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Issue 304 1 February 2017
Three Board donor constituencies call on the Global Fund to review the role of CCMs
Country coordinating mechanisms need to be consulted, supported, strengthened and empowered, according to three donor constituencies on the Global Fund Board. The constituencies have released a position paper calling for a review of the role of CCMs.
2. ANNOUNCEMENT
“New” editor for GFO
Aidspan has announced that David Garmaise is returning as editor of Global Fund Observer.
3. ANALYSIS
Global Fund steps up investments in women and girls
In sub-Saharan Africa, there are about 8,600 new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women every week. The Global Fund’s new Strategy for 2017-2022 places increased emphasis on reaching this group, including measuring HIV incidence among women aged 15-24 as a key performance indicator. To achieve its objectives, an additional $55 million on top of country allocations is earmarked for the scale-up of HIV prevention among AGYW in the 2017-2019 funding cycle.
Number of people receiving ART through programs supported by the Global Fund reaches 10 million
Programs supported by The Global Fund added another 787,000 people on antiretroviral treatment in the first half of 2016, bringing cumulative results to 10 million. During that same period, the number of smear-positive TB cases detected and treated increased by 1.4 million (cumulative total: 15.6 million); and the number of mosquito nets distributed rose by 54 million (cumulative total: 713 million). In a comment, Aidspan says that it difficult to know how much of the increase in numbers of people receiving services is due to better counting.
EECA allocation letters promote investment in RSSH
The Global Fund has used the letters informing countries of their allocations to push for more investment in resilient and sustainable systems for health in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. We provide information on the content of the letters.
Significant improvement required in grant management in high-risk countries: OIG
In recent years, the Global Fund has implemented additional measures to manage grants in 47 high-risk countries. A recent audit by the Office of the Inspector General has found that these measures need significant improvement.
OIG audit of grants to Côte d’Ivoire shows mixed results
Grant implementation arrangements for Global Fund grants to Côte d’Ivoire were “partially effective,” the Office of the Inspector General said as a result of an audit conducted in 2016. The OIG rated supply chain controls and assurance mechanisms one rung lower, at “needing significant improvement.”
OIG audit finds that treasury management at the Global Fund is generally in good shape
The Office of the Inspector General says that the governance, risk management practices and internal controls related to treasury management are adequately designed and generally well implemented. However, some improvements are required.
Implementation of integrity due diligence remains fragmented: OIG
The Global Fund is continuing to strengthen its anti-corruption framework and, within that, has launched an integrity due diligence initiative. An advisory review by the Office of the Inspector General reveals that the implementation of IDD remains fragmented. In this article, we provide a brief summary of the OIG’s findings. We also explain what IDD is.
10. ANNOUNCEMENT
Resources for applicants posted on Global Fund website
This article provides an overview of the resources related to applying for funding available on the Global Fund’s website.
Mid-2016 results reported
In the first half of 2016, through programs supported by the Global Fund, another 787,000 people were put on antiretroviral treatment (ART) for HIV, bringing the total to date to 10 million, a 9% increase over end-2015 results and a 17% increase over the number a year ago. Three countries account for 77% of the increase from six months ago: Kenya (52%), Tanzania (16%) and Mozambique (9%). The full national result from Kenya is now included in Global Fund reporting; previously, the Global Fund captured only 50% of the national results.
In that same period, the number of smear-positive TB cases detected and treated increased by 1.4 million, bring the cumulative total to 15.6 million, a 9% increase over end-2015 results and a 15% increase over the numbers a year ago. Two high-impact Asia countries – India and Bangladesh – account for 56% of the overall increase from six months ago.
Also in the first half of 2016, about 54 million mosquito nets were distributed, bringing the total to date to 713 million, an increase of 8% over end-2015 results and a 19% increase over the numbers a year ago. The greatest number of nets were distributed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Sénégal. Together, they accounted for about 75% of the increase from June 2015.
Additional results are provided in the Global Fund’s Results Factsheet dated 17 January 2017.
AIDSPAN COMMENT
It is difficult to know from the Results Factsheet how much of the increase in numbers of people receiving services represents real growth in impact and how much is the result of better counting. For example, as reported above, 77% of the increase in people receiving ART came from just three countries – one of them Kenya where the Fund is now capturing 100% of the numbers instead of just 50% previously. To its credit, the Global Fund is quite open about the reason for the increase in people receiving ART. But how much of the other increases reported in the factsheet (e.g. people treated for MDR-TB up 25% in six months) is due to better counting? The Fund relies on national reporting, so we don’t underestimate the challenges in obtaining an accurate picture of impact.
smear-positive TB cases
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North Korea Test Launches Missile
— Jennifer Hlad8/4/2016
North Korea on Wednesday launched another ballistic missile, the first to land in or near waters controlled by Japan. The medium-range missile flew about 620 miles, making it the longest North Korean launch so far, The Associated Press reported. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said the launch was a “serious threat” to his country and called it an “unforgivable act of violence.” US Strategic Command said it had detected two missiles, but one exploded almost immediately. South Korea’s Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff said North Korea’s actions showed the country’s desire to “directly and broadly attack” neighboring countries.
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More on KC-Y and KC-Z
—John A. Tirpak9/22/2016
Although Air Mobility Command chief Gen. Carlton Everhart seems convinced that the tanker recapitalization program should be more KC-46s and a new, stealthy “KC-Z,” those are ideas that will have to be explored, Air Force acquisition chief Darlene Costello told reporters at ASC16. A fleet of 179 KC-46s is “approved and that’s our baseline program,” she said, adding, “certainly we can consider buying more, but there would have to be quite a bit of discussion” about expanding the program. “We believe we have a good product” in the KC-46, but it currently faces “some schedule issues” If it “proves to be...what we expect, we may want to buy more.” Costello’s deputy, Lt. Gen. Arnold Bunch, said “I don’t see that we’d have to do a whole lot” of programmatic wrangling “to buy more.” As for the KC-Z, Bunch said that idea “would be further out” and may have to go through the kind of “experimentation campaigns (and) developmental planning” that went into the Air Superiority 2030 study. “Those are all things we discuss in ‘planning choices’,” which is the pre-budget financial assessment of the Air Force program.
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INEC says They Won’t Postpone 2015 Polls
by Admin / 4 years ago / Nation
In what looks to be a response to founder of Later Rain Assembly Pastor Tunde Bakare last week’s Sunday call, that the 2015 general elections be put on hold for six months due to current security situation in the country, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Tuesday, said it would not postpone the elections.
Also the Inspector General of Police, Sulieman Abba, warned politicians in the country against heating up the polity through their negative utterances, saying the police under his leadership would not hesitate to deal with political actors who flout the electoral rules as stipulated in the Electoral Act. He said nobody was above the law.
INEC, gave assurance of going ahead with the elections, and also said that funding was not a problem in conducting the polls.
Dr Ishmaeal Igbani, Chairman, INEC Electoral Training Institute, spoke on behalf of the commission, and said INEC was fully ready to conduct the 2015 elections, just as he said the commission was comfortable with the fund it has at its disposal at the moment.
”Anytime there is election in Nigeria, there is always some form of tension. I have been around for a while, I don’t think it is something new. I don’t think people should be afraid. But it is also essential that we get ready just in case.
“It is also very important that we have peaceful elections, it is also important that voters come out to vote without fear. It is also important that the personnel who will work for us and the environment itself is peaceful and for it to be peaceful, it is important for the security agencies to be alert and ensure that they do what they are supposed to do,” he said.
Previous: Shell To Pay $83 million To Settle Niger Delta Oil Spill Next: Liverpool Waited Until November To Offer Steven Gerrard A New Contract
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‘Stereotypically You’ is Not a “Paint-by-Numbers Rom-Com”
February 22, 2016 • Category: BrainDead, Grease: Live, Stereotypically You 1
While we wait for a release date for Stereotypically You, we can at least read Aaron Tveit’s thoughts on the upcoming romantic-comedy he stars in. Talking to Collider, he addresses what drew him to the role and why it isn’t like other rom-coms, including showing the process of love and discovery from a man’s perspective.
Although this interview primarily focuses on Stereotypically You, there’s also some chatter about Aaron’s new CBS show, “BrainDead,” as well as the incredibly successful presentation of Fox’s “Grease: Live.” Read an excerpt below before heading to the source for more.
This is not the kind of romantic comedy where everything is wrapped up neatly with a bow. Was that also appealing to you?
TVEIT: Yeah, and I think that’s something Ben also really wanted to convey. Even though the film goes out of reality, the real reality of the movie is realistic. Things don’t always tie up in a nice bow. Even when you make strides with people and relationships, it’s complicated. Life doesn’t move in a linear fashion. Life makes lefts and rights, and it doubles back. What I also really liked about Ben’s script is that Charlie is okay, but he’s not riding off into the sunset with a new girl, which is another way that it doesn’t fall into cliche.
SOURCE: Collider
“The Morning Show” (February 2016)
February 10, 2016 • Category: Articles & Interviews, Grease: Live, Public Appearances, Stage Work 0
G’day! Aaron Tveit is currently in Australia and in the midst of rehearsals for his upcoming concert series honoring Stephen Schwartz, Defying Gravity. While there, he’s squeezing in some promo, including a stop at “The Morning Show.” You can watch the video above, in which he mentions Defying Gravity and chats a bit more about the “Grease: Live” experience. He also plays a “game” called Co-star Connotations, in which he gives quick thoughts about several actors he’s worked with, like Australia’s own Hugh Jackman.
As a bonus, Aaron also talked to Alan Jones on his Breakfast Show, which you can listen to here.
Access Hollywood Live (February 2016)
February 5, 2016 • Category: Articles & Interviews, BrainDead, Grease: Live, Stereotypically You 5
Just because “Grease: Live” is over doesn’t mean the media is done talking about the critically acclaimed television event. Earlier today, Aaron Tveit appeared on Access Hollywood Live to give more deets on the ambitious production — like the pressure of costume changes (particularly just before and during “Those Magic Changes”) and how they rehearsed a potentially different opening just fifteen minutes before showtime because of the testy weather.
In the second half of the interview – which you can view by continuing below – they discuss Stereotypically You and a little bit of Aaron’s upcoming CBS comic-thriller, “BrainDead.”
KTLA (February 2016)
February 5, 2016 • Category: Articles & Interviews, Grease: Live, Stereotypically You 1
Yesterday morning, Aaron Tveit appeared on KTLA to talk about “Grease: Live” now that the pressure of the live show is over. He shares some previously unknown details about the production – including having as many as 15-20 stage managers – and reveals that he headed to In-N-Out for burgers and fries once the show wrapped. There’s a brief mention of Stereotypically You at the end (which has its world premiere at the Santa Barbara Film Festival tomorrow), but the interview primarily focuses on the tremendous feat that was “Grease: Live.”
Going on a Date with Aaron Tveit
February 5, 2016 • Category: Articles & Interviews, Grease: Live 4
Ever wonder what it’d be like to go on a date with Aaron Tveit? Well, Glamour magazine took care of it for you by sending one of their reporters to the Frosty Palace with Aaron. There, they took their time – over plastic milkshakes and fries – to talk about “Grease: Live,” sports, and even some relationship advice. And, yes, Aaron answers the question on so many minds: he is, in fact, single. Read the excerpt below for a taste of the interview, then head to the source for the full piece:
Glamour: Of all the characters you’ve played, which one is closest to your personality?
Aaron: That’s so interesting. It’s different times in your life, you know? It’s so hard to say. All of them have different aspects of my personality. I think [Catch Me If You Can‘s] Frank Abagnale Jr. is the closest, without the con-man part. [laughs] He’s the guy I hope to still be. I think it’s similar to how I was younger: wide-eyed and optimistic. I’m a very positive person, and I always find the good in things and work really hard.
SOURCE: GLAMOUR
Returning to Musicals in “Grease: Live”
February 4, 2016 • Category: Articles & Interviews, Grease: Live, Stage Work, Television News 2
In a recent interview with Nylon, Aaron Tveit spoke about his then-upcoming role of Danny Zuko in Fox’s “Grease: Live.” There’s a great conversation happening throughout, including him finding the balance between working on television and his ongoing love for musicals. In fact, there’s quite a discussion of musicals throughout, including which “muscles” he uses when performing and what his worst stage experience was (a story he had previously never shared). Check out the excerpt below – and new pics in the gallery – before heading to the source for the full interview.
This project is a perfect symbiosis of the two things that you’ve been doing throughout your life, which is musicals on stage and acting in front of the camera. What’s that been like?
It’s amazing. It’s a very similar feeling that I had when all the Les Mis stuff came together, because at that time, I had been working on stage and working on television and doing some films and that kind of felt like a perfect storm of all of them combined. When I was starting out in film and television, I wanted to have a lot of the work that I did initially not necessarily have to do with musicals. I didn’t want just to be known as a musical guy. Now returning to it, I want to embrace it, because I haven’t done musicals on stage in New York since 2011, so to kind of be back doing this now, I’m kind of falling in love with it again.
