’t know why it didn’t forward to his personal comm, but I left a message anyway. Hopefully, he gets it. I haven’t talked to him in years, but I hoped he’d know who’d run the update sequence from the other side.”
Mona stopped her pacing and stared at the old flat screen monitor. It went black and then a prompt appeared. Hal entered his password and hit enter. The startup sequence began.
“How much longer?” Mona asked. “You know the time differential is chaotic. We’ve been gone all weekend here. If she’s been there the whole time, she could have been there weeks or even months. Anything could have happened to her by now.”
“I checked her closet; her favorite sword and dagger are missing. I think she must have been geared up for the Ren Faire when it caught her.”
Hal had long ago upgraded the program to allow portal travelers to Fantasma carry clothes and items back and forth. He remembered his first time there when he’d showed up in peasant rags and nothing else.
“Watch the screen, Mona. Call me when Fantasma boots up. I need to get geared up, too.”
His wife nodded and resumed her pacing in front of the desk. Hal left the office and rushed to his bedroom. The antique wooden chest at the foot of their bed was open. Mona had scattered a lot of his stuff around it while digging for the things she needed.
Hal put on a black leather jerkin and pants. Pulled on polished leather boots and wrapped the black cape across his shoulders, attaching the clasps to hold it in place. He pulled his two daggers from the bottom of the chest and slid them into their scabbards on his belt. He attached the double four-pack of throwing knives to the leather baldric hanging diagonally across his chest.
He stood and twisted from side to side then took a few steps. The pants were a little tighter than he remembered and the jerkin had been hard to slip on, but his gear still fit pretty well, considering how long it had been. Hal knew he could buy new clothes and equipment once he got to Fantasma. He made a final check of the contents of the chest but didn’t see anything he’d need beyond what he already had.
Joining Mona in the office again, he watched as the computer finished loading Fantasma. Mona reached out and tapped several times, cycling through the initial prompts so she could get to the final load screen.
Are you sure you wish to enter Fantasma?
Press enter to continue.
“Yes, dammit,” Mona hissed at the inanimate object. “You stole my daughter.”
She stabbed her index finger down on the enter key before Hal could stop her. He’d wanted to have a plan in place before they left. Now it was too late.
The familiar flashes of color on the screen drew his eyes until he couldn’t look away. Hal didn’t resist, he let the colors pull him in. Soon, he felt the sensation of falling backward into the blackness. The wave of darkness washed over him. The world around him disappeared. Hal’s final thought as he lost consciousness was of his daughter.
“Hang on Cari. We’re coming for you.”
Audiobook Sample
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Version for visually impaired
Health Committee of Minsk City Executive Committee
Mon - Thr 9.00 — 17.30
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Sat, Sun on a twenty-four hour basis
About Committee
For citizens
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In Minsk there are 60 medical specialists for every 10,000 people
In 2018 the provision of the public of Minsk with medical practitioners was 60 specialists per 10,000 people (that is, there are on average 166 patients per each practitioner), reports a correspondent of the "Minsk-News" agency referring to the Main statistical department of Minsk.
Experts cited the statistics on the occasion of the Medical Worker Day, which is traditionally celebrated in our country on the third Sunday of June.
In 2018, 415 ambulatory polyclinic organizations, 47 hospital organizations, a city ambulance station provided medical aid to the public in Minsk, and 172 ambulance crews worked in the field. At the end of last year, 11.9 thousand medical practitioners and 27 thousand paramedical workers worked in the medical institutions of the capital.
Among practitioners, the majority is comprised of general practitioners (4.7 thousand) and surgeons (4.2 thousand). The rarest specialities are a toxicologist, immunologist and perfusionist (6 doctors of each speciality), audiologist (4) and phoniatrist (3).
A toxicologist deals with diagnosis, prevention and treatment of poisoning; an immunologist helps patients who have problems with the immune system; a perfusionist provides artificial blood circulation during open-heart operations and on blood vessels; an audiologist specializes in hearing-related pathologies, and a phoniatrist studies the pathologies connected with voice.
Sat, Sun are days off
Tel.: +375 17 223-72-75
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About developers
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Juli’s Novels
Regarding fantasy series Antique Magic
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March 18, 2016 Bewitching Book Tours, books, excerpts, fantasy, fantasy authors, new releases
Fantasy author Christian A. Brown talks about #newrelease Feast ofDreams
Another fine author visits us today. I think his epic fantasy series, Four Feasts Til Darkness, look intriguing so I asked him here to tell us a little about it. I hope you will enjoy it. Please welcome Mr. Christian A. Brown and lend an ear while he gives us his take on things he does, and doesn’t, like about characters, specifically….
Women in Fantasy
Christian A. Brown
Just a second, everyone put away the pitchforks and stop brandishing those Gertrude Stein books at me as if they can compel the misogynistic demon from my flesh. This isn’t a diatribe on feminism in literature–I wouldn’t dare to touch such a heavy subject without an array of facts at my disposal. As a fantasy writer, I don’t really deal in facts, as much as possibilities. What I would like to discuss is the portrayal of women in fantasy, what I like, and what I don’t like, what I think needs changing. I’d like to keep this dialog as uncontroversial as possible, and focus on how these characters are written, more than diving into the societal influences that make writers craft women in this manner. That’s psychology, and I’m not a psychologist. Okay, moving on, I’ll start with the stuff I can’t stand–expect hyperbole and potential cussing.
Women who are powerless. To me, nothing is more irritating than watching a female lead take a backseat to the action. I understand that characters need time to “grow” into their heroism, however, the foundations for that backbone should have been laid prior to that mettle being tested in a life-or-death situation. Otherwise, my suspension of disbelief is being tested. Even if a heroine is in a situation from which she cannot escape, she should always be thinking of escape, and not complacent with her miserable existence. At least that spark of free-will can be convincing impetus for a future act of daring. In the event that your heroine ends up chained in a basement, and awaiting the most wretched fate imaginable, she should be testing her chains, wondering who she can pounce on when they enter her cell, or looking for a rat bone to pick her irons. Whatever. She should be doing something, or sure that she will somehow live. That fire for life is what keeps me, as a reader hooked. When characters give up, so do I.
Women who are overly negative. As a man who writes some pretty snappy ladies, this can be a delicate act to balance. Cynicism is fine, particularly if that character has endured hardships. But when all she does is harp, or whine, or question her strength, that character becomes as unpleasant as the people in real life who do that. You know that friend that you have who calls you up to complain about her weight/ marriage/ job? Negative Nancy the sorceress, can have the same tone and repellence. Negativity can serve a purpose, and a hero should always suffer moments of doubt. But the strongest people do so silently, or among their closest allies, and never often or vocally (unless they are giving a rousing speech against their injustice). Finding a balance with humor, can help to offset a character with a naturally acerbic demeanor. At least it gives the reader something else to focus on.
Women who need to be constantly saved (usually by an all-powerful figure). Similar to the first point, although I believe it deserves its own mention. Getting saved once by your beau, assuming our heroine has exhausted all of her resourcefulness, and is really, truly, screwed, is fine. Sometimes, despite everything, we just cannot extricate ourselves from a mess. We need help. Alright. Help arrives. Then, she trips and falls down a well in another ten pages. Shortly after calling for help and being rescued, she decides to go for a walk in the Forest of Ultimate Evil. Probably a bad idea, given the name, but this girl (I’ve demoted her from womanhood for her naiveté), doesn’t have the good sense God gave a toothpick. Don’t worry, here comes Damien Glorylocks–knight, and secret royal blood of a long forgotten dynasty–to save Clueless. From now on, we’ll just refer to my sample heroine by that name, as it tends to sum up a lot of decisions that writers place in the minds of their female leads.
Stupidity. Coming off that last point. How stupid can one character be? Okay, we all make dumb decisions. In fact, it’s necessary for characters to do one or two things in error, and thereafter grow from that experience. The key here is grow. Grow. As in, not do that stupid thing, or comparable act of stupidity again. If you’re on the 3rd arc of your trilogy and your character is still figuring out the fundamentals of how to control her dragonblood, faery-magic, or whatever, then you have a problem. Similarly, if you’re deep into your story and Clueless still can’t figure out why the Dark Elves want her dead so badly, then you probably haven’t done a good enough job as a writer giving the reader–and potentially Clueless–information. Readers like to be in the know, and if your character is being kept in the dark, often treating your audience the same risks aliening them. So if these scenarios are occurring in your books, then your character (and audience) is not learning, they are not growing. And if you’ve watched one season of Honey Boo Boo, you’ve watched them all.
The only thrill in that entertainment is in watching the mediocrity unfold. We do not want our stories to be banal, we want them to be inspiring, and teaching of greatness. Mediocrity is for the real world, it has no place in fantasy.
Things I like.
Here, we have a shorter list, as most of these things are self-explanatory.
Normal characters. By this I mean, they have no supreme, miracle, magic. No great hidden power. These women are just tough as nails, and have learned how to kick life in the balls. Almost universally, readers like these sorts of characters. Sure, later on in the story-line, that character may struggle to hang with their mystical friends, and as end-of-the-world events unfold, it takes a deft narrative hand to weave them through those troubles unscathed. Still, the value of a normal character in an otherwise epic fantasy cannot be understated, for they create a bridge between our world and the fantasy.
Women who make their own choices. Decisiveness. I love this trait in characters. As a storyteller, characters who do not waver with indecision, move the story forward at a steady pace. Otherwise, you can end up wasting pages on internal dialog, which can make a character seem weak, which then threatens to lose the reader.
Women who fight. I’m not saying that every heroine has to be a martial expert, but even a princess can have lessons in fencing, and if you make the heroine a blacksmith’s daughter, she would surely know how to swing a blade. Again, this cycles back to women being helpless, which I personally hate to read.
Witty, curious women. Witty, is not the same as bitchy–another fine line that can be crossed. And curiosity may have killed the cat, but it shouldn’t kill the heroine. A sense for questioning order, a rebellious spirit, and someone who can take the slings-and-arrows of life with the occasional laugh, all make for engaging characters.
I have another 90 pages of editing to do on my second MS, so I must bid adieu to deal with that duty. I hope that my ramblings have been thought, and not anger, provoking. Do keep in mind that the above represents only my opinions, and there are as many ways to write characters as there are writers in the world. These are just my pet-peeves, and the pitfalls that I try to avoid.
Feast of Dreams
Four Feasts Till Darkness
Genre: Fantasy Romance
As King Brutus licks his wounds and gathers new strength, two rival queens vow to destroy each other’s nations.
Lila of Eod, sliding into madness, risks everything in the search for a powerful relic, while Queen Gloriatrix threatens Eod with military might—including three monstrous technomagikal warships.
Far from this clash of queens, Morigan and the Wolf scour Alabion, hunting for the mad king’s hidden weakness. Their quest brings them face to face with their own pasts, their dark futures…and the Sisters Three themselves.
Unbeknownst to all, a third thread in Geadhain’s tapestry begins to move in the wastes of Mor’Khul. There, a father and son scavenge to survive as they travel south toward a new chapter in Geadhain history.
Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/rURqUni_lco
Available at Amazon Kindle and Paperback
Feast of Fates
Date of Publication: September 9, 2014
Word Count: 212K
“Love is what binds us in brotherhood, blinds us from hate, and makes us soar with desire.”
Morigan lives a quiet life as the handmaiden to a fatherly old sorcerer named Thackery. But when she crosses paths with Caenith, a not wholly mortal man, her world changes forever. Their meeting sparks long buried magical powers deep within Morigan. As she attempts to understand her newfound abilities, unbidden visions begin to plague her–visions that show a devastating madness descending on one of the Immortal Kings who rules the land.
With Morigan growing more powerful each day, the leaders of the realm soon realize that this young woman could hold the key to their destruction. Suddenly, Morigan finds herself beset by enemies, and she must master her mysterious gifts if she is to survive.
Available at Amazon .
Feast of Dreams Excerpt:
“My queen, it grows late.”
Queen Lila was about to address the enormous man casting his silver-hued shadow over her as Rowena. But no. Her sword was gone and neck-deep in espionage with the master of the East Watch, and a hammer named Erik was her guardian these days. What sad eyes the man had, more black than blue—as morose as those of an owl perched over a graveyard. She could see them glinting from beneath his darkened visor. Rarely did she spot the hard, hidden handsomeness of the man—his black hair, broken but appealing face, and stubble crisscrossed in scars. Come to think of it, aside from the moment his naked, scorched self had abruptly manifested in a cindery puff within the Chamber of Echoes some weeks ago, she hadn’t seen him without his helm. He was hiding then from the absence of his king or another private torment. She had been staring at him rather unabashedly for quite a spell. The sparkle of fiery colors off the immaculate polish of his pristine armor hypnotized her. His voice snapped her out of her trance. How quickly evening’s shroud had fallen.
“Time has escaped us,” commented the queen.
Erik gently led her from the bedside she attended. As they passed the hospice’s cots and floor pallets, the hands and voices of the wounded reached for her. Erik watched the queen’s remorseful looks and the aching way she touched the feet of certain sufferers or the backs of weeping kin. These days she was cold and ruthless in her judgments within the palace. She had become a steel queen to stand metal for mettle against the Iron Queen rising in the East. In these particular confines, however, where the faltering breath of the ailing made the air humid, and it was thick with the stench of eucalyptus poultices and incense to mask the rot magik would not heal, the queen’s mask cracked or was simply cast off. Genuine pity replaced it. She had come here each day for the past fortnight since the storm of frostfire had struck Eod. “The day of ruin,” the people called it—when first the skies were bare and then suddenly forked with red lightning, spitting shards of ice and arrows of flame to the earth. None of sound mind could have prepared for that wailing apocalypse. Thousands were killed instantly. They were boiled inside tarry craters the earthspeakers were still working to fill or entombed in buildings that could not hold against the storm’s wrath. The injuries were uncountable, and they were still being reported. Those with only singed or frostbitten flesh dismissed the pettiness of their wounds and carried on with tourniquets and grimaces. Others had to be scraped from streets or, if mauled but living, extracted from rubble and taken to a growing encampment of emergency sites erected near the palace. Here was where the queen always found herself once the details of war, supply lines, allies, enemies, and stratagems had worn her patience to a snappy disinterest. Somehow in these miserable hospices, the queen seemed peaceful, albeit sad.
Time and again Erik made one-sided conversation as he guarded his new charge—he never managed to say these words. You blame yourself for this or for my kingfather’s fate. You see these sins as your own. You feel the weight and needs of this entire nation upon yourself, and what a terrible weight that must be to bear. You are not alone, though, my queen. As adrift as you might be, I am here. I shall be the rock you need. I have made a promise to the great man who speaks to us no more.
The night he had appeared so rudely at her side, she held him and told him she could not sense the king anymore. The icy flame of Magnus’s soul had gone as cold as a forgotten hearth.
“What does it mean? What does it all mean?” she’d sobbed.
She was without her lover and partner in eternity, and he was without his father. They were agonizingly alone. Only on that night did she cry for the king and never since—as far as Erik had witnessed. He and the queen did not speak of their grief again or further pursue the reality that the Immortal King—missing and utterly quiet in his queen’s mind since the battle with his mad brother in Zioch—was quite possibly dead.
At the hospice exit, Queen Lila stopped so suddenly that Erik almost elbowed his liege. With what Erik perceived as a speck of wariness, she half glanced over her shoulder, and her gaze swelled wide with fear. She was staring at something behind them. Erik looked as well and reached a hand to his weapon. However, he saw nothing aside from the rows of squirming sufferers moving on their bloody, sweat-soaked cots like man-size maggots. What horrible times these were.
“Have you forgotten something?” he asked.
Queen Lila wished she could explain the hairs that prickled on her neck or the chill of Mother Winter’s mouth that blew the humidity from the chamber, but no one else seemed to feel it. Most of all, she wanted to find a less hysterical explanation for the shadow—tall as a mountain, black, and somehow bright—that hovered in the corner of her eye. She would not turn around and look at it. She could not. She was afraid that if she opened her mouth, she would involuntarily scream. What do you want, shadow? Why do you haunt me? Why do you come to me in dreams?
“My queen?”
“No. I need nothing more,” she answered curtly and moved ahead, trembling.
The world of Four Feasts Till Darkness series:
Blogmistress note: Don’t you just love that map?
Bestselling author of the critically acclaimed Feast of Fates, Christian A. Brown received a Kirkus star in 2014 for the first novel in his genre-changing Four Feasts Till Darkness series. He has appeared on Newstalk 1010, AM640, Daytime Rogers, and Get Bold Today with LeGrande Green. He actively writes a blog about his mother’s journey with cancer and on gender issues in the media. A lover of the weird and wonderful, Brown considers himself an eccentric with a talent for cat-whispering.
http://christianadrianbrown.com
https://twitter.com/AuthorChrisAB
https://www.facebook.com/ChristianAdrianBrown
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8422242.Christian_A_Brown
https://plus.google.com/u/0/105782095673393074893/about
Thank you for being with us today, Christian! Good luck with Feast of Fates!
On sale through July 30th!
Mystery summer sale
Elizabeth Hoyt, To Desire A Devil, Legend of the Four Soldiers
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© 2019 Juli D. Revezzo | fantasy and historical romance author
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Mental makeup of AAB & his harshness towards Hindraf?
What we have in Abdullah is not a chief executive but a pseudo sultan, and not a very regal one at that. Malaysia already has nine sultans; it does not need a tenth.
- what Dr Bakri Musa said of AAB
Dr Azly Rahman, academician and columnist at Malaysiakini wrote an article titled Neo-feudalism of the cybernetic Malays in June last year for our favourite online news portal.
I blogged on that partly to tease him for using frightening words in his essays that makes you wonder whether your education has been an utter failure, or you’re an intellectual pygmy, or you're suffering from ataxaphasia – see my post Malays' neo-feudalism hypermodern inner construct?
In the current climate of the government’s heavy-handed suppression and oppression of Hindraf and its supporters for their campaign to highlight the socio-economic marginalization of Indian Malaysians and for their Hindu religion to be respected in the face of government officials’ frightening attitude of religious intolerance - a worthy campaign spoilt somewhat by its melodramatic accusation of genocide (as we generally understand the meaning of the word) – I feel it may be worth a re-visit to Dr Azly’s article on the … er … neo-feudalism of the cybernetic Malays.
We see evidence of that heavy-handed suppression today in KL, ironically on International Human Rights Day where Malaysiakini headlined an article Human rights march: 5 lawyers arrested.
But worse, we also learnt that the police have arrested the Bar Council human rights committee chairperson Edmund Bon allegedly for preventing Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officials from removing human rights banners outside the Malaysian Bar building in Leboh Pasar Besar in Kuala Lumpur. See Malaysiakini article Police arrest Bar Council rights committee chief over festival banners.
No sirree, not even a banner outside Malaysian Bar building, and that’s the degree of intolerance. But if you’re UMNO, it’s OK to incite your party members to take to the street with machete to protect Ketuanan Melayu and of course the real reason, the privileges enshrined under Article 153 of the Constitution, and abused in unrestrained manner since 1972 - see Abdul Rahim Tamby Chik's Ketuanan Melayu via machete - case of 'inexperience'?
Dr Azly wrote (relevant extracts only):
In many an analysis of the transformation of the Malay society from the times of the Melaka Sultanate to the emergence of the Malay nationalism we find the conclusion of the idea of a good Malay subject is one who surrenders total obedience to his or her Ruler (the sultan or the Raja). The king is said to be ‘(Allah’s) representative on this earth’ and is thus bestowed with the Divine Rights.
The concept of a hero in Malay society is enshrined in Hang Tuah, the most popular symbol of the warrior-class in Malay history; the good ‘polyglot’, the magical-mystical Malay hero who pledged blind loyalty to the Sultan. The image of the warrior-blind loyalist is well-inscribed into the literature and consciousness of the Malays.
Today, … the myth of Hang Tuah, arguably, … has been inscribed into the consciousness of the Malays and forms the foundation of the master-slave narrative.
Then I had written on my observation of the Mahathir-Abdullah stoush, where we saw daily obligatory public expressions of fealty to AAB by those who offered themselves as political serfs, the very people who used to kiss Mahathir’s hands – a case of “The King is dead, Long live the (new) King”.
Though I commented in disgust that those sycophantic brown-nosing were real hair-raising stuff that's just embarrassingly terlampau jeleh (overly obsequious), I didn’t mention that those hypocritical but sycophantic pledges were expected and enjoyed by the recipient.
… which was why when tok ampu in Malacca held a special ceremony just for Jeanne Abdullah to confer a Datuk Seri something on her, AAB had not dismissed that fawning gesture as time-wasting, and actually accompanied her when she accepted that award even though the entire Malaysia knew it was awarded for no other reason than she is the new wife of the PM.
Same with some royalty who conferred upon each other all sorts of awards on their royal birthdays – these people actually do expect and relish such awards.
As for most of those Chinese towkays who crave and even are known to pay for a Datukship, they do so for nothing more than the associated access privilege into the upper inner circle of Malay politico-economic decision makers, to get contracts, to make business deals and to rub shoulders in hope of commercial advancement and advantage.
But the Malays see such honours and awards as meaningful. Dr Azly said:
Social status is calibrated based on the sophistication of the signs and symbols of the Malay sultanate. For example, royal awards are presented yearly to those who have demonstrated good service and relationship to the constitutional monarchical system. Upon receiving these awards, some recipients would even be given honorific titles. ….. The notion of the daulat or the ‘divine sanction’ still continues to this day.
As Dr Azly had said “…we find the conclusion of the idea of a good Malay subject is one who surrenders total obedience to his or her Ruler (the sultan or the Raja) ...”, I believe AAB as the head of both UMNO and the government, believes he is the ‘Ruler’ of Malaysia, and due all homage, loyalty and respect as should/would be for a sovereign.
We only need to go down to Port Klang to see evidence of such neo-feudalism of the cybernetic Malays, where a little (no, not General but Emperor) Napoleon is ensconced in his magnificent Istana (palace).
As Dr Azly said, the neo-feudalism of the cybernetic Malays, greatly influenced by the myth of Hang Tuah and the court intrigues of that era, has been so “... inscribed into the consciousness of the Malays” ... to form the foundation of a master-slave relationship where AAB expects total obedience from ‘blind loyalists’.
... hence the ‘pantan dicabar’ warning for those less than blindly loyal – indeed, how dare those serfs contemplate insubordination, let alone rebellion?
His ego, no doubt fed by his court hanger-on’s, couldn’t handle any protest from those traditional court jesters (in the eyes of many Malays), now insubordinately turned campaign jaguh.
Impossible! Unacceptable! Flog those rebels until their morale improves.
That’s who Hindraf and we are dealing with!
Democracy is only tolerated so long as it doesn’t impinge on our recognizing who the political ‘Ruler’ is and that appropriate homage and obedience to him are forthcoming.
That is why the Opposition is treated like the enemy, not His Majesty ‘loyal opposition’ as would be the case in Britain, Australia, New Zealand or Canada. That is why Lim Kit Siang remains a Mister while Jeanne Abdullah or anyone that the government approves to go on a sports junket somewhere, anywhere would be conferred a Datukship.
That is why there is no ‘independent’ personalities/officials in the IGP, Election Commission, Attorney-General, Anti Corruption Agency or the Judiciary, nor would any be tolerated.
Rakyat Biasa 10:02 pm, December 09, 2007
What a truly fucked-up country Malaysia now is.
A revolution of change is needed to get rid of all the pseudo-sultans, ranting-non-rajas, intemperate tuns, turbib tan sris, dubious-datuks and all the rest of those who make up the stinking heap of arseholes who think they are superior to all the other citizens of Malaysia.
No more BN (Barisan Najis) led by UMNO (Uniformly Moronic Nonchalantly Opportunistic) and all their so called
VIPs = Vulgar Idiotic Pricks
Anonymous 12:31 pm, December 10, 2007
Kaytee`s blog better than limkit siang`s anytime.
Aleckii 6:06 pm, December 10, 2007
I agree with anonymous, you present a very matured view of this side of the story. But if that is true, then to change their mentality would be tough, if not impossible. Especially since from a young age everybody gets exposed to stories like- how Hang Tuah would kill his best friend over the King's orders. In another country, this may be viewed as wrong, but in a country like ours, it's highly praised.
heikal 9:47 pm, December 10, 2007
UMNO-BN take the opposition as an enemy and a threat. But they do not realise if they buy-out the EC so that they can get their 'pembangkang sifar' or zero opposition, the parliament is going be filled with everyone with one point of view and no one to highlight any flaw or mistake. With all the UMNO-BN yes-men/women in the parliament, they will approve all the mega-projects that could waste billions, environmentally dangerous and have no benefit to the people
True. Bedol only has make up. very superficial but no substance.
wits0 8:47 am, December 13, 2007
12:31 PM,, A problem with LKS' Blog is that someone who calls himself a graduate and living overseas is more interested with putting down other commentators to show he's clever than speaking out that much about evil.
Then there's been some HP6 moderation going on as well.
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ACT (MBAC)
ACTPol
Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT)
The Atacama Cosmology Telescope (ACT) is a six-meter diameter telescope on Cerro Toco in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile (image above by Jon Ward). It is designed to make high-resolution measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature and polarization anisotropies and detect massive galaxy clusters via the thermal Sunyaev Zel'dovich (tSZ) effect. Reconstruction of the CMB lensing potential will play a key role in the cosmological detection of neutrino mass, and measuring the imprint of primordial gravitational waves in B-mode polarization could provide unique insights into the early universe and quantum nature of gravity.
MBAC
A first-generation receiver, the Millimeter Bolometric Array Camera (MBAC), mapped the CMB temperature anisotropies over an area of around 1000 square degrees from 2008 to 2010 with spectral bands centered at 148, 218 and 270 GHz and an angular resolution of 1.4 arcminutes at 148 GHz. Science highlights from these observations include:
The first measurement of the power spectrum of the CMB lensing potential (Das et al. 2012), providing evidence for dark energy from the CMB alone (Sherwin et al. 2012)
The first statistical detection of the kinematic Sunyaev Zel'dovich effect (Hand et al. 2012)
Measurements of primary and secondary CMB temperature anisotropy power over 600 square degrees (Sievers et al. 2013)
A catalog of tSZ-selected galaxy clusters and associated cosmological constraints (Hasselfield et al. 2013)
Detection of the tSZ effect in 1013 solar mass halos by stacking with FIRST and NVSS catalogs (Gralla et al. 2013)
Discovery of El Gordo, an extreme high-redshift merging galaxy cluster (Menanteau et al. 2012).
The second-generation, polarization-sensitive receiver ACTPol has observed since 2013. Four regions of sky covering a total area of 270 square degrees were mapped at 146 GHz with an angular resolution of 1.3 arcminutes over three months in 2013. Science highlights from these initial observations include:
Measurement of the TE and EE power spectra (Naess et al. 2014)
Reconstruction of the CMB lensing potential using temperature and polarization data in cross-correlation with the
cosmic infrared background (van Engelen et al. 2014).
Page Updated: Thursday, 23-Apr-2015
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Good News: Winona County Respects the Animal Unit Cap!
Barb Sogn-Frank, LSP organizer, 612-722-6377, e-mail
Last night, after six hours of presentations by members of the public, the Winona County Board of Adjustment denied a request to exceed the county's animal unit cap by nearly four-fold. The Board of Adjustment found that the record clearly showed the variance request did not meet the legal requirement for a variance. (Full information on the variance issue is here.) This was a good decision that puts the wellbeing of the community before the financial interests of one business.
This decision means that Daley Farms' proposed massive expansion cannot move forward. Daley Farms was proposing to add 3,000 cows, which would put the operation at 5,968 animal units, almost four times the Winona County animal unit cap. Each year, it could use 92 million gallons of the area's groundwater and produce 46 million gallons of manure and wastewater.
At last night's hearing, 40 people testified, with 23 of them raising concerns and opposing the variance. Concerns were brought up about water quality and quantity, about the long record of violations at Daley Farms, about the impact on small- and moderate-sized farms, and more. It was clear there was strong and deep concern within the community about the negative impacts of this proposal.
Winona County set a limit on how large feedlots can be so that no one operation would profit at the expense of the community's air, water and wellbeing. The Winona County animal unit cap is generous at 1,500 animal units. (This is 1,071 dairy cows, 5,000 hogs and 1,500 beef cows.) The overwhelming majority of feedlots in Winona County and the state are well below this. The cap readily allows for a family farm-based system of livestock agriculture in Winona County and it is important that the county maintain and enforce this cap.
Thanks to everyone who took action and stood up on this important issue.
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Winston Chang
949-823-7141 omm.com [email protected]
Newport Center Drive 610
Newport Beach 92660 CA US
Winston Chang is a highly skilled tax lawyer who specializes in a broad range of federal income tax matters, with particular emphasis on corporate mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and tax planning. In addition, he regularly assists clients with the formation, operation, and disposition of partnerships and limited liability companies.
Winston also advises clients on the formation of real estate investment funds and ongoing REIT compliance. He frequently guides private equity and sovereign wealth funds on structuring fund investments and also advises clients on securities, financing, and restructuring transactions, film financings, tax-exempt structures, and life settlements, among other matters.
Winston believes that careful tax planning requires a meaningful understanding of a client’s factual situation and goals. He partners with his clients to ensure that significant risks are understood, so that they can be mitigated, avoided, or guarded against.
Prior to joining O’Melveny, Winston was a senior auditor with a Big Six public accounting firm.
Formation of a new private real estate investment trust to invest in a large retail project
Formation of a new joint venture between a manager of private REITs and a public strategic co-investor
Advising on restructuring a telecommunications company (portfolio company of a private equity fund) in financial distress and its acquisition by a major public company
Structuring a joint venture between a private equity firm and a portfolio company, and provide ongoing advice on structuring investments made by the portfolio company in various onshore and offshore loan portfolios
Advising a publicly-traded REIT regarding various real estate investments, involving both UPREIT and 1031 structures
Advising a major movie studio on entering into a leveraged partnership transaction
Represented public energy company in US$2 billion sale of one of its operating subsidiaries to a public utility
Represented independent power producer in joint ventures to develop tax credit renewable energy projects
Represented tax equity investor in its investment into a solar joint venture
Represented private equity firm in various acquisitions and dispositions of portfolio companies
Represented public shopping mall REIT in US$2 billion acquisition of a private REIT and operating partnership in a complex “downREIT” transaction
Represented financial services company in its conversion into a REIT, US$800 million IPO, termination of convertible debt and related swaps, and litigation with the IRS
Represented financing arm of major automobile manufacturer in issuing structured currency and commodity-linked notes and swaps
Represented real estate investment advisors acting on behalf of CalPERS in investments into commercial real estate joint ventures
Represented a major investment bank in developing a new credit-linked financial product Represented a leading life settlements firm in development of retail insurance product and total return swaps
Represented a major manufacturer of gaming equipment in its issuances of contingent debt and convertible debt instruments, along with related swap transactions
University of California, Berkeley, J.D., Order of the Coif; American Jurisprudence Awards in Individual Income Taxation, Corporate Income Taxation, International Tax, Corporations, Real Property, and Criminal Procedure
University of Southern California, B.S., summa cum laude
Jeffrey Polsky
Jack Praetzellis
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Show Up For Fairness in Georgetown
On Monday allies are expecting people to come out in support of Fairness in Georgetown, and are looking for people to come and share why we need a non-discrimination ordinance here.
Georgetown Ready for Fairness
Beginning last October with the inaugural Georgetown Pride festival, members in Scott County have been working with allies like Georgetown Fairness and the Georgetown-Scott County NAACP to gather signatures for a petition asking for a Fairness Ordinance in Georgetown, Kentucky. This petition asked that Georgetown pass an ordinance extending civil rights protections in housing, public accommodation, and employment to include members of the LGBTQ+ community. Allies set and acheived the goal of trying to reach 1,000 signautres by the end of January, and allies delivered their petition to the Georgetown City Council, held a small rally to celebrate the work, and gave comments about the need to pass a Fairness ordinance in Georgetown.
Northern Kentucky Lobby Training
Join KFTC and others as we prep members for meeting with elected officials and other decision makers by learning more about the legislative process, good guidelines to go by, practice mock lobbying moments, and more.
Fairness Lobby Day & Rally
In Kentucky, LGBT people can still be fired from a job, denied a place to live, or kicked out of a restaurant. RALLY for a Statewide Fairness Law!
8:30 a.m. Lobby Training in Capitol Annex (Room TBA)
9 a.m.-1 p.m. Group Lobbying
1:30 p.m. Rally in Capitol Rotunda
Pride comes to Georgetown!
Pride has come to the city of Georgetown. On October 8, Georgetown Fairness held Georgetown's first Pride Festival.
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LennyCo — June 6, 2019 in Entertainment
Tom Brady Actually Hates ‘Tom Terrific’ Nickname, Trademarked To Bury It
Hates ‘Tom Terrific’ Nickname …
Trademarked To Bury It
6/6/2019 10:59 AM PDT
In a crazy turn of events, Tom Brady says he hates the “Tom Terrific” nickname … and only filed for the trademark to preemptively block people from using Tom Seaver‘s signature moniker to praise him.
In other words, TB12 wants everyone freaking out over him filing to lock the trademark to CHILL OUT … ’cause he’s never gonna use it and he wasn’t trying to erase Seaver from existence.
The Patriots superstar explained his reasoning with reporters on Thursday … saying he did it to prevent exactly what ended up happening.
“It’s unfortunate. I was actually trying to do something because I didn’t like the nickname and I wanted to make sure no one used it because some people wanted to use it,” Brady said.
“I was trying to keep people from using it, and then it got spun around into something different than what it was. Good lesson learned, and I’ll try to do things a little different in the future.”
Of course, fans went nuts when the news broke earlier this week … thinking TB12 was trying to steal the nickname Seaver made famous back when he was pitching for the Mets in the ’60s and ’70s.
In fact, politicians from both sides of the aisle –Rep. Peter King [R] and Rep. Tom Suozzi [D] — came together earlier this week to condemn Brady for the move.
But Brady explained, “I don’t like the nickname. I don’t like when people probably give me many nice compliments, certainly that. It wasn’t spmething I was trying to do out of any disrespect or ill-manner or anything like that.”
Everyone breathe. Tom Brady isn’t trying to erase anyone’s legacy.
R. Kelly Set Up Alleged Sex Slaves Financially, They Claim They’re Cut Off
R. Kelly’s Alleged Sex Slaves Will Support Him at Bond Hearing
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Home 2013 Moon Taxi performs Young Journey on ferris wheel at Hangout Music Fest...
615 Sessions
Festival Videos
Hangout Music Fest
Moon Taxi performs Young Journey on ferris wheel at Hangout Music Fest [video]
brianwaters
Brought together at Belmont University, Moon Taxi has evolved from a dorm jam band to hometown heroes. Formed in 2006, the band has gone from playing background to a local rap group to headlining talent. The band’s debut studio effort “Melodia” was dropped in 2007 and they recorded a live album at Nashville’s 12th and Porter in August 2008. Guitarist Spencer Thomsen sustained an injury at the show, and put the band on hold until 2009. The next two years were a series of good time shows and festival tour dates, drawing more attention to Moon Taxi. Their anticipated second album, “Cabaret,” dropped in 2012 to much acclaim. Moon Taxi won Lightning 100’s first Music City Mayhem and later went on to play grandiose stages such as Bonnaroo and Live On the Green. We caught up with the guys backstage after their set at hangout.
L100: So let’s talk about your first show in Nashville.
MT: Our first show ever was at Windows on the Cumberland, the old one, which is downtown. It’s no longer there anymore but the funny story was, we got our first gig before we had the name of the band, so it was kind of an immediacy factor from naming the group Moon Taxi. It’s been all uphill from there.
L100: What does it feel like playing your hometown shows?
MT: We love the rowdiness of the hometown crowd, and the feeling that people want us to succeed here like we have friends and family that have watched the band grow exponentially and you just get that sense of community and people encouraging you here in town, that’s what’s so great about playing here in town.
L100: How do those hardcore Moon Taxi fans help you get from the Basement to the beach, or festivals in general?
MT: Yeah, a die hard moon taxi fan screams every lyric louder than I’m singing them, right in front of me. You know they tend to be college-aged kids, dudes, chicks that like to have fun at shows, that like to let loose, that like to unplug. A moon taxi fan likes to come out and forget about school or work and have a good time with us together and we share that with them.
They’re usually pretty open-minded so they’ll let us get away with a wide variety of different things and generally be ok with that. And it allows us to feel like we can do and try crazy things and that’s kind of a comfortable relationship we have with them.
Yeah, that’s why they keep coming back too, because they allow us to do crazy things so it’s not the same show night after night. It’s kind of a give and take. They’re beautiful.
L100: Can you describe the biggest show you guys have done?
MT: The biggest show we’ve probably done is Bonnaroo 2012. We played Thursday night and the crowd was just massive- way bigger than we were expecting. It was crazy. And it was a totally exhilarating show. And still kind of surreal to think about. And ever since then, our reputation has grown a lot from doing that and we’re able to go to a lot of different places and see people that saw us there [Roo’12] that are coming out to the show because of Bonnaroo.
L100: And do you guys have any stories from the Basement or even a festival – any crazy – like, what’s been one of your highlights that you’ve just been like wow, we got away with that.
MT: Probably when we made our first light suit experience, it was our first New Years Eve in Nashville at the Exit/in and we wanted to do something just kind of completely cosmic and out of the box. Out of this realm. So we made these light suits- it’s pretty much just like LED tubing on sweat pants. But if you turn the lights off it looks pretty surreal. I forgot the question.
Moon Taxi has always been a creative band to work with. If you don’t believe us, check out their Bonnaroo performance. The band gave us a little preview off their upcoming release in September with a ferris wheel performance of the song “Young Journey”.
Click here to see other performances backstage at Hangout Music Fest.
Video by Make It Pop
Photos by Brian Waters
Written by Lierin Pena
Moon Taxi – Restless
Beale Street Music Festival lineup 2019
Lightning 100 Unplugged 7/29/18
Moon Taxi backstage at Bonnaroo
Lightning 100 Unplugged 4/1/18
Chris Mangrum June 5, 2013 at 7:13 pm
You rock! love the song, “mercury”. Continúe with great success. Much love from Nashville.
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Displaying items 1 - 30 of 61 (0.000 seconds)
Topic: Indians of North America--Education Topic: Indian girls
1. Whitetail Day School, Group of Students and Adults on the Front Steps
2. "We Four and No More," Fort Wingate, New Mexico
3. Three Girls, Pupils of Goverment Boarding School, Uintah and Ouray Reservation, Whiterocks, Utah
5. Teacher (Mrs. Overman) and School Girls at Mescalero, New Mexico
6. Students at the Rocky Boy Indian Day School
7. Six Young Women Standing in Size Order Outside; a Stone Building Is Backdrop
8. Mescalero Apache School Girls with Mrs. Overman
9. Large Group of Students from the Klamath Agency Government School
10. Large Group of Students from the Klamath Agency Government School
11. Groups Going Separate Ways on a Sidewalk, Rapid City, South Dakota
13. Group of Young Woman from the Chemawa Y.W.C.A., Oregon
16. Group of Young people from the Klamath Government Day School
18. Group of Women Walking on a Sidewalk, Rapid City, South Dakota
19. Group of Women Entering a Building, Rapid City, South Dakota
21. Group of Students Standing in front of a Building on Campus
22. Group of Students at Mount Zion Community House and School
23. Group of Public School Children and Their Teacher from the Klamath Agency
24. Graduating Class and Faculty from the Ononoaga Reservation School Yearbook, 1937-38
25. Government Boarding School for Girls Uintah and Ouray Reservation Whiterocks, Utah
26. Girl's Room at Chilocco Indian Agricultural School
27. Girls' Orphanage Home, Bacone, Oklahoma
29. Girls Indian School Group Exercises
Salem (Or.) (6)
Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation (Utah) (6)
Whiterocks (Utah) (6)
Rapid City (S.D.) (5)
Wahpeton (N.D.) (5)
Red Lake Indian Reservation (Minn.) (4)
Rosebud Indian Reservation (S.D.) (3)
Mescalero Indian Reservation (N.M.) (2)
Indian girls (61)[x]
Indians of North America--Education (61)[x]
Portraits, Group (40)
Indian children (39)
Boarding schools (35)
Indian students (21)
Indian boys (16)
Whiterocks Indian School (6)
Rapid City Indian School (5)
U.S. Indian School (Chemawa, Salem, Or.) (5)
Wahpeton Indian School (N.D.) (5)
Cross Lake School (4)
St. Mary's Episcopal School for Indian Girls (3)
Bacone College (2)
Bloomfield Academy for Chickasaw Females (2)
Overman, Mrs. (2)
negatives (16)
lantern slides (1)
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[IGCS - Biographies] Index and Database on Chinese Writes
"Hanno E. Lecher" <[log in to unmask]>
Internet Guide for Chinese Studies Newsletter
http://www.sino.uni-heidelberg.de/igcs/ignew.htm
12 Feb 2005, recorded by Hanno Lecher
New in IGCS - Biographies
(http://www.sino.uni-heidelberg.de/igcs/igbio.htm):
Index and Database on Chinese Writes
Ed./Corp.: Renditions, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
URL: http://www.renditions.org/renditions/biography/
Language: English.
Self description: "The author index is linked to a database which contains
information [on] about 600 Chinese writers whose works have appeared in
Renditions publications. The translator index lists the works of individual
translators. Listings are in alphabetical order."
Description: Quite useful little database, containing biographical data as
well as a list of most important works, available English translations, and
studies and biographies on the authors. However, these lists are by no means
complete. Unfortunately no Chinese characters are given, only Hanyu Pinyin
transliterations.
Site contents: (1) Authors (Biography; Works; Works available in English;
Studies and Biographies); (2) Translators; (3) Search.
Hanno E. Lecher
INTERNET GUIDE FOR CHINESE STUDIES -- editor
http://www.sino.uni-heidelberg.de/igcs/
An archive of this list as well as an subscribe/unsubscribe facility is
http://listserv.uni-heidelberg.de/archives/igcs-l.html
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Search Results for: Lil Wayne
July 4, 2019 Prinxadmin
Chris Brown – Need a Stack Ft. Lil Wayne & Joyner Lucas (mp3)
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Lil Wayne x Ty Dolla Sign – Scared Of The Dark Ft. XXXTentacion (mp3)
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Nicki Minaj – Good Form (Remix) Ft. Lil Wayne (mp3)
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November 29, 2018 Prinxadmin
Lil Wayne – What About Me Ft. Post Malone (mp3)
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Lil Wayne – Hasta La Vista (mp3)
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Lil Wayne – In This House Ft. Gucci Mane (mp3)
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Mighty Morphin Power Rangers #7
The Black Dragon has come! As the balance of power shifts, Earth finally falls into Rita’s evil hands. Do the Power Rangers have a hope of saving their home and defeating the nefarious danger they now face?
Kyle Higgins
Hendry Prasetya
Science Fiction Fantasy Superhero
Saban's Power Rangers is a multi-generational, globally-recognized franchise. With its epic Ranger suits, giant Zords and Megazords, and—at its core—a story of super powered teens who defend the world from evil, the Power Rangers series is a pop-culture phenomenon that has continued to resonate with fans for more than 22 years. We, as huge Power Rangers fans ourselves, are excited to produce a
Justice League/Power Rangers (2017)
Two of comics greatest teams team up for the very first time! Something terrible has happened in Angel Grove! When the Command Center is breached and the teleporters are damaged, Zack is flung into another universe, where he’s mistaken for a villain by a mysterious masked vigilante. Can the other Power Rangers get to their friend in time to save him from Batman? Co-published with BOOM! Studios.
Saban's Power Rangers: Aftershock
From the publisher of the critically acclaimed Mighty Morphin Power Rangers comic series comes an original story set in the universe of the upcoming Power Rangers feature film! This explosive, all-new tale picks up immediately after the events of Lionsgate's highly anticipated movie, in theaters March 24, 2017. See the film, then deep dive into the continued adventures of Jason, Kimberly, Trini, Z
They're BACK! This summer, the original heroes in a half-shell make a triumphant return to comics! Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael reunite to bring their ninja aptitude and teenage attitude to IDW Publishing in this all-new, action-packed series. Featuring a cast of familiar characters-Master Splinter, April O'Neill, Casey Jones, and more-and true to the spirit of the original comic
Spider-Geddon (2018)
Collects Spider-Geddon #0-5 and Vault Of Spiders #1-2. SPIDER-VERSE united every Spider-Person ever — now SPIDER-GEDDON will destroy them all! The Inheritors have escaped their radioactive prison planet and made their way to the Marvel Universe. As the villains draw first blood, a whole Spider-Army must reunite to keep them at bay! Starring Spider Man, Otto Octavius, Spider-Gwen, Miles Morale
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DSP Shwetambri Sharma, the woman who helped crack the Kathua case
Achievers By Kriti Saraswat Satpathy Tue, Apr 17, 2018
The gruesome details of the gangrape and murder of eight-year-old Asifa from Kathua shocked the entire nation, but for the truth to come out, one woman had to face several hardships in the process. Meet DSP Shwetambri Sharma, the only woman in the team that was formed to crack this case. Despite threats and blackmail, she and the rest of the members did not give up, and settled only for the truth. From evidence tampering to communal pressure, Shwetambri faced it all during the investigation but did not quit. Here are six facts about this unstoppable woman.
1. Shwetambri Sharma hails from Jammu, and is the Deputy Superintendent of Police in Crime Branch of J&K Police.
2. She was the only female member in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) assigned to crack the gangrape case of eight-year-old Asifa.
3. In an interview to the media, Sharma revealed how the perpetrators of the crime tried to create as many problems as possible for them during the investigation of the gangrape case. From harassment to humiliation, she and her team faced it all, but did not give up until the end. The accused tried to change her mind by telling her that they belong to the same caste as her which is Brahmin, and so, she should not try and frame them for the murder of a Muslim girl. When she denied this obnoxious request stating that her uniform is her religion, they tried blackmail and intimidation next.
4. Shwetambri Sharma is from the 2012 batch of Jammu and Kashmir Police Service and is currently working in the Crime Branch of the state as the DSP.
5. Before joining the police force, Shwetambri taught management for seven years in various colleges, she was also doing her PhD when she joined the police service in 2012.
6. She revealed that one of the hardships they faced during their investigation was when they found out that people working at the Hiranagar Police Station were bribed to hide important case evidence. They tampered evidence by washing the clothes of eight-year-old Asifa after the crime which led to obstructions during their investigation. Despite these obstacles, she and her team were able to crack the case, and on April 9, SIT filed a charge sheet before the Chief Judicial Magistrate against the eight accused of the gangrape and murder of Asifa.
Photograph courtesy: Twitter
Orkut is back! Say 'Hello' to a new social media life
Why #JusticeForAsifa is #JusticeForAllWomen
Meet Deepika Rajawat, the brave lawyer fighting for #JusticeForAsifa
Making India proud at CWG 2018!
Find out what makes these families so special
Sonakshi Sinha gives fans fitness motivation
Over two lakh apply for 100 posts of women military police soldiers
We can't stop gushing over Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli's candid pic
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Resignation vs. Termination: The $64,000 (or more) Question
Employers prefer it when an employee resigns because the employee is not entitled to any termination pay. To be valid, a resignation must be voluntary, clear and unequivocal; otherwise a so-called resignation could in fact be a termination, in which case the employee is entitled to termination pay. A contested resignation often takes place when an employee leaves the workplace after an emotional outburst. A recent decision from British Columbia considered this kind of situation.
Bishop v Rexel Canada Electrical Inc.
Mr. Bishop was a buyer in Rexel’s purchasing department. In December 2015, his supervisor asked him to take on an additional task of releasing web orders to assist another buyer who was overwhelmed. Mr. Bishop began feeling significantly overburdened by the addition of this task.
On January 4, 2016, Mr. Bishop’s supervisor requested that he continue to perform the task of releasing web orders. Mr. Bishop sent a hasty email to his supervisor saying he was “up to [his] ass in orders” and that if the web orders were being “dumped” on him again, he would not be returning.
Mr. Bishop and his supervisor then had a phone conversation, the contents of which were debated between the parties. While Mr. Bishop said he did not resign during this call, his supervisor testified he confirmed his resignation. Mr. Bishop was then escorted from the office and asked to return his keys.
In finding that Mr. Bishop had not resigned, the judge pointed to the following three factors:
Bishop was clearly upset on January 4, 2016, Ms. King was aware of his emotional state and should not have taken his word as definitive without further inquiry once his emotions had settled.
Prior to the alleged resignation, his supervisor had nominated Mr. Bishop for termination/layoff in January 2016. His resignation must be viewed within this context.
Rexel was in a rush to confirm Mr. Bishop’s resignation.
Given that Mr. Bishop did not resign, the court found that Mr. Bishop was in fact terminated after he was asked to return his keys.
Resignations are not necessarily black-and-white. A judge will look at surrounding circumstances to determine whether the resignation was voluntary, clear and unequivocal. If an employer is insisting you resigned, and you disagree, you should consider speaking with an employment lawyer about your situation. You can contact us at [email protected] or 647-204-8107.
Tags: Barrie Employment lawyer compensation Departing Employees MacLeod Law Firm Nadia Halum reasonable notice resignation termination pay toronto employment lawyer wrongful dismissal
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MATTER stories & events straight to your inbox
Paige Edmiston
matter news
Health Equity Innovation Challenge finalists announced by BCBSIL & MATTER
Update: Congratulations to the BCBSIL Health Equity Innovation Challenge winners! BCBSIL executives selected three winners following a live pitch event at MATTER on December 3, 2018. 1st place: Bright Pink won $15,000 and a pilot with BCBSIL.
“Bright Pink is thrilled for the opportunity to partner with MATTER and BCBSIL to democratize access to personalized breast and ovarian cancer prevention for Illinois women. We look forward to bringing the expertise and resources of these leading healthcare innovators to bear on our efforts to empower women to know their cancer risk and manage their health proactively.” - Meg Lassar, SVP of Strategy and Advancement at Bright Pink
2nd place: Amah Health won $10,000 and a pilot with BCBSIL.
“I named AMAH for my grandmother, Yueying. (“Amah” means grandma in Taiwanese). My family struggled with managing my grandma’s diabetes and fitting Western medicine into her lifestyle and health beliefs. That’s why I am dedicated to proactively assessing health behaviors of diverse populations to enable better patient experiences and outcomes for more families.” - Yi-an Yang, CEO and founder of Amah Health
3rd place: Loyola Health Science Division student team won $5,000.
“I am thankful and honored for the opportunity MATTER and BCBSIL has provided us to think critically and tangibly to address systemic issues regarding health equity. Through the Health Equity Innovation Challenge, we have gained the confidence that our idea originally intended for a medical school project has vast potential to close health care gaps and improve patient outcomes.” - Justine Ly, Student at Loyola University Chicago
In October, MATTER and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) announced the $30K Health Equity Innovation Challenge. The challenge asked the health care innovation community: How can we help close the gaps for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois members who are facing social, cultural and/or economic barriers to health care by advancing health equity and addressing the social determinants of health?
The response was overwhelming, with creative ideas and solutions pouring in from university researchers, student groups, community organizers, entrepreneurs and others. From this competitive pool of applicants, BCBSIL selected five companies to present their ideas at a live pitch event at MATTER on Monday, December 3, 2018.
Three winning teams will be selected to receive a cash prize and a six-month membership at MATTER. One of the winning teams will also have the opportunity to pilot their solution with BCBSIL.
Meet the Health Equity Innovation Challenge finalists:
AMAH Health offers health care and insurance providers a software-as-a-service solution that uses evidence-based behavior science to stratify and engage Less English Proficient (LEP) patients to help predict and influence their health behaviors in a culturally and linguistically appropriate way.
Bright Pink helps to close the gap for women who face barriers to accessing the information and resources they need to prevent and detect breast and ovarian cancer early, thereby contributing to lower morbidity and mortality rates for these cancers over time.
Koios Medical develops software for radiologists to interpret ultrasound images, using proprietary deep learning methods and patented data visualization to assist in diagnosing cancer. Koios increases the accuracy of all physicians tested while saving time, improving outcomes and reducing costs.
A team of students from the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine proposes to develop predictive analytics using electronic medical record data to identify patients at risk of not showing to their appointment. Clinics can proactively contact these patients to address any socioeconomic barriers to making their appointment, ensuring patients receive the health care they deserve.
Lytic has developed a product, Checkup, a chatbot-powered digital health management platform. After users converse with the chatbot about symptoms, Checkup provides the next best step for care, scheduling and long-term care management.
You’re invited to join us at MATTER for the Health Equity Innovation Challenge final pitch event on December 3. RSVP here.
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physical contact
News tagged with physical contact
WHO warns Ebola could spread elsewhere if attacks don't stop
The World Health Organization warned Friday that it may not be possible to contain Ebola to the two affected provinces in eastern Congo if violent attacks on health teams continue.
Mayo Clinic Q&A: Effectively treating a separated shoulder can get you back to your active life
Dear Mayo Clinic: A few weeks ago, I was snowboarding and dislodged my collarbone. I was told I have anywhere from a grade 3 to grade 5 separation. I've had my arm in a sling for three weeks, as was recommended, but it's ...
Doubles badminton players may be at highest risk of serious eye injury during play
Doubles badminton players may be at greatest risk of potentially serious eye injury during matches compared with singles players, suggests a small study published online in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Madagascar battles killer measles outbreak
Frangeline is aged two but weighs no more than a four-month-old—the terrible result of her battle with measles, which is cutting a deadly swathe through Madagascar.
Ten tips for surviving a crowd crush
On July 24, 2010, more than a million dancing partygoers converged on an industrial zone in Duisburg, in Eastern Germany. They were attending the Love Parade, one of the most popular music festivals in the world. Decked out ...
Concussion and its consequences
Professor Inga Koerte uses advanced medical imaging to study the immediate and long-term effects of repetitive head trauma on the brains of football players. In the following interview, she discusses her findings and their ...
Going to bed with your ex might not be as bad you think
Conventional wisdom holds that people set themselves up for even greater heartache when they jump into bed with their ex-partner after a breakup. However, according to the findings of a study in Springer's journal Archives ...
Holding infants—or not—can leave traces on their genes
The amount of close and comforting contact between infants and their caregivers can affect children at the molecular level, an effect detectable four years later, according to new research from the University of British Columbia ...
Risk of transmission of livestock-associated MRSA to non-farm dwellers is negligible
At a swine farm with pigs carrying methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, levels of MRSA among 95% of visitors became virtually undetectable only two hours after exposure. MRSA in the nasal passages was associated with ...
Researcher finds evidence of emotional 'load sharing' in close relationships
New research out of Queen's University has found evidence of emotional load sharing between partners in a close relationship. The study, co-authored by PhD candidate Jessica Lougheed, found that a strong relationship with ...
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MERESHA
(❁´◡`❁)(musical) artist & alien luver.
Meresha is a singer, multi-instrumentalist, DJ and producer with a deep, wide-ranging soulful voice and a quirky sonic vision. She is an #AlienPop innovator; so far the first in the genre.
Her current single is a perfect accompaniment to the Summer - "Coconut Island" which she recently debuted at Gov Ball, New York City's largest music festival.
Her previous single "Jungle Potion" went viral hitting a million streams in a few weeks, including while on Ariana Grande's official personal playlist.
AllMusic named Meresha's EP "Enter the Dreamland" one of the Top 20 Albums of the year globally (Pop). The video for the lead song won the Music California Viewers' Choice Award. Meresha debuted the EP for 40,000 at SunFest, sharing the stage with Marshmello and Jon Bellion.
Meresha made Billboard charts several times, was the #1 indie artist on US radio for a month and had her music featured on TV internationally, including on MTV. She is a a member of the Recording Academy.
Contact: team@Meresha.com
connect with Meresha:
©️ Meresha, 2019, All rights reserved
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Find Top Things To Do
India Gate New Delhi
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Visiting India Gate New Delhi
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A Tribute to the Soldiers: The India Gate
Around 150 meters to the east of the gate, where there is a junction of 6 roads, is a cupola, 73 feet in height. The structure has been inspired from the Mahabalipuram pavilion of the sixth century. The canopy was constructed as a tribute to King George V, who was the Emperor of India and had died recently in 1936. There was a statue of Charles Sargeant Jagger of George V, which remained there even after Independence in 1947. However, in the upcoming years, the statue was put off after being insisted by a few politicians. The proposal of putting up the statue of Mahatma Gandhi was brought up. However, nothing was eventually done about it.
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Amar Jawan Jyoti
The Amar Jawan Jyoti, also called the flame of the Immortal Soldier is a small, black marble plinth with an inverted rifle, a war helmet and four urns. There is a permanent light in the plinth from flames of the CNG. The flame was lit in tribute to all the soldiers who died while defending their country. The flame was inaugurated by the Prime Minister of that time, Indira Gandhi on the eve of Republic Day on January 26, 1972. The Prime minister of India places wreaths on the Amar Jawan Jyoti every Republic Day. The flame is guarded by soldiers 24 hours each day.
Rajpath
Rajpath is the path from the Rashtrapati Bhawan to the India Gate through Vijay Chowk. There are huge lawns on both the sides of the avenue. It is one of the most significant roads of the country. The funeral processions of many important politicians of the country take place here. The North and South blocks of the Secretariat Building flank the Rajpath after we climb the Raisina hill.
The Surrounding Parks and Gardens
The India Gate is surrounded by numerous parks and garden areas which make a great picnic spot for the people who visit the India Gate. The surrounding parks are mostly grassy and have numerous planted trees. The visitors usually sit and relax in the Sun in these parks during Winters and enjoy the view of the gate with their families, friends, companions or just all by their self. The night view from these parks of the India Gate is amazing. The gate under the moonlight looks remarkable. Music is also played nearby for people to enjoy.
The Republic Day Parade in New Delhi
An annual parade on the eve of Republic Day is conducted at the Rajpath near the India Gate. It is one of the most significant and the largest parades in India. It is one of the main attraction of the Republic Day celebrations and goes on for about 3 days. The defense capability and the social and cultural heritage of the country are displayed on the day.
India Gate New Delhi Tips and Tricks
How to Get Tickets?
There is no entrance fee for India Gate. However, you can book tickets for Republic Day Parade easily online on this website as the seats are limited. You can pay online after booking the tickets here.
How To Get Around?
Metro runs to almost every place in the city. It is clean as well. However, if you are about to stay for long, you can rent a car for the entire trip.
India Gate New Delhi Facts
The months starting from October until November are the best as the weather is cool and not on any of the extremes. The entire day can be put for sightseeing.
You can take a tour bus from your hotel. You can also go for Metros if the station is nearby. Otherwise, a taxi is always within reach.
Do take a lot of pictures to capture the beauty of the place. Drink a lot if you're going to walk around a lot. Always keep an eye on your belongings.
Popular Attractions in New Delhi
Gateway of India
Lotus Temple
Humayun's Tomb
Qutub Minar
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Laughing, learning and exploring our world
Meet Amy Martin
Book: Itchy Business
Book: Holy Smoke
North Texas Wild: Dallas rehabber says wild rabbit rescues multiply in spring
Amy Martin Nature No Comments
In 2016, Rabbit Rescue rehabbed over a thousand cottontails. Photos courtesy of Rabbit Rescue unless otherwise noted.
By Amy Martin
When it rains, it pours… bunnies. Spring deluges wash young cottontails out of their nests. Often found suffering from hyperthermia or gravely battered, they must be rushed to treatment if to survive, then raised to adulthood and released.
After a recent spring storm, Dallas-based Rabbit Rescue activated their volunteer network to take in 42 dislodged baby cottontails, along with a handful of other critters. Volunteers soothed the quivering bunnies, nestled them in crates atop heating pads, bottle-fed and groomed them.
Young cottontails start pulling away from human contact at about three weeks, when able to lap milk rather than bottle nurse. They move outdoors into exercise pens and eat mostly hay. Once grown to the size of a baseball, fully transitioned from milk to grass-based diet, and accustomed to being outdoors, they are ready to go. Rabbit Rescue releases them, usually onto a large property in Denton County.
A rescued baby bunny is tube fed.
Rabbit Rescue founder Diana Leggett organizes the bunny brigades from her sprawling house and 5,000-square-foot backyard called Bunnyworld.
“My living room is in complete furdom disarray since this last round. My kitchen is not a kitchen; it’s an ICU for baby cottontails, full of carriers on heating pads. My dining room is a ward for nursing bunnies. But I’ve rescued rabbits for 30 years now. I don’t see me ever giving up my wildlife.”
It’s not like she has a choice. A difficult, neglectful childhood left her being reluctantly raised by grandparents who abruptly disposed of a pet rabbit.
“Being thrown away as a kid, I gravitate to the animals most helpless and in need,” Leggett confided. “Rabbits don’t have a voice. They make no sound; they’re mute. The only sound they make is when they scream. ”
Diana Leggett is the founder of Rabbit Rescue.
Rabbit Rescue is a full-time job on top of a full-time job. Leggett wouldn’t have it any other way.
“You can do what you’re meant to do and make a difference,” she added. “That’s what we’re supposed to do — make a difference. That’s earning our haloes. For me, the rabbit epitomizes vulnerability and innocence. They need someone to speak for them. We’ve still not evolved our consciousness enough for everyone to see that a rabbit is a conscious animal and not a thing.”
Bona-Fide Bunny Lovers
Though busiest in the spring, volunteer rescue of wild baby rabbits goes non-stop from February to October. In 2016, Rabbit Rescue, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, rehabbed over a thousand cottontails.
“I thought that was bad,” said Leggett. “This year is going to be worse. I’m already over 300 rabbits and it’s just April.”
Baby bunny rehab is particularly difficult. Rabbit skeletons are very fragile for their size. Bones break easily, especially if the animal is dropped or handled roughly.
Plus, “You can’t just feed them and keep them warm like you would a squirrel or raccoon,” said Leggett, “You have to help them with the caecotroph process.”
Translation: bunny butt licking. Or an approximation thereof.
When a rabbit eats, the vegetable matter passes through their digestive system into non-feces droppings called caecotrophs, which the rabbit eats. This allows a second pass on the roughage to extract the maximum nutritional content. Rehabbers must stroke the babies and clean the rectums to get that process going, just as the mother rabbit would have done. St. Melangell, the Irish patron saint of rabbits, shines through these volunteers.
Rehabbers nurse the babies a few times a day. To avoid drawing the attention of predators to the nest, mothers stay away 99 percent of the time. They visit for only a few minutes to nurse and clean. To be so quick, necessitates a high-pressure lactation.
“It’s like a garden hose,” said Leggett laughing. “The babies lie on their backs and suck. Holding on with their teeth — ow! They take in 30 percent of their body weight in 30 seconds.“
It takes about 10 days for baby bunny eyes to open and then a couple weeks for the transition from formula to hay, subbing in for fresh grass. Then off they go. In addition to the Denton area, “We’ve helped repopulate Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area and Connemara Conservancy,” said Leggett.
Some have gone to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Grassland near Decatur, Oklahoma, and other states for restoration projects.
Lone Star Lepus
Hailing from the family Leporidae, the primary rabbit in North Texas is the eastern cottontail, Sylvilagus floridanus. The smallest of Lone Star rabbits, it rarely weighs more than three pounds. Its cousin the swamp rabbit (Sylvilagus aquaticus), found in East Texas, is double that size. So is the mountain cottontail (Sylvilagus nuttallii), also called Davis Mountains cottontail, and the desert cottontail (Sylvilagus audubonii), also called Audubon cottontail, both of West Texas.
The eastern cottontail is most commonly found rabbit in North Texas. Photo courtesy of Chris Jackson/DFWUrbanWildlife.com. The legendary jackalope, as seen on this 1968 postcard, is more elusive. Courtesy of LegendsofAmerica.com.
The largest in Texas is the black-tailed jackrabbit (Lepus californicus), weighing four to eight pounds. But instead of being a rabbit of the Sylvilagus genus, it’s a hare, which boasts larger bodies, bigger muscles and ears nearly a foot long. Hares are essentially unable to be domesticated. The existence of the fabled horned jackalope remains as elusive.
Want to see a jackrabbit? There are colonies at Greenhill School and Addison Airport, in many areas around Denton, and all over West Texas. Texas Tech in Lubbock is said to host a large jackrabbit colony. The world’s largest jackrabbit statue resides in Odessa, but at only eight-feet tall Bugs would not be impressed.
How to Rescue a Rabbit
Bunny nests are usually left unattended by the mother, so no or minimal assistance is usually needed. But if you find a rabbit that is wounded, covered in bugs or extremely distressed, locate your closest rehabber and follow the steps below. As prey animals, rabbits stress quickly, so do not chase. Instead, try to lure with food. If rehab is required, handle the rabbit as little as possible and do not give food or water.
If you find a young, able-bodied rabbit out in the open and at risk, coax or move it to a safe location on the ground, providing shelter if needed. Mother rabbits will not abandon their young if human handled. Try to locate the nest and rebuild if needed. If you suspect the mother has died, lay pieces of string across the nest in a checkerboard pattern. Check for disturbance over eight to 12 hours before taking to a rehabber.
Speed is imperative in treating delicate young rabbits. If you’re in an area with bunnies, it’s best to prepare. Rabbit Rescue details how to rescue and return the animal to its nest if possible or transfer to a rehabber in this webpage and more in this one.
Have these rabbit rescue supplies on hand:
• Heating pads
• Old towels and textiles
• Boxes from shoeboxes to tall-sided medium
• Timothy hay (available at pet stores) or source of fresh untreated grass
WildRescue, Inc./Rabbit Rescue
About: The nonprofit founded by Diana Leggett rescues wild rabbits in North Texas and returns them to the wild. The group also rescues domestic rabbits from DFW animal shelters and finds good homes for them.
Contact: 940-442-8289 or WildRescueTexas@gmail.com
Next week, look for the second part of Amy’s Easter-time bunny series, when she profiles a rescue group that specializes in rescuing domestic rabbits.
Stay up to date on everything green in North Texas, including the latest news and events! Sign up for the weekly Green Source DFW Newsletter! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Original post: http://www.greensourcedfw.org/articles/north-texas-wild-dallas-rehabber-wild-rabbit-rescues-multiply-spring
animal rehabilitation bunny cottontail Diana Leggett rabbit Rabbit Rescue
Amy Martin is the North Texas Wild at GreenSourceDFW and author of Itchy Business: How to Treat the Poison Ivy and Poison Oak Rash. More info at http://itchy.biz/. Most frequently she was the senior comedy critic for TheaterJones, The Aging Hippie columnist for Senior Voice, and the Taoist panel member of the Texas Faith blog of The Dallas Morning News. A journalist for over 40 years, she wrote for Dallas Observer, Dallas Times Herald, Dallas Morning News, and D magazine, and was contributing editor and columnist for Garbage magazine. She was known by many in North Texas as the Moonlady for her alternative newservice of 15 years, Moonlady News, and served as creator/producer/promoter of the acclaimed Winter and Summer SolstiCelebrations for 20 years.
North Texas Wild: Local conservationists are bringing back the Blackland Prairie
North Texas Wild: Former Dallas rehabber uses care with animal invaders
Bob Jones Nature Center
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Vivaldi: Concerti per archi II
Исполнитель: Concerto Italiano & Rinaldo Alessandrini
Композитор: Антонио Вивальди
Concerto in G Major, RV 150: I.Allegro
— Concerto Italiano, Rinaldo Alessandrini, Антонио Вивальди
Concerto in G Major, RV 150: II.Allegro
Concerto in G Major, RV 150: III.Allegro
Concerto in E Minor, RV 134: I.[Allegro]
Concerto in E Minor, RV 134: II.Andante
Concerto in E Minor, RV 134: III.Allegro
Concerto in G Major, RV 151 "Alla rustica": I.Presto
Concerto in G Major, RV 151 "Alla rustica": II.Adagio
Concerto in G Major, RV 151 "Alla rustica": III.Allegro
Concerto in C Minor, RV 119: I.Allegro
Concerto in C Minor, RV 119: II.Largo
Concerto in C Minor, RV 119: III.Allegro
Concerto in C Major, RV 110: I.Allegro
Concerto in C Major, RV 110: II.Largo
Concerto in C Major, RV 110: III.Allegro
Concerto for Strings in A Major, RV 160: I. Allegro
Concerto in A Major, RV 160: II.Andante
Concerto in A Major, RV 160: III.Allegro
Concerto in D Minor, RV 128: I.Allegro non molto
Concerto in D Minor, RV 128: II.Largo
Concerto in D Minor, RV 128: III.Allegro
Concerto in B Flat Major, RV 164: I.Allegro
Concerto in B Flat Major, RV 164: II.Adagio
Concerto in B Flat Major, RV 164: III.Allegro
Concerto in D Minor, RV 127: I.Allegro
Concerto in B Flat Major, RV 166: III.[Allegro]
Concerto in G Minor, RV 157: I.Allegro
Concerto in G Minor, RV 157: II.Largo
Concerto in G Minor, RV 157: III.Allegro
ЛейблNaive
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Hayden Dalton’s New Nickname Is…The Haymaker
It's official, Wyoming basketball star Hayden Dalton has a nickname. Meet, The Haymaker.
Last week, we launched an online poll asking you to pick a new moniker for the Pokes senior forward. The top vote getters were: "The Wyoming Worm", "The Slender Defender" and the "Ginger Giraffe".
We also received dozens of write-in votes for nicknames, including "Hay Day", "HD-3", and "Dunking Dalton".
In the end, we made a judgement call, ignoring all of those votes in favor of a suggestion from a Pokes fan named Rich Timlen, who came up with "The Haymaker". Has a nice ring to it.
Hopefully, the Haymaker will make it rain three-pointers when Wyoming renews their Border War rivalry with Colorado State this weekend. Go Pokes!!!
Filed Under: University of Wyoming, Wyoming Cowboys
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Oil usage, gas consumption and economic growth: Evidence from Poland
Lach, Łukasz (2014): Oil usage, gas consumption and economic growth: Evidence from Poland. Forthcoming in: Energy Sources, Part B: Economics, Planning, and Policy
This paper investigates causal links between economic growth, oil consumption and natural gas usage in Poland on the basis of quarterly data for the period Q1 2000 – Q4 2009. The application of the Toda–Yamamoto procedure, a nonlinear Granger causality test, bootstrap techniques and an analysis of VECM led to the conclusion that both oil and natural gas usage caused GDP growth in the short–term. However, in the long–term causality ran in the opposite direction. Both these findings are believed to be the consequence of the recent transformation of the Polish economy from energy intensive activities towards services, which in general are not energy–consuming.
cointegration, economic growth, Granger causality, natural gas consumption, nonlinear causality test, oil consumption, residual–based bootstrap, Toda–Yamamoto method
C - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods > C3 - Multiple or Simultaneous Equation Models ; Multiple Variables > C32 - Time-Series Models ; Dynamic Quantile Regressions ; Dynamic Treatment Effect Models ; Diffusion Processes ; State Space Models
Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q4 - Energy > Q40 - General
Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q4 - Energy > Q43 - Energy and the Macroeconomy
Q - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics ; Environmental and Ecological Economics > Q4 - Energy > Q48 - Government Policy
Dr Łukasz Lach
1. Akarca, A.T. and Long, T. V. 1980. On the relationship between energy and GNP: a reexamination. Journal of Energy and Development 5:326–331.
2. Andrews, D. W. K. and Buchinsky, M. 2000. A Three–Step Method for Choosing the Number of Bootstrap Repetitions. Econometrica 68:23–52.
3. Bowden, N. and Payne, J. E. 2009. The causal relation–ship between U.S. energy consumption and real output: A disaggregated analysis. Journal of Policy Modeling 31:180–188.
4. Brock, W. 1991. Causality, chaos, explanation and prediction in economics and finance. In: Casti, J. and Karlqvist, A. (editors), Beyond Belief: Randomness, Prediction and Explanation in Science. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla pp. 230–279.
5. Chang, T., Fang, W. and Wen, L. F. 2001. Energy consumption, employment, output, and temporal causality: evidence from Taiwan based on cointegration and error–correction modelling techniques. Applied Economics 33:1045–1056.
6. Davison, A. C. and Hinkley, D. V. 1999. Bootstrap Methods and Their Application. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge.
7. Diks, C. G. H. and DeGoede, J. 2001. A general nonparametric bootstrap test for Granger causality. In: Broer, H. W., Krauskopf, W. and Vegter, G. (editors), Global analysis of dynamical systems. Institute of Physics Publishing; Bristol, United Kingdom, pp. 391–403.
8. Diks, C. G. H. and Panchenko, V. 2006. A new statistic and practical guidelines for nonparametric Granger causality testing. Journal of Economic Dynamics and Control 30:1647–1669.
9. Glasure, Y. U. and Lee, A. R. 1997. Cointegration, error–correction, and the relationship between GDP and electricity: the case of South Korea and Singapore. Resource and Energy Economics 20(1):17–25.
10. Granger, C. W. J. 1988. Some recent developments in the concept of causality. Journal of Econometrics 39:199–211.
11. Gurgul, H. and Lach, Ł. 2010. The causal link between Polish stock market and key macroeconomic aggregates. Betriebswirtschaftliche Forschung und Praxis 4:367–383.
12. Hacker, R. S. and Hatemi–J, A. 2006. Tests for causality between integrated variables using asymptotic and bootstrap distributions: theory and application. Applied Economics 38:1489–1500.
13. Hiemstra, C. and Jones, J. D. 1994. Testing for linear and nonlinear Granger causality in the stock price–volume relation. Journal of Finance 49:1639–1664.
14. Johansen, S. 1995. Likelihood–based Inference in Cointegrated Vector Autoregressive Models. Oxford University Press, Oxford.
15. Keho, Y. 2007. Causal relationship between energy consumption and GDP: An empirical analysis of five West African countries. Journal of Energy and Development 33:23–32.
16. Kraft, J. and Kraft, A. 1978. On the relationship between energy and GNP. Journal of Energy and Development 3:401–403.
17. Lee, C.C. and Chang, C. P. 2005. Structural breaks, energy consumption and economic growth revisited: evidence from Taiwan. Energy Economics 27:857–872.
18. Lütkepohl, H. 1993. Introduction to Multiple Time Series Analysis, 2nd ed. Springer–Verlag, New York.
19. Newey, W.K. and West, K.D. 1987. A Simple Positive Semidefinite, Heteroskedasticity and Autocorrelation Consistent Covariance Matrix, Econometrica 55:703–708.