SOURCE: NYLON
The “Emotional Rollercoaster” from “Graceland” to “BrainDead”
February 4, 2016 • Category: Articles & Interviews, BrainDead, Graceland, Grease: Live, Television News 0
From the cancellation of “Graceland” to the immediate casting in CBS’ “BrainDead,” Aaron Tveit has experienced an “emotional rollercoaster” in recent months, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter. Although this new-ish interview was released before “Grease: Live” (and consequently talks about the then-upcoming live telecast), it delves pretty thoroughly into Aaron’s other television-based work.
After the abrupt cancellation of USA’s “Graceland” last year, fans were left in the dark as to what a possible fourth season might entail. Aaron finally gives some insight on what the writers were planning, which included searching for Jakes. Additionally, we learn some more about the upcoming comic-thriller Aaron will be starring in – “BrainDead” – and what attracted him to the role in the first place. “He’s not a kid,” he said of his character, Gareth. “This is a young man who’s already in his prime so I’m excited to do that.”
Read an excerpt of the interview below before heading to the source for the full piece:
You have a big year coming up with “BrainDead,” which you signed up for right after “Graceland” was canceled. What was that time like between gigs?
It was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster because I did “The Good Wife” years ago; so they had called saying that they were interested in me and sent me the “BrainDead” script, and I loved it. But at that time, we were fairly confident that “Graceland” was going to get picked up and we thought the pick-up was imminent so I said I was unavailable. They saw some people and then they came back about a month later and it just worked out. We literally thought “Graceland” was going to get picked up any day, but I told them, I’m going to come in anyway. They knew full and well that “Graceland” might get picked up and then, the day that “Graceland” got canceled is when I was in the room with them; so it was just one of those things that there just seemed to be something else looking out, and it just seemed meant to be in the way it all worked out.
SOURCE: THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER
“Grease: Live” Gets Ready
January 25, 2016 • Category: Articles & Interviews, Grease: Live, Television News 0
There are two new articles pertaining to “Grease: Live” that talk about preparing for the groundbreaking production, set to air live on Fox on various sound stages (with live audience). There are various quotes from cast and crew in the articles – by Los Angeles Times and New York Times – that further gives insight into this ambitious project. Check out excerpts below before heading to the sources for the full article:
The elaborate NBC renderings rotated scenes on one New York soundstage; the Fox affair is even more ambitious. The production will unfold over two soundstages housing a number of sets on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank. Production will also take place on Midwest Street — i.e., a backlot that they’ll use for exterior scenes of Rydell High and the carnival grounds.
“Ask me after it’s all over if I think the multiple soundstages was a good idea,” joked stage director Thomas Kail, known most recently for his celebrated stage work with Lin-Manuel Miranda in the smash Hamilton. “I wanted it to feel vibrant and vital the way the film did,” he said. “I wanted locations that felt like real places that could ground us so when we lift off and go to the fantasy of ‘Greased Lightnin” or the Teen Angel arrives, you have something to depart from.”
SOURCE: LOS ANGELES TIMES
“We have affection for the movie and the stage play just as much as everybody else,” [Thomas] Kail said. “But it’s not about trying to redo those. It’s trying to capture the spirit.” …
[Aaron] Tveit, who is a bit more James Dean than John Travolta, said that he had a difficult time breaking free of the movie. “I had to say my lines out loud over and over for, like, two weeks before I got Travolta’s voice out of my head,” he said. “Tommy really helped,” Mr. Tveit continued. “He has this way of telling you what he wants without making you feel like your original choice was wrong. For actors, that’s everything.”
“Grease: Live” Promo Video Master Post
January 25, 2016 • Category: Articles & Interviews, Grease: Live 1
With so many promo videos for “Grease: Live” circling around, it can get a little intimidating keeping up! There’s also so many that site updates would be seemingly endless. Because of that, I’ve decided to create a “master post” featuring all the shorter videos that otherwise might get lost in the news shuffle.
Here, you’ll find videos that often feature Aaron Tveit in small interviews or as a soundbite. The newest videos will always be at the top, so keep checking back in (and following ATN on Twitter, where I’m constantly [re-]tweeting the latest as they’re released). To continue, click below:
“Grease: Live” Rehearsals Have Begun Trailer
January 18, 2016 • Category: Grease: Live, Television News 0
If you haven’t yet checked out any “Grease: Live” promos (what are you waiting for?), then you definitely need to give the latest promo video a watch. Here’s your main incentive: at the start, we have a vocal tease of Aaron Tveit-as-Danny. Footage from the extensive rehearsals is shown, including new shots of the cast, as well as a clip of Jessie J singing “Grease (Is The Word).” “Grease: Live” airs on Fox Sunday, January 31st at 7PM EST.
Aaron Tveit will soon star as Christian
in Moulin Rouge! on Broadway.
Purchase tickets here
Wed, May 29th: Webster Hall (New York, NY)
Moulin Rouge! | CHRISTIAN
Previews start June 28, 2019.
Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza. A theatrical celebration of truth, beauty, freedom and -- above all -- love, Moulin Rouge! is more than a musical; it is a state of mind.
Information Official Site
"The Code" (CBS) | MATT DOBBINS
Aired April 29, 2019.
S1E04: When a dying Marine confesses his involvement in covering up the murder of an Iraqi civilian more than a decade ago, Abe and Trey are assigned to prosecute the accused killer - a sitting U.S. congressman. Also, Maya helps her brother prepare for his state senate race.
Information Official Site Photos
"The Good Fight" (CBS) | SPENCER ZSCHAU
Aired March 28, 2019.
S3E03: Diane meets the leader of a female resistance group whose aim is to sink POTUS' approval rating; Maia and Blum's plan for a plea deal goes awry; Lucca receives a surprising new divorce referral.
Out Of Blue | TONY SILVERO
Available on VOD.
When homicide detective Mike Hoolihan is called to investigate the murder of a leading astrophysicist in New Orleans, she is confronted by a mystery that begins to affect her in ways she had never expected.
The Radio In My Head
Mixing Broadway with pop, childhood favorites with contemporary sounds, and superstar vocals with charismatic good looks, Aaron Tveit’s cabaret debut was for six special, sold out performances. The Radio In My Head: Live at 54 Below beautifully captures the masterful singer in his first solo album.
Purchase at the following online retailers:
AaronTveit.net
AaronTveit.net (ATN) is the official website for Aaron Tveit, proudly providing exclusives, breaking news, and the latest photos since 2011. It is owned and operated by the founder/webmaster, Kristina; messages sent to her will not be forwarded to Aaron nor his management. This is a non-profit website. All content belongs to their respective owners and is credited when possible. Please contact ATN if you have any questions, comments, or concerns. Read the site's full disclaimer for more information.
© 2011-2019 AaronTveit.net · Design by Sweet Revelation · Hosted by Stars.bz · Privacy Policy · DMCA
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High level meeting to tackle SME financing in ACP countries
Brussels, 12 October 2011: Top executives from regional banks, economic communities and financial and industrial holdings in the ACP region will gather in Brussels this Thursday for the Second High Level Workshop on Enhancing Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) financing in ACP countries.
Tags: News articles
SPEECH: Secretary General's opening remarks at the 2nd SEDT Open Day (Climate Change and Sustainable Economic Development in ACP countries), 11 October 2011
Chair of the ACP Group Committee of Ambassadors,
Representatives of the European Commission,
Invited Guests,
Tags: SG speeches
ACP Group commends Nobel Peace Prize winners
Brussels, 10 October 2011: The ACP Group continues to celebrate the achievements of three women jointly awarded the Noble Peace Prize on Friday, including two Africans.
ACP countries stand to gain from IUCN partnerships
Brussels, 10 October 2011: A meeting of between the ACP Secretary General Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas and regional heads of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) last week underlined the importance of environmental protection to sustainable development programmes in African, Caribbean and Pacific countries.
PRESS RELEASE: ACP Open Day to highlight climate change and economic development
PRESS RELEASE, 6 October 2011: The Second Open Day of the Sustainable Economic Development and Trade Department (SEDT) is scheduled for Tuesday 11 October at the ACP House in Brussels.
The one-day event aims to bring together African, Caribbean and Pacific embassies and regional organizations, along with leaders of various Programme Management Units and facilities to exchange information on ways to improve access to these facilities, including funding opportunities.
SPEECH: Statement by ACP Secretary General at the 25th Session of the ACP Parliamentary Assembly
Brussels, 4 October 2011
Hon. Members,
Your Excellencies Ambassadors of ACP States,
Belgian Chief of Protocol revives relations with ACP
Brussels, 1 October 2011: The Chief of Protocol from the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, External Trade and Development Cooperation paid a special visit to the Committee of Ambassadors last week to bolster relations with representatives of the ACP family of nations.
Mr Pierre Labouverie, who has a long history of ambassadorship in various ACP countries, led the visiting delegation, accompanied by Deputy Chiefs of Protocol Mr Christian Van den Hove and Adviser to Embassies Mr Carl Peeters.
Secretary General joins board of peace-building group International Alert
Brussels, 1 October 2011: In progressing ACP’s outreach to civil society forums, Secretary General Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas has joined the board of trustees of International Alert (Alert), one of the world’s largest peace building organizations.
ACP family mourns loss of three international icons
Brussels, 30 September 2011: The ACP Group regrets the loss of two distinguished statesmen and one Nobel laureate from its family of nations who all passed away within days of each other last month.
National hero and former Prime Minister of Belize, Rt. Hon. George Price passed away 19 September at age 92. Rt Hon. Price is considered the founding father of Belize, having led the nation to independence from Britain three decades ago in September 1981. He served as Belize’s first Prime Minister from 1981-1984 and again in 1989-1993.
ACP applauds Miss Angola/ Miss Universe
Brussels, 30 September 2011: Ambassadors of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States welcomed the recent victory 25-year-old Angolan Laila Lopes, who won the Miss Universe crown in Sao Paulo, Brazil on 12 September.
Miss Lopes beat out contestants from nearly 90 countries to take the coveted title at the pageant’s 60th anniversary.
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...Inspiring Minds
Gym Rat
Hearty Affairs
The Pumpkin
5 lesser known comedies of Bollywood!
by Guncha Khanna
Written by Guncha Khanna
We all know about Golmaal and Andaz Apna Apna as some classic comedies of Bollywood of all times. However, there were some movies that couldn’t do extremely well at the box office but were as good as any other class comedy. Since summer vacations are still going on, we thought why not give you a list of some lesser known comedies of Bollywood, some old – some new, that one must watch.
Do Dooni Chaar
Do Dooni Chaar is a 2010 Indian Hindi comedy-drama film produced by Arindam Chaudhuri, directed by Habib Faisal, and stars Rishi Kapoor, Neetu Singh, Aditi Vasudev and Archit Krishna in the lead roles. The film is about a middle-class school teacher who tries to keep his wife and children happy in inflationary times and dreams of buying a car. Quite funny and interesting.
Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana
Luv Shuv Tey Chicken Khurana is a 2012 Indian comedy film produced by Ronnie Screwvala, Siddharth Roy Kapur and Anurag Kashyap and directed by Sameer Sharma. The story revolves around Omi, who after deceiving a gangster in London, flees to India. When he finds out that his family’s old restaurant is in a crisis, he decides to rediscover a secret recipe that will change their fortunes. It’s funny how a simple recipe is the whole plot of the movie.
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro
Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro is a 1983 Hindi comedy film directed by Kundan Shah. It is a dark satire on the rampant corruption in Indian politics, bureaucracy, news media and business, and stars an ensemble cast that includes the likes of Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Baswani, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapur, Satish Shah, Satish Kaushik, Bhakti Barve and Neena Gupta. Ask your mom, and she would definitely know.
Chashme Buddoor
Chashme Buddoor is a 1981 romantic comedy buddy film starring Farooq Shaikh, Deepti Naval, Rakesh Bedi, Ravi Baswani and Saeed Jaffrey. The story revolves around two womanisers who are surprised when their nerdy friend wins a beautiful girl’s heart. They then set into motion a wild and devious plot to break the lovebirds apart. A different and interesting story.
Rafoo Chakkar
Rafoo Chakkar is a 1975 Indian Hindi movie produced by Nadiadwala and directed by Narender Bedi. The movie was inspired by the American film Some Like It Hot. Even though it was a hit, it’s not really known much in today’s Bollywood world.
These are definitely not all of them. Do let us know in the comments section below of comedies that you have watched and loved! Happy reading!
bollywood comedy funny movies
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5 AWESOME PLACES IN DELHI EVERY BOOK LOVER MUST VISIT
Guncha Khanna
Currently studying English literature at KMC,University of Delhi. Reading, writing and painting give me immense pleasure. And I hope to make people think, laugh and enjoy with my writing skills. Happy reading!
The Burning Tree
Top 7 Horror-Comedies Of All Time
He’s hot….but not after this!
Copyright © 2017. Created by An Inception.
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« Der Boxer, der nicht siegen durfte
Remembrance for 2009 Roma slayings »
Porrajmos — the persecution of the Roma and Sinti by the Nazis
in Fundstücke, Sonst in Europa, Geschichte des Antiziganismus und Beiträge auf Deutsch
The Roma and Sinti have their own term for their genocide at the hands of the Nazis. They call it the Baro Porrajmos which means the “Great Devouring.” The total number of Roma and Sinti (Gypsies) who were murdered in the Nazi death camps is still unknown. The US Holocaust Memorial Museum estimates that 220,000 were killed, but other sources put the total deaths at 500,000 or more than half the total number of Gypsies in all the countries of Europe.
After World War II ended, Germany gave compensation to the Jewish survivors, but compensation claims by the Gypsies were denied by the Germans in the 1950s on the grounds that the Gypsies had been persecuted under the Nazi regime because they were “asocial” or had broken the laws of the country, not because of racism. After a few years of protest by the Gypsies, compensation was finally given to the survivors.
In October 1999, I visited the Buchenwald Memorial Site near Weimar, Gemrany. I purchased the camp guidebook from the Buchenwald Museum.
The following quote is from the camp guidebook:
The racist persecution of the Sinti in Germany had already started under the cover of the Aktion Abreitsscheu Reich (i.e. during an action against “work-shy” people in Germany) carried out in 1938. Approximately 700 people called Burgenland Gypsies were deported to Buchenwald by way of the Dachau camp about one year later, i.e. in September 1939. They were put in Blocks 14 and 15. Many of them were driven to death in the quarry and in the excavation and stone-carrier parties. Hundreds of people belonging to the Romany Gypsies were provisionally put in Block 47 as the SS deported the survivors of the mass extermination of this people from the dissolved Auschwitz Gypsy Camp to the camps in Germany. Two hundred young Sinti and Romany Gypsies who were unfit for work were still sent back from Buchenwald into the gas chambers of Auschwitz in September 1944. Only a few survived among those who had to crush stones and dig tunnels in external working parties.
During the “work-shy action” in 1938, there were 4,500 vagrants and urban campers, who had no permanent address, rounded up and sent to concentration camps where they were forced to work against their will. There are no memorials at any of the former concentration camps for the “work-shy.” The persecution of the work-shy has been forgotten, except for the Gypsies who were sent to camps under this category.
Quelle: Scrapbookpages Blog
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Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves--temporarily unavailable (English/French)
Author: Ebenor Attard
Illustrator: Richard Holland
Country/Culture: Arab
Language: English, French
Description: A long time ago in Arabia, on a full night, Ali Baba noticed something very strange as he gathered firewood. A rumbling sound, like thunder, came not from the sky but from beneath the earth. Richard Holland's brilliant use of collage captures the essence of this classic tale. 32 pages.
SLM404W Dairy Cube Puzzle $19.99
M4112W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Hindi) $24.99
M4090W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/German) $24.99
M421XW Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Tamil) $24.99
M4139W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Kurdish) $24.99
M4201W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Spanish) $26.95
M4252W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Vietnamese) $26.95
M4023W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (Bengali/English) $24.99
M4120W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Italian) $24.99
M4104W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Gujarati) $24.99
M4171W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Russian) $24.99
M4147W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Punjabi) $24.99
M4198W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Somali) $26.95
M4244W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Urdu) $24.99
M4082W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves--temporarily unavailable (English/French) $24.99
M4007W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (Albanian/English) $24.99
M4074W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Farsi) $24.99
M4058W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (Chinese - Simplified Character/English) $26.95
M4163W Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves (English/Portuguese) $24.99
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Dimer Molecules Aid Study of Exoplanet Pressure, Hunt for Life
Source: University of Washington
Posted March 5, 2014 10:35 AM
Astronomers at the University of Washington have developed a new method of gauging the atmospheric pressure of exoplanets, or worlds beyond the solar system, by looking for a certain type of molecule.
And if there is life out in space, scientists may one day use this same technique to detect its biosignature -- the telltale chemical signs of its presence -- in the atmosphere of an alien world.
Understanding atmospheric pressure is key to knowing if conditions at the surface of a terrestrial, or rocky, exoplanet might allow liquid water, thus giving life a chance.
The method, devised by Amit Misra, a UW astronomy doctoral student, and co-authors, involves computer simulations of the chemistry of Earth's own atmosphere that isolate what are called "dimer molecules" -- pairs of molecules that tend to form at high pressures and densities in a planet's atmosphere. There are many types of dimer molecules but this research focused only on those of oxygen.
Misra is first author of the paper was published in the February issue of the journal Astrobiology.
The researchers ran simulations testing the spectrum of light in various wavelengths. Dimer molecules absorb light in a distinctive pattern, and the rate at which they form is sensitive to the pressure, or density, in the planet's atmosphere.
"So the idea is that if we were able to do this for another planet, we could look for this characteristic pattern of absorption from dimer molecules to identify them," Misra said. The presence of such molecules, he said, likely means the planet has at least one-quarter to one-third the pressure of Earth's atmosphere.
Powerful telescopes soon to come online, such as the James Webb Space Telescope, scheduled for launch in 2018, may enable astronomers to use this method on distant exoplanets. With such enhanced tools, Misra said, astronomers might detect dimer molecules in actual exoplanet atmospheres, leading to a clear understanding of the planet's atmosphere.
This research may also play a part in the greatest astronomical quest of all -- the ongoing search for life in the cosmos.
That's because the team realized along the way that oxygen dimer molecules are often more detectable in an atmosphere than other markers of oxygen. That's important from a biological standpoint, Misra said.
"It's tied to photosynthesis, and we have pretty good evidence that it's hard to get a lot of oxygen in an atmosphere unless you have algae or plants that are producing it at a regular rate.
"So if we find a good target planet, and you could detect these dimer molecules -- which might be possible within the next 10 to 15 years -- that would not only tell you something about pressure, but actually tell you that there's life on that planet."
Misra's UW co-author is Victoria Meadows, professor of astronomy; other co-authors are Mark Claire of Scotland's University of St. Andrews and Dave Crisp of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.
The research was performed through the UW-based Virtual Planetary Laboratory and funded by NASA (Grant NNH05ZDA001C), as well as a grant from Advancing Science in America, Seattle chapter.
For more information, contact Misra at 440-554-6514 or amit0@uw.edu.
TAGS: biosignatures, extrasolar
FILED UNDER: Astrochemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Extrasolar Planets, Habitable Zones & Global Climate
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Archived threads in /lit/ - Literature - 337. page
File: Tin House.jpg (26 KB, 388x500) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
I'm looking for recommendations of literary magazines with good short stories. Tin House is the only one I read right now. I'm hoping for more of the same caliber.
I know there are also great magazines of poetry and criticism, but I'm personally most interested in ones with strong fiction.
New Yorker, Tin House, McSweeney's. Everything else is second tier or lower.
"I just wrote my first short story and I think it's really good and want to know where to submit it."
>New Yorker
>McSweeney's
Please be joking.
File: 1388079502611.jpg (146 KB, 1920x809) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
Think we'll all still be speaking English in 500 years?
1000 years?
What about Latin? Or French? Chinese?
What's the future of the spoken and written word?
Who cares, honestly
Probably some fucked up version of English that replaces "er" with "a" and that sort of thing.
it a betta way tok!
There's no conceivable way to know, and even if there was: who cares?
Best literary podcasts 2016-06-06 19:31:24 Post No.8133085
Best literary podcasts Anonymous 2016-06-06 19:31:24 Post No. 8133085 [Report] [View thread]
Post em
Kulturkampf
https://www.soundcloud.com/tharru-635500471
Don't be a retard.
I was going to start this thread yesterday.
>A Prarie Home Companion
>Snap Judgement
>Radiolab
>The Moth
>TED
>This American Life
File: 1460471162594.jpg (3 MB, 1996x3530) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
So /lit/ is agreed that Epictetus was the greatest and most based of the philosophers, correct?
6 Replies / 2 Images View Thread
6 replies and 2 images submitted. Click here to view.
>'based'
Opinion discarded
I don't know about GOAT but definitely based
File: Banter.jpg (77 KB, 960x480) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
>a fucking STOIC
File: MahavishnuOrchestraInnerMountingFlamealbumcover.jpg (7 KB, 201x200) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
It's hard to force myself to read.
How do I read more lit?
File: better than dumas.jpg (148 KB, 417x700) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
Read shitty genre novels.
File: 11881884_984901394904145_1469700966_n.jpg (153 KB, 1080x1080) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
not wasting your time by listening to shitty jazz fusion would probably help
Are you posting her because she's meant to be attractive? Because she isn't
File: jeffmangum.jpg (494 KB, 600x496) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
Who is the Jeff Mangum of literature?
David foster Wallace. They're both memes
IGNORING meme status. I hate how internet culture tends to completely disregard heartfelt stuff and turn it into a joke. Even as I'm typing this I'm thinking of the million fucking threads about semen staining the mountain tops that happened a few years back
Philip Roth.
File: Mona_Lisa,_by_Leonardo_da_Vinci,_from_C2RMF_retouched.jpg (144 KB, 600x894) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
Don't forget, everybody! June is National Portrait Painting Month, NaPoPaMo for short! It doesn't matter if you've never painted a portrait before, just paint 21 square inches of portrait per day for one month. By the end of the month, you'll have a 630 square inch portrait. That's the same size as the Mona Lisa!
Are you implying that daily work isn't how craft is developed?
Are you implying that this post is sarcastic?
Cool, I'll paint Van Eyck's Adoration of The Mystic Lamb or maybe Van Der Goes' Portinari Altarpiece.
Yes I know that neither of those are portraits.
Was DFW redpilled on the JQ? Who are some writers who were?
Remind me of this mans name.
>doesn't know based Daniel Frederick Williams
I see you're not a patrician like I am
David Foster Walrus
Southern Reach Trilo
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Southern Reach Trilo 2016-06-06 18:33:44 Post No. 8132821 [Report] [View thread]
Did you read it? I liked it a lot. It's just like Lost but more creepy. And Vandermeer writes so well.
Should have ended at book 1. Was interesting though, glad I read it but wouldn't recommended to others.
I think book 1 works fantastic as a stand-alone novel. The 2nd book's narrative shift was too jarring for me to finish right after Annihilation. Is it worth coming back to?
the rest of the trilogy has some interesting bits in it, but it never reaches the quality of the first book. i would read the other two if you are interested in learning more about the history of the setting and getting some explanations for some of the weird stuff in the first book, but if you want a similar atmosphere or characters to the first book, you will probably be disappointed.
What is this meme trilogy everyone mentions? 2016-06-06 18:18:58 Post No.8132767
File: Ukulele Man by Henri Rousseau.jpg (48 KB, 400x320) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
What is this meme trilogy everyone mentions? Anonymous 2016-06-06 18:18:58 Post No. 8132767 [Report] [View thread]
What's in it? I'd like to know.
The Recognitions
The original meme trilogy is as follows. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
Infinite Jest
Below you'll find the real trilogy that we call " the meme trilogy", and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.
The Fault in Our Stars, Paper Towns, and Looking for Alaska
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Is there a point in reading poetry like this if it's been translated from a different language? Isn't that part of the point of the poem, is it's supposed to rhyme? Rimbaud sounds like a good place to start in poetry though. Ug.
Read it in French. What's the problem?
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>Isn't that part of the point of the poem, is it's supposed to rhyme?
you're funny.
File: NewsExtra_175533.jpg (90 KB, 488x720) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
Which philosophy argues against Absurdism?
Most of them
A lot of them
File: 2016-06-06-18-27-11--2142029317.jpg (5 KB, 88x144) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
Books like this ?
Just turn on any international news channel.
This + a clockwork orange
File: wrong.jpg (220 KB, 960x720) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
Has anyone every noticed the parallels between Ignatius from Confederacy of Dunces and Karl Marx?
Ignatius:
>doesn't work
>complains about his valve every day, to everyone
>fat
>slovenly
>leeches off his family and only friend, Myrna
>tries and fails to incite revolution
>despises everyone who hasn't entertained philosophy
this is good, I don't know marx's personal life, but I see it
>Marx
Nice meme.
>>Marx
>>doesn't work
>Nice meme.
File: riev6r.jpg (17 KB, 639x475) Image search: [iqdb] [SauceNao] [Google]
>he uses the Oxford comma in a sequence longer than three
Fight me, faggot.
>writing sequences longer than 3 in sentence form
Who gives a fuck about an Oxford comma?
But seriously, you're wrong.
>I have to go to the store for some eggs, milk, bread, cheese.
Sounds wrong.
>I have to go to the store for some eggs, milk, bread and cheese.
Sounds like bread-and-cheese is some sort of fucked up single item.
>I have to go to the store for some eggs, milk, bread, and cheese.
Ah perfect.
Faggot.
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Two Atlantises (L)
Two Atlantises have been proposed by some commentators in order to explain some of the difficulties in Plato’s text. While the concept has been adopted in principle, the locations chosen vary.
Lewis Spence was probably the first to suggest the idea, followed by D. Duvillé, while more recentlyJürgen Hepkehas followed suit. The Russian Atlantologist Vladimir Scherbakov has promoted the idea of one Atlantis in the Atlantic and a second one incorporating major cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. He believed that migrants from the Atlantic original had peopled the second one.