20. Oh, W. and Lee, K. 2004. Causal relationship between energy consumption and GDP revisited: the case of Korea 1970–1999. Energy Economics 26:51–59.
21. Soytas, U. and Sari, R. 2003. Energy consumption and GDP: causality relationship in G–7 countries and emerging markets. Energy Economics 26:33–37
22. Toda, H. Y. and Yamamoto, T. 1995. Statistical inference in vector autoregressions with possibly integrated processes. Journal of Econometrics 66:225–250.
23. Yang, H. Y. 2000. A note on the causal relationship between energy and GDP in Taiwan. Energy Economics 22:309–317.
24. Yoo, S–H. 2006. Oil consumption and Economic Growth: Evidence from Korea. Energy Sources, Part B: Economics, Planning and Policy 1:235–243.
25. Yu, E. S. H. and Choi, J. Y. 1985. The causal relationship between energy and GNP: an international comparison. Journal of Energy and Development 10:249–272.
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Dramatic 3D images reveal super-small motors that drive bacteria
Michael Franco
Three of the motors that drive the locomotion of different bacteria(Credit: Morgan Beeby/Imperial College London)
View gallery - 5 images
When you want to get together with friends or family, chances are you employ a motor. That is to say, you likely get into a car or on some form of public transport to arrive at a meeting point. Bacteria really aren't very different. They have various means of getting around, but they all involve some kind of biological motor — and those motors have just been imaged in dramatic and colorful 3D by researchers at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech).
To image the micromotors, the team employed a technique known as electron cyrotomography. This involves freezing bacterial cells so quickly that the water molecules they contain don't have the time to arrange themselves into ice crystals. Once the cells are locked in their original structure this way, an electron microscope was used to take a bunch of 2D images that were then assembled in such a way that digital 3D images of the motors emerged. The technique was groundbreaking, with Caltech reporting that it was the first time bacteria's biological locomotion machinery has every been imaged in 3D.
"Bacteria are widely considered to be 'simple' cells; however, this assumption is a reflection of our limitations, not theirs," says Grant Jensen, a Caltech professor of biophysics and biology. "In the past, we simply didn't have technology that could reveal the full glory of the nanomachines – huge complexes comprising many copies of a dozen or more unique proteins – that carry out sophisticated functions."
Working with colleagues in the US, UK and Germany, Jensen and his team imaged two different kinds of bacterial motors.
The first, reported in the March 11 issue of Science, was from a soil bacteria known as Myxococcus xanthus and is called the type IVa pilus machine (T4PM). This mechanism lets bacteria move by sending out a long fiber called the pilus. This fiber attaches to a surface and then the bacterial reels itself forward along the tether.
To unravel the fine details of this mechanism, the researchers created a series of mutant cells, each lacking a different component of the T4PM, which they then compared to the intact bacteria so they could map the mechanism. In their observations, they found that the T4PM consists of four interconnected rings. They also found that it's quite powerful.
"In this study, we revealed the beautiful complexity of this machine that may be the strongest motor known in nature. The machine lets M. xanthus, a predatory bacterium, move across a field to form a 'wolf pack' with other M. xanthus cells, and hunt together for other bacteria on which to prey," Jensen says.
The second biological motor that was imaged by the Caltech team involved one that drives the flagellum — a tiny whip-like propellor — which they observed in several different bacteria.
They discovered that there are motors inside the bacteria made from proteins that turn the flagellum. What's more, these protein structures were often found quite far from the flagellum, which means they could generate significant torque. It's kind of like a small rotor on a fishing boat, versus a large one on a yacht. Their work with the flagellum motors was published in the March 29 issue of the journal PNAS.
"These two studies establish a technique for solving the complete structures of large macromolecular complexes in situ, or inside intact cells," Jensen says. "Our electron cryotomography technique is a good solution because it can be used to look at the whole cell, providing a complete picture of the architecture and location of these structures."
To see exactly how pili help move bacteria along with their motor-powered grappling-hook method, check out this video.
Source: Caltech
The engine that drives the flagellum of the Campylobactor bacteria, the most common bacteria that cause gastroenteritis worldwide (Credit: Morgan Beeby/Imperial College London)
Three of the motors that drive the locomotion of different bacteria (Credit: Morgan Beeby/Imperial College London)
A Lego model of a flagellum (top) and the motor that drives it (below) (Credit: Morgan Beeby/Imperial College London)
The motor that powers the flagellum in the well-known Salmonella bacteria (Credit: Morgan Beeby/Imperial College London)
This image shows a closeup of the motor that turns the tail of a Vibro bacterium, which can be contracted by eating contaminated seafood (Credit: Morgan Beeby/Imperial College London)
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LaChanze, Ariana DeBose & Storm Lever Will Lead Summer: The Donna Summer Musical to Broadway
February 2nd, 2018 | By Andy Lefkowitz
The trio of stars who embodied the undisputed Queen of Disco in La Jolla Playhouse's world premiere of Summer: The Donna Summer Musical will reprise their work on Broadway. Tony winner LaChanze (The Color Purple), Ariana DeBose (A Bronx Tale) and Storm Lever (Freaky Friday) will portray Donna Summer at different points throughout her career as "Diva Donna," "Disco Donna" and "Duckling Donna," respectively. The previously announced Broadway transfer will begin previews at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on March 28 with an opening set for April 23.
"I am so very proud to be a part of a production that explores the life, legacy and fame of one of America's most beloved music icons," LaChanze told Broadway.com in an exclusive statement. "Donna Summer and her music have inspired so many of us with joy, fun and the love of dance. And her vocals—don't take her vocals for granted, the diva had range. I look forward to tapping into the spirit of Diva Donna, as we explore the many dimensions and tumultuous rise to fame. #blackgirlmagic."
"It's an absolute thrill to be back on Broadway alongside Storm and LaChanze!" said DeBose. "I am beyond excited to share Donna Summer's story with Broadway audiences. I think people will come for her music and leave with much more of the woman they loved."
"To experience the wealth of challenges, joys and passion that made up the life of Donna Summer can only be described as a dream realized," shared Lever.
Told through the dramatic lens of her final concert, Summer: The Donna Summer Musical presents the complexities and conflicts the famed songwriter and singer faced in her meteoric rise—and descent. Featuring a score with more than 20 of Summer’s classic hits including “Love to Love You, Baby,” “Bad Girls” and “Hot Stuff,” the musical is a tribute to the voice of a generation. The show features a book by Colman Domingo, Robert Cary and Des McAnuff, choreography by Sergio Trujillo and direction by McAnuff.
Summer: The Donna Summer Musical will include scenic design by Robert Brill, costume design by Paul Tazewell, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Gareth Owen and orchestrations by Bill Brendle and music direction by Victoria Theodore.
Additional casting for Summer: The Donna Summer Musical will be announced at a later date.
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Sara Bareilles & Josh Groban Toast Broadway’s Best Stars & Shows at the 2018 Tony Awards
June 11th, 2018 | By Broadway.com Staff
The 72nd Annual Tony Awards telecast was one of the most delightful in recent memory. Led by theater-loving emcees Sara Bareilles and Josh Groban, the Tonys ceremony featured a quirky style of humor and moving sentiment unique to Broadway's biggest night.
With triumphs spread across acclaimed new works and innovative revivals, Broadway fans of all theater tastes had plenty of reason to cheer. Even if your favorite show didn't take home a Tony, it was more than clear that the stars present at Radio City Music Hall were having the time of their lives.
To celebrate the special night, Broadway.com Resident Artist Justin "Squigs" Robertson sketched a portrait featuring every beloved acting winner and cheered Tony-winning production alongside the evening's unmatched co-hosts.
About the Artist: With a desire to celebrate the magic of live theater and those who create it, and with a deep reverence for such touchstones as the work of Al Hirschfeld and the wall at Sardi’s, Squigs is happy and grateful to be among those carrying on the traditions where theater and caricature meet. He was born and raised in Oregon, lived in Los Angeles for quite a long time and now calls New York City his home.
Tags: Broadway Ink
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Desi Oakley, Bryan Fenkart & More Will Star in the Waitress Tour
August 9th, 2017 | By Ryan Gilbert
She'll be pouring you a cup and saying, "Hello, how ya been?" Desi Oakley (Les Misérables, Evita) will star as Jenna in the national tour of Waitress. The touring production of the hit Broadway musical will launch at the Connor Palace—Playhouse Square in Cleveland on October 17, before making stops—and serving up pies—in cities all across the country.
In addition to Oakley, the cast of the Waitress tour will feature Bryan Fenkart as Dr. Pomatter, Lenne Klingaman as Dawn, Nick Bailey as Earl and Ryan G. Dunkin as Cal. They'll be joined by current Broadway cast members Charity Angél Dawson as Becky, Larry Marshall as Old Joe and Jeremy Morse as Ogie.
The ensemble includes Skyler Adams, Law Terrell Dunford, Patrick Dunn, Jim Hogan, David Hughey, Arica Jackson, Kyra Kennedy, Emily Koch, Maiesha McQueen, Gerianne Perez and Grace Stockdale.
Directed by Tony winner Diane Paulus and featuring a score by six-time Grammy nominee Sara Bareilles, the musical is based on the 2007 film by the late Adrienne Shelly, and follows Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker, who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage. A baking contest in a nearby county and the town's new doctor may offer her a chance at a fresh start, while her fellow waitresses offer their own recipes for happiness. But Jenna must summon the strength and courage to rebuild her own life. The musical's score includes such popular songs as "Opening Up," "What Baking Can Do," "You Matter to Me" and "She Used to Be Mine."
Waitress made history as the first Broadway musical to feature an all-female creative team; in addition to Bareilles and Paulus, on board are book writer Jessie Nelson and choreographer Lorin Latarro. The Broadway production was nominated for four 2016 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Original Score.
To find out when Waitress is headed to your city, click here.
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« Win a free MWR T -shirt this weekend at Pro Wrestling Phoenix just like HVW fan Leroy Turner.
PWP-The entire story of what happened yesterday »
NBWA 2008 Year in review.
Posted by flairwhoooooo on January 17, 2009
By Rich Dalton
The NBWA started off the year not just with a bang, but a BIG BANG! During the first week of 2008, it was announced that the NBWA had reached a deal with UPTV( Comcast Cable Access Channel 6 in Champaign/Urbana) to broadcast the brand new television series “NBWA Championship Wrestling” which would feature 1 hour of NBWA matches and interviews that had been taped at the live NBWA events. So on January 13th, 2008, the NBWA wrestlers and fans all gathered in Danville, Illinois for the first ever “NBWA Championship Wrestling” Live T.V. tapings. The NBWA champions to begin the year were Cecil Cerveza as the NBWA No-Limits Champion, “The Worlds Greatest Masked Team” held the Tag Team Titles, “Bloody” Harker Dirge was the Mid-West Champion, and “The Don” Kato Morales held the NBWA Heavyweight Title. During the show “The Don” made the announcement that at the very next show “Pick Your Poison” The NBWA would have a 6 man cage match for the NBWA Heavyweight Title, the participants would include Jon Divosi, Eric Ruffington, Angelo Santelli, Da Cobra, Jason Vendetta, and “The Don” Kato Morales.
When the dust settled on February 9th, the NBWA had not just one new champion, but ALL 4 NBWA titles had changed hands that day! The first championship to change hands was the Tag Team Titles that were held by “The Worlds Greatest Masked Team”, they were defeated by the team “The Killer Bee’s” (Josh Powers & Morton Von Prose), who were making their NBWA debut. “Hero of the Day” Danny McKay, who was also a member of “The Killer Bee’s” also, won gold that afternoon defeating Cecil Cerveza to claim the NBWA No-Limits Championship. For the first time ever, the NBWA held a “Casket Match” between “Bloody” Harker Dirge and his long time nemesis Midnight Sun. Midnight Sun was able to capture the Mid-West title thanks in part to the help of a ball of fire! To end the show, the crowd witnessed the crowning of a new NBWA Heavyweight Champion, Eric Ruffington in the 6 man cage match. Ruffington won the title with the help of “The Don”, who claimed to be injured earlier in the match and was escorted to the locker room, only to re-appear during the final moments costing Aaron Mathews the win. Following the match “The Don” turned his back on the NBWA fan’s and one by one demolished his former allies, Jon Divosi, Angelo Santelli, Nicky “The Weasel” Mankotti, and Aaron Mathews.
"Bloody" Harker Dirge NBWA Wrestler of the Year
On Sunday, February 24th, “The Nose Bleed Seats” held their first annual awards presentation, recognizing the achievements of wrestlers through central Illinois. A whopping five awards went out to the lady, and gentlemen of the NBWA. Carley Rae won “Referee of the Year”, Issan Hadeev won the award for “Most Hated”, the newly crowned NBWA Heavyweight Champion, Eric Ruffington won the “Golden Mic Award”, “Dangerous” Drew Thomas won the “Diamond in the Rough Award”, and “Bloody” Harker Dirge took home the “Respect Award”
NBWA Superstar- Simply Divosi
In March the NBWA debuted a brand new TV show on UPTV, “Off the Ropes” OTR was a one hour long show hosted by Jon Divosi, as he sat down to talk with many local wrestlers, referees, commentators, and promoters. “Off the Ropes” only taped 15 or so episodes, and then went into re-runs for most of the remainder of the year. Many of the “Off the Ropes” episodes are still available to watch on-line on Google Video, just search for “Off the Ropes”
On March 16th, the NBWA celebrated their 3rd anniversary with the “Eric Ruffington Invitational Battle Royal”, which featured 52 wrestlers from all over the mid-west, all trying to score a win, and an opportunity to face the new NBWA heavy weight champion. On a bit of a sad note, the battle royal was the final match for Former Tag team Champion, and No-Limits champion “Pain Train”, and the final appearance of former Heavyweight Champion, former Mid-West Champion, and Former tag Team Champion, Jeckel. NBWA newcomer Bobby Houston was the winner of the battle royal, who later went on to lose the promised title match against Ruffington. Other highlights from this show include Cheapshot McGrot defeating Midnight Sun to capture the NBWA Mid-West Title. This would be the last time Midnight Sun appeared in the NBWA, where the masked man disappeared to is still unknown to this day. “The Future” Donavan Ruddick made his NBWA debut in the battle royal. In the main event of the evening, “The Don” Kato Morales reformed the team of “Dangerous by Design” marking the return of Issan Hadeev who had been MIA for 4 months. “Dangerous by Design” would face off against “The New Breed” in an 8 man tag team match. During the match, there was an altercation between teammates “The Don” and DaCobra. “The Don” slapped DaCobra, and DaCobra left the ring, and returned to the locker room leaving his team at a disadvantage 4 against 3. Now it looked as though “The New Breed” was going to get some revenge on “The Don”, but in another stunning moment in NBWA history, Aaron Mathews super kicked his partner Angelo Santelli, and turned his back on the NBWA fans, and once again was on the side of “The Don”.
Aaron Mathews is one of the young guns to look out for in 2009
On April 4th, Aaron Mathews had the chance to explain his action from the previous show. Aaron had said that it was the fans that turned their backs on Matthews in February, who had cheered for Harker Dirge to be appointed to the 6 man cage match following “The Don’s” injury, instead of their hero Aaron Matthews. Also on April 4th the NBWA held a series of qualifying matches for the 3rd annual Alberta J. Murray Memorial Tournament. Qualifiers included Jaxson Pride, Jason Vendetta, Issan Hadeev, Aaron Matthews, and DaCobra. Other highlights from the show include the presentation of the brand new NBWA Mid-West Television Title, which was won by Aaron Matthews in a Fatal 4 Way Match against, Cheapshot McGrot Cyclone and, Nick Cuttler. Former NBWA Tag Team Champions “Team Dammit” was victorious in their long awaited return to the NBWA ring to answer the open challenge from “The Killer Bee’s” in a non title match. DaCobra made it official, he was no longer affiliated with “The Don”, he was now one of the “good guys” joined by friend and partner “Da Best Kept Secret” D’Andre King. Finally, in what would be his final act as commissioner of the NBWA, Tittie Nashville announced that Jon Divosi and Angelo Santelli were going to be participants in the Alberta J. Murray Memorial Tournament. It is still unknown as to what ever happened to commissioner Nashville, he just disappeared, never to be heard from again……
On May 11th, NBWA celebrated Mother’s Day, with a special tribute to all mom’s, “Mother’s Day Mayhem” This show marked the NBWA debut of “The New Age Rat Pack” Andy Roberts and Connor Riley, who would later go on the be called the “R&R Escorts”. Also in a feature match, NBWA fan Melissa Castle defended the pride of all Mom’s in the audience with a victory in a tag team match with NBWA referee’s Shad and Chad Tally against Jason Vendetta and “Your Role Model” Jeff Harris. In the main event NBWA fans saw “Bloody” Harker Dirge win his match against NBWA Mid-West Television Champion Aaron Matthews by disqualification, but this marked the beginning of what would go on to be the NBWA “Fued of the Year” between BHD and NBWA Heavyweight Champion Eric Ruffington following Ruffington’s involvement in the match.
The month of May also saw the debut of the NBWA sponsored recreational league softball ball team. The team featured such NBWA stars as Jon Divosi, Angelo Santelli, Aaron Matthews, Jeff Harris, Jon Castle, Vic Santelli, and “The Don”. Team New Breed didn’t fare too well only winning 3 games and losing 13.
On May 24th, the NBWA returned to Lincoln’s Challenge Academy in Rantoul, IL for the first time since November of 2007 when “Dangerous” Drew Thomas suffered his broken neck at the hands of Jason Vendetta. To open the show, ‘The Don” Eric Ruffington, Issan Hadeev, and others attempted to burn the American flag, as the LCA cadets littered the ring with soda bottles and other misc. trash. Their plans were foiled as an angry “Bloody” Harker Dirge stormed the ring and rescued the flag. The fans in Rantoul also saw a “last chance battle royal” for the 8th and final spot in the Alberta J. Murray Memorial Tournament. The last two participants were “Mr. Excitement”, Brandon Keith and Cyclone; in the end it was Mr. Excitement who claimed the final spot in the tournament. Also in Rantoul, D’Andre King got his first taste of NBWA gold by defeating “Hero of the Day” Danny McKay to capture the NBWA No-Limit’s Title. Adam Evans made his return to the NBWA after almost 2 years in a 6 man tag team match with Angelo Santelli, and Jon Divosi as they faced off against Aaron Matthews, Issan Hadeev, and Jason Vendetta. Also making his return to the NBWA was “The Strangler” Diego Corleone after nearly a one year absence, he faced off against “Bloody” Harker Dirge in the 3rd phase of a gauntlet match. Harker was victorious in the match winning the opportunity to face NBWA Heavyweight Champion Eric Ruffington. BHD won his match against Ruffington, but unfortunately it was a win by DQ, and as we all know a title cannot change hands by a DQ.
June 8th held the 3 annual Alberta J. Murray Memorial Tournament, but just 1 week before the show a video had made its way to the internet that was an eye witness account of vehicular assault on Jon Divosi, Nicky Mankotti, and Angelo Santelli. Mankotti, and Divosi escaped the assault with minor cuts and bruises, but Angelo Santelli wasn’t so lucky. Angelo suffered severe bruising, and a neck injury causing him to bow out of the tournament. As the tournament played out, DaCobra, Issan Hadeev, Jon Divosi, and Aaron Matthews all won opening round matches, and in the second round DaCobra def Issan Hadeev, and Divosi def Matthews to set up a final match between DaCobra and Divosi. In the finals DaCobra was victorious, winning the 2008 AJM Tournament Trophy!, but just wait…Jason Vendetta was at ringside to cash in his 2007 AJM trophy which gave him the right to fight anyone at any time, and Vendetta wanted the 2008 Trophy! Vendetta went on to defeat Da Cobra in controversial fashion with the help of “The Irish Playboy” Justin Clark, winning the 2008 Alberta J. Murray Memorial trophy. In other news from the show Eric Ruffington defeats “Bloody” Harker Dirge, by DQ when the referee noticed that a chain had made its way into the ring and assumed that Harker had used it. By winning the match, Ruffington announced that Harker would never get another re-match for as long as he held the Heavyweight title.
On June 22nd the NBWA celebrated the second Jason Vendetta Appreciation night, following his 2008 AJM Tournament win. To celebrate his win Vendetta kicked off “The Common Man Challenge” where Jason Vendetta would choose a common person from the crowd, to wrestle against, and to start things off he choose to wrestle the little brother of Cecil Cerveza, Joey Cerveza. Vendetta of course was the winner.
Angry with the way he had been screwed out of the NBWA Heavyweight Title, Harker Dirge was going to destroy anyone that got in his path! Harker Dirge threw the rule book out the window in his match with Gavin Alexander, using his chain as a weapon and getting disqualified, and not thinking twice about it! In an unexpected upset, Cyclone defeated NBWA Champion Eric Ruffington in a non title match. Cyclone’s tag team partner was in action as well, but with a new masked partner Noon Moon, Cheapshot McGrot and Noon Moon won the NBWA Tag team Titles from “The Killer Bee’s”. In the main event of the evening, Mid-West Television Champion Aaron Matthews defeated Jon Divosi in a best 2 out of 3 falls matches to retain the title.
In July, the NBWA held a free fan appreciation show in the town of Potomac which featured Harker Dirge winning his match in the main event against Danny McKay, Angelo Santelli defeating Gavin Alexander, Jason Vendetta winning against Cecil Cerveza, plus many more matches.
On July 13th the NBWA fans in Danville were in for a big surprise…. 1/2 of the Tag Team Champions, Noon Moon won a battle royal for the chance to face NBWA Champion Eric Ruffington, and during his match with Ruffington, Noon Moon unmasked himself to reveal that Noon Moon was “Bloody” Harker Dirge!! Harker went on to win the match with his finishing maneuver “The Dirt Nap” becoming the NEW NBWA Heavyweight Champion, and to celebrate the occasion NBWA announcer, Eric Loy presented BHD with a brand new custom made Championship belt! In other big news from the show, Cyclone and Cheapshot officially end their partnership after Cyclone was upset that Cheapshot choose a new partner at the NBWA show on June 22nd.
To begin the month of August, the NBWA announced that it was officially going to be “Fan Appreciation Month” Featuring 3 shows in the month of August, all with special matches that the fans requested to see! The first show of the month was on August 10th, which was highlighted by the much anticipated return to the ring of “Dangerous” Drew Thomas following a 9 month hiatus following a severe neck injury. DDT fought “The Arabian Assassin” Issan Hadeev, and won the match by DQ as “The Don” and Aaron Matthews interfered in the match and tried to break Drew’s neck! Also during the show, it was announced that due to the disappearance of Tittie Nashville, the NBWA would now be ran by a Board of Directors that was going to be head by ring announcer Miss Amanda. In her first order as board member, Amanda announced that there would be a best 2 out of 3 match series between Cyclone and Cheapshot for ownership of the NBWA Tag team Titles. Cheapshot won the first meeting.
On August 23rd the NBWA made their second ever trip to Indianola for a FREE fan appreciation show at “The Good Ole Days Festival” where the entire show was made up of matches that fans had chosen that featured matches between Jason Vendetta and Jon Divosi, Aaron Mathews vs Nick “The Weasel” Mankotti, and a fresh faces match between Temple Rain and Chuck Ray
August 30th marked the long awaited return of the NBWA to Watseka, Illinois! This show kicked off with the NBWA debut of Ryan Phoenix as he lost his match against Cecil Cerveza. “The Irish Playboy” gained his first NBWA title, when he won a triple threat match against D’Andre King and Nicky Mankotti for the NBWA No-Limits Title. Aaron Matthews defeated Jon Divosi in a 4 corners strap match to retain the NBWA Mid-West TV title, and following the match Matthews literally SMASHED the belt over Divosi’s head breaking the belt into pieces! We were treated to a huge announcement from NBWA official Shad Tally when he announced that he would be leaving the NBWA to go to Tampa, Florida to work with Florida Championship Wrestling, a training ground for WWE wrestlers! In the main event of the afternoon, “Bloody” Harker Dirge successfully defended his NBWA Heavyweight Title against Issan Hadeev inside the confines of a steel cage.
Sunday September 7th, the NBWA returned home to Danville, IL only to witness one of the NBWA originals calling it quits. Jon Divosi, decided to put an end to his long and storied NBWA career following yet another loss. Divosi claimed he “wanted to save face” and just walk away…. Other highlights included the formation of the new tag team “Encore” which feature former No-Limits Champion D’Andre King, and Vic “The Pitbull” Santelli. Jason Vendetta continuing “The Common Man Challenge” against Jon Castle. and the Main event featured a Street Fight between “Dangerous Drew Thomas & Harker Dirge vs “The Don” Kato Morales & Issan Hadeev. During the match Kato and Issan had double teamed DDT, and sandwiched his surgically repaired neck inside a steel chair and repeatedly stopped it closed. An enraged Harker Dirge then unleashed a vicious attack on Issan and Kato, using his 50 pound steel chain to bust open the forehead of The Don, and then sandwiched his knee in a steel chair and tried to break Kato’s leg the same way he tried to break Drew’s neck. Some how Issan Hadeev escaped relative unharmed, but Harker warned him….YOU’RE NEXT!
October 11th marked another stop in Watseka, IL for NBWA action. The first order of business was the announcement that Jon Castle was now on the NBWA’s Board of Directors. Jon’s first act was to announce that since “The Irish Playboy” was MIA this afternoon that his cohort Jeff Harris would be defending the No-Limits Title in his place and he would defend it against….”Simply Divosi”. No longer Jon Divosi, had undergone a complete physical, mental, and emotional, makeover, and now was the superstar known as “Simply Divosi”. In other title action Cyclone had finally ended the best of 3 series for the Tag team Titles against Cheapshot McGrot with a win, becoming the NBWA Tag team champion, and in doing so, he gained the right to choose a new person to defend the titles with, and in the end, he chose his former partner Cheapshot reforming The World’s Greatest Masked Team. In a 3rd title change, Nicky “The Weasel” Mankotti defeated Aaron Matthews to become the new Mid-West television Champion claimed Jason Vendetta lost to a “little person” in the “Common Man Challenge”, finally granting DaCobra a rematch for the 2008 Alberta J. Murray Memorial Trophy. The NBWA also made history this afternoon crowning the first ever Heritage Wrestling Coalition Champion ( a championship title that would be recognized by multiple promotions state wide)in a 6 pack challenge match that featured Cecil Cerveza, Issan Hadeev, Danny McKay, Brandon Espinosa, Jaxson Pride and DaCobra. In the end, Issan Hadeev won the gold, becoming the inaugural HWC Champion!
On October 18th, the NBWA held a private show for 200+ fans in the town of Sullivan. This even featured a match that would go on too be nominated for match of the Year between “Simply Divosi” and Dacobra.
On October 26th the NBWA held a special Halloween even that saw the return of “The Future” Donovan Ruddick, who absolutely destroyed Jason Vendetta, who came to the ring dressed as Hannah Montana, by order of DaCobra. But Vendetta wasn’t the only one to dress up for Halloween, Gavin Alexander, The Irish Playboy, Josh Powers, and Morton Von Prose dressed up as, and mocked members of “The New Breed”, but they were confronted by two of the real members of “The New Breed” Simply Divosi, and Pitbull, who were accompanied by D’Andre King, who went on to be victorious in a match against Gavin, Powers, and Von Prose. Wild Bill was also in the Halloween spirit when he came to the ring dressed as former NBWA Mid-West Champion “Captian Krunk” for a Triple Threat Match for the NBWA Mid -West T.V. Title. Wild Bill won the match against Aaron Matthews and Nicky Mankotti becoming the new Champion.
On Sunday November 2nd the NBWA opened their doors to the public for their annual awards ceremony, hosted by Jason Vendetta and Cyclone. Eric Loy was named “Personality of the Year”, Danny McKay brought home the “Horizon Award”, “Feud of the Year” went to Harker Dirge and Eric Ruffington, Ruffington also won the “Villain of the Year” Award, and Harker won the award for “Hero of the Year”. Angelo Santelli was awarded with an “Outstanding Achievement Award” and Issan Hadeev won the award for “Best Mic Skills”. “Most Memorable Moment” went to “The Don” for when he turned his back on “The New Breed” in the 6 man cage match in February, which won the award for “Match of the Year” “Bloody” Harker Dirge won the final award of the night bringing home the “Wrestler of the Year” Award.
On November 4th fans of the NBWA started to see some pretty interesting pictures appear on the NBWA’s Myspace page. The pictures depicted “teaser’ images of former WWE Superstars, saying that they would be appearing on December 6th.
Could it be true? Were Jake “The Snake” Roberts and the Honky Tonk Man coming to the NBWA? At the NBWA event on November 16th, “NBWA Gives Thanks” all the rumors were cleared up, and then some! It was confirmed by NBWA that indeed Jake Roberts and Honky Tonk Man were going to be appearing on December 6th as well as Danny Bashem, Pat Tanaka, and Rosey! It was also announced that Jason Vendetta would be putting his 2008 Alberta J. Murray trophy on the line against Da Cobra in a Ladder Match. We would also be seeing a Title vs. Title match between Harker Dirge and Issan Hadeev. Hadeev wrestled in the main event that day against Bear St. Pierre, and successfully defended his HWC title.
December 6th was now upon us, and it was not only the biggest event in NBWA history, but the biggest independent wrestling event ever in central Illinois, drawing nearly 800 wrestling fans from all over the state of Illinois. The crowd saw 7 former WWE alumni in action that day in all beginning with match between Cecil Cerveza and Tracy Smothers defeated by “The Damaja” Danny Bashem and Jeff Harris. The next match featured the return of “Dangerous” Drew Thomas to the arena where just 13 months earlier he suffered his broken neck. Drew and Joey Grunge lost in their match against former WWE stars Moon Dog Cujo, and Danny McKay. DaCobra finally reclaimed what was his in the first place, the 2008 Alberta J. Murray Memorial Trophy, in the Ladder Match with Jason Vendetta. “Simply Divosi” successfully defended his No-Limits title against former WWE star, one half of the team “The Orient Express” Pat Tanaka. The Honky Tonk Man defeated Eric Ruffington not only in a wrestling match but also a singing competition. “Bloody” Harker Dirge defeated Issan Hadeev in the Title vs. Title match in somewhat controversial fashion to claim the Heritage Wrestling Coalition title when Honky Tonk Man came to the ring and called a submission when referee Carley Rae was knocked out. Following the match “The Superhero in Training” Rosey made an appearance, power bombing Issan Hadeev through a table. Finally in the main event Jake “The Snake” Roberts defeated Blake Steel with his trademark maneuver The DDT.
DaCobra-2008 Alberta J. Murray Memorial Trophy winner.
So there it is, in a nutshell, all the major happenings of the NBWA for the entire year of 2008. We saw 20 NBWA events, 4 of them being free fan appreciation shows, in 6 cities throughout central Illinois. We saw the creation of a BRAND New Championship, the Heritage Wrestling Coalition. The NBWA also purchased a brand new $1,600 custom made Heavyweight championship belt. The NBWA also purchased a new belt to be held by the newly re-named NBWA Mid-West Television Championship. We saw a whopping 16 NBWA Championships change hands (4 new No-Limits Champions, 3 new Tag Team Champions, 2 HWC Champions, 4 new Mid-West T.V. Champions, 2 new Alberta J. Murray Memorial Champions, and 2 new Heavyweight Champions). But the final number is one that is most important…3,500 + that’s the number of fans the NBWA has entertained through the year. Thank You to all 3,500+ fans that came out in support of the NBWA in 2008. It was a fantastic year book ended by 2 of the biggest events in NBWA history.
What will be in store for the NBWA in 2009, what new faces will we meet in 2009, and who will we say goodbye to in 2009? There is only one way to find out, start the New Year off with all your favorite NBWA stars, and follow them as they all try to capture NBWA gold.
Go to NBWA for more info on a show near you.
This entry was posted on January 17, 2009 at 12:53 am and is filed under Uncategorized. Tagged: "Bloody" Harker Dirge, "Dangerous" Drew Thomas, Aaron Mathews, Adam Evans, Angelo Santelli, Blake Steel, Brandon Keith, Carley Rae, Cecil Cerveza, Cheapshot Mcgrot, Chuck Ray, D'Andre King, Da Cobra, Danny Bashem, Danny McKay, Diego Corleone, Donavan Ruddick, Eric Ruffington, Gavin Alexander, Honky Tonk Man, Issan Hadeev, Jake "The Snake" Roberts, Jason Vendetta, Jaxson Pride, Jeckel, Jeff Harris, Joey Cerveza, Joey Grunge, Jon Divosi, Josh Powers, Justin Clark, Midnight Sun, Moon Dog Cujo, Morton Von Prose, NBWA, Nick Cuttler, Pain Train, Pat Tanaka, Rosey, Ryan Phoenix, Shad Tally, The Don" Kato Morales. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
One Response to “NBWA 2008 Year in review.”
Rich (NBWA Myspace) said
Thanks MWR!
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Cinémoi founder says AT&T-Time Warner merger will harm independent programmers, innovation
19 April 2017 4:53pm
Published 12 April 2017. By Curtis Eichelberger.
Daphna Ziman, founder and president of television network, Cinémoi, told the Department of Justice that AT&T's $85.4 billion acquisition of Time Warner threatens the survival of independent programmers by silencing innovators in their infancy.
Cinémoi, a 24-hour network that is shown on Verizon FiOS and Frontier, features vintage movies, interview series with contemporary actors and actresses, behind-the-scenes productions of film and fashion festivals and environmental documentaries.
"Innovation is about being open to start-ups. That is where innovation occurs," Ziman said. "But shutting off innovation has become a business strategy for large corporations. They eliminate competition before it gets out of the gate and that's an antitrust issue."
Independents such as Cinémoi usually have small margins, said Ziman, and can be driven into bankruptcy when distributors charge fees for the right to be included in their lineup — what's known as pay-for-play.
Cinémoi, whose programs are viewed by an average nine million consumers a month, according to the company, earns revenue from traditional advertising, longer branded programming, sponsored events and sponsored public service announcements.
When media companies combine in what's known as a vertical merger, where a distributor such as AT&T combines with a content producer such as Time Warner, it can make the merged company more efficient.
But it can also allow the merged company to discriminate against competitors such as Cinémoi that air similar content by shutting them out of their programming, hiding them in the channel lineup, or charging exorbitant fees to air their programming.
Cinémoi was offered on DirecTV (later bought by AT&T for $48.5 billion) in 2012 and was dropped a year later over a fee dispute. Soon after, Verizon began offering Cinémoi on FiOS.
Zero-rated programming
Perhaps the biggest threat to independents is what's known as zero-rated programming, which is one of Ziman's biggest concerns and one she has discussed at length with the DOJ.
Consumers often get a limited amount of data each month for their Internet-connected devices, and when they exceed that limit, they are charged overage fees. But zero-rated content doesn't count against the data plan. So when two competitors air similar programming, consumers will often choose the one that is free over the one that eats away at their data plan.
This can constitute discriminatory pricing, with a distributor driving traffic to the content it owns over that of a competitor.
In the AT&T-Time Warner case, the merged company could offer Turner Classic Movies programs that compete with Cinémoi under a zero rating and apply the data cap to Cinémoi's programming. That would likely drive consumers to Time Warner's content and away from Cinémoi's, reducing viewership and advertising for the smaller, independent network.
Catherine Sandoval, a law professor at Santa Clara University and a former commissioner at the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates the telecommunications industry, among other things, said zero rating is a critical issue to the future of the media industry.
"One of the questions will be: Is AT&T's wireless platform increasing the ability of AT&T to raise rivals' costs in exchange for being zero-rated?" she said. In that case, they would force the independent to pay them fees to be listed as zero-rated. "Or, can it relegate them to the data cap, while affiliated content goes to zero-rated."
Ziman said two-thirds of viewers who watch Turner Classic Movies also watch movies on Cinémoi.
"Shutting us out by making us pay for distribution or putting us on a data plan eliminates competition with their own content. And [TCM has] no incentive to innovate without competitors forcing them to," Ziman said.
Fair play in question
While all companies say they value innovation and competition, that's not always the case. And AT&T has a history of looking to game the system.
In March, AT&T subsidiary DirecTV settled a US antitrust lawsuit accusing it of colluding with its competitors during a 2014 fight with Time Warner Cable over the Los Angeles Dodgers channel.
The DOJ alleged the satellite-television provider was part of a conspiracy involving Los Angeles-area distributors who shared negotiating information to keep Time Warner Cable from gaining a competitive advantage by getting one distributor to sign up before the others.
The agreement between the distributors meant 70 percent of pay-TV subscribers in Los Angeles didn't get to see the Dodgers baseball channel.
"When competitors email, text, or otherwise share confidential and strategically sensitive information with each other to avoid competing, consumers lose," then-acting Assistant Attorney General Brent Snyder said in a statement.
As part of the settlement, DirecTV agreed not to share sensitive negotiating information with rivals and to a compliance program designed to ensure it lives up to its commitment.
FCC chair endorses 'free data'
The Federal Communications Commission introduced the Open Internet Order in 2015, which was intended to protect net neutrality — the notion that an Internet service provider such as AT&T can't favor its own content or discriminate against a competitor's traffic — and declared consumer broadband to be covered by the Communications Act.
Essentially, that law prohibits a distributor from blocking the content of a website or app, slowing the data speed of a website or app, or forcing one company to pay a fee to the distributor to get faster data speeds or more bandwidth.
One fear was that distributors would use zero-rated products to guide consumers to content that is the most profitable to them.
T-Mobile was one of the first with zero-rated data, with programs such as Binge On and Music Freedom. Verizon offers NFL streams on the NFL Mobile app and its Go90 video service. AT&T offers the companion app of its DirecTV service. Sprint offers selected events. And Comcast offers Stream TV.
This raises concerns that only the biggest, wealthiest companies, such as Netflix, Amazon or Alphabet's YouTube, will be able to afford to pay for increased bandwidth in the battle for users, e-commerce sales and advertising dollars.
At the bottom of this business model are independents such as Cinémoi, which Ziman said are likely to get steamrolled if the antitrust agencies don't protect the little companies that are searching for innovative ways to challenge the mega-media companies.
But they aren't likely to get help on that score from the FCC.
On Feb. 3, FCC Chairman Ajit Pai said the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau was closing its investigation into wireless carriers' free-data offerings and that the work former FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler did to protect networks from zero-rating would have no legal standing moving forward.
"These free-data plans have proven to be popular among consumers, particularly low-income Americans, and have enhanced competition in the wireless marketplace," Pai said in a statement. "Going forward, the Federal Communications Commission will not focus on denying Americans free data."
That means the DOJ can't count on the FCC to take a stand against the use of zero-rating to protect small independent television networks.
Observers say the most likely scenario is for the government to negotiate a behavioral remedy that would commit AT&T to not using zero-rating on its own content for a period of time. But as Sandoval notes, behavioral remedies have had mixed results.
Such agreements usually last just three to seven years, and the agencies don't have the money or manpower to keep checking to ensure they are being enforced, Sandoval said. Then a few years later, they expire. And what then?
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Home \ News \ SMITE Poolseidon Reveal
SMITE Poolseidon Reveal
As seen on Todays Daily XP Video!
Today Hi-Rez Studios launched a sexy new trailer for one of their SMITE gods. No it’s not Aphrodite with her radiant glow, or Athena and her sexy wisdom, it’s Poseidon. But this time, he’s wearing a onesie. The Poolseidon limited edition skin shows off the natural beauty of Poseidon as he lays out by the pool, sipping on a Mai Tai. His weapon of choice, a water noodle and a giant inflatable duck.
So why are they making a fool of Poseidon? Well, it’s a very special limited edition skin, only available for purchase until SMITE’s official release day, which is March 25th. After that, it will never be available again. In addition to having one of the rarer skins in the game, Hi-Rez will contribute an additional $5 from each purchase to the SMITE Launch Tournament prize pool.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMWIlnvA2j0
Source: Hi-Rez Press Release
God Reveal, Hi-Rez Studios, MOBA, MOBA Game, Smite
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SimCity 5’s always-on internet requirement is “totally worth it”, promises Maxis
Not happy about SimCity’s always-on internet requirement? You will be.
“From the ground up it’s been a multiplayer game,” Maxis producer Jason Haber told Eurogamer. “I’m not surprised we’re getting some reaction like this. But I think once people see it in action – and at E3 we’re really looking forward to showing people multiplayer and how it works – hopefully that will show them why it’s such a great feature and it’s totally worth having.”
“The benefit you’re going to get out of being able to play online is going to help convince you of why it’s worth it,” said Haber.
The game’s multiplayer feature is a first for the series, and Maxis hasn’t yet explained what it’s all about. Previews of the game suggest that there is some kind of cooperation between cities at a regional level, though.
“The thing that’s important for people to know is it really was driven by us as the dev team,” said Haber. “We feel it’s a core feature to the game. It really makes the game richer. People have their conspiracy theories over why we’re doing it. But really, it’s honest that the dev team feels like it really does add a lot to the game, and it’s totally worth doing for that.”
Haber also denied that the decision to use an always-on connection has anything to do with DRM or piracy.
“That’s really the message we need to get out there and people need to understand. There are a lot of assumptions that people make and that’s just how the internet is,” he added.
“It’s a design choice on how to make the game feel more like a real city, right? And real cities don’t exist in bubbles that nobody else has any influence in. City actions affect other cities, and other cities affect them.”
EA has previously stated that the game requires an active internet connection before it will load up, but will support offline play should the connection drop.
SimCity 5 is due out sometime next year.
Source: Eurogamer
EA unconcerned about “Worst Company in America” award
SimCity 5 only requires internet connection on launch
SimCity 5: Maxis’ Glass Box Engine detailed
SimCity system requirements, multiplayer details, special editions confirmed
Tarryn van der Byl
Tags active, EA, electronic arts, electronic arts SA, Maxis, SimCity, SimCity 5
Loot boxes are considered gambling – Belgian Gaming Commission
Electronic Arts scraps Battlefront II microtransactions
Need for Speed: Payback review roundup
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WATCH: TAYLOR SWIFT Unleashes Edgy "Look What You Made Me Do" Music Video!
The reputation era is officially here!
After the new single “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift broke streaming records on both YouTube and Spotify, its official music video was released today!
The 4-minute clip started with a grave that says "Here lies Taylor Swift's reputation.", expressing that the "old Taylor is dead". The Joseph Kahn-directed visuals is also filled with scenes of mockery and sarcasm, even bringing back Taylor's looks from her old music videos! And yup, Taylor showed off those dance moves!
Better stop what you’re doing right now and watch this #savageaf “Look What You Made Me Do” music video from Taylor Swift below!
Video Courtesy: TaylorSwiftVEVO
What's your reaction to this new music video by Taylor Swift? Leave a comment below!
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May 11 to be the judgment day: Nawaz
Abbas Soz
KASUR - Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President Mian Nawaz Sharif said that May 11 would be the day of judgement and the people would revenge the plunderers by voting against them.
Addressing an election rally in Kasur on Saturday, Nawaz criticised the PPP government for letting the country down in every field. He said that the PPP could have solved the problem of loadshedding, if it had made sincere efforts. “Today masses are living under miserable conditions due to the flawed policies of the PPP government.”
He said that the PML-N would have ended loadshedding, if it were in power. He claimed to end the loadshedding in three, if people voted his party into power.
He said that the leaders who pushed the country into crises would be held accountable by the people. He vowed that the PML-N would solve all the problems of the country and would provide opportunities to masses after coming into power. H said that his party would give loans to unemployed youth. He urged the people to change the destiny of the country by electing honest people. The former premier said that the country was facing terrorism and lawlessness while the people were dying of hunger.
Nawaz said that the people had seen the fate of the man who broke the Constitution. He said that people should learn a lesson from the end of Pervez Musharraf. “The one who sent us to jail is himself in jail now.” He said that he could forgive Musharraf but law would punish him for violating the Constitution. “I am not a vindictive person.”
PML-N ticket holders including Malik Rasheed Ahmed, Rana Muhammad Iqbal, Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, Rana Muhammd Hayat, Sheikh Waseem Akhtar, Naeem Safdar and Ehsan Raza were also present.
Staff Reporter from Lahore adds: Speaking to party workers, Nawaz Sharif said that the PPP has ruined the economy of the country that was in an excellent shape when his party was in power. The former premier said the economy of the country depended on performance of the financial institutions which had been destroyed. “Our economy is in shambles; banks are in trouble because of poor policies of the former government.” The PML-N, Nawaz said, was aware of the problems facing the financial sector of the country and it would take revolutionary steps to improve the situation after coming into power. He added that political interference in the affairs of the financial institutions and banks was tantamount to pillaging the state exchequer.
The former premier said the PPP defrauded people by renaming PML-N’s national income support programme as Benazir Income Support Programme and then embezzling billions of rupees under this scheme. He said that the PML-N would hold corrupt people accountable, recover looted public money and put the country on the right track.
Democracy and unity day celebrated in Turkish embassy
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Nawaz’s plea against conviction fixed for Sep 18
Two-day Pak-India Track-II dialogue starts
Content for April 21, 2013 is not available×
Agha Ghazanfar Hussain
Allama Iqbal’s vision
An unnecessary diversion
Passing the buck in Kabul
Iqbal’s death anniversary
Display the list
The haunting fear
Azaan in Europe
Migration a big loss
A scent of democracy
A ticking time bomb
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The NM Political Report
The NM Political Report - New Mexico's best political reporting. Period.
The NM Political Report (https://nmpoliticalreport.com/2017/05/02/jeff-apodaca-officially-announces-bid-for-governor/)
Environmental Project
Republish our Stories
Jeff Apodaca officially announces bid for governor
By Andy Lyman | May 2, 2017
Jeff Apodaca
The son of a former New Mexico governor announced his plans Tuesday to follow in his father’s footsteps. Jeff Apodaca, a former media executive and son of former Gov. Jerry Apodaca, told NM Political Report he wants to “turn New Mexico around” in early childhood development, job creation and health care.
“I’m not running because of any legacy,” Apodaca said.
If elected, Apodaca, a Democrat, said he would work to diversify New Mexico’s economy so the state is less dependant on oil and gas. Not only could New Mexico use wind and solar power for its own purposes, Apodaca said, but the state could power other states using renewable energy sources.
“There are billions of dollars on the sideline looking for renewable energy,” Apodaca said.
Funding early childhood development is another one of Apodaca’s campaign platforms. A governor’s agenda can only move so far if there isn’t a cooperative state Legislature to move bills, but Apodaca said he’s confident he can work with lawmakers.
He remembers in middle school and high school getting ready for school in the governor’s residence and overhearing his father and legislators arguing about policy.
“Sure they bickered,” Apodaca said. “But they always found solutions for the greater good and the people of New Mexico.”
Apodaca grew up in Las Cruces and later Santa Fe when his father was elected governor. After graduating from the University of New Mexico, he began his career in television.
Apodaca worked as an executive for a number of television media companies, including in Los Angeles. Eight years ago, Apodaca and his wife moved back to New Mexico with their children. Upon return, Apodaca said he saw elected officials not representing their constituents.
“Moving back here, I just got frustrated with the political leadership,” he said.
Despite his family connections, Apodaca said he considers himself a political outsider.
“Politicians who are running, or who are rumored to run, have been in the system for 20 or 30 years,” Apodaca said.
Apodaca said he ultimately decided to run for governor after consulting with his wife.
“We feel we have new ideas,” he said,referring to all New Mexicans who are behind him.
“My successes in life have already been a team effort,” Apodaca said.
The only other candidate to announce a run for governor so far is U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat from Albuquerque.
2018 governor
Michelle Lujan Grisham
Navajo government officials, environmental groups want review of BLM's Chaco Canyon leases
Environmental groups and Navajo government officials are criticizing the U.S. Bureau of Land Management over the bureau’s handling of oil and gas leases approved in the Greater Chaco area. Navajo leaders and 16 tribal and environmental organizations addressed their concerns in a letter sent to BLM’s New Mexico state director Tim Spisak last week calling for more public hearings on the issue.
Group says it will sue EPA over stormwater pollution in Los Alamos
DOH hears public input on medical cannabis changes
View all News articles →
Herrell finishes review of ballots, won't challenge election results
After inspecting absentee ballots from the 2nd Congressional District’s most-populous county, Republican Yvette Herrell decided not to challenge the results of the election she lost to Democrat Xochitl Torres Small in November. Herrell announced the news Monday, the deadline to challenge the results.
2018 Top Stories #1: Lujan Grisham wins election
2018 Top Stories #2: Haaland makes history
View all 2018 elections articles →
Lujan Grisham is New Mexico's next governor
U.S. Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham will take on a new title in January when she becomes New Mexico’s next governor. Ending the nearly two-year-long campaign for governor, Lujan Grisham and her opponent Republican U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce each addressed their respective supporters Tuesday night.
Poll shows Dems lead in most statewide races
Next governor can lead by example in transparency issues
View all 2018 governor articles →
Political endorsements may have little sway on undecided voters
Thousands of New Mexicans have already voted and Election Day is only weeks away. Which means politicians around the state are in high gear spreading their respective messages through commercials and campaign events.
Democratic ex-governor Apodaca endorses Pearce
A day after primary, Democratic winners look toward general election
View all Jeff Apodaca articles →
Cannabis working group chair vows to be inclusive, transparent
In its inaugural meeting, a group tasked by New Mexico’s governor to come up with ideas to safely and efficiently legalize recreational use cannabis in the state discussed the process for which it will follow in the next several months. The Working Group on Cannabis Legalization for New Mexico consists of about 20 people with varying backgrounds, including medical cannabis producers, medical cannabis patients and state departments. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham picked the members of the group. Lujan Grisham’s senior policy advisor Dominic Gabello told members he is confident the group will be able to address the many concerns related to legalizing cannabis in New Mexico. “We’ve put this together and I think we’ve got a good plan moving forward to discuss this and really figure out, how do we find the right path forward for New Mexico,” Gabello said.
Patients want a voice in group planning for cannabis legalization
UPDATED: Trump backs off decision to abandon citizenship question
View all Michelle Lujan Grisham articles →
Around NM: new Trump nominees, disappearing words (& funding), school lunches and wolves
Santa Fe soda tax rejected after record-high turnout
Navajo government officials, environmental groups want review of BLM’s Chaco Canyon leases
Environmental groups and Navajo government officials are criticizing the U.S. Bureau of Land Management over the bureau’s handling of oil and gas leases approved in the Greater Chaco area.
Luján, Torres Small raise big money in 2nd quarter
U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján continues to lead the money race in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate.
Luján slams Trump for racist tweets
During an appearance on Fox News on Sunday morning, U.S. Rep. Ben Ray Luján slammed Donald Trump for a series of tweets he made, telling four Democratic representatives, “Why don't they go back and help fix the totally broken and crime-infested places from which they came, then come back and show us how it is done.” Screenshot of tweets by President Donald Trump on July 14, 2019.
About Andy Lyman
Andy Lyman in an Albuquerque based reporter. He previously covered the New Mexico's legislative session for the New Mexico News Network and served as a reporter and host for numerous news outlets.
More by Andy
© Copyright 2015-2019, NM Political Report
This site built with Project Largo from INN and proudly powered by WordPress.
Andy Lyman
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Facebook, Google, Alibaba beware
TOPICS:DigitalisationEUFacebookGoogleNorwayNorway TodayTax
e-commerce. Photo: Pixabay.com
Posted By: Pieter Wijnen 25. March 2018
Facebook, Google, Alibaba and others beware
Shareholders of Facebook, Google, Alibaba and others should tremble, the European Union (EU), including the European Economic Union (EØS) are about to impose Digital Services taxes.
The Independent Commission for the Reform of International Corporate Taxation ( ICRICT) welcomes the proposal by the European Commission to introduce a digital services tax, aimed at addressing the tax challenges of the digital economy as part of a fair and efficient tax system in the European Union.
A digital services tax on the provision of certain digital services is an appropriate interim measure to ensure that until real global or regional reform take place, the EU national tax bases are not further eroded and social fairness is preserved.
The ICRICT also concur that the momentum in reform should be maintained, as digitalisation has exacerbated the unsuitability of current international tax rules, accentuating the need to change them.
The OECD/G20 Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) reform proposals, while helpful at the margins, do not help resolve the basic challenge of ensuring that multinational enterprises (MNEs) are taxed ‘where economic activities occur and value is created’. In particular, they failed to address the crucial issue of criteria for apportionment of profits.
The transfer pricing rules attempt to construct prices for the transactions among entities that are part of MNEs as if they were independent, which is inconsistent with the economic reality of a modern-day MNE, a unified firm organized to reap the benefits of integration across jurisdictions. Large MNEs, including those operating in the digital economy, are oligopolies and in practice there are no truly comparable independent local firms that can serve as benchmarks.
The ICRICT recommends an alternative to taxation of all multinationals, including those which operate in the digital economy: tax multinationals as single firms by combining their global profits and then allow each country where the corporation operates or sells goods to tax only the portion of profits attributable to the corporation’s economic activity there.
– A digital service tax is an appropriate interim step until a global reform of the way multinationals are taxed is on the table. It has been clearly shown that digitalization is not restricted to a specific group of companies, but affects the whole economy; this means that a new comprehensive approach is required, one that abandons the fiction of transfer pricing and separate entity taxation, says José Antonio Ocampo (ICRICT chair)
– addressing the issue of digital companies not paying their fair share of taxes is much welcomed and necessary. Digital multinationals have for years been avoiding significant tax revenue in the EU, through exploiting the current inefficient taxation rules, Says Norwegian national and ICRICT Commissioner Eva Joly.
– The interim step – the digital service tax – shall however not further delay the adoption of a long-term and more robust solution for taxing the digital economy, i.e. the CCCTB reform with a revised definition of a ‘permanent establishment’ that the EU Parliament voted for last week. (Common Consolidated Corporate Tax Base, CCCTB)
© ICRICT / #Norway Today
ICRICT is a non-profit group of economists, tax experts and former senior officials which works to promote debate on reform of international corporate taxation, in the global public interest. The latest report, “A roadmap to improve the the rules for taxing multinationals” is found here.
Fewer viewings of house and apartment ads in Oslo
Søreide: NOK $15M to African Military
Subsea 7 is awarded a major contract in Egypt
Two died in a tanker accident at Stadlandet
Be the first to comment on "Facebook, Google, Alibaba beware"
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lanalyn_del_roe
Beyoncé and Jay-Z to Hire French-Speaking Nanny
Beyoncé and Jay-Z want to hire a French-speaking nanny to look after their daughter.
The showbiz couple have gone in search of a bilingual child minder to look after their 20-month-old baby Blue Ivy - who was reportedly conceived in France - as they spend so much dashing around Europe and think it will be beneficial for their tiny tot to learn the language.
A source told The Sun newspaper: ''Beyoncé and Jay have started advertising for a nanny who is happy to travel the world with them.
"The other main stipulation is that she is bilingual.
''They want a French speaker for a number of reasons. The family have a real connection with France and Beyoncé's nephew Julez is a French speaker, because his dad is French.
''They've already started seeing candidates and have been getting advice from friends including Gwyneth Paltrow.
'' The pair, who tied the knot in 2008, are currently enjoying a Mediterranean adventure with baby Blue after the family flew to Europe last week following Beyoncé's headlining performance at the Made in American festival, held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on September 1.
The couple reportedly ran up a £20,000 bill in just five days onboard their private yacht after splashing out on the finest beverages available, including Belvedere vodka, Rémy Martin cognac, Dom Perignon and Armand de Brignac champagne. A source said previously: ''Jay's really into his expensive booze but his food tastes are really simple.''
Sources 1, 2, 3
Tagged: beyoncé, blue ivy carter, jay-z
funbeam
The Spanish speaking population is growing rapidly in the US. Unless you plan on spending an extended amount of time in Francophone countries, French is a nice skill to have but ultimately kind of useless.
bangorilla
I live in germany, so I don't know if I could benefit from that :/
Oh, well then French is actually probably better for you. The best languages to learn are Chinese and Arabic though.
I would have chosen chinese in a heartbeat, unfortunately I can't
thank you so much bb
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Travel & Tourism industry news by Greek Travel Pages (gtp)
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SKAL World Congress 2012
2 October 2012 @ 09:00 - 7 October 2012 @ 19:00
« IT&CM Asia & CTW Asia-Pacific 2012
MITM Euromed 2012 »
Home > Events > SKAL World Congress 2012
The 73rd SKAL International World Congress will be held in Incheon, Seoul within 2-7 October 2012. The congress will not be at one venue, but there will be several of spaces. Some of them are Sheraton Incheon Hotel, Hyatt Regency Icheon, Grand Hyatt Seoul, as the Song-Do Convencia also.
Further details are on http://www.skalkorea2012.org
Jay Kim (jkim@promackorea.com)
2012 Skal World Congress Organizing Committee Office
(c/o Promac Partnership)
Suite 1122, Yongbi Eocheonga Building
75 Naesoo-dong, Chongro-ku, Seoul 110-070 Korea
T: +82 2 6351 5155 F: 6230 9355
Young Rai CHO (yrcho83@globaltour.co.kr)
(c/o Global Tour Ltd.,)
6th Fl. Gloden Tower Bldg.
191 Chungjeongno-2ga, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Korea
T: +82 2 330 4038 F: 313 3727
“Sustainable Development in Tourism” Awards
For eleven consecutive years, the Skål International “Sustainable Development in Tourism” Awards were presented during the Opening Ceremony of the 73rd Skål World Congress, which this year took place in the South Korean city of Incheon, on 3rd October 2012 and was conducted by Skål member from Bangkok, Andrew Wood.
The trophies and certificates were presented by the President of Skål International, Enrique Quesada, in conjunction with Vice-President Karine Coulanges.
Skål, founded in 1934, is the largest organisation of travel and tourism professionals in the world. To encourage the conservation of the environment and help to promote the development of responsible and sustainable tourism, Skål International initiated an awards program in 2002, during “The Year of Ecotourism and the Mountains” as declared by United Nations.
2 October 2012 @ 09:00
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Times Up? Emma Watson says her botched tattoo is fake
The actress was aiming to make a statement at the Oscars, but ended up being mocked on social media over a punctuation error.
Tuesday 6 March 2018 11:26, UK
Image: Wasn't Hermione supposedly great at spelling?
Emma Watson has responded to widespread mockery of her Oscars tattoo by saying it is a fake.
The Harry Potter star became one of the centres of attention at the Academy Awards for all the wrong reasons when she debuted a new tattoo on her forearm, in support of the Time's Up movement.
As she walked down the red carpet on Sunday, people were quick to notice that the actress and UN ambassador was missing a vital punctuation mark from the inking - an apostrophe.
Instead of reading "Time's Up" - short for 'time is up' - Ms Watson's tattoo said "Times Up".
Image: Times will soon be a-changing, according to Watson
The mistake led to a social media trend, but not the one the actress was aiming for.
:: Emma Watson debuts new tattoo... with a glaring error
On Tuesday, Watson responded on Twitter, assuring fans the tattoo is "fake".
"Fake tattoo proofreading position available," she wrote.
Fake tattoo proofreading position available. Experience with apostrophes a must.
— Emma Watson (@EmmaWatson) March 5, 2018
"Experience with apostrophes a must."
Watson has been a vocal and leading supporter of the Time's Up movement, which seeks to end sexual harassment and assault.
In a post on Instagram about the movement last month, Ms Watson wrote: "All of us are responsible for creating change, whatever industry you work in. We're asking everyone to help create a world we can be proud of - one that is safe, just and equal".
Emma Watson's is now part of an ever-growing list of bad celebrity tattoos. Here's our pick:
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True Orthodoxy in Russia
(Colorado – Ipswich : 8.31.05) Fr Dionysi MacGowan of St Basil of Kineshima Church in Colorado Springs has left his parish and relocated his family to Ipswich, Massachusetts. It is understood that Fr Dionysi will live on the premises of St John the Russian Parish in Ipswich, where the pastor and assistant priest, Frs. Spyridon Schneider and Christopher Johnson, have been suspended for the past month by Metropolitan Valentine of Suzdal.
According to the new website of St Basil of Kineshima Mission (which has been moved to http://www.saintbasilchurch.org due to the sudden redirection of the former website at http://russianorthodox-roac.com to the St John the Russian site) all services are now being held at the nearby royal martyrs chapel, as the Temple has been dismantled on the request of Fr Dionysi.
Fr Dionysi MacGowan was the first priest of ROAC ordained for America in 2001 and initially founded St Basil of Kineshima Parish in Staunton, Virginia. Initially an opponent of former Archbishop Gregory of Colorado, he later became a supporter and moved his family to Colorado. In 2004 he sided with Metropolitan Valentine and the ROAC Synod when the former Bishop of Colorado attempted to cause a schism. However, in early 2005, Fr Dionysi became a loyalist of Fr Spyridon Schneider’s causes and came to Russia to speak on behalf of the latter’s earlier actions.
Fr Spyridon Schneider, formerly a priest of ROCOR, HOCNA, ROCOR-V, and finally the Makarian Synod of the TOC of Greece, is the pastor of St John the Russian Church and was recently suspended along with two other Massachusetts priests for attempting to promote a schism within the ROAC in the hope of creating a Bishop under the spiritual control of the Ipswich parish. The plot to create a schism was revealed late last month by Archbishop Anthony of Vyatka and Yaransk and had been known by members of Fr Spyridon’s inner circle in America. Fr Spyridon, Fr Christopher Johnson, and Fr Victor Melehov were members of ROAC since Great Lent of 2004. The parish is well known for both its early loyalty to the right-wing renovationist policies of Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Boston and the production of Orthodox crosses of the finest quality.
Currently Father Deacon Nikolai Stanosheck is serving the Colorado Mission, with Hegumen Andrei (Maklakov) offering to continue serving the community at least somewhat frequently. NFTU
Fr Dionysi MacGowan Orphans Parish, St Basil Parish Continues as Mission
(Colorado – Ipswich : 8.31.05) Fr Dionysi MacGowan of St Basil of Kineshima Church in Colorado Springs has left his parish and relocated his family to […]
Bishop Anthony (Grabbe) Update: Condition Worsening
(NFTU: New Jersey, 22.08.05) Bishop Anthony (Grabbe) is near death, according to the latest reports. On July 23, he was blessed with the Kursk-Root Icon of […]
Metropolitan Valentine of Suzdal and Vladimir Suspends Rector of St. Petersburg Church
His Eminence Metropolitan Valentine of Suzdal and Vladimir, ruling bishop of the Suzdal-Vladimir Diocese, by his ukase of July 7/20, 2005, has suspended Fr. Igumen Gregory […]
Ukaze #59 to Fr Gregory (Lourie)
July 20, 2005 To Hieromonk Gregory (Lourye), Rector of St. Elizabeth’s Church, St. Petersburg Over the course of many years, the Synod of Bishops of the […]
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Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Criminology
Oxford Research Encyclopedias Criminology and Criminal Justice
Crime, Media, and Popular Culture
Criminal Behavior
Criminological Theory
Critical Criminology
Geography of Crime
Prevention/Public Policy
Race, Ethnicity, and Crime
Victimology/Criminal Victimization
Women, Crime, and Justice
Critical Introduction ...
A Critical Introduction to Arts Behind Bars
Aylwyn Walsh
10.1093/acrefore/9780190264079.013.18
Introducing the Arts Behind Bars
Discussion of the Literature
Contexts and Benefits of the Arts Behind Bars
Two Models: Long-Term Interventions and Regime Change
Politicizing Arts in Criminal Justice
Research on Arts in Criminal Justice
Practitioner Perspectives
Narrative and Testimony
Arts in Prisons in the Global South
Digital Materials Links: Collections, Archives that are Openly Accessible
Prisoner Experiences
Crime Films
PRINTED FROM the OXFORD RESEARCH ENCYCLOPEDIA, CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE (oxfordre.com/criminology). (c) Oxford University Press USA, 2019. All Rights Reserved. Personal use only; commercial use is strictly prohibited (for details see Privacy Policy and Legal Notice).
This article proposes a focus on some of the arguments in the field—what is “arts behind bars”? What are some of the intentions, and why would people do it? It also signals the range of practices that are to be found—from the development of needlework in male prisons through to participatory arts projects with young people in prisons to collaborative stage shows. Artists working in criminal justice have a wide range of intentions. For a few, there might be a frisson of the danger and caged energy behind bars that is stimulating to creativity and could add something to their own creative process. The model of art for prisoners—professional artists staging a show or doing an unplugged music event in a prison—can raise the profile of prisons and punishment. However, there are a great number of projects that move towards forms of art created with and by prisoners, thereby aligning them with a long history of social and participatory arts. Theoretically, then, the arts behind bars are informed by critical pedagogies as much as the specific disciplinary approaches. This model seeks to build critical consciousness and confidence in mastery as well as induction into the discipline of learning any skill for the purposes of liberating through knowledge. In arts behind bars, the knowledge base might include literacy outcomes, but the learning is often communal, and about creative self-expression.
The practitioners of arts behind bars have two driving intentions. Either they seek to engage more people with their art form and are willing to work in a range of contexts, or they are committed to social justice and hope to use the art form towards additional aims of generating understanding and redressing some of the inequalities experienced by prisoners. It is necessary to consider what new perspectives are offered to the subject of arts in criminal justice by thinking about how wider resources, culture, and artistic paradigms affect perceptions of the value of interventions. This highlights the need for awareness of those artists who choose to work in prisons of the moral and ethical questions raised by bringing art to the system.
Keywords: arts, arts education, arts for social change, desistance, reducing reoffending interventions, prison theater
School of Performance and Cultural Industries, University of Leeds
Access to the complete content on Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Criminology requires a subscription or purchase. Public users are able to search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter without a subscription. If you are a student or academic complete our librarian recommendation form to recommend the Oxford Research Encyclopedias to your librarians for an institutional free trial.
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DMV: Driver Who Killed Child in Crosswalk May Drive Again After Six Months
Pursuant to a New York State Department of Motor Vehicles hearing, the former cab driver who killed 9-year-old Cooper Stock will regain his driving privileges after six months.
The driver who killed Cooper Stock admitted that he failed to see Cooper and his dad in a crosswalk. After a ruling by the New York State DMV he’ll be driving again soon.
In January 2014 Cooper and his father Richard Stock were crossing an Upper West Side street in a crosswalk with the right of way when Koffi Komlani hit them with a yellow taxi. Komlani was summonsed for careless driving and failure to yield. NYPD and Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance filed no criminal charges against him.
Komlani pled guilty last April and was sentenced to a $580 fine and a six-month suspension of his drivers license. After a June hearing, DMV administrative law judge Marc Berger suspended Komlani’s license for 180 days. An agency spokesperson told us the DMV penalty is concurrent with the terms of Komlani’s plea arrangement.
According to the Post, video of the crash was submitted as evidence at the DMV hearing.
When two DMV judges watched it, Komlani slumped his head, closed his eyes and put a hand to his face.
He claimed he did not see Cooper in the crosswalk.
“I never saw the son!” he told the judge during the hearing to decide whether he should keep his driver’s license. “I was not on the phone. I was not drunk. I was not on anything. I just missed them!”
A license suspension in New York State means a driver gets his license back once the term of the suspension is over. Had Komlani’s license been revoked he would have been required to file an application to regain his driving privileges, subject to DMV approval.
We asked for a copy of Berger’s findings. The DMV rep directed us to file a freedom of information request.
The Taxi and Limousine Commission did not renew Komlani’s probationary hack license, but under current agency rules he could reapply to drive a cab.
“I cannot understand how any judge, in any court, would not permanently revoke that person’s license when they watched a video of him running over a child right in front of him in plain sight,” Cooper’s mother, Dana Lerner, told us via email. “This man hit my husband and killed my 9-year-old child. Why should he be allowed the privilege of driving?”
Filed Under: Carnage, Children, DMV Reform, New York State DMV, Traffic Justice
““I was not on the phone. I was not drunk. I was not on anything. I just missed them!””
Here’s the thing. We need a new attitude in the US, and laws to back it up, that make actually hitting people a crime unless there is a really good reason/excuse (like the person leaping out from between parked cars, or another car hitting your car).
It’s like “Oh you ran a light and killed someone? We’ll fine you for running a light.”
“Oh, you didn’t run a light and still killed someone? Then you’re free to go. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
WalkingNPR
Agreed. Again I say, this is worse! You admit you’re not impaired in any way, you’re not distracted, you just can’t operate a vehicle in a way that does not kill people?!? How is that not worse?!?! How is that not grounds for losing your state-granted permission to operate a vehicle!?
Oh right, because the windshield perspective says “that could one day be me” doing the running over, not being the one run over. For shame.
Alexander Vucelic
candelight vigil for Cooper and other victim’s of Traffic violence to Tonight 7pm Union Square
http://my.transalt.org/site/Calendar?id=102481&view=Detail&pw_id=3441&utm_source=visionzerovigil&utm_medium=jumpURL&utm_content=version1&utm_campaign=2016ADVO-FSS-Vigil
I took my New York State driver’s road test on July 2, 24 years after taking my UK driving test. It was pretty obvious to me throughout the licensing process in New York that there was a sense people had a right to drive and they just had to jump through the right hoops to get it. It’s hardly surprising when the licensing process is so lax that these tragic crashes are so common.
I wonder what the failure rate is for this test?
The thing is, law enforcement does (usually) have this attitude when it comes to accidental discharge of firearms.
Shoot and kill someone and you don’t get to say, “I was not drunk. I was not on anything. I just missed noticing that the gun was loaded before I pulled the trigger.”
Not an excuse. They call that, “An admission of guilt.”
Joe R.
Seriously, since the state willing lets incompetent drivers operate motor vehicles by virtue of very lax licensing procedures, they bear some of the blame here. While I’m not inclined to completely exonerate incompetent drivers who kill people, it makes sense on some level to understand these drivers don’t feel they’re incompetent because the state gave them permission to drive. When it turns out they can’t drive safety, they attribute it to supernatural causes, not their own incompetence.
A whole host of problems would be solved simply by making a driver’s license as difficult to get and keep as a pilot’s license.
alexblac
It’s surprisingly high, ~50%.
http://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/city-fail-road-test-2012-article-1.1367690
Which leads me to think that the majority of test takers are hopelessly underprepared.
Yes, but I think we simply need people to take driving way more seriously, and know they’ll be in big trouble if they screw up.
I am NOT a particularly good driver in terms of skill – I’m an average driver. But that means I’m pretty slow and super-careful – I know I can’t handle 40mph on city streets – I can’t see enough or stop fast enough to make that possible. I take it seriously.
I don’t think we need higher skill level in driving. We need people to recognize they don’t have super-high skills and proceed accordingly. More carefully. More slowly. Checking things carefully.
qrt145
I, too, belong to the 20% of drivers who consider themselves below average. 🙂
Andres Dee
Since the driver “didn’t see” Cooper Stock, did the court at least mandate an eye exam?
The only problem with this idea is you’re the exception rather than the rule. Most drivers think they’re above average, and operate as if they are. I commend you for being realistic about your driving skills, and then taking your limitations into account when driving on city streets. If everyone did that our streets would be a lot safer. I do likewise on my bike. On days where I know I’m not up to par, I typically compensate by going a little slower. Same thing in conditions of poor visibility.
I too wish people would take driving a lot more seriously. I’m really incensed when I see motorists reading or talking on the phone or otherwise not focusing 100% of their attention on what’s in front of them. I’m even more upset society gives people who kill or injure a free pass to do it again. In lieu of stricter licensing, I’ll gladly settle for a system where if you kill or seriously injure someone while driving through incompetence, recklessness, or negligence your driving days will be over for good. That might get people to take driving more seriously, knowing they could lose the privilege for good if they don’t.
My point is that the current licensing (and enforcement) could emphasize the responsibility a lot more, rather than raising the skill level itself. Driving a car carefully is a simpler task than taking off and landing an airplane.
I’m pretty sure I’m in the top 5% of skill on a bike though. For real. And I am still more careful that a huge number of people out there.
Without knowing anything else about your driving skills, I get the sense from this that you’re a pretty good driver. No driver is perfect, but you have the appropriate attitude.
I’m reasonably sure I also fall into the same category but it doesn’t stop me from getting too complacent. My take on this is the skills come in handy for getting out of unusual situations but I try not to ride in such a manner that I need to use all my bike handling skills constantly to avoid mishaps. I’ve seen people who ride like that, cutting everything close, passing obstacles by inches simply because they can. It may even work most of the time if you have the skills. Sooner or later though something will go wrong when you’re always riding on the edge.
neroden
Unacceptable. Who are the DMV judges? They need to be impeached.
I have hard evidence that I’m a slightly-above-average driver. (I have never hit an animal, and I’ve made the correct maneuvers in some really dangerous situations.) And I really hate driving, because I know that there’s not much I can do about the *other* people on the road, who are tailgating, speeding, passing illegally, etc. etc….
I take it very seriously and avoid driving when I can. And when I’m feeling unwell. Actually, I suspect most genuinely above-average drivers do this.
Being above average as a driver is mostly about being much more alert than average. It’s not an excuse to relax!
Yep. This.
So absurd that the DMV would hold the hearing, decide a six month suspension is the right measure for a guy who ran over and killed a kid, then say that the suspension can be concurrent with the total BS law enforcement penalty of $580 and a six-month suspension.
I wonder if DMV can revisit its call here.