It is clear that Plato describes two Atlantises separated by both time and geography. One was the Stone Age culture, briefly referred to by Plato and the other was the Bronze Age society that he describes in much greater detail. This apparent contradiction is easily explained if we accept that the original Atlantis was preliterate and in common with all very ancient peoples their achievements would have been clouded by the mists of time before committed to writing. Not unreasonably, to make up for a lack of detail, Plato would have overlaid the oral tradition with the attributes of an advanced civilisation of his own era, something that his audience could identify with. Such a literary device would have been within the bounds of artistic licence at that period.
Pauwels & Bergier in their book, The Morning of the Magicians[910], also proposed two Atlantises, an earlier one at Tiwanaku in the Andes and a later one in the Atlantic destroyed by “waters from the north”, recorded as Noah’s Flood in the Bible!
Not content with two Atlantises, Diego Marin, Ivan Minella & Erik Schievenin went one further in 2013, when they proposed three Atlantises in their book The Three Ages of Atlantis[972].
Tagged Andes, Atlantis, Bronze Age, D. Duville, Jürgen Hepke, Lewis Spence, Marin Minella & Schievenin, Noah's Flood, Pauwels & Bergier, Plato, Tiwanaku, Two Atlantises, Vladimir Scherbakov
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Happy to be back
Psychiatrist Diana Smith, MD, works at Augusta Health Crossroads.
New inpatient psychiatrist joins Augusta Health
Joining Augusta Health in mid-February 2016, psychiatrist Diana Smith, MD, not only brings deep experience to her new position, but also plenty of enthusiasm.
“I’m genuinely excited to be working at Augusta Health,” she says. “The team here is excellent, and I’m really looking forward to getting to know this community better.”
A native of Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Smith did her medical residency at the University of Virginia. After residency, she worked for the Veterans Health Administration in Staunton and Charlottesville and then with active duty service members and families as a contractor for the U.S. Army in Wiesbaden, Germany. Though it was an honor to work with the military, she was eager to move back to central Virginia. “I admit, I miss some of the German food,” she says with a laugh. “But while I was there, I missed some of the food here, so it all balances out. Mostly, I love the people here, and I wanted to do something new.”
Dr. Smith specializes in inpatient psychiatry, which involves the diagnosis and treatment of those who are admitted to the hospital
with psychiatric issues, or who need psychiatric care while in the hospital for other conditions. The specialty is distinctive, she says, because it involves moving a patient rapidly toward stabilization and finding resources that patients need to remain stable. “With this type of treatment, you are addressing issues that need to be handled in a very short amount of time, and that means patients who are in crisis,” she says. “Being able to see improvement, and help them through it, is very rewarding.”
Although she loves her work, Dr. Smith didn’t set out to be a psychiatrist when she entered medical school and set her sights on being a surgeon instead. However, during her psychiatry rotation in medical school at The Medical University of South Carolina she got hooked.
“I realized that I was spending more time in the hospital than any other rotation and I was beyond excited to go into work every day and see my patients. I knew psychiatry was for me.”
In addition to bringing knowledge of her field to Augusta Health, Dr. Smith notes that she’s also able to draw on her understanding of resources available in the central Virginia area. By helping patients navigate what’s available, she feels she can be even more helpful to them.
“I’m passionate about what I do every day,” she says. “This is exactly why I fell in love with psychiatry, because it allows me to feel like I’m making a difference in people’s lives.”
When she’s not at Augusta Health, Dr. Smith and her husband enjoy getting to know the area, spoiling their two dogs and spending time with their families. She says, “We’re pretty happy to all be in the same time zone now.” 
Diana Smith, MD, works at Augusta Health Crossroads. To make an appointment, call (540) 332-4060 (Staunton) or (540) 932-4060 (Waynesboro).
A heartfelt welcome
Containing illnesses
The first face of Augusta Health
New niche
Spring harvest at AMI Farm at Augusta Health
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First dog park in a domestic violence shelter opens in NYC
By Bart / 5 years ago / News / No Comments
Urban Resource Institute and Purina unveil the Purina Play Haven and Dog Park
NEW YORK, New York – March 18, 2014 – Urban Resource Institute (URI) and Nestlé Purina PetCare (Purina) today hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate New York City’s first-ever dog park in a domestic violence shelter, called the Purina Play Haven and Dog Park. The event marks the official expansion of URIPALS—People and Animals Living Safely—which launched in June 2013 as a pilot program to enable domestic violence survivors to enter shelter with their cats and other small animals. With the opening of the Purina Play Haven and Dog Park, URI will now be able to open its doors to families with dogs.
Sponsored by Purina, which contributed funds for the design and construction of the dog park, the Purina Play Haven and Dog Park will give families at URI’s largest emergency shelter in New York City a safe and calming retreat in which to heal together. The unique dog park features a ramp, tunnel, bridge and platform for dogs to play and exercise, as well as overhead trellises to ensure the privacy and security of shelter residents.
“At Purina we share the belief that when pets and people are together, life is truly better,” said Lindsey Hogan, brand manager for the Purina brand. “We’re very proud to support the Urban Resource Institute and its PALS program, which is helping to keep families and pets together during difficult times.”
URI and Purina’s collaboration in support of URIPALS brings together one of New York City’s largest domestic violence service providers and a leader in the pet care industry around the closely linked issues of animal abuse and domestic violence. United by the belief that people and pets are better together, URI and Purina are helping reduce barriers to safety for families with pets in domestic violence situations, and hope to continue raising awareness about the impact of abuse on the whole family—including pets.
“Since launching URIPALS, we’ve seen how transformative it is for families in domestic violence situations to go through the healing process together with their pets,” said Nathaniel Fields, President of URI. “As we open our doors to families with dogs and celebrate this critical milestone for URIPALS, we hope to continue the momentum and inspire other organizations in major cities nationwide that this initiative is possible. We are grateful to Purina for helping URI make this dog park a reality, and for their shared commitment to keeping people and pets together, especially in times of crisis.”
Studies show that as many as 48% of domestic violence victims stay in abusive situations out of fear of what would happen if they left their pets behind, and more than 70% of pet owners who enter shelter report that the abuser has threatened, injured, or killed family pets. Among New York City’s 50 domestic violence shelters, URI is the only one that accommodates pets, filling a critical gap by addressing the unique challenges families with pets face.
“When my children and I found out that we could bring our dog, Sparky, with us into shelter, we were overjoyed,” said one domestic violence survivor currently in URI’s shelter. “Sparky had always been there with us to comfort and even protect us from the abuse, and having him there with us as we work to put our lives back together makes our recovery process so much better. I’m so grateful to Purina and URI for helping me and other families with pets stay together.”
The event also convened elected officials and experts and leaders in the domestic violence and animal welfare communities to discuss the importance of this critical initiative.
“I applaud URI, Purina, and GEPPAUL ARCHITECTS for their unique and innovative collaboration to create the City’s first-ever dog park in a domestic violence shelter and for appreciating that a pet is more than just an animal in your home,” said Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence Commissioner Rose Pierre-Louis. “So many survivors face the unimaginable choice of having to leave a beloved pet behind in order to flee an abusive relationship. With this new program, the entire family can find safety and security together in a supportive domestic violence shelter.”
“We have been supportive of the URIPALS program and are pleased about the addition of the new dog park to the URIPALS domestic violence shelter, which we anticipate will further reduce the barriers domestic violence survivors might face to seeking safety and services,” said HRA’s Office of Emergency and Intervention Services Executive Deputy Commissioner Cecile Noel. “As providers of emergency shelter and other vital services to victims of abuse and their children we know quite well that those who fear for their own safety are often worried about leaving their pet family member to escape abuse, unless there’s an opportunity to preserve the pet’s welfare. With initiatives like this we are establishing effective models for domestic violence and animal protection programs not only in New York City but across the state and nation.”
The Purina Play Haven and Dog Park was designed by Gerard P. Paul, Principal, GEPPAUL ARCHITECTS. “We’re pleased to have worked with URI and Purina in the creation of a space that supports this important initiative,” said Paul. “We saw the potential to give new meaning to this former alleyway, and it is gratifying to have transformed it into a space that will tremendously benefit the community. We wanted to do everything we could to make sure that the pets and people in URI’s shelter have a safe and truly enjoyable outdoor area to spend quality time together.”
As part of its sponsorship of URIPALS, in October 2013 Purina also donated much-needed welcome kits tailored to cats —with food, toys, crates and other pet supplies—and educational materials designed to guide families entering URI’s largest domestic violence shelter in best practices for caring for their pets.
To learn more about URIPALS and for tips on keeping the entire family safe in domestic violence situations, please visit www.urinyc.org.
About Urban Resource Institute
Urban Resource Institute (URI) provides comprehensive, holistic, and supportive social services programs that help individuals and families in the New York metropolitan area overcome obstacles and better their lives. With a rich 32-year legacy, deep community relationships, and a flexible, innovative approach to program development and service delivery, URI is uniquely equipped to provide solutions to the challenges affecting victims of domestic violence, the developmentally disabled, and people struggling with addiction and substance abuse. In June 2013, URI launched New York City’s first initiative to allow victims of domestic violence to enter shelter with their pets called URIPALS—People and Animals Living Safely. For more information, please visit www.urinyc.org.
About Nestlé Purina
Nestlé Purina PetCare Company is a global leader in the pet care industry and promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. The North American headquarters for Nestlé Purina is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri. Nestlé Purina is part of Swiss-based Nestlé, the world’s leading nutrition, health and wellness company.
domestic violencepurina dog park
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SIMON GEORGE WOOTEN
Wednesday, October 10. 2018
Simon George Wooten, age 94, a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather went home to be with his wife Betty Jean and the Lord on Tuesday, October 2, 2018 at the Crisp Regional Hospital in Cordele, Georgia with family members by his side.
Simon was born October 15, 1923 in the Zoar Community, Appling County, Georgia to the late George C. and Rebecca H. Wooten. He was a lifelong resident of Appling County.
He graduated from Baxley High School in 1942. Simon had a 42 year distinguished career as a rural letter carrier in Appling County. Following his retirement, he continued to serve his community in a variety of volunteer services. This included many hours of service with the Baxley Appling County Hospital Auxiliary Services at the Appling Healthcare System.
He was a long time active devoted member of the Zoar Missionary Baptist Church where he served as an ordained deacon and deacon chairman. He also was a long time song leader. Simon was the oldest active member of the church. His church and strong Christian faith where crucial pillars in his life.
Simon was a devoted husband, father, and family provider. He had a unique passion for people. He loved meeting people, getting to know their family, and family history. He never met a stranger. He was also very interested in local community and county histories. Simon was an avid sports fan. He loved to watch Braves Baseball and Georgia Football.
He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Jean Wooten; his parents, George G. and Rebecca H. Wooten; and sisters, Wilma Cain and Ammie Cain Cothern.
He is survived by his son, Reggie G. Wooten (Ivey Clanton) of Baxley/St. Simons Island; daughters and sons-in-law, Mr. & Mrs. Tom (Dawn) Moree of Brunswick and Dr. & Mrs. Vince (Heather) Culpepper of Cordele; three granddaughters, Jessica Stepowany (Scott) of Loganville, Shelsea Jackson (Josh) of Waverly and Meredith Culpepper of Kennesaw; one grandson, Nicholas Culpepper (Jerrett Irwin) of Cordele; three great grandchildren, Brooklyn, AJ, and Eli Stepowany of Loganville; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held Saturday, October 6, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at Zoar Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Wigley officiating and eulogies by Rita Nail Boyett and Chris Nail. Interment followed in Zoar Cemetery.
Serving as Active Pallbearers were Nicholas Culpepper, Robert Cain, Chris Nail, Billy Coleman, Albert Coleman and Johnny Coleman.
Serving as Honorary Pallbearers were Buddy Cain, Donald Hall, Russell Herrington, Robert Herrington, Hugh Mayers, Donald Rouse, Donnie Sikes, Sr., and Deacons of Zoar Baptist Church. Musical selections were rendered by Roger & SongJa Cain, Johnny Vaughn and the congregation.
The family would like to extend a deep heartfelt appreciation to all of Simon’s friends and family members that have been so supportive, loving, and caring throughout this long journey. A very special love is extended to Vince and Heather. The love and care that they gave Dad, during the last two months, made the last days of his long life’s journey far better than they possibly could have been.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Zoar Missionary Baptist Church 10170 Zoar Road Baxley, Georgia 31513.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Swain Funeral Home.
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[1] Coalstoun Copper Deposit – Mineral Resource Statement and Disclaimer
Resource estimate figures for Coalstoun copper deposit, 0.3% Cu cut-off (minor rounding errors)
The Mineral Resources for the Coalstoun copper deposit was based on information evaluated by Mr Simon Tear who is a Member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (MAusIMM) and who has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 JORC Code & Guidelines. Mr Tear is a director of H&S Consultants Pty Ltd and he consents to the inclusion of the estimates in the report of the Mineral Resource in the form and context in which they appear.