Cab Driver Who Killed Cooper Stock Remains Eligible for TLC License
By Brad Aaron | Apr 17, 2015
The cab driver who killed Cooper Stock is still eligible to be licensed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission. Koffi Komlani struck 9-year-old Cooper and his father, Richard Stock, in an Upper West Side crosswalk in January 2014. This week, Komlani pled guilty to careless driving and was sentenced to a nominal fine and a six-month […]
Dana Lerner: Cy Vance Botched the Token Case Against My Son’s Killer
By Brad Aaron | Dec 5, 2014
The cab driver who killed Cooper Stock is scheduled to be back in court in two months, thanks to what Stock’s mother Dana Lerner termed “inept” handling of the case by Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance’s office. Meanwhile, Koffi Komlani’s apparent defense — that weather was to blame for the crash — is the same […]
Maximum Penalty for Cab Driver Who Killed Cooper Stock: 15 Days and $750
The cab driver who killed 9-year-old Cooper Stock last January was charged this month with failure to exercise due care, a traffic infraction that carries a maximum 15-day jail sentence and a small fine. According to court records and the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, an arrest warrant was issued for Koffi Komlani […]
Cy Vance: $580 Fine for Driver Who Killed 9-Year-Old Cooper Stock
In separate stories published yesterday, family members of Marilyn Dershowitz and Cooper Stock, both lost to traffic violence, criticized Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance for his reluctance to file serious charges against motorists who kill people. Vance declined to apply criminal charges against Koffi Komlani, the cab driver who struck 9-year-old Cooper and his father as the two walked hand […]
Mother of Cooper Stock: NYPD Must Hold Reckless Cab Drivers Accountable
By Brad Aaron | Jun 13, 2014
Update: According to a spokesperson for Mayor de Blasio, today’s scheduled bill signing was postponed. After a Wednesday hearing where he was joined by council members and department heads, Mayor de Blasio is scheduled to sign a package of bills today aimed at improving traffic safety. Though its signing will come later due to a […]
TLC Won’t Renew Hack License of Cab Driver Who Killed Cooper Stock
By Brad Aaron | May 23, 2014
The cab driver who killed 9-year-old Cooper Stock won’t be prosecuted by Manhattan District Attorney Cy Vance, but he won’t have a hack license much longer. Koffi Komlani has not driven a cab since he struck Cooper and his father in an Upper West Side crosswalk in January, according to Allan Fromberg, spokesperson for the […]
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Amazon reportedly plans to split new HQ between NYC and Virginia
By Tamar Lapin
November 5, 2018 | 10:17pm | Updated November 5, 2018 | 10:26pm
Prime Day 2019: The top TV brands on sale
These are the top brands on sale for Prime Day 2019
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Prime Day 2019: What it is, when it starts, how to participate
Amazon plans to split its new headquarters between two cities — and New York may be one of them, according to reports.
Following a yearlong search, the online shopping giant made the decision to build two offices for its “HQ2” — in addition to the company’s headquarters in Seattle, The Wall Street Journal said Monday.
According to The New York Times, the company is nearing a deal to move to Long Island City in Queens and to Crystal City in Arlington, Va.
The split headquarters will have 25,000 workers each.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has been trying to lure Amazon to the Big Apple — joking last week that he’d even be willing to rename Newtown Creek to the Amazon River.
On Monday, he also joked that he’d change his name to “Amazon Cuomo” if need be.
“It would be a great economic boost,” he said.
Filed under amazon , long island city , queens , virginia
SpaceX's Starman and Tesla Roadster are now beyond Mars
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Statement on the IPY legacy from Lars Kullerud, President of the University of the Arctic, member of the IPY Education and Outreach Subcommittee.
ACSAO-NO03_9_1e_Statement_IPY_legacy_UArctic.pdf (33.52Kb)
University of the Arctic
UArctic IPY
"The IPY EOC subcommittee has a range of experts from around the world representing many disciplines and professional backgrounds. The cross-disciplinary group has developed common strategies, specific activities and events and is organized in the following audience-specific flexible working groups: • Education Working Group • Tertiary Education Working Group • Media Working Group Much of the result of the IPY only starts to materialize after the end of the IPY. The IPY Education and Outreach subcommittee finds it natural that the communication, education and outreach activities from IPY needs to continue at least till the IPY early science conference in 2010. Some of this could be taken care of by an "International Polar Office" that should ensure continuation of the essential parts of the Outreach and Education activities through 2010. It could be natural that some international polar research organizations with a long term mandate take the responsibility for this. The long term legacy in tertiary education, with the goal "To foster the leadership of the next IPY" should primarily be taken care of by higher education institutions, under the leadership of UArctic (University of the Arctic), IAI (International Antarctic Institute), and APECS (Association of Polar Early Career Scientists) who all have a long term responsibility for this." /.../
University of the Arctic - Network of Universities and other higher education institutions
UArctic (University of the Arctic, 2008-11)
Presentation at SAO meeting requesting that: UArctic be engaged in the work of the AC Working Groups; AC acknowledge that UArctic take responsibility for sustaining IPY legacy; AC endorse the establishment of a UArctic ...
Recommendations of the Workshop session: Interaction and perspectives on collaboration of Yakutsk State University with the University oft he Arctic
U.S. State Department (Arctic Council Secretariat, 1999-11)
"The organization of this separate workshop section during the conference is prompted by a) the necessity of increasing collaboration in circwnpolar studies and for preparing specialists through the University of the Arctic ...
Launching the University of the Arctic: from ideas to action. Report to the Senior Arctic Officials of the Arctic Council. Rovaniemi June 13, 2001.
University of the Arctic (University of the Arctic, 2001)
The emergence of the University of the Arctic – a collaborative effort of universities and colleges and other organisations in the Circumpolar World concerned with higher education and research and strongly supported by ...
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Ovarian Cancer Canada
Western Regional Blog – BC, YK, AB, NWT and Nunavut
Family members and caregivers
Support group calendars
Ovarian Cancer in BRCA Mutation Carriers: Improved Outcome After Intraperitoneal (IP) Cisplatin
“This experience suggests that IP cisplatin leads to favorable long term outcomes in advanced ovarian cancer in women with defective homologous recombination (i.e., with deleterious BRCA mutations). Whether such cisplatin dose-intensification from IP relative to (intravenous) IV drug administration leads to superior results in these mutation carriers requires further study.”
Kwa M, Edwards S, Downey A, Reich E, Wallach R, Curtin J, Muggia F.
Ovarian cancer arising in women with BRCA mutations is known to have a more favorable outcome and to be more responsive to platinum-based regimens than in those without a hereditary background. We analyze our previously published intraperitoneal (IP) studies in relation to BRCA mutation status and update their outcomes.
Among 62 patients with ovarian cancer enrolled in IP platinum doublet studies in clinical trials (with etoposide (n = 18), with floxuridine (n = 30), and with topotecan (n = 14)), a deleterious BRCA mutation was eventually identified in 10 patients. The outcomes in these BRCA mutation carriers are described and compared with survival of others in respective trials.
Ten patients that were confirmed to have BRCA mutations-all with high-grade and stages IIC to IV disease-survived a median of 10 years (range: 4-18+) after receiving IP cisplatin-based regimens. Two continue with no evidence of disease since their IP treatment, while four others remain alive with recurrences after 8, 9, 10, and 11 years, respectively.
This entry was posted on October 16, 2013 by Rochelle van Halm in Research Updates and tagged BRCA, cisplatin, IP, Ovarian Cancer.
https://wp.me/p2AKiE-HT
For family members and caregivers
WALK OF HOPESeptember 8th, 2013
http://ovariancanada.org/Walk-of-Hope/Home
Ovarian Cancer Canada’s Facebook Page – Click Logo
Research in BC
The Injustices of Ovarian Cancer
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Great work! #Repost @pflag with @get_repost ・・・ Go @pflagtampa! * * * Watermark’s Most Remarkable People John and Nancy Desmond – community activists known for their work with #Tampa #Pride, #PFLAG and more – have long shared their support for the #LGBTQ community throughout Tampa Bay. On most weekends, the duo can be seen on 7th Ave. in Ybor City proclaiming that support and love, pro-LGBTQ signs in hand across from religious protesters. Now, even if they can’t make it, the protesters will be greeted from below with a paver reading “I love my gay son, PFLAG.” “This has been in the works for a while, and after one failed attempt, the city finally got it right!” Nancy shared via PFLAG Tampa’s social media account Jan. 18. “This is the corner where the street preachers spew their hate every weekend … We try to be there to provide another voice to LGBTQ+ people simply trying to have a night out in Ybor, but we can’t always show up. Now, we will always be there right in their space in another form.” The paver was purchased as a part of Ybor’s Sidewalk Paver Program.
Posted on January 28, 2019 January 28, 2019 by PFLAG Johns Creek
from Instagram: http://bit.ly/2MALg8C Great work!
#Repost @pflag with @get_repost
Go @pflagtampa! * * *
Watermark’s Most Remarkable People John and Nancy Desmond – community activists known for their work with #Tampa #Pride, #PFLAG and more – have long shared their support for the #LGBTQ community throughout Tampa Bay.
On most weekends, the duo can be seen on 7th Ave. in Ybor City proclaiming that support and love, pro-LGBTQ signs in hand across from religious protesters. Now, even if they can’t make it, the protesters will be greeted from below with a paver reading “I love my gay son, PFLAG.”
“This has been in the works for a while, and after one failed attempt, the city finally got it right!” Nancy shared via PFLAG Tampa’s social media account Jan. 18. “This is the corner where the street preachers spew their hate every weekend … We try to be there to provide another voice to LGBTQ+ people simply trying to have a night out in Ybor, but we can’t always show up. Now, we will always be there right in their space in another form.”
The paver was purchased as a part of Ybor’s Sidewalk Paver Program.
← #NeverForget #WeRemember – #Repost @lgbt_history with @get_repost ・・・ Prisoners wearing the pink triangle (marking them as queer), Sachsenhausen concentration camp, Sachsenhausen, Germany, Dec. 19, 1938. Photo c/o Corbis. [TW] . Between 1933 and 1945, the Nazi regime arrested over 100,000 people accused of living outside the lines of dominant gender and sexuality norms. Of those arrested, some 50,000 were convicted and between 10,000 and 15,000 were sent to concentration camps. While the precise number of those who died is not known, scholars estimate that at least 60% of homosexuals sent to concentration camps perished in the camps. (Note: the term “homosexual” was applied to queer people beyond gay men and likely applied, for example, to trans women; while lesbians were viewed as a threat to the state, it was relatively rare for cisgender women to face prison under anti-homosexual laws.) . The treatment of those marked by the pink triangle was particularly brutal. Under the policy of “Extermination Through Work,” for example, homosexuals prisoners routinely were assigned the most grueling tasks. There also are many reports of SS soldiers using homosexuals for target practice, aiming specifically for the pink triangle over the heart. . On January 27, 1945, seventy-four years ago today, Allied forces liberated Auschwitz, an event commemorated today, and each year, as International Holocaust Remembrance Day. . For many queer prisoners, however, the liberation of the camps did not end the persecution. Queer survivors were not acknowledged as victims of Nazi persecution—and therefore were not eligible for reparations or other government assistance—for decades. Moreover, as homosexuality was still a crime in 1945, a substantial number of homosexuals were taken directly from a concentration camp to an Allied prison in order to serve out their terms. For more, see Pierre Seel’s “Liberation Was for Others.” . Rudolf Brazda, believed to be the last surviving person who was sent to a concentration camp under anti-homosexual laws, died in France in August 2011; he was ninety-eight. #lgbthistory #HavePrideInHistory #NeverAgain #NeverForget #internationalholocaustremembran
PFLAG JOHNS CREEK invites area LGBTQ teens and their teen friends/allies to our Teen Social Event WHEN: 1st Saturday of Each Month 7:30 – 10 PM WHERE: Alpharetta Presbyterian Church 180 Academy Street Alpharetta, GA 30009 (Downtown Alpharetta) * Enter through the main entrance. A volunteer will greet you. * — Hang out! Have fun! BE YOURSELF! All in a safe & affirming space. – We’ll play some cool games and do some fun activities! – Wear comfy clothes because we’re going to be active! – Food and drinks provided! 8th grade and up; minimum age = 13. $5 donation per person requested at the door. Adult chaperones will be with the teens at all times. — PARENTS: No curb drop-off! Check-in is required at the door for everyone (teens and adults). Teens must be checked in by a parent/guardian. Parents/Guardians are invited to stay and join the adult group for casual snacks & conversation during the Event. But staying is not required. However, check-in is required. Again, no curb drop-off! — IMPORTANT: Anyone under the age of 18 must sign a Parent/Legal Guardian Permission Form & Waiver & Youth/Teen Acceptance Form at each event check-in. Both parent/guardian AND youth/teen MUST sign the form. Completed and signed form is required for admission to each Event. http://bit.ly/2CEbZOg →
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The Encyclopedia of Greater Philadelphia is a civic project to increase understanding of one of America’s greatest cities. Produced by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Center for the Humanities (MARCH) at Rutgers-Camden, the Encyclopedia as a digital resource and print volume will offer the most comprehensive, authoritative reference source ever created for the Philadelphia region.
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Join us at the Philadelphia History Museum on Thursday, September 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. for a conversation about the history and significance of Philadelphia’s Jewelers Row. Speakers will include Paul Steinke, Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia; Hy Goldberg, Jewelers Row Business Association; Bob Skiba, Association of Philadelphia Tour Guides; and representatives from Visit Philadelphia. The program is free, but registration is required. Click here to register.
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Conceptual framework to estimate economic feasibility of groundwater banking on agricultural land
by Rodriguez Arellano, Jose Luis, M.S., University of California, Davis, 2015, 192; 1604062
Since 1865 California has practiced underground water storage through artificial recharge; however, in many parts of the state these efforts have been insufficient to meet its growing water demands, particularly for irrigated agriculture. During dry periods, vast agricultural areas depend upon groundwater for irrigation. In these areas, groundwater banking (GB) should be an essential strategy of their water management operations. GB is the practice of using surface water for percolation or injection into aquifers for later recovery. One variation of GB currently being studied in California is the use of agricultural lands for this practice (Ag-GB). Economic implications of Ag-GB need to be analyzed to inform water agencies and farmers interested in implementing this practice. This study proposes a conceptual model for determining the economic feasibility of Ag-GB at the irrigation district level. The Orland-Artois Water District (OAWD) in Glenn County is considered as the case study, and alfalfa as the test crop due to its tolerance to flooding and low use of pesticides and fertilizers which could leach into the aquifer. The proposed model consists of four components. The first component, the agricultural water demand calculator, calculates agricultural water demands based on historic land use, monthly reference evapotranspiration (ETo), monthly average precipitation, and average crop coefficient (Kc) values for the region. The second component, the aquifer mass balance model, is a one-bucket mass balance model that quantifies inflows and outflows to the simplified aquifer. The third component, the agronomic model, estimates costs and benefits of Ag-GB in terms of energy savings from pumping and crop production. The fourth component, the economic feasibility output, evaluates costs and benefits are evaluated to determine economic feasibility. The period of analysis is from 1993 through 2013.
Two policies (A and B) for implementation of Ag-GB are proposed and tested. Policy A proposes that all growers in OAWD pay for the implementation of the Ag-GB program. Policy B proposes that alfalfa growers using their lands for Ag-GB (Ag-GB alfalfa growers) are exempted from paying for Ag-GB implementation and the rest of the growers (non Ag-GB growers) pay for it. The economic analysis suggests that Policy A brings more costs than benefits to the Ag-GB alfalfa growers and hence is rejected as feasible. Policy B seems to bring more benefits than costs to all growers in OAWD and therefore it has potential to be economically feasible under the assumptions and limitations of the model.
Advisor: Sandoval Solis, Samuel
Commitee: Dahlke, Helen E., Puente, Carlos E.
School: University of California, Davis
Department: Hydrologic Sciences
School Location: United States -- California
Source: MAI 55/02M(E), Masters Abstracts International
Subjects: Hydrologic sciences, Agricultural economics, Water Resource Management
Keywords: Agronomics, Economic feasibility, Groundwater banking, Water management, Water mass balance
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if(Variability) » Refine Search
Potential effects of altered precipitation regimes on primary production in terrestrial ecosystems
by Hsu, Joanna S., M.S. Utah State University. 2011: 80 pages; 1502503.
Executive functioning is related to intraindividual variability: A response time distributional approach
by Stewart, Peter V., Psy.D. Indiana University of Pennsylvania. 2014: 178 pages; 3642863.
The effect of spatial variability on the reliability of pavements
by Lea, Jeremy David, Ph.D. University of California, Davis. 2010: 490 pages; 3404961.
Full Text - PDF (166.71 MB)
North American monsoon variability from paleoclimate era to climate change projection: A multiple dataset perspective
by Carrillo Cruz, Carlos Mauricio, Ph.D. The University of Arizona. 2014: 179 pages; 3667939.
The contribution of LMAN, the output of an avian basal ganglia-forebrain circuit to song variability and adaptive plasticity in the adult Bengalese finch
by Hampton, Cara M., Ph.D. University of California, San Francisco. 2008: 101 pages; 3339231.
The Role of Internal Variability in Climate Change Projections within an Initial Condition Climate Model Ensemble
by Yettella, Vineel, Ph.D. University of Colorado at Boulder. 2018: 141 pages; 10981737.
Coordinating job release dates with workdays: A job shop application to utilities field service scheduling
by Pelkey, Ryan Lawrence, M.S. Portland State University. 2013: 92 pages; 1550545.
SST Diurnal Variability in the Climate Forecast System and its Influence on Low Frequency Variability
by Li, Jian, Ph.D. George Mason University. 2011: 153 pages; 3489184.
The Role of Sub-Seasonal Tropical Convective Variability for the Extratropical Response to ENSO
by Swenson, Erik T., Ph.D. George Mason University. 2012: 215 pages; 3506072.
Full Text - PDF (18 MB)
A Longitudinal Examination of Personality at Work: Examining the Relationship Between Variability in Personality and Job Performance and Turnover Intentions
by Hirtz, Ryan J., Ph.D. University of Missouri - Saint Louis. 2017: 117 pages; 10606999.
Incorporating the effect of delay variability in path based delay testing
by Tayade, Rajeshwary G., Ph.D. The University of Texas at Austin. 2009: 180 pages; 3371817.
An adaptability-driven economic model for service profitability
by Lieh, Ouh Eng, Ph.D. National University of Singapore (Singapore). 2015: 184 pages; 10006068.
Estimating Performance Mean and Variability with Distributional Ratings Scales: A Field Study Towards Enhanced Performance Measurement
by Colatat, Mahyulee Chang, Ph.D. Bowling Green State University. 2008: 59 pages; 10630867.
Two-Year College Mathematics Instructors' Conceptions of Variation
by Dabos, Monica Graciela Gandhini, Ph.D. University of California, Santa Barbara. 2011: 233 pages; 3495670.
Factors predicting intraindividual cognitive variability in older adults with different degrees of cognitive integrity
by Shoji, Kristy Douglas, Ph.D. The University of Alabama. 2016: 179 pages; 10162515.
Examining the role of performance uncertainty on consumers' valuations of product attributes
by Woodham, Omar P., Ph.D. Syracuse University. 2010: 102 pages; 3429043.
Modeling and Evolving Software Product Line Architectures using Change-Sets and Relationships
by Hendrickson, Scott Alton, Ph.D. University of California, Irvine. 2011: 157 pages; 3444298.
Predicting spatial smoothing for solar PV power using the wavelet variability model
by Dyreson, Ana, M.S. Northern Arizona University. 2014: 118 pages; 1556716.
Natural Variability in a Changing Ocean: Emergence and Impacts
by Schlunegger, Sarah, Ph.D. Princeton University. 2019: 130 pages; 13886236.
Influence of Decadal Variability of Global Oceans on South Asian Monsoon and ENSO-Monsoon Relation
by Krishnamurthy, Lakshmi, Ph.D. George Mason University. 2012: 198 pages; 3505220.
Effects of attentional focus cues on movement coordination and coordination variability
by Vidal, Anthony D., M.S. California State University, Long Beach. 2016: 37 pages; 10096061.
Micromechanical and Probabilistic Approaches to Improve Asphalt Concrete Rutting Performance Prediction Procedures
by Coleri, Erdem, Ph.D. University of California, Davis. 2011: 283 pages; 3482112.
Observation-Model Comparisons of Near-Surface Ocean Variability on Interannual, Multidecadal, and Orbital Time Scales
by Nelson, A. D., Ph.D. University of Colorado at Boulder. 2017: 136 pages; 10283702.
Using optimality theory to identify rule-based variability in a child with suspected childhood apraxia of speech: A single-subject case study
by Posod, Melissa N., M.A. California State University, Long Beach. 2013: 97 pages; 1523088.
Characterizing nitrogen deficiency of maize at early growth stages using fluorescence measurements
by Siqueira, Rafael Telles Tenorio de, M.Agr. Colorado State University. 2015: 93 pages; 10138898.
Environments, social structure, and population dynamics
by Al-Khafaji, Karim, Ph.D. Stanford University. 2009: 112 pages; 3382930.
Essays in political economy
by Durante, Ruben, Ph.D. Brown University. 2010: 182 pages; 3430131.
Speech Motor Complexity in Childhood Apraxia of Speech
by Case, Julie E., Ph.D. New York University. 2019: 185 pages; 13815309.
Upper-ocean variability in Drake Passage and the Weddell Sea: Measuring the oceanic response to air-sea and ice-ocean interactions
by Stephenson, Gordon Ronald, Jr., Ph.D. University of California, San Diego. 2012: 136 pages; 3544197.
Acupuncture for symptom management in a menopausal population: An exploration of mechanism and experience
by Wright, Cheryl LeAnn, Ph.D. The University of Arizona. 2009: 252 pages; 3352634.
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Precious Nights at the Library | The Manchester edition
PRECIOUS Nights at The British Library | The March Edition
PRECIOUS Nights at the British Library | September Edition
Hay House UK launches initiative to attract more writers of colour
PRECIOUS Nights at the British Library | March edition
PRECIOUS Nights is on tour and our first stop is Manchester!
Join us as this ground-breaking series of monthly PRECIOUS networking events for women of colour in business travels the UK.
PRECIOUS Nights is a monthly event that provides an opportunity to hear from previous PRECIOUS Awards finalists and winners about their business journey, get actionable tips, be inspired and build your network with new contacts.
The PRECIOUS Awards launched in 2007 to celebrate and applaud the professional achievements of women of colour in the UK.
Over the years, the Awards have grown into a flagship event characterised by open and generous sharing of stories, strategies, challenges and experiences: a room full of exceptional women in business all ‘paying it forward’ and creating a unique atmosphere of collaboration and motivation.
We’re thrilled to host this series of networking events that capture the PRECIOUS Awards spirit around the country.
Tickets are £10 and include a networking drinks reception.
Meet the panel
Foluke Akinlose MBE FRSA
Foluke is the founder of PRECIOUS (www.preciousonline.co.uk)
She launched PRECIOUS in 1999 when working in the New Media Department at ITN. It was the first digital publication aimed at women of colour to launch in the UK.
Foluke has a genuine passion for showcasing the achievements of women of colour, which in 2007 led her to launch The Precious Awards (www.preciousawards.com) a unique annual awards event that celebrates women of colour in business and leadership.
In 2010, Foluke launched the PRECIOUS Girls project which works with schools to encourage, inspire, support and promote the next generation of women of colour by increasing entrepreneurial attitudes and provide access to positive female role models. Foluke is also the publisher of The PRECIOUS Book of Quotes, a book featuring quotes and advice from 50 inspirational women. @foluke
Roselene Thomas
Roselene is the Director & Founder of ‘Thomas UK Consulting Services Ltd’, a company that provides IT software testing services with headquarters in Manchester, UK and offices in India.
Arriving in the UK from India at the age of 19 with a bag full of dreams, Roselene gained a scholarship to complete her Masters at Manchester Metropolitan University UK in 2011. She has always been passionate about being an Entrepreneur and starting her own IT Company.
Rose now successfully runs her onsite team from Manchester and also holds offshore teams in India.
She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science(BSc), a Master’s Degree in International Public Relations(MSc) from Manchester Metropolitan University, She is a part-time blogger and a budding author, en-route to finishing her first book!
Roselene was a finalist in the SME Business of the Year category at the 2018 PRECIOUS Awards.
Book your ticket today!
Dijonn Taylor
Dijonn is the founder of two award-winning businesses.
Her business journey started in 1997 with a desire to empower and reward children at all levels of education through experiencing a traditional graduation ceremony. In 1997 she staged the first ever cap and gown graduation ceremony in the UK at a Manchester Primary School. Soon after her business Young Graduate was born.
Her second business venture Savvy Guest was created to facilitate pre-career meetups between adults and employees for pre-career chats. Dijonn realised people were experiencing barriers when trying to gain access to employers for conversations and realistic career tips and insight into job roles and industry.
She soon had companies and employees lining up to share their knowledge as a way of giving back to the communities they serve.
She is a Board Member for two national charities, Career Ready and Young Enterprise, which provide a platform to actively help shape the curriculum for young people.
Dijonn was a finalist for the Outstanding Woman in STEM category at the 2015 PRECIOUS Awards.
Lisa Maynard Atem
Lisa is an accomplished social media strategist with a proven track record at the world’s most famous luxurious department store, Harrods, where she worked with numerous luxury brands including CHANEL, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana and GUCCI.
She built and developed a global social portfolio that now boasts over 2.5 million followers across key social media platforms – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Harrods is now the most followed luxury department store in Europe on Instagram and one of the most followed in the world, with over 1.1 million followers.
Lisa has a huge passion for social media and the psychology behind it in terms of engagement and connecting with people. In 2018 she took the decision to leave Harrods and make the dive into entrepreneurship launching The Social Word, a social media consultancy,
She is an Associate Lecturer at the London College of Fashion and is regularly invited to speak at various institutions and key events.
Lisa is also part of the Fashion Education Mentoring Initiative – which works with young women to help them advance in the world of fashion (https://www.instagram.com/fash.ed)
Our host for the evening is Lisa Bent.
Lisa is a transformational counsellor, blogger and the founder of Self-Central.
She writes a regular column for PRECIOUS, Inside Out, where she covers personal development, mental health and other well-being issues. She is the regular host of the monthly PRECIOUS Nights at the British Library events and hosts the PRECIOUS Lifestyle Awards which take place at Google HQ in June.
Book your ticket
Related Topics:British Library, Manchester, networking, PRECIOUS_Awards, preciouswomen
The PRECIOUS AWARDS teams up with UnLtd to reward Social Entrepreneurs
By Content Team July 9, 2019
The PRECIOUS Awards, the leading awards programme for women of colour in the UK, is partnering...
Five tools to help you get paid
When you are spinning plates managing your business it can be easy to put financial issues...
Winners announced at PRECIOUS Lifestyle Awards 2019
Held at Google’s headquarters in Central London, the 2019 Precious Lifestyle Awards saw some of the...
Nominations set to close for PRECIOUS Lifestyle Awards 2019
By Content Team May 21, 2019
It’s not too late to submit a nomination for the PRECIOUS Lifestyle Awards 2019… Nominations in...
Stand tall, stand out, be seen | Precious Conference 2019
By Content Team February 10, 2019
Our first ever conference builds on the success of the Precious Awards, now in their 13th...
PRECIOUS Nights at the British Library | May edition
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Category Archives: kay sage
Yentknob
I seem to recall when flicking through a dog-eared copy of Dr. Benjamin Spocks seminal work ‘Baby and Childcare’ there isn’t a chapter recommending the development of language that encourages a fucking moronic unworthy father to repeatedly go ‘wooooo’ ‘wooooo’ over and over and fucking over for the best part of half an hour whilst maintain the exact same robotic tone, pitch and volume. I believe it doesn’t then advise to do the exact same precise thing just as I’m trying to go to sleep before ‘soothing’ the infant off with an impromptu gig, which includes the classic ‘woooo’ chorus. What a fucking Cunt.
Because of the vast amount of boozing I’ve been doing for the past few days I undertook the decision to abstain. I’d also run out of grass so I was in for a double whammy of misery. I was fully aware of this as I cycled home and parked my bike in the van; even as I entered my flat I knew that there was nothing inside to delight me in the same way a wine and spliff does. Despite this I took the time to make a roast, and even as I ate it, crying out for a glass of Claret as it was, I fought back the booze-urge and focussed my attention onto the food and nothing else.
The evening passed through a cycle of cigarettes, tea, TV and abstinence. I knew once I’d made it to 11 I’d be okay, getting there was another thing. But there was one little light in the alcohol-free pit of horror.
I was looking forward to watching the Alan Yentob’s programme on Surrealism, despite Alan. Relying as I was on a crack team of researchers to plaster over the cracks, even I was genuinely amazed that the programme was a 24-carat balls up from the opening shot to the last. Fundamentally the hairy cunt didn’t even tell the viewer what surrealism actually is.
Yentob virtually ignored all the female surrealists though one was mentioned, despite being capable of eye popping misogyny, surrealism is the first movement in art history to introduce the ‘female artist’, and they got a lot closer to the true understanding of the concept than most of their male counterparts. Step forward Dorothea Tanning, Leanora Carrington, Eileen Agar, Meret Oppenheim (she did the seminal ‘dejeuner en fourrure’ (hairy tea cup and saucer)) and the muse and photographer Lee Miller, whose eye features in Man Ray’s metronome as vengeance following a doomed affair.
Alan mentioned but failed to recognise Hans Bellmer and completely ignored Yves Tanguay (whose work was plagiarised by Dali) both genuine exponents of the movement and more crucially members of the group, I’ll touch on that shortly.
To add insult to injury The BBC punctuated the programme with very basic and crass visual antonyms, like Alan talking on a phone, which became a banana, then some flowers etc., isn’t ‘surreal’ it’s merely the juxtaposition of objects and coveys nothing outside of the fact Alan doesn’t know what surrealism is.
Firstly, to be in the movement, Andre Breton its founder had to let you in, if he booted you out as he did Dali for being a self seeking Franco supporter then you were no longer a surrealist, merely a follower or at best, a devotee to the fundamental concept of, as Lautréamont (whose death predates the movement by 60 years I hasten to add) put it, ‘the chance encounter on a dissecting table of a sewing machine and umbrella’, Alan acknowledged the quote at least. George Melly who heavily featured (Alan’s mate clearly) should know better calling himself a surrealist, especially as he’s a so-called ‘expert’ on the movement.
Secondly surrealism was a largely literary movement and political by nature, communist to be precise, the idea behind surrealism was to shock the public into a different way of thinking about the human being in society. Essentially it was a dark movement designed to impose itself onto the subconscious via it’s two basic themes of sex and death and there are plenty of examples where this manifests itself in genuinely upsetting works, outside of the media friendly works of Magritte and Dali, of course, and Alan playing with a fucking inflatable moon on a beach dressed like a Woody Allen in the last part of ‘All You Ever Wanted to Know About Sex but Were too Afraid to Ask’ ain’t it.
So, what is surrealism? Well as Alan couldn’t be pissed to do so, I will enlighten you. It’s like that moment between being awake and asleep, the where the fuck..? or what the fuck..? experience we have every bloody morning just before you realise you’ve a massive woody, in my case. Or it can be the very moment when the hairs stand on back of neck when you thing you caught something otherworldly out of the corner of your eye. Put it this way, The Blair Witch Project is a lot closer to the fundamental gist of what constitutes surrealism than Monty Python, say.
I’m in a fucking awful mood. I’m knackered out and it’s raining again. But there is hope. Big Brother starts tonight, and I’m a unashamed fan. So much so that Piqued may suffer in order to contribute to Watch With Mothers (link, right). I will certainly be reviewing tonight’s opener tomorrow so why don’t you join me then.
This is one of my favourites
Leave a comment | posted in alan yentob, andre Breton, art, beauty, dorothea tanning, dr benjamin spock, eillen agar, George Melly, kay sage, Lautréamont, lee miller, leonora carrington, magazine, man ray, meret oppenheim, rene magritte, The Blair Witch Project, Woody Allen, yves tanguay
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Episode 116 - Too much too Yeung
Made in Birmingham, Destroyed in Hong Kong. That's the message from Birmingham City fans about the state of their football club, but is there finally some light at the end of the tunnel?
More than two years after his arrest in the Far East following money-laundering allegations, Blues owner Carson Yeung has finally resigned from the board at St Andrew's. Despite the fact he still remains as majority shareholder, acting chairman Peter Pannu has now claimed that the club faces a 'bright' future.
We speak to a man who disagrees - talkSPORT Presenter and Commentator Ian Danter, a huge Birmingham fan who has covered the club for years on both local and national radio. He also tells us about the continued difficulties faced by manager... For information regarding your data privacy, visit acast.com/privacy
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Quiz: The A to Z Snake Quiz
The A to Z Snake Quiz
Image: CC0 License By Pixels
Ready to slither into some fun? These beautifully colored snakes will definitely make your day!
The history of almost every civilization reveals that humans have long been enthralled by snakes. Various species of these slithering serpents have been worshipped, vilified, loved and feared throughout the ages.
Some species of snake grow to be incredibly huge, while others are small enough to be compared with and even named after worms! Size matters in the world of snakes; are you a big enough snake lover to identify some of the largest and smallest among them? If you can, it is certainly a feat deserving of wild celebration. So get the party going—take the quiz!
Antarctica is the only continent where you won't find snakes. They are widely distributed over the rest of the world and can be found in locations ranging from rainforests and deserts to rivers and seas. You will even find them on mountaintops exceeding 15,000 feet! Check out the quiz, and you might find a snake from your area lurking there!
If you are fascinated by snakes, then this is the perfect quiz for you! If, however, they really creep you out, we promise this quiz won't bite! Start the quiz now!
Can you identify this huge South American constrictor which can grow up to 30 feet long?
James Gerholdt/Stockbyte/Getty Images
African puff adder
Asian keelback
Angolan python
Anacondas are among the longest and heaviest snakes in the world! They are mostly found in aquatic environments, earning them the nickname "water boa." Spotting an anaconda in the water can be difficult, however, as they like to remain submerged with just their nostrils sticking out!
This snake's name tells you it can be found in the southwestern United States. Do you recognize it?
Paul Osborne/Moment/Getty Images
Arizona black rattlesnake
Arafura file snake
Andaman cat snake
Australian copperhead
The Arizona black rattlesnake is named for the predominantly dark (gray, brown and olive) color of the adults, since young members of the species are much lighter. One handy trick this snake has up its sleeve is the chameleon-like ability to change color relatively quickly!
Can you name this snake which is named for a dark lining inside its mouth?
Howard Pugh (Marais)/Moment Open/Getty Images
Banded flying snake
Blond hognose snake
Black mambas are native to the eastern regions of African and, at up to 14 feet, they hold the distinction of being that continent's longest venomous snake. They also have the killer combination of being very aggressive when threatened and being one of the world's most lethal snakes!
Do you recognize this snake which squeezes its prey to death before swallowing it whole?
Hillary Kladke/Moment/Getty Images
Bamboo pit viper
Brown tree snake
Boa constrictor
Blue krait
Boa constrictors can swim very well, just like their much larger relative, the anaconda. Unlike the anaconda, however, boas prefer to live on dry land. They wrap their muscular bodies around prey to suffocate it, then swallow it whole, taking as much as six days to digest large animals!
A bite from this "ruler" of the Central and South American forests is usually lethal! Can you name this snake?
Mark KostichE+/Getty Images
Brazilian smooth snake
Beaked sea snake
Buttermilk racer
There is no doubt that bushmasters are extremely dangerous. They have long fangs, can bite repeatedly, and produce large amounts of very toxic venom. Furthermore, since the bushmaster is an ambush predator, prey very likely never see it coming!
Despite its name, this snake can also be found in Utah, Arizona, Nevada and Oregon. Can you identify it from the picture?
DSP/Photodisc/Getty Images
Calabar python
Common tiger snake
Coastal taipan
There is a very good reason for the "king" in this snake's name. The California kingsnake is well-known to prey on other snakes, including venomous rattlesnakes which it will gobble up before they are completely dead! Luckily, the California kingsnake is relatively immune to the rattlesnake's venom!
Do you recognize this popular pet snake which is named after a cereal grain?
Joao Paulo Burini/Moment/Getty Images
Congo snake
Crowned snake
Cuban wood snake
The corn snake is a type of rat snake, feeding mostly on rodents and birds. The slender corn snake is brilliantly colored, nonvenomous and can grow up to 6 feet long. Add the fact that they don't mind too much being handled, and it's easy to see why the corn snake is such a popular choice of pet!
Do you know the soft-sounding name for this snake, which also goes by "water moccasin" and "gaper"?
Rex Lisman/Moment/Getty Images
Common cobra
Coachwhip snake
Chinese tree viper
Cottonmouth
The cottonmouth, or water moccasin, holds the distinction of being the world's only semiaquatic pit viper—all other vipers either live on land (terrestrial) or in trees (arboreal). The cottonmouth is also the only venomous water snake on the entire North American continent!
This shy snake from Western Australia likes feeding on house mice. Do you know its name?
Steve Tuckey By Youtube
Dugite
Down's tiger snake
Dwarf sand snake
Dog-toothed cat snake
Also known as the spotted brown snake, the dugite makes its home in and around urban and semirural areas in Western Australia. Although it is shy, the Dugite stays close to these inhabited areas since that is where it will find its favorite prey to feed on—house mice!
What is the name of this small, stout pit viper whose bite won't kill you, but might cause you to lose a finger or a toe?
R. Andrew Odum/photodisc/Getty Images
Dusky pygmy rattlesnake
Diamond python
Death adder
Desert kingsnake
The dusky pygmy rattlesnake can be found in southeastern regions of the United States. It is a venomous snake with a painful but not fatal bite. What makes the dusky pygmy rattlesnake more dangerous is that it is often confused with the similar-looking, harmless hognose snakes of the area.
Thanks to its color, this snake shares its name with a bright green, precious gem. Do you know what it is?
seng chye teo/Moment/Getty Images
Egyptian asp
Eastern racer
Egg-eater
Emerald tree boa
This nocturnal ambush predator lives in the South American rainforests where it feeds on lizards and small mammals. As the name hints, the emerald tree boa is very good at blending in with the foliage in which it lives. Its camouflage helps this boa to hide from its only known predator, the Guianan crested eagle.
The snake shown here makes its home in France, Switzerland, Spain and Italy. Can you say what its name is?
SystemaNaturae By Youtube
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake
European asp
Eastern brown snake
Egyptian cobra
Although the European asp can grow to lengths of up to 2 feet, they are often much smaller than this. It is native to the southwestern region of Europe and can live in a wide variety of the habitats found there. That includes in the Swiss Alps at altitudes of over 8,500 feet!
This venomous relative of the bushmaster is named for an interesting facial feature. Do you recognize it?
Brave Wilderness By Youtube
Equatorial spitting cobra
Eyelash viper
European smooth snake
The small and chunky eyelash viper is native to the forests of South and Central America. Its most distinguishing features are its "eyelashes" which are actually enlarged scales above each of its eyes. They act as camouflage, helping the snake's head to better blend in with the foliage around it.
Also known as the inland taipan, this is one of the most venomous snakes in the world! Do you dare name it?
Kamp Kenan Army By Youtube
Fox snake
Fea's viper
False water cobra
Fierce snake
Luckily, the fierce snake is not as dangerous as it is venomous. Although it is considered by some sources to be the most venomous snake on Earth, the fierce snake rarely gets a chance to prove it since it lives in isolated, semiarid areas of Australia.
Can you identify this broad-headed African snake which is said to be the largest of its kind?
viperkeeper By Youtube
Forest cobra
Fifty-pacer viper
Forsten's cat snake
False coral snake
The forest cobra lives in various habitats in central and western Africa but is most often found in bushy or wooded areas along the coast. As if the mere sight of this snake wasn't intimidating enough, it can make its already broad head even broader so as to ward off trouble!
This nonvenomous snake is named for an article of clothing and is Massachusetts' state reptile. Do you know it?
Clint's Reptiles By Youtube
Garter snake
Grand Canyon rattlesnake
Gray cat snake
The garter snake lives in habitats throughout most of North and Central America. It is rather common, often representing the highest population of snakes within any area where it is found. In fact, no other North American Snake is as widely distributed across the continent as the garter snake!
Do you know the name of this shiny snake which goes by the official name Arizona elegans?
KRGV By Youtube
Ground snake
Great Plains rat snake
Glossy snakes are native to the southwestern United States where they hunt mostly small lizards by night. These nonvenomous snakes vary in color according to the particular habitat in which they live. In some areas, the glossy snake is known as the faded snake.
Do you recognize this nonvenomous snake which can be found in sections of Europe and Asia?
British Herpetology By Youtube
Green anaconda
Golden tree snake
Gray-banded kingsnake
One way to identify the grass snake is by the distinctive yellow band behind its head. Its coloring allows it to blend in well with its surroundings, but if it is frightened or disturbed, you will definitely know it's there. It releases foul-smelling fluid from its anal glands as a means of defense!
You can tell by its name that this snake calls the mountains of South Asia home. Can you identify it?
VID NOW By Youtube
Himalayan keelback
Harlequin coral snake
Hime habu
The Himalayan keelback measures roughly 3 feet when fully grown and has a relatively long tail. It is also called the spotted keelback and the Himalayan mountain keelback. It can live at elevations of nearly 12,000 feet!
This snake from southwest Africa gets its name from the projections on its head. Do you know what it is called?
World's Greatest Animals By Youtube
Horseshoe pit viper
Hook-nosed sea snake
Herald snake
Horned puff adder
A prominent horn-like scale behind each of its eyes gives this snake the appearance of having horns. The horned puff adder is a type of viper. Its venom is not considered to be very dangerous but will cause anyone who is bitten to suffer a great deal of pain!
Can you identify this snake even though not all of the species are blue-black in color as their name suggests?
Wild Snakes By Youtube
Indian tree viper
Ikaheka snake
The indigo snake's range runs from the southwestern US through to South America. This large snake hunts for prey during the daytime and will often feed on birds, small mammals and amphibians. The indigo snake will also hunt lizards and other reptiles, even rattlesnakes!
This West Indian snake is sometimes called the yellow snake, but do you know its other name?
JCO2002 By Youtube
Jumping pit viper
Javan spitting cobra
Japanese striped snake
Jamaican boa
The Jamaican boa or yellow snake is a constrictor and relies on its strong muscles to squeeze and suffocate prey (mostly rats). It once thrived across the island but is now mainly located in the interior region known as the Cockpit Country.
This snake's name is a hint that it holds the title of largest venomous snake in the world! Do you know what it is?
Chandler's Wild Life By Youtube
Krait
Kukri snake
Khasi Hills keelback
India and Southeast Asia are home to the king cobra. Although most king cobras get to around 12 feet in length, there is at least one specimen which was confirmed to be 18 feet! This fearsome snake also goes by the name "hamadryad" which has the seemingly innocent meaning of "wood nymph."
This brightly colored snake is also called the parrot snake, but do you know its much simpler name?
SozoAquatics By Youtube
Lyre snake
Longnosed worm snake
Lancehead
The lora is found in the countries of Central and South America, including the West Indian island-country of Trinidad and Tobago. This mildly venomous snake is arboreal (lives in trees) and likes to hunt in the daytime. It feeds primarily on birds, lizards and frogs.
Can you name the stout-bodied snake shown here whose range extends from Ontario, Canada southward to Mexico?
Ryan M. Bolton By Youtube
Massasauga rattlesnake
McMahon's viper
Mojave Desert sidewinder
The Massasauga rattlesnake is a pit viper, and as such, it is both venomous and heat-seeking. Like all pit vipers, this snake has special heat sensors on the sides of its head which help it to accurately locate prey. It feeds mainly on small mammals and lizards but will also hunt and eat other snakes.
Do you know the name of this long and slender snake which also goes by the name "horsewhip" in some regions?
petreleslie By Youtube
Mountain adder
Madagascar tree boa
Mexican vine snake
Modest keelback
The Mexican vine snake earns its name by growing to over 6 feet long and having a very slender body. It perfects its vine-imitating disguise with its usually gray or brown coloring. The Mexican vine snake is considered to be only mildly venomous.
Do you recognize this primarily nocturnal snake whose range stretches from Canada to Mexico?
DiscoveryChannelInd By Youtube
Nubian spitting cobra
Northeastern hill krait
Northern tree snake
Night snake
The night snake can be found in dry, hot habitats such as deserts, grasslands and thorn forests. This relatively small snake looks somewhat like a viper and uses that fact to its advantage. When threatened, the snake will flatten its head, curl into a coil, and shake its tail just like a rattlesnake!
Although it is actually only gliding, the sight of this snake sailing through the air is still captivating! Can you name it?
Virginia Tech By Youtube
Okinawan Habu
Orange-collared keelback
Ornate flying snake
Olive sea snake
The ornate flying snake can cover over 300 feet as it glides from tree to tree or from tree to the ground. It has the special ability of flattening and curving its entire body so as to imitate a parachute as it falls. It also wiggles its body as it is flying, sort of like swimming in midair!
Can you name this snake from Mexico's western coast which has a prominent scale on its snout?
Brian Skalsky By Youtube
Pacific patchnose snake
Puerto Rican boa
Philippine cobra
Parrot snake
There are several types of patchnose snakes which can be found in regions of the western US and Mexico. This nonvenomous group is named for the thick curved scale which is clearly visible at the tip of the snake's snout.
Do you recognize this large snake which is considered to be the longest snake in the world?
drthik1 By Youtube
Rhombic night adder
Rough green snake
The reticulated python is a nonvenomous, powerful constrictor found in areas of South and Southeast Asia. Its most distinguishing feature is its bright net-like pattern outlined in black. It relies on this coloration to help it blend in with its surroundings in its native habitats.
Can you identify this type of garter snake which shares its name with a hair accessory?
Red-bellied black snake
Rainbow boa
Ribbon snake
The ribbon snake is a small and slender type of garter snake. Like other garter snakes, it has three colored lines running down its body—one on either side and a third one right down the center of its back. Its stripes, however, are much more pronounced than those of other garter snakes.
This snake from southern Africa is well known for its ability to spit venom at its prey. Do you recognize it?
Dingo Dinkelman By Youtube
Rungwe tree viper
River jack
Red diamond rattlesnake
Ringhals cobra
The ringhals cobra can accurately spit its venom into the eyes of an animal over 8 feet away! The venom has no effect if it lands on intact skin but can cause temporary blindness when it enters the prey's eyes. As a defense mechanism, the ringhals like to fool predators by playing dead.
The name of this nonvenomous snake pays homage to its bright red color. Can you figure out what it is?
Smooth green snake
Small-eyed snake
Scarlet king snake
Sand adder
The nonvenomous scarlet king snake has a similar coloration to the venomous coral snake and is often mistaken for it. The difference lies in the arrangement of their red, yellow and black bands. You can tell the two apart with the help of the popular saying, "Red on yellow kills a fellow. Red on black, venom lack"!
Do you recognize this Central African snake which is named for the spiky scales along its sides and back?
DAVIDSFEED By Youtube
Sri Lanka cat snake
San Francisco garter snake
Spiny bush viper
Southern hognose snake
The spiny bush viper is a relatively small venomous snake with a distinctly prickly appearance. While "spiny" might be the most appropriate name for this snake, it also goes by "rough-scaled bush viper" and "African hairy bush viper."
Leopards have spots but this snake is named for its resemblance to the feline with stripes! Do you know what it is called?
Tiger rattlesnake
Tic polonga
Trinket snake
Twig snake
The tiger rattlesnake is a terrestrial (land-dwelling), generally nocturnal snake. Its very toxic venom is effective on its prey which regularly consists of rodents and other small mammals. The tiger rattlesnake should not be confused with the similarly colored tiger snake of the cobra family.
Do you recognize this terrestrial South American snake which is sometimes called the wutu snake?
ita video By Youtube
Ursini's viper
Undulated pit viper
Urutu
Uracoan rattlesnake
The urutu lives in the forested areas of Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It is a large pit viper which can reach close to 7 feet long when fully grown. Although a bite from the urutu is not normally fatal, the snake is still considered to be very dangerous.
Despite its name, this snake from the cobra family is actually found across much of Australia. Do you recognize it?
robbiefishing By Youtube
White-lipped python
Wynaad keelback
Western brown snake
Wutu
Also known as the gwardar, the western brown snake is quick, venomous and aggressive when threatened. It typically feeds on small mammals and reptiles, such as rats and lizards but will also eat other snakes.
Can you name this snake which is widely distributed in tropical ocean waters?
Animals Wikipedia By Youtube
Yellow-lined palm viper
Yellow-bellied sea snake
Yellow-striped rat snake
Yellow cobra
The yellow-bellied sea snake can be found in most of the oceans of the tropics, especially the Pacific Ocean. It has, however, only been very rarely seen in the Atlantic Ocean. While it is extremely venomous, a bite from this snake is not usually fatal.
The Snake Quiz
The Snake Safety Quiz
Can You Identify These North American Predators From an Image?
What Part of the World Do These Lethal Snakes Live In?
The Official HowStuffWorks Snake Quiz
Can You Identify These Scaly Animals?
Can You Identify These Big Cats?
Can You Name All of These Animals That Start With Vowels?
Can You Identify These Australian Mammals?
See If You Can Identify These Four-Legged Creatures From an Image!
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Report from the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) as of 9PM AST on 13th September 2017
Thursday, September 14, 2017 — SYNOPSIS OF HURRICANE IRMA:
PRIORITY NEEDS:
Following the passage of Hurricane Irma, the impacted CDEMA Participating States are in need of emergency relief supplies. The following lists have been provided by each of the impacted State:
Water cases
Water bauser containers
Baby kits
A sector needs assessment is currently being conducted to prioritize restoration efforts
The Government aims to have critical sector services such as tourism, health and education functional within the next six (6) months.
Disposable wipes
Water treatment tablets
Containers for storage First aid kits
Dried goods
Sleeping cots
Towels Kitchen Utensils
Items for Infants/Babies
Dried/canned milk
Nappies (various sizes)
Women/Men Toiletries
Toothbrushes Toothpaste Deodorant
Shaving items for both men and women
Nails (assorted)
Screws (assorted)
Fishing pot wires
VIRGIN ISLANDS (UK)
Sat phones
EMT kits
Water jugs
Water purification tablets
Repeat antennae
Mobile repeaters
REGIONAL RESPONSE ACTIONS:
CDEMA Coordinating Unit
High Level mission to Anguilla, Barbuda and the British Virgin Islands (BVI) occurred on September 12-13, 2017 by Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer of CARICOM, Dr. Hon. Keith Mitchell, current Chair of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Grenada, Mr. Ronald Jackson, Executive Director of CDEMA and Captain (N) Errington Ricardo Shurland, Executive Director of the Regional Security System (RSS)
CDEMA in collaboration with Participating States, regional and international partners, has deployed over 90 response personnel to the impacted States and currently has teams in Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Virgin Islands (UK), and Turks Caicos Islands.
A 19 member CDRU team is in the Virgin Islands (UK) to establish communication systems and receive and distribute emergency relief supplies. The CDRU delivered 5 tons of relief supplies to Jost Van Dyke and supported the distribution of supplies in Tortola
RNAT teams undertook assessments on Tortola including support for schools assessment
The COST continues to provide support to the EOC in the Virgin Islands (UK) as well as the Turks and Caicos Islands
The CDAC team in Anguilla is concluding their assessments and RNAT teams are in the process of undertaking assessments in South Caicos, Grand Turk and Providenciales.
Regional Coordination
The Regional Security System (RSS) has facilitated the movement of relief supplies, personnel and equipment between Barbados, Anguilla, Antigua and Virgin Island (UK)
LIAT continues to support CDEMA’s effort to respond to the humanitarian needs of the people in the impacted countries. They continue to facilitate the transportation of response teams to the affected States
DART staff in Antigua, The Bahamas, and St. Martin continues to evaluate the priority needs of hurricane-affected households and meet with response stakeholders—including host country officials, Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) representatives, and USAID/OFDA partners.
Government of Guyana
Cabinet established a special Task Force to coordinate and spearhead the national response to the hurricane affected Caribbean islands; the Prime Minister has been identified as the Chair of this task Force
Cabinet has given commitment to donate US$50,000 to the CDEMA Emergency Assistance Fund, which has been established to facilitate receipt of financial resources being donated to the regional response efforts
The national response is being coordinated through the Civil Defence Commission and channeled through the CDEMA system which has been set up so as to avoid discrepancies and duplication of efforts.
Government of Grenada
The Government of Grenada has donated a substantial container of water to the Government and people of Anguilla
Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines
The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has made a financial pledge to the Government and people of the British Virgin Islands following the devastating impact from Hurricane Irma
CCRIF
Payments from CCRIF SPC totaling approximately US$29.6 million to the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, St. Kitts and Nevis, Turks and Caicos Islands, Haiti and The Bahamas on their Tropical Cyclone (TC) insurance policies that they hold with CCRIF.
Providing emergency telecommunications support in the Turks and Caicos Islands
INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTIONS UPDATES:
The following updates seek to capture information which has been provided by our partners, with a focus on the most significantly affected CDEMA Participating States.
Anguilla, British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands
British Red Cross appeal open for Anguilla, British Virgin Islands, and Turks & Caicos. The UK Government will match public donations to the British Red Cross appeal. The three affected branches prepared for the hurricane by activating their contingency plans and checklists. They are coordinating with their governments. The British Red Cross is monitoring the situation, and is deploying two Psychosocial Support Team members and 6 emergency response team members to the affected areas. However, airport access remains unclear so it is not possible to give an arrival date in country at this time.
International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
Antigua and Barbuda and St.Kitts and Nevis
In the upcoming days, 3 additional RITs will be deployed: 1 general RIT (St Kitts and Nevis), 1 psychosocial support (Antigua & Barbuda), 1 CTP (Antigua & Barbuda), as well 1 FACT for shelter (Antigua & Barbuda). Pre-positioning of non-food items ongoing for following Red Cross National Societies: Antigua and Barbuda, St Kitts and Nevis. IFRC is also sharing key messages to the affected population and with Red Cross National Societies. At least 7 surge staff currently deployed. On 12 September, 2 specialists in cash transfer will be deployed (1 Regional Intervention Team member – RIT to St Kitts and Nevis, and a Spanish Red Cross delegate to Antigua & Barbuda). Emergency Appeal for Antigua & Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis, CHF 1,128,171
Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO)
In Anguilla, the health center has been assessed.
Two (2) experts deployed to Antigua and Barbuda
Detailed assessment of the hospital/health center´s infrastructure in Barbuda has been carried out.
Carried out assessments of clinics Ragged and Acklins islands.
St. Kitts and Nevis Red Cross Society
The Saint Kitts and Nevis Red Cross Society (SKNRCS) is conducting rapid damage assessments. Red Cross volunteers will work alongside the community to reduce the risk of epidemic outbreaks. Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) continues active to coordinate relief activities. AECID has contributed EUR 10,000 to the replenishment of the initial DREF allocated to St. Kitts and Nevis. IFRC is deploying surge support to the islands to support assessments (cash transfer programming).
Team Rubicon UK / Serve On
Antigua - light assessment team of 11, USAR, communication and generator capability, self-sufficient.
Light assessment team of 7, USAR, damage impact, water filtration capability (3600 litres/day) self-sufficient. Working with BVI DDM to complete assessments.
Light assessment team of 5 with communications capability.
USAID/OFDA
On September 11, members of the USAID regional USAID regional Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) met with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda National Office of Disaster Services (NODS) to discuss the response to Hurricane Irma.
DART staff in Antigua continues to meet with response stakeholders—including USAID/OFDA partner ABRCS—to evaluate the priority needs of hurricane-affected households and coordinate response efforts. To date, USAID/OFDA has provided $100,000 to ABRCS to assist approximately 1,000 hurricane-affected people in Antigua and Barbuda.
Two USAID/OFDA staff arrived in Nassau, The Bahamas, on September 11. The team is meeting with staff at NEMA and at the U.S. Embassy in Nassau to discuss response efforts and to prepare for planned airlifts of USAID/OFDA commodities due to arrive in The Bahamas in the coming days. In addition, USAID/OFDA is supporting the Bahamas Red Cross Society to provide emergency relief items to approximately 3,000 hurricane-affected Bahamians.
UNITED NATIONS (UN) AGENCIES
International Organisation for Migration (IOM)
Advice on actions aimed to reduce the risk of GBV occurring in the displacement settings.
United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC)
They are working with the CDEMA both at the Headquarters in Barbados and at the field level with assessments and coordination.
Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Turks and Caicos Islands and Virgin Islands (UK)
5 staff members deployed to Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Turks and Caicos Islands and British Virgin Islands to undertake assessments particularly focusing on child protection and education sector management, water and sanitation, shelter management, communication for development needs and planning for psychosocial support of children start-up. Rapid Needs Assessment Tool has also been developed and shared with deployed colleagues to facilitate data gathering and sharing.
Psychosocial support program for children Return to Happiness starting on 14 September for Barbudan children in Antigua.
Supplies pre-positioned in Antigua being distributed and pre-positioned supplies in Barbados in process for dispatch to Antigua for onward distribution in Anguilla, BVI and TCI. Supplies currently available for distribution: 7 tents (72 sq. m), 2 tents (42 sq. m), 90 School-in-a-box kits, 16 Recreation kits, 300 School bags (back packs), 645 Dignity and Family Hygiene Kits, 20 ECD Kits, 14 Recreational Kits, 238 ORS, 2,080 Water Purification tablets. Supplies to be ordered for distribution include: 69 1000 litre water tanks, 193 ECD Kits, 309 School-in-a-box kits, 135 Recreation kits, and 69 tents.
Start-up of UNICEF Coordination Office Hub in Antigua to better facilitate our response and coordination with other development partners has also commenced.
Gender specialist carrying out assessments (VI)
Distribute 20MT of High Energy Biscuits
CDEMA continues to monitor the system and provide updates as necessary.
CONTACT DETAILS: The CDEMA CU 24-hour contact number 1(246) 434-4880
Full CDEMA Situation Report No. 6 Attached.
Video of Barbuda Evacuation: Courtesy of ABS Television Radio
OECS Member States Rally Together in the Wake of Hurricane Irma
OECS Press Conference on Hurricane Irma - Saint Lucia 1pm, 8th Sep 17 (AST)
CDEMA-Situation-Report-_-6.pdf 1 MB pdf
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Being your best you - the psychology behind why diets don't work
The word diet is derived from the Greek word 'diaita', which means 'way of life'. But sadly it's been so abused over the past 50 years, that it's now related to food fads for losing weight! A term that now leads us to believe that if we're on a diet, you can be your best you. Low fat, Cambridge, restricted calories, the cabbage diet. Fads we've all been led down a garden path with.
For those of you who read my previous post, you'll already know my feelings about 'diets'. The truth is, they don't work. Fact. And I can guarantee that there's many others out there who agree with my stance on this too.
So, before we delve into the ins and outs of why diets don't work, let's take a second to determine what is actually meant by 'diet'.
And this is where the problem lies. Because 'diets' come with built-in endpoints and target weights that, once achieved, people then use to justify abandoning the diet altogether. "Great! I've reached my target weight, I'm going to start eating normally again." And then boom! Before we know it, we've started to relax back into old habits, the weight's creeping back on and we're back to where we started...square one. Miserable, overweight and looking for a quick solution (diet) to help shift those pounds. Vicious circle.
What's more, it's proven that 95% of those who are on a diet regain the weight they lost (and more) within a year of giving it up.
And yes okay, there are some 'diets' out there that are prescribed for medical reasons (for example those in place to control diabetes) - but these are necessary diets and act as healthy motivation to stick to it - because let's face it, you have to. It's fundamentally a matter of life or death if you don't.
Why diets don't work
Perhaps one of the biggest factors is the psychology behind the word diet. That in itself is enough to put you off. Because the term 'diet' is associated with giving things up. It's associated with not being able to eat the things you enjoy. It's about restriction. The Diabetes Council reiterate this point by explaining that, "when people decide to go on a diet they automatically feel like they are depriving themselves and their bodies of foods they want." And because of this, eventually the diet fails. We scare ourselves into believing that we'll never again be able to have that little luxury or that we'll never be able to sustain and maintain it - we've essentially failed before we've even begun. We focus on what we're giving up rather than what we're gaining from it. We spend far too much time worrying about it before we've even started, and then probably don't even start it because we've talked ourselves out of doing it in fear of missing out on things. The fact of the matter is, we're already miserable before we even start the diet and so we convince ourselves we're going to be even more miserable because we can't have this, that or the other. And that to me is the crux of why diets don't work.
Next up then is unrealistic expectations. According to BBC Health, "research suggests that the reason so many of us relapse and fail on diets is because we have unrealistic expectations." We set ourselves goals and targets way out of our reach and expect to see immediate results. But again, this is what we've all been led to believe is the correct path of thinking. Psychology - see. BBC Health go on to explain that this, in part, is "the fault of the experts because the advice they give us is flawed." - we're told that we need to do this or be that. They're setting us up for failure before we've even started. In reality, we need to be setting goals for what's right for us as individuals. And we shouldn't be putting pressure on ourselves to achieve it in a certain amount of time. Because we end up loathing what we're doing and end up convincing ourselves that we're going to be miserable and fail and we end up right back to my first point. It's just a complete vicious circle of psychological fear and self-doubt.
Ian Marber, Expert Nutritionist for the Telegraph reported how XLS Medical Group conducted a study, which found that 34% of Brits alone say they've failed every single diet they've ever been on. I mean if you need much more evidence to support the fact that diets don't work - I'd say it's right there. Alarmingly though, those dieters apportion self-blame to their lack of weight loss success and add that feeling of being a failure to their issues and concerns about their weight.
The psychological impact of this is shocking. Because we've been led to believe that not achieving our targets in a certain time makes us a failure. No it doesn't. There are so many factors to take into consideration here - a) we've probably reached a weight loss plateau and our bodies don't want to lose anymore weight b) we're retaining water weight c) hormones - I could go on for the entire alphabet. The point I'm trying to make though is that the psychology of a diet is harmful and it's dangerous - not just to our well being but to our mental state as well. It makes us feel things about ourselves that are in no way true. And yet we've been led to believe that it's right and that we are a failure if we don't get to where we want to be. Psychologist Jane Warble reinforces this point in that "the terrible internal conflicts as a result of food restraint is a source of continual stress. All dieters score incredibly highly on measures of emotional agitation and are more likely to show impaired mental performance."
Still on the diet track, but slightly off-piste for this one is weight loss drinks. Many people on diets have been told that they should take meal replacement drinks in order to help them lose weight. Who made us believe it? You guessed it. The multi-million pound diet industry that over promises and under delivers. Using the power of psychology, the weight loss giants reach out to us in our most vulnerable state and promise that their products will deliver the results you want and fast. Not true. In fact, they categorically don't work because of all the artificial sweeteners they pump in to make them "taste good". It's these ingredients that then cause our insulin to spike, triggering our bodies to reaction to burn sugar (carbs) over fat. Resulting in limited weight loss, very frustrated dieters and a very rich industry! There are so many more reasons why these products don't work - if you're keen to find out more then be sure to read this post!
However, all is not lost. Because there is a natural weight loss drink, SlimShotz that's just been launched into the UK market - and better yet it's proven - yes proven, to help us lose weight. And it's all down to one magic ingredient - Glucomannan (or Gluco-K as we like to refer to it as). Sparked your interest now haven't I? Our latest post reveals more about this new hero product and the magic behind Gluco-K - check it out and see for yourself.
I'll end this section with this final point. Diets are a short term fix, unless we're talking about the original meaning 'way of life'. They're not designed to be sustainable. That's why they don't work. Why else would the likes of Slimming World and Weight Watchers still be going? they trick us into believing they'll take us on a journey of weight loss success. Which, granted is true for a short while, but once we've reached that goal and are left to it, chances are we're not going to keep it up and eventually we'll fall off the wagon (stats have proven this by the way so I'm not telling porkies!), regaining all those lost pounds and ending up where we started...back at Weight Watchers!
Being your best you
So, being your best you - what on earth does that even mean? Firstly, let me tell you what it doesn't mean. It doesn't mean punishing ourselves with a strict diet regime and setting unrealistic and unachievable targets - because as we've already alluded to, these don't work. And they certainly don't contribute towards you being your best you. True - they can make us feel good for a short period of time, but that's the key right there. Short period of time.
Being your best you is about taking care of what's on the inside as well as the outside. It's about feeling good within ourselves and our internal happiness that ultimately impacts how we feel on the outside. It means taking more than just our diet into consideration. It's about being aware of all contributing factors including our environment and lifestyle. It's about making changes for the better and for the long term. It's about setting realistic goals and being happy within ourselves because we can see the changes and they are sustainable. It's about adopting a lifestyle that works for you and with you. A lifestyle that brings good health, wellbeing, longevity and happiness. That ultimately allows you to be your best you. Because it's sustainable, it's a long term achievement and most importantly - it's enjoyable.
Living Primally
Perhaps one of the most successful lifestyles that we can adopt is that of our primal ancestors. There are a number of variations of there - Paleo, Keto and Primal. In essence, they're all based around the same principles and foundations of leading a life in which nature and evolution intended us to. It's about adopting a lifestyle that realigns the way we live and eat, with that which our bodies are designed.
The philosophy of the Primal lifestyle emphasises that it's not just our eating habits that we need to pay attention to, it's also our lifestyle and environment too. Concentrating on three distinctive areas of our life that we need to consider as opposed to just what we eat.
And this is what separates a lifestyle from a diet. Not only is it a long term success, it's also a great way to manage our weight whilst adopting a happier and healthier approach to living. And the psychological benefits of that far outweigh those associated with a diet any day of the week in my eyes. Sound of body, sound of mind equates to longevity, optimal health and overall happiness.
If you're keen to lose a bit of weight or just want to live a healthier lifestyle, why not read more about the primal movement and how it all began? You'll be wondering why you didn't start it sooner once you've finished...primal promise!
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— Mar 13th, 1996
FELONY ARRESTS
This is a list of people arrested for felony criminal activity. Due to state law, the list is incomplete. Arresting agencies: KCSO, Kitsap County Sheriff; BPD, Bremerton Police; BIPD, Bainbridge Island Police; POPD, Port Orchard Police; PPD, Poulsbo Police; WSP, Washington State Patrol.
* Thursday, March 7
Richard Wayne Lewis, 22, 103 N. Wycoff, Bremerton, BPD; taking a motor vehicle w/o permission.
Michael Monroe Alvarez, 24, 802 Naval Ave., Bremerton, BPD; first degree assault, taking a motor vehicle without owner's permission and elude.
* Friday, March 8
Ronald Ray Roe, 30, 1114 Dill Way, Navy Yard City, Bremerton, KCSO; second degree burglary, driving while license suspended.
* Saturday, March 9
Bradley James Mickelson, 41, 7410 Old Military Road NE, #31, Bremerton, KCSO; second degree assault, violation, firearms.
Donald Leslie Cole, 854-A Callahan Drive, Bremerton, WSP; controlled substance act violation, driving while license suspended or revoked.
* Sunday, March 10
Chris Brian Richardson, 20, 1007 1/2 Burwell Ave. Apt. 8, Bremerton, BPD; first degree burglary.
Phillip E. Tomes, 19, 1004 H St., Apt. 4, Bremerton, BPD; first degree burglary.
Samuel David Bassett, 20, Puyallup, BPD; firearms, controlled substance act violation.
Paul James Owen, 25, 2049 North Lake Way, Bremerton, KCSO; possession of a controlled substance.
* Monday, March 11
Tami Melinda Gregg, 27, Seattle, KCSO; controlled substance act violation.
Janeen Christine Augustine, 28, Tukwila, KCSO; controlled substance act violation.
* Tuesday, March 12
Christina Lynn Michaud, 18, 704 12th St., Apt. 20, Bremerton.; first degree burglary.
Items in Police Blotter are 10-20 percent of the total incidents investigated by area police agencies and are chosen for their significance. Space constraints prevent reporting them all.
Kitsap County Sheriff
2:48 a.m., theft of vehicle, 7400 block of State Highway 3.
6:14 a.m., burglary, 10000 block of SW Barney White Road.
7:28 a.m., burglary, 8800 block of Quail Ridge Road SW.
7:53 a.m., malicious mischief, 7800 block of NE Seawind Ave.
8:08 a.m., prowler, 3500 block of Cedar Grove Ave. NE.
8:52 a.m., burglary, 5700 block of Imperial Way SW.
9:11 a.m. assault, 1900 block of Hoover Ave. SE.
10:02 a.m., robbery, 2300 block of NW Finn Hill Road.
10:04 a.m., assault, 7000 block of Stampede Blvd. NW.
10:24 a.m., malicious mischief, 4500 block of Harper Hill Road SE.
10:34 a.m., burglary, 600 block of SE Pine Road.
11:43 a.m., domestic violence, 3900 block of Erlands Point Road.
11:59 a.m., malicious mischief, 4600 block of W. Sherman Heights Road.
12:02 p.m., domestic violence, 3600 block of SE Buckingham Drive.
12:25 p.m., malicious mischief, 23000 block of Indianola Road.
12:27 p.m., burglary, 2600 block of E. First St.
12:35 p.m., protection order violation, 3400 block of SW Christmas Tree Lane.
1:04 p.m., sex offense, no address.
2:19 p.m., burglary, 7900 block of NE Double Hitch Court.
2:50 p.m., domestic violence, 27000 block of Frodesen Circle.
3:01 p.m., malicious mischief, 33000 block of Hoffman Road.
4:51 p.m., burglary, 6700 block of NE Fern St.
6:08 p.m., child abuse, Waghorn Road area.
6:21 p.m., sex offense, Conifer Park Drive area.
6:29 p.m., burglary, 12300 block of Silverdale Way.
6:55 p.m., reckless driving, 3300 block of SE Navigation Lane.
7:58 p.m., malicious mischief, 9500 block of Olson Road NW.
8:01 p.m., burglary, 2400 block of NE Sylvan Way.
8:09 p.m., domestic violence, 5300 block of SE Bulman Ave.
8:11 p.m., domestic violence, 6500 block of Clover Valley Road.
9:28 p.m., malicious mischief, 3300 block of Valentine Lane.
Bremerton Police
1:27 a.m., assault, 4900 block of Kitsap Way.
2:58 a.m., burglary, 400 block of 11th St. Place.
7:59 a.m., malicious mischief, 800 block of 11th St.
12:46 p.m., burglary, 400 block of Willow St.
3:14 p.m., stabbing, 1300 block of E. 30th St.
4:05 p.m., assault, 4900 block of Auto Center Way.
4:30 p.m., sex offense, Russell Road area.
4:43 p.m., burglary, 1700 block of Fourth St.
6:19 p.m., 2300 block of Holman St.
6:46 p.m., assault, 2600 block of 15th St.
6:55 p.m., domestic violence, 1700 block of Sheridan Road.
7:20 p.m., burglary, 1700 block of Winfield Ave.
This is a list of people arrested for felony criminal activity. Because of a state law limiting the information law enforcement agencies can release. the list is incomplete. Arresting agencies: KCSO, Kitsap County Sheriff; BPD, Bremerton Police; BIPD, Bainbridge Island Police; POPD, Port ... [Read More...]
FELONY ARRESTS This is a list of people arrested for felony criminal activity. (Charges actually filed are sometimes changed from the charge at arrest.) Because of a state law limiting the information law enforcement agencies can release, the list is incomplete. Arresting agencies: ... [Read More...]
FELONY ARRESTS This is a list of people arrested for felony criminal activity. Because of a state law limiting the information law enforcement agencies can release. the list is incomplete. Arresting agencies: KCSO, Kitsap County Sheriff; BPD, Bremerton Police; BIPD, Bainbridge Island Police; ... [Read More...]
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Insight Ron Lechien Weighs In
July 13, 2011 2:00pm
Insight: Ron Lechien Weighs In
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Yesterday the Racer X Online crew weighed in with predictions for the 450 class of Lucas Oil AMA Pro Motocross, but seriously, what do we know? Most of our crew only knows how to watch races and type, which doesn’t give them much experience (Ping has actually been-there-done-that but let’s keep that secret. He’ll want another jet and more tubs of ice cream).
To help make sense of this season, we’re talking to Ron Lechien, one of the few men walking the earth with wins in every major division of this sport—AMA Supercross, and AMA MX Nationals in the 125, 250 and 500 class. What does the 1985 125 National Champion and two-time Motocross des Nations Champion XDN champion think of the 250 and 450 title chases? Here we go!
The Dogger still rippin!
Photo Courtesy JT Racing
Chad Reed: Well right now with six races left in both classes, I like Reed’s chances in the 450s. He’s definitely been great, I’ve been really impressed with Reed. I didn’t think he had that in him, he seems to be smart in the motos and is really consistent. I still don’t think we’ve seen the full potential of Ryan Villopoto, he was sick in the beginning and had a couple bad motos. I think that we’re still going to see more from him. If he gets on a roll, it could be over. I missed the second motos last week but I understand he worked them good.
I think if you’re Reed, you have to pay attention to the points lead, I’m sure he has that in his mind and there’s no way you can do something dumb and lose it. You have to try and get the wins the best way you can but you have to still think about the championship. I would think so anyways. It’s tough because the worst any of these guys can do is third unless disaster strikes. If Reed can keep getting thirds at worst, it’s going to come down to the end and Reed will have the points. I didn’t think he could run those guys speed, I figured he could run with Dungey somewhat but I wasn’t sure about Villopoto.
Ryan Villopoto: I think Villopoto has those guys covered in pure speed but it’s going to depend on the tracks coming up. I think Ryan has the tracks that are rutty down a little better than the other two whereas on the hard packed ones, Dungey’s pretty good. It looked like at Texas though Dungey had those guys covered and it was pretty sandy, so who knows?
What I’m thinking is if he gets a little momentum going, he’s going to have to win almost all the way out unless Ryan Dungey can get in there and mix up the points.
Villopoto has the pure speed.
Photo: Andrew Fredrickson
Ryan Dungey: I’ve seen that some lappers have screwed Dungey here and there but that’s sort of his own deal. He’s got to get a little more aggressive and get those guys out of the way. He gets some speed going and catches up to Reed, get’s on a roll but catches up to lappers and he puts himself in the wrong position and gets screwed. That’s stupid to do, spend all that time working hard at closing the gap up and then let some guy that’s a lap down mess you up and lose momentum.
I also think that those two guys (Dungey and Villopoto) didn’t come out to their full potential right away out of the gate and now, here we are in the middle of the season and Dungey’s getting closer. He had them handled in Texas but had problems. He’s been unlucky and put himself in bad positions in my opinion.
The Others: As far as the rest of the class, Davi Millsaps has surprised me with some good rides. In the past once it’s gotten hot, he hasn’t done much. It’s good to see him up there and getting some podiums. (Brett) Metcalfe is hanging in there. If Trey (Canard) can come back and mix up the top three, that’s going to be a big thing right there. I’ve never seen him ride a 450 outdoors but we saw from supercross that he’s got something for those guys. Not at first but there’s six rounds left and give him a couple of rounds and I think he’ll be right in there. He could be the spoiler. And he’s got to be on Reed’s side right because he’s on a factory Honda.
250 Class:
Blake Baggett: I’m leaning toward Baggett right now, he’s got the ball rolling and has some steam behind him. I think he knows he’s faster than those guys and that’s a big plus also. He’s had a couple of crashes but he’s coming from the back and going by those guys and leaving them. If he can stay consistent and stay away from those mistakes, he’s going to win this championship. Unless something big happens and we’ve all seen that before!
Baggett charging at RedBud.
In that class when you get confidence and you have that bike, you can really run with it. Those guys seem to be inconsistent week to week. Also, Baggett doesn’t weigh much, he’s a little guy and that could be a big thing. The last moto I watched at RedBud, he was impressive. He got up on Dean and just left him, checked out. He looks like he would be a good mud or rut rider as well even though he’s a SoCal guy.
Blake seems to have a good program also working with Aldon (Baker) right now. I’m sure Wilson’s training hard, too, but it looks like Baggett’s got a little extra in the tank than the other guys.
Dean Wilson: I like Wilson, I like his style and I thought at the end of last year he would be the guy but it seems that Baggett’s got him right now. Maybe it is that Blake’s a little smaller? I’m not sure, what do they say- every ten pounds is a horsepower? Well that could mean something also in that class.
Could the 250 be too small for Dean Wilson?
Tyla Rattray: I don’t think Rattray has the speed of the other guys. I think he’s the third place guy right now, which isn’t bad, he’s got the rest of the class covered unless Eli Tomac steps it up. It’s surprising to me that Tomac hasn’t been better this outdoor season. I hardly ever see Eli even up there. (Justin) Barcia’s got the holeshots but he’s such a yard sale. He’s lucky the way he landed there at RedBud that he didn’t break his ribs or something like that. I’m thinking his shoulder went in and it looked like a cracked rib to me!
Ever since Vegas SX, Barcia has been a bit off and seems to throw it away every single week. He’s like me from supercross in ’85. He could back it down a bit and win the race but he wants to show everyone how bad-ass he is and it’s costing him the race. He’s shooting himself in the foot. In 1985, I was getting the starts and was way faster than anyone else. I wanted to beat them by a mile not five seconds. I can count all the points I threw away and I lost it by five or something. I just threw points in the trashcan!
Spring Creek Pre-Entry List Wed Jul 13 1:50pm
Racer X Films: Rear Tire Change Wed Jul 13 2:45pm
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Tag Archives: Havant
Ten years of community radio in the UK
Community radio, which offers thousands of volunteers the chance to get involved in broadcasting across the UK, is now ten years old.
The last decade has seen the number of community radio stations increase from just a handful to more than 230 stations, each reflecting the local needs and interests of its audience.
Community radio is a not-for-profit sector, largely run by an army of 20,000 dedicated volunteers, who collectively work for around 2.5 million hours every year to bring original programming and locally-made content to listeners around the country.
Stations usually broadcast to everyone in a geographical area, but around a third tailor their output to serve a particular community– such as older people, or an ethnic or religious group.
Community radio stations typically cover a 5km radius, broadcasting on average 93 hours a week of original output. Many reflect a diverse mix of cultures and interests in their region. Stations also work within their community to offer a range of benefits such as training opportunities, work experience, local news and information resources.
Susan Williams, Community Radio Manager at Ofcom, said: “Community Radio stations have deep-rooted connections in their communities. Local people run these stations, producing content to inform and entertain their local community and offering real benefits like radio training.
“In ten years we’ve seen the sector grow in popularity, with large numbers of volunteers continuing to be involved and stations becoming a central part of communities up and down the country.”
Ofcom launched the first phase of community radio licensing back in September 2004 and received 200 applications for the firs t licences. The first station to launch after this was The Eye in Melton Mowbray, which was recently honoured for its long-standing contribution to its local community.
The Eye has doubled its workforce in 10 years, with all staff volunteering their time. Other stations reaching their 10-year milestone in the coming weeks include Unity 101 in Southampton, Awaz FM in Glasgow, Angel Radio in Havant, Cross Rhythms City Radio in Stoke on Trent, and GTFM in Pontypridd.
Earlier this year Ofcom began trialling a new technological approach which could provide a more affordable way for smaller stations to broadcast on DAB digital radio, ensuring UK listeners could benefit from hundreds more local and community radio stations in the future.
106.9 SFMAngel RadioAwaz FMcommunity radioCommunity Radio ManagerCross Rhythms City RadioDAB digital radioenglandglasgowGTFMHavantjason mccrossankentofcomPontypriddsittingbourneSouthamptonStoke on TrentThe EyeUnity 101
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Science and Cultural Theory
The Heavens on Earth: Observatories and Astronomy in Nineteenth-Century Science and Culture
David Aubin
David Aubin is Professor of History of Science at the Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, and a member of the Institut de Mathématiques de Jussieu.
Charlotte Bigg is a research scientist at the Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (Centre Alexandre Koyré, Paris).
H. Otto Sibum is Hans Rausing Professor of History of Science and Director of the Office for History of Science at Uppsala University in Sweden.
Charlotte Bigg
H. Otto Sibum
Even the Tools Will Be Free: Humboldt's Romantic Technologies
John Tresch
John Tresch, 2010. "Even the Tools Will Be Free: Humboldt's Romantic Technologies", The Heavens on Earth: Observatories and Astronomy in Nineteenth-Century Science and Culture, David Aubin, Charlotte Bigg, H. Otto Sibum
Looking Awry Žižek’s Ridiculous Sublime
Conclusion Avant-Gardes, Revolutions, and Aesthetics
Natural History Toward a Politics of Crisis
Duel over the Son Herbert Maisch’s Friedrich Schiller–Triumph of a Genius
Ruination and Revolution
Afterword to the English-Language Edition (2002)
The Common Sense Sublime
The Liar as Scapegoat Rationality and Unanimity
From Nomos to Nomad Kant, Deleuze, and Rancière on Sensation
Presentation beyond Representation Kant and the Limits of Discursive Understanding
Political Essay on the Island of Cuba: A Critical Edition
The Life of a Nomad and a World Citizen: Alexander von Humboldt, Nomadic Knowledge, and the Global Landscapes of Theory
Humboldt Revisited: Liberal Education, University Reform, and the Opposition to the Neoliberal University
The Meaning of Unification for German History and Historiography: An Introduction
Minding the Gap: Toward a Historical Poetics of Estrangement
Interest Conflicts
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Title: The law of the Church - the law of freedom
Authors: Pastwa, Andrzej
Keywords: religious freedom; law of Church; Dignitatis Humanae; freedom; law
Citation: "Ecumeny and Law" Vol. 4 (2016), s. 105-125
Abstract: What is the point in posing a question about religious freedom in the bosom of the very Church? (Péter Erdö) — this rhetorical question, which constitutes the structure of this study, directs the thought toward one of the most important documents of Vatican II. In the famous declaration Dignitatis Humanae the Council Fathers clearly implied that the key principle libertas religiosa is, in its essence, an affirmation of God’s gift of human freedom and dignity. “Church law is, first and foremost, lex libertatis” — Benedict XVI proclaims nowadays, giving this speech a par excellence personalistic context. The Church’s legal order cannot be, by the means of any measure, brought down to a set of isolated, autonomous regulations, which promulgated: officially valid and effective, should be perceived — invariably — as binding. Such reasoning, contaminated with a legal positivism, would introduce, in an obvious way, a disparity between law and life, and as a consequence it would radically deny the possibility of an anthropological foundation of the law. Whereas ius is the internal structural dimension of Church’s communion, the religious freedom and the integral live message depositum fidei, closely related with it, constitute fundamental principles of the Church’s legal order. What proves clear here is the fact that both categories, Ecclesia iuris and libertas religiosa, remain in a synergic relationship. The remarks offered in this study, although embedded in ecclesiological doctrine of the Catholic Church, have their ecumenical dimension. Indeed it is true that every genuinely Christian activity is at the same time ecumenical: aims at unity given and pre-defined by Christ. Completely authorized, after the Second Vatican Council, affirming of the ecclesiastic character of Churches and Christian communities means that the law of this communities constitutes legitimum ius ecclesiale, and what follows from it — every baptized individual is a rightful subject of Christian activity, which he should develop in his own religious homeland, as a part of own autonomous legal order, which remains the unchangeable Church’s order of freedom.
Appears in Collections: Artykuły (W.Teol)
Pastwa_the_law_of_the_church.pdf 315,35 kB Adobe PDF View/Open
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Ryan Williams is having a rough week
Posted by Josh Alper on September 20, 2012, 9:30 AM EDT
Cardinals running back Ryan Williams had to wait a full year to start his NFL career after a serious knee injury in 2011 and things haven’t gone exactly as planned.
Williams has fumbled in each of his first two games, including a turnover late in the win over the Patriots that almost allowed New England to steal a victory. Darren Urban of the Cardinals website reports that Williams turned off his phone after the game on Sunday to give himself some privacy, but turning it back on brought bad news on Monday. Williams’ grandfather died, which puts a fumble into perspective without taking away any of the lingering pain.
Williams also admitted to Urban that he doesn’t totally trust his knee after so much time off the field. He’s not playing as fast or instinctively as he would like because he’s still worried about re-injuring himself during a game. Williams vowed to get things on track after the rough start to the year.
“It’s been a lot but the past couple of days, they’ve got to be gone and they will be gone. For me to be me, I can’t play like that,” Williams said. “This team expects a lot out of me. We’ve got good teams coming up and a lot of plays need to be made and they need to be made out of the backfield. I’m going to get it done. I’m going to get it done.”
The Cardinals haven’t gotten much out of their running game in their two victories to open the season. Getting Williams and/or Beanie Wells rolling would give the team a much better chance of building on their strong start because it looks like they have the kind of defense that will take care of things on their end.
12 responses to “Ryan Williams is having a rough week”
Sure is great team-building foresight by the Cards, keep using those high draft picks to take more RBs year after year, instead of wasting them on offensive linemen! What good are they, anyway? ….hey, how’s that Tim Hightower doing?
chademer07 says:
When was the last time the cards had a solid run game? Hopefully he keeps his head in the game, once you lose your focus and confidence sometimes you never get it back, hes gotta stop thinking and just run.
eaglesnoles05 says:
Here’s hoping that every single player and coach who was in philly last year remembers VERY clearly what it was like to lose that ARZ game at home this year. I don’t care that ARZ is better this year, and they are. The Eagles need to roll these guys.
gochargersgo says:
I went to school with this kid at Virginia Tech. Hes a great guy and very talented, im sure hell get it all together at some point.
lscore says:
Plus, the Cards drafted three O-linemen this year, one of whom is starting at right tackle.
truths4all says:
Its the Battle of Philly QBs!
Will Vick stop being Vick in order for his team to win? After showing they know how to control Wilson running out of the pocket, can the Cards again keep Vick under control?
Will Kolb continue to control his inner demons of happy feet, too quick and incomplete reads, and poor passing decisions? (Oh wait, that is also TRUE of Vick!) Will Kolb’s faint familiarity with Philly give him the edge he needs to execute his part of the Offense?
If these QBs wash out each other, the edge goes to the Cards Defense who are really playing HUNGRY! and want to go 3-0.
clssylssy says:
Let’s FLY HIGH CARDS AND PROTECT THE NEST!
This is one of the most talented and exciting team in the league and should be able to send Andy’s Philly birds packing if they stay focused and use that killer defense to role Vick! Remember what Larry says: “FFF”…Get’R’ Done!
The run game will come…Whiz still has a few surprises in his bag of tricks!
Condolences to Ryan Williams on the loss of his grandfather, Take your time, you will be fine and we still believe in you!
tsizzlehotpiss says:
Your typical Virginia Tech bust of an offensive player.
richndc says:
I heard the only way they are getting Vick to play well is to give him some collie puppies to strangle with his hands before each game. But, they are scared to death of getting caught, so its all on the DL.
omniscient48 says:
William Powell is their best running back. I have no idea why the Cardinals are not playing him, other than it makes them look like fools for drafting Beanie and illiams.
coltsluckdynasty says:
I’m putting security guards around Andy Reid at all times. If he even gets close to the management office, have him escorted back to the sideline as quickly as possible.. But wait, I have this player that is really worth a couple of picks, just hear me out! I just have a feeling the eagles are going to leave a player behind, and go home with a couple of draft picks…
mittywalter says:
Tim Hightower was a fifth round pick and was pivotal in the Cardinals run to the Super Bowl.
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A Ghost Story (2017)
Posted on June 4, 2017 June 4, 2017 By AntBit
The horror genre, to which ghost stories conventionally belong, is all about particulars. This is why the titles of so many horror films begin with the definite article. After all, a thing is not menacing until it becomes The Thing, and where an article-free Shining might sound like an uplifting comedy of the everyday, The Shining sounds like something – some very particular, peculiar thing – that is filled with all the foreboding of specificity. So you need know nothing more about David Lowery’s A Ghost Story than what it is called to have a good idea that it will not be like the other haunted house movies. For it is not making any bold claims to be the ghost story, but rather just one amongst many. Indeed, once its narrative is underway, it becomes clear that there is another, similar story unfolding next door, and maybe others too – all over the place and in parallel – as pasts persist and places accumulate histories that are perceptible, like branches falling in the woods, only if there is a pair of eyes to witness them. It helps, of course, that one of the key literary intertexts concealed within the structure of A Ghost Story also features an indefinite article in its title: Virginia Woolf’ short story A Haunted House (1921), whose opening line is cited at the film’s beginning, and whose pages are seen to flutter open within the narrative proper.
That titular promise of ordinariness appears initially to be borne out, as the (or at least a) viewer observes an anonymous couple (Casey Affleck and Rooney Mara, reunited from Lowery’s Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, 2013) in their ordinary rented home, hanging out on the sofa and chatting about how she, when a little girl who often moved house, would leave little secret notes for herself in hidden places. These childish missives were writings in the wind, shouts in the void, scribblings in the sand – destined to remain messages undelivered, unless someone were ever by chance to disinter and see them. The composition here is close, all contained within the single-storey (but as it turns out, multi-story) house, and held tight on the couple – and Lowery’s decision to shoot in Academy ratio contains the image even further, eschewing widescreen vistas for a smaller, more intimate scale.
The couple is woken in the night by the sound of something falling against the living room’s piano. As the man searches the empty room for whatever caused the noise, the woman stands watching, still wrapped in her bed sheet. Shortly afterwards, he will be killed in a car accident, and she will be covering his corpse in another sheet. In a nod, both funny and poignant for its simplicity, to a now old-fashioned form of ghostly iconography, that sheet will become the dead man’s costume for the rest of the film, concealing his body but for two small holes through which he can see. Although he can engage, when frustrated or angry, in limited poltergeist activities, for the most part he is reduced to his eyes – a bystander and quiet observer to all human activities in the space that he has chosen to haunt, and therefore a figure and reflex for all of us in the theatre, unable to intervene in the events projected before us.
Returned to the house shortly after his death, he watches as his partner sits on the kitchen floor and animalistically devours a pie that the landlady has left her before rushing to the toilet to void her system of a deep sorrow that is so hard to stomach. This depiction of grief’s all-consuming ravages unfolds in one very long take, with the unnoticed (by her) presence of the ghost modulating our own sense that we are intruding on a moment of extreme privacy. Its real-time duration, stretched to the limits of watchability, serves as a contrast to what follows, as the woman’s stay in the house, and then the sojourn of other tenants, and then the house’s eventual demolition and transformation into another kind of structure, are all witnessed as fleeting moments, or short scenes in montage, in the chronicle of a confined space (conveyed through continuity editing that skips and leaps fluidly through pinpoints of time). Here the ghost’s unusual focalising perspective unhinges the film’s single location from the normative frame of personal narrative. The ghost’s – and the film’s – search for significance may occur within narrow topographical limits, but nonetheless becomes extraordinarily broad in time and in theme, as it explores the place for human endeavour in an ever-expanding and decaying universe where in the end everything – even a phantom – moves on.
Lowery’s film haunts with its highly localised perspective on human history, as it goes/stays on a quest for a scrap of deferred meaning. With its melancholic vibe, its bittersweet take on love and loss, and its uncovering of unexpected layers in quotidian mortality, it sure is some ghost story.
© Anton Bitel
Girl On The Third Floor (2019)
Our House (2018)
Living Space (aka Nazi Undead) (2018)
We Go On (2016)
LFO (2013)
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| ERROR: type should be string, got "https://psinv.net/buy/1-bedroom-apartment-for-sale-in-al-raha-beach-abu-dhabi/residential-38099.xhtml?serviceTypeId=1&majorCategoryId=1&code=38099\nHigh Floor Apt with Sea View\nAl Hadeel, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi\nPrice per Sq. Ft:AED 1,425\nLocation: Al Raha Beach ,Al Hadeel\nView: Sea view\nUnit Model Type B\nLady's Gym\nChildren's play area inside\nMarina berths\nChildrens Swimming Pool\nCommon Washroom\nThis property is 18.8% bigger than the average 1 Bedroom Apartment in Al Raha Beach\nAl Hadeel , the latest residential community to complement Al Bandar’s suite of existing luxury residences and sits on the seafront of Al Raha Beach.\nRedefining waterfront living, Al Hadeel is spectacularly designed, drawing inspiration from its premium address with a majority of homes overlooking the azure open water, Al Hadeel offers a choice of residential units including studios, 1-3 bedroom apartments and even spectacular 3-5 bedroom townhouses and duplexes.\nAl Hadeel has urban conveniences on one hand, the serenity of the sea on the other and luxurious interiors at home. Designed with a magnificent view of the waterfront, both the living spaces and bedrooms enjoy large clear façades. Glass fronted balconies further enhances the panorama with a majority of 3-bedroom apartments and enjoying larger set-back terraces from the water’s edge. The open planned living, dining and kitchen serve to embellish the spacious feel while simultaneously enhancing the efficiency of master bedrooms, bathrooms and utility spaces.\nWith attention to detail, homes in Al Hadeel make for a stunning living environment.\nJogging paths run along with waterfront promenade that’s also dotted with boutique cafés and restaurants. A shaded children’s pool and play area can be found at ground level with ample seating for parents. With BBQ nooks nearby, also enjoy elevated views of the waterfront promenade. Closer to home, an adult infinity pool is situated on the spacious roof terrace on the 10th floor. Surrounded by sunbeds and an adjoining lounge deck with spectacular panoramas, it’s the perfect place to unwind, take in the sun, meet friends or just watch the sun set in the horizon.\nA state of the art gym exclusively for residents is also located on the same level.\nReach out to our team at Property Shop Investment to get more details about this property or to schedule a viewing. Call us on 600 548 200 or access www.propertyshopinvestment.com.\nAbout Us: We are leading the market bridging the relationship between families and homes. With an open line of communication, we are the most active and dynamic real estate company in Abu Dhabi.\n1 Bedroom Apartment available for Sale in Al Hadeel in Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi.\nThis 1 Bedroom Apartment in Al Hadeel comes in the size of 1,158 sq.ft This unit have 1 Bedroom , 1 bathrooms and 1 parking.\nThe Apartment available in Al Hadeel Price per Sq.ft is AED 1,425.\nCommunity view for this 1 Bedroom Apartment in Al Hadeel in Al Raha Beach Abu Dhabi.\nDetails for this 1 Bedroom Apartment in Al Hadeel in Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, including Floor plans , location map, Photos and Virtual Tours.\nFeatures for Al Hadeel in Al Bandar , Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi :\nJamam Residence, Al Raha Beach\nAl Naseem Tower, Al Raha Beach\nAl Sana, Al Raha Beach\nAl Hadeel, Al Raha Beach\nProperties for sale in Al Hadeel, Al Raha Beach\nResidential for sale in Al Hadeel, Al Raha Beach\nApartment for sale in Al Hadeel, Al Raha Beach\nAl Raha Beach for sale in Al Hadeel, Al Raha Beach\nAl Hadeel for sale in Al Hadeel, Al Raha Beach\n1 Bedroom for sale in Al Hadeel, Al Raha Beach\n1 Bedroom Apartment available for Sale in Al Hadeel in Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi. This 1 Bedroom Apartment in Al Hadeel comes in the size of 1,158 sq.ft This unit have 1 Bedroom , 1 bathrooms and 1 parking. The Apartment available in Al Hadeel Price per Sq.ft is AED 1,425. Community view for this 1 Bedroom Apartment in Al Hadeel in Al Raha Beach Abu Dhabi. Details for this 1 Bedroom Apartment in Al Hadeel in Al Bandar, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, including Floor plans , location map, Photos and Virtual Tours. Features for Al Hadeel in Al Bandar , Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi : Kitchen Facilities, Laundry Room, Built in wardrobes, Central A/C, Ceramic tiles, Balcony, Open Kitchen, . For more details, send us your inquiry and our professional consultant will be in touch with you or call us now at 6, 0, 0, 5, 4, 8, 2, 0,0\nHigh Floor Apt with Sea View. 1 Bedroom Apartment is located in Al Raha Beach. , Set over 1,158 square feet with 1 Bathrooms & 1 parking spaces. This Property type is Type B. For Sale at AED 1,100,000 dirhams. Kitchen Facilities, Laundry Room, Built in wardrobes, Central A/C, Ceramic tiles, Balcony, Open Kitchen, . Al Raha Beach is on of the luxurious communities in Abu Dhabi & developed by ALDAR . , For more details, send us your inquiry and our professional consultant will be in touch with you or call us now at 6, 0, 0, 5, 4, 8, 2, 0, 0"
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To Cool Cities, Build Them Tall and Shiny
A jungle of reflective skyscrapers will usually be better off than a low-lying district of similarly shaped townhouses.
John Upton
(Photo: Wikimedia Commons)
Cities are often hotspots of, well, heat. As cities sprawl and heat waves worsen, the urban heat island effect is subjecting city dwellers to the dangers of heat stroke, not to mention thirstiness, panting, and unsightly perspiration patterns.
One problem is that concrete and mortar store more heat than do soils and plants. Running air conditioners keeps rooms in cities cool, but it also heats up the air outside. And there are differences in the efficiency with which different landscapes convect heat into the lower atmosphere.
Understanding the precise roles that these factors play in the broiling of cities could help planners sculpt urban landscapes that more quickly shed themselves of excess heat.
Zhao's main conclusion was a discouraging one—the single biggest factor influencing the heat island effect is the amount of moisture in the air.
Lei Zhao is a doctoral candidate at Yale University who has spent five years investigating the factors that influence this effect. "It's generally a hot topic," he says. "People have been talking about urban heat islands for a long time. Through my readings of the literature, I found a number of studies talking about the different factors that contribute. But it was still unclear which ones contribute how much to the problem."
For his Ph.D. project, the results of which were published online as a letter Wednesday in Nature, Zhao analyzed satellite data from 65 American and Canadian cities, comparing urban temperatures with those in surrounding areas. He ran simulations of the urban heat island effect in each of those 65 cities using the National Center for Atmospheric Research's Community Earth System Model. That helped isolate and pinpoint the heat-trapping and heat-shedding roles played by cities' physical features.
Zhao's main conclusion was a discouraging one—the single biggest factor influencing the heat island effect is the amount of moisture in the air. The wetter and more humid the climate in which a city was built, the more heat that city will trap compared to the surrounding landscape. "A city's morphology has a less important role than its background climate," he says. That means cities like New Orleans and New York face bigger heat-island challenges than do Phoenix or Las Vegas.
But Zhao found two important factors that can be influenced through urban design.
The "smoothness" of a city compared to its surrounding land can strengthen the urban heat island effect. Rougher landscapes are more efficient heat convectors, meaning a jungle of skyscrapers surrounded by grasslands would stay cooler than a bunch of low-lying and similarly shaped townhouses flanked by forests.
"If I increase the roughness of a city, that will make my city a more efficient heat convector," Zhao says. "But this is hard."
A less powerful effect, but one that's easier to influence, comes from the reflectiveness (also known as albedo) of building surfaces. White roofs, like the ones increasingly being implemented in Chicago, help bounce heat back into the atmosphere.
"Increasing the albedo is a more practical way to convect the heat," Zhao says. "According to our results, increasing the city albedo can mitigate the urban heat island effect in both daytime and nighttime."
Urban Planningquick studiesCitiesQuick StudiesUrbanHeat
In Battle Against Climate Change, Cities Are Left All Alone
Cities must play a critical role in shifting the world to a fossil fuel-free future. So why won't anybody help them?
To Curb Carbon Emissions, Cities Need More Efficient Buildings
Buildings account for roughly 50 percent of a city's total carbon emissions, and 70 percent in major cities like London, Los Angeles, and Paris.
Ignoring Your Co-Workers Is Worse Than Bullying Them
A new study finds that a harassed worker is better off than a neglected one.
To Produce an Obese Adult, Call Them 'Fat' While They're Still a Kid
Scientists discovered that young girls who were labeled as "fat" were more likely to grow into adults that the medical community labels as "obese."
Is There a Solution to America's Obsession With Lawn Care?
Irrigation and fertilization use varies across and even within cities. Sustainable management plans must rely on a more targeted approach.
Does Expensive Parking Really Discourage City Driving?
A pioneer large-scale study suggests the common strategy to get people riding public transportation does, in fact, work.
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Justia Regulation Tracker Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration 2009
2009 by Month
Employment and Training Administration 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Request for Certification of Compliance-Rural Industrialization Loan and Grant Program
Document Number: E9-30639
Agency: Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor
The Employment and Training Administration is issuing this notice to announce the receipt of a ``Certification of Non-Relocation and Market and Capacity Information Report'' (Form 4279-2) for the following:
https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2009/12/28/E9-30639.html
Ultimizers, Inc., Boring, OR; Notice of Revised Determination on Reconsideration
Benco Manufacturing, a Division of Magna International, Including On-Site Leased Workers From Temp Associates and Manpower, Belle Plaine, IA; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance
Metso Minerals Industries, Inc., Including On-Site Leased Workers From Executive Staffing and Aerotek, Columbia, SC; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance
Schnadig Corporation, Belmont, MS; Notice of Negative Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration
Graphite Engineering and Sales Company, Greenville, MI; Notice of Negative Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration
Eaton Aviation Corporation, Aviation and Aerospace Components Division, Aurora, CO; Notice of Negative Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration
Oval International, Hoquiam, WA; Notice of Negative Determination on Reconsideration
Tenneco, Inc., Including On-Site Leased Workers From Elite Staffing, Inc., Cozad, NE; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance
Keeper Corporation: Hampton Products International Corporation Including On-Site Leased Workers From AAA Staffing; North Windham, CT; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance
Investigations Regarding Certifications of Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance
Top Eastern Drill Formerly Known as Kennametal, Inc. and Greenfield Industries, Inc. Including On-Site Leased Workers From Mau, Manpower and Kelly Services Including Workers Whose Wages Are Reported to Phillips Staffing, Evans, GA; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance
Comment Request for the Proposed Extension of the Collection of Information With the ETA 9048, Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services Activity, and the ETA 9049, Worker Profiling and Reemployment Services Outcomes, Extension Without Revisions
The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public, State, and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employment and Training Administration is soliciting comments concerning the collection of data on ETA 9048 and ETA 9049.
Announcement of the Tools for America's Job Seekers Challenge
The U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA), in conjunction with the White House and IdeaScale, is launching the Tools for America's Job Seekers Challenge. Using an on-line platform designed by IdeaScale, the Challenge will allow toolmakers and developers to present their on-line job tools to workforce development experts and job seekers to explore, discuss, and recommend. The tools that receive the most recommendations will be shared broadly with the workforce investment system and job seekers, allowing workforce system decision-makers to easily access the recommendations of their peers and customers. Workforce system decision-makers can use this feedback to inform their decisions about which tools to make available through One-Stop Career Centers, State job banks, and other Internet-based resources. Selection of a tool does not constitute an official endorsement by DOL or ETA: This is not an opportunity to apply for government funding, and ETA will not make any funds available to any party pursuant to this announcement.
Request for Certification of Compliance- Rural Industrialization Loan and Grant Program
Greenville Metals, Inc., Powder Division, Transfer, PA; Notice of Revised Determination on Reconsideration
Symantec Corporation; Symantec Accounts Payable/Expanse Reporting Team, Finance Department, and Information Technology Division, Including On-Site Leased Workers From Pro Unlimited, Inc., Springfield, OR; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance
Pittsburgh Glass Works, LLC, Plant No. 23, Including On-Site Leased Workers From Belcan Techservices Division and Securitas Security Services Evart, MI; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance
Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, a Subsidiary of Wyeth, Currently Known as Pfizer, Rouses Point, NY; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance
General Motors Corporation, Vehicle Manufacturing Division, Shreveport Assembly Plant, Including On-Site Leased Workers From Developmental Dimensions International and Premier Manufacturing Support Services, Including On-Site Workers From Delphi Corporation Shreveport, LA; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance
Kongsburg Automotive Driveline Systems Division Including On-Site Leased Workers From People Link, Staffing Solutions And Qci Technical Staffing Van Wert, OH; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance
Essex Group, Inc.; a Subsidiary of Superior Essex, Inc. Including On-Site Leased Workers From American Security & Investigation Vincennes, IN; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance and Alternative Trade Adjustment Assistance
Air System Components Including On-Site Leased Workers From Dmdickason Personnel El Paso, TX; Amended Certification Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance
Notice of Determinations Regarding Eligibility To Apply for Worker Adjustment Assistance
Ancor Specialties; a Division of Hoeganaes Corporation Ridgway, PA; Notice of Affirmative Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration
Jeld-Wen, Inc., Hawkins Window Division, Including On-Site Leased Workers From Nicolet Staffing, Hawkins, WI; Notice of Affirmative Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration
DMAX, LTD, LLC; A Joint Venture Between General Motors and Isuzu Dayton, OH; Notice of Negative Determination Regarding Application for Reconsideration
Comment Request for Information Collection for the Trade Act Participant Report, Extension Without Revisions
The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. Currently, the Employment and Training Administration is soliciting comments concerning the collection of data on the Trade Act Participant Report, which is due to expire March 31, 2010.
Henniges Automotives, Farmington Hills, MI; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Brown Shoe, Fredericktown, MO; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Philips Products, Inc., Clarksville, TX; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Clarcor Air Filtration Products, Rockford, IL; Notice of Termination of Investigation
E.I. Dupont, Circleville, OH; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Clopay Building Products, Baldwin, WI; Notice of Termination of Investigation
DeLong Sportswear, Pella, IA; Notice of Termination of Investigation
IHSS/Nazi Mokhtari, Mission Hills, CA; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Airtex Products LP, Fairfield, IL; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Health Net, Inc., Information Technology Group, Shelton, CT; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Timken-Bucyrus Operations, Bucyrus, OH; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Apria Healthcare, Foothill Ranch, CA; Notice of Termination of Investigation
GMAC Insurance, Winston Salem, NC; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Mitsubishi Electric Automotive America, Inc., Mason, OH; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Washington Mutual Jacksonville, FL; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Enterprise Automotive Systems, Inc., Warren, MI; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc., Electronics Imaging Division, Irvine, CA; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Classic Moving and Storage, Inc., and Boyles Distinctive Furniture, Inc., Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries of Hendricks Furniture Group, LLC, Conover, NC; Notice of Termination of Investigation
Celanese Pampa, TX; Notice of Termination of Investigation
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Constituency casework: schools in Wales
Published Wednesday, February 27, 2019
This House of Commons Library briefing provides an introduction and reference guide to the key schools-related topics often raised with Members by constituents in Wales.
Members often receive enquiries from constituents about school-related matters. Many of these can be answered from readily available information on the internet or in standard publications. Where complex issues are raised it may be more appropriate to refer the constituent to specialist bodies and organisations or to a solicitor if legal advice is sought.
This note gives a brief overview of the structure of the state-maintained school system in Wales, including an outline of the different categories of schools, as often an answer to a school-related constituency question may depend upon the type of school in question. The note provides background and key sources on a selection of issues that are typically raised with Members by constituents. Members who have questions on topics not covered here may contact the Social Policy Section for information.
The various guidance documents referred to in this briefing are current at the time of writing; however, some sources are updated regularly or from time to time so it is advisable to check the relevant websites.
This note relates to Wales only. Education is a devolved area and information on school-related issues is available on the websites of the Department for Education, Scottish Government, and the Northern Ireland Department of Education.
There are also Library briefings:
Constituency casework: schools in England, SN 05396
Constituency casework: schools in Scotland, CBP 07819
The School System in Northern Ireland, CBP 8024
Author: Robert Long
Topic: Schools
Constituency casework: schools in Wales ( PDF, 380.41 KB)
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LA Police Chief Says He’s Working On Wiping Away Thousands Of Arrest Warrants For The Homeless
Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore wants to erase homeless people’s warrants for minor offenses in an attempt to get people off the streets.
“This is a humanitarian crisis of our generation,” Moore told the Associated Press on Wednesday. “This matches any other calamity that this city or this region or this country has seen. It is, I believe, a social emergency.”
The proposal would scrub all so-called “bench warrants” homeless people incurred for quality of life infractions committed at least five years ago. The warrants were given for minor offenses such as drinking in public or blocking a sidewalk.
The homeless are frequently unable to show up to court or pay the fees, sometimes totaling hundreds of dollars, which the warrants rack up.
“We have hundreds of thousands of bench warrants that haven’t been served in years,” Moore said. “We need to clear the docket.”
Homelessness rose 16% in the city of Los Angeles this year, bringing the total homeless population to 36,300 people. All of Los Angeles county has almost 60,000 people on the streets, and about 900 homeless people died in 2018.
The population is rising in spite of the $619 million L.A. spent in 2018 to combat the issue.
Los Angeles and other major Californian cities have drawn criticism for the growing homelessness crisis they have faced.
“You can’t have what’s happening,” President Donald Trump said in June, “where people are getting sick just by walking the beat, they’re getting actually very sick.” Trump was referring to multiple incidents of Los Angeles city employees developing symptoms consistent with typhoid after working at the Central Station near Skid Row, a major site for homeless people.
Moore’s proposal to clear homeless people’s warrants is consistent with his broader approach to the homelessness crisis, which he sees not as a law enforcement issue but a matter of public health and safety. The best response would entail more city investment in housing resources, sanitation and mental health, according to Moore.
Los Angeles police and firefighters frequently interact with the homeless, but the chief wants to see people in uniform offering other services.
“Where’s our outreach workers, where’s our mental health workers?” he said. “I would love to see outreach workers wearing a vest.”
A version of this story appears on the Daily Caller website.
Stephen Russell
Hire more staff for OT on this alone.
Esp up to 2028 Games
MICHAEL G YANKO
California is already lost. Nothing to see here, move along.
Darrel
Dirty corrupt crooked cop
You need to buy land, put up tents, put out garbage cans and dumpsters around the area, build bath houses with showers and toilets, arrest any people injecting drugs and get them in a rehabilitation clinic. Also pick up people that are mentally ill and get them help! Also kill rats, spray for ticks, roaches and ants. Anyone not keeping their area clean goes to jail or treatment! Anyone defacating in public will go to jail or hospitalized. Just ignoring them and let the filth and drugs flow is crazy and will only get worse. The politicians are worried about illegals not Americans dying on the streets! You can allow these people to live like they are because they are endangering other people with these deseases they are causing with trash and filth!
Dolores Herrmann
They need to be housed with Waters and Pelosi on their estates and given free reign to use their amenities. They should also pay for their food, clothing and medical care. Come to think of it, this should also be done for the illegals don’t you think?
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Fox News Sets Ratings Record With Trump’s July 4th Celebration
Almost 5 million people reportedly tuned into Fox News to watch the network’s coverage of President Donald Trump’s July 4th “Salute to America” speech. The broadcast...
Trump Praises Home Depot Co-Founder In Response To Boycotts, Denounces ‘Vicious And Totally Crazed’ Leftists
Ever since Home Depot co-founder Bernie Marcus said that he will donate some of his multi-billion dollar fortune to President Trump’s 2020 re-election effort, leftists have...
British Ambassador To U.S. Resigns After Trump Ignores Him
On Wednesday, Sir Kim Darroch, the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the U.S., resigned after President Trump started pointedly ignoring him because of Darroch’s rude comments about...
Watch: Video Of Actor Jon Voight Wiping Off Seats For Gold Star Families Goes Viral
A video of award-winning actor Jon Voight wiping off seats for Gold Star families at President Donald Trump’s “Salute to America” celebration was posted online on...
Emmy-Winning Actor Rip Torn Dead at Age 88
Actor Rip Torn, born Elmore Rual Torn Jr., has passed away at the age of 88. His publicist has confirmed Torn’s passing, stating that the actor’s...
Controversial Soccer Star Megan Rapinoe Has Vicious Message for Trump
Soccer star Megan Rapinoe of the U.S. Women’s National Team took aim at President Donald Trump in an interview Tuesday, claiming his message is “excluding people.”...
Report: Researchers Want Binary Sports Abandoned For ‘More Nuanced Approach’
Researchers from New Zealand’s University of Otago think dividing sports competitions into men’s and women’s isn’t sufficient to deal with transgender individuals, and thus want a...
Here’s Where America’s Largest Teachers’ Union Stands On Abortion
The largest teachers’ union in the United States took a pro-abortion stance, promising to “vigorously oppose” all attacks on Roe v. Wade. The National Education Association...
Cineplex Chief Tells Protesters Against Pro-Life Film ‘Unplanned’: We’re Running It
While people threatened to boycott the Cineplex movie theaters in Canada because the pro-life film “Unplanned” was going to show there, the CEO of the Cineplex...
Mike Rowe on Kaepernick’s Nike Patriotic Shoes Argument: ‘It’s Completely Void Of Logic’
Mike Rowe said former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s argument that the now-pulled Nike’s Betsy Ross Flag shoes were “racist” was “completely void of logic.” The 57-year-old former host...
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Kate Eldridge
Single Review: Tossing Tears // Twin Peaks
Breezing back onto the music scene after a year of commercially releasing only live material, Chicago five-piece Twin Peaks reveal new single, “Tossing Tears” this afternoon, alongside the announcement of an innovative method of distribution. The first of their Sweet ’17 singles series, the band will be offering their fans a limited edition 7″ vinyl every month between July and December, culminating in one 12″ record compiling each track. A subscriber-only opportunity, 300 fans will be able to sign up to receive the releases via the Twin Peaks’ website.
For those fans who are not among the privileged few, each single will also be available digitally on streaming services. “Tossing Tears”, the band’s first A-Side, released today, is certainly not a disappointing start. Exuding Mac DeMarco vibes, the track is slow-paced, super summery, and perfect for those days spent chilling on the beach with good friends and a barbeque. True to the band’s laid-back style and featuring some funky guitar riffs, the track is a promise of further treats to be served up in the coming months.
You can catch Twin Peaks at the following festivals this summer:
15th July – Latitude Festival, Southwold
16th July – Citadel Festival, Victoria Park, London
Words by Kate Eldridge
Tags:beachchicagofeatured
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Texas Made, Texas Modern: The House and the Land
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Helen Thompson and Casey Dunn, the writer/photographer team that produced the exceptionally successful Marfa Modern, join forces again to investigate Texas modernism. The juxtaposition of the sleek European forms with a gritty Texas spirit generated a unique brand of modernism that is very basic to the culture of the state today. Its roots are in the early Texas pioneer houses, whose long, low profiles express an efficiency that is basic to the modern idiom. This Texas-centric style is focused on the relationship of the house to the site, the materials it is made of–most often local stone and wood–and the way the building functions in the harsh Texas climate.
Dallas architect David R. Williams was the first to combine modernism with Texas regionalism in the 1930s, and his legacy was sustained by his protégé O’Neil Ford, who practiced in San Antonio from the late 1930s until his death in the mid 1970s. Their approach is seen today in the work of Lake/Flato Architects and a new generation of designers who have emerged from that distinguished firm and continue to elegantly merge modernism with the vocabulary of the Texas ranching heritage.
Twenty houses are included from across the state, with examples in major urban centers like Dallas and Austin and in suburban and rural areas, including a number in the evocative Hill Country.
Measures 8.3 in x 10.3 in.
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Justia Patents Directive Circuits For MicrophonesUS Patent for Speech-processing apparatus and speech-processing method Patent (Patent # 10,063,966)
Speech-processing apparatus and speech-processing method
Aug 25, 2016 - HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
A speech-processing apparatus includes: a representative transfer function estimation unit that uses a sound signal which is collected by using a microphone array of which the arrangement is unknown, which has a plurality of channels, and of which the number of sound sources is unknown and that estimates a transfer function with respect to a sound source.
Latest HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. Patents:
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Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-191879, filed on Sep. 29, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates to a speech-processing apparatus and a speech-processing method.
Recently, technologies on sound source separation in which speeches of a plurality of speakers are separated into speech for each one of the plurality of speakers or on sound source localization in which a location of a speaker is localized have been proposed in fields such as a vehicle, a robot, and a meeting record generation apparatus. When a microphone array is used to perform sound source localization or sound source separation, it is necessary to obtain a transfer function between the microphone array and a sound source to be observed as prior information by geometric calculation or measurement of a specific signal. There may be a case in which it is difficult to obtain transfer function information that should be obtained in advance, for example, when a user fabricates a microphone array by oneself depending on the purpose. Therefore, improvements are desired in use of apparatuses that perform sound source localization and sound source separation.
As a technique in which a transfer function is estimated, for example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2010-181448 discloses that a predetermined signal is output from a microphone in an online state, and the output signal is received by a microphone to dynamically estimate a transfer function.
However, according to the technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2010-181448, when a transfer function is estimated, it is necessary to output a known speech signal from a loudspeaker or the like, and a transfer function cannot be obtained from only an actual speech signal output from a speaker. That is, according to the technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No. 2010-181448, a transfer function cannot be obtained from a sound signal of which the positions of sound sources, the number of sound sources, the positions of microphones, and the position relationship between each microphone and the sound sources are unknown.
An object of an aspect of the present invention is to provide a speech-processing apparatus and a speech-processing method capable of obtaining a transfer function from only a speech signal and performing a process on the speech signal.
(1) A speech-processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a representative transfer function estimation unit that uses a sound signal which is collected by using a microphone array of which the arrangement is unknown, which has a plurality of channels, and of which the number of sound sources is unknown and that estimates a transfer function with respect to a sound source.
(2) In the aspect of the above (1), the speech-processing apparatus may further include: a speech zone detection unit that detects a plurality of speech zones from the sound signal that has the plurality of channels; a transfer function estimation unit that estimates a transfer function by using a speech signal of a speech zone detected by the speech zone detection unit; a feature quantity calculation unit that calculates a feature quantity by using the speech signal; and a clustering unit that estimates the number of sound sources by classifying the feature quantity calculated by the feature quantity calculation unit into clusters, wherein the representative transfer function estimation unit may estimate each transfer function to each one of the clusters as each transfer function with respect to a sound source based on the transfer function estimated by the transfer function estimation unit and the number of sound sources estimated by the clustering unit.
(3) In the aspect of the above (2), the transfer function estimation unit may select one from the plurality of channels included in the speech signal as a representative channel and may estimate the transfer function by using the speech signal of the selected representative channel and the speech signal of the rest of the plurality of channels.
(4) In the aspect of the above (2) or (3), the feature quantity calculation unit may select one from the plurality of channels included in the speech signal as a representative channel and may calculate the feature quantity by using the speech signal of the selected representative channel and the speech signal of the rest of the plurality of channels.
(5) In the aspect of the above (4), the feature quantity may be a value based on a phase difference between the speech signal of the representative channel and the speech signal of the rest of the plurality of channels.
(6) In the aspect of any one of the above (2) to (5), the clustering unit may determine, based on a distance between the clusters to which the number of integrated clusters converges, the number of the clusters.
(7) In the aspect of any one of the above (2) to (6), the representative transfer function estimation unit may calculate a center of each one of the clusters obtained by the clustering unit, may calculate, with respect to the feature quantity included in each cluster, a distance between the feature quantity and the calculated center of each one of the clusters, may calculate a weighted value by using a sum of the calculated distances and each one of the calculated distances, and may estimate, by using a transfer function corresponding to the feature quantity included in the cluster and the calculated weighted value, a transfer function in the center of the cluster as a transfer function to a sound source.
(8) A speech-processing method according to another aspect of the present invention includes: (a) causing a sound signal acquisition unit to acquire a sound signal which is collected by using a microphone array of which the arrangement is unknown, which has a plurality of channels, and of which the number of sound sources is unknown; (b) causing a speech zone detection unit to detect a plurality of speech zones from the sound signal that has the plurality of channels; (c) causing a transfer function estimation unit to estimate a transfer function by using a speech signal of a speech zone detected in (b); (d) causing a feature quantity calculation unit to calculate a feature quantity by using the speech signal; (e) causing a clustering unit to estimate the number of sound sources by classifying the feature quantity calculated in (d) into clusters; and (f) causing a representative transfer function estimation unit to estimate each transfer function to each one of the clusters as each transfer function with respect to a sound source based on the transfer function estimated in (c) and the number of sound sources estimated in (e).
According to the configuration of (1), (2), or (8) described above, it is possible to estimate a transfer function with respect to a sound source based on a sound signal, which is collected by using a microphone array of which the arrangement is unknown, and of which the number of sound sources is also unknown. It is possible to use the transfer function estimated in this way for sound source separation and sound source localization. As a result, according to the configuration of (1), (2), or (8), since it is unnecessary to emit a sound signal in advance to estimate the transfer function, it is possible to omit preparation prior to driving the apparatus.
According to the configuration of (3) described above, by using a sound signal of the representative channel, it is possible to estimate a transfer function for each speech zone, and it is possible to use the estimated transfer function to estimate a transfer function with respect to a sound source.
According to the configuration of (4) or (5) described above, by using a sound signal of a representative channel, it is possible to calculate a feature quantity for each speech zone, and it is possible to use the calculated feature quantity to estimate a transfer function with respect to a sound source. Further, according to the configuration of (5), it is possible to estimate a transfer function by using a phase difference between microphones even in a state where a transfer function is not completely obtained in advance.
According to the configuration of (6) described above, it is possible to estimate the number of clusters, that is, the number of sound sources with good accuracy.
According to the configuration of (7) described above, by performing spatial clustering, it is possible to estimate a transfer function in which an assumed position of a speaker can be in a certain range.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a speech-processing apparatus according to an embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of an acquired sound signal according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a speech zone according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a view describing conversion from a time domain to a frequency domain according to the embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a spatial feature quantity and an example of spatial clustering according to the embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a view showing an estimation method of the number of speakers according to the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of distances between a cluster center in a second cluster of FIG. 6 and spatial feature quantities.
FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of information stored in a representative transfer function DB (database) according to the embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process of the speech-processing apparatus according to the embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
First, an outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, according to the embodiment of the present invention, a microphone array 2 configured by at least two or more microphones 201 is used, and a sound signal recording unit 3 of M channels (M is an integer equal to or more than two, M is consistent with the number of the microphones 201) records a sound signal. At the time of recording, the position relationship of the microphones 201 is unknown, the positions of speakers SP are also unknown, the number of speakers is also unknown, and the position relationship between each microphone 201 and the speakers SP is also unknown. A speech-processing apparatus 1 acquires sound signals of M channels recorded in such a condition. The speech-processing apparatus 1 detects a speech zone from the acquired sound signals of M channels. Then, the speech-processing apparatus 1 classifies the acquired sound signals of M channels into a sound signal estimated to come from the same direction based on a feature quantity of a sound signal included in the speech zone. The speech-processing apparatus 1 estimates a transfer function for each sound signal in the classified direction, and uses the estimated transfer function to perform a sound source separation process and a sound source localization process. The speech-processing apparatus 1 repeats estimation of a transfer function by using a signal of a localized sound source until the transfer function converges. According to the embodiment of the present invention, by this process, it is possible to extract a speech signal for each direction from a sound signal of which the positions of sound sources, the number of sound sources, the positions of the microphones 201, and the position relationship between each microphone 201 and the sound sources (speakers SP) are unknown. Further, it is assumed that the position of the microphone array 2 and the position of the microphones 201 are fixed, for example, during one session in a meeting. Note that, one session is, for example, a conversation included in one entire meeting. Further, in the embodiment of the present invention, sound signals of a plurality of channels may be obtained, and therefore, the number of the microphones 201 in the microphone array 2 may be two or more.
Hereinafter, a specific embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
First, a configuration of the speech-processing apparatus 1 is described.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the speech-processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the speech-processing apparatus 1 includes a sound signal acquisition unit 11, a speech estimation unit 12, a conversion unit 13, a transfer function estimation unit 14, a feature quantity calculation unit 15, a clustering unit 16, a representative transfer function estimation unit 17, a transfer function DB (database) 18, a sound source localization unit 19, a speech recognition unit 20, and an output unit 21.
The sound signal acquisition unit 11 acquires sound signals of M channels and outputs the acquired sound signals of M channels to the speech estimation unit 12. Note that, in the present embodiment, the collected sound signal is, for example, obtained by recording a meeting held in a meeting room. Therefore, it is assumed that the speakers rarely move.
The speech estimation unit 12 includes a speech zone estimation unit 121.
The speech estimation unit 12 extracts, for example, a sound signal of one session from the sound signals of M channels output by the sound signal acquisition unit 11. The speech zone estimation unit 121 detects speech zones from the extracted sound signal of one session and outputs a speech signal for each detected speech zone to the conversion unit 13. Note that, one session is, for example, a conversion made at one meeting or the like. The speech zone estimation unit 121 detects, from the sound signals of M channels, for example, N zones (N is an integer equal to or more than zero) in which a signal of equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value is included as speech zones. Alternatively, the speech zone estimation unit 121 may detect a speech zone by using a zero-cross method, a GMM method, and the like. The zero-cross method is a method in which with respect to an amplitude exceeding a predetermined level, a time when a zero-cross number exceeds a predetermined number is a speech start edge, a time when a value becomes a predetermined value or less is a speech end edge, an input is delimited at the speech end edge, and a zone from the speech start edge to the speech end edge is detected as one speech. Further, the GMM (Gaussian mixture model) method is a method in which GMMs of speech and non-speech are defined, a feature quantity is calculated for each input short time frame, a likelihood calculation for each GMM is performed based on the calculated feature quantity, and a start and end of a speech zone are determined based on a likelihood ratio of the speech GMM to the non-speech GMM.
The conversion unit 13 converts the speech signal for each speech zone output by the speech estimation unit 12 by short-time Fourier transform into a signal in a frequency domain and outputs the converted speech signal for each speech zone to the transfer function estimation unit 14, the feature quantity calculation unit 15, and the sound source localization unit 19.
The transfer function estimation unit 14 selects one from speech signals for each speech zone output by the conversion unit 13 and estimates N transfer functions for each speech zone using the selected sound signal as a basis. Note that, an estimation method of a transfer function is described below. The transfer function estimation unit 14 outputs the estimated N transfer functions for each speech zone to the representative transfer function estimation unit 17.
The feature quantity calculation unit 15 selects one from the sound signals of M channels for each speech zone output by the conversion unit 13 as a representative channel. The feature quantity calculation unit 15 calculates, as a spatial feature quantity, a sample difference between the selected channel as a basis and another channel and outputs the calculated spatial sound feature quantity to the clustering unit 16. Note that, a calculation method of a spatial feature quantity is described below.
The clustering unit 16 expands the feature quantity output by the feature quantity calculation unit 15 into an (M−1)-dimensional space and classifies the feature quantity to thereby estimate the number of sound sources (the number of speakers). The clustering unit 16 outputs the classified result to the representative transfer function estimation unit 17. That is, in the present embodiment, the feature quantity calculation unit 15 and the clustering unit 16 estimate a sound source position using one channel as a basis. Note that, a clustering process is described below.
The representative transfer function estimation unit 17 obtains a center for each cluster estimated by the clustering unit 16 and calculates a distance between each feature quantity and the center for each cluster. The representative transfer function estimation unit 17 uses N transfer functions for each speech zone output by the transfer function estimation unit 14, performs weighting in consideration also of the distance from the center of the cluster, and integrates the transfer functions to determine a transfer function that represents the cluster. That is, the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 estimates a transfer function of the sound source position estimated by the feature quantity calculation unit 15 and the clustering unit 16. The representative transfer function estimation unit 17 causes the transfer function DB 18 to store the determined representative transfer function and further outputs the determined representative transfer function to the sound source localization unit 19. Note that, estimation and determination methods of the representative transfer function are described below.
The transfer function DB 18 stores a transfer function estimated for each direction.
The sound source localization unit 19 performs a sound source localization process on the sound signal of M channels output by the conversion unit 13 by using the representative transfer function output by the representative transfer function estimation unit 17. Note that, the sound source localization unit 19 calculates a spatial spectrum that indicates a power for each direction by using, for example, a multiple signal classification (MUSIC) method. The sound source localization unit 19 estimates a sound source direction for each sound source based on the calculated spatial spectrum. In the present embodiment, since the positions of the microphones 201, the arrangement of the microphones 201, and the positions of sound sources are unknown, when it is determined, for example, by a clustering process, that the number of sound sources is P (P is an integer equal to or more than zero), estimated orientations for each sound source are a first direction, a second direction, . . . , and a P-th direction. Note that, an estimation method of the sound source direction is described below. The sound source localization unit 19 outputs a localization result of sound source localization to the speech estimation unit 12 and the speech recognition unit 20.
The speech recognition unit 20 calculates a feature quantity with respect to the localization result output by the sound source localization unit 19.
The speech recognition unit 20 performs a speech recognition process by using the calculated feature quantity and a speech recognition model stored in the speech recognition unit 20. The speech recognition unit 20 determines a word having the highest likelihood calculated by using the speech recognition model as a recognition result for the calculated feature quantity. The speech recognition unit 20 outputs text data representing the recognition result as speech contents for each sound source to the output unit 21.
The output unit 21 outputs the recognition result output by the speech recognition unit 20 to an external apparatus (not shown). Note that, the output unit 21 may be, for example, an image display unit, a speaker, and the like.
<Acquired Sound Signal, Speech Zone>
Next, an acquired sound signal and a speech zone are described.
FIG. 3 is a view showing an example of an acquired sound signal according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a speech zone according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the horizontal axis is time, and the vertical axis is the number of microphones.
In the example shown in FIG. 3, sound signals of M channels collected by using M microphones 201 by the sound signal acquisition unit 11 are presented.
FIG. 4 shows an example in which the speech estimation unit 12 detects N speech zones (1, . . . , n, . . . , N, N is an integer equal to or more than one, n is an integer of 1 to N) from the sound signals of M channels and imparts a speech ID (identifier) in the detected order.
<Conversion into Frequency Domain>
Next, conversion from a time domain into a frequency domain performed by the conversion unit 13 is described.
FIG. 5 is a view describing conversion from a time domain into a frequency domain according to the present embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 5, the conversion unit 13 performs conversion from a time domain into a frequency domain by performing short-time Fourier transform for each speech zone. For example, when a signal of n-th speech and an m-th channel (m is an integer of 1 to M) after short-time Fourier transform is X[n]m(ω, f), an n-th signal X[n](ω, f) of 1 to M channels after short-time Fourier transform is represented as shown in Expression (1). Note that, ω represents a frequency, and f represents a frame (index).
X[n](ω,f)=[X[n]1(ω,f), . . . ,X[n]M(ω,f)]T (1)
In Expression (1), [⋅]T represents a transpose matrix. Further, f represents a value equal to or more than one and equal to or less than Fn.
<Estimation of Transfer Function>
Next, an estimation method of a transfer function performed by the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 is described.
When a signal in a frequency domain of the m-th microphone 201 is Xm(ω, f), a sound signal (sound source signal) in a frequency domain is S(ω, f), and a transfer function in a direction φ is Am(ω,φ), a relationship in Expression (2) is satisfied.
Xm(ω,f)=Am(ω,ψ)S(ω,f) (2)
According to Expression (2), the transfer function Am(ω, φ) is represented as shown in Expression (3).
A m ( ω , ψ ) = X m ( ω , f ) S ( ω , f ) ( 3 )
Note that, in Expressions (2) and (3), since S(ω) and the direction φ are unknown, the transfer function cannot be calculated by using these.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 sequentially selects one speech zone from the N speech zones and selects one as a representative channel from frequency-domain signals Xm(ω, f) of M channels in the selected speech zone. Hereinafter, an example is described in which the first channel is selected as the representative channel; however, the selected channel may be any one of the second to M-th channel.
Thereby, the transfer function Am(ω, φ) is represented as shown in Expression (4).
A m ( ω , ψ ) = X m ( ω , f ) X 1 ( ω , f ) ( 4 )
A time difference between the signals acquired by the microphones 201 occurs depending on the arrangement of the microphones 201 and the distance relationship to the sound sources. Thereby, when a signal of another channel is present at a time before a time when a signal of a reference channel is present, the transfer function has a peak at a negative time.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, a reference channel X1(ω, f) is shifted by T0 samples (T0 is a predetermined sample number) by using X˜1(ω, f) such that signals of all channels have a positive time with respect to the reference channel, and a signal at a time t is made X1[t](t+T0). Note that, X˜1(ω, f) is a value that shifts the transfer function Am(ω, φ) to a positive time.
By using the X˜1(ω, f), Xm(ω, f), and the F frame, the regression model is defined as shown in Expression (5).
[ X 1 ( f + 1 ) … X M ( f + 1 ) ⋮ ⋱ ⋮ X 1 ( f + M ) … X M ( f + M ) ] ︸ X [ 1 : F ] = [ X ~ 1 ( f + 1 ) ⋮ X ~ 1 ( f + F ) ] ︸ Ω [ 1 : F ] [ A 1 ( ψ ) ⋮ A M ( ψ ) ] ︸ A T ( ω , ψ ) T ( 5 )
In Expression (5), the left-hand side is expressed by X[1:F], the first term of the right-hand side is expressed by Ω[1:F], and the second term of the right-hand side is expressed by AT(ω, φ). Note that, Ω[1:F] is an independent variable.
According to Expression (5), AT(ω, φ) is represented as shown in Expression (6).
AT(ω,ψ)=(Ω[1:F]TΩ[1:F])−1Ω[1:F]TX[1:F] (6)
In Expression (6), the positions of the microphones 201 are not included, but sound properties inside a room (room-acoustics) are included.
Note that, the method becomes further robust by securing a sufficient number of frames.
When the number of speech zones is N, a transfer function is estimated for each speech zone. The transfer function A[n](ω) in a speech zone n is represented as shown in Expression (7).
A[n](ω)=[A[n]1(ω), . . . ,X[n]M(ω)]T (7)
As described above, in the present embodiment, a signal of a known sound source that is emitted from a speaker as in the related art is not used, but an acquired actual sound signal is used to estimate a transfer function.
<Calculation of Spatial Feature Quantity>
Next, a calculation method of a sound feature quantity performed by the feature quantity calculation unit 15 is described.
The feature quantity calculation unit 15 selects one channel that is the same as the channel selected by the representative transfer function estimation unit 17. The present embodiment is described using an example in which the first channel is selected.
The feature quantity calculation unit 15 calculates a sample difference τ between the selected one channel and another channel for each speech zone with respect to the frequency-domain signals output by the conversion unit 13. Here, the sample difference τ[n] in the n-th speech zone is represented by an (M−1)-dimensional vector as shown in Expression (8).
τ[n]=[τ[n]2, . . . ,τ[n]M]T (8)
Further, a sample difference τ[n]m of an n-th speech zone between the one channel and the m-th channel is represented as shown in Expression (9). In the present embodiment, the sample difference is referred to as a spatial feature quantity.
τ [ n ] m = argmax t ∑ f = 1 F n ∫ - ∞ ∞ X [ n ] 1 ( ω , f ) X [ n ] m * ( ω , f ) X [ n ] 1 ( ω , f ) X [ n ] m * ( ω , f ) ⅇ jωτ ⅆ ω ( 9 )
In Expression (9), argmax represents a function that selects a value of a domain of definition such that a function value is maximized. Further, [⋅]* is a complex conjugate of [⋅]. Note that, a method in which a reference channel is provided to calculate a spatial feature quantity as described above is referred to as a multi-channel GCC-PHAT (generalized cross-correlation methods with phase transform) method in the present embodiment. Note that, the GCC-PHAT method is a method in which a mutual correlation function between two speech waveforms is obtained by a calculation in a frequency domain. The spatial feature quantity is direction information.
<Spatial Clustering>
Next, a spatial clustering method performed by the clustering unit 16 is described.
FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a spatial feature quantity and an example of spatial clustering according to the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 6 shows an (M−1)-dimensional space of a spatial feature quantity. The example shown in FIG. 6 is an example in which M is four.
Further, the example shown in FIG. 6 is a result of performing a clustering process, by using a known method, with respect to sixteen spatial feature quantities when the number of speech zones is sixteen (N=16), that is, the number of spatial feature quantities is sixteen (τ[1] to τ[16]). Note that, the clustering unit 16 classifies spatial feature quantities into clusters, for example, by using an agglomerative clustering method. Note that, when the number of speakers is known, the clustering unit 16 may perform a clustering process, for example, by using a k-means method and the like.
In the example shown in FIG. 6, the spatial feature quantities τ[1], τ[3], τ[6], τ[8], τ[12], τ[15] are classified into a first cluster C1, the spatial feature quantities τ[2], τ[7], τ[9], τ[11], τ[13] are classified into a second cluster C2, and the spatial feature quantities τ[4], τ[5], τ[10], τ[14], τ[16] are classified into a third cluster C3. The clustering unit 16 classifies a spatial feature quantity (sample difference) which is information representing a position, and therefore, the classified result of spatial feature quantities corresponds to a sound source position depending on the sample difference.
Next, an estimation method of the number of clusters, that is, the number of speakers performed by the clustering unit 16 is described.
The distance between clusters is defined as the distance between centers of the clusters. The distance between a cluster i and a cluster j (i and j are integers equal to or more than one that are different from each other) is represented in Expression (10).
Δ ij = 1 N i ∑ n ∈ i τ [ n ] - 1 N j ∑ n ∈ j τ [ n ] ( 10 )
FIG. 7 is a view showing an estimation method of the number of speakers according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 7, the vertical axis represents the number of integrated clusters, and the horizontal axis represents a distance Δij between clusters. In the present embodiment, the number of clusters is estimated by confirming how many clusters are included in the distance Δij between clusters when the distance Δij which is a sample difference is increased.
In the example shown in FIG. 7, when the distance Δij between clusters is zero, the number of clusters is also zero. When the distance Δij between clusters is zero, in the example shown in FIG. 6, since the number of spatial feature quantities is sixteen, and there is no distance between spatial feature quantities, the number of integrated clusters is zero. Then, the number of clusters increases as the distance Δij between clusters increases. Then, the number of clusters reaches a peak as the distance Δij between clusters increases. Then, the number of integrated clusters decreases after the peak as the distance Δij between clusters increases. It is known that the number of integrated clusters converges on zero, but there is a peak of the number of integrated clusters at a position away from zero in Δij. This is because signals of the same speaker have a similar sample difference and therefore tend to be integrated by performing agglomerative clustering. The peak in FIG. 7 represents a distance at which the spatial feature quantities of the speaker are agglomerated. On the other hand, since speeches of different speakers are spatially separated, a peak p1 occurs when the distance is increased to a distance Δc at which the clusters of the first speaker and another speaker are integrated to each other. As the distance is further increased, for example, when the number of speakers is three, all the spatial feature quantities are integrated to one cluster, and a peak p2 occurs.
In the present embodiment, the clustering unit 16 determines, as the number of speakers C, the number of clusters C in a region z1 before the clusters of the first speaker and another speaker are integrated to each other, that is, before there is the peak p1 in the distance Δc. The example shown in FIG. 6 is an example of C=3.
<Calculation of Representative Transfer Function>
Next, a calculation method of a representative transfer function performed by the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 is described.
FIG. 8 is a view showing an example of distances d between the center τc of a cluster in the second cluster C2 of FIG. 6 (hereinafter, referred to as a cluster center) and spatial feature quantities.
A transfer function included in a cluster among the transfer functions estimated by the transfer function estimation unit 14 is a transfer function with respect to a sound source that comes from a direction which can be regarded as the cluster. The representative transfer function estimation unit 17 uses these transfer functions to determine the transfer function with respect to the cluster as a representative transfer function.
First, the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 determines the number of clusters and then obtains the centers τc of clusters by using Expression (11).
τ c = 1 N c ∑ n ∈ c τ [ n ] ( 11 )
Next, the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 calculates distances d[n] between the cluster center and the spatial feature quantities for each speech zone by using Expression (12).
d[n]=∥τ[n]−τc∥ (12)
An example of the cluster center and an example of distances between the cluster center and the spatial feature quantities are described.
In the example shown in FIG. 8, the distance between a spatial feature quantity τ[2] and the cluster center τc is d[2], the distance between a spatial feature quantity τ[7] and the cluster center τc is d[7], the distance between a spatial feature quantity τ[9] and the cluster center τc is d[9], the distance between a spatial feature quantity τ[11] and the cluster center τc is d[11], and the distance between a spatial feature quantity τ[13] and the cluster center τc is d[13]. A spatial feature quantity τ that is close to the cluster center τc can be a reliable sample. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a transfer function of the cluster center is obtained and is regarded as a transfer function with respect to a sound source.
Next, the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 obtains a sum Dc of distances for each cluster by using Expression (13).
Dc=Σn∈Cd[n] (13)
Next, the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 uses transfer functions A[n](ω) estimated by the transfer function estimation unit 14 and further performs weighting in consideration of the calculated distances from the cluster center to integrate the transfer functions as shown below to determine a representative transfer function.
In the present embodiment, a weighted value is defined as shown in Expression (14).
Weighted value=d[n]/Dc (14)
Next, the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 uses the calculated weighted value to obtain a representative transfer function AmC in a frequency domain (F) and a time domain (T) for each cluster by using Expression (15) and Expression (16). Note that, the used transfer function is an estimated transfer function that is associated with the spatial feature quantity classified into each cluster. Since a spatial feature quantity is for each speech zone, when one cluster includes, for example, five spatial feature quantities, the transfer functions are five transfer functions each corresponding to each one of the five spatial feature quantities, that is, each speech zone.
Note that, in the present embodiment, the obtained center for each cluster is a sound source position, and the transfer function in the direction to the cluster center is a transfer function in a sound source direction.
A mc [ F ] ( ω , ψ ) = ∑ n ∈ C d [ n ] D C A [ n ] m ( ω ) ( 15 ) A mC [ T ] ( ω , ψ ) = Π n ∈ C A [ n ] m d [ n ] D C ( ω ) ( 16 )
Next, the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 resolves the obtained transfer function in the frequency domain and the obtained transfer function in the time domain into a phase and amplitude as shown in Expression (17) and Expression (18).
AmC[F](ω,ψ)=λm[F]exp(−jωtm[F]) (17)
AmC[T](ω,ψ)=λm[T]exp(−jωtm[T]) (18)
According to Expression (17) and Expression (18), the representative transfer function AmC(ω) is represented as shown in Expression (19).
AmC[T](ω,ψ)=λm[T]exp(−jωtm[F]) (19)
<Formulation of Transfer Function DB>
Next, estimation of a representative transfer function performed by the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 is described.
FIG. 9 is a view showing an example of information stored in the transfer function DB 18 according to the present embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9, transfer properties of a sound that comes from a first direction are stored as a transfer function in a first direction a1 [deg], transfer properties of a sound that comes from a second direction are stored as a transfer function in a second direction a2 [deg], and transfer properties of a sound that comes from a third direction are stored as a transfer function in a third direction a3 [deg].
However, as described above, since the positions of the microphones 201, the arrangement of the microphones 201, and the position relationship between the microphones 201 and the sound sources are unknown, this direction is a direction in a coordinate system in the speech-processing apparatus 1. Therefore, it is possible to associate each cluster with a transfer function. However, it is necessary to estimate which direction a sound physically comes from represented by each cluster.
The representative transfer function estimation unit 17 imparts, to each clustered direction, a pseudo angle that is irrelevant to an actual direction. Examples of a pseudo direction include, in FIG. 6, a first direction that is the cluster C1 direction, a second direction that is the cluster C2 direction, and a third direction that is the cluster C3 direction. Thereby, the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 forms a database of a transfer function in which one cluster is one direction as shown in FIG. 9 and stores the formed database of a transfer function in the transfer function DB 18.
<Sound Source Localization>
Next, a process performed by the sound source localization unit 19 is described.
The sound source localization unit 19 calculates a MUSIC (multiple signal classification) spectrum for each direction output by the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 with respect to the speech signal output by the conversion unit 13 by using the transfer function stored in the transfer function DB 18.
Next, the sound source localization unit 19 performs normalization with respect to the MUSIC spectrum for each direction output by the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 such that the scale has a value of zero to one.
Next, the sound source localization unit 19 determines a threshold value for determining whether or not a sound is present in conformity to detection of a speech zone at the speech estimation unit 12. By using this threshold value, the sound source localization unit 19 performs rough sound source localization.
Next, the sound source localization unit 19 extracts a presence zone in which speech is present with respect to a single sound source from a localized result.
The speech estimation unit 12 uses a speech signal of a single sound source which is applied with sound source localization by the sound source localization unit 19 and from which a zone where a sound is present is extracted according to the threshold value to estimate a speech zone again. Thereby, the detection accuracy of a speech zone is improved compared to speech zone detection for the first time. The speech-processing apparatus 1 repeats a process of each unit until the transfer function converges. According to the repeat process, the speech-processing apparatus 1 can gradually obtain a transfer function that meets the sound source localization result.
Note that, the speech-processing apparatus 1 may perform an offline process until the transfer function converges and may perform an online process after the transfer function converges. Further, the generated transfer function may be output to a sound source separation apparatus (not shown) and the like, and the sound source separation apparatus may include the speech-processing apparatus 1.
<Process Sequence of Speech-Processing Apparatus 1>
Next, a process sequence of the speech-processing apparatus 1 is described. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a process of the speech-processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. The speech-processing apparatus 1 performs the following process offline.
(Step S1) The speech estimation unit 12 extracts, for example, a sound signal of one session from sound signals of M channels output by the sound signal acquisition unit 11 and detects a presence zone in which a sound is present from the extracted sound signal of one session as a speech zone.
(Step S2) The speech-processing apparatus 1 repeats the processes of Step S3 to Step S15 until a transfer function converges.
(Step S3) The transfer function estimation unit 14 and the feature quantity calculation unit 15 select one from speech signals for each speech zone output by the conversion unit 13 and perform the processes of Step S3 to Step S5 for each speech zone based on the selected sound signal. Here, an example is described in which the number of speech zones is N.
(Step S4) The transfer function estimation unit 14 estimates a transfer function based on a signal of one channel (for example, first channel) in the speech zone selected in Step S3.
(Step S5) The feature quantity calculation unit 15 calculates, as a spatial feature quantity, a sample difference between a signal of one channel (for example, first channel) as a basis and a signal of another channel in the speech zone selected in Step S3. Note that, the sample difference is a signal phase difference between channels.
(Step S6) The transfer function estimation unit 14 and the feature quantity calculation unit 15 advance the process to Step S7 after the processes of Step S3 to Step S5 are completed for all speech zones.
(Step S7) The clustering unit 16 expands the feature quantity output by the feature quantity calculation unit 15 into an (M−1)-dimensional space and classifies the feature quantity by using an agglomerative clustering method to thereby estimate the number of sound sources (the number of speakers).
(Step S8) The representative transfer function estimation unit 17 selects one from the clusters estimated in Step S7 and performs a process of Step S9 for each cluster.
(Step S9) The representative transfer function estimation unit 17 obtains a center for each cluster estimated by the clustering unit 16 and calculates a distance between each feature quantity and the center for each cluster. Subsequently, the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 uses Expression (11) to Expression (19) and N transfer functions for each speech zone output by the transfer function estimation unit 14, performs weighting in consideration also of the distance from the center of the cluster, and integrates the transfer functions to determine a transfer function (representative transfer function) that represents the cluster.
(Step S10) The representative transfer function estimation unit 17 advances the process to Step S11 after the process of Step S9 is completed for all clusters.
(Step S11) The representative transfer function estimation unit 17 imparts, to each clustered direction, a pseudo angle that is irrelevant to an actual direction. Thereby, the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 forms a database of a transfer function in which one cluster is one direction and stores the formed database of a transfer function in the transfer function DB 18.
(Step S12) The sound source localization unit 19 calculates a MUSIC spectrum for each direction output by the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 with respect to the speech signal output by the conversion unit 13 by using the transfer function stored in the transfer function DB 18.
(Step S13) The sound source localization unit 19 performs normalization with respect to the MUSIC spectrum for each direction output by the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 such that the scale has a value of zero to one to thereby modify the MUSIC spectrum.
(Step S14) The sound source localization unit 19 determines a threshold value for determining whether or not a sound is present in conformity to detection of a speech zone by the speech estimation unit 12.
(Step S15) The sound source localization unit 19 performs sound source localization by using the threshold value determined in Step S14. Subsequently, the sound source localization unit 19 extracts, from the localized result, a presence zone in which speech is present with respect to a single sound source.
Then, the speech estimation unit 12 repeats the processes of Step S2 to Step S15 until the transfer function converges by using, as a signal of a speech zone, a speech signal of a single sound source which is applied with sound source localization by the sound source localization unit 19 and from which a zone where a sound is present is extracted using the threshold value.
(Step S16) The speech-processing apparatus 1 completes the process when the transfer function converges.
The present embodiment is described using an example in which one session is an entire meeting; however, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The one session may be a conversation until a break in a meeting or a conversation included in a predetermined time. The predetermined time is a time that includes speech for which the clustering process or estimation of a representative transfer function described above can be performed. The speech-processing apparatus 1 may obtain a transfer function and perform sound source localization in one session, and then, may perform an online process by using the estimated transfer function.
The present embodiment is described using an example in which the sound source localization unit 19 calculates a MUSIC spectrum by using the MUSIC method; however, the embodiment is not limited thereto. The sound source localization unit 19 may perform sound source localization by using another method that uses a transfer function.
As described above, the speech-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment includes: the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 that uses a sound signal which is collected by using the microphone array 2 of which the arrangement is unknown, which has a plurality of channels (1 to M), and of which the number of sound sources is unknown and that estimates a transfer function with respect to a sound source.