The information for the Coalstoun copper deposit that relates to exploration results is based on information compiled by Ms J. Hugenholtz, who is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (MAIG). Ms Hugenholtz (Exploration Manager) is a full-time employee of ActivEX Limited and has sufficient experience relevant to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposit under consideration and the activities being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the 2012 Australasian Code for Reporting Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code 2012). Ms Hugenholtz consents to the inclusion in this report of the Mineral Resource in the form and context in which it appears.
[2] Barambah Gold-Silver Deposit – Mineral Resource Statement and Disclaimer
Resource estimate figures for Barambah gold-silver deposit, 0.5g/t Au cut-off (minor rounding errors)
The Mineral Resources for the Barambah gold-silver copper deposit was based on information evaluated by Mr Simon Tear who is a Member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (MAusIMM) and who has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 JORC Code & Guidelines. Mr Tear is a director of H&S Consultants Pty Ltd and he consents to the inclusion of the estimates in the report of the Mineral Resource in the form and context in which they appear.
The information for the Barambah gold-silver deposit that relates to exploration results is based on information compiled by Ms J. Hugenholtz, who is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (MAIG). Ms Hugenholtz (Exploration Manager) is a full-time employee of ActivEX Limited and has sufficient experience relevant to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposit under consideration and the activities being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the 2012 Australasian Code for Reporting Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code 2012). Ms Hugenholtz consents to the inclusion in this report of the Mineral Resource in the form and context in which it appears.
[3] Florence Bore North and South Copper Deposits – Mineral Resource Statement and Disclaimer
Resource estimate figures for Florence Bore North and South copper deposits, 0.5% Cu cut-off (minor rounding errors)
The Mineral Resources for the Florence Bore copper deposits were based on information evaluated by Mr Simon Tear who is a Member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (MAusIMM) and who has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 JORC Code & Guidelines. Mr Tear is a director of H&S Consultants Pty Ltd and he consents to the inclusion of the estimates in the report of the Mineral Resource in the form and context in which they appear.
The information for the Florence Bore copper deposits that relates to exploration results is based on information compiled by Ms J. Hugenholtz, who is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (MAIG). Ms Hugenholtz (Exploration Manager) is a full-time employee of ActivEX Limited and has sufficient experience relevant to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposit under consideration and the activities being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the 2012 Australasian Code for Reporting Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code 2012). Ms Hugenholtz consents to the inclusion in this report of the Mineral Resource in the form and context in which it appears.
[4] Lake Chandler Potash Deposit – Mineral Resource Statement and Disclaimer
Resource estimate figures for Lake Candler potash deposit (significant figures does not imply precision, no cut off grade used; default bulk density of 1.6t/m3)
The Mineral Resources for the Lake Chandler potash deposit was based on information evaluated by Mr Simon Tear who is a Member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (MAusIMM) and who has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and to the activity which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2004 JORC Code & Guidelines. Mr Tear is a director of H&S Consultants Pty Ltd and he consents to the inclusion of the estimates in the report of the Mineral Resource in the form and context in which they appear.
The information for the Lake Chandler potash deposit that relates to exploration results is based on information compiled by Ms J. Hugenholtz, who is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (MAIG). Ms Hugenholtz (Exploration Manager) is a full-time employee of
Limited and has sufficient experience relevant to the styles of mineralisation and types of deposit under consideration and the activities being undertaken to qualify as a Competent Person as defined by the 2004 Australasian Code for Reporting Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code 2004). Ms Hugenholtz consents to the inclusion in this report of the Mineral Resource in the form and context in which it appears.
This information for Lake Chandler was prepared and first disclosed under the JORC Code 2004. It has not been updated since to comply with the JORC Code 2012 on the basis that the information has not materially changed since it was last reported.
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VAWT type turbines have no inherent advantage over HAWT type turbines. There, we have said it! VAWTs do not do any better in turbulent wind than HAWTs. Leaving the Savonius type VAWTs out (the type that looks like an oil drum cut in half – they have very poor efficiency anyway), both horizontal and vertical type turbines rely on an airfoil, a wing, to produce power. Airfoils simply do not work well in turbulent air; the wind needs to hit them at just the right angle and eddies wreak havoc. Couple that with the insistence of vertical axis turbine manufacturers to install their devices on very short towers or rooftops, and you get the picture. It will not work.
A good match between generation and consumption is key for high self consumption, and should be considered when deciding where to install solar power and how to dimension the installation. The match can be improved with batteries or controllable electricity consumption.[94] However, batteries are expensive and profitability may require provision of other services from them besides self consumption increase.[95] Hot water storage tanks with electric heating with heat pumps or resistance heaters can provide low-cost storage for self consumption of solar power.[94] Shiftable loads, such as dishwashers, tumble dryers and washing machines, can provide controllable consumption with only a limited effect on the users, but their effect on self consumption of solar power may be limited.[94]
Biofuels include a wide range of fuels which are derived from biomass. The term covers solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels.[73] Liquid biofuels include bioalcohols, such as bioethanol, and oils, such as biodiesel. Gaseous biofuels include biogas, landfill gas and synthetic gas. Bioethanol is an alcohol made by fermenting the sugar components of plant materials and it is made mostly from sugar and starch crops. These include maize, sugarcane and, more recently, sweet sorghum. The latter crop is particularly suitable for growing in dryland conditions, and is being investigated by International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics for its potential to provide fuel, along with food and animal feed, in arid parts of Asia and Africa.[74]
The Stirling solar dish combines a parabolic concentrating dish with a Stirling engine which normally drives an electric generator. The advantages of Stirling solar over photovoltaic cells are higher efficiency of converting sunlight into electricity and longer lifetime. Parabolic dish systems give the highest efficiency among CSP technologies.[18] The 50 kW Big Dish in Canberra, Australia is an example of this technology.[14]
Then the faster the coil of wire rotates, the greater the rate of change by which the magnetic flux is cut by the coil and the greater is the induced emf within the coil. Similarly, if the magnetic field is made stronger, the induced emf will increase for the same rotational speed. Thus: emf ∝ Φn. Where: “Φ” is the magnetic-field flux and “n” is the speed of rotation. Also, the polarity of the generated voltage depends on the direction of the magnetic lines of flux and the direction of movement of the conductor.
In Texas, the top energy sources had long been coal, natural gas and nuclear. But, perhaps surprisingly, the Lone Star State also leads the nation in wind power; capacity doubled between 2010 and 2017, surpassing nuclear and coal and now accounting for nearly a quarter of all the wind energy in the United States. Solar production has been increasing, too. By the end of last year, Texas ranked ninth in the nation on that front.
The journal, Renewable Energy, seeks to promote and disseminate knowledge on the various topics and technologies of renewable energy systems and components. The journal aims to serve researchers, engineers, economists, manufacturers, NGOs, associations and societies to help them keep abreast of new developments in their specialist fields and to apply alternative energy solutions to current practices.
A subtype of Darrieus turbine with straight, as opposed to curved, blades. The cycloturbine variety has variable pitch to reduce the torque pulsation and is self-starting.[33] The advantages of variable pitch are: high starting torque; a wide, relatively flat torque curve; a higher coefficient of performance; more efficient operation in turbulent winds; and a lower blade speed ratio which lowers blade bending stresses. Straight, V, or curved blades may be used.[34]
The life-cycle greenhouse-gas emissions of solar power are in the range of 22 to 46 gram (g) per kilowatt-hour (kWh) depending on if solar thermal or solar PV is being analyzed, respectively. With this potentially being decreased to 15 g/kWh in the future.[121] For comparison (of weighted averages), a combined cycle gas-fired power plant emits some 400–599 g/kWh,[122] an oil-fired power plant 893 g/kWh,[122] a coal-fired power plant 915–994 g/kWh[123] or with carbon capture and storage some 200 g/kWh, and a geothermal high-temp. power plant 91–122 g/kWh.[122] The life cycle emission intensity of hydro, wind and nuclear power are lower than solar's as of 2011 as published by the IPCC, and discussed in the article Life-cycle greenhouse-gas emissions of energy sources. Similar to all energy sources were their total life cycle emissions primarily lay in the construction and transportation phase, the switch to low carbon power in the manufacturing and transportation of solar devices would further reduce carbon emissions. BP Solar owns two factories built by Solarex (one in Maryland, the other in Virginia) in which all of the energy used to manufacture solar panels is produced by solar panels. A 1-kilowatt system eliminates the burning of approximately 170 pounds of coal, 300 pounds of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere, and saves up to 105 gallons of water consumption monthly.[124]
Artificial photosynthesis uses techniques including nanotechnology to store solar electromagnetic energy in chemical bonds by splitting water to produce hydrogen and then using carbon dioxide to make methanol.[182] Researchers in this field are striving to design molecular mimics of photosynthesis that utilize a wider region of the solar spectrum, employ catalytic systems made from abundant, inexpensive materials that are robust, readily repaired, non-toxic, stable in a variety of environmental conditions and perform more efficiently allowing a greater proportion of photon energy to end up in the storage compounds, i.e., carbohydrates (rather than building and sustaining living cells).[183] However, prominent research faces hurdles, Sun Catalytix a MIT spin-off stopped scaling up their prototype fuel-cell in 2012, because it offers few savings over other ways to make hydrogen from sunlight.[184]
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8th of January, 1987
What Day: The 8th of January, 1987, fell on a Thursday.
32 years, 6 months and 8 days have passed since the 8th of January, 1987.
Day 8 of 1987.
Zodiac Sign (Astrology): Anyone born on this date will have the star sign Capricorn.
Native American Zodiac: The 8th of January, 1987 falls under the Goose.
Birthstone: Anyone born during the month of January will have the birthstone Garnet.
Age: Anyone born on the 8th of January, 1987, will be 32 years of age.
Songs that were on top of the music singles charts in the USA and the United Kingdom on the 8th of January, 1987:
United States: Walk Like An Egyptian - Bangles
United Kingdom: Reet Petite - Jackie Wilson
The movie "The Golden Child" was at the top of the box office on this date.
Trending news stories and fads that were prevalent throughout this time period. These are news stories and events that would have been in the media on the 8th of January, 1987.
Iran-Iraq War
Between the 22nd of September, 1980, and the 20th of August, 1988, an armed conflict was being fought between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Iraqi Republic.
Late 1980s fashion.
During this period, the mini skirt became extremely popular. Shoulder pads became increasingly smaller. Popular clothing included reversible inside-out coats, bright-colored shoes with thin heels, berets, lacy gloves, rugby sweatshirts, sweater dresses, jumpsuits, capri leggings, bike shorts and skirts worn with leggings. Colors included neon hues, plum, gold, and bright wines.
Popular music artists in 1987 included The Bangles, Heart, Gregory Abbott, Whitney Houston, Starship, Robbie Nevil, Whitesnake, Bruce Hornsby and the Range, Bob Seger, U2, Los Lobos and Bon Jovi.
Weather information for the 8th of January, 1987:
Dublin, Ireland: It was 5.8 degrees Celsius. It was a dry day. It was a cloudy day.
New York, USA: Temperature: 29.3 degrees Fahrenheit. -1.5 degrees Celsius. Snow was reported. Precipitation: 1.02cm.
London, England: Temperature: -1.72 degrees Celsius. Fog was reported.
Ronald Reagan was the President of the United States on the 8th of January, 1987.
A baby that was born on the 8th of January, 1987 was probably conceived around the 31st of March, 1986. (Rough Estimate).
The due date for a baby that was conceived on the 8th of January, 1987 is the 18th of October, 1987. (Rough Estimate).
19th of December, 1986: The movie Platoon (1986) is released.
19th of December, 1986: Little Shop of Horrors (1986), starring Rick Moranis, is released in movie theaters.
4th of January, 1987: 16 people are killed in the 1987 Maryland train collision.
Historical events that have occurred on the 8th of January:
8th of January, 1992: George H. W. Bush falls violently ill at a televised state dinner in Japan
8th of January, 1990: The song "Nothing Compares 2 U" is released by Irish singer Sinead O'Connor.
Matlock - Legal drama starring Andy Griffith.
ALF - About an alien called ALF.
The Equalizer - About a retired secret agent called Robert McCall.
The Golden Girls - Television series about four mature women who live together in Miami, Florida.
She-Ra: Princess of Power - Animated TV series.
ThunderCats - Animated series based on a group of half-human half-cat aliens.
Charles in Charge - TV show about a 19-year-old student called Charles, who is played by Scott Baio.
Murder, She Wrote - Mystery series starring Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher.
Miami Vice - Starring Don Johnson and Philip Michael Thomas.
Who's the Boss? - Sitcom about a retired player who relocates to work as a live-in housekeeper.
The Legend of Zelda - An adventure game that was released on the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Celebrities and historical figures that were born on the 8th of January:
8th of January, 1935: Elvis Presley: Singer.
8th of January, 1942: Stephen Hawking: Physicist.
8th of January, 1947: David Bowie: Singer.
8th of January, 1983: Kim Jong-un: North Korean leader.
Enter your date of birth below to find out how old you were on the 8th of January, 1987.