Further, the speech-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment further includes: a speech zone detection unit (speech estimation unit 12, speech zone estimation unit 121) that detects a plurality of speech zones from the sound signal that has the plurality of channels; the transfer function estimation unit 14 that estimates a transfer function by using a speech signal of a speech zone detected by the speech zone detection unit; the feature quantity calculation unit 15 that calculates a feature quantity τ by using the speech signal; and the clustering unit 16 that estimates the number of sound sources by classifying the feature quantity calculated by the feature quantity calculation unit into clusters, wherein the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 estimates each transfer function to each one of the clusters as each transfer function (representative transfer function) with respect to a sound source based on the transfer function estimated by the transfer function estimation unit and the number of sound sources estimated by the clustering unit.
According to the configuration, it is possible to estimate a transfer function with respect to a sound source from a sound signal, which is collected by using a microphone array of which the arrangement is unknown, and of which the number of sound sources is also unknown. It is possible to use the transfer function estimated in this way for sound source separation and sound source localization. As a result, according to the configuration, since it is unnecessary to emit a sound signal in advance to estimate the transfer function, it is possible to omit preparation prior to driving the apparatus.
As described above, in the speech-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the transfer function estimation unit 14 selects one from the plurality of channels included in the speech signal as a representative channel (for example, first channel) and estimates the transfer function by using the speech signal of the selected representative channel and the speech signal of the rest of the plurality of channels (for example, second to M-th channels).
According to the configuration, by using a sound signal of the representative channel, it is possible to estimate a transfer function for each speech zone, and it is possible to use the estimated transfer function to estimate a transfer function with respect to a sound source.
As described above, in the speech-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the feature quantity calculation unit 15 selects one from the plurality of channels included in the speech signal as a representative channel (for example, first channel) and calculates the feature quantity τ by using the speech signal of the selected representative channel and the speech signal of the rest of the plurality of channels (for example, second to M-th channels).
According to the configuration, by using a sound signal of the representative channel, it is possible to calculate a feature quantity for each speech zone, and it is possible to use the calculated feature quantity to estimate a transfer function with respect to a sound source.
As described above, in the speech-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the feature quantity τ is a value based on a phase difference between the speech signal of the representative channel (for example, first channel) and the speech signal of the rest of the plurality of channels (for example, second to M-th channels).
According to the configuration, by using a sound signal of the representative channel, it is possible to calculate a feature quantity for each speech zone, and it is possible to use the calculated feature quantity to estimate a transfer function with respect to a sound source. Further, according to the configuration, it is possible to estimate a transfer function by using a phase difference between the microphones 201 even in a state where a transfer function is not completely obtained in advance.
As described above, in the speech-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the clustering unit 16 determines, based on a distance Δ between the clusters to which the number of integrated clusters converges, the number of the clusters.
According to the configuration, it is possible to estimate the number of clusters, that is, the number of sound sources with good accuracy.
As described above, in the speech-processing apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the representative transfer function estimation unit 17 calculates a center τc of each one of the clusters obtained by the clustering unit 16, calculates, with respect to the feature amount τ included in each cluster, a distance d[n] between the feature amount and the calculated center of each one of the clusters, calculates a weighted value by using a sum DC of the calculated distances and each one of the calculated distances, and estimates, by using a transfer function corresponding to the feature amount included in the cluster and the calculated weighted value, a transfer function in the center of the cluster as a transfer function to a sound source.
According to the configuration, by performing spatial clustering, it is possible to estimate a transfer function in which an assumed position of a speaker can be in a certain range.
Note that, a process such as estimation of a transfer function, sound source localization, and speech recognition may be performed by recording a program for realizing the function of the speech-processing apparatus 1 according to the invention on a computer-readable recording medium, reading the program recorded on the recording medium into a computer system, and executing the program. Here, the “computer system” may include an OS or hardware such as peripherals. The “computer system” may include a WWW system including a homepage-providing environment (or display environment). Examples of the “computer-readable recording medium” include portable mediums such as a flexible disk, a magneto-optical disk, a ROM, and a CD-ROM and a storage device such as a hard disk built in a computer system. The “computer-readable recording medium” may include a medium that temporarily holds a program for a predetermined time, such as a volatile memory (RAM) in a computer system serving as a server or a client in a case where the program is transmitted via a network such as the Internet or a communication circuit such as a telephone circuit.
The program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by transmission waves in the transmission medium. Here, the “transmission medium” via which the program is transmitted means a medium having a function of transmitting information such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication circuit (communication line) such as a telephone line. The program may be configured to realize part of the above-described functions. Further, the program may be configured to realize the above-described functions by combination with a program recorded in advance in a computer system, such as a so-called differential file (differential program).
While embodiments of the invention have been described and shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and additions, omissions, substitutions, and other modifications of the configuration can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as being limited by the foregoing description, and is only limited by the scope of the appended claims.
1. A speech-processing apparatus, comprising:
a processor coupled to a memory and configured to:
use a sound signal which is collected by using a microphone array of which the arrangement is unknown, which has a plurality of channels, and of which a number of sound sources is unknown and estimate at least one transfer function with respect to a sound source;
detect a plurality of speech zones from the sound signal that has the plurality of channels;
estimate the at least one transfer function by using a speech signal of a detected speech zone;
calculate a feature quantity by using the speech signal;
estimate the number of sound sources by classifying the calculated feature quantity into clusters, wherein each transfer function to each one of the clusters is estimated as each transfer function with respect to a sound source based on the estimated transfer function and the estimated number of sound sources; and
store data representing recognition results for the number of estimated sound sources on the memory.
2. The speech-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
one from the plurality of channels included in the speech signal is selected as a representative channel, and the at least one transfer function is estimated by using the speech signal of the selected representative channel and the speech signal of the rest of the plurality of channels.
one from the plurality of channels included in the speech signal is selected as a representative channel, and the feature quantity is calculated by using the speech signal of the selected representative channel and the speech signal of the rest of the plurality of channels.
the feature quantity is a value based on a phase difference between the speech signal of the representative channel and the speech signal of the rest of the plurality of channels.
a number of the clusters is determined based on a distance between the clusters to which the number of integrated clusters converges.
a center of each one of the obtained clusters is calculated,
with respect to the feature quantity included in each cluster, a distance between the feature quantity and the calculated center of each one of the clusters is calculated,
a weighted value is calculated by using a sum of the calculated distances and each one of the calculated distances, and
by using a transfer function corresponding to the feature quantity included in the cluster and the calculated weighted value, the transfer function in the center of the cluster is estimated as the transfer function to a sound source.
7. A speech-processing method that causes a processor coupled to a memory to:
(a) acquire a sound signal which is collected by using a microphone array of which the arrangement is unknown, which has a plurality of channels, and of which the number of sound sources is unknown;
(b) detect a plurality of speech zones from the sound signal that has the plurality of channels;
(c) estimate a transfer function by using a speech signal of a speech zone detected in (b);
(d) calculate a feature quantity by using the speech signal;
(e) estimate the number of sound sources by classifying the feature quantity calculated in (d) into clusters; and
(f) estimate each transfer function to each one of the clusters as each transfer function with respect to a sound source based on the transfer function estimated in (c) and the number of sound sources estimated in (e).
a sound signal acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of sound signals having a plurality of channels;
a speech estimation unit configured to extract a sound signal of one session from the plurality of sound signals;
a conversion unit configured to output a speech signal for a speech zone of the number of speech zones based on the sound signal;
a transfer estimation unit configured to generate transfer functions for the speech zone of the number of speech zones;
a representative transfer function estimation unit configured calculate a feature quantity from the converted speech signal and estimate a number of sound sources by classifying the feature quantity into clusters, wherein each transfer function is applied to each one of the clusters to estimate a sound source of a plurality of sound sources; and
an output unit configured to output data representing recognition results for the estimated sound source.
9. The speech-processing apparatus of claim 8, further comprising:
a speech zone estimation unit configured to detect the number of speech zones and outputs a number a speech signals for each detected speech zone.
10. The speech-processing apparatus of claim 9, wherein the speech zone estimation unit detects the number of speech zones using a zero-cross method.
11. The speech-processing apparatus of claim 8, wherein the conversion unit converts the speech signal using a short-time Fourier transform into a frequency domain.
12. The speech-processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein a number of the clusters is determined based on a distance between the clusters to which the number of integrated clusters converges.
13. The speech-processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein
with respect to a feature quantity included in each cluster, a distance between the feature quantity and the calculated center of each one of the clusters is calculated,
by using a transfer function corresponding to the feature quantity included in the cluster and the calculated weighted value, a transfer function in the center of the cluster is estimated as a transfer function to a sound source.
8160270 April 17, 2012 Oh
8526633 September 3, 2013 Ukai
9305566 April 5, 2016 Wakabayashi
9420372 August 16, 2016 Kordon
9549274 January 17, 2017 Nakamura
9560440 January 31, 2017 Wang
9622003 April 11, 2017 Schmidt
20090086998 April 2, 2009 Jeong
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20170353789 December 7, 2017 Kim
2010-181448 August 2010 JP
Date of Patent: Aug 28, 2018
Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. (Tokyo)
Inventors: Takeshi Mizumoto (Wako), Keisuke Nakamura (Wako), Kazuhiro Nakadai (Wako)
Primary Examiner: Satwant Singh
Current U.S. Class: Directive Circuits For Microphones (381/92)
International Classification: G10L 15/20 (20060101); G10L 15/26 (20060101); G10L 21/00 (20130101); H04R 3/00 (20060101); G10L 25/51 (20130101); G01S 3/80 (20060101); G10L 21/028 (20130101); G10L 21/0216 (20130101);
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Justia Patents Gate Controls Vertical Charge Flow Portion Of Channel (e.g., Vmos Device)US Patent for Self-aligned vertical field-effect transistor with epitaxially grown bottom and top source drain regions Patent (Patent # 10,297,507)
Self-aligned vertical field-effect transistor with epitaxially grown bottom and top source drain regions
Oct 17, 2017 - IBM
A vertical FET structure includes a bottom source-drain region disposed on a substrate of the first type; a recessed first heterostructure layer disposed on the bottom source-drain region; a first fin disposed on the bottom source-drain region; a dielectric inner spacer disposed on the recessed first heterostructure; an outer spacer disposed on the inner spacer; a high-k and metal gate layer disposed on the outer spacer, the inner spacer, and the channel layer; an interlayer dielectric oxide disposed between the first fin and the outer spacer; a recessed second heterostructure layer disposed on top of the substrate of the first type and high-k and metal gate layer; a dielectric inner spacer disposed on the recessed second heterostructure layer; and a top source-drain region layer disposed on the dielectric inner spacer and recessed second heterostructure layer resulting in the vertical FET. A method for forming the vertical FET is also provided.
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The present invention relates to an improved vertical field-effect transistor (FET) process. More particularly, the present invention relates to a self-aligned vertical FET with epitaxially grown bottom and top source drain regions.
FETs are transistors that use an electrical field to control the electrical behavior of the device. The fin refers in a semiconductor material patterned on a substrate that often has exposed surfaces that form the narrow channel between source and drain region layers. Vertical FETs often include a vertical channel and active source and drain region layers arranged beneath and above the channel. A thin dielectric layer arranged over the fin separates the fin channel from the gate. Like in any transistors, there is a strong need to solve both gate length control and junction position control problems in vertical FETs. In the conventional lateral FinFET transistors, gate length is defined by lithography or sidewall image transfer process. However, in the vertical FET architecture where the channel direction (transport direction) is arranged vertically on the substrate, none of the conventional methods used to define gate length is applicable. The gate spacer thickness and the source-drain extension thickness are also difficult to control in the vertical architecture. It is critical to control them because their thicknesses are closely related to junction positions.
A method of forming a vertical field-effect transistor (FET), the method includes depositing a first heterostructure layer over a substrate of a first type; depositing a channel layer over the first heterostructure layer; depositing a second heterostructure layer over the channel layer; forming a first fin having a hard mask thereon, wherein the hard mask is disposed on the second heterostructure layer; recessing the first and the second heterostructure layers such that they are narrower than the first fin and the hard mask; filling gaps formed in the recessed first and second heterostructure layers with a dielectric inner spacer; performing oxidation to form SiO2 over the substrate of the first type and the channel layer; depositing a dielectric liner; directionally etching the dielectric liner over the SiO2; etching the SiO2 over the substrate of the first type; epitaxially growing a bottom source-drain region layer over the substrate of the first type; conformally etching back a hard mask liner over the bottom source-drain region layer; depositing an outer spacer on top of the bottom source-drain region layer; removing the SiO2; depositing a high-k dielectric layer and metal gate layer on top of the first heterostructure layer; etching the high-k dielectric layer and metal gate layer to a level below the top hard mask; filling with interlayer dielectric (ILD) oxide and then performing CMP to the top of hard mask; etching the hard mask; and epitaxially growing a top source-drain region layer over the first fin to produce the vertical FET.
A vertical field-effect transistor (FET) structure includes a bottom source-drain region disposed on a substrate of the first type; a recessed first heterostructure layer disposed on the bottom source-drain region; a first fin disposed on the bottom source-drain region; a dielectric inner spacer disposed on the recessed first heterostructure; an outer spacer disposed on the dielectric inner spacer; a high-k and metal gate layer disposed on the outer spacer, the dielectric inner spacer, and the channel layer; an interlayer dielectric (ILD) oxide disposed between the first fin and the outer spacer; a recessed second heterostructure layer disposed on top of the substrate of the first type and high-k and metal gate layer; a dielectric inner spacer disposed on the recessed second heterostructure layer; and a top source-drain region layer disposed on the dielectric inner spacer and recessed second heterostructure layer resulting in the vertical FET.
Embodiments will be described in more detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of depositing a first heterostructure layer over a substrate of a first type; depositing a channel layer over the first heterostructure layer; and depositing a second heterostructure layer over the channel layer;
FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of forming a first fin having a hard mask thereon, wherein the hard mask is disposed on the second heterostructure layer;
FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of recessing the first and the second heterostructure layers such that they are narrower than the first fin and the hard mask;
FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of filling gaps formed in the recessed first and second heterostructure layers with a dielectric inner spacer;
FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of performing oxidation to form SiO2 over the substrate of the first type and the channel layer;
FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of depositing a dielectric liner and directionally etching it back over the SiO2;
FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of etching the SiO2 over the substrate of the first type;
FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of epitaxially growing a bottom source-drain region layer over the substrate of the first type;
FIG. 9 illustrates a diagram of conformally etching back a hard mask liner over the bottom source-drain region layer;
FIG. 10 illustrates a diagram of epitaxially growing additional bottom source-drain region layer;
FIG. 11 illustrates a diagram of depositing an outer spacer on top of the bottom source-drain;
FIG. 12 illustrates a diagram of removing the SiO2 and depositing a high-k dielectric layer and metal gate layer;
FIG. 13 illustrates a diagram of etching the high-k dielectric layer and metal gate layer to below the top hard mask;
FIG. 14 illustrates a diagram of filling with interlayer dielectric (ILD) oxide and then performing CMP to the top of hard mask; and
FIG. 15 illustrates a diagram of etching the hard mask; and epitaxially growing a top source-drain region layer over the first fin to produce the vertical FET.
It will be readily understood that components of the present invention, as generally described in the figures herein, can be arranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations in addition to the presently described preferred embodiments. Thus, the following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention, as represented in the figures, is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention as claimed, but is merely representative of selected presently preferred embodiments of the present invention.
For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques related to semiconductor device and IC fabrication may not be described in detail herein. Moreover, the various tasks and process steps described herein may be incorporated into a more comprehensive procedure or process having additional steps or functionality not described in detail herein. In particular, various steps in the manufacture of semiconductor devices and semiconductor-based ICs are well known and so, in the interest of brevity, many conventional steps will only be mentioned briefly herein or will be omitted entirely without providing the well-known process details.
In general, the various processes used to form a micro-chip that will be packaged into an IC fall into four general categories, namely, film deposition, removal/etching, semiconductor doping and patterning/lithography. Deposition is any process that grows, coats, or otherwise transfers a material onto the wafer. Available technologies include physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electrochemical deposition (ECD), molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and more recently, and atomic layer deposition (ALD) among others. Deposition also includes a so-called epitaxial growth process which deposits single crystalline material on a single crystalline substrate.
Removal/etching is any process that removes material from the wafer. Examples include etch processes (either wet or dry), and chemical-mechanical planarization (CMP), and the like. A dry etch process such as reactive ion etching (RIE) uses chemically reactive plasma to remove a material, such as a masked pattern of semiconductor material, by exposing the material to a bombardment of ions that dislodge portions of the material from the exposed surface. The plasma is generated under low pressure (vacuum) by an electromagnetic field.
Semiconductor doping is the modification of electrical properties by doping, for example, transistor sources and drains, generally by diffusion and/or by ion implantation. These doping processes are followed by furnace annealing or rapid thermal annealing. Annealing serves to activate the implanted dopants. Selective doping of various layers of the semiconductor substrate allows the conductivity of the substrate to be changed with the application of voltage. By creating structures of these various components, millions of transistors can be built and wired together to form the complex circuitry of a modern microelectronic device.
Semiconductor lithography is the formation of three-dimensional relief images or patterns on the semiconductor substrate for subsequent transfer of the pattern to the substrate. In semiconductor lithography, the patterns are formed by a light sensitive polymer called a photo-resist. To build the complex structures that make up a transistor and the many wires that connect the millions of transistors of a circuit, lithography and etch pattern transfer steps are repeated multiple times. Each pattern being printed on the wafer is aligned to the previously formed patterns and slowly the conductors, insulators and selectively doped regions are built up to form the final device.
The metal gate layer is electrically insulated from the main semiconductor n-channel or p-channel by a thin layer insulating material, for example, silicon dioxide or high dielectric constant (high-k) dielectrics, which makes the input resistance of the transistor relatively high.
The present invention is to be understood within the context of the description provided below. The description provided below is to be understood within the context of the Figures provided and described above. The Figures are intended for illustrative purposes and, as such, are not necessarily drawn to scale.
FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of depositing a first heterostructure layer 202 over a substrate of a first type 201, depositing a channel layer 203 over the first heterostructure layer 202, and depositing a second heterostructure 204 layer over the channel layer 203. The first heterostructure layer 202 and second heterostructure layer 204 can either be the same or different materials. The material used for heterostructure layers can be silicon germanium. The heterostructure layer can have a thickness from about 4 to about 10 nm and ranges there between and the thickness of the first and second heterostructure layers can be the same or different. The channel layer 203 can have a thickness from about 10 to about 50 nm and ranges there between. The material used for the channel layer 203 can be a material such as silicon.
FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of forming a first fin having a hard mask thereon 205, wherein the hard mask is disposed on the second heterostructure layer 204. The hard mask can be silicon nitride. Alternatively, the hard mask 205 can contain multiple materials arranged in any forms, including but not limited to silicon nitride, polysilicon, amorphous silicon, and silicon oxide. The hard mask 205 can have a lateral width from about 5 to about 25 nm and ranges there between. The first fin can be formed by using a reactive ion etching (RIE) process. The hard mask 205 can etched selectively using hot phosphoric acid (H3PO4).
FIG. 3 illustrates a diagram of recessing the first 202 and the second 204 heterostructure layers such that they are narrower than the first fin and the hard mask 205. FIG. 4 illustrates a diagram of filling gaps formed in the recessed first 202 and second 204 heterostructure layers with a dielectric inner spacer 206. This can be done by first conformally depositing inner spacer material to pinch off the gap and then conformally etching back that material on the unwanted surfaces. The etching time can be controlled such that the material filled in the gap remains. The dielectric inner spacer 206 can be a material such as silicon-boron-carbon-nitride (SiBCN) or silicon nitride or SiCO or SiOCN. The shape of the dielectric inner spacer 206 may not be perfectly rectangular as shown in the figures. The interface between dielectric inner spacer 206 and the recessed first heterostructure layer 202 and recessed second heterostructure layer 204 may have a convex shape towards the recessed heterostructure layers due to the nature of recess etching.
FIG. 5 illustrates a diagram of performing oxidation to form SiO2 207 over the substrate of the first type 201 and the channel layer 203. The channel and bottom oxidation can use the regular dry oxidation process or a low temperature plasma oxidation process. FIG. 6 illustrates a diagram of depositing a dielectric liner and directionally etching it back 208 over the SiO2 207. FIG. 7 illustrates a diagram of etching SiO2 207 over the substrate of the first type 201. FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram of epitaxially growing a bottom source-drain region layer 209 over the substrate of the first type 201. The bottom source-drain region layer 209 can be a material such as silicon or silicon germanium. The bottom-source drain region layer 209 is positioned directly beneath dielectric inner spacer 206. This structure helps bottom junction formation with precisely-defined junction position.
FIG. 9 illustrates a diagram of conformally etching back the hard mask liner 208 over the bottom source-drain region layer 209. The hard mask liner 208 can be disposed on the sides of the dielectric inner spacer 206. The hard mask liner 208 can be silicon nitride. The key process that can enable precise defining of bottom junction is the oxidation process. The formed SiO2 207 over the substrate reserves space for the bottom source-drain region layer 209 such that the formed bottom source-drain region layer 209 is positioned directly beneath the dielectric inner spacer 206.
FIG. 10 illustrates a diagram of epitaxially growing additional bottom source-drain region layer 209. The highly doped bottom source-drain region layer 209 can have a thickness of about 10 to about 50 nm and ranges there between. Dopant drive-in annealing process may be performed after bottom source-drain region layer 209 growth to form the bottom junction.
FIG. 11 illustrates a diagram of depositing an outer spacer 210 on top of the bottom source-drain region layer 209. The bottom outer spacer 210 is formed by anisotropic HDP deposition followed by conformal etching back. The bottom outer spacer 210 can be thicker than the dielectric inner spacer 206 to reduce capacitance. FIG. 12 removing SiO2 207 and depositing a high-k dielectric layer and metal gate layer 211. FIG. 13 illustrates a diagram of etching the high-k dielectric layer and metal gate layer 211 to below the top hard mask 205. FIG. 14 illustrates a diagram of filling with interlayer dielectric (ILD) oxide 212 and then performing CMP to the top of hard mask 205.
FIG. 15 illustrates a diagram of etching the hard mask 205 and growing a top source-drain region layer 213 over the first fin to produce the vertical FET. The top source-drain region layer 213 can be a material such as silicon or silicon germanium. The gate contact is located out of the paper surface and therefore not shown. A first contact can be deposited on the top source-drain region layer and a second contact can be deposited on the bottom source-drain region layer to complete the final transistor.
1. A method of forming a vertical field-effect transistor (FET), the method comprising:
depositing a first heterostructure layer over a substrate of a first type;
depositing a channel layer over the first heterostructure layer;
depositing a second heterostructure layer over the channel layer;
forming a first fin having a hard mask thereon, wherein the hard mask is disposed on the second heterostructure layer;
recessing the first and the second heterostructure layers such that they are narrower than the first fin and the hard mask;
filling gaps formed in the recessed first and second heterostructure layers with a dielectric inner spacer;
performing oxidation to form SiO2 over the substrate of the first type and the channel layer;
depositing a dielectric liner;
directionally etching the dielectric liner over the SiO2;
etching the SiO2 over the substrate of the first type;
epitaxially growing a bottom source-drain region layer over the substrate of the first type;
conformally etching back a hard mask liner over the bottom source-drain region layer;
depositing an outer spacer on top of the bottom source-drain region layer;
removing the SiO2;
depositing a high-k dielectric layer and metal gate layer on top of the first heterostructure layer;
etching the high-k dielectric layer and metal gate layer to a level below the top hard mask;
filling with interlayer dielectric (ILD) oxide and then performing CMP to the top of hard mask;
etching the hard mask; and
epitaxially growing a top source-drain region layer over the first fin to produce the vertical FET.
2. The method of forming a vertical FET of claim 1, wherein the first fin is formed by using a reactive ion etching (RIE) process.
3. The method of forming a vertical FET of claim 1, wherein the dielectric inner spacer is formed by conformal deposition and then conformal etch-back.
4. The method of forming a vertical FET of claim 1, wherein the channel and bottom oxidation is a low temperature plasma oxidation process.
5. The method of forming a vertical FET of claim 1, wherein the channel and bottom oxidation uses a regular dry oxidation process.
6. The method of forming a vertical FET of claim 1, wherein a first contact is deposited on the top source-drain region layer and a second contact is deposited on the bottom source-drain region layer to complete the final transistor.
7. The method of forming a vertical FET of claim 1, wherein the hard mask is etched selectively using hot phosphoric acid (H3PO4).
8. The method of forming a vertical FET of claim 1, where an additional bottom source-drain region layer is epitaxially grown prior to depositing an outer spacer on top of the bottom source-drain region layer.
9. The method of forming a vertical FET in claim 1, wherein a dopant drive-in annealing process is performed after the bottom source-drain region layer grows to form a bottom junction.
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Filed: Oct 17, 2017
Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION (Armonk, NY)
Inventors: Kangguo Cheng (Schenectady, NY), Shogo Mochizuki (Clifton Park, NY), Tenko Yamashita (Schenectady, NY), Chen Zhang (Albany, NY)
Primary Examiner: Eric A. Ward
Current U.S. Class: Gate Controls Vertical Charge Flow Portion Of Channel (e.g., Vmos Device) (257/329)
International Classification: H01L 21/336 (20060101); H01L 21/8234 (20060101); H01L 29/66 (20060101); H01L 29/78 (20060101); H01L 21/3105 (20060101); H01L 21/311 (20060101); H01L 29/423 (20060101);
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Justia Patents Reservation, Check-in, Or Booking Display For Reserved SpaceUS Patent Application for NETWORKED BARCODE VERIFICATION SYSTEM Patent Application (Application #20100228576)
NETWORKED BARCODE VERIFICATION SYSTEM
Systems and methods are described for barcode verification. Optionally, a barcode scanner/imager is coupled to a verification system over a network. The verification system receives over the network barcode data associated with an item, such as a ticket, and associated information. The verification system uses the barcode data and associated information to determine if the barcode is valid and corresponds to an identified event. The verification system transmits a verification result.
This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/158,237, filed Mar. 6, 2009, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED R&D
PARTIES OF JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, TABLE, OR COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING
COPYRIGHT RIGHTS
A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any one of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.
The present invention relates to barcodes, and in particular to barcode processing and verification.
With the advent of the Internet, transactions are often performed over computer networks between two entities that have not conducted previous transactions with each other. Further, the location and even the identity of one entity may be unknown to the other entity. Thus, transactions often carry significant uncertainty and risk. Many conventional transfer systems fail to provide adequate security and authenticity verification for such online transactions.
Methods and systems for processing and verifying documents are described herein.
Certain example embodiments utilize codes, such as barcodes and related information to verify the authenticity of a document, such as a ticket. For example, optionally the barcode data associated with a ticket may be optically scanned using an imaging device (e.g., a barcode scanner, a camera, etc.) and the digital image of the barcode data is then transmitted to a verification system. The imaging device may be included in a kiosk, turnstile, handheld device, wireless phone, or may be a camera connected to a user computer. The verification system then analyzes the digital image to extract and decode the encoded data. Optionally, instead or in addition, a user manually types in a code corresponding to the barcode. Optionally instead, the code is an identification code that is not associated with a barcode.
In addition, the verification system receives other data related to the document. For example, with respect to a ticket, corresponding event identification may be received. Optionally, seat location information (e.g., section, row, and/or seat number) is also received. The verification system uses to the code and some or all of the additional information to determine whether the document is valid. The verification system can then provide a verification indication to a user and/or a third party system (e.g., associated with a ticket resale service).
An example embodiment comprises a barcode verification system comprising: a barcode interface configured to receive barcode data associated with a ticket barcode associated with a ticketed event, wherein the barcode data was obtained via a barcode imaging device at a first location or was manually entered; an interface configured to receive seating and event data manually provided by a first user offering the ticket and/or by a second user seeking to acquire the ticket; a data store stored that stores: barcode data for issued tickets associated for the ticketed event; event data associated with the issued tickets; seating data associated with the issued tickets; transfer permission data associated with the issued tickets; code stored in memory, that when executed by a computing device is configured to perform verification operations comprising: determine if the received barcode data is in accordance with a first specified format; determine if the received barcode data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store; when the received barcode data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store, determine if the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued tickets for the event; determine if the received seating data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store; determine if the received barcode data is associated with a ticket that is not to be transferred via at least a first transaction type; transmit a positive verification and transfer right indication based at least in part on the determination that: the received barcode data is in accordance with a first specified format; the received barcode data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store; the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued tickets for the event; and the received seating data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store.
An example embodiment comprises a method of verifying a barcode, comprising: receiving at a ticket posting system, the ticket posting system including at least one computing device, a ticket posting request by a first user, the ticket posting request including barcode data, event data, and seating data associated with a ticket offer; transmitting a verification request over a network to a verification system, the verification request including the barcode data and the seat data; receiving at the ticket posting system an indication as to whether: the barcode data corresponds to a valid ticket, for an event corresponding to the event data, the ticket is associated with a seat corresponding to the seat data, and is transferable by the first user; if the verification indicates that: the barcode data does not correspond to a valid ticket, or if the verification indicates that: that the barcode data corresponds to a ticket for an event different than that corresponding to the event data, is associated with a seat that does not correspond to the seat data, and/or is not transferable by the first user, inhibiting the posting of the ticket; if the verification indicates that: the barcode data does correspond to a valid ticket, for an event corresponding to the event data, that the ticket is associated with a seat corresponding to the seat data, and is transferable by the first user; enabling the first user to post the ticket for transfer; if, after the ticket is posted for transfer a successful transfer operation is performed with respect to a second user, transmitting a request for a new barcode over the network to a barcode issuing system, the barcode request including an indication that the ticket is being transferred; receiving over the network a new barcode associated by the barcode issuing system with the ticket; enabling the ticket to be provided to the second user with the new barcode.
An example embodiment comprises program code stored in non-transitory, tangible computer readable memory that when executed by a computing device is configured to: receive barcode data associated with a ticket barcode associated with a ticketed event; receive seating and event data manually provided by a first user offering the ticket and/or by a second user seeking to acquire the ticket; store in a data store: barcode data for issued tickets associated for the ticketed event; event data associated with the issued tickets; seating data associated with the issued tickets; transfer permission data associated with the issued tickets; determine if the received barcode data is in accordance with a first specified format; determine if the received barcode data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store; when the received barcode data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store, determine if the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued tickets for the event; determine if the received seating data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store; determine if the received barcode data is associated with a ticket that is not to be transferred via at least a first transaction type; transmit a positive verification and transfer right indication based at least in part on the determination that: the received barcode data is in accordance with a first specified format; the received barcode data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store; the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued tickets for the event; and the received seating data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store.
An example embodiment provides a verification system comprising: an interface configured to receive coded data associated with a ticket for a ticketed event; a data store stored that stores: coded data for issued tickets associated for the ticketed event; event data associated with the issued tickets; seating data associated with the issued tickets; code stored in non-transitory memory, that when executed by a computing device is configured to: determine if the received coded data is in accordance with a first specified format; determine if the received coded data corresponds to coded data stored in the data store; determine if event data received in association with the coded data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued tickets for the event; transmit a positive verification based at least in part on the determination that: the received coded data is in accordance with a first specified format; the received coded data corresponds to coded data stored in the data store; and the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued tickets for the event.
An example embodiment provides a method of verifying a ticket, comprising: receiving coded data associated with a ticket for a ticketed event; determining, using a computing device, if the received coded data is in accordance with a first specified format; determining, via the computing device, if the received coded data corresponds to coded data stored in a data store; determining, via the computing device, if event data received in association with the coded data corresponds to event data associated with an issued ticket for the event; and transmitting, via the computing device, a positive verification based at least in part on the determination that: the received coded data is in accordance with a first specified format; the received coded data corresponds to coded data stored in the data store; and the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued ticket for the event.
An example embodiment provides a method of verifying a ticket, comprising: receiving coded data associated with a ticket for a ticketed event; optionally determining, using a computing device, if the received coded data is in accordance with a first specified format; optionally determining, via the computing device, if the received coded data corresponds to coded data stored in a data store; optionally determining, via the computing device, if event data received in association with the coded data corresponds to event data associated with an issued ticket for the event; optionally determining, via the computing device, if the received coded data is associated with a ticket that is not to be transferred via at least a first transaction type; and transmitting, via the computing device, a positive verification based at least in part on the determination that: the received coded data is in accordance with a first specified format; the received coded data corresponds to coded data stored in the data store; and/or the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued ticket for the event.
Embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings summarized below. These drawings and the associated description are provided to illustrate example embodiments, and not to limit the scope of the invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example system embodiment that can be used in conjunction with processes described herein.
FIGS. 2A-D illustrate example document posting and verification processes.
FIG. 3 illustrates an example posting editing process.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example posting cancellation process.
FIGS. 5A-C illustrate example user interfaces.
Described herein are systems and methods for performing authentication of documents or instruments. For example, certain embodiments may be utilized to verify that a ticket (e.g., a voucher to indicate that one has paid for or is entitled to admission to a theatre, sporting event, concert, lecture, amusement park, zoo, aquarium, museum, or other attraction/event, or entitled to travel on an airplane, public transit, train, or other mode of transportation, and may indicate that the holder is entitled to use a specific seat) is authentic. Certain embodiments provide barcode verification for tickets being transferred, even when the tickets are being transferred (e.g., as part of a resale process) by a system other than the original ticket issuer system.
Transactions involving tickets, and in particular event tickets, have greatly increased with the advent of online ticket transactions. This increase has been particularly notable with respect to resale transactions. For example, many season ticket holders for sporting events are often unable to attend one or more games during the corresponding season. Thus, rather than simply allow their seats to remain empty, a season ticket holder may seek to transfer (e.g., via a resale) one or more game tickets to another party. The resale may be conducted via a service offered by the original ticket issuer, or via the performer or promoter. By way of further example, the resale may be provided via a third party service, such as an auction site, a ticket broker that resells tickets on behalf of itself and/or other parties, or an online classified advertisement site.
Because many of these transactions involve buyers and sellers that do not know one another, and where the buyer may be unaware of the seller's name, address, or other important information, a great deal of risk is present in many such transactions. All too often, buyers learn to their dismay that the ticket they purchased in what was purported to be a resale, turns out to be a counterfeit. In certain instances, such as when the ticket is purchased through certain brokers, the broker may refund the purchaser money. In other instances, no refund may be forthcoming. However, even in instance where the purchaser obtains a refund after being denied entry at the ticketed event, the purchaser still misses the event, and already went to the trouble and expense of driving to the event, paying for parking, babysitters, and/or other generally non-reimbursed expense. Thus, such refunds are generally unsatisfactory.
Further, many ticket resale services are limited in how they can deliver tickets. For example, most conventional resale services simply provide for the mailing or hand delivery of the original tickets to the new buyer, which is time consuming and relatively expensive. Thus, for example, most ticket resale services do not provide for pickup of a ticket via a will call ticket office or via download from a website.
In addition, conventionally, because disparate databases of different systems (such as that of an initial ticket seller system and that of a reseller ticket system), controlled by different entities, may include different portions of the sale history of a ticket, the various systems lack a mechanism to verify that a given ticket being resold, is authentic.
In order to overcome some or all of the foregoing deficiencies and technical challenges, an example embodiment enables a purchaser to receive verification that a ticket is indeed genuine, even when the ticket is being purchased as a resold ticket. By way of example, when a purchaser has initiated a transaction with the seller (e.g., a user that had previously purchased a ticket (a single ticket or a season ticket)), the seller may automatically, or in response to a seller and/or buyer action, be asked to provide ticket identification information to a trusted verification system. Optionally, the verification system may be included in a ticket system that originally issued tickets being resold.
Optionally, the seller may be requested by a posting system to provide such ticket identification information for analysis by a trusted verification system even before the seller's tickets are accepted for posting.
The term “ticket”, as used herein, can encompass electronic tickets or physical tickets. Further, the tickets can be delivered electronically or physically. For example, a ticket can be in the form of a printed ticket, a code, an electronic token, an association with an existing identifier, a membership card, or otherwise. A ticket can be delivered wirelessly, downloaded to a computer terminal for printing by the recipient, emailed to a recipient, or otherwise delivered.
One or more of the systems described herein is configured to receive and/or process identification/authentication information received from an identification/authentication input device, such as input device (e.g., a barcode scanner, a character reader, a smart card reader, an RFID reader, a biometric reader (e.g., a fingerprint, palm print, iris scanner, etc.), a keypad (e.g., a physical or touch ASCII or sub-ASCII keyboard for receiving a ticket identifier, user identifier, ticket holder identifier, etc.), etc). The received data may then be authenticated as described herein.
For example, optionally, the user keys in a code corresponding to a ticket barcode (e.g., printed adjacent to the barcode and corresponding to data encoded in the barcode) via a keyboard (e.g., a user terminal keyboard). Optionally in addition or instead, an input device (e.g., a barcode reader, camera, etc.) optionally scans tickets (which can be a physical ticket or an electronic ticket, such as one stored in a mobile phone and displayed by a mobile phone display, or a smart card bearing a ticket token) or otherwise receives ticket information (ticket codes, ticket holder codes, and/or ticket purchaser codes) from a user or a ticket-bearing device. The term “scan” as used herein is intended to encompass photographs.
By way of example, ticket information is provided via a barcode that optionally includes start and stop markers, a checksum, and/or quiet zones, in addition to the encoded message. Optionally, one or more of the following barcode formats may be used: Code 39, Extended Code 39, Code 128, UCC/EAN-128, Industrial 2 of 5 Planet, Interleaved 2 of 5, Codabar, UPC-A, UPC-E, EAN 13, EAN 8, BOOKLAND, MSI, Code 11, Code 93, PDF417, POSTNET, PLANET. Other formats, including proprietary formats, may be used as well.
The input device optionally is also configured to read one or more types of identification devices (e.g., by optically, magnetically, electronically, and/or wirelessly reading data embodiment on a credit card, student ID, membership card, driver license magnetic stripe, smart card, passport tags, etc.). For example, the input device optionally reads magnetic stripes, machine readable characters, RFID tags, data stored in computer readable memory, etc. The input device optionally includes a biometric scanner configured to read one or more physical attributes of a ticket holder (e.g., fingerprint, palm, veins, retina, iris, voice, face, body, etc.).
For example, the seller may be asked to take a picture or scan of a barcode (e.g., a one dimensional or two dimension barcode) on the ticket being sold (e.g., via a web camera connected to a user terminal associated with the seller, via a picture taken with a standalone camera or cell phone camera, via an LED-based barcode scanner, or otherwise), and upload the barcode image or scan to the verification system or to the system via which the ticket is to be posted for resell (e.g., an auction system, a fixed price system, or a system that supports both auction and fixed price sales). Optionally, the seller and/or the buyer may be asked to provide a locator (e.g., a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), path name, etc.) corresponding to the seller posting. Optionally, instead or in addition, the system hosting the seller posting may automatically (or in response to a seller and/or buyer action) pass the URL and/or other posting information to the verification system. For example, some or all of the following information may be passed to the verification system: name of the event, date of the event, time of the event, city/town/county/state of the event, event venue, etc.
The verification system optionally uses the posting locator to access information regarding tags/field names used by the system hosting the posting. For example, the verification system can use the locator address to access from a verification database the data associated with tags/field names used by the posting service associated with the posting locator address. By way of illustration, an example posting service may have the following fields/tags (although fewer, additional, or different fields/tags may be used and/or different field/tag names may be used):
EventDate
EventTime
EventCity
EventState
EventVenue
TicketQuantity
SeatIdentifier1(seat identifier for first seat associated with ticket(s))
SeatIentifiern (seat identifier for nth seat associated with ticket(s))
AskingPrice
By way of further example, another posting service hosted by a posting system may include the following fields/tags:
PerformerName
SeatLocation(s)
The verification system can use the tag/field information to identify corresponding information in the seller posting (e.g., some or all of the following: name of the event, date of the event, time of the event, city/town/county/state of the event, event venue, etc.). This information can then be used in the verification process, as discussed in greater detail herein.
Optionally, the posting information may also or instead be provided by the seller and/or buyer, or pushed to the verification system by the posting system. Optionally, the asking ticket price is not transferred (e.g., inhibited from being transferred) from the posting system to the verification system. Optionally, a final sales price is transferred from the posting system to the verification system (e.g., once the sale is complete).
Optionally, the verification system analyzes the barcode data to determine if it corresponds to a valid barcode. The barcode may correspond to a unique ticket code assigned by the original ticket issuer and stored in a ticket database for later reference. For example, a valid barcode may need to comply with a certain format. The verification can examine the barcode data to determine whether it complies with a specified format.
If verification system determines the barcode format of the ticket offered for sale is not valid, optionally, the seller is offered another opportunity to upload the barcode (e.g., in case the seller inadvertently uploaded the barcode for a ticket different than the one that is the subject of the purchase transaction, or in case the upload image is of poor quality) and/or otherwise provide the ticket barcode (e.g., by manually entering corresponding barcode data printed on the ticket using a keyboard). Optionally instead, after the seller has failed to provide a properly formatted barcode after a certain number of attempts (e.g., a maximum threshold number of attempts specified by an operator and stored in the verification systems memory), a notification is sent to the purchaser (and optionally the seller) indicating that the verification process has failed. At this point the purchaser (and optionally the seller) is provided the option to terminate the sale process, or the sale process may be automatically terminated by the verification system and/or by the posting system.
If the verification system determines that the barcode format is a valid format (assuming the optional format check is performed), the verification system then accesses a ticket database that stores barcode data corresponding to barcodes on issued, valid tickets. The database may optionally be associated with the original ticket issuer (e.g., a ticket system of which the verification system is a part) or may associated with another entity that stores information on valid ticket barcodes. The seller provided barcode data may be compared against barcode data for valid tickets accessed from the database. If the seller-provided barcode data matches that of a valid barcode in the database, then related ticket information is accessed from the ticket database or other source. By way of illustration, the related ticket information may include seating and/or event information.
For example, the ticket information may include some or all of the following data and/or other data: event identifier code (event ID), name of the event, date of the event, time of the event, city/town/county/state of the event, event venue, seat identifier (e.g., seating section, seating row, seat number/letter, or if general admission, a general admission designation, optionally including a general admission section area, such as floor or balcony), identification of the current registered ticket holder, etc. The verification system then compares some or all of the ticket information with the posting information, and if there is a match, the buyer and/or seller are optionally provided with an indication that the verification process has determined that the ticket is authenticate.
In order for there to be a “match”, different thresholds may optionally be set (e.g., by an operator) in the verification system memory. For example, all information may be required to match, a subset of information may be required to match, or a certain percentage or minimum amount of information may be required to match. By way of example and not limitation, the matching threshold may be set to 3 out of 5 types of information must match. By way of further example and not limitation, the matching criteria may specify that certain information is required to match, such as the seat identifier, event name, date, and city, and 2 out of 3 pieces of other information must match, such as, by way of example, 2 out of 3 of the following: registered ticket holder name, venue name, time of the event.
If the verification process fails (e.g., because the posting information does not “match” the ticket information), the purchaser (and optionally the seller) is so informed. At this point the purchaser (and optionally the seller) is provided the option to terminate the sale process, or the sale process may be automatically terminated by the verification system and/or by the posting system.
Optionally, rather than or in addition to comparing information from the ticket database with the seller posting information, the verification system accesses the ticket information from the ticket database and transmits it for display to the buyer (and optionally the seller). The buyer can then verify that the ticket information corresponds to the ticket that the buyer wants to purchase.
Status changes related to a ticket can be stored in databases associated with one or more systems (e.g., the ticket system, the posting system, and/or the verification system). For example, when a ticket is offered for resale, a corresponding status notation is stored. If a potential buyer has initiated a purchase of the ticket, a reserved status notation is stored. Similarly, when a ticket resale has been performed, a corresponding status notation is stored, optionally in association with the sales price. Optionally, an indication is stored when the ticket is resold by someone who does not have an account with one or more specified systems (e.g., the ticket system, the posting system, and/or the verification system).
If an event is cancelled, in an example embodiment, the transaction record (of the resale of the ticket to the buyer) is used to determine who is to receive the refund (if any). For example, when an event cancellation notification is received at the appropriate system (e.g., the posting system and/or the verification system), the system accesses the ticketing database to determine who is currently recorded as owning tickets for the event. For example, if a resale has occurred, as described above, the system will have a record of the new purchaser as owning the corresponding ticket. Therefore, the system will process a refund to the new purchaser. Optionally, the purchaser of the ticket receives a cancellation refund from the third party from which the purchaser purchased the ticket. Optionally, the seller who first purchased the ticket via the ticketing system would be provided a refund via the ticketing system operator that made the first sale of the ticket.
FIG. 1 illustrates an example architecture that can be utilized with certain embodiments. A ticket system 102 includes one or more servers 104. The servers 104 may be separate computers or may be operating concurrently on the same computer. The ticket system 102 can include account manager servers, a verification system, a credit card authorization system, an internal network, request routers, data and status queues, and an interface to one or more networks 120, optionally including the Internet. The ticket system 102 can host a Web site accessible by users for searching for, purchasing, transferring, and selling tickets. The ticket system 102 can include one or more databases whose data can be accessed as needed. For example, the databases can include a user account database 106, that stores user contact information, billing information, preferences, account status, ticket inventory currently held and historically held by the user (and the associated ticket statuses), settlement information, and the like, that can be accessed by the ticket computer system, such as by account manager servers.
The ticket system 102 optionally includes a database 108 that stores rules indicating which ticket may be posted for resale, barcode data for event tickets, the status of tickets (such as described below), event data (e.g., event identifier, performer/sports team name, event venue, event date, event time, whether the event has been cancelled, whether the event has been rescheduled, etc.), venue data (e.g., seating charts and information, such as section/row/seat number data), and so on.
By way of example, a ticket status indicator may optionally indicate whether the ticket is locked, unlocked, transferred, posted, resold, reserved, complementary, not permitted to be resold, etc.
The rules may optionally indicate whether some or all of the following statuses should prevent/inhibit a ticket from being resold (e.g., in response to ticket posting request, optionally including barcode data associated with a ticket posting request): barcode will not decode, event id mismatch, event expired, event is inaccessible, wrong barcode mode, series seat, seat type mismatch, reissued ticket, tickets are for non-adjacent seats, account not balanced, lock failed, tickets are already locked, tickets are reserved (indicating that another user is already in the purchase process for the tickets), event cancelled, tickets already posted, event date has past or insufficient time before event to process ticket transfer/resale, event is not bar-coded/barcode is invalid, tickets are not fully paid for, tickets are complimentary tickets that may not be resold, ticket holder is restricted from reselling tickets, tickets have already been transferred, tickets have already been resold, tickets have added credit assigned, tickets have been transferred to a card, barcode does not belong to the event provided in the request, barcode is invalid/no longer active as a result of a resale process or other process.
An API (application programming interface) may be associated with the ticket system via which third party systems, such as a third party ticket resale system 112, may communicate with the ticket system. For example, the API may define routines, data structures, object classes and/or protocols to be used in communicating with the ticket system 102 (and the associated verification system).
The ticket resale system 112 likewise includes one or more servers 113. The servers 113 may be separate computers or may be operating concurrently on the same computer. The resale system 112 can include account manager servers, a credit card authorization system, an internal network, request routers, data and status queues, and an interface to one or more networks 120, optionally including the Internet. The resale system 112 can host a Web site accessible by users, for searching for, purchasing, transferring, and selling tickets. The resale system 112 can include one or more databases whose data can be accessed as needed. For example, the databases can include a user account database 115 which stores user contact information, billing information, preferences, account status, ticket inventory currently held and historically held by the user (and the associated ticket statuses), settlement information, and/or other information.
Buyers and sellers may access the ticket system 102 and/or the resale system 112 via corresponding user terminals 114, 116.
As will now be described with reference to the figures, in an example process, a seller (e.g., of a holder of a single event ticket or a season ticket holder) posts a ticket for sale on a posting site (e.g., associated with the original ticket issuer, performer, promoter, a third party auction and/or fixed price hosting site). Optionally, the seller can edit the posting (e.g., change the item description, price, or other information) and/or cancel the posting via the posting site or other interface.
Referring now to FIG. 2A, at state 202A, the ticket holder/user logs onto the ticket system, and accesses the ticket holder's ticketing account (e.g., hosted by a ticket system or by a system that has access to the ticket holder's account). The account may store a record of tickets owned by the ticket holder. At state 204A, the system uses the ticket holder identification information (e.g., login information) to access from the ticket system ticketing database information regarding the tickets currently owned/controlled by the ticket holder.
The accessed information is provided to a terminal for display to the ticket holder, including a listing of some or all of the tickets owned/controlled by the ticket holder. The ticket holder selects one or more tickets that the ticket holder wants to sell (e.g., by clicking on a sell control/field displayed alongside a given ticket listing). Optionally, the listing includes an indication (e.g., via text or the absence of an associated sell control) as to whether there is a prohibition or restriction on the ticket holder reselling a given listed ticket. Optionally, the ticket holder is prevented from selecting such a ticket for resale. For example, the ticket system database may indicate that certain event tickets may not be resold because of the ticket type (e.g., the tickets were provided as complimentary tickets by the performer or as part of a event promotion), or the ticket holder status (e.g., the ticket holder has a past due account balance, or has resold more than a threshold number of tickets in a specified period of time).
Optionally, in addition to the event tickets, information regarding related items/events is also displayed via the ticket holder terminal. For example, prepaid/free parking and/or prepaid/free concessions may be listed. Optionally, the ticket holder may only be allowed to resell a related item/event if the primary admission ticket for the event is being sold with the related event/item. The ticket system will thus inhibit the resale of a related item separate from the associated event ticket.
At state 205A, the ticket system receives a ticket holder selection of a sell option (e.g., provide by the ticket holder by activation of a sell control).
At state 206A, the ticket system optionally directs the ticket holder browser to a transition user interface informing the ticket holder that a transition to another operator's website is taking place.
At state 207A, the ticket system transmits a payload ID (e.g., over a network) directly or indirectly to the ticket posting site (e.g., that of the ticket issuer, performer, a third party, etc.). The payload ID can be used to identify the session and ticket information used during the posting request. At state 208A, the posting site uses the payload ID to make a request over the network to the ticket system for seller information and/or ticket inventory information. The payload ID is optionally used as a token to authenticate the request and to lookup customer account information (that of the ticket holder in this example), including customer ticket inventory information.
At state 210A, the seller information and ticket inventory information are returned by the ticket system to the posting system. For example, some or all of the following information is provided: an event code (e.g., an event ID identifying the event), event information (e.g., event name, event time, event city/state, venue name), ticket seating information (e.g., section/row/seat), a ticket identifier (e.g., encrypted barcode information for subsequent requests), and seller account information which can be mapped to the posting system/ticket holder's account. The seller account information advantageously enables future redirects to be performed in a streamlined manner for the customer. The seller account information can include some or all of the following (and/or other data):
Account ID (identifier) associated with the ticket holder's posting system account Account ID (identifier) associated with the ticket holder's ticket system account
The posting system stores the returned information in posting system memory.
At state 212A, the ticket holder is redirected from the ticket system to a log-in user interface (e.g., provided via a Webpage) associated with the posting system. If the ticket holder has an account with the posting system, then optionally the ticket holder is automatically logged in (e.g., where the ticket holder browser has the login password and user ID and can populate the login field). Optionally the user is automatically logged in without presenting a log-in user interface. Optionally, the ticket holder manually logs in to the posting system via the log-in user interface by entering a user identifier and/or password. If the ticket holder does not have an account with the posting system, optionally the posting systems asks the ticket holder to establish an account.
At state 214A, the posting system provides a user interface for display to the ticket holder. By way of example and not limitation, the seller may be asked to provide some or all of the following information and/or other information:
first name, last name, address, e-mail address;
event code;
ticket category (e.g., sporting event, concert event, theater, movie, etc.);
if the ticket is for a sporting event: the type of sport (e.g., baseball, football, basketball, etc.); the league, if any (Major League Baseball, National Football League, National Basketball Association, etc.); an indication as to whether the tickets are for a regular search game, a training game, a playoff game, an exhibition game, etc.; the team name; the specific game (e.g., identified by data, time, location);
if the ticket is for a concert, the performer name, the data, time, venue, etc.
seating information, such as seat section, seat identifier (e.g., row, seat number);
ticket barcode data;
The information provided by the ticket holder is stored in the posting system memory.
At state 216A, the posting system transmits a message to the ticket system indicating that the selected ticket is being or is about to be posted. The ticket system puts at least a temporary lock on the ticket to prevent or inhibit the ticket holder from transferring the ticket via the ticket system except as instructed/permitted by the posting system. For example, if the ticket holder has notified that posting system that the ticket holder's ticket is no longer to be offered via the posting system (and the ticket has not yet been resold), the posting system sends an “unlock” message to the ticket system so that the ticket holder can transfer or sell the ticket via another channel.
At state 217A, the ticket system may perform a lock or unlock operation using the ticket ID and/or the ticket barcode to access the corresponding ticket record. At state 218A, the posting system transmits a confirmation status message to the ticket system and/or other designated recipient. Optionally, the message includes an indication as to whether the ticket holder is allowed to edit or cancel the posting.
In the foregoing example, the ticket holder optionally does not need to post or enter the ticket barcode as the ticket system has records of what tickets are owned/controlled by the ticket system and the ticket system has authenticated that the ticket holder is providing the posting instructions (e.g., via the log in information).
Optionally, rather than first accessing the ticket system website and then being redirected to the posting website, the ticket holder may navigate directly to the posting website in order to resell a ticket. In this example, the ticket holder provides the posting system with barcode data (e.g., by entering text characters corresponding to the barcode and/or an image of the barcode) so as to verify that the ticket holder is the holder of the tickets being posted. With reference to FIG. 2B, at state 202B, the ticket holder logs into the posting system website in order to post the holder's ticket(s). At state 204B, the posting system presents a form to the ticket holder, as similarly discussed above. Optionally, the system is configured to receive bulk uploads of barcodes, which are then automatically validated and posted. This is particularly beneficial for entities, such as ticket brokers, that control large numbers of tickets.
The form may include some or all of the following fields: first name, last name, address, e-mail address, event code, ticket seating information, ticket identifier, barcode data. Certain of the fields may be prepopulated from data previously provided by the ticket holder (e.g., first name, last name, address, e-mail address, event code, event information, ticket seating information, ticket identifier). Other information, such as asking price, may be manually entered into the form. The ticket holder enters the barcode information associated with the ticket holder. For example, the ticket holder can type in or otherwise enter the code corresponding to the ticket barcode (e.g., which the ticket holder ticket has a code printed underneath the barcode).
In certain embodiments the form requests the ticket holder to provide a visual image of the barcode. By way of illustration, the ticket holder can use a camera (e.g., a stand alone camera, a web cam, a cell phone camera, or other camera) to take a picture of the barcode and then upload the barcode picture by using the form provided by the ticket posting system (e.g., using a browse control that enables the ticket holder to browse the ticket holder's terminal or other system). The ticket holder may directly email the ticket to the posting system (which can then extract or scan the ticket barcode), or may electronically copy and paste the barcode (e.g., where the ticket was emailed to the ticket holder or was downloaded from a website) into a form (e.g., provided by the ticket posting system). In some instances, a ticket may be distributed with a scannable barcode in conjunction with an equivalent alphanumeric code. In such instances, optionally the form provided to the ticket holder includes a field via which the user can enter the alphanumeric code instead of or in addition to an image of the ticket barcode.
Optionally, the ticket holder enters the ticket price at this state. Optionally instead, the ticket holder is inhibited from entering the ticket price until the barcode verification procedure is performed. At state 205B, the posting system receives the data, including the barcode data/corresponding code, and the data is stored in memory.
At state 206B, the posting system transmits a verification request to the ticket system. The verification request includes bar code information and optionally some or all of the related information provided by the ticket holder. Optionally, the verification request may also include some or all of the following: an event identifier (previously assigned via the ticket system), a ticket identifier assigned by the posting system (which optionally is the ticket barcode), and a classification (e.g., indicating with the ticket is a standard ticket or associated with event parking).
At state 207B, the barcode is validated (e.g., using techniques described herein) by the ticket system in response to the posting system verification request. For example, the barcode data provided by the ticket holder optionally has its format checked. If the format (e.g., the number and type of characters) is valid, the barcode is compared to those in the ticket system database to determine if there is a match. If there is a match, the event data provided by the ticket holder is compared with that associated with the matching barcode. If they correspond, the system indicates the ticket has been successfully verified.
In addition, optionally a determination is made (e.g., by accessing the ticket system database) as to whether the ticket is or is not eligible for resale. For example, the original ticket issuer may have originally sold the ticket with a restriction preventing resale. By way of further example, there may be governmental restrictions on a ticket resale. By checking on whether a resale is permitted or not, the posting system can honor any such restrictions. Optionally, the verification system will check if a single posting includes tickets for non-adjacent seats, and if so, indicates in the response that the tickets for non-adjacent need to be separately posted.
At state 208B, a response to the verification request is transmitted from the ticket system to the posting system. The response may include some or all of the following data:
ticket identifier assigned by the ticket system;
ticket identifier assigned by the posting system (which may be the ticket barcode information);
ticket status (indicating whether the ticket is eligible for posting);
seating section (optionally with a null value if the ticket is a general admission ticket without an assigned seat);
row (optionally with a null value if the ticket is a general admission ticket without an assigned seat);
seat (optionally with a null value if the ticket is a general admission ticket without an assigned seat);
an indication as to whether the ticket is a general admission ticket without an assigned seat;
classification (e.g., indicating with the ticket is a standard ticket or associated with event parking);
price level;
ticket type;
face value;
tax on the seat tickets.
Optionally, the ticket status can include a code and/or human readable text indicating some or all of the following conditions, when present:
barcode will not decode;
event id mismatch;
expired event;
event is inaccessible;
wrong barcode mode;
series seat;
general admission ticket;
scanned seat;
seat type mismatch;
reissued ticket;
tickets are for non-adjacent seats;
account not balanced;
account not printed;
lock failed;
seats are locked;
tickets are reserved (indicating that another user is already in the purchase process for the tickets);
cancelled event;
tickets already posted;
event date has past or insufficient time before event to process ticket transfer/resale;
event is not bar-coded/barcode is invalid;
tickets are not fully paid for;
tickets are complimentary tickets that may not be resold;
ticket holder is restricted from reselling tickets;
tickets have already been transferred (without the ticket system collecting payment from the recipient);
tickets have been resold;
tickets have added credit assigned;
tickets have been transferred to a card;
barcode does not belong to the event provided in the request;
barcode is invalid/no longer active as a result of a resale process or other process.
Some or all of the foregoing statuses may indicate to the posting system that the tickets are not to be posted for resale.
At state 210B, if the ticket barcode is validated and a determination is made that the ticket can be resold, the ticket is posted for resale on the posting system website (or a related site) so that users can view the posting and decide whether to purchase the ticket. Optionally, a confirmation is transmitted back to the ticket system (optionally including a Ticket ID as a reference), which will store an indication as to which tickets are posted for resale and via which posting system service. When the ticket holder next visits the ticket system website and accesses the ticket holder's ticket listing, the ticket system will display an indication to the ticket holder which tickets have already been posted for resale and via which posting service/system.
If the barcode was not validated by the ticket system and/or a determination made that the ticket cannot be resold, a notification is provided to the ticket holder reporting the foregoing.
Optionally, at state 212B, the ticket system and/or the posting system transmits a posting confirmation message to the ticket holder (e.g., via a Webpage, email, SMS message, MMS message, instant message, or otherwise, optionally using an address provided by the ticket holder in the ticket holder's account setup or when the ticket holder purchased the ticket). For example, the ticket system can transmit the confirmation message to the email address registered with the ticket system at the time of the original ticket purchase or earlier. Then, if the real ticket holder did not post the ticket for resale (e.g., where a user is attempting to fraudulently sell a ticket the user does not own), the ticket holder can activate a link included in the email or otherwise contact the ticket system and/or posting system to cancel the improper posting. The ticket system will store the cancellation command and prevent a sale based on the improper posting.
At state 213B, if a potential buyer begins a purchase process with respect to the posted ticket(s) (e.g., places the ticket(s) in an online shopping cart), the posting system optionally transmits a reservation notification to the ticket system identifying the tickets (e.g., using the barcodes and/or ticket IDs), an event identifier (e.g., previously assigned via the ticket system), and a reservation time. The ticket system will then place a reservation lock on the corresponding tickets for the reservation time (which optionally may be different than the requested reservation time), pending the sale or abandonment of the purchase. The ticket system optionally transmits a reservation confirmation message to the posting system.
If the ticket is sold via the posting system, the posting system optionally transmits a sold notification to the ticket system at state 214B. The sold notification can include a sold indication, a corresponding Ticket ID, and optionally the name/identifier of the purchaser. The ticket system can store some or all of the notification information in the ticket system database. Thus, the ticket system is aware that the original purchaser no longer owns the ticket and optionally is aware of the identity of the new owner, who can then similarly resell the ticket.
Optionally, still additional information can be transmitted from the posting system to the ticket system. For example, the sold notification can include some or all of the following information:
a sold attribute;
a ticket delivery method (e.g., indicating that the ticket system is to fulfill the request using a specified method, such as via a print at home ticket downloaded or emailed to the buyer, via a will call ticket office, via a transmission to the buyer phone, etc.);
an indication that a will call ticket delivery method is to be used because of a potential fraud risk;
an order identifier (e.g., generated by the posting system);
buyer billing contact information;
seller contact information;
settlement information (such as discussed elsewhere herein);
ticket request objected to be “exchanged” for new barcodes;
barcodes to be “exchanged” for new barcodes;
an event identifier.
At state 216B, optionally the ticket system generates a new barcode to be used on the sold ticket (where the buyer will be issued a ticket with the same seating rights as the original ticket, but with a different barcode). If there are multiple tickets, multiple new barcodes may be generated. In addition, the ticket system optionally cancels the old barcodes, and stores a corresponding cancellation status indication in association with the cancelled barcodes. This will prevent someone from attempting to sell tickets using the cancelled barcodes or from attempting to enter the event using the cancelled barcodes. The new barcodes are stored in the ticket system database as active ticket barcodes. Optionally instead, the original barcode may be used.
At state 218B, the one or more new barcodes are optionally transmitted to the posting system with printing instructions (e.g., so that the posting system can provide tickets with the new barcodes to the buyer). For example, a message including some or all of the following is optionally transmitted from the ticket system to the posting system:
newly generated ticket ID for the barcode being printed;
status of the ticket (as similarly discussed above);
customer name;
name of the event;
event date;
event time;
barcode;
text to be printed on the ticket.
Optionally, at state 220B, the posting system transmits settlement information to the ticket system, which the ticket system receives optionally then stores in memory for future reference. For example, the settlement information can include some or all of the following data:
total amount paid for the sale of the tickets;
total amount to be paid to the seller for the sale of the tickets;
seller credit method (e.g., checking, ACH (automated clearing house), account credit, manual, electronic);
encrypted credit card number (which will be stored in association with the purchased ticket so that the purchaser can use the corresponding credit card as an identifier when retrieving the tickets from a “will call” ticket office);
credit card expiration date;
certificate used to access decryption.
Optionally, in addition to or instead of transmitting the “raw” ticket data, a ticket image file of the ticket(s) may be transmitted to the third party reseller/ticket system for visual presentation to the buyer. By way of example and not limitation, the image file may be in pdf, tif, png, bmp, or other format.
Optionally, the ticket holder is charged a fee by the posting system, the verification system, and/or the ticket system for the sale. The fee can be a fixed dollar value or a percentage of a sale price, by way of example. The sales information can then be made available to the ticket holder (optionally in substantially real-time) via ticket management user interfaces, such as those discussed elsewhere herein.
As discussed above, if a buyer navigates to the posting system website, and places posted tickets in an online shopping cart, the posting system transmits a notification to the ticket system identifying the tickets (e.g., using the barcodes and/or ticket IDs), an event identifier (e.g., previously assigned via the ticket system), and a reservation time. The ticket system then will place a reservation lock on the corresponding tickets for a time period pending the sale or abandonment of the purchase. Optionally, the posting system can later transmit a message to the ticket system asking for the reservation to be extended. However, if the buyer fails to complete the purchase (e.g., the buyer removes the tickets from the shopping cart, has not completed the purchase within a specified period of time, navigates away from a certain webpage, or otherwise indicates that the buyer is no longer interested in purchasing the tickets), the process proceeds to state 224B, and an “unreserved” notification is transmitted by the posting system to the ticket system (e.g., including an unreserved command, the ticket system barcodes, the event identifier). The ticket system optionally transmits an “unreserved” confirmation message to the posting system.
FIG. 2C illustrates an example barcode verification process, which may be executed by the verification system. Not all states need to be reached, the process may be performed in a different order, and states that are illustrated as being performed serially may be performed in parallel. At state 202C, the verification system receives barcode data associated with a ticket. The data may be in the form of text (e.g., an alphanumeric code), or may be in the form of a barcode image. If the data is in the form of a barcode digital image, then barcode decoding software is used to decode the image into corresponding text. The barcode data may be received via a ticket resale posting system, directly from the ticket holder, or via a link to the barcode data provided by the ticket holder or posting system. In addition, the verification system receives event data and seating data. For example, the event data may include some or all of the following information: and event identifier (event ID), an event name (which may be a performer name for concerts, a team name for sporting events, etc.), an event date, an event time, and an event venue. The seating information may include, by way of example, section, row, and seat identifiers, or, for a general admission event, an indication that the ticket is a general admission ticket.
At state 204C, the verification system inspects the barcode format, and determines whether the barcode is using a valid ticket barcode format. For example, the format may relate to the number of characters, the placement of start and stop indicators, the use of headers, etc. In addition, if a checksum is being used, the barcode data is evaluated with respect to the checksum. If, at state 206C, a determination is made that a valid ticket barcode format is not being used and/or if the checksum check fails, the verification process returns a verification failure message (which may be transmitted to the posting system) at state 208C. The verification message may include a ticket status indicating that the barcode will not decode, that the barcode is invalid, or the wrong barcode mode is being used.
If the format and checksum are satisfactory, the process proceeds to state 210C. At state 210C, the barcode data is compared with that stored in a ticket database which stores ticket barcodes. Optionally, the barcode data is only compared with barcodes for tickets for the event identified by the ticket holder.
Optionally instead, the barcode data comparison is not limited to ticket barcodes for the identified event. If a corresponding matching barcode is found, then the event information associated with the matching barcode is compared with the identified event to determine if they match.
At state 212C, the verification system determines whether the barcode data corresponds to a ticket barcode for the corresponding event (e.g., based on the barcode comparison and/or event comparison). If the barcode data fails to correspond to a ticket barcode for the corresponding event, the verification process returns a verification failure message (which may be transmitted to the posting system) at state 214C. For example, the verification failure message may include a status code/text indicating that the seating information failed to match, that the event identifier failed to match, etc.
If the barcode data corresponds to a ticket barcode for the corresponding event, the verification process, the process proceeds to state 216C, and additional ticket status related issues are checked. For example, the additional status issues may affect whether or not the ticket can be posted by the ticket holder for resale. For example, the verification system may check for some or all of the following conditions and/or other conditions: whether the event is an expired event, whether the event data is inaccessible, whether the ticket is for a series seat, whether the posting is for tickets for non-adjacent seats, whether the seats are already locked and/or reserved, whether the event has been cancelled, whether the tickets are already posted, whether the event date has past or whether there is insufficient time before event to process ticket transfer/resale, whether the tickets have not been fully paid for, whether the tickets are complimentary tickets that may not be resold, whether the ticket holder is restricted from reselling tickets, whether the barcode is invalid/no longer active as a result of a resale process or other process, etc.
At state 218C, the verification system transmits a response message to the posting system, the message including the ticket status information that indicates whether the ticket(s) may be posted for resale. The posting system can then post or not post the tickets in accordance with the message(s) received from the ticket system.
Optionally, additional data may be used to verify a ticket is authentic and that the user has the right to sell the ticket. For example, the user may be asked by the resale system to provide the credit card number of the credit card used to originally purchase the ticket. The credit card number (received via the user) can then be transmitted to the ticket system. The ticket system can then verify whether that credit card number was used to originally purchase the ticket (e.g., by comparing the seller provided credit card number with the credit card number stored in a database with an association to the ticket being sold). If the seller supplied credit card number fails to match that used to purchase the ticket, then optionally the verification system so indicates via a message transmitted to the posting system.
FIG. 2D illustrates another example process. In this example, a seller has posted on a ticket for sale on a website (e.g., a website that offers items for sale via auction and/or via fixed price sales) hosted by a posting system. Optionally, rather then the posting system automatically requesting barcode/ticket document verification, the seller and/or buyer specifically initiates a verification request. In addition, rather than the posting system pushing data to the verification system, the verification system pulls at least certain information from the posting system.
At state 202D, the verification system receives a verification request from the buyer and/or seller. The verification request may be initiated via a verification request control on a user interface provided for display by the posting website or via a control, optionally on the same user interface webpage as the ticket posting. Optionally instead, the verification request may be submitted via a user interface provided for display by the verification system or other related system. Optionally, the requester enters a notification address (e.g., an email address, an SMS address, and instant messaging address) to which the verification result is to be provided. The verification request is accompanied by a posting locator. For example, the posting locator may be an address, such as a URL associated with a webpage on which the tickets are posted for resale. The locator may have been manually entered by the buyer or seller (e.g., by keying in or pasting in the locator address) into a locator field on a form hosted by verification system, or the locator may have been automatically provided by posting system in response to the activation of the verification control.
At state 204D, the verification system accesses the location (e.g., the webpage) associated with the locator address and reads/pulls some or all of the posting information. For example, the verification system may access an image that includes the ticket barcode (which may be an image of one entire side of the ticket or just of the barcode) and/or text corresponding to the barcode. In addition, optionally event data and/or seating data is accessed from the location. The verification system optionally uses a mapping of tag/field names used by the posting system in deciding what data to access and/or how the accessed data is to be used.
For example, the verification system may access from its memory a previously stored mapping of tags/fields for the specific website used to post the tickets, where the mapping indicates what values are associated with the tags/fields. By way of example, the posting system may use the tag/field name “EventName” to list the name of the ticketed event. Similarly, the posting system may use the tag/field name “EventDate” to list the date of the ticketed event. By way of further example, the posting system may use the tag/field names “EventCity”, “EventState”, “EventVenue” to respectively list the city, state, and venue is which the event is scheduled to take place. By way of still further example, the posting system may use the tag/field names “TicketQuantity”, “SeatIdentifier”, and “AskingPrice” to respectively list the quantity of tickets being posted, the seat identifiers associated with a given ticket, and the asking price. Of course, other tags/field names may be used.
At state 206D, the verification system performs a verification process, optionally using the process discussed above with respect to FIG. 2C or optionally using other techniques described herein. For example, the verification process can use data obtained from the posting webpage and data from a ticketing database, such as that associated with the original ticket issuing system. At state 208D, the verification system returns the results to the seller and/or buyer. For example, the results may be presented on a webpage served via the posting system or the verification system, or transmitted to an address provided by the requester (e.g., an email, SMS, instant messaging address, or via an audible message to a phone). The results may include some or all of the following information and/or other information:
an indication as to whether the verification passed or failed (which is optionally provided without specifically indicating why the verification passed or failed, and may reflect one or more reasons as to why the verification passed or failed);
an indication as to whether the barcode is a valid barcode;
if barcode is valid, an indication as to what event the barcode is actually associated with (e.g., as determined using data from the original ticket issuer database), including event name, city, venue, date, and/or time;
if barcode is valid, the actual seat identifier associated with the barcode (e.g., section/row/seat number associated with the barcode as determined using data from the original ticket issuer database);
if barcode is valid, the actual face value of the ticket (e.g., as determined by a face value accessed from the original ticket issuer database).
FIG. 3 illustrates an example process for editing a posting, wherein the user is navigated from the ticket system website to the posting website (associated with a third party) in order to edit a posting, were the posting website is operated by a separate entity than the ticket system website. At state 302, the user logs into the ticket system via a website operated/hosted by the ticket system. At state 304, the user accesses a ticket management user interface, such as those discussed herein. By way of example, the ticket management may provide the user interface by serving one or more ticket management web pages. The user selects one or more tickets whose postings are to be edited. The user activates an “update” control in order to edit the posting for the selected ticket, wherein the selected tickets are posted for sale on a third party website, and the user is re-directed to the third party website to perform the edit.
At state 306, the user entries/selections are received by the ticket system, which optionally stores the entries/selections in memory. At state 308, the ticket system optionally directs the user browser to a transition page, where the user is informed that user is being transitioned to the third party site and/or other information is provided to the user. If an error occurs during the transition/redirection process (e.g., because the third party posting system is not accessible) the user is so informed via a user interface.
At state 310, the user browser is redirected to the third party posting website, wherein in a login user interface is presented to the user and the user logs in (e.g., by providing a password/user ID). Optionally the ticket holder is automatically logged in, optionally without presenting a log-in user interface.
At state 312, a posting edit user interface hosted by the third party website is presented to the user. At state 314, the user edits the posting (e.g., the asking price, a purchase deadline, the minimum number of the posted tickets that must be purchased, etc.). Once the user has completed the edits (e.g., as indicated by the user activating a “save changes” control or the like), the changes are saved to the third party website database and the changes are reflected in the posting viewable by potential purchasers.
At a later time, at state 316, the user optionally directly accesses and logs into the third party website (without going through the ticket system website) to make additional edits. The edits are then saved in memory.
FIG. 4 illustrates an example posting cancellation process, wherein the posting user is navigating from the ticket system website to the third party posting system website in order to performing the cancellation operation. At state 402, the ticket holder user logs into the ticket system and accesses a ticket management user interface. The ticket management user interface lists the tickets the user has posted for sale via the posting system, as similarly described above. At state 404, the user selects the posted tickets and activates a “cancel” control (e.g., a soft button, link, or menu selection), which is received, and a cancellation indication is optionally stored by the ticket system.
At state 406, a transition user interface is optionally provided for display informing the user that a transition to another operator's website is taking place. Optionally the ticket holder is automatically logged in to the user's account with the third party website (e.g., where the ticket holder browser has the login password and user ID and can populate the login field). Optionally, the user manually logs into the posting system.