Looking for some nostalgia? Here are some Youtube videos relating to the 8th of January, 1987. Please note that videos are automatically selected by Youtube and that results may vary! Click on the "Load Next Video" button to view the next video in the search playlist. In many cases, you'll find episodes of old TV shows, documentaries, music videos and soap dramas.
Visualize the days that have passed since the 8th of January, 1987. Each day that has passed will be represented as a calendar icon.
Here are some fun statistics about the 8th of January, 1987.
1,026,255,600 seconds have passed since the 8th of January, 1987.
Since the 8th of January, 1987, earth has travelled approximately 529,547,889,600 miles through space.
Time for a quick language lesson! The word for "Thursday" in other languages is:
German: Donnerstag.
French: Jeudi.
Italian: Giovedi.
Spanish: Jueves.
Portuguese: Quinta-feira.
What does the 8th of January, 1987 mean to you? Were you born on this date? Did you finish school? A loved one passed away?
3rd of September, 1988
3rd of April, 1980
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6th of November, 1999
What Day: The 6th of November, 1999, fell on a Saturday.
19 years, 8 months and 9 days have passed since the 6th of November, 1999.
Zodiac Sign (Astrology): Anyone born on this date will have the star sign Scorpio.
Zodiac Element: Water.
Native American Zodiac: The 6th of November, 1999 falls under the Snake.
Birthstone: Anyone born during the month of November will have the birthstones Topaz and Citrine.
Age: Anyone born on the 6th of November, 1999, will be 19 years of age.
Songs that were on top of the music singles charts in the USA and the United Kingdom on the 6th of November, 1999:
United States: Smooth - Santana & Rob Thomas
United Kingdom: Flying Without Wings - Westlife
The movie "Bone Collector" was at the top of the box office on this date.
Trending news stories and fads that were prevalent throughout this time period. These are news stories and events that would have been in the media on the 6th of November, 1999.
Late 1990s Fashion
Popular clothing items included pleather pants, high-waisted miniskirts and halter tops. Metallic clothing became more common. Cargo pants and other military-inspired clothing also started to become more popular. Preppy looks became widespread amongst young men, as brands such as Old Navy and Abercrombie & Fitch became more and more favoured. The rave scene also inspired the comeback of more colours.
Y2K
Throughout much of 1999, the media focused on Y2K and the dawn of a new millennium. There was also a lot of concern about the "Millennium Bug".
Buffy star Sarah Michelle Gellar is listed as FHM's sexiest woman of the year in 1999.
Amazon CEO Jeffrey P. Bezos is named as the Time Person of the Year in 1999.
Popular music artists in 1999 included Monica, Backstreet Boys, Cher, Whitney Houston, N Sync, TLC, Sixpence None the Richer, Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Pearl Jam, Destiny's Child, Ja Rule, Jay-Z, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears.
In March of 1999, the Nokia 3210 was released. Over the course of 1999 and 2000, the Nokia 3210 went on to become one of the most popular cell phones in history.
Pokemon Mania
During this period, Pokemon was one of the most popular franchises in the world. We're talking trading cards, toys and handheld games! In its first year, the Pokemon franchise had grossed over $1 Billion in sales.
Weather information for the 6th of November, 1999:
Dublin, Ireland: It was 9.5 degrees Celsius. It was a dry day. It was a sunny day.
New York, USA: Temperature: 48.3 degrees Fahrenheit. 9.06 degrees Celsius. Precipitation: 0cm.
London, England: Temperature: 8.61 degrees Celsius. Rain fell. Precipitation: 0.76cm.
Bill Clinton was the President of the United States on the 6th of November, 1999.
A baby that was born on the 6th of November, 1999 was probably conceived around the 27th of January, 1999. (Rough Estimate).
The due date for a baby that was conceived on the 6th of November, 1999 is the 15th of August, 2000. (Rough Estimate).
9th of October, 1999: Beck, The Chemical Brothers and Morrissey headline at Coachella 1999.
10th of October, 1999: Tool, Moby and Rage Against the Machine headline at Coachella 1999.
15th of October, 1999: The movie Fight Club (1999) is released.
29th of October, 1999: Being John Malkovich (1999) is released in cinemas.
31st of October, 1999: The first-person shooter game "Medal of Honor" is released on the PlayStation.
5th of November, 1999: The Bone Collector (1999), starring Denzel Washington, is released in movie theaters.
19th of November, 1999: Sleepy Hollow (1999) is released.
23rd of November, 1999: The song "Maria Maria" is released by Santana.
24th of November, 1999: Toy Story 2 (1999) is released.
28th of November, 1999: The single "What a Girl Wants" is released by Christina Aguilera.
2nd of December, 1999: The video game "Quake III Arena" is released.
Historical events that have occurred on the 6th of November:
6th of November, 1975: The Sex Pistols play their first gig.
6th of November, 1984: Ronald Reagan defeats Walter F. Mondale to become the next President of the United States
6th of November, 2003: WWE wrestler Crash Holly (Michael Lockwood) commits suicide.
6th of November, 2013: Blockbuster ceases operations.
6th of November, 1998: The movie The Waterboy (1998) is released.
6th of November, 1998: Steps release their version of the song Tragedy.
6th of November, 2007: The song "Apologize" is released by OneRepublic.
6th of November, 2015: Treyarch's FPS game "Call of Duty: Black Ops III" is released.
The Amanda Show - Starring Amanda Bynes.
Roswell - TV show about the town of Roswell.
Angel - Spin-off show of "Buffy the Vampire Slayer".
Freaks and Geeks - Short-lived TV series about a misfit high-school student.
The West Wing - Political drama.
Futurama - Animated series.
The Sopranos - Crime drama about the life of a New Jersey mobster.
The Powerpuff Girls - Cartoon about a group of sisters with superpowers.
Becker - TV show about a grumpy doctor called Dr. John Becker.
Charmed - TV series about a group of sisters that are witches.
Grand Theft Auto 2 - Second game in the GTA series. The last GTA game to show a top-down view of the player.
Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings - Strategy game.
Resident Evil 3: Nemesis - Third game in the series.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater - Skateboarding game.
Counter-Strike - FPS game.
Final Fantasy VIII - RPG game.
Syphon Filter - Third-person shooter / stealth game, starring Gabriel Logan as the main character.
Silent Hill - Survival horror game.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time - Released on the Nintendo 64.
Half-Life - Sci-fi first person shooter game developed by Valve Corporation.
Celebrities and historical figures that were born on the 6th of November:
6th of November, 1970: Ethan Hawke: Actor.
6th of November, 1972: Thandie Newton: Actress.
6th of November, 1976: Pat Tillman: American Football player.
6th of November, 1988: Emma Stone: Actress.
6th of November, 1989: Jozy Altidore: American soccer player.
Enter your date of birth below to find out how old you were on the 6th of November, 1999.
Looking for some nostalgia? Here are some Youtube videos relating to the 6th of November, 1999. Please note that videos are automatically selected by Youtube and that results may vary! Click on the "Load Next Video" button to view the next video in the search playlist. In many cases, you'll find episodes of old TV shows, documentaries, music videos and soap dramas.
Visualize the days that have passed since the 6th of November, 1999. Each day that has passed will be represented as a calendar icon.
Here are some fun statistics about the 6th of November, 1999.
621,471,600 seconds have passed since the 6th of November, 1999.
Since the 6th of November, 1999, earth has travelled approximately 320,679,345,600 miles through space.
Time for a quick language lesson! The word for "Saturday" in other languages is:
German: Samstag.
French: Samedi.
Italian: Sabato.
Spanish: Sabado.
Portuguese: Sabado.
What does the 6th of November, 1999 mean to you? Were you born on this date? Did you finish school? A loved one passed away?
3rd of February, 1989
6th of October, 1970
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ANVIL GRACES MANILA TIMES BUSINESS FORUM
Anvil's President Mr. Reginald Yu represented the Anvil Business Club (Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs delegation at a special forum hosted by the Manila Times entitled "Business As Usual in Unusual Times," a day-long discussion on fostering prosperous business relations between Philippine and Chinese entrepreneurs.
Featuring prominent speakers top-billed by former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, Former Foreign Affairs Secretary Roberto R. Romulo, Socio=economic Planning Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan, as well as China experts from the U.S. think tank STRATFOR and PriceWaterhouse Coopers, the forum aims to lead intelligent discussions on the sensitive issues involved in doing business in China for Philippine businessmen, and likewise, investing in the Philippines on the part of Chinese investors – with China experts and Philippines-China policy makers invited as guest speakers. They will share their insights on crafting mutually beneficial business strategies that will work even when both governments struggle to reconcile their differences.
Special thanks goes to Manila Times Lifestyle Editor (and good friend) Tessa Mauricio-Arriola as well as LT Group President (and past Anvil Chairman) Michael G. Tan for their gracious invitation.
ANVIL PREPARES FOR BULACAN MEDICAL MISSION
The Anvil Business Club (Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs ) is preparing to embark on its first-ever Surgical Mission to the indigent residents of Barangay Camalig in Meycauayan, Bulacan originally slated for November 22. Together with the volunteer doctors, dentists and surgeons of the Makati Medical Center Foundation, the Club hopes to bring joys and smiles to the 7,500 residents of this part of Southern Bulacan. Special thanks to Vice-President for Civic Affairs Hubert Henry Chua and Director Community Development Henry Kho for spearheading this noble endeavor.
ANVIL GRACES AGORA AWARDS
Anvil's President Mr. Reginald Yu represent the Anvil Business Club (Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs) during the 35th Agora Awards ceremonies honoring this year's outstanding individuals and companies who epitomize excellence in the field of Marketing. Winners of this year are Manila: ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corporation's Chief Digital Officer Donald Lim and Century Pacific Food, Inc.'s Vice-President and General Manager for Domestic Tuna and Global Branding Greg Banzon. Donald (Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Communications) was recognized for his ground-breaking work in creating the digital marketing landscape in the Philippines. Greg (Outstanding Achievement in Marketing Management), on the other hand, was honored for his remarkable transformation of several brands into formidable household names, often through his adroit leadership, as well as his innovative and spirited marketing campaigns.This year's Agora Awards ceremony is graced by no less than Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory L. Domingo III who advocated for "the continuous pursuit of innovative and profit-yielding schemes that seek to gain the trust of consumers through truth in marketing."
Since 1979, the Agora Awards have been conferred to distinguished individuals and companies who have made significant contributions to the Marketing Profession and whose products and services have improved the Filipino's way of life. Organized annually by the Philippine Marketing Association, the awards recognize excellence in the Philippine marketing scene, with the bar of excellence continually raised to new heights; thus keeping a time-honored tradition of rewarding Filipino ingenuity and innovation in the field of Marketing.
Congratulati
ons to all the winners!
ANVIL'S ENGAGING 10TH BOARD MEET
The Officers and Honorary Chairmen of the Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs (Anvil Business Club) had the opportunity to hold its 10th Board Meeting for the year at the Taipan of the Tower Club, a highly-exclusive, premium business club for the country's top executives, courtesy of Anvil Business Club Chairman Peter Mangasing, who celebrated his 55th birthday by hosting the evening's dinner feast.
Set against the restaurant's opulent setting of vibrant crimson amid its dark walnut woodwork, and made more colorful with a twelve-course meal consisting of Stewed Beef Tenderloin, Braised Spare Ribs, Sweet and Sour Pork with Orange Sauce, E-Fu Noodles, and Chilled Mango Cream with Pomelo and Sago –all exquisitely prepared by Hong Kong Chef Choi – the Board of Directors and Honorary Chairmen animatedly discussed plans for the Fourth Quarter programs and activities with renewed vim and vigor.
Realizing that the administration is already at the homestretch of its wildly dynamic term for 2014 with an unprecedented explosion of its membership and having enjoyed a much-raised profile in the business community, the Club's leadership has decidedly focused on taking the organization to the next level in the coming months. Rather than conducting a quick succession of high-profile business forums and activities that have rightly succeeded in electrifying its growing membership base in the last three quarters, it has decided to retrain its energies on more deeply-relevant projects and will deliberately embark on programs that will raise more tangible "take-home" value. This shall include a re-evaluation of its qualifications for membership, an emphasis on more cluster-based activities, the entry of even more "young blood" in the Club leadership, as well as solidifying its reputation to be THE organization of choice among Chinese-Filipino entrepreneurs and professionals.
Certainly, Anvil is "Seasoned to S.H.I.N.E." even more! So get into the growing bandwagon!
ANVIL GRACES PCCCI MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CELEBRATION.
The Anvil Business Club (Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs) expressed its fraternal solidarity with the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (菲律賓中國商會), or PCCCI, as it commemorates its annual mid-autumn festival celebration (中秋國慶聯歡晚會) and the 65th Founding Anniversary of the People's Republic of China (中華人民共和國立六十五周年).
Special guests in the celebration included Chinese Consul-General and Counselor Qiu Jian (邱艦) and Philippine National Police's Officer-in-Charge, Senior Superintendent Rolando Z. Nana of the Manila Police District. Apart from the entertainment numbers, door prizes were also raffled off to lucky winners.