At state 407, the posting system serves a user interface (e.g., via a webpage) listing the selected tickets, the user interface including a cancel control. At state 408, the user activates the “cancel” control associated with the selected tickets. The cancel command is received and stored by the posting system. At state 410, the posting system transmits a notification to the ticket system indicating that the posting for the selected tickets has been cancelled. For example, the notification can include some or all of the following information:
an unlock command;
ticket identifiers associated with the cancelled posting;
ticket barcodes associated with the cancelled posting;
an event identifier (e.g., previously assigned via the ticket system);
an indication as to whether the posting was actively cancelled by the user or whether the posting expired.
At state 412, the ticket system unlocks the selected ticketed (e.g., by recording an “unlocked/available” status flag in the ticket system database), so that the user can transfer or repost the selected tickets for sale. The unlock operation may be performed using the ticket ID and/or the ticket barcode to access the corresponding ticket record. Optionally, rather than first accessing the ticket system website and then being redirected to the posting website, the ticket holder may navigate directly to the posting website in order to cancel a ticket posting.
Optionally, the ticket system transmits a confirmation to the posting system indicating that the cancellation has been noted and that the tickets have been unlocked. For example, the confirmation may include some or all of the following:
an unlock inventory attribute;
a result indicating whether the posting cancellation/unlock has been successfully performed;
the ticket identifier provided by the posting system in the cancellation notification;
the barcode provided by the posting system in the cancellation notification.
The posting system and/or the ticket system optionally transmits a cancellation confirmation to the user (e.g., via an email, SMS message, instant message, webpage, etc.).
FIG. 5A illustrates an example ticket management user interface presented via the ticket system to a user. The example user interface lists an event for which the user has tickets (Yankees vs. Pirates). The example identifies the seating area (section STND2 Row C) and the seats for which the user has tickets. In this example, the user has four seat tickets (seat 2, seat 2, seat 3, and seat 4) in section STND2 Row C. In addition, related items/seats are listed. In this example, parking passes for the Yankees vs. Pirates are listed.
Transaction controls are provided. In this example, a sell control, a forward control, and a transfer and print control are provided. Activation of a transaction control instructs the ticket system as to how the ticket is to be given/offered to another (e.g., via a sale through a third party service, via a transfer/gift to a designated recipient.
FIG. 5B illustrates an example ticket management user interface presented via the ticket system to a user, where certain tickets have already been posted for resale (e.g., via a third party service and/or via the ticket system). The data regarding tickets sold by the third party service may have been transmitted to the ticket system from the posting system, as described above.
The example user interface illustrated in FIG. 5B lists an event for which the user has tickets (Horrible Hyenas). The example identifies the status of seat tickets that the user has previously purchased. In this example, the user interface reports (using information from the database) that user tickets for seats 1 and 2 have been sold, and that a ticket for seat 3 has been sold for $100. The user interface further reports that a ticket for seat 4 is currently posted for sale, and that tickets for seats 5 and 6 are currently posted for sale. In this example, update and cancel links/controls are provided for the tickets currently posted for sale, via which the user can edit the posting (e.g., change the asking price), or cancel a posting (cancel the offer to sell the ticket).
Optionally, less information and options are provided if the ticket is posted on a third party posting service. Thus, for example, if the ticket system determines (via information or lack thereof in the ticket system database) that a ticket is posted for sale on a third party service, optionally the sale price is not reported for a sold ticket. Similarly, if a ticket is posted for sale on a third party service, optionally the user is not provided with the update or cancel controls (e.g., the user is optionally required to perform any cancellation or update via the third party service).
FIG. 5C illustrates yet another example ticket management user interface, including a field which enables the user to navigate to a specific event via a drop down menu that lists the events for which the user purchased tickets. Another field is provided via which the user can select which seat tickets are to be viewed (e.g., by date, status, or type). A notation indicates the positioning of the displayed events in the total number of events, optionally the total within a specified period of time, (“events showing 18-28 of 28”). If a user activates a “sell” control to sell a ticket via a third party site, a pop-up transitional user interface page is displayed, notifying the user that the user are leaving the ticket system website and is being transitioned to an independent website. An “OK” and “Cancel” controls are provided via which the user can approve proceeding with the transitions or can cancel the transition to the independent web site.
Optionally, in order to cancel a posting on a third party website, the user needs to proceed to the third party website, rather than cancel the posting via the ticket system, as similarly described above.
Thus, various example embodiments have been described for validating and verifying documents such as tickets.
Unless otherwise indicated, the functions described herein may be performed by software (e.g., including modules) including executable code and instructions running on one or more systems including one or more computers, such as barcode and/or other authentication computer systems. The software may be stored in computer readable media (e.g., some or all of the following: optical media (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD, Blu-ray, etc.), magnetic media (e.g., fixed or removable magnetic media), semiconductor memory (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, EPROM, etc.), and/or other types of computer readable media.
The one or more computers can include one or more central processing units (CPUs) that execute program code and process data, non-transitory, tangible memory, including. for example, one or more of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) for temporarily storing data and data structures during program execution, non-volatile memory, such as a hard disc drive, optical drive, or FLASH drive, for storing programs and data, including databases, which may be referred to as a “system database,” a wired and/or wireless network interface for accessing an intranet and/or Internet, and/or other interfaces.
In addition, the computers can include a display for displaying user interfaces, data, and the like, and one or more user input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, pointing device, microphone and/or the like, used to navigate, provide commands, enter information, provide search queries, and/or the like. However, the systems described herein can also be implemented using general-purpose computers, special purpose computers, terminals, state machines, and/or hardwired electronic circuits.
While various systems are described herein (e.g., a posting system, a verification system, a ticket system, etc.), optionally some are or all of the various systems can be included a single system operated by a single operator.
While the foregoing examples include reference to barcodes, other types of codes, including other types of unique codes assigned to event tickets, may be similarly verified and used to access data stored in memory, such as in databases. For example, other types of alphanumeric and/or machine readable codes may be used.
The example processes described herein do not necessarily have to be performed in the described sequence, and not all states have to be reached or performed.
Unless the context otherwise indicates, the term “field” with respect to a user interface or form is intended to refer to a user entry mechanism via which the user can input data or commands, such as a text field, a menu via which the user can make a selection, etc.
Throughout the description herein, the term “website” is used to refer to a user-accessible server site that implements basic and/or other World Wide Web standards for the coding and transmission of documents, such as hypertextual documents. These standards currently include HTML (the Hypertext Markup Language), which can be used to generate Webpages, and HTTP (the Hypertext Transfer Protocol). It should be understood that the term “site” or “computer system” are not intended to imply a single geographic location, as a Web or other network site can, for example, include multiple geographically-distributed computer systems that are appropriately linked together. Furthermore, while the following description relates to an embodiment utilizing the Internet and related protocols, other networks, such as a network of interactive televisions, wireless phones, and other protocols, may be used as well.
Various embodiments provide for communications between one or more systems (e.g., a verification system, a posting system, etc.) and one or more users (e.g., a purchaser and/or seller). These user communications may be provided to a user terminal (e.g., an Interactive television, a phone, a video game system, a laptop/desktop computer, a device providing Internet access, or other networked device). For example, communications may be provided via Webpages, downloaded documents, email, SMS (short messaging service) message, MMS (multimedia messaging service) message, other forms of electronic communication text-to-speech message, otherwise. Commands and data received by the verification system and the posting system from a user are stored in memory and processed and transformed as discussed herein.
Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or subcombinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above.
1. A barcode verification system comprising:
a barcode interface configured to receive barcode data associated with a ticket barcode associated with a ticketed event, wherein the barcode data was obtained via a barcode imaging device at a first location or was manually entered;
an interface configured to receive seating and event data manually provided by a first user offering the ticket and/or by a second user seeking to acquire the ticket;
a data store that stores: barcode data for issued tickets associated for the ticketed event; event data associated with the issued tickets; seating data associated with the issued tickets; transfer permission data associated with the issued tickets;
code stored in non-transitory memory, that when executed by a computing device is configured to: determine if the received barcode data is in accordance with a first specified format; determine if the received barcode data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store; when the received barcode data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store, determine if the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued tickets for the event; determine if the received seating data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store; determine if the received barcode data is associated with a ticket that is not to be transferred via at least a first transaction type; transmit a positive verification and transfer right indication based at least in part on the determination that: the received barcode data is in accordance with a first specified format; the received barcode data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store; the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued tickets for the event; and the received seating data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store.
2. The barcode verification system as defined in claim 1, further comprising a barcode reader system.
3. The barcode verification system as defined in claim 1, wherein the barcode verification system is associated with a first website that enables a user to acquire and transfer tickets and provides a ticket management user interface via which a user can access ticket data related to tickets acquired by the first user, the ticket data including at least:
an event name associated with at least one ticket previously acquired by the first user;
an indication as to whether the first user had transferred at least one ticket via a service offered by the first website; and
an indication as to whether the first user had transferred at least one ticket via a service offered by a different website.
4. The barcode verification system as defined in claim 1, wherein the code is configured to:
receive a locator associated with a posting of the ticket from the first user and/or the second user; and
access a web resource hosted by a web server associated with the locator;
access from the web resource the seating and event data manually provided by the first user and/or the second user via the web server.
5. The barcode verification system as defined in claim 1, wherein the code is configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication that the event date has passed or that there is insufficient time before event to process ticket transfer.
6. The barcode verification system as defined in claim 1, wherein the code is configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in non-transitory memory that the event is cancelled.
7. The barcode verification system as defined in claim 1, wherein the code is configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in non-transitory readable memory that ticket is being offered by the first user with a second ticket wherein the seat associated with the ticket is not adjacent to a seat associated with the second ticket.
8. The barcode verification system as defined in claim 1, wherein the code is configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in non-transitory memory that the ticket has already been transferred by the first user.
9. The barcode verification system as defined in claim 1, wherein the code is configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in non-transitory memory that the ticket is a complementary ticket.
10. A method of verifying a barcode, comprising:
receiving at a ticket posting system, the ticket posting system including at least one computing device, a ticket posting request by a first user, the ticket posting request including barcode data, event data, and seating data associated with a ticket offer;
transmitting a verification request over a network to a verification system, the verification request including the barcode data and the seat data;
receiving at the ticket posting system an indication as to whether: the barcode data corresponds to a valid ticket, for an event corresponding to the event data, the ticket is associated with a seat corresponding to the seat data, and is transferable by the first user;
if the verification indicates that: the barcode data does not correspond to a valid ticket, or if the verification indicates that: that the barcode data corresponds to a ticket for an event different than that corresponding to the event data, is associated with a seat that does not correspond to the seat data, and/or is not transferable by the first user,
inhibiting the posting of the ticket;
if the verification indicates that: the barcode data does correspond to a valid ticket, for an event corresponding to the event data, that the ticket is associated with a seat corresponding to the seat data, and is transferable by the first user; enabling the first user to post the ticket for transfer; if, after the ticket is posted for transfer a successful transfer operation is performed with respect to a second user, transmitting a request for a new barcode over the network to a barcode issuing system, the barcode request including an indication that the ticket is being transferred; receiving over the network a new barcode associated by the barcode issuing system with the ticket; enabling the ticket to be provided to the second user with the new barcode.
11. The method as defined in claim 10, wherein the barcode data is received via a camera or barcode scanner.
12. The method as defined in claim 10, wherein the barcode verification causes a lock to be placed on the ticket at least partly in response to receiving an indication that a ticket transfer process has been initiated.
13. The method as defined in claim 10, wherein the barcode verification system is operated by a different entity than the posting system.
14. The method as defined in claim 10, wherein the indication as to whether:
the barcode data corresponds to a valid ticket,
for an event corresponding to the event data,
the ticket is associated with a seat corresponding to the seat data, and
is transferable by the first user;
is provided via a verification pass or verification fail indication.
15. The method as defined in claim 10, wherein the indication as to whether the ticket is transferable by the first user indicates that the event date has passed or that there is insufficient time before event to process ticket transfer.
16. The method as defined in claim 10, wherein the indication as to whether the ticket is transferable by the first user indicates that that ticket is being offered by the first user with a second ticket wherein the seat associated with the ticket is not adjacent to a seat associated with the second ticket.
17. The method as defined in claim 10, wherein the indication as to whether the ticket is transferable by the first user indicates that that the ticket has already been transferred by the first user.
18. Program code stored in non-transitory, tangible computer readable memory that when executed by a computing device is configured to perform verification operations comprising:
receive barcode data associated with a ticket barcode associated with a ticketed event;
receive seating and event data manually provided by a first user offering the ticket and/or by a second user seeking to acquire the ticket;
store in a data store: barcode data for issued tickets associated for the ticketed event; event data associated with the issued tickets; seating data associated with the issued tickets; transfer permission data associated with the issued tickets;
determine if the received barcode data is in accordance with a first specified format;
determine if the received barcode data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store;
when the received barcode data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store, determine if the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued tickets for the event;
determine if the received seating data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store;
determine if the received barcode data is associated with a ticket that is not to be transferred via at least a first transaction type;
transmit a positive verification and transfer right indication based at least in part on the determination that: the received barcode data is in accordance with a first specified format; the received barcode data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store; the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued tickets for the event; and the received seating data corresponds to barcode data stored in the data store.
19. The program code as defined in claim 18, wherein the program code is configured to receive the barcode data via a barcode reader system and/or via manual entry.
20. The program code as defined in claim 18, wherein the program code is further configured to access and provide to the first user with:
an indication as to whether the first user had transferred at least one ticket via a service offered by a different website that a website that hosts the program code.
21. The program code as defined in claim 18, wherein the program code is further configured to:
22. The program code as defined in claim 18, wherein the program code is further configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in computer readable memory that the event date has passed or that there is insufficient time before event to process ticket transfer.
23. The program code as defined in claim 18, wherein the program code is further configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in computer readable memory that the event is cancelled.
24. The program code as defined in claim 18, wherein the program code is further configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in computer readable memory that ticket is being offered by the first user with a second ticket wherein the seat associated with the ticket is not adjacent to a seat associated with the second ticket.
25. The program code as defined in claim 18, wherein the program code is further configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in computer readable memory that the ticket has already been transferred by the first user.
26. The program code as defined in claim 18, wherein the program code is further configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in computer readable memory that the ticket is a complementary ticket.
27. A verification system comprising:
an interface configured to receive coded data associated with a ticket for a ticketed event;
a data store stored that stores: coded data for issued tickets associated for the ticketed event; event data associated with the issued tickets; seating data associated with the issued tickets;
program code stored in non-transitory memory, that when executed by a computing device is configured to: determine if the received coded data is in accordance with a first specified format; determine if the received coded data corresponds to coded data stored in the data store; determine if event data received in association with the coded data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued tickets for the event; transmit a positive verification based at least in part on the determination that: the received coded data is in accordance with a first specified format; the received coded data corresponds to coded data stored in the data store; and the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued tickets for the event.
28. The verification system as defined in claim 27, wherein the program code is further configured to:
provide an interface configured to receive seating and event data manually provided by a first user offering the ticket and/or by a second user seeking to acquire the ticket;
determine if the received seating data corresponds to seating data stored in the data store; and
transmit a positive verification based, in part on the determination that the received seating data corresponds to coded data stored in the data store.
29. The verification system as defined in claim 28, wherein the program code is configured to:
determine if the received coded data is associated with a ticket that is not to be transferred via at least a first transaction type; and
transmit a transfer right indication based at least in part on the determination that received coded data is associated with a ticket that may be transferred via at least a first transaction type.
31. The verification system as defined in claim 27, wherein the coded data is barcode data.
32. The verification system as defined in claim 27, wherein the verification system is associated with a first website that enables a user to acquire and transfer tickets and provides a ticket management user interface via which a user can access ticket data related to tickets acquired by the user, the ticket data including at least:
an event name associated with at least one ticket previously acquired by the user;
an indication as to whether the user had transferred at least one ticket via a service offered by the first website; and
an indication as to whether the user had transferred at least one ticket via a service offered by a different website.
33. The verification system as defined in claim 27, wherein the program code is configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication that the event date has passed or that there is insufficient time before event to process ticket transfer.
34. The verification system as defined in claim 27, wherein the program code is configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in non-transitory memory that the event is cancelled.
35. The verification system as defined in claim 27, wherein the program code is configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in non-transitory memory that ticket is being offered by the a user with a second ticket wherein the seat associated with the ticket is not adjacent to a seat associated with the second ticket.
36. The verification system as defined in claim 27, wherein the program code is configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in non-transitory memory that the ticket has already been transferred by a user.
37. The verification system as defined in claim 27, wherein the program code is configured to determine if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in non-transitory memory that the ticket is a complementary ticket.
38. A method of verifying a ticket, comprising:
receiving coded data associated with a ticket for a ticketed event;
determining, using a computing device, if the received coded data is in accordance with a first specified format;
determining, via the computing device, if the received coded data corresponds to coded data stored in a data store;
determining, via the computing device, if event data received in association with the coded data corresponds to event data associated with an issued ticket for the event; and
transmitting, via the computing device, a positive verification based at least in part on the determination that: the received coded data is in accordance with a first specified format; the received coded data corresponds to coded data stored in the data store; and the received event data corresponds to the event data associated with the issued ticket for the event.
39. The method as defined in claim 38, the method further comprising:
providing an interface configured to receive seating and event data manually provided by a first user offering the ticket and/or by a second user seeking to acquire the ticket;
determining if the received seating data corresponds to coded data stored in the data store; and
transmitting a positive verification based, in part, on the determination that the received seating data corresponds to coded data stored in the data store.
receiving a locator associated with a posting of the ticket from the first user and/or the second user; and
accessing a web resource hosted by a web server associated with the locator;
accessing from the web resource the seating and event data manually provided by the first user and the second user via the web server.
determining if the received coded data is associated with a ticket that is not to be transferred via at least a first transaction type; and
transmitting a transfer right indication based at least in part on the determination that received coded data is associated with a ticket that may be transferred via at least a first transaction type.
42. The method as defined in claim 38, wherein the coded data is barcode data.
providing a user interface via which a user can access ticket data related to tickets acquired by the user, the ticket data including at least: an event name associated with at least one ticket previously acquired by the user; an indication as to whether the user had transferred at least one ticket via a service offered by the first website; and an indication as to whether the user had transferred at least one ticket via a service offered by a different website.
44. The method as defined in claim 38, the method further comprising determining if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication that the event date has passed or that there is insufficient time before event to process ticket transfer.
45. The method as defined in claim 38, the method further comprising determining if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in non-transitory memory that the event is cancelled.
46. The method as defined in claim 38, the method further comprising determining if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in non-transitory memory that ticket is being offered by the a user with a second ticket wherein the seat associated with the ticket is not adjacent to a seat associated with the second ticket.
47. The method as defined in claim 38, the method further comprising determining if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in non-transitory memory that the ticket has already been transferred by a user.
48. The method as defined in claim 38, the method further comprising determining if the ticket is transferable based at least in part on an indication stored in non-transitory memory that the ticket is a complementary ticket.
Filed: Mar 3, 2010
Publication Date: Sep 9, 2010
Inventors: Benjamin J. Marti (Gilbert, AZ), Dennis A. Denker (Scottsdale, AZ), Samuel Levin (Los Angeles, CA)
Current U.S. Class: Reservation, Check-in, Or Booking Display For Reserved Space (705/5); Systems Controlled By Data Bearing Records (235/375); Accessing A Remote Server (709/219); On-screen Workspace Or Object (715/764)
International Classification: G06Q 10/00 (20060101); G06Q 30/00 (20060101); G06F 15/16 (20060101); G06F 3/048 (20060101);
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Justia Patents US Patent for Animated character system with real-time control Patent (Patent # 5,021,878)
Animated character system with real-time control
Sep 20, 1989 - Semborg-Recrob, Corp.
A system includes a control station for remotely controlling an animated character. Radio frequencies are used to transfer audio, video and other control signals to the animated character to provide speech, hearing, vision and practically any movement in real-time. A camera is used in the head of the animated character, and microphones are used in its ears to provide vision and hearing to a monitoring operator at the control station. A speaker is co-located with the animated character to generate sound from the operator. Servo control units are included within the animated character to provide a plurality of body movements. Other aspects of the animated character includes a multi-layer skin composite to make it appear more life-like, and an audio driver circuit for controlling the mouth of the animated character in proportion to the level of an audio signal generated at the control station.
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The present invention relates generally to animated characters, and, more particularly, to the practice of remotely controlling electro-mechanical animated characters to simulate life.
Animated characters have recently become a significant part of the entertainment and marketing fields. Consider, for example, movie characters "E. T." and "Gremlin" and the rock and roll creatures at Show-Biz Pizza Restaurants and Walt Disney. In most every instance, the ultimate goal has been to develop an animal-like creature having a human personality.
Unfortunately, animated characters in the prior art have been unable to simulate human life accurately. In simpler applications, the animated character comprises pneumatic and/or hydraulic devices that are remotely controlled according to a preprogrammed operation. Due to programming limitations, however, such animated characters are unable to react spontaneously to their surrounding environment with appropriate and realistic movements and speech. More complex animated characters in the prior art have been implemented for the movie screen by splicing different film shootings. For example, in one film shooting the animated character may be in the form of a puppet, while in other film shootings the animated character may be a person in a costume or a robot which is programmed for a particular sequence of steps.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a system for controlling an animated character in real time allows the animated character to simulate vision, hearing, speech and movement in a manner which closely resembles a human being. The animated character includes a body having a video camera in its head for viewing images in front of the animated character and a microphone in each ear for detecting external sounds. In response to control signals generated from a remote control station, the animated character moves its head with respect to its body to respond appropriately to the surrounding environment.
The remote control station includes video monitors for displaying images viewed by the video camera in the head of the animated character. Additionally, a headset, including head phones and a microphone, is employed by an operator to listen to the sounds detected by the animated character and to talk to the audience through a speaker which is co-located with the animated character.
Preferably, the control station communicates with the animated character using radio frequency (RF) transmitters and receivers. RF communication is advantageous in that it avoids the use of wires or other umbilical type connections which takes away from the purpose of simulating human life.
Another aspect of the present invention involves a circuit for controlling the mouth of the animated character in proportion to an audio signal generated from the remote control station. The control circuit for the mouth includes a reference circuit (adjustor) for setting a reference position at which the mouth of the animated character is set in the absence of an audio signal. Responsive to the reference circuit and to the audio signal, an amplification circuit generates a control signal proportional to the amplitude of the audio signal. The control signal is then coupled to control the jaws or mouth of the animated character.
Another aspect of the present invention involves synthetic skin which is manufactured and used on the face, hands and feet of the animated character to simulate furless animal skin. The skin comprises a multi-layered composite including layers of elastic cloth, rubber and fine powder.
Yet another aspect of the present invention concerns the remote control of the anatomical joints of the animated character. Preferably, certain ones of the joints comprise two mechanical servo mechanisms for providing a force in response to a signal received from a remote source; a support member coupled to support part of the animated character; and cables, coupled between the support member and the servo mechanisms, for exerting a linear force on the support member with respect to the servo mechanisms. The remotely provided signal is used to move the part of the animated character, via the cables, so as to simulate real-life movement.
Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a system diagram illustrating a perspective view of an animated character system 100, including an animated character 110, according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the animated character system 100 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a functional diagram illustrating controls on a single joystick transmitter 310 and on a dual joystick transmitter 312, each of which is used to provide eight separate control functions for an animated character 110 according to the present invention;
FIG. 4a is a schematic of a mouth driver circuit 400, according to the present invention, for controlling movement of the mouth of the animated character 110;
FIG. 4b is a schematic of an alternative mouth driver circuit 400, according to the present invention, also for controlling movement of the mouth of the animated character 110;
FIG. 5 is a schematic of an audio system 212 of FIG. 2 according to the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an enlarged front view of the animated character 110;
FIG. 7 is a front view of the animated character 110 of FIG. 1 from the shoulders up;
FIG. 8a is a perspective, constructional view of the neck and head structure of the animated character of FIG. 1;
FIG. 8b is a front, constructional view of the neck and head structure of the animated character of FIG. 1;
FIG. 9 is a rear view of the torso of the animated character 110 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 10a is a front view of the torso of the animated character 110 shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 10b is a front view of one of the shoulders shown in FIG. 10a;
FIG. 10c is an end view of one of the shoulders shown in FIG. 10a;
FIG. 10d is a perspective view of the end of one of the shoulders shown in FIG. 10a;
FIG. 10e is a diagram illustrating the movement of the shoulder using a U-joint within one of the shoulders shown in FIG. 10a;
FIG. 11a is a perspective view of an arm and a hand of the animated character 110 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 11b is a front view of an alternative hand/wrist implementation for the animated character 110 of FIG. 1, also according to the present invention;
FIG. 11c is a side view perspective of the hand/wrist arrangement shown in FIG. 11B;
FIG. 12 is a front view of the lower section of the animated character 110 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the legs and tail sections of the animated character 110 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 14 is a bottom view of one of the feet of the animated character 110 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 15 is a sketch of a skull for the animated character 110, also in accordance with the present invention;
FIG. 16a is a front view of a plate 733 depicted along line 16a in FIG. 10a;
FIG. 16b is a front view of a plate 754 depicted along line 16b in FIG. 9;
FIG. 16c is a perspective view of the assembly of the plates 733 and 754 illustrated in FIGS. 16a and 16b.
FIG. 17a is a front view of the waist control mechanism of the animated character 110 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 17b is another front view of the waist control mechanism of the animated character 110 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 17c is a diagram illustrating a top view of the waist control mechanism of the animated character 110 of FIG. 1; and
FIG. 17d is a rear view of the waist control mechanism of the animated character 110 of FIG. 1.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
The present invention may be used in many applications requiring an animated character located to interact in real-time with other life. For example, the present invention is useful for remotely monitoring an area for security purposes. The present invention is particularly useful, however, for marketing products or sponsors before an audience; for example, at an amusement park, in a night club or on recorded or live television.
FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 which is specifically designed for such marketing. The system 100 includes an animated character 110 along with video equipment 115, control equipment 120, a head set 125 and one or more operators 130 to control and monitor the animated character 110 such that the animated character 110 can see, hear, speak and move in response to its surrounding environment much like a human being.
The animated character 110 is coupled to the remaining portion of the system 100 using radio frequency (RF) equipment 140. This interface allows the operator 130 to control the movements and the speech of the animated character 110 and to monitor visually and audibly the surroundings of the animated character 110 remotely using the control equipment 120.
The control equipment 120 includes a plurality of control devices which are operated by the operator 130 to effect entire ranges of movements by the animated character 110 and to produce a variety of preprogrammed utterances through the animated character 110. Additionally, the operator 130 may employ a microphone 126 and earphones 127 (from the headset 125) to talk with and listen to the audience in real time. The headset 125 may be implemented using a Sony stereo headphone, Model MDR-V2, and the microphone 126 may be implemented using a Shure headset microphone, Model SM10A.
By using a microphone in each ear of the animated character 110, sounds to either side of the animated character may be differentiated through the headset 125 (in stereo) to provide appropriate real time control to the animated character 110. For example, in response to the detected sounds, the operator 130 is able to provide a variety of reactions of the animated character. These reactions include head movement in the direction of the detected sound, various facial expressions and mannerisms such as covering its ears with its hands and speaking in response to the sound.
The surroundings of the animated character 110 are monitored by the operator 130 using the video equipment 115, a video camera (722 of FIG. 7) internal to the animated character 110 and microphones (753 of FIG. 15) in its ears. The video equipment 115 includes a conventional color monitor 132 for displaying images received by the video camera, and a black and white monitor 134 for displaying the animated character 110 as perceived from the position of a video camera 142, preferably a Panasonic CD-40 type black and white camera. The video camera 142 is particularly useful in situations where the operator 125 cannot directly view the animated character 110.
Accordingly, the video, audio and control functions of the system 100 allow the animated character to be controlled by an operator in real time so that the animated character simulates a human being.
Control Station Operation
Referring now to FIG. 2, the system 100 is illustrated in block diagram form with focus on the audio, video and the portion of the system 100 that controls the movement of the animated character 110. The diagram in FIG. 2 includes a manually operated section 210 (shown in dotted lines), audio and video systems 212 and 214, a conventional audio speaker 216 which is co-located with the animated character 110, and the remote camera 142 of FIG. 1. The manually operated section 210 includes components which the operator physically manipulates to control the animated character 110. This section 210 includes the microphone 126 and the earphones 127, which operate as previously described, a speech pedal 220 and RF (radio frequency) transmitters 222.
The speech pedal 220 is used to select prestored speech (or sounds) for transmission, via the audio system, through the speaker 216. The speech pedal 220 is preferably a Midi Mitigator RFC-1 type which includes a variety of conventional control pedals to retrieve utterances previously stored in the audio system 212. The Midi Mitigator RFC-1 also includes a digital display which may be programed to indicate the category and type of sound presently selected by the foot pedals. For example, the Midi Mitigator RFC-1 may be programmed to record digital sounds in the following categories: product or sponsor endorsed remarks, jokes, voice impressions, rude noises and famous laughs. The foot pedals of the Midi Mitigator RFC-1 are used to select one of the above four categories, and then to select particular prerecorded entries within each category. Of course, every application and environment for the animated character 110 may require a unique set of prestored sounds and utterances.
The transmitters 222 are used to control manually various functions, primarily movement-related, of the animated character 110. Although this control may be implemented using a variety of communication means, radio frequencies (RF) are preferred. The preferred implementation of the transmitters 222 includes five 8-channel PCM (pulse code modulation) transmitters to provide collectively forty RF channels for controlling various parts of the animated character. Three of the five transmitters are preferably dual joystick transmitters of the type Futaba Model No. FP-T8SGA-T, and the other two are of the type Futaba Model No. FP-T8SSA-P. These transmitter types are commonly operated at about 50-72 mega-Hertz and include manual controls to control remotely hobby vehicles.
In FIG. 3, a functional diagram of a single joystick transmitter 310 and a dual joystick transmitter 312 is illustrated. The transmitters 310 and 312 may be modified to include larger power supplies, for example, eight 1.2v Sub-C 1.4 hour Nicad power cells (or video game power supplies) available from Sanyo. Additionally, all the antennas from each of the five 8-channel transmitters may be replaced by a single one 304 of the replaced antennas such that the single antenna 304 is coupled to all five 8-channel transmitters using a conventional type N antenna combiner 306. Conventional connections 308 are made from the type N antenna combiner to the transmitter antenna ports of the transmitters. Also for smoother control of the animated character 110, the mechanical joystick returns on the 8-channel PCM transmitters may be removed. In a preferred embodiment, each of these modifications is included.
Each transmitter 310 and 312 includes eight manual control functions for respectively controlling eight RF channels. The single joystick transmitter 310 uses a joystick 314 to provide three analog functions, a sliding toggle switch (CH-5) 316 to provide a binary function and rotational knobs (CH-3 and CH-5 through CH-8) 318, 320, 322 and 324 to provide the remaining four functions. The three analog functions provided by the joystick 314 are implemented using a forward-backward movement, a right-left movement and a rotational movement. The dual joystick transmitter 312 provides two analog functions at each of two joysticks 330 and 332. These two analog functions are implemented using a forward-backward movement and a right-left movement. A sliding toggle switch (CH-5) 334 is used to provide a binary function and rotational knobs (CH-6 through CH-8) 336, 338 and 340 are used to provide the remaining three functions.
Each type of transmitter 310 or 312 also includes a master/slave switch 326 and 328, respectively, which is used to provide simultaneous control between two of the control functions. The master/slave switch 326 on the single joystick transmitter 310, when enabled, allows the sliding toggle switch (CH-5) 316 to act as a master such that it also controls the function of the rotational knob (CH-6) 320, acting as a slave. Similarly, the master/slave switch 328 on the dual joystick transmitter 312, when enabled, allows the sliding toggle switch (CH-8) 340 to act as a master such that it also controls the function of the rotational knob (CH-5) 334, acting as a slave.
An attached appendix illustrates a preferred manner of using the controls of the five PCM transmitters to control the functions of the animated character 110. The appendix includes a "control" column which indicates the knob, switch or joystick being referenced; a "movement" column to indicate the appropriate movement of the "control" device; and a "function" column for each of the five transmitters 222 to indicate the function of the control device movement with respect to the animated character. A "Function No." column is also included to provide a reference for the forty functions. Also, adjacent each "function" column, the particular Futaba servo model number for that function is indicated. References to "right" and "left" animated character body parts in the appendix are provided with respect to the audience facing the front of the animated character. It is noted that while the particular configuration illustrated in the appendix has been found useful, the correspondence between the functions and the controls may be interchanged to implement any one of a number of configurations to suit the desired application.
An additional aspect of the transmitters 222 of FIG. 2 is a mouth driver feature which controls movement to the mouth of the animated character 110 according to utterances or sounds generated by the audio system 212. This is an another important aspect of the present invention as it is used to simulate the mouth movement of a human being during speech. This feature is referred to in the attached appendix where the knob (CH-7) 322 of the first single joystick transmitter 310 is described as being remotely controlled to implement jaw movement on the animated character. An audio line 230, coupling the audio system 212 to the transmitters 222, provides the necessary audio signal to a mouth driver circuit as part of the transmitters 222. The mouth driver circuit is depicted as 400 in FIG. 4a.
In FIG. 4a, the knob (CH-7) 322 and the associated potentiometer 410 of the single joystick transmitter 310 are shown removed from the single joystick transmitter 310, and three signals (+9v, ground and signal input) are shown in their place. The dotted line 412 illustrates the normal connection of the potentiometer 410 within the single joystick transmitter 310. During normal, unmodified operation, the potentiometer 410 provides a signal input voltage varying between 0v and 9v DC. The potentiometer 410 is removed to provide a signal representing the audio signal at line 230 of FIG. 2 which is combined with an adjustment signal to provide appropriate mouth movement for the animated character.
This function is accomplished by using a conventional amplifier 414 to amplify the signal on line 230, via a coupling capacitor 441, to convert the millivolt-range of the signal 230 to a signal range which is between 0v and 3v DC. The output of that amplified signal is summed at another amplifier 416 with an offset control voltage (adjustment signal) such that 0v at the output of the amplifier 414 (0v at the output of the amplifier 416) corresponds to the mouth of the animated character being closed and 3v at the output of the amplifier 414 (9v at the output of the amplifier 416) corresponds to the mouth of the animated character being fully opened. Preferably, the potentiometer 410 is manually controlled such that when the mouth of the animated character is in the relaxed position, the output of the amplifier 416 is about 1v. For casual conversation and mouth movement, the output of the amplifier 416 does not typically exceed about 3v.
The resistors illustrated in the circuit 400 may be implemented using potentiometers which are adjusted to provide the amplification set forth above. For example, amplification at the amplifier 414 may be implemented using 10 K-Ohm and 500 K-Ohm potentiometers 420 and 422, respectively; summing at the input of the amplifier 416 may be implemented using 100 K-Ohm resistors 428 and 430; and the feedback path about the amplifier 416 may be implemented using a 100 K-Ohm potentiometer 432. The potentiometer 410, removed from the transmitter 310, is a 5 K-Ohm potentiometer but may be implemented in the circuit of FIG. 4a using a 10 K-Ohm potentiometer. Ideally, the circuit 400 is separately housed in durable structure and coupled to the transmitter 310 using conventional three-wire shielded (three conductor shielded) cabling.
In FIG. 4b, an equivalent, alternative embodiment of the mouth driver circuit of FIG. 4a is illustrated. Like the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4a, this embodiment receives its power (+9v and ground) from the joystick transmitter 310 and uses the potentiometer 410 as discussed with FIG. 4a. The input signal 230 is coupled to an amplifier 442 via coupling capacitor 440 and amplified using a 10 K-Ohm resistor 444, a 240 k-Ohm resistor 446 and a 250 k-Ohm potentiometer 448. From the output of the amplifier 442, a rectification circuit 450, comprising a diode 452, a 47 k-Ohm resistor 454 and a 1 micro-Farad capacitor 456, couples the amplified signal to an inverting amplifier 458. The output of the amplifer 458 is summed with a control signal provided from the potentiometer 410 using 100 k-Ohm resistors 428 and 430, as described in connection with FIG. 4a. From the interconnection of resistors 428 and 430, an amplifier 460 is used to adjust the level of the signal and an amplifier 462 is used to invert the signal for the joystick transmitter 310. Voltage references for the amplifiers 442 and 460 may be established using a 1.5 mega-Ohm resistor 464 and a 100 k-Ohm resistor 466 at the positive input of amplifier 442 and 100 k-Ohm resistor 468 and 50 k-Ohm resistor 470 at the negative input of the amplifier 442. Each amplifier discussed in connection with FIGS. 4a and 4b may be implemented using a bipolar LM358N type operational amplifier.
Video And Audio Control
The video system of 214 of FIG. 2 preferably includes a black and white monitor 233 for displaying images received from the remote camera 142, and a color monitor 235 for displaying images received by the video camera (722 of FIG. 7) located within the animated character 110. The remote camera 142 includes a transmitter 232, preferably a Dell Star Model DS503/1PLL transmitter, for transmitting video signals to a compatible receiver 234, such as a Dell Star Model DS-602A receiver, within the video system 214. Similarly, a Dell Star Model DS-503/1PLL transmitter (724 of FIG. 6) within the animated character 110 may be used to transmit video signals to a Dell Star Model DS-602A receiver 237, within the video system 214. The receiver 234 is electrically coupled to the black and white monitor 233, and the receiver 237 is electrically coupled to the color monitor 235.
The speaker (system) 216 also incorporates a Dell Star Model DS-602A240 receiver 240. The receiver 240 receives RF audio signals from a Dell Star Model DS-503/1-PLL transmitter 242 which carries sounds from the operator and/or audio system 212 to the speaker 216. Other aspects of the speaker (system) 216 are microphones or from both microphones. This is a useful feature in certain environments where one operator is employed to generate certain types of speech (e.g., jokes), and another operator is employed to provide general or supplemental conversation such as commercial or contracted work.
Speech or sound that is passed through the arbitrator 520 is processed using a voice processor 522 to vary the pitch of the speech generated. Preferably, the voice processor 522 is implemented using a Roland VP-70 voice processing unit which includes a standard voice input port 551 for receiving the audio from the arbitrator 520 and a Midi Data Interface at ports 553 which are designed to communicate with other Midi-compatible units.
The Midi Data Interface is used to intercouple the speech pedal 220, the Roland VP-70 voice processing unit 522, a digital effects unit 540 and a digital sampler 530. The speech pedal 220, as previously discussed, is preferably implemented using a Midi Mitigator RFC-1, which is also Midi-compatible. The digital sampler 530 is used to store digital audio sounds and may be implemented using a Midi-compatible S1000HD, available from Akai, Inc. The Midi Mitigator RFC-1 type speech pedal 220 is designed to select digital samples from the Akai S1000HD digital sampler 530 and to activate programmable functions on the Roland VP-70 voice processing unit 522. Such selection and activation is accomplished using conventional Midi data bus addressing techniques. discussed in connection with the audio system 212 of FIG. 5, below.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a preferred manner of operating the audio system 212 of FIG. 2. At the left side of FIG. 5, audio signals provided to and from the animated character 110 are shown, and a control area for the operator(s) (130 of FIG. 1) is depicted at the right side of FIG. 5.
Referring first to the audio path from the animated character 110 to the operator 130, sounds that are picked up by the microphones in the animated character's ears are transmitted to the receiver 244 from which a noise gate 510, preferably a Rocktron Model Hush II C, filters noise below a selected threshold. From the noise gate 510, signals are processed by an equalizer 512 to adjust the audio sound to the operator's liking. The equalizer 512 may be implemented using a 32 band Ibanez GE3101 type equalizer. The equalizer 512 provides a processed signal to an amplifier 514 which then drives the earphones of the headset 125. The amplifier 514 may be implemented using a conventional microphone/line amplifier having multiple amplification paths. For example, a Yamaha MLA 7 which may be used for this purpose includes 8 input/output channels.
Referring now to the audio path from the operator(s) 130 to the animated character 110, microphones 126 may be employed in conjunction with a microphone arbitrator 520 to provide speech utterances to the animated character 110. The microphone arbitrator 520, which is commercially available from Morley Inc., includes switches to select and pass signals from one of the two
The speaking operator must be careful, however, not to speak (unless desired) when a digital sample is being retrieved for execution from the digital sampler 530. This is because the amplifier 514 processor 522 acts as a sound mixer, summing voice from the arbitrator 520 with sound generated by the digital sampler 530.
The digital effects unit 540 receives the output of the voice processor 522 to allow the operator to modify the speech generated therethrough using conventional studio editing techniques. For example, the digital effects unit 540 may be implemented using an SDE 2500 type digital effects unit, available from Roland Inc., to provide such effects as reverb, feedback, time delays and infinite repeats.
The output of the digital effects unit 540 is received and amplified by two channels of the amplifier 514. Being coupled to the Midi interface, the output of the unit 540 may also be modified using Midi data bus coding. The outputs 541 and 543 of these two channels are received by a dual channel noise gate 544, preferably a Hush II C available from Rocktron, Inc., which filters noise below a selected threshold for each channel. At the output 230 of the first channel of the noise gate 544, the mouth driver circuit 400 of FIG. 4a processes the signal to control the mouth of the animated character, discussed above.
At the output 545 of the second channel of the noise gate 544, the audio signal is amplified and passed to the speaker 216 (co-located with the animated character) via a direct or an indirect path. The indirect path includes the transmitter 242 and the receiver 240, as described and illustrated in connection with FIG. 2. An amplifier 548, for example, a Rockford Fozgate Power 300 MOSFET type amplifier, is used to drive the speaker 216 from the output of the receiver 240.
The direct path for coupling the output of the second channel of the noise gate 544 to the speaker 216 includes a hard-wired connection between the noise gate 544 and an amplifier 548, using a Carver 1200 type amplifier, and a second hard-wired connection between the amplifier 548 and the speaker 216. This latter approach is useful in situations where the operator is situated nearby the animated character, and where the interconnection establishing the path will not take away from the animated character's life-like appearance.
Overview Of The Animated Character
FIG. 6 illustrates a front view of the animated character 110 referred to in each of the previous figures. This view depicts one of two symmetrically designed arms and, to illustrate clearly the components of the animated character, does not show a furry coat which is used allow the animated character to simulate the look of a wild beast. Generally, the animated character 110 has a body that is akin to an canine or human body insofar as it includes two arms 602 with connected hands 604 and fingers 605, two legs 606 with connected feet 608 and toes 610, a head 612, a neck 614, a torso 616 and a tail 618.
The control functions listed in the appendix are implemented within the animated character using eight channel receivers with one of the eight channels coupled and dedicated to associated servo-mechanisms ("servo"). Each servo is used to implement one of the functions listed in the attached appendix. Interconnections between each servo and its associated receiver includes a three wire connector carrying power, ground and the received signal. The receivers associated with the respective servos are preferably Futaba 8-channel PCM receivers. A preferred type of servo for each function is the Futaba digitally proportional type servo, and its specific model number for the associated function is listed in a separate column in the appendix next to the associated function. Thus, forty functions are implemented using five 8-channel PCM receivers.
The servos include two types: direct drive servos and indirect drive servos. The direct drive servo is the least common type. It is found only in the neck, waist and shoulders, and is employed when the location of the servo is best suited at the location of the actual action. The direct drive motion is always expressed as rotational force.
The second and most common mechanism is the indirect drive servo which allows the servo to be located away from the point of motion to minimize the effects of the inertial forces. The indirect drive servo uses a cable coupled to the output shaft of the servo to exert a rotational push-pull force or uses one or more cables coupled to a point on the output shaft of the servo to exert a linear force. Both types of forces are generated by a slight rotation of the servo output shaft.
An example of a linear force provided by an indirect drive servo is illustrated in FIG. 14 wherein cables 990 are pulled toward the heel of the foot in response to a slight rotation at the output shaft 992 of the indirect drive servo 994. The cables 990 are preferably tied to the output shaft 992 at point 993 rather than where they are shown to be tied. This avoids slack in the cable 990 to the toes 610 when the output shaft 992 rotates clockwise. The toes 610 return to their relaxed position when the cable releases due to the action of return springs 996 in each of the toes.
Another example of a linear force provided by an indirect drive servo is illustrated in FIG. 9 where a lever 1101 is mounted to a servo 832 to pull a cable 839 in cable guide 433. The cable 839 is connected to the lever 1101 using an adjustable line clamp 1103 and a KWIK-LINK type connector 1105. The line clamp 1103 and the connector 1105 are all available from Royal Distributors, Inc. of Englewood, Colo. This type of indirect drive servo, using such a lever 1101, is used for the wrists, fingers and facial functions.
An example of a direct drive servo rotational force is illustrated in FIGS. 10a and 10b wherein a shoulder servo 808 or 809 is shown configured to drive directly without cables an arm 602 which attaches thereto at mount 871 or 872.
All cables are composed of steel, brass coated steel and/or nylon fishing line of about 25 lb. strength. While the nylon line is preferred due to its lighter weight, brass cable is used to avoid cable stretching in longer cable applications such as between servos in the chest cavity of the animated character and its elbows and fingers. Also, wherever brass cable would contact metal, nylon cable is used. Thus, in certain instances, such as the arm, a cable comprises one or more brass sections and one or more nylon sections. These sections may be joined by a simply constructed cable junction clamp including a bolt screwed into a tapped aluminum cable receptacle. Typically, both types of cables are carried in cable guides which are composed of hard nylon or plastic tubing. The cables guides and the brass cable itself are available from Southerland, Inc.
The support structure of the animated character comprises a number of components which are almost exclusively made from hard aluminum with strength adequate to support various staple devices rigidly, including the Futaba servos and receivers previously discussed. For example, in FIG. 16, the aluminum chest cavity, comprises an upper plate 733 and a lower plate 754 to mount the servos, and a shoulder plate 1201, and may be implemented using 1/4" solid aluminum, type 6061T6. This type of aluminum is preferably hollowed wherever possible to reduce the overall weight of the animated character.
The support structure includes conventional mounting and clamping means, such as machine bolts and brackets, for mounting these devices. For example, in FIGS. 6 and 12, the structure includes a base plate 998 for bolt mounting all RF receivers, including the five eight-channel receivers 999 and two indirect drive servos 862 and 863 for controlling the waist. The receivers and servos include mounting means to accommodate this type of mounting.
In the discussion that follows, reference should be made to FIGS. 6-17c for the anatomy of the animated character and to the appendix which lists the various types of controls and functions.
Core Of The Animated Character
Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8a and 8b, the neck and head structure for the animated character 110 is illustrated. There are three neck/head control functions, and they are listed as function numbers 1-3 in the appendix. Thus, these functions include tilting the head to the right and to the left, nodding the head up and down and rotating the head about the neck.
The three servo mechanisms used to implement these functions include one direct drive servo 702 for head rotation, and two indirect drive servos 704 and 706 for tilting the head from front to back and right to left. The servos 704 and 706, which are mounted as shown in FIG. 9, control a ball and socket joint 710 that supports movement of the head in any direction up to 60.degree. off center line. Cables 707 from the two indirect drive servos 704 and 706 are shielded and carried by four cable guides 708 spaced at 90.degree. intervals around a plate 733 and a plate 721 to allow the head to tilt forward and backward and right and left, exerting compression on the associated springs 712 and 714. Aluminum support spacers 719 (FIG. 7) are used to separate the plate 721 from the plate 733.
The ball and socket joint 710 is unevenly spring loaded to compensate for gravity and secondary motion caused by inertial forces resulting from head movement. A front spring 712 has a larger spring constant than the other three neck springs 714 (rear spring 714 is not visible from the front view) to compensate for the center of gravity on the head being in front of the neck mount. The ball portion of the joint 710 may be manufactured using hard plastic or acrylic, e.g., nylon or Delron, and the socket portion of the joint may be implemented using aluminum.
The head rotation servo 702 is supported by a servo support plate 739, which provides a base for the servo 702, and by a tiered servo mount structure 736. The servo 702 is bolted to two upper aluminum spacers 738 and into four lower spacers 737. The two upper aluminum spacers 738 are bolted to the servo mount structure 736, and the four lower spacers 737 are bolted to the support plate 739. The support plate 739 is bolted to a ball and socket joint plate 717, which moves about the ball portion of the joint 710 in response to the remote signals (via the servos 704 and 706) controlling the cables 707, to allow the head and neck of the animated character, i.e., from plate 717 to the top of the character's head, to tilt in any desired direction.
In addition to providing a base for the support plate 739, the plate 717 is used to retain and slightly compress the springs 712 and 714 on their topside. On their lower side, the springs 712 and 714 are held in place by aluminum spring retainers 716.
The rotation of the head about the neck operates over a 140.degree. span. When combined with the motion of a similar waist mechanism, this structure allows the animated character to position its head to look at anything in the perpendicular plane directly in front of it.
FIG. 7 also illustrates the clamping ring 720 for the color camera 722, preferably a Panasonic GPCD-1 color camera which is most often found in industrial or medical applications. However, this type of camera is especially useful in the present application, because its relatively small camera lens is separate from its video signal processor. This allows the camera lens to be located at the base of the forehead of the animated character and the larger aspect of the camera, the video signal processor, to be disposed when there is more room; namely, within the animated character's buttocks.
The animated character's vision is provided through a small orifice at the base of its forehead, where images are perceived by the camera lens and, after being processed, are transmitted using a Dell Star transmitter mounted under the base plate 998 (FIG. 6). The transmitter for the color camera 722 is depicted as 724 in FIG. 6, and the color camera's video signal processor is hidden behind the transmitter 724. The clamping ring 720 is rotatably adjustable on rotation bar 726 and vertically adjustable as camera mount 728. A bolt 730 may be loosened to provide both rotation and vertical direction type adjustments to the clamping ring 720.
FIG. 7 also illustrates a jaw servo mount 734 which is used to mount the jaw servo 888 of the animated character, and its shoulders 731 and 732 which are separated by the plate 733.
Esthetics Of The Animated Character
FIG. 15 illustrates the skull of the animated character and its control mechanism. The skull includes the typical features of a canine or bear, but the face of the skull is hairless (furless) and has a tough leather appearance. This appearance is realized, in accordance with the present invention, by using a composite of materials including Spandex.RTM. cloth, latex rubber and powder (e.g., baby powder or corn starch). The latex rubber is preferably an ammonia based liquid compound such as KWIK-MOLD, available from Adhesive Products, Corp.
The face (or skin) of the skull is manufactured in a manner which may also be used for the hands, arms, legs and feet. The first step in preparing the skin is to cut and sew a cloth material, such as an elastic Spandex.RTM. cloth, such that it fits over a body part mold. The body part mold, for example, the face or hands, may be sculptured using a thermo-plastic, such as "Friendly Plastic" provided by Friendly Plastic, Inc. The prepared cloth is then sprayed with a liquid latex rubber (e.g., KWIK-MOLD) until the pores of the cloth are sealed. After the rubber dries, multiple coats of the same latex, but in colored form, are air brushed onto the side to be used as the outside skin. Depending on the desired look of the face, the air brushing and drying takes about 3-4 hours.
Just before the rubber dries or cures, a thin layer of powder may be applied. When the rubber dries, the powder is absorbed into the rubber to give it a rough-looking finish. Preferably, about 20 coats of the colored rubber are applied with powder sprinkled onto the face about every 3-5 coats. The end result is a life-like, rough-looking skin that is flexible to allow for wrinkling.
Variations of the above process may be implemented to accommodate different body components. For example, a preferred embodiment for facial skin includes using the above composite in only four areas that require a wrinkling action: between the eyes; on the bridge of the nose and under each eyebrow. The remaining areas of the skin, including the lips and eyelids are composed of plain latex rubber. The plain latex rubber skin may be previously formed by dipping the body part mold, as described above, into the rubber and allowing the rubber to dry directly on the mold. The skin may then be peeled off and/or cut and patched with the other wrinkling-type skin.
The eyeballs, the teeth and the nose of the animated character may be implemented using conventional taxidermy parts and techniques.
The skull itself is molded into a hollow shape using thermoplastic, such as Friendly Plastic. The hollow inside of the skull is designed to fit over the color camera 722 and the head mount bracket 718 (FIG. 7). Brackets 756, bolted to the head mount bracket 718, include a plurality of holes to receive bolts for securing the skull at one of several different levels. In the preferred embodiment, the legs and the feet are manufactured in the same manner as the skull; of course, with the requisite structural differences.
Facial Control Of The Animated Character
The motion of each ear of the animated character is controlled by two dedicated indirect drive servos 740 and 742 (servo 742 is not shown but its position is indicated) in FIG. 10a. The associated function numbers in the appendix for the ears are 12 and 16. In FIG. 15, each ear is implemented as an ear paddle 744 which is glued to the skull of the animated character via a small spring 746 having a large spring coefficient. The spring 746 is stiff enough to impede secondary motion but weak enough to allow the servos 740 and 742 to control the motion of the ears without strain.
All cable guides are preferably glued to their supporting structures, and all cables are glued, and if possible sewn, to the targeted structures. Cables 748, which are used to control the ear paddles 744, may be implemented using a strong nylon line (e.g., 100 pound test) to extend the mean replacement time of the cable. Cable guides 749, secured to the skull, carry the cables 748 to the ears. The normal relaxed position of the ear paddle 744 is with the ear spring 746 situated perpendicular to the top of the skull.
Full translation of the ear is about 100.degree.. Although the primary purpose for the motion of the ears is aesthetics, proper design of the ear itself will allow the operator to effectively determine if the source of a particular sound is coming from behind or in front of the animated character. For this reason, independent microphones 753 are clipped to each ear to allow the operator to differentiate right and left sources of sound.
The microphone signals produced from the microphones 753 are automatically adjusted for the ambient noise level by the Dell Star transmitter 724 and then transmitted as a sub-carrier of the color camera's video signal using the transmitter 724 (located in the tail 618). The microphones 753 can be operated on separate channels or together as a single audio path.
The eyelids 758 of the animated character are controlled by independent indirect drive servos 750 located inside the skull (shown in dotted lines of FIG. 15). In the appendix, the function numbers associated with the eyelids are 5 and 6, and those associated with the eyebrows are 17 and 19. Control for each eyelid includes a brass frame 831 molded to the end of the skin of each respective eyelid and a cable 833 guide which is secured to the skull such that a cable 835 pulls/pushes the brass frame 833 around the eyeball 752. Each eyelid is backed with foam to hold lubricant that keeps the eye clean and moist looking.
The upper face employs four indirect drive servos 760, 762, 764 and 766 (FIG. 10a) to control small sections of skin. One section of skin is between its eyes, one section of skin is on the bridge of its nose and one section of skin is under each eyebrow. In the appendix, the function numbers associated with these skin sections are 17 and 19 (eyebrows), 18 (nose) and 20 (between eyes). These servos employ a cable technique that is different from the other cable techniques previously discussed herein. In the previously discussed techniques, the cable guide remains stationary and the cable moves back and forth to control the moving body part. Unlike that previous technique, for the cables associated with these four skin sections, an internal cable 755 is fixed to the face (skin) and a cable guide 757 is responsible for creating the motion of the skin section. The cable guide 757 moves within an external, secondary cable guide 759 which is secured to the skull. When these cables are contracted, the skin between the secured cable guide and the fixed cable will become wrinkled. These contractions "wrinkle" the skin over the nose, between the eyes and over the eyes. When the servos relax, the skin flattens. This cable/guide cable technique is an important part of the present invention and is useful for creating a variety of facial expressions on the animated character.
Four indirect drive servos 770, 772, 774 and 776 (FIG. 10a) are used to control the movements of the upper lips at two positions 778 on each side of the face. The lower lips are stationary. These four servos 770-776 are mounted in the top and center positions servo support structures 991 (FIG. 10a). Each of these control functions, indicated as function numbers 4, 8, 14 and 15 in the appendix, use cable guides 801 sewn and glued to the skull, and the associated cables 803 molded into a plastic attachment 805 that adheres to the lip. The upper lip is preferably thicker than the rest of the face so that its weight will return it to a relaxed position. These four controls to the upper lip of the animated character allows the mouth of animated character to express a full range of emotions.
The jaw movement of the animated character, indicated as function number 7 in the appendix, operates in proportion to the audio amplitude level as described in connection with the mouth driver circuit of FIG. 4a or FIG. 4b. In FIG. 15, the jaws are shown controlled by the cable mechanism mounted therein. As the audio amplitude level increases, the servo contracts a cable 807, having an associated cable guide 809 secured to the skull, thereby pulling back on an actuator rod 811 (as shown in FIG. 15) to pull the upper jaw away from the lower jaw. The rod 811 is pivotally connected via right and left hinges (815) to a conventional cable link 813 and to plastic jaw plugs 815 which are molded to the upper and lower jaws. When cable 807 retracts, the rod 811 draws the upper jaw plug 815 and the upper jaw up to open the animated character's mouth about a pivot point where the jaw plugs 815 interconnect. The rod 811 is secured to the lower jaw via a plate 817 which is also molded into the lower jaw.
Control of the tongue, as indicated by the function numbers 22 and 23 in the appendix, involves movement of cables 817 in guides 819 to pull the tongue to either side of the mouth. The base of the tongue and the cable guides 819 are secured to the rear area of the lower jaw. The servos 790 and 792 for the tongue are illustrated in the upper servo banks of FIG. 10a. These servos control the tongue in the following manner: (1) when one cable 817 is contracted (pulling), and the other cable 817 is extended (pushing), the tongue will protrude to one side of the mouth; (2) if both servos are contracted, the tongue will contract into the back of the mouth; (3) if both servos are extended, the tongue will be extended. Some up and down control of the tongue is possible depending upon the order of contraction.
The tongue may be molded out of a highly flexible thermoplastic to provide a life-like appearance. For example, the tongue may be made by melting plastic fishing worms and then molding the worms to the desired tongue shape.
Each of the above facial movement features may be disabled by putting the animated character in a sleep mode, as indicated by function number 21 in the appendix. The sleep mode is enabled by a servo 802 that rotates a lever 804 to engage a multi-poled microswitch 806 (or a plurality of piggy-backed micro-switches) which shut off power to the other four 8-channel receivers 999 and to the transmitter 724 (FIG. 6) for the color camera. When asleep, this feature conserves the power supply in the animated character while maintaining control of all eight functions (function numbers 1-8 of the appendix) of the associated 8-channel receiver 999, including eyelid control; thus, while in the sleep mode, the animated character is able to open its eyes as though it was waking up. The micro switch 806 may be implemented using one or more conventional momentary micro switches available from Archer, Inc.
Control Of The Arms
The arm 602, which is illustrated in FIG. 11a, can be raised by rotating the arm upward or by lifting it at the shoulder. A shoulder rotation movement is performed using a direct drive servo 808 (FIG. 10a) which is mounted at the shoulder and coupled to the arm. This direct drive servo implementation can rotate the arm 140.degree. from the home position. The rotation is aided by surgical tubing 850 mounted on the plate 733 to help counteract the forces of gravity on objects held in the animated character's hand (FIG. 5). The arm is preferably made of aluminum and includes an aluminum U-shaped elbow bracket 877. The arm is mounted to the drive servo 808 at mount 872 via a spring loaded universal joint 811, so as not to inhibit the function of the shoulder. The arm also has mounts 861, 863 and 865 for the elbow, the wrist and the finger cable guides, respectively.
The elbow is driven by a dual cable 867 in cable guides 869. Indirect drive servos 769 (FIG. 10a) provide control for each elbow. The cable 867 is attached to a small adjustable plastic chain 841 which drives a sprocket (underneath the chain). The sprocket is attached to the forearm (see FIG. 11). The elbow can rotate 90.degree. plus some, and the home position can be adjusted mechanically or trimmed by the control device remotely. The sprocket and chain assembly may be implemented using conventional parts available from Serv-O-Link of Euless, Tex.
Control Of The Shoulders
In FIG. 10a, the shoulder functions are shown to include three servos for each side; one direct drive servo 808 or 809 for rotation, and two indirect drive servos 814 and 816 or 818 and 820 for front to back movements and for up and down movements. These functions are listed in the appendix as function numbers 25 (33), 27 (35) and 28 (36) and operate in substantially the same manner as the neck and waist, with two sets of push/pull cables connected to four points of each shoulder. Servos 816 and 820 (which control the shoulder at points 822 and 824) are mounted behind the servos 814 and 816 and are therefore not shown. As illustrated more clearly in FIGS. 10b and 10e, these servos control a single universal joint or "U-joint" 889 that supports movement in any direction up to 45 degrees off centerline.
The universal joint 889 provides any combination of up and down, and front to back movements up to 45 degrees. The universal joint is evenly spring loaded via spring 811 or 813 to keep tension on shoulder cables 891 at all times. A plastic retainer 893 is used to retain the cables 891 adjacent one another.
Control Of The Wrists
FIG. 11a illustrates the animated character's wrist control. This control is accomplished using an indirect drive servo 832 or 834 located in the top position of the back servo banks (FIG. 9). A 100 pound (test line) cable 839 is fed from a guide 843 mounted on the arm to control a rotation return spring 838. The end of the cable 839 is secured to a drum (or spool) 894 in the elbow 895 at the rotation axis 861. When the servo 832 or 834 contracts the cable 839, the wrist rotates against the force of the spring 838. When the servo 832 or 834 is in the relaxed position, the spring 838 returns the wrist to the relaxed position.
Control Of The Hands And Fingers
FIG. 11a also illustrates the animated character's hands 604 which include three semi-independent fingers 901 and an opposing thumb 903 (generally "fingers"). Each finger includes a plurality of acrylic tubular sections 905 with a return spring 851 linking them together and connecting them to the palm. The sections 905 form joints therebetween so as to allow bending in the proper direction upon contraction of cables 836; the cables acting as finger tendons. The fingers include multiple pieces, each piece composed of acrylic nylon and comprising a plastic ring 907 and a section 905, to secure the cable guides 909 to the outside surface of the sections 905 on the inside of the hand.
The fingers are controlled in pairs (different fingers are controlled together on opposite hands) to give the illusion that each finger is independently controlled. Most human gestures can be generated between the two hands. Indirect drive servo 856-859 located in the back of the servo banks (FIG. 9) control the cables 836 to each pair of fingers. Cable guides 837 for the cables 836 are secured to the arm behind the elbow and include a break point at cable clamps 911 for adjustment.
An alternative approach for implementing the wrist and hand operation entails modifying the structure of the wrist shown in FIG. 11a and replacing the hand of FIG. 11a with the hand of FIGS. 11b and 11c. In place of the two cables 836 of FIG. 11a running along the outside of arm, the approach of FIG. 11b includes two cables 840 running through a guide 842 in the center of the arm. In both cases the cables are used to contract the fingers. The approach of FIG. 11b, however, includes a thumb 844, extending in a direction out of the paper, which is contracted about a roller 845 in conjunction with the outside finger 846. This approach of FIG. 11b provides improved gripping and avoids impeding tension to the rotation of the wrist as the tension for the fingers is in the center, not at the outside of the arm.
Moreover, as illustrated in FIG. 11c, this alternative wrist operation provides a wrist gimbling function (bending or weak wrist function). FIG. 11c, illustrating a side view of the hand shown in FIG. 11b, depicts an additional pair of cables 919 connected at one end to a servo located near the center of the back, and to either side of the hand at the other end. The gimbling of the wrists occurs about a rotational point 849 in line with the aperture of the guide 842. This rotational point 849 is important, because it prevents the fingers from bending during gimbling. Thus, when the cable moves, the hand pulls forward or backward about the point 849.
Other differences between the approach of FIG. 11a and the approach of FIGS. 11b and 11c include removing the rotation return spring 838 and, in its place, providing a rotational drum to receive the cables from the side (perpendicular to the arm) such that the push/pull action of the cable directly controls the twist action of the wrist. This modification requires two lines (one cable exerting a rotational force) rather than the single line 843 (exerting a linear force) shown in FIG. 11a.
Control Of The Waist
Referring now to FIGS. 9, 10a, 17a-17d, the waist operates substantially the same as the neck and uses three similar servos; one direct drive servo 861 for rotation, and two indirect drive servos 862 and 863 (FIG. 12) for tilt front to back and right to left movement. The two indirect drive servos 862 and 863 control a single ball and socket joint 865 that will support movement in any direction (right to left or front to back) using cables 1151 in cable guides 1153 tied at four points about a plate 1155.
The ball and socket joint 865 is constructed in the same manner as the joint 710 for the head and neck. Each of the cables 1151, except the cable 1151 at the front side of the animated character, pass through springs 923. The ball and socket joint 865 is unevenly spring loaded with springs 923 to compensate for gravity and secondary motion caused by inertial forces created by the movement of the head, and upper body. Large coil springs 921 (FIG. 10a) prevent over-dampening shock to help support the weight of the body and to fight secondary motion caused by the movement of the upper body. These springs 921 alleviate the need for a spring around the cable 1151 at the front side of the animated character. The springs 923 have a larger spring constant than the front springs 921 to compensate for the center of gravity on the body being behind the waist column.
Waist rotation operates over a 60.degree. span off centerline. Combined with the motion of the similar neck mechanism, the waist rotation allows the animated character to position it's head to look at anything in the perpendicular plane directly in front of it.
The direct drive servo 861 operates the waist rotation in a less direct manner than the servos for the shoulders and head/neck. As illustrated in FIGS. 17a-17d, this operation includes brass rods 1159, connected to front and rear brass rod terminals 1161 and 1163, respectively, to pull a waist servo support plate 1157 and an upper body base plate 1158 about the aluminum (hollowed) core 1169 of the animated character. The servo 861 is supported by aluminum spacers 1156 which are bolted to the upper body waist plate 1158 and to the servo 861. The core 1169 is secured to the plate 1183 which is mounted to the ball portion of the joint 865. The socket portion of the joint 865 is secured to a bearing assembly 1175, which may be implemented using a sealed bearing, available from More Bearing, Denver, Colo. The top portion of the bearing assembly 1175 is coupled to an upper body plate 1173 to provide the rotation for the upper body of the animated character.
Control Of The Feet
FIG. 14 illustrates one of the feet of the animated character. The foot is a self-contained, simplified version of the hand. All toes in the foot are hooked directly to a servo in the sole of the foot, as previously discussed. Each toe is a scaled up version of the fingers. The feet are controlled as a single function and cannot be controlled separately. The structure of the feet, the finger nails 847 and toe nails 995 and the hands are preferably all composed of Friendly Plastic, except for the hand frame 898 which is preferably aluminum.
Non-Animated Features
The main support structure for the animated character is the base plate 998 (FIGS. 6 and 12). All the transmitters and receivers are attached to the base plate 998. On the top side of this plate are the five PCM receivers 999, all of which are shock mounted using thick, two way adhesive tape. The antenna ports of the five PCM receivers 999 are shielded and routed to a shielded 5-pin connector 870, as illustrated in FIG. 13. The connector 870 allows the tail to be easily removed.
On the underside of the base plate 998 are mounts 872 for the legs and tail. These mounts 872, which include a quick-release type knob, ar adjustable to allow for lateral placement of the legs 873 and the tail 618. The tail 618 has an additional degree of freedom so that it can be rotated up and down as well. The leg joints are fitted with a captivated quick change knob so that the power supplies located in the legs can be easily replaced. Similar quick change knobs may be included with the tail so that the tail supply can be removed without disturbing the lower button-down or snap-on crotch assemblies. The indirect drive servos 862 and 863 for the waist, located on the underside of the base plate 998, are relatively large and require direct power lines from the power supply as well as the standard lines from the receivers (FIG. 7). A large bracket (not shown) on the underside of the base plate is used for mounting a voltage gauge 1184 (FIG. 6) indicating the remaining power for the animated character.
All the power requirements for the animated character exist in the legs and tail. The legs house the main power supplies. Each leg includes three separate supplies for a total of six main power supplies. The animated character can run on any or all of these supplies depending on the particular application. As a rule, at least two separate supplies (packs) are saved as an emergency reserve. Each pack is made up of four 1.2 volt, 4.4 amp/hour nickel cadmium rechargeable D cells, wired in series to make a 4.8 volt, 4.4 amp/hour pack. When enabled, the six power packs are wired in parallel to create a main power supply with 4.8 volts potential and 26.4 amp/hours worth of current. Each leg pack is equipped with its own enable/disable switch and an 8 amp resetable circuit breaker. Each of these packs can be checked for charge level or bad cells with a meter mounted on the base plate 998. This is done by enabling the pack desired to test with the main power switch. The voltage gauge 1184 will read anywhere from fully charged 5.2 volts to a recharge level of 4.5 volts. Anything more or less indicates a possible problem and pack should not be used. When operating, the gauge always reads the operating voltage. The animated character will operate until voltage drops below the 4.5 volt range, at which time one or more reserve packs are manually connected or spare legs are installed. When changing legs, the following steps should be followed:
1) Turn off main power (located left rear of base plate).
2) Remove main power plug (located lower left hip).
3) Remove all foot servo connection plugs (one at upper left leg, one at each ankle).
4) Release quick change hips, and ankles.
5) Replace legs.
6) Reconnect hips and ankles.
7) Replug all removed connections.
8) Test each pack for proper voltage.
9) Implement desired packs (calves normally saved for reserve).
10) Resume operation.
The tail power supply is used for all electronics in the animated character that require a 12 volt supply. These electronics include the CCD camera video processor, and the audio/video transmitter. The tail power supply pack includes one 8-amp resetable breaker and eleven nickel cadmium 1.2 volt, 4.4 amp/hour D cells wired in series to make a 13.2 volt 4.4 amp/hour pack. The enable/disable switch for this pack is controlled using the sleep mode. When the sleep mode is not in use, its power plug should be disconnected. To replace the tail pack, the following steps are appropriate:
1) Remove power plug (located at top of pack).
2) Remove PCA antenna connection (located rear center of base plate).
3) Remove hip guard assembly.
4) Disconnect Dell star antenna cable (located left side of Dell star transmitter).
5) Release quick disconnect on tail.
6) Remove antenna assembly (held with velcro to battery pack).
7) Replace pack and reassemble.
The tail power supply should be checked with the voltage gauge prior to installation. If the voltage is greater than 16 volts or less than 12 volts, the tail power supply should not be used.
There are eight statically adjustable joints in the animated character. They are located in the hips, knees, ankles and tail to position the animated character in an appropriate position for its environment. These joints are implemented, as illustrated in FIG. 13, using aluminum parts 1187 and 1189. For best RF reception and transmission, the tail should be vertically oriented with respect to ground whenever possible. When using external power supplies, the voltage requirements are low, but the current requirements vary according to the activity of the animated character.
While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to a preferred embodiment, as mentioned above, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and changes may be made to the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
Single Joystick Transmitters 310
Funct.
Function on Servo
Function on Servo
No. 1st Transmitter
No. 2nd Transmitter
1 At neck, tilts head
134 9 At waist, tilts torso
right and left (e.g.,
right ear to right right shoulder down,
shoulder) left shoulder up)
Forward-
2 Nods head up and down
134 10 Bends torso forward and
Backward (e.g., nodding to backward (e.g. leaning
indicate "yes") over)
Right-Left
3 Rotates head about
125 11 Rotates torso about
neck (e.g., shaking waist
head to indicate "no")
CH-3 Rotation
4 Raises upper, right
130 12 Pulls back right ear
front lip
CH-5 Slide 5 Shuts both eyelids
133 13 Not used 130
when master/slave
switch is enabled
to control CH-6.
6 Controls position of
133 14 Lifts upper, left lip
left eyelid (e.g., one side of
mouth smiling)
CH-7 Remotely
7 Controls jaws propor-
15 Lifts upper, right lip
tional to level of audio
(mouth driver - FIG. 5).
8 Raises upper, left
16 Pulls back left ear
Dual Joystick Transmitters 312
Funct. of Servo
Function of Servo
No. 3rd Transmitter
No. 4th (5th) Transmitter
Left Forward-
17 Pull left eyebrow up
Rotate left (right)
Backward shoulder to swing arm
parallel to body
Left Left- 18 Bunch skin together
Bend left (right) elbow
Right over nose
19 Pull right eye
Backward brow up shoulder toward head
to move arm perpendicular
to ground
Right-
20 Bunch skin together
Left between eyes shoulder to move arm
parallel to ground
CH-5 Slide 21 Shuts off power to
Bends 2 of 4 fingers
other 4 transmitters
left (right) hand to
222 and to transmitter
grip position
to color monitor
22 Pulls left side of
Rotates left (right)
tongue toward outside
wrist to show or hide
of left cheek palm
23 Pulls right side of
Bends left (right)
of right cheek
24 Bends toes on both
Bends other 2 of 4
feet in unison fingers of left (right)
hand to grip position
1. A system for controlling an animated character, comprising:
an animated character, responsive to a surrounding environment, having:
a body including a head and at least one video camera for viewing objects in front of the head,
at least one character microphone, located in proximity to the body, for detecting external sounds, and
movement means, responsive to remotely generated signals, for moving the head with respect to the body;
a speaker co-located with the animated character;
a control station, remotely located from the animated character, including;
visual means, responsive to said at least one video camera, for displaying said objects;
audio means, responsive to said at least one character microphone, for generating the sounds detected thereby;
a station microphone for generating utterances through the speaker; and
control means for generating the remotely controlled signals such that the animated character moves in response to the surrounding environment.
2. A system for controlling an animated character, according to claim 1, wherein the head includes at least one eye and the video camera is located in proximity to said at least one eye.
3. A system for controlling an animated character, according to claim 1, wherein said speaker is located external to said body of said animated character.
4. A system for controlling an animated character, according to claim 1, further including RF means for coupling said movement means with said control means such that the movement means responds to the control means via the control signals carried on radio frequencies.
5. A system for controlling an animated character, according to claim 1, wherein the movement means includes means, in the head of the animated character, for generating facial expressions.
6. An animated character for interacting with an audience in real-time in response to control signals generated from a remote station, the animated character comprising:
a body having a plurality of movably controllable members, including a head, and including within close proximity to the body;
a speaker,
a microphone,
a video camera, and
interface means including means for communicating with the remote station;
wherein the microphone and the video camera are communicatively coupled to the remote station to allow an operator to monitor the audience and to send the control signals so that sounds are produced through the speaker and at least one of the members move.
7. An animated character which responds to control signals sent from a remote station, comprising:
a body having a plurality of arm members and a heat;
a microphone located in close proximity to said head;
a video camera located in close proximity to said head; and
remote interface means including:
transmission means for sending signals generated from the microphone and the video camera to the remote station;
reception means, coupled to the body and the speaker, for receiving the control signals from the remote station for controlling the body of the animated character.
8. An animated character which responds to control signals sent from a remote station, according to claim 7, further including a speaker, located in close proximity to said head, which generates sounds based on sound-related signals sent from the remote station.
9. An animated character which responds to control signals sent from a remote station, according to claim 7, wherein said transmission means includes a radio frequency-type transmitter and said reception means includes a radio frequency-type receiver, wherein the remote station controls the animated character without the use of electronic wires disposed between the remote station and the animated character.
10. An animated character which responds to control signals sent from a remote station, according to claim 7, further including another microphone and wherein each microphone is located on an opposite side of the head so that sound direction may be determined at the remote station.
11. An animated character which responds to control signals sent from a remote station, according to claim 10, wherein the head further includes a pair of ears and wherein each microphone is located adjacent each ear.
12. An animated character which responds to control signals sent from a remote station, according to claim 7, further including a plurality of servo-control mechanisms, coupled to said reception means, for moving at least one of the arm members and the head.
13. An animated character which responds to control signals sent from a remote station, according to claim 7, further including:
a speaker, located in close proximity to said head, which generates sounds based on sound-related signals sent from the remote station;
another microphone and wherein each microphone is located on an opposite side of the head so that sound direction may be determined at the remote station;
wherein said transmission means includes a radio frequency-type transmitter and said reception means includes a radio frequency-type receiver, wherein the remote station controls the animated character without the use of electronic wires disposed between the remote station and the animated character; and
a plurality of cables and servo-control mechanisms, coupled to said reception means, for moving at least one of the arm members and the head, using the control signals, so that the animated character may simulate a live being which responds to its surrounding environment.
14. An animated character system, comprising:
an animated character body, movably controllable in response to control signals, having audio and video sensors housed therein; and
a control station, responsive to said audio and video sensors, for generating the control signals so as to control the animated character interactively with its surrounding environment.
15. An animated character system, according to claim 14, wherein the animated character body includes a head having a face and a plurality of concealed servo-mechanisms, responsive to said control signals, for providing facial movements.
16. An animated character system, according to claim 15, wherein the animated character body further includes means for moving the head such that its face is directed toward an object in response to the object moving or making sounds, thereby providing a life-like response by the animated character body to the object.
4709265 November 24, 1987 Silverman et al.
4819076 April 4, 1989 Briggs
Assignee: Semborg-Recrob, Corp. (Lansing, IL)
Inventor: Victor H. Lang (Pueblo, CO)
Primary Examiner: Victor R. Kostak
Attorney: Robert J. Crawford
Current U.S. Class: 358/93; 358/108; 358/229; Mobile Robot (901/1); Sensing Device (901/46); Three-dimensional Movable Figure Display Device (40/411)
International Classification: H04N 718;
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Tag Archives: discus
INDONESIA: NEW BUILDING SITE FOUND FOR BIBLE COLLEGE
Officials promise to buy previous campus site and issue permit for new site.
JAKARTA, May 11 (Compass Direct News) – Officials of the Arastamar School of Theology (SETIA) in Jakarta are considering the purchase of a new campus site after violent protests last July led to the eviction of 1,400 students and staff members.
Indonesian officials on May 1 inspected land for the new campus site and promised to issue a building permit. But SETIA would be required to obtain permission from potential neighbors in Bambu Apus district, East Jakarta, before the school could be built.
Since protests by neighbors of the original campus in Kampung Pulo, some 1,200 remaining staff members and students have moved to three separate emergency locations across Jakarta, in some cases living in leaking tents and holding classes under trees.
In mid-March, SETIA director Matheus Mangentang met with Fajar Panjaitan, assistant to the deputy governor of Jakarta, to discuss the governor’s promise to provide an alternative campus.
At the meeting, the governor’s office promised to purchase the original campus site but stipulated that the city would pay only for the land, not the buildings. The Jakarta official also promised to improve temporary accommodation for the students and issue a building permit for a new campus in a different location.
Deputy Gov. Prijanto, who has only a single name, initially suggested that SETIA move to an empty factory some 60 kilometers (37 miles) away in Cikarang, West Java, but Mangentang refused on the grounds that SETIA would be charged approximately 50 million rupiah (US$4,800) per month in service and security fees.
On Feb. 9 students had gathered in front of the presidential palace to protest the lack of adequate college facilities.
“We are asking the government to take responsibility for finding us a new campus,” a representative of the student council identified only as Herdi told Compass.
About 450 students are living and studying at a Boy Scouts campground in Cibubur, another 250 are in a migrant’s center in Kalimalang and the remaining 500 are in an abandoned West Jakarta mayoral office that lacks basic facilities such as adequate running water and toilets.
Machetes and Acid
Urged on by announcements from a mosque loudspeaker to “drive out the unwanted neighbor,” hundreds of protestors shouting “Allahu-Akbar [“God is greater]” and brandishing machetes, sharpened bamboo and acid had forced the evacuation of staff and students from the SETIA campus in Kampung Pulo village on July 26- 27, following a misunderstanding between students and local residents. Attackers injured at least 20 students, some seriously.
Key among motives for the attack was that area Muslims felt “disturbed” by the presence of the Christian college. They wanted it to be moved to another area.
Following the evacuation, some students were temporarily billeted in church offices, while others slept in the lobby of Indonesia’s parliament building. Officials then moved 600 female students to the BUPERTA Boy Scouts campground, where they were later joined by 100 male students. A further 400 male students were accommodated at a migrants’ center in Bekasi, while 32 post-graduate students were accommodated in a housing complex in Kota Wisata, not far from the BUPERTA campground.
In October, camp managers asked students to vacate the campground for a Boy Scouts’ event. Over 1,000 students from the campground and other locations then moved temporarily to an abandoned mayor’s office in Jakarta, although 450 of those later returned to the campground.
When no attempts were made to begin renovations on the mayor’s office, Mangentang himself hired bricklayers and carpenters to install more toilets, repair damaged ceilings on two floors of the building and erect partitions to create 13 classrooms. But the building still lacks many basic amenities, according to staff members. Students carry well water into the building in large plastic drums for showers, toilets, laundry and cooking.
Fauzi Bowo, governor of Jakarta, had originally promised the students that they could return to their original campus at the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. He then promised to find a site for a new campus and provide an official building permit. When these promises proved slow to materialize, Mangentang insisted that the governor’s office shoulder costs for temporary accommodation.
Posted in Christianity, Indonesia, Islam | Tagged abandoned, accomodation, acid, adequate, Akbar, Allah, alternative, amenities, announcements, Arastamar School of Theology, assistant, attack, attackers, bamboo, Bambu Apus, basic, Beksi, Bible, billeted, boys, bricklayers, building, built, BUPERTA, buy, camp, campground, campus, carpenters, ceilings, center, Christian, Christianity, Christians, church, Cikarang, city, classes, classrooms, college, cooking, create, damaged, deputy governor, director, discus, district, disturbed, drums, East Jakarta, emergency, empty, erect, event, eviction, facilities, factory, Fajar Panaitan, fasting, Fauzi Bowo, fees, female, floors, following, found, God, government, governor, greater, grounds, Herdi, hired, Indonesia, Indonesian, injured, inspected, install, Islam, issue, Jakarta, Kalimalang, Kampung Pulo, Kota Wisata, land, laundary, leaking, living, lobby, locations, loudspeaker, machetes, managers, Matheus Mangentang, mayoral, meeting, members, migrants, misunderstanding, mosque, motives, Muslim, muslims, neighbors, new, obtain, office, offices, officials, palace, Parliament, partitions, pay, permit, Persecution, plastic, potential, presidential, previous, Prijanto, promise, protests, purchase, Ramadan, renovations, repair, representative, responsiblity, running, school, scouts, security, seperate, seriously, service, SETIA, sharpened, showers, site, staff, student council, students, studying, temporary, tents, toilets, trees, vacate, village, violent, water, West Java | Leave a comment
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USAID/Brazil
PCAB News Highlights
PCAB Newsletter
Associations from Rondonia state can now sell forest products
Associations from Rondonia state can now sell forest products https://pcabhub.org/en-us/news/pcab-news-highlights/associations-from-rondonia-state-can-now-sell-forest-products https://pcabhub.org/en-us/news/pcab-news-highlights/associations-from-rondonia-state-can-now-sell-forest-products/@@download/image/geral-cadeias.jpg
A new state public decree allows associations registered in the state of Rondonia to sell non-timber forest products in a legal and regulated manner. Decree n∘ 23408 was signed in November 30, and published in December 3.
Traditional extractivist communities and indigenous people often face problems marketing and selling their products because “associations”– a very specific organization type in Brazil – are not allowed by law to earn profit from their commercial activities.
Pacto das Águas, a brazilian non-governmental organization (NGO) that works in the Brazil nut sector, consulted local communities to learn what type of organizational model would be best suited for them. Pacto spokesman, Plácido Costa, explained that private company and cooperative models don’t get much buy in from traditional communities, either because they are hierarchical or that they don’t allow for community-type organization. Most local groups identified best with the association as the best type of organizational model for their communities..
“Before it had an economical function, the association helped to defend land, health and education issues. Even though this function has a different purpose, the group identifies with the model,” Mr Costa explained.
Based on these consultations, Pacto das Águas worked with the Rodônia state government to change the legislation so that associations could have the state registration that enables them to send out invoices, and earn profit. Now, indigenous and extractivist associations can send invoices, which provides the legal guarantees they need for their communities’ commercial activities.
Other changes in public policies
This is not the first time Pacto has worked to change a public policy. In 2017, the USAID partner NGO helped to set up the state’s Food Acquisition Program (PAA), which governs how public authorities buy food products (for school meals, etc). The extractivist communities of the region already participated in the federal program, providing in raw Brazil nuts to the public school nutrition program, among other state activities.
“We talked about the federal PAA with state representatives, discussed the potential value for Rondônia, and worked together to create a state version of the program, which needed to be more flexible to be easily accessed by the traditional populations,” explained Sávio Gomes, Pacto’s Directing Secretary. On the 17th of March 2017, the 3993 law n∘3993 was signed to create the state program with the necessary adjustments for improved access for traditional peoples.
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VA Shows You Must See This Week: February 27 – March 5
Marilyn Drew Necci | February 27, 2019
Topics: Alfred, American Aquarium, Ashland Theatre, Billy Capricorn, Calvin Presents, Champion RVA, Charlie's American Cafe, Chi, Commander Keen, Cruzer, Cyber Twin, Donnie Dale, Fred ARmisen, gallery 5, Gemini Love, Hardywood, Jim Shorts, Jontavious Willis, Little Vicious, Neat Sweep, Night Idea, Opal, Recluse Raccoon, Shormey, show posters, shows you must see, Sneaks, Strawberry Moon, Studio Two Three, The Ar-Kaics, The Camel, The Cowboys, The Dawn Drapes, The Mercy Alliance, The NorVa, The tin pan, Timmy The Teeth, Tmobyle, Twin Films, Ty Sorrell, Wild Rose, Young Scum
Friday, March 1, 7 PM
VOLUME! A Richmond Show Posters Retrospective, feat. Night Idea, Calvin Presents, Strawberry Moon, Billy Capricorn @ Gallery 5 – Free!
When we think about live music, we always think first of the incredible musicians we watch perform, and of the amazing music they make. But even though we may not always think about it, the imagery associated with musicians and their music is sometimes just as big an influence on which performers we rush out to see as the music itself. That’s why over the years, so many artists have put so much effort into crafting really incredible posters for their shows. The rockin’ performance onstage might be what gets you to stick around, but more often than any of us would like to admit, a really killer poster is a big part of what gets us in the door.
This definitely applies to Richmond, and we’ve been lucky over the years to have quite a few talented graphic artists in town turn their attentions to creating posters for gigs, with excellent results. This retrospective at Gallery 5, entitled VOLUME!, will showcase some of the best work the river city’s music scene has produced over the past several decades, from 80s punk to modern indie and hip hop. Artists include Doug Dobey, Bizhan Khodabandeh, Katie McBride, and a whole bunch more, so come see their work and immerse yourself in the artistic side of our wonderful local music scene.
Not to be outdone, there will be several excellent local musicians performing at this show as well, so you’ll be able to take breaks from looking at amazing works of art to see amazing works of music created right in front of you on the Gallery 5 stage. Local math-rock mainstays Night Idea head up this stacked bill of Richmond artists, which includes a wide variety of sounds; singer-songwriter Calvin Presents brings us jazzy soul magic, while Strawberry Moon will enrapture us all with off-kilter, minimalist pop hooks. And of course, Billy Capricorn — not to be confused with fellow locals Billy Neptune — will get the evening started with some immersive multi-layered beats. It’s a feast for your eyes and ears this First Friday, so bring your appetite.
Wednesday, February 27, 8 PM
The Cowboys, The Ar-Kaics, Wild Rose, Cruzer @ Studio Two Three – $10
The ongoing evolution of live music in Richmond takes its latest step tonight, as a full-on rock n’ roll show takes place over at Scott’s Addition’s Studio Two Three, normally a collaborative art studio. They’ll be pushing the screen-printing equipment aside tonight so we can all cut a rug, because Bloomington, IA’s The Cowboys are coming through town, supporting their fresh new album on RVA’s own Feel It Records, The Bottom Of A Rotten Flower.
For an album undeniably named after a less-than-appealing image, The Cowboys’ fourth full-length sure does a great job of bringing a smile to the listener’s face. This group has a definite punk undercurrent to their sound; raw, speedy riffage provides this record with it’s high-revving engine. But up top it’s garage-born power-pop all the way, full of killer guitar hooks and multipart vocal melodies. Is this a circle-pit record or a peppermint twist record? We won’t really know til we see what sort of fire this band has in their belly when they perform live for us all tonight — but regardless of the answer, it’s sure to be a fun time. That’s especially true with killer retro-garage ensemble The Ar-Kaics sharing the bill, not to mention C-ville rippers Wild Rose and local ragers Cruzer. Get to the gig — and wear your leather jacket, it’s cold out there.
Thursday, February 28, 8 PM
The Dawn Drapes, Cyber Twin, Recluse Raccoon @ Champion RVA – Free?
There was a time when we got shows at Champion Brewing’s RVA location almost every Thursday night. Oh, those were fun. I’m not sure what happened to that whole thing, but if this Thursday night show at Champion is any sort of sign, it seems to be a positive one — even if I totally can’t tell whether this show is free like the ones from a year or so ago were, or not. But hey, even if it costs you a few bucks, it’s worth it to get in and catch a set from The Dawn Drapes.
This indie group hails from Harrisonburg, a Virginia city far enough west of here to be in a completely different climate. Basically, if it’s under 40 degrees in Richmond, it’s a safe bet that it’s snowing in Harrisonburg. The Dawn Drapes reflect the smaller, cooler environs of their native city in their music, giving us a mellow, unhurried take on rock n’ roll music that straddles the line between chill indie and weird country. Think mid-period My Morning Jacket and you’re not too far off. Their new album, Slow Spin, is an excellent collection of material that’s emblematic of their laid-back approach, one that will have you swaying and smiling at Champion RVA on Friday night — even if you do have to pay to get in. If not, hey… that’s just more beer you can afford.
Shormey, Alfred, Donnie Dale, Chi @ Hardywood – Free!
There was a time when it would have been fair to assume that releases from Citrus City Records were indie in inclination, but that time’s largely gone. These days, the label has its fingers in all sorts of pies, mixing releases by local and international artists in all sorts of genres, and getting more seriously into live music promotion with the creation of their Underground Orchard promotional arm. This show ties into both of those progressions, being an Underground Orchard show celebrating a tour starring two Citrus City artists who can’t really be called “indie” by any stretch — even if Shormey has done a Mac DeMarco cover.
Shormey hails from Chesapeake, VA, and her two-song Citrus City single, Cruise!, gives off a feel-good beach-side vibe on the sunshine-disco A-side, even as the moody, minimal B-side shows her emotional depth and talented versatility. You’ll get all this and more when Shormey hits the stage to kick off her tour with Alfred. Alfred’s 2017 release, So Sensitive, featured a woozy, ambient production style and some well-constructed lyrics that were nonetheless delivered with a wobbly, sleepy drawl. Live, though, there’s a certain immediacy that will make all of this hit much harder. It’ll keep you grooving, and isn’t that what we should all be doing on a Friday night? Hey, if I’m wrong about that, I don’t want to be right.
Saturday, March 2, 6:30 PM
American Aquarium, Timmy The Teeth @ Ashland Theatre – $18 (order tickets HERE)
The arrival of the Ashland Theatre as not only a small-town movie house but an occasional venue for live performances is an auspicious one. And it’s not nearly as far out of the way as you might think; considering how congested traffic around this city is these days, a half-hour’s drive north to catch an excellent show in a really neat revived old building shouldn’t be any sort of impediment to your good time. This Saturday night is the second of two nights kicking off the Broadberry Entertainment Group’s official arrival at the Ashland Theatre, where they’ll be presenting shows on a semi-regular basis for the foreseeable future.
You really should make it up there for one of these in the near future, and as a musical introduction to this long-dormant spot, you can hardly do better than an evening with American Aquarium. This North Carolina band has been around for over a decade, but frontman BJ Barham recruited a whole new backing band a couple years ago, then released an excellent LP, Things Change, on New West last year. Songs like “Tough Folks” and “The World Is On Fire” show the masterful way Barham and co. pull from their Southern roots, country backgrounds, and rock n’ roll hearts to create an excellent mixture of Springsteen, Wilco, and the Drive-By Truckers, one that’ll hit home with anyone trying to make it in today’s hard-scrabble world. Come sing with them at the Ashland Theatre, and maybe you’ll feel a bit better about the struggles of this difficult world. If nothing else, the tunes will make you smile — and it’ll all be taking place in a beautiful environment that’s been seen too little over the last couple of decades. Let’s do it.
Sunday, March 3, 9 PM
Little Vicious, Gemini Love, Twin Films, The Mercy Alliance @ The Camel – $5 (order tickets HERE)
The trio is the ultimate expression of hard-hitting rock fury. Thus the expression “power trio” — generally defined as a group featuring one guitarist, one bassist, one drummer, all united together to demonstrate that no extra ingredients are needed to deliver full-force rock n’ roll. Little Vicious definitely puts the “power” in power trio, with singer-guitarist Marguerite King’s leather-lunged roar constituting just as much of an attention-getter as her band’s heavy-rolling tunes.
This Sunday, you’ll have the chance to get slapped in the face (metaphorically, at least) by Little Vicious’s excellent tuneage. Last fall’s self-titled release brings us songs with telltale names like “Whiskey Overhead” and “Choke,” all of which you’ll be able to appreciate at full volume when they take the stage at The Camel. They’ll be joined by some amazing locals as well, including Gemini Love, whose music tends more towards melody than rage, and will act as the chocolate to Little Vicious’s peanut butter at this show. Come enjoy a musical Reese’s Cup to wrap up your weekend. It’s sure to be delicious.
Monday, March 4, 9 PM
Young Scum, Jim Shorts, Commander Keen, Neat Sweep @ The Camel – $5 in advance/$7 day of show (order tickets HERE)
As a podcast nerd of the first order, I was delighted to see Young Scum show up on KEXP’s Song Of The Day podcast recently. It seems the rest of the world is finally discovering what we’ve known in RVA for years — that when you’re looking for tuneful indie sounds with an undercurrent of melancholy and a million-dollar pop sense, you really can’t do better than Richmond’s own ironically-named quartet.
I say ironic because, for a band with the word “scum” in their name, Young Scum have some beautiful tunes. This makes them a good match on multiple levels for Maryland’s Jim Shorts, whose name reminds you of a perennially-sweaty article of clothing even as their riffy indie sounds summon up some 90s alt-rock memories. They’ve got a slight bit more crunch than Young Scum, which provides a pleasant contrast and just makes their music sound that much better together. Tennessee’s Commander Keen offer yet another flavor for this show’s tasty mix with their driving take on melodic punk, which should certainly appeal to fans of Superchunk, among many other bands. Local openers Neat Sweep get this whole thing started with some killer grunge-punk to get you bouncing. This one’s gonna be a blast.
Tuesday, March 5, 8 PM
Jontavious Willis (Photo by Jamaine Campbell) @ The Tin Pan – $20 (order tickets HERE)
I know for a lot of people, the idea of blues conjures up dim memories of loud guitars and pounding backbeats working through a 12-bar progression with plenty of stank on it — and don’t get me wrong, that kind of stuff is awesome. But I’ve always been the kind of crate-digger who finds the most resonance in the rural acoustic origins of the blues, the sounds created by African-American residents of the Mississippi Delta region and preserved for the modern ages on scratchy 78s.
It seems Jontavious Willis also gets a lot out of those early acoustic sounds — he’s only 22, but he’s gained accolades from blues legends like Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’. There’s also a pretty incredible video on YouTube in which he collaborates with Richmond’s own blues harp master Andrew Alli. His unadorned, acoustic take on the blues is deep, powerful, and a lot of fun — every bit as enjoyable as the work of the masters he’s been inspired by. He’s releasing a new album, Spectacular Class, in April, but before that happens, you can go see him right here in Richmond at the Tin Pan, and get an early taste. This may be the only chance we get to see him in such an intimate environment, so take it — you’re not going to regret it.
Fred Armisen @ The NorVA – $29.50 in advance/$33 at the door (order tickets HERE)
Most likely, you know Fred Armisen’s name from his sketch comedy work on shows like Portlandia and Saturday Night Live. And who can blame you? He’s pretty memorable as a comedic performer. But Fred Armisen’s first role in the performing world was as a drummer, playing in groups like Trenchmouth and, um, the Blue Man Group (god, remember them? The 90s were weird).
In his recent stand-up work, Armisen has combined both of these career paths by creating comedy for musicians. His 2018 Netflix special, Standup For Drummers, focused on jokes that related to being the drummer in a band, or being another band member dealing with a drummer. On his current Comedy For Musicians But Everyone Is Welcome tour, he’s expanded his repertoire to talk about other types of musicians you might deal with when playing music professionally, as well as breaking down different genres that he’s got issues with. All of it is fuel for maximum hilarity, and whether you’re an actual musician or just a nerd who goes to a lot of shows, chances are you’re going to find this evening with Armisen at the NorVA quite amusing.
Saturday, March 2, 8 PM
Sneaks, Opal, Ty Sorrell, Tmobyle @ Charlie’s American Cafe – $10 in advance/$13 at the door (order tickets HERE)
Sneaks is a band name, and a pretty great one at that, but in reality it acts as a project name for a single musician, Eva Moolchan, who creates the music of Sneaks using only a bass, minimal beats, and her voice. Early material earned quite a few comparisons to postpunk minimalists Young Marble Giants, and the resemblance is certainly there. However, on the newest Sneaks full-length, Highway Hypnosis, there’s a much stronger dance-music influence that takes its tunes farther into minimal-electronic realms than they’ve ever occupied before.
This is a good thing. Sneaks’s music has always had the tendency to get your feet moving, and a greater focus on the danceable aspects has only improved the tunes she creates. What’s more, it makes for a different vibe in live performances — one you’ll experience up close and personal at Charlie’s American Cafe this Saturday. It’s only appropriate that she’s joined on this bill by multiple Tidewater-area hip hop artists, including Opal and Ty Sorrell. Both of them will bring the hard beats and killer flows. Tmobyle will start the evening off with a DJ set performed on a cell phone, which is apparently frowned upon in some circles. To me, it just sounds like the parties my old roommates used to throw — which were always dope. So yes, you should show up on time.
RVA Shows You Must See This Week: May 2 – May 8
Topics: Bad Magic, Basement, Champion RVA, Charly Bliss, Citizen, Fury, Hop Along, New Junk City, Patty smyth and scandal, Pedals On Our Pirate Ships, Positive No, Power Trip, Pronoun, Red Death, Saintseneca, Sea Of Storms, Sheer Mag, shows you must see, Skating Polly, Souvenirs, strange matter, The Broadberry, The Camel, The Canal Club, The Grim Gang, The Shelter People, The Sword, The tin pan, Washers, Worriers
Power Trip, Sheer Mag, Fury, Red Death @ The Broadberry – $18 in advance/$20 day of show (order tickets HERE)
Just in time for the weather to really warm up, here comes one of the hottest gigs of the year! I hope you bought a new air conditioner before everybody sold out of ’em — if you come home from this gig on Saturday night covered in sweat, that old freon-deprived thing in your window that just acts like a big noisy fan will do nothing to cool you off. But even that’ll be all right, because you’ll be returning from the kind of evening that’ll fuel you with the energy you need to get through the hot summer months in Richmond… which are apparently already upon us.
Power Trip is a band that’s been coming through and laying serious devastation on the entire metropolitan area on a regular basis for long enough that they shouldn’t need much of any introduction. However, even if you’re intimately familiar with the brutality this Texas thrash outfit delivers, you’ve still got plentiful reason to come out and headbang. In addition to their still-hot 2017 LP Nightmare Logic, these guys will be touring behind the just released non-LP comp Opening Fire: 2008-2014, which celebrates their tenth anniversary as a band by making all their earliest stuff available once again in an easy-to-obtain format. And in case you’re thinking “They’ll never actually play any of those old jams,” Power Trip singer Riley Gale told Revolver recently that they’d be busting at least one out. Get stoked for that!
And hey, get stoked on the amazing dual-headline potential of the fact that Sheer Mag is also playing this show. While their punky garage-pop might seem like an odd fit for a tour with Power Trip, what these two bands have in common is a strong positive energy. As their 2017 LP, Need To Feel Your Love, so strongly demonstrated, Sheer Mag are one of the most vital bands in the music world right now, and they’ll have you dancing with a big grin on your face just as hard as you’ll be headbanging to Power Trip a short time later. California HC heads Fury — who have nothing to do with that long-departed Swiz side project, though they’re in the same league musically — will bring the, um, fury in their opening slot, and DC’s always-reliable Red Death will kick things off with a bang. Bring your sweatbands.
Wednesday, May 2, 7 PM
Charly Bliss, Skating Polly @ The Camel – $13 (order tickets HERE)
Sometimes even getting to Wednesday can be so difficult, it starts to make you feel like the weekend will never come. Thankfully for you, this Wednesday night sees Charly Bliss and Skating Polly rolling into town, bringing the fun party vibes you wait all week for right to the middle of the week, where you need it most. Both powerful and #relatable, last year’s debut full-length, Guppy, helped put Charly Bliss on the map in a big way. Bringing the winsome charm of Girlpool to the chunky guitar-pop riffs of bands like Speedy Ortiz, Guppy won a lot of people over, and for good reason.
As for Skating Polly, this youthful Oklahoma band has an irresistible charm all their own. They may have come together when stepsisters Kelli Mayo and Peyton Bighorse were still in junior high, but they’ve come into their own in a big way on The Make It All Show, their brand new LP, which comes out this Friday. The sisters have strengthened their lineup by adding their little brother on drums, and they’ve got a thicker, more self-assured sound that’s still loaded with the kind of pop charm and hooks that helped them win audiences over when they were still younger than they had any right to be. Come out tonight, bug them for a copy of the new album (chances are they’ve got ’em regardless of offical release date), and dance your ass off. Why wait for Friday night?
Basement, Citizen, Pronoun, Souvenirs, The Grim Gang @ The Canal Club – $20 (order tickets HERE)
You emo fans are in for a treat this Thursday night — a double bill sure to knock your socks off is coming to The Canal Club, and I hope you’re ready! At the top of the bill is excellent UK band Basement, who had a high-profile departure from the scene after their second album but thankfully have been back on track for a few years now, starting with 2016 album Promise Everything and continuing with a variety of tours including the one now bringing them to our doorstep. Their mix of emotional melody and a harder-edged sound that draws equally from mid-90s post-hardcore and chunky alt-rock is somehow simultaneously reminiscent of Quicksand and Hot Water Music (and I hope I’m not dating myself too much with those references).
It may only be their status as Americans that makes the difference, but Citizen began with a much stronger association to the emo revival that everyone was super-stoked about five years ago. However, as trends moved on, they stayed consistent, demonstrating their talent and songwriting quality once again last year with the release of their third album, As You Please. Citizen’s consistently emotional style tugs at your heartstrings even as they attack their instruments with passion and ferocity. Either one of these two bands is worth the price of admission on their own — both together makes this Thursday night gig such a steal that you’d be totally justified in calling in to work the next morning.
The Sword, The Shelter People @ The Canal Club – $17 in advance/$20 day of show (order tickets HERE)
These days, I’m sure it’s only the old heads who are aware of The Sword’s RVA connection (well, old heads and those who have been reading my column for a while, because I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before). Evolving out of a stonerific RVA ensemble known as the Ultimate Dragons, The Sword first decamped for Texas and then went through a variety of lineup changes, making frontman JD Cronise their only still-extant connection to our hometown. Even if no one here knew any of them, though, we’d all have good reason to catch their latest jaunt as it touches down in Shockoe Bottom. The band just released their sixth album, Used Future, and it’s every bit as killer as their previous outings.
Some may write The Sword off as Fu Manchu-ish stoner boogie, but their musical evolution over the years has proven that they have a lot more to offer than your typical Camaro-rattling Cali bong-rock ensemble. Used Future takes their sound ever further in a progressive direction, with some of the songs blasting off into outer space fueled by the killer guitar pyrotechnics generated by dueling axemen Cronise and Kyle Shutt. Get ready to have your head expanded. Openers The Shelter People are much more conventionally rooted in late 60s proto-metal stoner fundamentals, but that does nothing to minimize the wallop their 50-foot-thick riffage will lay on you. Pull back the curtains of smoke and enjoy this one in your most laid-back frame of mind.
Pedals On Our Pirate Ships, New Junk City, Washers @ Champion RVA – Free!
Killer melodic punk never goes out of style, and if there’s one thing that’s made that fact clear, it’s been the recent (welcome) return of Pedals On Our Pirate Ships. A longtime project of guitar-slinging local punk troubadour Matt Seymour, this project has undergone quite a bit of revamping since their last LP in 2012 — which might explain why they’ve started going by just plain “Pedals” more and more often. With only two members remaining from their last incarnation, they’ve filled the lineup back out with members from Sundials and gone fully electric for a strong sound that’ll give a real kick to their always-catchy tuneage.
On this bill, their pairing with Atlanta’s New Junk City seems incredibly appropriate, as this band brings their own dose of melodic punk with a powerful electric kick. Their contributions to a recent split EP with UK band Hot Mass make that eminently clear, bringing to mind a few incredible dirty-yet-heartfelt legends of pop-punk’s past, including Dear Landlord and Bent Out Of Shape, among others. The evening kicks off with a set from Washers, a band uniting members of Sports Bar and Worn In Red under the banner of old-school catchy punk. Think The Dictators, or Fear, but without the shady shady politics (god knows we don’t need any more of those). This one is gonna get you dancing.
Hop Along, Saintseneca @ The Broadberry – $15 in advance/$18 at the door (order tickets HERE)
There’s something both amazing and terrifying about a band releasing an absolutely incredible album. It’s amazing just because the album exists at all; what’s terrifying is the prospect of a follow-up. Will it take forever? Will it be disappointing? Will the band implode under pressure? Will they just repeat themselves to diminishing returns for the next decade-plus? Hop Along assuaged a lot of fears when they released Bark Your Head Off, Dog, the follow-up to 2015’s outstanding Painted Shut, earlier this year. While Bark Your Head Off is every bit as excellent as this band’s previous release, it’s by no means a carbon copy of what Painted Shut had to offer.
Of course, frontwoman Frances Quinlan’s songwriting skills remain intact, so you can expect great tunes both old and new to greet your ears when Hop Along takes the Broadberry stage this Sunday. But you might also be pleasantly surprised by the risks the band takes with their sound, integrating quiet electronic textures alongside their traditional folk-tinged melodies and alt-rock guitar scrapes. And of course, there’s Quinlan’s incredible voice on top of it all, which manages to turn a breathy twang into a heartfelt grasp for emotional connection in the most powerful of fashions. She and her band are sure to hit close to home for all of us on this night; you owe it to yourself to show up and have a real emotional experience — especially since most of us spend our lives fleeing from such things.
Worriers, Positive No, Sea Of Storms, Bad Magic @ Strange Matter – $8 in advance/$10 day of show (order tickets HERE)
Lauren Denitzio just continues to amaze. This excellent songwriter first showed their chops as the less-heard, more-anticipated songwriter in The Measure (SA). They carried that talent over in a big way to the Worriers, who despite perennial lineup instability have become a consistent force for incredible music in the underground punk rock scene. Their third LP, Survival Pop, came out last year and carried on this tradition with songs that both bravely attacked important issues too often swept under the rug in our society (“Gaslighter,” “What We’re Up Against”), and displayed real emotion and vulnerability in a manner that can offer comfort to even the most repressed among us.
The Worriers have come through Richmond with a variety of lineups over the years; Denitzio is often backed by a variety of fellow punk luminaries from bands like The Ergs, Bridge And Tunnel, and more. But really, who’s backing them isn’t that important; what matters here are the songs, and the strength of their delivery. As long as it’s Denitzio up front, you’re guaranteed to get those. And on this incredible bill, you’re going to get a triple-shot of killer local tuneage in the bargain, from Positive No’s politically-driven melodic alt-rock and Sea Of Storms’ hard-hitting post-hardcore emotion to Bad Magic’s always-on-time indie-rock crunch. Don’t miss a single minute.
Patty Smyth and Scandal @ The Tin Pan – $47.50 in advance/$52.50 at the door (order tickets HERE)
Look, I’ll admit it — the price for this one is high. And you’ve gotta be pretty old to remember Patty Smyth’s heyday with hits like “Goodbye To You” and “The Warrior” (I’m in my 40s and these songs all predate my teen years). That said, while Smyth may not have quite as much indie cool cred as her Y-to-I doppelganger Patti Smith, she and her longtime band Scandal still rock like crazy, and anyone with the means would be foolish to miss out on this surefire great time on a Tuesday night.
Make no mistake, Patty Smyth does have some indie cool points. After all, her first husband was legendary first-wave punk Richard Hell, and one of her biggest hits as a solo artist back in the 80s was a cover of Tom Waits’ “Downtown Train.” If you ask me though, it’s her time fronting Scandal that produced her best work; the catchy kiss-off “Goodbye To You” and the feminist power anthem “The Warrior” are deathless rock n’ roll classics. Patty’s been back together with Scandal since that early-2000s VH1 show Bands Reunited made them the subject of an episode, and you can expect the eternally-youthful Smyth to bring the fire when she and Scandal hit the Tin Pan stage Tuesday night. Trust me on this one.
Email me if you’ve got any tips for me about upcoming shows (that take place after the week this column covers–this week’s column has obviously already been written): [email protected] [and yeah, in case you’re wondering, more awesomeness from my cracked and bleeding fingertips is available at GayRVA — come say hey.]
Image by Vivienne Lee, photos via Facebook
Seth Glier at The Tin Pan
Joe Vanderhoff | April 25, 2018
Topics: seth glier, The tin pan
Seth Glier (pronounced “Gleer”) recorded his new album, Birds, (release summer 2017) in an airy loft in western Massachusetts outfitted with a grand piano and floor-to-ceiling windows. Birds roost just outside those windows, on the roof of the converted mill building where he lives, and they became his sympathetic audience while Glier made the album. “I felt a tremendous amount of comfort talking to the birds,” he says “I’d check in with them regularly to see how they thought things were going so far.”
Birds is steeped in conflict and contradiction; there’s grief and loss, but also strength and resilience; doubt and dismay, but also a sense of optimism as Glier confronts heavy topics and wrestles them into the daylight. The album began taking shape after Glier lost his brother, Jamie, who died in October 2015, and inspired a TED Talk performance that Glier gave in 2016. The songs range from personal to political, and are bound together by the awareness that our world is a fragile place.
Bonerama at The Tin Pan
Topics: Bonerama, The tin pan
Bonerama has always been hailed as “unlike anything you’ve ever heard before”…
It’s the best way to describe this 16-year-old powerhouse touring band from New Orleans, LA. In addition to changing the way people think about the trombone, the sound of Bonerama has become an influence and contribution to the sound of New Orleans music today. With newer acts such as Trombone Shorty and Big Sam’s Funky Nation joining them on the national music scene, it’s New Orleans that has benefited with a newfound reputation as being a bonafide “Trombone Town”. These bands all carry the trombone like the trophy it truly is in New Orleans. And Bonerama was there first. The band has performed and recorded with countless national artists such as R.E.M., OKGo, Tom Morello, Wayne Kramer (MC5), Jill Sobule and so many more, all while bringing their distinctive sounds from New Orleans to a national spotlight. Festivals and events such as Monterey Jazz Fest to High Sierra Music Festival, Jam Cruise, Bear Creek Festival and of course the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival only outline the extensive festival work this band has under its’ name. National television appearances on
CBS (Late Show with David Letterman), HBO (Comic Relief, Treme) and CNN have further exposed Bonerama to a wide range of unsuspecting new viewers.
Lee Roy Parnell at The Tin Pan
Topics: lee roy Parnell, The tin pan
No Depression may have said it best when they called Lee Roy Parnell “a fine writer blessed with a rich, soulful vocal delivery and a blistering array of guitar chops drawn almost equally from Texas blues, Memphis soul, and Southern rock traditions.” After honing his skills over more than a decade of playing clubs in Austin, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, and New York, the triple-threat Americana/Blues-Rock artist known for his guitar prowess (particularly slide guitar), smooth soul-drenched voice, and top-shelf songwriting skills laid a new foundation in Nashville. After earning a regular spot at the famed Bluebird Café and a publishing contract, Parnell launched his solo career on Arista Records, which produced many country hits including “A Little Bit Of You” (#1 hit); “What Kind of Fools Do You Think I Am” & “Tender Moment” (#2 hits), and four other Top 10 hits: “Love Without Mercy,” “On The Road,” “I’m Holding My Own,” and “Heart’s Desire.” Parnell has earned two GRAMMY® Award nominations for his instrumental tracks, “Cat Walk” (with Flaco Jiménez) and “Mama, Screw Your Wig On Tight” and was nominated for the CMA Vocal Event of the Year on “John the Revelator” (with The Fairfield Four).
Crystal Bowersox at The Tin Pan
Topics: crystal bowersox, The tin pan
Crystal Bowersox, a northwest Ohio native currently calling Nashville home, has built her life around music. Crystal’s love for music developed at an early age from a need to find peace in a chaotic world. Through art and creation, Crystal was able to direct her energy and emotion, finding a way to mend a mind in turmoil. For her, music was always the most effective form of catharsis, and she would play for anyone, anywhere. In her own words, “my guitar was an appendage. I couldn’t live without it.”
Dead set on a career in music, Crystal moved to Chicago as a teenager, where she spent her days performing underground on subway platforms in between working odd jobs. While in the big city, she broadened her musical horizons and shared her talents with a variety of venues, ultimately auditioning for the ninth season of American Idol. Crystal’s time on the show proved to be well spent, as she immediately left the the soundstage for the recording studio. Since her introduction to the world through television, Crystal has released two LP’s, two EPs, and several singles. Additionally, she has used her talents to benefit several causes close to her heart, and has become an advocate and inspiration for people living with Type 1 Diabetes.
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← Every cloud has a silver lining
I am Israel →
“My Guardian Knows What’s Best for Me”
In August a campaign was launched titled “My Guardian Knows What’s Best for Me”. The aim of the campaign is to stand against women who are demanding to be treated as adults. Yes you read it right, a campaign that demands that the status qou remains as is. The campaign is headed by two princesses and has two rivaling websites. And since it has gotten a lot of attention and some rumors that the two princesses were fighting over whose idea it was, the “Who are we” page has been taken down on one of them. The goal of the campaign is to gather one million signatures from Saudi women who support it. On the bottom of the main page of the weaker website is a button that says click to vote and when you click it, it automatically counts as a vote of support! The other website’s button actually asks for specifics like name and city. The stronger website is here and the weaker one here.
Below I’ve translated Dr. Elham Manea’s piece on the how and why of this campaign:
I swear I almost smiled, but how could I smile?
Then I said to myself, that people are people, in their wisdom or weakness, here or there, no difference.
So I contemplated rather than smile.
Some Saudi women have decided to express themselves.
They wanted to take a stand against human rights activists calling for Saudi Arabia to give women some (not all) of the rights that are enjoyed by their Arab counterparts in neighboring countries. So they came out with a new campaign titled “My Guardian Knows What’s Best for Me”.
Do we blame them? All they wanted was to fix a problem they know nothing of, and thus made it worse. It would be strange to expect anything else from them. You cannot miss what you’ve never had.
Most of them belong to the Saudi aristocrats. Their leader is a princess. Their hands are velvet. They live in palaces and villas. How could we blame them for not knowing the reality of average Saudi women?
These campaigner are only worried about Saudi women. They are protecting women from themselves.They are protecting us from activists, activists who have lived the reality of being a Saudi woman in the East, West, North and South of Saudi Arabia. They know how we suffer, and how we are subjected to humiliation on a daily basis. Luckily, these activists are not princesses.
These activists believe we should be treated as adults and humans and not as children and minors, and not as digraces to be covered. Activists who are tired of this reality of suffering and daily humiliation and so they call for the guardian system to be absolved.
These campaigners who stand againsts activists see nothing strange in the fact that we are the only Muslim country that bans women driving. Isn’t it funny that Saudi Arabia is unique in this odd religious aspect? But it has always been so. They don’t wonder as to how a woman’s freedom in our country has been choked and strangled a thousand times over,so that the poor soul cannot make a move without a male’s permission, a male who’s only distinction is his genitals. To the degree that we see nothing weird about a twenty year old being reprimanded by her ten year old brother.
My guardian knows what’s best for me, seriously?!
They do not see anything strange in that the women of their country cannot make the smallest move without their guardian’s permission. They have no right to leave their houses, to study, to go to a clinic…without their guardian’s permission. And the guardian is a woman’s father, brother or any related male until she marries. And then her guardian becomes her husband until either one of them dies. Her guardian may marry her off at ten, hit her, abuse her or may be kind to her, it’s all up to luck. Her life like a watermelon, it might open up to be red and sweet or bitter and rotten.
These campaigners live like princesses and the restrictions that stifle average women daily, do not apply to them. Have they ever faced a PVPV commission member who stole their very breath. If a PVPV commission member even set his eyes on them, he would shake from fear, because the only power that the PVPV recognize is the power of your guardian. These men know nothing of religion.
They never wonder and they never question. Instead in a naiveness that is to be envied, naiveness reminiscent of Marie Antoinette, they are bothered by the demands of the women who have suffered. And so they send to the king, asking him that this system of injustice be maintained.
They say “Who said we need to be human?”
“We do not want rights that contradict our customs!”
“Stop their demands!”
“Cut their tongues!”
“Silence their voices!”
“Leave us as we are!”
“An object in a degree closer to the animal! (With all due respect to animals)”
And surprisingly, I am not surprised. Not surprised by the campaign.
And you know why?
Because the history of movements demanding women’s rights throughout the world, was full of similar campaigns to this “My guardian knows what’s best for me”. For every woman who demanded her rights, stood more women who cursed her, in the name of tradition, in the name of customs, in the name of religion (whatever that religion may be), and shamed her for seeking change.
This campaign is not strange.
It is similar to another campaign carried out by women in Switzerland in the twenties and then again in the fifties and sixties against women’s right to vote. They too used religion, customs and traditions as an excuse to stop development.
Even in this, they are not unique.
People, as I said before are people,in their wisdom, and strength and in their weakness and simplicity.
Here or there. No difference.
But my guardian does not know what’s best for me.
I am worthy of making my own decisions.
And only I know what’s best for me, even as I bow my head in respect to my father.
Those campaigners insist on staying minors.
That is their decision. But who said that they speak on behalf of Saudi women?
Filed under Child marriages, Culture, Gender Apartheid, Women campaigns
Tagged as child brides, Women in Saudi
60 responses to ““My Guardian Knows What’s Best for Me””
Jerry M
Guardians may have made sense for the mostly uneducated women of a few generations ago, it also may have made sense when so much of Saudi Arabia’s population was nomadic and most travel was on foot. Today women travel in cars and carry cell phones. If I can accept what I read on Saudi blogs, modern Saudi women are as well educated as their brothers (or even more so).
I read horror stories about women who cannot get permission to travel. My wife corresponds with a Saudi woman who is divorced and cannot get permission to travel from her father. Perhaps as on Saudi blogger Sabria Jawhar seems to say, reform is the solution. In any event there is a real problem. A Westerner like myself would say that abolition of the guardianship system is the only thing that will really stop the abuses.
Just hilarious campaign by some spoilt brats which has serious implications for rest of the women the world over. This place will never change because these people never had to work and will never work till oil $$ continue to flow freely so all this money goes into funding useless causes and customs and create problems for other countries. I our culture as in world over, there have been famous women warriors as well as mothers, wives, and actresses and politicians. It is only due to countries like these and free oil money we are seeing a whole lot problems in the world.
coffee and cigarettes
yeah i remember studying margaret atwoods a handmaidens tale in school and getting told that she was inspired by a group of anti-feminist women calling themselves “women who want to be women” in the 70s-80s. basically they arose as a reaction to the feminists, and claimed that equal rights and opportunities were not “womanly.” whenever you campaign for change, you have people who will fiercely oppose it..its human nature. but progress always comes, and people like this always end up being on the wrong side of history. what saddens me is that these women must have such low self regard and self esteem to think this way.
coralbead
Hello, it’s my first time to comment here.
Reading this somehow made me realize how lucky I am. I could safely say that we share the same religion but my father, who strictly insists that I wear my headscarf properly and pray five times a day has seldom ever been an obstacle to me and considers bodily punishment as harmful to females (“getting beaten up is for guys, not girls.”).
I feel sorry for those females who want the status quo to remain. Maybe they’ve been too pampered, or maybe they’re unprepared to accept that women have rights too.
female symphony
I don’t know how could they speak in our behalf as you said. Not all Saudi women supporting this idea. And most of us aren’t satisfied with it. We aren’t making any progress by accepting and supporting this campaign which limits our freedom and rights in this life.
Is there any campaign for Saudi Women to make a choice between
a) I want the guardianship system to remain as it is
b) I do not want the guardianship to remain at all
And BTW, what about the info below?
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/06/12/un-saudi-arabia-pledges-end-men-s-control-over-women
here we read among others:
“Saudi Arabia accepted a recommendation put forward by UN member states in February to take steps to end the system of male guardianship over women, to give full legal identity to Saudi women, and prohibit gender discrimination. The government also clarified that the Shari’a concept of male guardianship over women is not a legal requirement, and that “Islam guarantees a woman’s right to conduct her affairs and enjoy her legal capacity.””
Is it a promise of change or diplomacy?
Sand Gets In My Eyes
My first response to this was – well of course there’s going to be a group like this in Saudi. My second was – OF COURSE there’s a group like this in Saudi! Seriously, thanks for bringing this mmm let’s say fringe group to our attention. It’s a great reminder of why progress is so slow here. For every one woman like you who demands change, there are two who demand that things stay the same.
Great post – thanks!
Sigh. . . I would love to think that there existed someone outside of myself that knew what was best for me. Their certainly are lots of folks who like to give advice. In my 46 years, I discover over and over that I have to figure it out for myself.
Maria Aini
God knows best who stands behind these campaigns… perhaps men themselves, who pulling the strings of these kind of women and promote them. After all, all you have to do is to read some religious books written by Saudi women concerning women issues, and realize that, for some reason, there are women that interpret things in a way that would make a Muslim woman a prisoner. This kind of books are “convenient” and promoted by men, and moreover translated into different languages so they can be put on the shelves around the world. The same goes, probably for these type of compaigns.
Today, a Muslim world is in a dark age, just like Christian Europe used to be once upon time. And one of the reason for this is that the governments don’t promote people to think and question certain things (i.e. traditions, customs that have nothing to do with religion). And if you dare to do so, then you would immediately be labeled as a heretic, or for some even, apostate. How can we talk about basic freedom for women, if the whole society spiritually and intellectually paralyzed?
Linnea Johnson
I am an American woman and have no idea what you ladies go through in your daily lives. however, I am appalled and feel compassion. So many men I know are jokes! Much more immature than many women. We all know we women do mature faster than boys/men do. My son is 22. I can’t imagine having to take direction from him. He can not take care of himself. By the way, who takes care of your families Saudi women? You do! You deserve respect and freedom. Bless you.
SusieOfArabia
It’s so sad that Saudi women are treated like children while the rest of the world’s women are free to make decisions for themselves – just like men. What makes Saudi women incapable of making decisions about their own lives, about what they want to do or where they want to go? The only obstacle standing in their way is MEN!Saudi women are smart and educated. I don’t understand why more of them don’t want more for themselves and their daughters.
Great post, Eman – thanks for translating Dr. Manea’s article!
hafsa
the princesses arent even subjected to the laws that the commen women are, theres a separate set of laws for the royal family. they dont even know what its like to live in that status qou!
oh wait – i commented before i read Dr. Elham Manea’s article. she said the same thing that i said in my previous comment.
Nzingha
ok so how ironic is this really.. think about it. A campaign that is suggesting that Saudi women remain under the guardianship system which doesn’t allow them freedom to choose is actually asking Saudi women to use their freedom of choice and sign for their individual support of it.
David Anthony Hohol
This very night, my sister-in-law, a Jordanian dentist working in Abha, Saudi Arabia, is sitting in a room filled with woman in the Jeddah airport. She is falying back to Amman to spend Eid her family.
Like the rest of the women there, she is segragated, cut-off from nearly all the facilties, unable to go to the restuarant to eat, unable to buy or even have a cigarette, cast away like like some sort of dirty secret. Her six hour layover will be spent in what feels to her a prison like environment.
She hates travelling in Saudi for this reason and her quick Palestinian tongue has nearly gotten her into trouble a few times, as she has told off the police in frustration on occasion. All this becuase she is travelling alone, without a “guardian.” And I suppose becasue after 8 years of studies, she cant make a decent living in the wretched economy that is Amman. As an unmarried expat, life is hard for her in Saudi Arabia, with no guardian there to allow her to simply be….
Great post, and thanks for the translation!
Coffee and cigarettes–those women Margaret Atwood was referring to called themselves “Real Women” as in women who want to get married and have babies, not the unshaven lesbians who want to work that they portrayed the “feminists” to be. They claimed to be part of the feminist movement, fighting to allow mothers to choose to stay home. Needless to say they were supported by the right wing of the government, and the idea of women choosing to do something else was curtailled. This in an era when a Conservative Prime Minister had major problems with his own political party because his wife was –gasp–a lawyer, and GASP–kept her own last name.
Maria Aini (great name!)–I do wonder who is financing and supporting these women’s groups, although I am fully aware that there are women in every culture who truly believe this–no problem as long as it is their choice, and they leave others free to choose differently, without being labelled as lesser, or non-women.
Nzingha–great sense of irony!
David Anthony Hohol–yes a dentist can be trusted to perform surgery, but not to mingle freely in society, and make her way home in a mixed airport. The argument of course would be that she may be trustworthy but not the rest of society. Ultimately the segregated system speaks as poorly of the supposed behaviour of men as of women.
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Tamador
My jaw dropped as I read the name of the campaign! lol
I wonder what the reaction would be like if a campaign like this happened here in Jeddah! It wouldn’t survive a single day, they would be inviting war!
I second your opinion. Very nice post.. you Go girl!
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LMFAO…What a campaign? With all that money they have and they couldn’t come up with something better!
I wish those princesses would poor (oops I mean pour…nah I don’t wish them poor) some of their dough in places where it really needs it, like perhaps women’s shelters!
Women who have suffered under a system of “My guardian knows what is best for me”
and that cutting tongues quote is from whom???
Such VIOLENT CAMPAIGNING!!!
ممارس صحي
Hi Eman,
They could even think for women, I thanked God a lot, when the people who established this, had a big fight and separated.
Coralbead – we can never take our rights for granted.
People think that once gained, the job is finished – that rights won can never be lost.
The slow erosion happens everytime there is a tension between religious rights and women’s rights.
You are your own guardian.
Only you know what’s best for you.
I know this is a random comment, but I’m currently researching your blog and writing a paper on your perspectives about your own Arabic culture. I’ll try to do my best.
Abu Rumaisa
While the concept of guardianship is over imposed in Saudia, there are times when it’s required by Islam too. There has to be a balance. A guardian is required during marriage but that doesn’t mean he should be unfair in turning down proposals or force a woman into a marriage. A guardian’s permission is needed when travelling, it’s not about whether they can or can’t handle themselves.. it’s about what Islam teaches us. If the restriction is being imposed unfairly again then it’s not allowed.
When our lands were ruled with more justice, women still had these rules but again men were not allowed to abuse these rules. A woman could go to a judge when the restrictions were due to cruelty of the guardian rather than for her protection. But now our court systems are so ineffective that men abuse the guardianship system we have as they know they can get away with it.
Allah (swt) knows what’s best for us & if the guardianship makes no sense to us then it’s ok as we are not all wise, only Allah is.
Let’s look for a middle ground… going against deen to fight injustice is not worth it in the end.
‘Headed by two princesses’ – that says it all. In Victorian Britain, Queen Victoria was thoroughly opposed to women’s suffrage, believing that women should be happy to have the protection (ie control) of men over their lives. She was only capable of believeing this because she had no real idea of what that control meant in practice for ordinary women. Meanwhile, ordinary women were left to fight and even in one case die for their basic civil rights. How can these royal women be so blinkered?
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I suspect these Princesses created this site to curry favor with the men in their family. That they are fighting over credit for the idea makes this seem even more likely.
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Somice
Abu Rumaisa can you, or someone, please explain what it is that Islam teaches that requires that a woman seek her guardian’s permission to travel or to seek medical attention?
I mean no disrespect, I am just trying to understand.
The medical attention part defies logic, but I suspect the part about travel is related to the very real danger a woman could face when traveling. The Quran states that men are to protect women. Read the last part of the Book of Judges in the Bible for a story that makes you not want to travel without (or maybe even with!) a guardian: a woman is raped and murdered by the Benjaminites (she is thrown to them by her guardian), so for revenge the other israelites kill all the Benjaminite women and children and vow not to give them any of their women as wives. Then they make up and regret their vow. But a deal is a deal. So to solve the problem they help the Benjaminites kidnap and rape a group of women from another village as they go out to celebrate a festival. Now, this is an old tale, but it speaks to the place of women where some men are concerned. Furthermore non-islamic men were harassing and attacking islamic women when Islam was formed. I have read that there were traditions of humiliating men from another tribe by kidnapping their women. I don’t know if it is true, but what we can see is a world that can be very hostile to women. Could we ever return to such a world? absolutely. and such conditions arise here and there (Some Biker bars in Detroit come to mind). We should also bear in mind that it is very difficult for women to stop men’s violence towards them without the help of just men. There should not be undue burdens placed on women, the guardian is there to protect her from actual threats. Neither should there be undue burdens on the man protecting the women, such a woman who puts herself in harms way. Of course, men tend to see threats differently than women and interpret protection differently as well. When women are not involved to help determine what a reasonable level of threat should be accepted you get an unnecessarily repressive system. Think about all the ways men could protect women without imprisoning them; they could educate each other not to mistreat women, they could pass laws not to mistreat women and they could enforce those laws. Granted this could mean some obligations on women: stay out of biker bars, no driving around alone in secluded areas late at night etc. , in other words if men have an obligation to protect, women have an obligation to behave in a reasonable manner. So, there can be a reasonable restriction of liberty in the interest of justice. In a perfect world!
sobergirl05
Are there biker bars in Saudi?
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أ- مصعـــب
Why is this separatist colorful!!!!!
Iomyaten even called on them living as we live our watches
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It is shocking that the world does so little to help the women trapped in the world’s biggest prison. Religious states are the ugliest and least moral in the world. Women will have to fight for their rights, just as they have had to in other countries. In the meantime, women around the world should do more to help those in SA where we can. I felt sick watching tonight’s Newsnight report. How dare SA treat women so disgracefully.
It defies belief that WOMEN try to oppress other women by buying into the nonsensical notion of male guardianship. They should be ashamed of themselves. History will not be on their side. Thank heaven that I live in a country that respects my rights as a womn and a human being. My sincere sympathy for the women trapped by other people’s insane views. Human rights mean nothing to SA and similar countries. The west should not do busines with them until they treat women as human beings.
A princess hungry for attention selling out other women. I recently read a book written by one of these princesses. She was driven around whenever she wanted in a luxury car with a gin and tonic in her hand. She travelled overseas several times a year first class to shop. S
i never knew the extent to women’s suppression in Saudi and i almost feel guilty that i can please myself living in the UK.
i can work, travel and be self-sufficent without any assistance from a man.
my partner is protective of me in a caring way but would never, ever stop me from doing anything like driving.
i have just finished watching a documentary by the BBC and am astounded about lingerie assistants being male and when the reporter asked who would be measuring her, he said that he would be.
it seems a little two faced that a man can touch such an area of a woman that isn’t his wife.
i hope that there is some sort of reform in the future.
SapperK9
“…bow my head in respect to my father…” That is not respect, its humiliation. Respect is earned. When this “father” celebrates his daughter for her own self and what she has achieved, just by surviving him and his regime, that’s a beginning…
Asim Shaikh
How can some one know what is right for you and what is wrong for you , a male can not understand how does a female feel and what are her desires so how can he make decisions for you … !!
Supporting this you are only showing your consent being as a weak person, Please at least do not do it in the name or religion.
Its the women itself who have to stand up against all the odds as it has not changed in thousands of years and it won’t if we simply rely on others to help.
It has to be the women who have to stand against it and not worry or scared about the consequences of that , its better to die asking for freedom rather than dying in a cage.
At least one would be satisfied that they tried to breathe free. Use Internet to revolutionize your own world. God only helps those who help themselves.
madiha
i don;t know where these supposed tortured saudi women are,but going through daily humiliation?? seriously? you people really know how to make a mountain of a mole hill-maybe one or two women created this uproar cuz they had some silly fight with their husband or friend-instead of telling people that theyre being tortured-why not ask them if they are?i myself am a saudi woman,i have absolutely no complaints and i like my life the way it is thank you very much. i have the freedom to work,my husband does not control me,nor does he humiliate (???) me in any way shape or form on a daily basis!i have the freedom to travel if i wish and see my friends or study-i have absolutely no restrictions what so ever. you people need to get your facts right before you go wagging a finger where it doesn;t belong.pay attention to your own actions before you fabricate facts about others.
Just because one Saudi woman has no complaints with a system that most decent people would find oppressive and offensive doesn’t mean that she has the right to oppress others. What is truly sad about the Saudi regime is that it traps men and women in religious dogma and allows them no option of choosing for themselves.
I have a wonderful man who supports me and loves me. He does so in a society which gives us equal rights under a true democracy. Women in the UK have had to fight for this. Men in the UK has to fight for democracy too Saudi women – get organised and start seeking freedom in a peaceful and meaningful way. Men should too!
Reading a woman lecture others on freedom – when she can’t even drive a car or dress as she pleases in public is risible and downright disingenious. Until ALL women in SA have the right to choose – others will always question if the choice is a free one.
Bleating on about how some like the system MEANS NOTHING when you have no choice. Let people choose without unishment or religious oppresion and let’s see what happens.
Good luck to every Saudi woman who wants democracy and basic human rights.
Anne Jones
Wake up Saudi women and break free from the prison bars. God help women in SA . When men have no democratic rights it is always more difficult for to help women.
Human beings are adaptable. My grandfather, born in 1861 in the US, probably lived in conditions I would find intolerable. So, I would assume many, perhaps most, Saudi woman are able to thrive within the restrictions that are place upon them. That doesn’t make it good.
Everyone should be protected from the evil that can be done to them, men and women alike. It should be the men that have the guardians. They are the ones that attack/rape/beat women. Why should women have their freedom taken away from them, because the men can not control themselves and have respect for women or themselves. Only in a mans world does this make sense!
Women should have the same rights as men, if they wish to be in a bikers bar, then it should be their choice and right. They should have the right to feel safe where ever they wish live/work/socialise.
All men are not the same, the same as all woman are not the same. There is good and bad in all sex/race/creed. A whole group should not be punished because of the crimes of the other. The ones commiting the crimes should only be the ones to be punished. Where is the Deterrence for these men to treat women with the respect and love they are due?
If the Princesses and their rich friends were to be transported into the life of a everyday woman they would be screaming for change.
Thank for bring this to the atttention of the world and standing up againist it. I will continue to read your blog with intresxt and love in my heart.
Pingback: Update: At Long Last, A Widow Leaves Saudi Arabia « Future Husbands And Wives Of Saudis (FHWS)
Enona Erigo
People who are not victims of unjust laws always support those laws. This is not new. The majority of White Americans supported segregation. Let me tell you this story: In California, in late 90s, there was a proposition “Three Strikes You are Out”. White voters overwhelmingly supported the prop. Why? Because for whites the stereotype habitual, unreformable criminal is a black man. The prop became law. And BOTH blacks and whites were being carted off to jail for minor infractions. Well now you had THE SAME white people who supported the law coming out and saying “Three Strikes” is an unjust law. Like has been pointed out by the intelligent doctor and many commentators here, these princesses don’t live under the unjust law they want to promote.
CalypsoSummer
“My Guardian Knows What’s Best For Me.” “i have absolutely no complaints and i like my life the way it is thank you very much.” Yes, it can be it difficult to grow up and take adult responsibility for oneself and one’s actions. Some people don’t want to have to take the trouble. They prefer to remain childish all their lives. And if they prefer it and if circumstances allow, I hope they can remain comfortably helpless and controlled and confined until the day they die. Me, I refuse that. I am an independent, intelligent, educated woman. I support myself, I own my own home, I own a car, I worship God, and I have a gentleman friend who enjoys my company. We are not yet married and I am in no hurry to do so. And I strongly hope and pray that the intelligent Saudi women who want to be able to control their own lives will be able to do so soon. It will be a struggle – it will be an uphill climb. But we got there. You can, too.
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Pingback: Rob L Wagner: Saudi Women Target Guardianship Laws To Ease Employment Restrictions (Italian And Spanish Translations) « Islamic Articles
I`m a woman and mother of two children, a boy and a girl.
I`m a lawyer working in a Office in Portugal.
I used to travel a lot around the world in my holidays.
Last years i went to some countries in the árabe world and Ásia.
I was impressed about the way women are treated by men in those countries.
They don`t have any rights: in case of divorce or husbands death they lose everything.
Also during mariage cases of women maltreatment or underage girls abuse.
Polygamy and underage mariage should end immediately.
Men can not continue, base on 7th century society and religion rules, keep women indoors with no rights to work, driving a car, vote, have political rights, open a business, shopping or travelling without male permition.
Women also should try to change things, starting at home teaching the boys thinking in a different way and convence their daughters studying hard and working in order to be independent.
International organizations must go to Arábe countries doing campaigns teaching women how to change things in order to be treated equal as men. Women can not just sit and wait. Men wil try to keep the status quo. They have no complains. Its a women issue. They have a voice in the society matters and should start using it, at home with their hunband, children, social media, schools…
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Pingback: Do you think Saudi females should always have a guardian? | Jean Sasson
Ayesha Ahmed Khan
While I do agree to your point that it’s abuse of the guardianship laws that must be stopped first, let me also remind you that there is nothing “Un-Islamic” about freedom of choice.
Nowhere in the Holy Quran does it say that Women must follow the wishes of her guardian. Allow me to remind you that Khadija, wife of Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon his soul), was a business woman, perfectly capable of taking care of herself.
What matters here is choice. Of course, if I wanted a guardian to advice me, and that I took his permission to do things, that’s alright. But women must be allowed to do as they so please, and not be subjected to force in any matter. It’s not fair to me, that I cannot even do small things like go out for lunch without there being a male relative.
The fact that even living in a free democracy, I ask my parents for permission when I go out, is due to pure respect. My father often drives me to places,not because I can’t drive, but as a favour. While it’s nice to have somebody to take care of you, a woman is perfectly capable of taking care of herself and making her own choices. I couldn’t imagine living where I had to take permission to go out, or HAVE to be driven around because it’s the law.
It’s strange how just having a penis allows you such great masses of power.
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Mainland China Faces Ongoing Economic Slowdown Amid Int’l Headwinds
Top Chinese economists are warning of a looming slowdown in China’s GDP growth rate, and advise a decisive structural reform to boost domestic consumption, grow the middle class, and reduce the nation’s exposure to risks from overseas.
Kristian Rouz — A new report issued by Renmin University in Beijing claims China’s GDP growth rate is set to slow down to 6.3 percent next year. Analysts have said that the Chinese economy will likely take a serious blow from the ongoing tensions in international trade, while Beijing’s effort to advance structural reforms to support the economic expansion have been too slow.
Renmin’s economists made their projections in a paper released Saturday on the China Academy of Social Sciences’ newsfeed. The experts said next year’s slowdown to 6.3 percent would mark a gradual acceleration of the so-called ‘cooling’ of the Chinese economy, which has buoyantly expanded over the past two decades.
In 2017, the Chinese economy grew by 6.9 percent, while this year Beijing expects the GDP growth rate to average at 6.5 percent for 2018.
The report from Renmin comes after China’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said in a report that consumer confidence is falling across the country, while car sales dropped 11.7 percent year-on-year in October — an alarming signal for the entire Chinese manufacturing sector.
Additionally, the NBS said the real estate, e-commerce, and electronics sectors are facing weakening consumer demand as well.
The faltering consumption might undermine Beijing’s effort to advance structural reforms in the economy. The central government has sought to replace China’s exports-driven model of GDP growth by supporting the nation’s middle class, which was supposed to make domestic consumption the key driver of the Chinese economy.
READ MORE: Chinese Firms With Dollar Debts Under Pressure As Key Funding Source Dries Up
However, as tensions in international trade deepen, the prospects of China’s middle class are now in jeopardy. Disruptions in global trade could greatly hurt China’s export-oriented industries, while also potentially thwarting Beijing’s development goals due to a decline in technology imports.
Additionally, China’s job security, investment flows, and the overall sustainability of the manufacturing sector could be affected.
Facing the rising pressure, Chinese regulators have moved to advance their effort to open up the nation’s domestic market to international companies.
On Sunday, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) said German insurer Allianz will be allowed to operate in the Chinese market, while Hong Kong’s Chiyu Bank would open a branch in the manufacturing hub of Shenzhen.
READ MORE: WTO Facing ‘Trump Test’ Amid China’s Growing Concern
The CBIRC reaffirmed its commitment to ‘steadily expanding’ the opening up of the Chinese financial sector to support economic growth and investment.
However, the Renmin report also suggested China’s exports would still grow 16.1 percent next year, from a 6.1-percent increase expected this year. Experts said China will likely be able to replace some of its foreign trade partners and realign its supply chains to support exports.
Nonetheless, Renmin’s economists also warned that savings rates are on the decline across China, suggesting that effective purchasing powers of Chinese households might be gradually declining as well. The Renmin report urged the Chinese government to ramp up its efforts to support the middle class amid the mounting economic uncertainty.
Still, the report also suggested consumer spending would rise 9 percent next year, likely outpacing the GDP growth rate.
All this points to the rising degree of uncertainty in the Chinese economy as it faces rife turbulence in global trade. China is likely to weather the storm, the Renmin report suggested, but a structural reform appears to be an utmost necessity — as export-driven growth models can’t remain sustainable forever.
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Tag Archives: Batman: The Video Game
DC At The Movies: Batman (The Christmas Eve Special)
Posted on December 24, 2014 by bloodlinematt
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas Eve. While this has been a year filled with lots of ups and downs for me, I have also had a great time loving life and am happy for all my friends and family in my life who have helped make me the person that I am today! While last year we covered Thundercats, this year we are going to cover something a little different as we will be looking at the movie series Batman that started with the Tim Burton directed film in 1989. When that movie came to theaters on June 23rd the following Christmas every male kid I knew wanted Batman stuff for presents, and boy was their a lot to choose from! On this update we are going to cover the DC Comic Movie Adaptations of the Batman films so let’s sit back with some eggnog and wait for Santa to come down the chimney and talk DC At The Movies: Batman!
When I was a kid, the most popular superhero films were the Superman films starring Christopher Reeves as Superman/Clark Kent. The only other DC heroes I could think of that had their own movies were Swamp Thing in 1982 and Batman had a film based off the 60’s TV show in 1966. They did also have some great TV shows like previously mentioned Batman as well as Shazam, Wonder Woman, Legend of Isis and of course Adventures of Superman. Marvel at the time was mostly just focusing on TV with shows and made for TV Movies based on Incredible Hulk, Spider-Man, Captain America and Doctor Strange and did have the bomb Howard The Duck in 1986 a cheesy film directed by George Lucas, but I must say as a kid I really liked the film Howard the Duck. I guess very loosely you could say that the Conan films as well as Red Sonja were a sliver connected to Marvel who made comics based on those characters at the time. But when 1989 came around, and Tim Burton, director of Pee Wee’s Big Adventure, made Batman, the youth at the time exploded and Batmania was born! You couldn’t turn on the TV without hearing something about this film, and most kids at school had Batman t-shirts, folders, backpacks and toys. If your grew up when the 1989 film and its sequels came out, then you know what I am talking about when I say Batman ruled the world for those months leading up to the releases and the months that followed. So before we get too much into the insane popularity and merchandise of Batman I should give you a crash course on the films, and of course I will be getting the help of IMDB for these write ups as I would be far too long winded to tell you the readers the plots. So let’s set the bat signal off and see what these films were all about! Oh I will also put on here who played Batman as well as who played the main villain in each of these films.
Gotham City: dark, dangerous, ‘protected’ only by a mostly corrupt police department. Despite the best efforts of D.A. Harvey Dent and police commissioner Jim Gordon, the city becomes increasingly unsafe…until a Dark Knight arises. We all know criminals are a superstitious, cowardly lot…so his disguise must be able to strike terror into their hearts. He becomes a bat. Enter Vicky Vale, a prize-winning photo journalist who wants to uncover the secret of the mysterious “bat-man”. And enter Jack Napier, one-time enforcer for Boss Grissom, horribly disfigured after a firefight in a chemical factory…who, devoid of the last vestiges of sanity, seizes control of Gotham’s underworld as the psychotic, unpredictable Clown Prince of Crime…the Joker. Gotham’s only hope, it seems, lies in this dark, brooding vigilante. And just how does billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne fit into all of this?
Batman – Michael Keaton
Joker – Jack Nicholson
Bob The Goon – Tracey Walter
Having defeated the Joker, Batman now faces the Penguin – a warped and deformed individual who is intent on being accepted into Gotham society. Crooked businessman Max Schreck is coerced into helping him become Mayor of Gotham and they both attempt to expose Batman in a different light. Earlier however, Selina Kyle, Max’s secretary, is thrown from the top of a building and is transformed into Catwoman – a mysterious figure who has the same personality disorder as Batman. Batman must attempt to clear his name, all the time deciding just what must be done with the Catwoman.
Penguin – Danny DeVito
Catwoman – Michelle Pfeiffer
Batman Forever (1995)
The Dark Knight of Gotham City confronts a dastardly duo: Two-Face and the Riddler. Formerly District Attorney Harvey Dent, Two-Face incorrectly believes Batman caused the courtroom accident which left him disfigured on one side; he has unleashed a reign of terror on the good people of Gotham. Edward Nygma, computer-genius and former employee of millionaire Bruce Wayne, is out to get the philanthropist; as The Riddler he perfects a device for draining information from all the brains in Gotham, including Bruce Wayne’s knowledge of his other identity. Batman/Wayne is/are the love focus of Dr. Chase Meridan. Former circus acrobat Dick Grayson, his family killed by Two-Face, becomes Wayne’s ward and Batman’s new partner Robin the Boy Wonder.
Batman – Val Kilmer
Robin – Chris O’ Donnell
The Riddler – Jim Carrey
Two Face – Tommy Lee Jones
Batman and Robin are back working side-by-side to stop the villains of Gotham City, but is there tension appearing between them, especially when one villainess who calls herself Poison Ivy can make anyone fall in love with her…literally. Along with Poison Ivy, the icy Mr. Freeze is freezing anything which gets in his way from achieving his goal.
Batman – George Clooney
Batgirl – Alicia Silverstone
Mr. Freeze – Arnold Schwarzenegger
Poison Ivy – Uma Thurman
Bane – Jeep Swenson
The first two films were directed by Tim Burton and have a brooding dark feel to them while the latter two were directed by Joel Schumacher and take a more neon and goofy approach. Say what you will about any of them, you cannot deny the impact they had on the youth at the time as well as the box office. If you look at 1989, Batman was the # 1 film of the year bringing in $251,188,924.00 beating out the likes of Lethal Weapon 2, Back To The Future Part II, Ghostbusters II, The Little Mermaid, Honey I Shrunk The Kids, Star Trek V: The Final Frontier, Born on the Fourth of July, National Lampoons Christmas Vacation, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Karate Kid Part III, 007: License To Kill, A Nightmare on Elm Street 5: The Dream Child, Friday The 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan, Halloween 5, All Dogs Go To Heaven, No Holds Barred, Cyborg, Kickboxer, Police Academy 6: City Under Siege, The Burbs, Major League, Tango & Cash as well as Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade! So as you can see it had very stiff competition and ended up beating them all. Batman Returns took the # 3 spot in 1992 beating out Wayne’s World, Lethal Weapon 3, Hellraiser III, A Few Good Men and Alien 3 to name a few! While in 1995, Batman Forever took # 2 and beat out such films as Pocahontas, 007: Goldeneye, Seven, Braveheart, Halloween 6: The Curse Of Michael Myers and Billy Madison. Batman & Robin took # 12 in 1997 and beat Scream 2, Austin Powers, Cop Land, Jackie Brown, Wishmaster, An American Werewolf in Paris, Lost Highway, Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation and Alien Resurrection. But one thing I want to point out, is does anyone else notice that in every Batman movie in this series Bruce Wayne has a new love interest and almost always shows them that he is Batman! I think if I was Bruce Wayne, and while all the ladies are very lovely, I would try to stay with Chase Meridian played by Nicole Kidman as she is smart and very good looking! But no mater how you slice it, Wayne knows how to pick the ladies!
The first batch of action figures based on the Batman movie was made by Toy Biz and showcased not only Batman but also The Joker and Bob The Goon. While many kids like myself rushed to get these figures to have our own Batman Movie style adventures, the figures themselves looked terrible and nothing like the actors from the film. I can remember many kids bringing these figures to the playground, and while we were happy to have them, we still all knew that the figures just looked cheap and were shells of what they should be. I had Batman and The Joker and skipped Bob The Goon, The Joker’s action was a squirting flower that acted like a squirt gun while Batman’s was his belt could be used as a hook. While Toy Biz tried, they really did fail, and the license was quickly taken away and given to Kenner.