Since 2012, the Anvil Business Club has formalized relations with the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry with the aim of expanding ties with its members, many of whom have directly come from mainland China to do business in the Philippines. The Chamber was formed to cultivate, promote and enhance friendly relations between Filipinos and Chinese in general and between Filipino and Chinese merchants in particular. This year's PCCCI President is businessman Jose Go of Hi-Top Supermarket.
ANVIL HOSTS BUSINESS NETWORKING DINNER WITH BACOLOD JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
The Anvil Business Club (Association of Young Filipino-Chinese Entrepreneurs) is privileged to host a dinner-cum-business networking fellowship for the first time with the officers and members of the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry, led by their effervescent President Mark Gomez (who is also a proud Anvil member), in an informal yet memorable evening of introductions, business exchanges and exploration of limitless possibilities.
Founded in 2003, the Bacolod-based organization is the youth arm of the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. composed of young Chinese-Filipino businessmen, entrepreneurs and professionals between the ages of 18 to 40 who aim to establish greater cooperation and understanding among young businessmen in the country.
The Anvil Business Club, a strong advocate of extending its arms of friendship and brotherhood to like-minded organizations such as the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Junior Chamber, welcomed the occasion to establish, not only a wider reach of business contacts, but more importantly, to also lay the foundation of life-long friendships outside the confines of Metro Manila. We do look forward to more frequent interactions with the ladies and gentlemen of the Bacolod Filipino-Chinese Junior Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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Intergenerational Report 2007
Part 2: Long-term demographic and economic projections
Demographic and economic factors are important determinants of government expenditure. They are also the chief determinants of growth in real GDP per person which, in turn, determines the government’s ability to finance expenditure.
Demographic change is projected to have major effects on the future size and composition of the Australian population. The composition of the population will change considerably as a result of a decline in fertility rates which commenced in the 1960s. This, and increasing life expectancy, will lead to a marked ageing of the population, although a continuation of significant levels of net migration will reduce the rate of ageing to some extent.
Productivity improvements have driven growth in real GDP per person over the past 40 years, and are projected to continue to be the main source of this growth over the next 40 years.
Other factors have made a small positive contribution to growth in real GDP per person over the past 40 years, but are projected to subtract from growth in the future. Ageing of the population is projected to slow the rate of growth in real GDP per person by reducing the proportion of the population of traditional working age (15–64 years) and therefore the rate of labour force participation across the whole population.
Reflecting recent trends, projections of fertility rates, life expectancies, age-specific participation rates and levels of migration are all higher in IGR2 than in IGR1. As a result of higher fertility rates, life expectancies and net migration, the population is projected to be larger over the next 40 years than in IGR1. The current level of nominal GDP per person is significantly higher than was projected in IGR1, due to the recent strong rise in the terms of trade, higher labour force participation and higher levels of skilled migration. This higher level is projected to be sustained over the next 40 years, with favourable implications for the fiscal gaps projected in this report.
Framework for analysing real economic growth — 3Ps
In analysing the projections in this report, real economic output (real GDP) is disaggregated into three components: population, participation and productivity (the 3Ps) (Chart 2.1). In this decomposition, population is the number of people of working age (15 and over); participation is the average number of hours worked in the labour force by each working-age person; and productivity is the average output produced per hour worked.
Projections for each of the 3Ps are, in turn, determined by a range of demographic and economic assumptions. The demographic assumptions are those for fertility, mortality and migration, which affect the number of people of working age (population) as well as the composition of the population by age and gender. Because employment and hours worked differ substantially across age-gender cohorts, changes in the composition of the population also significantly affect participation. Furthermore, changes in labour force participation or average hours worked by different age-gender cohorts affect aggregate participation, as do changes in the unemployment rate. Finally, in this decomposition, the assumed level of labour productivity (productivity) contributes directly to the level of real GDP.
There are also interactions among the 3Ps, for example, between participation and productivity. For example, at a time of low unemployment, increasing participation could draw less productive workers into employment and temporarily reduce overall average productivity growth.
Demographic and economic projections are inherently uncertain, especially over periods as long as 40 years. This report presents baseline projections for demographic and economic developments over this time, based on historical trends. Nevertheless, it is inevitable that currently unforeseen developments will, sooner or later, render these projections inaccurate. The sensitivity analysis in Appendix B provides results for reasonable alternative assumptions to the baseline projections presented in this report.
Chart 2.1: Population, participation, productivity and real GDP
Source: Treasury.
Projections of the population depend on assumptions about fertility, mortality and migration. In common with other OECD countries, the Australian population will continue to age, driven by steadily declining mortality rates and below-replacement fertility rates. Net overseas migration into Australia will increase the population and reduce the rate of population ageing, as migrants are significantly younger on average than the resident population.
Several developments since IGR1 are projected to continue into the future and will have an impact on both the size and average age of the Australian population. Mortality rates have fallen more rapidly than anticipated in IGR1, tending to raise slightly the average age of the projected population. Higher-than-anticipated fertility rates and changes to Government policy encouraging greater numbers of skilled migrants — who are younger on average than the resident population — tend to lower slightly this average age. Taken together, these changes have led to a projection of a significantly larger and slightly younger population than in IGR1.
Between now and 2047, it is projected that the number of young (0-14 years) resident Australians will rise slightly, those of traditional working age (15-64 years) will rise by about one-fifth, older people (65-84 years) will more than double, and the very old (85 and over) will more than quadruple.
The total fertility rate (TFR) of Australian women peaked at 3.5 births per woman in 1961 at the end of the post World War II baby boom. After that, Australia’s TFR declined rapidly during the 1960s and 1970s, stabilised during the 1980s and gradually declined over the 1990s. The TFR has broadly stabilised since around 1998, increasing slightly since 2001 (Chart 2.2).
Age-specific data show increasing numbers of women deferring child bearing until their late 20s or early 30s. This trend has been evident since the 1990s, and remains a key influence on Australia’s changing population structure. The increasing number of children born to women in their 30s is not compensating fully, however, for the declining number born to women in their 20s.
Australia’s current TFR of around 1.8 births per woman is higher than the fertility rates in many OECD countries, including Italy, Germany, Japan and Canada, and higher than the OECD average of 1.6. However, it is below those for New Zealand (1.95 in 2003) and the United States (2.04 in 2003). Based on recent age-specific fertility trends, Australia’s TFR is projected to increase initially, then to fall slowly to 1.7 by 2047 (Chart 2.2), higher than the TFR of 1.6 in 2042 which was projected in IGR1.
Chart 2.2: Australia’s historical and projected total fertility rate
Note: The total fertility rate is the number of children a woman would bear during her lifetime if she experienced the current age-specific fertility rates at each age of her reproductive life.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Cat. No. 3301.0 (various) and Treasury projections.
Average Australian mortality rates have fallen strongly over the past century. As a consequence, life expectancies have risen for both men and women. Falling mortality rates add to population growth and imply a higher proportion of aged people in the population.
Australia’s crude death rate has fallen from 8.0 deaths per thousand in 1976 to its lowest recorded rate of around 6.4 deaths per thousand in 2005.
Mortality rates are falling across all age groups and this trend is projected to continue for at least the next four decades. Women have lower mortality rates than men and are projected to continue to live longer on average. Nevertheless, mortality rates for men are falling slightly faster than those for women, so that in older age groups, the proportion of men is projected to continue to rise slowly.
Australians’ life expectancies are now among the highest in the world. United Nations data indicate that Australia’s life expectancy at birth for both men and women is higher than in most other countries including Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United States.1 For men only Iceland, Hong Kong, Japan and Switzerland have higher life expectancies at birth. For women only Japan, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Spain and France have higher life expectancies at birth.
Australians’ life expectancy at birth for men rose from 55.2 years in the period 1901-10 to 78.5 years in 2003-05, and for women, from 58.8 to 83.3 years in the same time spans. Over the past five years, life expectancies have risen more rapidly than expected in IGR1; a trend that is projected to continue. Men born in 2047 are now projected to live an average of 6.9 years longer than those born in 2007, and women an average of 6 years longer (Table 2.1).
Table 2.1: Australians’ projected life expectancy (in years)
Source: Treasury projections.
Also of importance to population ageing is the projected rise in life expectancy at older ages. Based on recent trends, men aged 60 in 2047 are projected to live an average of 5.1 years longer than those aged 60 in 2007, and women an average of 4.7 years longer (Table 2.1).
The level of net overseas migration is important: net inflows of migrants to Australia reduce the rate of population ageing because migrants are younger on average than the resident population. Currently, around 85 per cent of migrants are aged under 40 when they migrate to Australia, compared to around 55 per cent for the resident population (Chart 2.3).2 Of course, migrants also age and add to the older-age resident population over time.
Chart 2.3: Age distribution of Australian population and migrants
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics data and Treasury projections.
The contribution of net overseas migration to population growth has varied significantly over the past four decades (Chart 2.4). Net migration tends to fall during economic downturns, both because governments respond by adjusting the migrant intake and because permanent and long-term departures increase at these times.
Chart 2.4: Net migration and natural increase in population
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian Historical Population Statistics Cat. No. 3105.0.65.001 and Treasury projections.
Consistent with the annual average over the past 10 years, future net overseas migration is projected to be constant at 110,000 people per year from the end of the forward estimates period, with the same age-gender profile as at present. In recent years, Government policy to increase the level of skilled migration has resulted in higher net migration and slightly younger migrants, on average, than anticipated earlier. (The IGR1 population projections were based on net overseas migration of 90,000 people per year.)
Population projections
Australia’s estimated resident population reached slightly over 20.6 million in June 2006, and is projected to rise by 38 per cent to 28.5 million by June 2047. The annual growth rate of the population is projected to slow gradually, from 1.3 per cent in 2006-07 to 0.4 per cent in 2046-47. Natural increase (total births minus total deaths) is projected to remain positive until after 2046-47,3 with net overseas migration adding further to total population growth. The population in all age groups is projected to rise, although rates of growth differ among age groups, leading to different shares in the 2047 population than at present (Table 2.2).
Table 2.2: Australian population history and projections
Chart 2.5: Proportion of the Australian population in different age groups
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Historic Australian Population Statistics 3105.0.65.001 Table 19 and Treasury projections.
The projected population for selected age ranges highlights the continuing growth in the proportion of older people. In June 2007, the proportion of those aged 65 and over is projected to reach 13.4 per cent, rising from only 4 per cent a century ago. By 2047, just over 25 per cent of Australia’s population is projected to be aged 65 and over (Table 2.2). The proportion of the very old (aged 85 and over) is projected to rise from 1.7 per cent in 2007 to 5.6 per cent in 2047 (Chart 2.5).
The population of traditional working age (15-64 years) is projected to grow by over 20 per cent by 2047, but to fall as a proportion of the total population by around 8 percentage points from current high levels of around 67½ per cent. The fastest growing group of traditional working age people is that aged 55-64, rising by nearly 50 per cent over the next 40 years (Chart 2.6). The growing number of people in the 15-64 age group is projected to increase the size of the total labour force.
Chart 2.6: Population indices by age group
In 2007, the aged-to-working-age ratio (the proportion of people aged over 65 to people of traditional working age, 15-64) is almost 20 per cent. This is projected to rise to over 42 per cent by 2047 (Chart 2.7). Over the same period, the child-to-working-age ratio (the proportion of people aged under 15 to those aged 15-64) is projected to fall by slightly over 3 percentage points. In 2007 there are 5 people of working age to support every person aged 65 and over. By 2047, there will only be 2.4 people of working age supporting each person aged 65 and over.
Chart 2.7: Australia’s child- and aged-to-working-age ratios
Box 2.1: Global demographic change
Populations across the globe are ageing because of declining rates of both mortality and fertility, which in turn are driven by rising levels of development and improving health care. However, across countries the rates of change are diverse.
These demographic trends are manifest in rising old-age dependency ratios, which are projected to at least double for Australia, Europe, India and Japan, but more than triple for China from now until 2050 (Chart 2.8). The US old-age dependency ratio is projected to rise but, with relatively favourable demographics, less than for other major countries and regions.
Chart 2.8: Old-age dependency ratios
Ratio of over 64-year-olds to 15-64-year-olds
Source: Treasury projections and United Nations 2006 Revision Population Database, medium variant projections.
Sizeable differences in population growth rates across the globe will reflect differences in both demographic trends and openness to migration. Largely due to higher projected rates of migration, population growth in Australia to 2050 is expected to be faster than in all the other countries and regions in Chart 2.9, except for India.
Some countries and regions are expected to experience either declining or very slowly growing populations. The populations in Europe and Japan are projected to fall from now to 2050. China’s population is projected to rise by around 10 per cent over the next 25 years, then decline gradually.
Chart 2.9: Projected population trends
Participation in employment is determined by the proportion of people of working age in the labour force (the participation rate), the proportion of people in the labour force who are employed, and the average hours worked by those in employment. For the population as a whole, the participation rate and average hours worked, in turn, depend on the distribution of the population between different age and gender cohorts, and on the participation rates and average hours worked by people in each of these cohorts.