When toy company Kenner got the license to make Batman movie toys, they went for the kill and made figures that looked like the actors as well as accessories like the Batmobile, The Batcopter and the Batcave. They also stayed with the film series and made figures for Batman Returns, Forever and Robin! Each series focused on many different versions of Batman and did all the core bad guys from the movie. On some of the molds they reused ones from their old Super Powers line as The Penguin is the same figure just his suit is painted a different color. When Kenner put these out I had to get my hands on one of the Batman’s as well as Catwoman, and they quickly replaced the Toy Biz ones when it came to Toy Wars. One thing that always cracked me up is the Poison Ivy figure done for the Batman & Robin line looks nothing like Uma Thurman who would not give them permission to use her likeness and looks like a man in drag instead! Don’t believe me, just take a look below, as well as take a look at some more of the Kenner Batman figures!
Back in 1989 Taco Bell released collector cups featuring Batman, and these were something that I felt I had to have when I was a kid and begged my parents to take me to Taco Bell to get one! When I did get one I can remember drinking everything from Mountain Dew to Chocolate Milk out of it, and it lasted away! After so many washings, the image on the cup began to disappear and sadly the Batman cup was retired and sold in a garage sale. I also remember them doing the cups for Batman & Robin, and I also collected those and got the whole set. McDonald’s did cups for Batman Returns, but I never did get any of those.
McDonald’s had some Happy Meal toys as well as other merchandise for Batman Returns when the film was released, and many kids I knew had the cars that came in the meal. I can remember having Batman but none of the others. My cousins Dino and Norman had them all and so did Nathan. During this time, they also had pen necklaces that had Batman, Catwoman, Batmobile and The Penguin as topper caps on a very cheap pen. McDonald’s took some heat for putting out these toys in their kids meals by parent groups who thought the film was too violent and should not be geared towards the youth. Parents groups sure can be silly sometimes.
Trading cards have been made for all the films, but none were as popular as those based on the 1989 film put out by Topps. I used to get packs of the cards at United Dairy Farmers as well as at Big Bear and would trade my extra cards and stickers to my neighbor Carmen Fields who was making a whole set. The cards were well done, and they did two sets based just on the first film! I used to love buying old wax packs of cards and chewing on the stale gum as I flipped through to see what cards I had gotten. Oh the good old days! But while the cards were cool, the whole set doesn’t sell for much as on Ebay. They go for about $14.00 for both 1 and 2.
Batman t-shirts was also all the rage when I was younger, and while I didn’t have any for the first film I did have some for Batman Returns and as of the last few years I do have a Mr. Freeze one from Batman & Robin thanks to my brother Bryan who found it at a thrift store. I can remember that when I got my Batman Returns shirt for school I felt really cool with my all over print shirt Batman design and wore that shirt for many years after, mostly for gym or to sleep in. Sadly the shirt got holes in it and went to the big washing machine in the sky. But I am sure many of you reading this remember just how important it was for you to have the right cool shirts or shoes to fit in, I however was always just me and would wear movie and band shirts way past there popularity like my old blue Alice Cooper shirt or even Flattop from Dick Tracy. But while my old Batman shirts are gone or way too small at this point, I still have great memories of wearing them and being me.
Do you remember when companies like Post and Quaker Oats made cereals based on all types of cartoons and movies like The Addams Family and Gremlins? Well of course Batman cereal had to be made and company Ralston was the one to deliver it to the masses. Every morning when I was a kid my Mom made sure we ate some breakfast, and while some times it would be eggs & toast or oatmeal, it was mostly cereal and Batman was one that we tried and kind of liked. I can remember the main reason I choose it from the shelves of Big Bear is because it came with a free bank shrink-wrapped to the box. While the original Batman cereal was pretty good, the Batman Returns one made as well by Ralston was not so much! I can also remember eating Batman cereal watching Saturday Morning Cartoons. Man I really do hate that in October 2014 Saturday Morning Cartoons ended on all major stations, ending an era.
What would a movie be without a video game tie in back in the 80’s and 90’s and of course Batman had a number of game come out based on the blockbuster flicks. First Batman: The Video Game for NES came out in 1990 by SunSoft, and this game was super popular with the Brassfield cousins as we would all try and beat it while at our Grandparents house or even at each others. This game was followed up by Batman: Return Of The Joker, a follow up to a movie game that has no ties to any Batman movies by SunSoft for the NES and Sega Genesis in 1991 and 1992. When Batman Returns was released, a video game was made for many home consoles like NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, Sega CD and even Sega Master System. Batman Forever, a very cheesy beat em up game, came out for Sega Genesis and SNES while Batman Forever The Arcade Game was made for Arcades, Playstation and Sega Saturn. Batman & Robin also got the video game treatment as a game was released for Playstation, and I can remember getting this game from Blockbuster Video and trying my hardest to beat it…I never did and I blame it on the poor controls. While they all have a charm in their own way Batman: The Video Game for NES remains the best video game based on this series.
When Batman and Batman Returns came out in theaters I did not get to see them as we had to wait for the VHS tapes for hit the library and local video rental store. My Dad was not a fan of the 1989 film when he watched it and didn’t want to spend money on the second one. But I can remember me and my brother trying to get them to take us but it didn’t work. Well for my 15th birthday, my parents and brother took me to the Belmont Drive-In to watch Batman Forever and I can remember the night we went it was kind of rainy out but while I was not a fan of the movie it was fun watching the flick in the old family car with everyone. I can remember that they also made snack food for us to munch on. Sadly the old Drive-In went out of business thanks the those wonderful land hogs at Reynolds and Reynolds who bought them out and let the land sit empty for years till they built another soulless building in its spot. I saw Batman & Robin in the theater inside The Dayton Mall with my Brother and younger cousin Nick when our aunt asked us to babysit him and offered to pay for our tickets and snack food, how could you go wrong. After the movie we played on the arcade machines that were in front of the theater. In closing, I miss the Belmont Drive-In and wish it was still around today.
Well my fellow Bat-Fans, we are at the point of looking at the comic adaptations and I for one can’t wait to relive many of them. You see in my youth I had read the comics based on Batman and Batman Returns and want to see if they hold up! And want to thank you for spending this Christmas Eve here at Rotten Ink. So before we Biff and Pow our way into action, I should remind you that I grade these on a standard 1-4 star rating and am looking at how well the comic keeps to the source material, its entertainment value, and its art and story. I want to also thank Mavericks and Lone Star Comics for having these in stock. So put another log on the fire and get your self another glass of Eggnog we are going to be having a good Bat Time.
Batman # 1 ***
Released in 1989 Cover Price $2.50 DC Comics #1 of 1
A family is robbed and left in an ally. As the crooks make off with the loot, they get a visit from Batman who teaches them that he is the night! Crime Lord Carl Grissom is being targeted by Gotham Police Department but up to this point they have nothing on him as he has a rat in the department who fills him in and helps cover things up. Reporter Alexander Knox along with photographer Vicki Vale are on the case of who and what Batman is, as crime on the streets is lowering as criminals are in fear. Billionaire Bruce Wayne is in fact Batman, but no one besides his butler Alfred knows his secret. Grissom’s girlfriend Alicia is cheating on him with his right hand man Jack Napier who he sets up at a chemical plant that leads to Batman knocking him into a vat of chemicals, and his face is turned white and his hair green and Jack becomes The Joker! Bruce Wayne however finds himself falling in love with Vicki Vale. As they go on a date The Joker shoots and kills Grissom and now is in charge of his operation. Vicki is following Bruce Wayne and while out The Joker attacks and his men fire guns into crowd. When the attack is over, they interview Vicki on TV and The Joker likes what he sees. Weird deaths are happening all over Gotham as people are dying of laughter and it’s shown that The Joker is using chemicals in every day products to spread his death. The citizens found out thanks to Batman who saves Vicki Vale from a Joker attacks at a restaurant and gives her the secret. The next day Bruce Wayne on his date with Vicki is about to tell her that he is Batman when The Joker once more attacks and with this attack Bruce Wayne figures out that Jack Napier (now The Joker) is the thug who shoot and killed his parents! The Joker throws a parade in downtown Gotham and not only giving out free “money” but also poisoning people via balloons. Batman spoils his fun as The Joker takes Vicki prisoner on top of a bell tower. Batman comes to her aid, and the fight leaves The Joker falling to his death as Batman becomes the savior of Vicki and Gotham.
This is 100% a comic movie adaptation done right, as the look and vibe of the comic captures the magic of the film. The story of this comic is Batman is new to Gotham, and the cops nor the civilians know what to think of him as he takes down crooks with his vigilante justice, and during one of his crime stopping nights he takes a crazy crook and by accident turns him into an even more crazy crook, The Joker, who is tormenting the city! Throw in the fact that Batman is Bruce Wayne, a rich respected man who is torn between doing what he thinks is right and love as he falls for a beautiful photographer who has also captured the eye of the crazed Joker! Batman comes off as a focused hero to the helpless who takes his crime fighting very serious, while Bruce Wayne is an odd rich man who is complex and is torn between fighting and love. Vicki Vale is a likable female lead who has just the right amount of damsel in distress to make you as the reader want to see her get saved. The Joker is crazy and seems like his whole goal in the issue is to cause chaos and to murder the helpless, very great bad guy character and changed just enough from the normal comic series that was also going at the time of this comic adaptation’s release. The Joker’s death is impactful as he falls from high above and dies still with a laugh as a laugh box in his pocket goes off after the impact. The cover is very eye catching, and fans of the movie would for sure nab this one up. The art inside done by Jerry Ordway is fantastic, and all the characters look like the actors that played them in the movie. I can remember that I read this comic when it first came out as our friend Mike Cessna had it, and I loved it back then, but then again I did have Batman fever! In closing if you like the 1989 film and like comics then check this one out as it was made for you.
So The Joker is dead, and Batman is now a full savior of the city. So what baddies awaits him in this second comic movie adaption? Let’s read on and find out!
Batman Returns # 1 ***
It’s in the past as a family drops a baby in a basket off the side of the bridge, and as the basket floats down the river and into the sewer, a family of penguins are there to rescue it. Max Shreck is a very powerful businessman in Gotham and is a man with a vision of a more powerful city. He has the Mayor in his back pocket and he even runs his poor assistant Selina Kyle day and night. While giving a speech about Christmas, Max and company are attacked by a band of scary circus performers know as The Red Triangle Gang. As Batman comes to save the day, Max himself comes face to face with a strange deformed man called The Penguin who lives in the sewer and knows all Max’s dirty little secrets. So the two team up to allow Penguin to come above ground and be loved by the people of Gotham. Max has an idea to have a power planet that does not give off energy but takes energy to store, and when Selina gets too close in looking into the plant, she is shoved out a window by Max and is saved by cats who she now has a bond with. This also makes her an anti hero as she dons a leather cat suit and calls herself Catwoman. Bruce Wayne and Max have a meeting over the power planet but don’t see eye to eye, as Selina shows back up to work to Max’s surprise as he thought she was dead. This bad meeting makes Max turn to Penguin who he now wants to make Mayor, and they hatch a plan of mayhem as they set the Red Triangle Gang free on the city. As Batman takes out the trash he comes to find that Penguin is not a good role model as Max wants them all to believe and also meets Catwoman who is targeting business owned by Max. Catwoman and Penguin team up to frame Batman and to get the people of Gotham to turn against him by killing The Ice Princess and making it appear as if he did it. While he is trying to save her ,they will turn the Batmobile into an out of control death machine! With the Ice Princess dead and Batman able to get back control of his car after a nasty joy ride, he is able to use messages he tapped of Penguin to have the people of Gotham turn on him and as he goes back to the sewers he tells his gang the plan of stealing all the first born children of the city and how he wants them all to die in a watery grave! Also by this point Catwoman and Penguin have turned on each other and to make things worse Bruce Wayne has to go to a costume party put on by Max, and that’s when Selina and Bruce find out each others secret identities. Penguin crashes the party and kidnaps Max who he has now turned on, as Bruce turns into Batman and stops the kids from being killed. With one plan stopped, Penguin now sends his animal penguin brothers above ground complete with bombs and rockets strapped to them to cause death and destruction! Batman stops this attack as well and knocks Penguin out a window and he falls into the sewer bellow. Meanwhile Catwoman kills Max and herself as Batman is powerless to stop her and looses his love. As Penguin once more appears and is at death’s door complaining of the heat and dies in the sewer water as his animal friends take his body away. Bruce Wayne won’t forget Selina Kyle as Catwoman’s shadow is seen in a ally.
Good comic adaptation follow up to the original but slightly looses the magic of the film, as many plot moments seemed a little rushed. Bruce Wayne/Batman in this comic are almost one and the same as he allows emotions to interfere with his personal life as well as his crime fighting mission. I also am puzzled as too how quickly Vicki Vale is thrown to the side and in a matter of seconds, he is head over heels in love with Selina Kyle who he briefly meets as Bruce during a meeting at Max’s and once for seconds as Batman during the first Red Triangle Gang attack. Bruce is really like a love struck teenager who is longing to be loved and chooses the most complicated women to fall for. Max Shreck is your typical rich big business man who acts as if he cares about the people, when really he cares about his own personal gain. Max is a total scumbag who kills and manipulates whoever he can to become more powerful in Gotham. Penguin is also a very violent and conniving man who kills and takes advantage of whoever can get him ahead in his plan to take over the city. The fact that he runs a gang of circus rejects and has a plan to kill children shows you just how gross of a person he is. Penguin’s death is a little to close too The Jokers with it coming via a fall, but it still works as he makes one last attempt to kill Batman grabs the wrong umbrella, and then falls just short of making it into the cold water before he dies. Penguin is nothing like the comic version and is not classy in any way and is more of a freak, but he still does use umbrellas of all types to fight with. Catwoman/Selina Kyle is an interesting character as she is not good nor bad and while she loves Bruce Wayne, she dislikes Batman and does take the life of his boss Max in the end. This really is a cool adaptation and is a nice follow up to the first with an equally cool cover, but I will say the artwork by Steve Erwin, while good, does lack the charm of making the characters look like the actors of them film, while some do, many don’t. I can remember buying this comic as a kid from The Bookie Parlor and thinking how cool I was cause I had it. Also while reading this comic, I listened to the score for the film done by Danny Elfman. If you like the film and liked the original film adaptation, this is a good one to have in your collection!
Penguin is dead and Catwoman is missing, who will be the next to step up and get beat down by Batman? Well let’s see in this next issue based on my least favorite Batman film of all time or should I say forever?
Batman Forever # 1 ***
Two Face has escape Arkham Asylum and is robbing a bank and has a live hostage, as Batman approaches Commissioner Gordon. Batman also meets Chase Meridian, a doctor in abnormal psychology. He goes in to save the day, but while he does save the guard Two Face gets away. Edward Nygma works for Bruce Wayne and is a little crazy. When Bruce shoots down his idea of a TV that broadcast into your brain he decides to kill the manager and seek revenge on Bruce whom he leaves a riddle for. Bruce takes the riddle to Chase, and after they crack it, they go to a charity circus event and when The Flying Graysons are on, Two Face enters complete with a bomb. As son Dick Grayson gets the bomb to safety, his parents are murdered by Two Face and Bruce can do nothing to save them. Dick stays at Wayne Manor as once more Two Face tries to kill Batman and fails. While at his hideout he gets a visit from Nygma who is know calling himself The Riddler, and they two form a team to kill Batman that involves Nygma’s TV Mind Box! Dick sneaks and follows Alfred to the Bat Cave and takes the Batmobile for a drive and saves a woman from some street punks and gets a taste and wants to join Batman as a team who of course rejects the idea. At a party for Nygma’s new invention that is making his company out do Wayne Enterprises two to one, Two Face crashes and Batman this time around is hurt in the fight but is saved by Dick who is wearing his circus outfit and a tiny mask. Alfred tries to push a bruised up Bruce that he should train Dick and allow him to help in crime fighting. As Bruce thinks it over he becomes Batman and meets Chase at her house as it’s clear she has feelings for Batman as well as Bruce Wayne, but she in the end chooses Wayne! The Riddler finds out thanks to his TV machine that Wayne is Batman, and the evil pair decide to make a statement. Bruce invites her over to tell her he is Batman, and Two Face and The Riddler come in and shoot Wayne, kidnap Chase and blow up the Batcave. After the attack, Batman along with his new sidekick Robin (Dick Grayson) head to Nygma’s factory and battle it out with the baddies. The end fight leaves The Riddler’s brain boiled by his own machine, and Two Face falls to his death into spiked rocks and ocean water. With The Riddler crazy and in Arkham Asylum, Chase knows now she loves the man behind that bat.
I must say I liked this comic adaptation better then the film it’s based on! Gone is the terrible over acting of Tommy Lee Jones as Two Face; missing is Jim Carey’s version of The Riddler just being silly and Ace Ventura like. Instead we get a fun kid friendly Batman adventures that is laced with some fun silly moments. The story has Bruce Wayne and his alter ego Batman once more falling for a woman who is torn between the two, not knowing till later that they are the same person. Along the way Batman makes enemies with a crazy inventor and a baddy from his past comes out to play. He also adopts a circus performer who turns into his sidekick in fighting crime. Batman/Bruce Wayne in this issue is on the verge of walking away from crime fighting to settle down with a woman he once more just meet, but by some point comes to learn that both sides of his life are important, and they can come together. Dick Grayson/Robin for the most part takes a back seat and is used just right, not forcing him down your throat and allowing him to become important to the film’s end plot. Chase Meridian is smart and pretty but besides being a love interest does nothing to special to make her on the level of Vicki Vale or Selina Kyle. The Riddler/ Edward Nygma is crazy and wants to really show Bruce Wayne up and is obsessed with power. His defeat coming by his own invention is well done, as is the fact his head becomes misshapen with the overload. Two Face loves to kill and is a good comic book villain in this comic. The lame thing is once more Two Face, much like The Joker and Penguin before him dies via a fall! The cover on this one is okay and not as eye catching as the other two. The art done by Michel Dutkiewicz is really great and helps add to the over all appeal of the comic. To sum it up, a solid good adaptation that is better then the movie it’s based on!
Two Face dead via a fall onto some pointy rocks and The Riddler looks like the Elephent Man and is in the loony bin. So who’s next on Batman’s list to rid Gotham of? Let’s read the last to find out!
Batman & Robin # 1 **1/2
Batman and Robin try to stop Mr. Freeze from stealing a giant diamond but fall short when Robin is turned into an icicle and Batman must save him from freezing to death as Mr. Freeze escapes. Meanwhile in South America, Dr. Pamela Isley is working on a chemical that will make plants stronger as her partner Dr. Jason Woodrue uses it to make super soldiers and creates Bane, a muscle bound brute who does what he’s told. When Isley finds out, he attacks her and knocks her into chemicals that turns her into Poison Ivy who kills Woodrue with a kiss, and she and Bane heads to Gothan City. Meanwhile Mr. Freeze is only doing all these bad things so that he can get money for research to cure his sick wife. While Alfred’s niece Barbra comes to visit and stays at Wayne Manor. Batman uses diamonds from his private collection to lure Mr. Freeze out of hiding but it also draws out Poison Ivy who turns Batman and Robin against each other to get her attention. But the trap works, and they are able to capture Mr. Freeze and send him to Arkham Asylum, but the heat between Batman and Robin grows deeper. Ivy and Bane break Freeze out, and Batman and Robin find them at Freeze’s old hideout and while they fight off Bane they also come face to face with Ivy again who uses her charm to make Robin and Batman fight which leaves Robin knocked out. She also unplugs Mr. Freeze’s wife and blames it on Batman making him want to kill his enemy. During this time we also find out Alfred is sick with the same disease that was killing Freeze’s wife leaving Bruce, Barbra and Dick helpless to save their friend and loved one. Barbra finds out the secret and becomes Batgirl and teams with Batman and Robin to fight off Ivy, Bane and Mr. Freeze who plans to make the whole world freeze in another ice age. Batgirl takes out Ivy with Robin beating Bane and Batman knocks around Mr. Freeze and tells him that Ivy pulled the plug on his wife but he saved her just in time and talks sense into him and gets him to help cure Alfred’s diseases. In the end, Alfred is okay and Batman & Robin have a new partner in Batgirl as Ivy gets a new cellmate Mr. Freeze!
The first thing that I have to say about this adaptation is that I hate the fact it starts off showing a movie set setting up the first shot…this takes you 100% out of the comic and makes you say who cares it’s all just a movie. Dumb move by DC for allowing this to be the opening panel of this comic. But take that terrible mistake out of the picture, and this is a fun average adaptation that showcases the silly nature of the film it’s based on. The plot is Alfred is sick and his loved ones want to save him, Batman has an issue trusting that Robin can handle himself, Ivy wants to save Mother Earth and Mr. Freeze wants to save his wife….this comic is all about saving. Batman is a little controlling in this one and seems to almost have a chip on his shoulder, but as Bruce Wayne he is more caring and worried about his sick friend Alfred. Robin is a ball of rage as he feels Batman just won’t let him be the hero he is. Batgirl is a waste in this comic and besides the very end when Barbra becomes Batgirl, she is given very little to do. Alfred is caring and sick so you find yourself hoping and knowing he will get better. Poison Ivy is an extreme environmentalist who puts nature over human lives, and for all accounts is like a pretty ex-girlfriend who is borderline psychotic. Bane is a mindless brute who says nothing at all through at the whole comic. He is as far from his comic counter part and is nothing more than a glorified henchman. Mr. Freeze retains all his cheesy one liners that all tie in to cold, and is a bad guy that you feel sorry for as he is doing everything bad to try and save his wife, but man when he’s doing bad he goes for broke! Much like the movie that I don’t think is as terrible as people say it is, this is pretty average and cuts out many of the really silly things from the movie like the Bat Credit Card. The cover is average as well and for some reason more reminds me of the kid’s novel version that you would find at a book fair. The art is done by Rodolfo Damaggio and is pretty well done. In some panels it seems rushed but is not terrible looking even then. Over all if you like the film check it out, otherwise I would avoid this one.
That was a good time for me, and we have read some pretty good comic adaptations that did the films they were based on justice. The art of making movie adaptations seems to be lost as now it’s not so much a comic of the movie as they are mini series that act as lead up to the films. Say what you will about them now, but The Batman films was a series that got the young and young at heart hyped to go to the movies and I for one grew up being a Batman kid thanks to not only the 60’s TV show but also the 89 Burton film. So with this I should tell you the next update will be my top films of 2014 and I look forward to bringing you that. Well I hope you all have a great Christmas and Santa brings you all what ever you asked for. Until then spend time with your loved ones, read a comic or two and have a safe holiday.
Posted in Comics, DC | Tagged 1989, Alexander Knox, Alfred Pennyworth, Alicia Silverstone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bane, Batgirl, Batman, Batman & Robin, Batman Forever, Batman Returns, Batman Returns Neck Pen, Batman: The Video Game, Bell Book and Comic, Belmont Drive-In, Bob The Goon, Boss Grissom, Box Office, Breakfast Cereal, Bruce Wayne, Bryan Brassfield, Catwoman, Chase Meridan, Chris O' Donnell, Christmas Eve, Collector Cup, Comics, Commissioner Gordon, Dad Brassfield, Danny DeVito, DC Comics, Dick Grayson, Edward Nygma, George Clooney, Happy Meal, Harvey Dent, Holiday, IMDB, Jack Napier, Jack Nicholson, Jeep Swenson, Jerry Ordway, Jim Carrey, Kenner, Lone Star Comics, Matt Brassfield, Mavericks Cards and Comics, Max Schreck, McDonalds, Michael Keaton, Michel Dutkiewicz, Michelle Pfeiffer, Mom Brassfield, Movie, Mr. Freeze, NES, Poison Ivy, Ralston, Robin, Rodolfo Damaggio, Sega Genesis, Selina Kyle, Snow, Sony Playstation, Steve Erwin, Taco Bell, The Dark Knight, The Joker, The Penguin, The Riddler, Tim Burton, Tommy Lee Jones, Topps, Toy Biz, Toys, Tracey Walter, Trading Cards, Two-Face, Uma Thurman, Val Kilmer, Vicky Vale, Video Games, Waynesville | 1 Reply
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Home / News ( page 2)
Barry slows down, flood concerns remain (7.14.19)
The good news for people living along the Gulf Coast is that within the past 48 hours, the storm named Barry has weakened from a Category one hurricane down to a tropical storm and now to a tropical depression. The bad news: it’s still raining, too much, too fast and that is posing a serious […]
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R. Kelly arrested on new charges (7.13.19)
Transcript Singer R Kelly is back in custody on new charges of sex crimes. Federal indictments in New York and Illinois were made public after Kelly’s arrest in Chicago on Thursday night. He made a court appearance on Friday afternoon. Two indictments released Friday detail federal charges against Kelly stemming from alleged indictments over two […]
Trump says video kiss vindicates him (7.13.19)
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Lawmaker and ex-ICE director get into shouting match (7.13.19)
Transcript Virginia Democratic representative Gerry Connolly and former acting Director of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Thomas Homan got into a fiery shouting match during a hearing about separations of undocumented migrant families. Democratic lawmakers detailed the horrific conditions they say they witnessed while touring detention centers on the border. Connolly angrily said “You can talk […]
Amazon gives sneak peek of prime day sale (7.13.19)
Transcript Amazon’s Prime Day is almost here and now we are getting a sneak peek at some of the deals. How about an Amazon Echo half off its normal price of $99.99? You can get $60 off the Fire TV cube. The online retailer is putting a big focus on many of its own gadgets […]
Gulf Coast braces for life-threatening disaster (7.13.19)
Transcript The US Gulf Coast is bracing for disaster. Hurricane Barry has become more powerful as it churns towards shore. The National Weather Service is using terms like “life threatening floods.” There has already been widespread flooding, deadly storm surge and destructive winds with the possibility of spawning tornadoes. More than 62,000 customers are without […]
TODAY’S HEADLINES: -Gulf Coast braces for life-threatening disaster -R. Kelly arrested on new charges -Video captures huge explosion leveling KFC -Lawmaker and ex-ICE director get into shouting match -Amazon gives sneak peek of prime day sale -Trump says video kiss vindicates him
Cake celebrates marijuana instead of Moana (7.12.19)
This is the cake Kensli Davis got for her 25th birthday. A Georgia Dairy Queen made the mistake of decorating the cake with a giant marijuana leaf and “My Little Pony” smoking a joint. That would’ve been perfect for a pothead. But Davis is a Disney fan. In fact her favorite film is “Moana.” It’s […]
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Attempted Italian colonization of America
Ferdinando I ordered an expedition in order to create a Tuscan settlement on the territory of modern French Guyana
An attempted Italian colonization in America was done in 1608 by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Ferdinando I.
1.1 Thornton expedition
2 Modern Italian "colonies"
The Italian colonization of the Americas was limited to an aborted attempt by the Grand Duke of Tuscany to create a colony in South America in the early 1600s.
In 1608, Ferdinando the First of Tuscany organized an expedition under captain Robert Thornton, in order to explore northern Brazil and the Amazon river and prepare for the establishment of a settlement in northern coastal South America, which would serve as a base to export Brazilian wood to Renaissance Italy.
Thornton expedition[change | change source]
Ferdinando the First, Grand Duke of Tuscany, oversaw the only Italian attempt to create a colony in the Americas.[1]
In the first years of the 17th century Ferdinando I of Tuscany evaluated the possibility of a colony in Brasil […] Ferdinando gave captain Thornton a galleon and a "tartane" [for an expedition in 1608] […] Thornton sailed for one year: he reached Guyana and Brasil, exploring the Amazon and Orinoco rivers. […]In July 1609 he was back in Leghorn, but in February of that year the Grand Duke died and in Florence nobody [after him] was still thinking about establishing an overseas colony.[2]
When Thornton returned to Tuscany a year later, he found Ferdinando I dead, and his successor Cosimo II uninterested in the establishment of a colony. Thornton was ready to sail back to the area between the rivers Orinoco and Amazon in the summer of 1609 with Italian settlers from Livorno and Lucca, but the project was scrapped.[3]
Thornton's galleon 'Santa Lucia' returned to Italy in 1609 with plenty of information (after exploring the area between Trinidad island and the delta of the Amazon river), some indigenous natives of the Americas and a few tropical parrots.[4]
He brought back with him to Tuscany five Arawak natives, most of whom died of smallpox. Only one lived on at the Medici court for several years, and learned to speak Italian. These natives often talked about the richness and fertility of their native land, speaking of a country rich in silver and gold. Thornton himself corroborated these reports, and asserted that the country was rich in rosewood, wild sugar canes, white pepper, balsam, cotton and many other kinds of merchandise which would form an abundant commerce for the Tuscans.
The area that Thornton considered as a possible site of an Italian colony now lies in modern French Guyana, near Cayenne,[5] which would be colonised by France in 1630.
Modern Italian "colonies"[change | change source]
The Italians never created real colonies in the Americas, and only made territorial colonies in other areas of the world mainly after their political unification in the 19th century.
Many Italians (and similarly Germans) moved to America to live under other flags and created the settlements of emigrants, sometimes called called "colonies". Those settlements where made by groups of Italian emigrants who settled together in the same place and around the same time, founding a settlement that still exists today in many cases.
That was the first Italian settlement of this kind made in Venezuela by Luigi Castelli, who wanted to settle in the late 1830s Italian emigrants from Tuscany in the same area where a few years later German emigrants settled and created the "Colonia Tovar" (unluckily their ship sank in the Mediterranean).[6]
Many of these Italian settlements were created in the second half of the 19th century, mainly in Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and the Southern and Southeasterb regions of Brazil (Sao Paulo, Parana, Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul).
In most of those settlements the Italian language (and dialects) is still spoken today: like in "Capitán Pastene"[7] of Chile, in "Chipilo" of Mexico or in "Nova Veneza" of Santa Catarina (where it is spoken the Talian of Brasil).
None of these settlements are related to the Italian colonial empire of the 20th century.
↑ Ridolfi, R. Pensieri medicei di colonizzare il Brasile, in «Il Veltro», Roma, luglio-agosto 1962, pp. 1-18
↑ Matteo Sanfilippo (2008-06-23). "Gli italiani in Brasile" (in Italian). Archivio Storico dell'Emigrazione Italiana. Nei primi anni del Seicento Ferdinando I di Toscana ...valuta la possibilità di una colonia brasiliana...Ferdinando fa armare una caravella e una tartana nel porto di Livorno e le affida al capitano Thornton...Thornton naviga per quasi un anno: approda in Guyana e in Brasile, esplora il Rio delle Amazzoni e l’Orinoco, rientra facendo tappa alla Caienna e a Trinidad. Il 12 luglio 1609 è di nuovo a Livorno, ma...il 7 febbraio di quell’anno il granduca è morto e a Firenze non si pensa più alla possibilità di fondare una colonia...oltreoceano.
↑ Ridolfi, R. Pensieri medicei di colonizzare il Brasile, in «Il Veltro», Roma, luglio-agosto 1962, p. 12
↑ Mirabilia et naturalia (in Italian)
↑ Ridolfi, R. Pensieri medicei di colonizzare il Brasile p. 14
↑ Marisa Vannini. Italia y los Italianos en la historia y en la cultura de Venezuela. Oficina Central de Información (Ministerio del Interior). Caracas, 1966
↑ History and photos of Capitan Pastene
Bibliography[change | change source]
Franzina, Emilio. Storia dell'emigrazione italiana. Donzelli Editore. Roma, 2002 ISBN 88-7989-719-5
Ridolfi, R. Pensieri medicei di colonizzare il Brasile, in «Il Veltro» (luglio-agosto 1962). Roma, 1962
Sanfilippo, Matteo. Gli Italiani in Brasile. Edizioni Sette Citta'. Viterbo, 2008
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(Redirected from Provinces of São Tomé and Príncipe)
Democratic Republic of
República Democrática de São Tomé e Príncipe
Motto: Unidade, Disciplina, Trabalho
Portuguese: "Unity, Discipline, Work"
Anthem: Independência total
"Total Independence"
and largest city
Recognised regional languages
Forro, Angolar, Principense
Demonym(s)
Santomean
Democratic semi-presidential Republic
• President
Evaristo Carvalho
• Prime Minister
Patrice Trovoada
• from Portugal
1,001 km2 (386 sq mi) (183rd)
• Water (%)
• 2009 estimate
163,000[1] (188th)
169.1/km2 (438.0/sq mi) (69th)
GDP (PPP)
2010 estimate
$311 million[2]
$1,880[2]
GDP (nominal)
HDI (2010)
low · 127th
Dobra (STD)
UTC+0 (UTC)
Driving side
The Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe is the second-smallest African country, formed by two islands: São Tomé and Príncipe.
They are about 140 km apart and about 250 and 225 km, respectively, off of the northwestern coast of Gabon.
The islands were a Portuguese colony, but have been independent since July 1975. Portuguese is the official language.
3 Provinces
3.1 Cities
4 Geography and Climate
The Portuguese arrived in São Tomé Island on December 21, 1471, and Príncipe Island on January 17, 1492. As these were days dedicated to saints, both islands had saints’ names. S. Antão Island, the former name of Príncipe Island, changed in 1500 to honor the Prince of Portugal.
The official historical version says that the country was uninhabited before the arrival of the Portuguese sailors.
The first successful Portuguese settlement in the archipelago was in 1493. The volcanic soil of the islands proved to be good for sugar crops. Hard work was needed to grow and harvest the sugar crops. Slaves were brought from Portugal to do the work. Because other countries began producing more sugar, the islands were not able to make money from it. Instead it became a stopping place for the slave trade.
In the 19th century, crops of coffee and cocoa were grown. These became successful. By 1908 the country was the largest producer of cocoa. It is the most important crop for the country.
On February 3, 1953, the Batepá massacre occurred. In the massacre hundreds of local people were killed by Portuguese settlers. The Portuguese wanted workers for the crops. The locals said they were being used as slaves. The governor told the military to take any locals who did not want to work.
In the late 1950s a group wanted independence. They were called the MLSTP (Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe). In 1974 they succeeded in removing Marcelo Caetano as their leader. On 12 July 1975 São Tomé and Príncipe became an independent country. The first president was Manuel Pinto da Costa. He was the MLSTP`s General Secretary.
Until 1990 the MLSTP was the only political party. They changed the constitution to allow other political parties. The new Party of Democratic Convergence (PCD) won the most seats in the National Assembly. Miguel Trovoada was elected president.
Politics[change | change source]
The president is elected for a five-year term and can be re-elected. The prime minister is elected for a four-year term. The thirteen members of the cabinet (the group of ministers) are chosen by them. All adult citizens can vote in the elections. They vote by secret ballot.
Provinces[change | change source]
São Tomé and Príncipe is divided into 2 provinces: Príncipe and São Tomé.
The provinces are further divided into seven districts, six on São Tomé and one on Príncipe (with Príncipe having self-government since April 29, 1995).
Cities[change | change source]
Cities in São Tomé und Príncipe
Rank Place Population District
Census 1991 Census 2001 Estimate 2005
1. São Tomé (capital) 42,331 49,957 56,166 Água Grande
2. Santo Amaro 5,878 - 8,239 Lobata
3. Neves 5,919 6,635 7,392 Lembá
4. Santana 6,190 6,228 6,969 Cantagalo
5. Trindade - 6,049 6,636 Mé-Zóchi
6. Santa Cruz - 1,862 2,045 Caué
7. Pantufo - 1,929 2,169 Água Grande
8. Guadalupe - 1,543 1,734 Lobata
9. Santo António 1,000 1,010 1,156 Pagué
10. Santa Catarina - - 971 Lembá
11. Porto Alegre - - 334 Caué
Geography and Climate[change | change source]
São Tomé and Príncipe is formed by two volcanic islands - the biggest of which is S. Tomé - and several islets. It is in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Africa. Both islands belong to the Cameroon volcanic mountain line.
The archipelago is 1,001km2 in size. The equator line passes through the Rolas’s Islet which is in the south of S. Tomé Island. The tallest peak is the Peak of S. Tomé at 2,024m tall.
The climate is tropical, hot and humid, with an annual average temperature of 27 C. There are two main seasons. Gravana is the driest season. It has little or no rainfall and the temperatures are lower. Gravana lasts from June to August. The rainy season is from October to May.
Economy[change | change source]
Since the archipelago´s discovery, its economy has been based on agriculture and fishing. Cocoa is 95% of the country’s exports. Other exports are copper, palm oil and coffee. Another economic activity is tourism.
After independence, the country’s economy was nationalized, it was then privatised in the early 1990s. Now the government budget is mainly based on foreign assistance from donors such as the UN Development Programme, the World Bank, and country donors.
The main importers of the archipelago's production are Portugal with 51%, France with 14%, Angola with 11%, and Japan with 10%.
In 2001, petroleum was found in the waters claimed by the archipelago and Nigeria.
Demographics[change | change source]
According to the 2010 census, about 163,000 people lived in São Tomé and Príncipe. 52,000 lived in the capital and less than seven thousand lived on Príncipe Island.
São Tomé is the country’s capital and main city.
The people of S. Tomé and Príncipe are divided into the following ethnic groups: mixed-blood, descendents of Portuguese settlers and African slaves; Forros, the biggest ethnic group and descendents of freed slaves; Angolares, descendents of Angolan slaves; Tonga, mixed blood of Forros and hired workers from Angola, Mozambique and Cape Verde; and Cape Verdean descendents.
The country’s official language is Portuguese. Other languages spoken are Forro, a creole spoken by 80% of S. Tomé Island`s people; Angolar, spoken mainly on the southeast of S. Tomé Island; Lung`ié, spoken in Príncipe Island; and Creole from Cape Verde.
Almost everyone is Christian: Roman Catholic, Evangelical Protestant and Seventh-Day Adventist.
The country’s culture is the product of Portuguese and African cultural influence. Typical dances on the islands are Ússua, Socopé, Dêxa, and Puita. Tchiloli, Danço Congo and Auto dos Floripes are public theatrical performances, examples of the Portuguese cultural legacy.
Alda Neves da Graça do Espírito Santo was a famous poet from São Tomé.
Education[change | change source]
Children are required to attend school for four years. The National Lyceum (São Tomé and Príncipe) and the University of São Tomé and Príncipe are the two colleges.
↑ Department of Economic and Social Affairs Population Division (2009) (.PDF). World Population Prospects, Table A.1. 2008 revision. United Nations. http://www.un.org/esa/population/publications/wpp2008/wpp2008_text_tables.pdf. Retrieved 2009-03-12.
↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "São Tomé and Príncipe". International Monetary Fund. Retrieved 2011-06-11.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to São Tomé and Príncipe.
Countries and territories of Africa
Algeria • Angola • Benin • Botswana • Burkina Faso • Burundi • Cameroon • Cape Verde • Central African Republic • Chad • Comoros • Democratic Republic of the Congo • Republic of the Congo • Côte d'Ivoire • Djibouti • Egypt • Equatorial Guinea • Eritrea • Ethiopia • Gabon • The Gambia • Ghana • Guinea • Guinea-Bissau • Kenya • Khatumo • Lesotho • Liberia • Libya • Madagascar • Malawi • Mali • Mauritania • Mauritius • Morocco • Mozambique • Namibia • Niger • Nigeria • Rwanda • São Tomé and Príncipe • Senegal • Seychelles • Sierra Leone • Somalia • Somaliland • South Africa • South Sudan • Sudan • Swaziland • Tanzania • Togo • Tunisia • Uganda • Zambia • Zimbabwe
Governed by
Canary Islands • Ceuta and Melilla • Madeira Islands • Mayotte • Réunion • Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha • Western Sahara
Retrieved from "https://simple.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=São_Tomé_and_Príncipe&oldid=6134454#Provinces"
1975 establishments in Africa
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Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State
Home > Index of Texas Archaeology > Vol.
The 1979 Archaeological Survey of Portions of the Choke Canyon Reservoir in Live Oak and McMullen Counties, Texas
Erwin Roemer Jr., Center for Archaeological Research
Center for Archaeological Research
https://doi.org/10.21112/ita.1981.1.19
The Center for Archaeological Research, The University of Texas at San Antonio, conducted an intensive surface survey aimed at location and evaluation of cultural resources in portions of the Choke Canyon Reservoir in Live Oak and McMullen Counties, Texas. The survey was conducted between May and September 1979. The area examined consists of approximately 8400 acres (3400 hectares) located in areas not previously available for survey. A total of 94 archaeological sites, 86 low density scatters, and 20 isolated finds was recorded. This total includes 16 historic sites or. site components and 14 sites containing Late Prehistoric materials. The remaining prehistoric sites are either Archaic or of an unidentified cultural period. A total of 32 sites is recommended for further field evaluations. Site recording and preliminary evaluation took precedence, and minimal artifact collections were made. The previous work in the area by the Texas Historical Commission and Texas Tech University strongly influenced survey methodology and evaluation. Concluding interpretations present a discussion of the current state of settlement system investigations and an affirmation of the basic cultural models presented by earlier workers.
Roemer, Erwin Jr. (1981) "The 1979 Archaeological Survey of Portions of the Choke Canyon Reservoir in Live Oak and McMullen Counties, Texas," Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State: Vol. 1981 , Article 19. https://doi.org/10.21112/ita.1981.1.19
Available at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/ita/vol1981/iss1/19
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
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StandingsPlayer list
Rural Under 14 2016
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Why didn't Obi-Wan use The Force?
While Qui-Gon and Darth Maul were having their final fight, Obi-Wan was simply watching them "trapped" behind a single shield/laser/plasma(?) panel.
So, at this point, why didn't he help out his master? He could have:
pushed Maul to the hole;
pulled Maul's lightsaber (or other kind of distractions);
pushed his master away just before the lightsaber stab (after he got punched);
melted the sides of that panel to rejoin the fight...
During those precious seconds, was he thinking it would be rude to interrupt his master or was he simply relaxing a bit?
It seems that some people comment-complaining and downvoting because they feel The Force is not to be used against "force-users", probably forgot how "force-users" use the force against other "force-users", here's the Obi-wan vs Anakin "kind of canceled force-push" in Episode III.
star-wars the-force obi-wan-kenobi
Armfoot
ArmfootArmfoot
Out of universe: qui-gon had to die so Lucas had kenobi do nothing. – RedCaio Dec 4 '15 at 19:22
Good question. But obviously Obi-Wan is a knight so the ethics of the Code of Chivalry apply or at least some kind of noble habitus. So interfering with the fight that was no longer his (at the time being) would be not honorful. (yeah I know this thesis has quite a few weak points ^^) – Ghanima Dec 4 '15 at 19:50
@Xantec, you do realize that I was kidding? This is either a plot hole with the screen writers failing to notice that there is such a thing as the Force that allows manipulation of thing behind some kind of shield; Lucas deliberately killing of Qui-Gon; or Obi-Wan being to weak to pull any of those stunts. – Ghanima Dec 4 '15 at 20:49
@BMWurm, on the contrary. Aspiring to be knighted should make him even more follow such a noble code. – Ghanima Jan 18 '16 at 14:19
@Ghanima Fair enough :P – BMWurm Jan 18 '16 at 14:20
The only explanation for situations like this is going to be out-of-universe. This is because the way fictional fight scenes are constructed is governed by what audiences, primarily seeking entertainment and indoctrinated in conventional morality, will tolerate from their heroes.
Good guys (for the most part) don't fight dirty. They certainly don't fight dirty in the Star Wars franchise, where even an assassin can't be preemptively killed by a hero protagonist.
Ray Park. The entertainment value of the fight between Darth Maul and the two Jedi was the fight choreography that showcased the acrobatic and martial arts skills of Ray Park. Anything Obi-wan could have done whilst trapped between the force fields he could have also done earlier in the fight. Killing Darth Maul earlier doesn't allow the audience see as much of Mr. Park's extraordinary abilities. And such a death would have been less dramatically satisfying than Obi-Wan's sudden reversal at the end.
Telekinesis is visually boring. Contrast Count Dooku's dispatching of Obi-Wan by dropping a heavy object on him versus Anakin dispatching Dooku by chopping off both his hands and then contemptuously plucking Dooku's saber out of the air and using it to sever Dooku's head.
Kyle JonesKyle Jones
Regarding #1: Han shot first. TBH, Greedo wasn't an assassin, just a bounty hunter. – Jeff Dec 4 '15 at 22:11
@Jeff very true. Although at that point in the story Han is kind of not necessarily a good guy, more Chaotic Neutral. This helps tell the storyline of him starting as a rogue scoundrel but becoming a hero of the rebellion. – zipquincy Dec 4 '15 at 23:16
Using the Force could easily make things worse
First off, using the Force to push or pull things in combat is much more difficult than in a video game and could leave a target open for attack. Keep in mind that in this case, there was an ally right next to Darth Maul as well.
Second, Obi-Wan is still relatively untrained (only just ready to start the Jedi Trials) and doesn't have a lot of experience. Interfering with a fight between two people that each have twice the experience may not be effective (they may react to counter what you are trying to do), and could cause a distraction or other catastrophe that does more harm than good.
Knowing that using the Force to push or pull things in combat is very difficult, and that he has less experience than either combatant, let's consider the risks for each of your solutions:
pushed Maul to the hole
When Obi-Wan force-pushed the Battle Droids on the Trade Federation ship, very little precision was required: he was pushing a Battle Droid down a hallway with no allies in the way. This time, the two fighters are very close together.
It could very easily push Qui-Gon into the hole too, or cause Maul to move in an unexpected way, which might open up his master to an attack.
When Obi-Wan force-pulled Qui-Gon's lightsaber, it was stationary and a few feet away, and even then it took a few seconds of wiggling before he could grab it. But doing this on a rapidly-moving lightsaber, held by two hands for much of the time, from farther away, and in a split-second window of time would be far more difficult. He could easily pull the wrong thing (maybe Qui-Gon's arm or saber) or just cause Maul's saber to move in an awkward way, again throwing off Qui-Gon.
There didn't seem to be anything else in the room to use (no giant pillars to throw around), so he couldn't have used anything else for a distraction.
pushed his master away just before the lightsaber stab (after he got punched)
He could just as easily have pushed Maul into Qui-Gon. And if he was successful, Qui-Gon would probably be off-balance, making it easier for Maul to get another good stab in.
Assuming that it wouldn't cause a dangerous burst of energy if it were suddenly disrupted, this probably would have worked, and would not have been nearly as distracting to Qui-Gon as the other things suggested. I submit that in the heat of the moment, it just didn't occur to Obi-Wan to try this. He clearly had tunnel-vision, since he spent the entire scene looking at the fight, and not his surroundings.
Ultimately, most of the options that Obi-Wan had might have made things worse. The safest thing to do would be to not interfere and just stay put, letting his more experienced master buy time.
ThunderforgeThunderforge
Because using the force on an opponent can always backfire and hit yourself
As we see in other occasions (e.g. in the fight Obi-Wan vs. Darth Vader, both flying away after an opposing force push) - using the force against an opponent leaves yourself open and can backfire. So if Obi-Wan tries to force-push the (apparently stronger) Darht Maul, his enemy might use the opportunity to deflect the push, or push Obi-Wan back. Obi-Wan was not really an experienced force user at this point. A deflection or counter-push will most likely push Obi-Wan back so strong he will fly back several feet.
But directly behind Obi-Wan is a strong energy-field, which spouted sparks when touched with a lightsaber. Similar looking energy fields have incinerated various objects touching them on other occasions. These fields are sometimes strong enough to melt blasters, so if a human would be thrown against them, he would most likely melt, or even evaporate.
Since Obi-Wan was in a tight spot between these two energy shields, one wrong push could have easily killed him instantly. So he had a much greater risk of being pushed himself. Darth Maul on the other hand was the better fighter and most likely stronger with the force, so if Obi-Wan would have tried a force push, Darth Maul could probably have deflected/force-pushed back and killed Obi-Wan easily. And even if Darth Maul would also fly aways from the push, even down into the hole, Darth Maul could have probably grabbed something or force-jumped of a wall and would not die.
So overall: High risk for suicide, little chance to kill Maul.
I don't get it, why would he be smelted? – Elliot A. Jan 18 '16 at 13:49
The force shouldn't touch them, and he could use the force. – Elliot A. Jan 18 '16 at 14:58
If Obi-Wan is hit by a force push from Darth Maul, in a tight space between two hot and dangerous shields, he will have a hard time not touching the Shields, when thrown around by a force push. Imagine we push each other, but you have a hot energy wall 3ft behind you. It will be very hard not to touch it – Falco Jan 18 '16 at 15:04
Darth Maul is fighting, he wouldn't be able to force push. – Elliot A. Jan 18 '16 at 15:16
The whole point of my answer is, if you try to force push someone who is stronger than you, it may backfire and you push yourself away or he can deflect your forcepush and you both get forcepushed (see episode 3) – Falco Jan 18 '16 at 15:21
Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged star-wars the-force obi-wan-kenobi or ask your own question.
Why didn't the Jedi/Sith use Force pull/push in the generator complex?
Why did Qui-Gon advance against Darth Maul without Obi-Wan?
Why doesn’t Obi-Wan Kenobi use the Force more?
Jedi/Sith using force in combat with other Jedi/Sith?
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Which lightsaber form did Obi-Wan use against Maul on Tatooine?
What's the name of this Star Wars novel where Obi-Wan kenobi fight's against a force cult and a deranged former Jedi?
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Launching the Scout Scientist Activity Badge
This British Science Week (8-17 March), we’re thrilled to introduce the Scout Scientist Activity Badge. To celebrate the launch, Scout Ambassador and European Space Agency Astronaut Tim Peake came to Gilwell Park to help our first set of Scouts to earn their badge
We’re over the moon to launch the Scout Scientist Activity Badge, sponsored by Rolls-Royce! The badge paves the way for more young people to participate in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities; to learn more; and to stretch past the limits of their intellectual curiosity. From problem-solving to creativity, STEM activities develop skills which help young people to thrive.
To coincide with British Science Week, this week at Gilwell Park ESA Astronaut and Scout Ambassador Tim Peake helped the first set of Scouts to earn the badge by leading them through various exciting experiments.
Tim is passionate about using British Science Week to get more young people involved in STEM activities. He said: ‘I’m proud to support the Scout Scientist Activity Badge. It will help young people try new things and learn some valuable science-based skills. I think it’s fantastic that a young person can join the Scouts and learn a range of different STEM skills that are recognised through their badges. It can spark an interest in science that can last a lifetime. British Science Week is a great chance for more young people to have fun with science.’
Four Scouts from across England were lucky enough to have a go at getting their badge with Tim, but thousands more young people across the UK will get to learn a range of new skills and have loads of fun with science by working toward the badge. It’s a curiosity-building and creatively driven way of getting young people to try new things. The requirements range from creating elephant’s toothpaste from a yeast-based solution to seeing the reaction between a flame and steel wool, with sparky results.
Rolls-Royce Community Investment Manager Gill Fennell said, ‘We’ve been working together for more than a decade to help at least 360,000 Cubs to achieve their Scientist Badge and we’re delighted to extend our partnership to reach Scouts too. We’ll be co-creating even more Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) resources so that Scouts can explore what happens when you take science out of the textbook, and develop STEM skills for life.’
Why not spark your Troop’s interest with a few fun experiments? Like how to skewer a balloon without popping it or how to make a magnetic compass? The badge is the perfect way to encourage young people to explore the wondrous world of science behind everyday and adventurous activities. Find out more by taking a look at the badge requirements and making the most of these brand new activities.
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N.Y. university punishes editor, adviser for publishing student government president’s grades
Long Island University officials punished the editorand adviser of the school’s student newspaper for publishing an article thatdisclosed the grades of a former Student Government Associationpresident.
Adviser Mike Bush said he was fired from his position thismonth and Justin Grant was suspended from the newspaper for a month two daysafter the article appeared in the Jan. 21 edition of the Seawanhaka. Thearticle, written by Grant, cited the SGA president’s grades as a possible causefor his sudden resignation.
Bush said administrators at the privateuniversity in Brooklyn also retaliated against the newspaper by changing thelocks of its offices to keep editors out. The paper has not been published sincethe January issue. The university appointed the school’s director of studentactivities, Karlene Jackson-Thompson, as the newspaper’s adviser.
Schoolofficials said the adviser and editor were punished for violating studentprivacy laws. The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) imposesfinancial penalties on schools that release students’ educational records,including grades, without their consent. The Department of Education, however,has said that the federal law only applies to university employees or thoseacting on their behalf, not student newspapers.
Bush, a professor at theuniversity, said that while he did e-mail the grades to Grant, he was not thesource for the information.
Bush said a Seawanhaka reporterlearned that the SGA president resigned because of “personal reasons.” Thereporter spoke with sources who divulged that the SGA president had failed twoclasses, which forced him to resign. Grant was out of the office at the time ofthe discovery, so Bush said he e-mailed Grant the information.
Bush saidhe then discussed with Grant whether to publish the grades.
“I told[Grant] that, yes, I would publish the grades” if I were him, Bush said. “Butultimately the decision was up to him.”
Bush said the school is punishingGrant because of his decision to print the grades. He said in addition to thesuspension, grant is losing scholarship money he would earn as editor, whichpays for about 75 percent of Grant’s tuition.
Grant wrote a column in theJan. 28 edition of the paper apologizing to the SGA president, but he explainedhis reasoning behind publishing the student’s grades.
“My decision toinclude the grades was based on the rationale that when an elected officialresigns from office, the constituents have a right to know why,” Grant wrote.”This wasn’t a personal attack on [the SGA president]. This was based on someelementary journalistic principles we are taught in journalism classes here atLIU.”
According to a Feb. 10 Newsday article, Bernadette Walker,LIU’s dean of students, said publishing a student’s grades, regardless of theirstatus as a campus leader, is a violation of privacy.
Bush said it isunclear when the weekly newspaper will resume publication.
Peg Byron,director of public relations, said the journalism students have full access tothe newspaper room, but “the students haven’t told us if they’re going topublish or not.”
The Student Press Law Center could not reach the formerSGA president for comment.
SPLC View: There are two things to keep inmind with this case.
First, while there might be some that would questionhis editorial decision, the editor broke no laws in publishing the grades of theformer SGA president. There is no FERPA problem. The federal law does notprohibit college student newspapers from publishing accurate, lawfully obtainedinformation. There is also no common law or statutory invasion of privacyproblem. In this case, the SGA president’s grades were apparently the reason forhis resignation. As such, the grades were newsworthy and “newsworthiness” is adefense to an invasion of privacy claim. (It’s also worth pointing out that NewYork does not recognize a common law tort of invasion of privacy).
Thesecond thing to keep in mind is that LIU is a private university. Privateschools are not required to give journalists the same First Amendmentprotections as those attending public schools. Had this happened at a publicuniversity, LIU’s act in suspending the editor (and possible even in firing theadviser) would clearly be unlawful. Still, while LIU officials are not subjectto the First Amendment, they may be bound by other laws, particularly where theyhave contractually agreed to behave in a certain way. For example, according toLIU’s Student Code of Conduct, “[The university] is committed to preserving theexercise of any right guaranteed to the individual by the constitution.” Thusthe university’s actions might be considered a breach of the editor andadviser’s contractual rights.
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Home PSL Kourtney Kardashian Was Going For Full Custody Last Year
Kourtney Kardashian Was Going For Full Custody Last Year
Thousands of fans have begun to prepare for Oscars parties to find out which actors, actresses, and movies of the 88th Academy Awards will win a gold statue. As part of the celebration, Shutterstock’s company designers have worked again this year to create fascinating pop art-inspired posters for popular films nominated by the Academy.
Like the many of the different types of movies nominated for the Best Picture award, Shutterstock says its posters share a theme of endurance and testing how far you can stretch the lengths of human nature.
“On the surface his work simply looks cool, but this shallow analysis misses the irony behind his cultural representations”
When you think of many of this year’s Best Picture nominees, movies like The Revenant, The Martian, and Mad Max share a common theme of strength, resilience, determination, and power. These themes are stunningly carried over into Shutterstock’s pop-art posters this year. Posters featured include Jordan Roland’s Warhol-inspired Mad Max: Fury Road, which offer a take on Warhol’s “subversive dictator portraits to shape this poster of Immortan Joe,” says the artist. In Cristin Burton’s Flirst-inspired Oscar Pop 2016 The Revenant, the poster includes assembled pieces the artist used to “create a vast, sinister, and lonely landscape.”
People Happily Await the Begining of the Show
The pop-art posters include a fun view of movies but also of topics that aren’t so fun. In Flo Lau’s The Big Short, inspired by Keith Haring, the artist chose a comedic approach to the dark subject of the bursting of the 2008 housing bubble.
Flirst is a collage artist who assembles disparate pieces to explore how he can change the harmony of the whole. For my poster, a homage to The Revenant, I assembled pieces to create a vast, sinister, and lonely landscape. The poster features a figure with very few people on his side; this represents the film’s main character, Hugh Glass, who was brutally attacked by a bear and left for dead in the winter wilderness.
“I wanted to portray the same witty chaotic vibe in my poster”
In his “Barcelona” series, Mario Corea Aiello forms a grungy collage of newspaper and magazine cutouts and heavy paint strokes. I felt this style would parallel the vicious storm that left Mark Watney for dead on Mars in The Martian. For the color scheme, I deferred to Eric White’s cover art from the original novel by Andy Weir to capture the characteristics of an otherworldly storm.
On Set with the Crew
My inspiration for this poster is one part Roy Lichtenstein and one part Stefan Sagmeister. Spotlight is about journalists uncovering a massive scandal in one of Boston’s oldest institutions, and I found that the perfectly contradictory homophone “pray/prey” encapsulates the shock and horror felt by the community when this scandal was made public.
To illustrate this, I pixelated an image of a priest, then tore off his head and replaced it with an image of a wolf. I looked to Warhol’s subversive dictator portraits to shape this poster of Immortan Joe.Warhol had a remarkable ability to distract from the meaning of his art. On the surface his work simply looks “cool”.
Mad Max: Fury Road has the same effect: The stylized nature of the film gets more attention than the meaning behind it.
I chose to feature Immortan Joe because he is a terrible person, but his iconic look makes him instantly recognizable. When I first read the plot summary for Room, I envisioned lonely, sterile characters, who had been institutionalized by their secluded environment.
Of course, when I saw the movie that perception quickly changed; the characters are full of life, love, and joy, and the audience instantly empathizes with them on a raw, human level. KAWS’ statues play on a similar deceit. Initially they have a sterile, robotic feel, but when you view them in their human-scale sizes and see their playful aesthetic, you experience an unexpected sense of connection.
“Welcome to the Oscars, Or as some people like to call it, the white people’s choice awards”
The Big Short takes a comedic approach to a dark subject, and I wanted to portray the same witty, chaotic vibe in my poster. Keith Haring was my inspiration because his high-contrast, brightly colored political work, which touches on grim subjects like rape, death, and war, hinges on the same contrast as the film. The poster is based on the film’s alligator-in-an-abandoned-pool scene; the alligator represents the main characters in the movie, who took advantage of the 2008 housing bubble and left the world in desperation when it burst.
Getting Ready for the Big Night
I chose to focus on the muddy gray areas and loopholes within Bridge of Spies. The Cold War was fueled by each side’s increasingly dire hypotheticals, causing mass paranoia among citizens and governments alike.
A large part of the film’s narrative focuses on the extent of protection under the law, especially for a Soviet spy. I reimagined Lady Justice, mixing her blindfold with the American and Soviet flags to represent how both countries were tied to their individuals’ principles of justice even while locked in an unending battle for the upper hand. Set in the eponymous 1950s borough, Brooklyn features then-contemporary imagery that now exemplifies the commodification of Brooklyn as a global brand.
Just as the Pop Art movement utilized mass advertising and irony to re-contextualize commercial art, I drew from today’s vintage, artisanal design trends, which are inspired by that era and setting.
Telephone Booth Shooting
In that vein, I applied the animated footage and vector elements to illustrate how the contrasting settings of Brooklyn and Ireland re-contextualized the protagonist’s identity through a fluctuating sense of “home.”
The 88th annual Academy Awards are underway, and viewers are anxiously awaiting the ceremony to find out if their favorite flicks and actors win, which categories will see big “upsets,” and which speeches and performances will stand out. Not to mention how host Chris Rock will approach the “Oscars So White” controversy, and who he will target during the opening monologue. Did Leo finally take home a golden statue? The buzz began during the red carpet events prior to the official event.
Jennifer Jason Leigh, nominated for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for The Hateful Eight, seemed slightly out of it during her interview with Ryan Seacrest on E!’s special. But arguably the biggest surprise was Best Actor nominee Leonardo DiCaprio (The Revenant) and Best Actress in a Supporting Role nominee Kate Winslet (Steve Jobs) playing to their nostalgic fans by walking the red carpet together. Can you believe it’s been nearly two decades since they starred together in the 1997 blockbuster film Titanic (which took home Best Picture)?
“If hosts were nominated, I wouldn’t be here; instead, you’d have Neil Patrick Harris.”
Rock, who addressed the issues with ease and expected humor, added that he did seriously consider quitting after so many people spoke out and pressured him to do so. “But the last thing I need is to lose another job to Kevin Hart,” he said, as the crowd erupted in laughter (including Hart himself, who was in the audience).
Arguably, the best part of Rock’s monologue was his blatant dig at Jada Pinkett-Smith and her vocal “boycott” of the Oscars. “Isn’t she on a TV show? Jada boycotting the Oscars is like me boycotting Rihanna’s panties,” he said.
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Andile Jali set for bail hearing after an alleged domestic violence
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כ״ג באייר ה׳תשע״א (May 27, 2011)
Menahot 79a-b – A minor blemish in the eye of the sacrifice
Since the loaves that accompany the korban todah – the thanksgiving offering – are dependent on it, the Mishnah (78b) teaches that under certain circumstances if the sacrifice is deemed invalid the loaves do not become sanctified. TheGemara identifies the author of this Mishnah as Rabbi Me’ir who teaches the general principle that if the condition that makes the sacrifice invalid existed before it was slaughtered, e.g. the animal was a tereifah – it had a terminal condition – then the loaves do not become sanctified. If, however, the condition was created after the animal was slaughtered, e.g. the kohen had an inappropriate thought about where or when the sacrifice would be eaten, then the loaves do become sanctified.
What if the sacrifice was found to have a mum – a blemish? According to Rabbi Me’ir this question is the subject of disagreement between Rabbi Eliezer, who says that the loaves become sanctified, and Rabbi Yehoshua who rules that they do not.
The Gemara searches for an explanation for the position of Rabbi Eliezer, according to Rabbi Me’ir. If an animal was atereifah we recognize that the sacrifice is invalid and the loaves do not become sanctified; why should the case of a blemish be different?
The Gemara answers that this follows the opinion of Rabbi Akiva who permits certain types of mumim to be brought on the altar, or at least that the sacrifice is not removed from the altar if it had already been brought to it. The case discussed is when the blemish was dukin she-ba-ayin. Since dukin she-ba-ayin is a relatively minor condition – in fact, it is not considered a blemish if it is found in a sacrifice brought from fowl – an animal with such a blemish is permitted, if it found its way to the altar.
Dukin she-ba-ayin is some kind of an eye condition; Rashi explains that it is a cataract on the eye. Another possible explanation presented by Rashi is that it is a blemish on the eyelid.
Menahot 80a-b - What if a sacrifice is misplaced?
If a man says "this is my todah - my thanksgiving offering - and these are its accompanying loaves," if…
Menahot 78a-b - Sanctifying 40 out of 80 loaves
As we have learned on yesterday's daf (=page) whenever a korban todah - a thanksgiving offering - was brought in…
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Charlene Lum
Posted on 22 June 2018 | 7,931 views | 16 comments
Submitted by Stomper Anthony
A car caught on fire at Woodlands Checkpoint at around 11.30pm on Thursday (Jun 21).
Stomper Anthony and his cousin were entering Johor Bahru when they suddenly heard a lot of honking. It was then that they realised that a car was on fire.
(Story continues after video)
Anthony said: "I was waiting for my passport at the counter when all of a sudden, I heard a lot of motorbikes honking and I discovered that a car had burst into flames.
"But the fire was put out swiftly by an officer there."
In response to a Stomp query, the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said that it was alerted to a vehicle fire at around 11.30pm.
"The fire was extinguished by an Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) officer prior to SCDF's arrival.
"There were no reported injuries.
"The cause of the fire is under investigation."
Car catches fire near Seletar Aerospace Way
Truck's tyres catch fire along PIE
Car catches fire at Serangoon North Avenue 1 carpark
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raising awareness of the consequences of prohibition
Home » In the Trenches
by dguard, November 03, 2010, 12:00pm
Fundraising Appeal
Marijuana Policy
Yesterday voters turned out across the nation to vote on a number of marijuana-related initiatives, including four major statewide initiatives. Here are the results:
Arizona: Proposition 203, which would bring a working medical marijuana law to the state, is too-close-to-call at the moment, as tens, if not hundreds, of thousands of additional ballots remain to be counted. MPP will continue to closely monitor the outcome of this proposition over the coming days.
California: Proposition 19, which would have made the personal possession and cultivation of marijuana legal and would have allowed regulated distribution systems on the local level, did not pass. It did, however, receive a very respectable 46 percent of the vote.
South Dakota: Measure 13, which would have protected seriously ill South Dakota residents from arrest and prosecution for using medical marijuana with their doctor’s recommendation, was ultimately rejected by voters.
Oregon: Measure 74, which would have established oversight and licensing requirements for medical marijuana dispensaries in Oregon, was also defeated by the voters yesterday. This loss, however, does not in any way affect Oregon's existing medical marijuana law.
On a positive note, two gubernatorial candidates with good positions on marijuana policy reform won their respective elections. Peter Shumlin in Vermont and Dan Malloy in Connecticut both have positive outlooks on marijuana decriminalization, giving those states a leg-up when it comes to passing positive marijuana-related laws in the next several years. Incidentally, Shumlin also supports dispensaries, which are not currently a part of Vermont's medical marijuana law.
Finally, here are the results of some significant local marijuana-related initiatives across the country:
California: Two of two dispensary bans were defeated in California local elections. Additionally, Kamala Harris is currently maintaining a slim margin of victory over drug-warrior Steve Cooley in the California race for attorney general race.
Massachusetts: Nine of nine public policy questions asking legislatures to vote in favor of taxing and regulating marijuana like alcohol passed. Nine of nine public policy questions asking legislatures to vote in favor of medical marijuana legislation passed.
Colorado: In 42 cities and counties in the state, voters were asked whether medical marijuana dispensaries should be allowed in their locality. Citizens in eight of these regions voted to allow the dispensaries.
Wisconsin:Two of two referenda asking the Wisconsin legislature to enact medical marijuana legislation passed.
We've all seen the election results by now, and while some may feel disappointed, I believe now is the time for us to look ahead. 2012 is closer than it seems, and with marijuana-related issues now firmly entrenched in the national consciousness we have an opportunity to forge ahead and make 2012 the most successful year we've ever experienced. But we can't do it alone.
Of the nearly 100,000 people who will receive this email today, less than 6,000 have donated to MPP's work so far this year. If you and the other 94,000 people who have not yet donated each gave just $10 to MPP today, we would generate nearly $1,000,000. That's money that we can put directly toward ending marijuana prohibition sooner, rather than later.
Ending marijuana prohibition is a matter of 'when,' not 'if' and every dollar you donate helps bring that 'when' closer to today.
Rob Kampia
Help us meet our mission
Raised in ’10:$2,706,258
Goal in ’10: $3,400,000
MPP will be able to tackle all of the projects in our 2010 strategic plan if you help us meet this challenge.
To contact MPP, please click here or reply to this e-mail. Our mailing address is Marijuana Policy Project, 236 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20002. Any donations you make to MPP may be used for political purposes, such as supporting or opposing candidates for federal office.
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Trending Topics: Stay out of NHL fighting, Ralph Nader
Ryan Lambert
Puck Daddy February 10, 2012, 4:44 PM UTC
Trending Topics is a column that looks at the week in hockey, occasionally according to Twitter. If you're only going to comment to say how stupid Twitter is, why not just go have a good cry for the slow, sad death of your dear internet instead?
You might remember Ralph Nader as the crusader who a million years ago wrote "Unsafe at Any Speed" and made it so cars had seatbelts and all those things. But you probably remember him as the joke third party candidate who everyone made fun of.
Now Nader has set his sights on concussions in sports and wouldn't you just know what he thinks is the leading cause?
It's fighting.
Because of course it is.
He also said that the NHL should ban all shots to the head outright, which is a more legitimate concern to express, but heck if that open letter doesn't say "Yeaheliminateallheadshotsorwhatever but seriously FIGHTING IS SO BAD."
Not liking fighting for what it represents within the sport is all well and good. Certainly, seeing two guys slug each other for between 30 and 60 seconds, which provides what may or may not be nebulous score effects within a single game, appeals to the baser instincts of the audience and, if you think about it, seems a little outmoded.
It's a perfectly valid opinion. It's a wrong one, but as Tim Thomas knows, you're entitled to have it as a Free Citizen. But saying that fighting is directly related to the number of concussions in the NHL these days, as Nader does, is obviously and very plainly stupid.
Reading his open letter to Gary Bettman, you can tell Nader hasn't watched too much hockey in, say, the last several decades. After conceding there is no evidence directly connecting fighting to brain injuries — the kind of missing link that makes the Intelligent Design crowd salivate — he says, "[r]epeated head trauma has shortened the careers of Pat LaFontaine, Eric Lindros, and Keith Primeau. Currently, concussions are threatening the careers of Pittsburgh Penguins' superstar Sidney Crosby and the Philadelphia Flyers' Chris Pronger."
First thing's first: How many of those guys got concussions from fighting? Primeau maybe? He also got popped more than a few times in open ice during his career.
Nope, highlights of those players getting their blocks knocked off don't come from them getting popped by some cementheaded goon in a fight, but rather from coming across the blue line with his head down (LaFontaine, Lindros), admiring the play or getting run from behind or inadvertently catching a flying elbow (Crosby) or something more nebulous that could have been one or more of several incidents (Pronger).
It is, second of all, a bit hyperbolic to say concussions are threatening Crosby's career because of how uncertain everything is. But let's just let that go by to get to the real issue with Nader's idiotic letter.
"Three enforcers, Derek Boogard, Rick Rypien, and Wade Belak, whose primary job was to protect teammates by throwing fists at the heads of opponents, have died in the past year. It's certainly possible the brain trauma they received on the ice from their fellow combatants played a significant role in their deaths."
And that's where he loses any credibility he might have had as a guy who successfully made the roads safer for tens of millions of people worldwide. An admittedly horrific string of tragic events, the causes for which are disparate, cannot be tied directly to fighting except by the most ghoulish of agenda-pushers which, incidentally, is what Nader is.
His letter is also fraught with inaccuracies, only one of which he's bothered to correct after the fact, because he doesn't actually care about the sport or its participants. The point of this -- as it is with all busybody armchair advocates, like those who want dirty words and sexy ladies banned from television -- is, "Won't someone please think of the children."
The kind of fainting alarm expressed here has literally nothing to do with concussions in the NHL.
It has to do with kids getting concussions, which we can all agree is a pretty awful thing. But Nader draws a line between guys like Deryk Engelland and Paul Bissonnette (adults who aren't exactly surprised to find an angry 220-pound thug trying to punch them during one of their six shifts a night, getting paid handsomely to hit people in the face a dozen times a year and who, by the way, are not long for this league just due to the natural progression of the sport) to fights in junior hockey and youth hockey.
I don't have the exact figures in front of me, but I know enough about the sport to guess that the number of youth hockey leagues in the U.S. and Canada that allow fighting currently stands at zero and will do so forever.
So at the end of the day, this isn't an NHL issue, it's a junior hockey issue. Kids that are 16, 17, 18 years old absolutely shouldn't be allowed to fight each other in any setting. You'd probably be hard-pressed to track down someone who thinks they should. And if you can, you'll probably also find that they tend to breathe through their mouths. As he notes in his letter, the NCAA, IIHF, and even the OHL, all have complete or limited bans on fighting.
But no one cares if Ralph Nader writes a letter to the presidents of the OHL, QMJHL, WHL, OPJHL, AJHL, MJHL, BCHL, USHL, EJHL, and NAHL, among others. Because unless you really like junior hockey, you've never heard of any of them.
He wrote the letter to Gary Bettman because he wanted to get publicity for whatever harebrained garbage he cooks up next in his losing battle with irrelevance.
And I guess he did. So congratulations.
Jim Rutherford is ruining it for everyone
On Thursday afternoon, Pierre LeBrun tweeted that Hurricanes GM Jim Rutherford spoke with Tuomo Ruutu, and decided that instead of trading him closer to the deadline like everyone thought would happen since the 'Canes stink and show few signs of improving, he would instead try to re-sign him.
So cross another one off the list.
I'm not sure if Rutherford knows how being a GM of a bad-and-going-nowhere team at the deadline goes (and he really should, given all the practice he gets) but usually they try to offload the mid-level, older, pending unrestricted free agents to other teams for picks and prospects. And, knowing Jim Rutherford, he'll dramatically overpay for Ruutu's services in both money and term. And maybe this is just him trying to drive up the price on his winger, but I'm disinclined, based on the Tim Gleason contract, to believe Rutherford thinks about his organization in those terms.
Remember, Ruutu and Gleason were getting hyped as The Guys who were going to make big splashes at the deadline and they're probably both going to be signed instead.
If things keep going on this way, this is going to be one boring-ass trade deadline, just like it was the last two years. But I guess at the same time, any trade deadline where Tim Gleason and Tuomo Ruttu were going to be the big gets couldn't have been very good to begin with.
Pearls of Biz-dom
We all know that there isn't a better Twitter account out there than that of Paul Bissonnette. So why not find his best bit of advice on love, life and lappers from the last week?
BizNasty on exciting sports moments: "If you ever have a spare hour of time on your hands, try watching the last 2 minutes of an NBA basketball game."
If you've got something for Trending Topics, holla at Lambert on Twitter or via e-mail. He'll even credit you so you get a thousand followers in one day and you'll become the most popular person on the Internet! You can also visit his blog if you're so inclined.
Related NHL content from Yahoo! Sports:
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