The total labour force participation rate for people aged 15 and over has risen gradually from 60.7 per cent in 1978-79 to 64.5 per cent in 2005-06 (Chart 2.10). This is due to a strong rise in women’s participation over that time, from 43.5 per cent to 57.2 per cent, partly offset by a fall in men’s participation, from 78.5 per cent to 72.1 per cent.
The projections of Australia’s long-term total participation rate are based on historical trends in participation rates for men and women of different ages. The labour force projections also incorporate the changing demographic structure of Australia’s population.
The composition of the labour force has changed considerably over the past two decades, with a greater proportion of women of all ages now participating in the workforce, a rise in part-time participation for both genders and higher participation rates for older workers than in the late 1970s.
The ageing of the population is projected to lead to falling total participation rates over the next 40 years. Notwithstanding significant recent rises in participation rates, older people are projected to continue to have lower labour market attachment than people of prime working age. The participation rate for people aged 15 and over is projected to fall gradually from 2008-09, reaching 57.1 per cent by 2046-47 (Chart 2.10).
The participation rate for people of traditional working age (15-64 years) is projected to rise from 76.2 per cent in 2006-07 to 78.1 per cent by 2046-47, mainly due to an increase in participation rates of older workers (aged 55-64 years) (Chart 2.10).
Chart 2.10: Historic and projected participation rates
In the past, the participation rate for Australians aged 15-64 has been around 10 percentage points more than for all Australians aged 15 and over. By 2046-47 this difference will have increased to around 20 percentage points, reflecting the rapid increase in the proportion of the population aged 65 and over.
The age-specific participation rates for both men and women are projected to stabilise or increase in all age groups to 2046-47 (Chart 2.11). For most age groups (other than the very young) the total participation rate for men is higher than for women. This is projected to continue to 2046-47. The vast majority of prime-aged men — those aged 20-54 — are in the labour force. Prime-aged workers historically have had higher participation rates than those over 55, although rates for older people have risen in recent years, a trend which is projected to continue.
Participation rates are projected to increase for women of all ages, particularly older women. The participation rates of older women have increased significantly over the past 20 years. In recent times, this may be associated with the gradual increase in the Age Pension age for women (63 at present and reaching 65 by 2014).
It also is projected that by 2046-47 women participating in the workforce will be almost evenly distributed between full-time and part-time work.
Chart 2.11: Participation rates: history and projections
Age 70 and over
Box 2.2: Participation rates across the OECD
Australia’s participation rate of 76.2 per cent for people aged 15-64 in 2006 is the twelfth highest in the OECD (Chart 2.12).
Chart 2.12: OECD participation rates 2006, people aged 15-64
Source: OECD Employment Outlook 2006, Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
The participation of mature-age people has been a major contributor to the high participation rates for these countries. Across the OECD, mature-age participation rates have been rising on average over recent years.
For men, mature-age participation rates across the OECD have risen gradually, although outcomes differ widely across countries (Chart 2.13). Australia’s mature-age participation rates for men have risen faster than the OECD average. The rate for men aged 55-64 has risen from 60 per cent in 1997 to over 66 per cent in 2005, just higher than the OECD average in that year.
Participation rates for women across the OECD in the same 55-64 age group have risen more strongly than those for men. Australia’s rise has been particularly strong — 14 percentage points since 1997. This brings the Australian rate for women in this age group to just higher than the OECD average (Chart 2.14).
Notwithstanding these significant rises, several countries continue to have much higher mature-age participation rates, including some with similar economic circumstances to Australia. The participation rate for men aged 55-64 in New Zealand rose to 80 per cent in 2005, 14 percentage points higher than Australia’s rate in that year. The rise for mature-age women in New Zealand has been even more striking, from 44 per cent in 1997 to 63 per cent in 2005, 18 percentage points higher than Australia’s rate in that year.
Chart 2.13: Participation rates for men aged 55-64
Source: OECD Country Statistical Profiles 2006.
Chart 2.14: Participation rates for women aged 55-64
The proportion of people in the labour force who have jobs depends on the unemployment rate. Projections of the unemployment rate are based on the rate that can be sustained without generating upward pressure on inflation, often called the non-accelerating-inflation rate of unemployment (NAIRU).
The NAIRU varies over time for a range of reasons, including changes in the structure of the labour market, the way inflation expectations are formed and demographics. Consequently, estimating the NAIRU is difficult. At the time of IGR1, the unemployment rate was around 6¼ per cent, and projected to fall to a NAIRU of 5 per cent by 2006-07. That projection has turned out to be close to the actual path of unemployment since then, with the unemployment rate falling to below 5 per cent in the middle of 2006 (Chart 2.15). It is also consistent with recent estimates of the NAIRU.4 This report assumes the same level for the NAIRU as in IGR1.
Chart 2.15: Unemployment rate
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics data.
The average number of hours worked per week per worker has fallen from 35.8 in 1996-97 to 34.6 in 2005-06. Beyond the forward estimates, there is a gradual decline in average hours worked to 34.5 by 2046-47 (Chart 2.16). The fall in average hours worked is mainly due to the rising proportions of older workers and women working, with both of these groups more likely to work part time.
Chart 2.16: Average hours worked per worker
Labour productivity is a measure of the quantity of goods and services produced per hour of work. As labour productivity grows, higher levels of output are produced with given labour inputs. Growth in labour productivity will be the key determinant of real GDP growth in the decades ahead. Faster labour productivity growth would enable higher growth for real GDP, real GDP per person and real wages over the projection period.
Annual labour productivity growth has averaged 1.8 per cent over the past 40 years but has varied considerably from decade to decade (Chart 2.17). It was above its long-term average in the 1970s (2.0 per cent), slowed in the 1980s (1.2 per cent), but picked up again in the 1990s (2.1 per cent), accelerating noticeably from the middle of the decade. From 2000, however, annual labour productivity growth has slowed to around 1.5 per cent.
In principle, labour productivity growth is influenced by many developments in the economy, including changes in capital intensity, and in the composition of the workforce, brought about by changes in age-specific participation rates or the age distribution of the population. In practice, labour productivity growth is difficult to forecast over long horizons. Because of this, productivity in IGR1 was projected to grow at its average rate over the previous 30 years, which at the time was 1¾ per cent. While productivity grew faster in the second half of the 1990s, productivity growth since 2000 has been slower. The experience since IGR1 suggests that the assumption adopted there was reasonable. Using the same methodology as in IGR1, annual productivity growth beyond the forward estimates period is assumed to be 1¾ per cent, which is again its average rate over the past 30 years.
Chart 2.17: Labour productivity growth
(real GDP per hour worked)
Note: Data prior to 1978-79 are Treasury estimates. Data are annual averages.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics Cat. No. 5206.0.
Economic growth projections
Labour productivity is projected to grow over the next 40 years at around the same rate as in recent decades, but the growth rate of real GDP per person is projected to slow because of the ageing of the population. The growth rates of population, employment and real GDP are projected to slow significantly (Table 2.3). A substantial fall in the proportion of the population of traditional working age is projected with the retirement of the baby boomer generation (born between 1946 and 1964), particularly in the 2020s (Chart 2.5 and Table 2.2). As a result, the rate of growth of real GDP per person in that decade is projected to be particularly low, before picking up slightly in subsequent decades.
Table 2.3: Growth in economic aggregates(a)
Average annual growth rates (per cent).
Real GDP per person
Growth in real GDP per person can be decomposed into contributions from the 3Ps of population, participation and productivity (Chart 2.18).5
Chart 2.18: The 3Ps of growth in real GDP per person
Over the past 40 years, the proportion of the population aged 15 and over has increased substantially as fertility rates have fallen and life expectancy has risen. Overall, this component has added an average of 0.4 of a percentage point to annual growth in real GDP per person. Over the next 40 years, this component’s contribution is projected to be smaller (about 0.1 of a percentage point): life expectancy will continue to rise but the dramatic fall in the fertility rate of the 1970s is not expected to be repeated.
The participation component represents the number of hours worked per adult. This depends on the participation rate, the proportion of the labour force with jobs and average hours per worker.
Despite ageing of the population, the participation rate has increased substantially over the past 40 years with the relatively large baby boomer generation reaching working age and women becoming increasingly active in the labour force. On the other hand, the current unemployment rate of below 5 per cent, while the lowest in the past 30 years, is higher than in the 1960s, when it was around 2 per cent. In addition, average hours have fallen because of the increasing prevalence of part-time work. While some of these changes are quite large in absolute terms, the annual impacts averaged over 40 years are relatively small. Overall, participation has subtracted around 0.1 of a percentage point from annual growth in real GDP per person over the past 40 years.
Over the next 40 years, projected changes in the unemployment rate and average hours worked are only small. The participation rate is projected to fall (after an initial rise) as the large baby boomer generation moves from the labour force into retirement. This will be accentuated by further increases in life expectancy. Offsetting this to some extent is an increase in participation rates among older workers and a higher number of migrants, who are disproportionately young adults with high participation rates (Chart 2.3). Because of these mitigating factors, the expected adverse impact of the participation rate (and the participation component overall) on real GDP per person is projected to be smaller than was anticipated in IGR1. Nevertheless, participation is expected to subtract 0.3 of a percentage point from annual growth in real GDP per person over the next 40 years.
Labour productivity has contributed most to growth in real GDP per person over the past 40 years: 1.8 of a total of 2.1 percentage points. Because population and participation are projected to have a small negative impact, real GDP per person is projected to grow a little less quickly than labour productivity, at around 1.6 per cent per year. This is around 0.5 percentage points less than over the past 40 years.
Real GDP
Real GDP is the product of the total population and real GDP per person. Over the past 40 years, the population grew at an average annual rate of 1.4 per cent. When added to growth of real GDP per person of 2.1 per cent, this gave annual average real GDP growth of 3.5 per cent (Chart 2.19). Annual population growth is projected to slow to around 0.8 per cent over the next 40 years. This is largely due to the falls in fertility rates starting in the 1970s — the effects of fertility on population are manifest for a long time — which are only partly offset by increases in life expectancy. As a consequence, annual average real GDP growth is projected to slow to 2.4 per cent.
Chart 2.19: Real GDP and real GDP per person
(average annual growth)
Box 2.3: International comparisons
OECD country data on labour productivity (GDP per hour worked) and participation (average hours worked per person) in 2005 show a wide range of outcomes (Chart 2.20). For each country, GDP per hour is expressed in Australian dollars at purchasing power parity. The lower line in the chart shows combinations of GDP per hour and hours per person that generate the same GDP per person as in Australia in 2005. For example, the Netherlands has higher productivity and lower average hours but the same GDP per person. Countries above the lower line have higher GDP per person than Australia. The United States has slightly higher average hours and substantially higher productivity. Norway also has high GDP per person despite significantly fewer hours worked, although this is largely the consequence of oil production.
Chart 2.20: Productivity and participation in OECD countries in 2005
Note: Average hours worked per person are calculated across the whole population, not just those in the labour force. Thus, the horizontal axis combines the population and participation components of the 3Ps.
Source: OECD Productivity Database, September 2006.
In all OECD countries, earlier falls in fertility rates and rising life expectancies are expected to lead to declines in the share of the population of traditional working age and the rate of growth of real GDP in the future (Table 2.4). Australia’s average real GDP growth rate is projected to be stronger in the first half of the 2010s (reflecting projected stronger employment growth) than for the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Japan.
Table 2.4: International projections
Note: Numbers are annual averages (per cent).
Source: Treasury projections; Congressional Budget Office (US Congress), 2007; Her Majesty’s Treasury, 2006; The Treasury (New Zealand), 2006; and Japan Center for Economic Research, 2006.
Nominal GDP, prices and wages
Real GDP measures the level of real economic activity in the economy. However, nominal GDP is used to compare the dollar-value of spending projections relative to the size of the economy. To convert from real to nominal GDP, an estimate of the GDP deflator is required.
Over the projection period beyond the forward estimates, the GDP deflator and the CPI are assumed to grow together. Both measures therefore are assumed to exhibit annual growth of 2½ per cent, consistent with Australia’s medium-term inflation target.
Real wages are assumed to grow in line with labour productivity, consistent with unemployment at the NAIRU and a steady inflation rate over the projection period. Nominal wage growth is equal to real wage growth plus growth in prices (either consumer prices or the GDP deflator, since they are projected to grow at the same rate). With real wages and productivity growing at the assumed annual rate of 1¾ per cent, nominal wages therefore are projected to grow at 4¼ per cent (that is, at a rate reflecting inflation of 2½ per cent and real wage growth of 1¾ per cent).
Comparison with IGR1: GDP and population
Differences between the assumptions described in previous sections for IGR2 and those for IGR1 produce significant changes in projected outcomes. Nominal GDP is projected to be more than 16 per cent higher by 2041-42 than was projected in IGR1 and real GDP around 11 per cent higher (Chart 2.21).
Chart 2.21: Nominal and real GDP: Percentage change from IGR1 to IGR2
Differences out to the end of the current forward estimates period in 2009-10 are due to data revisions since IGR1, which have raised the estimated levels of real and nominal GDP in 2000-01, as well as the terms of trade improvement and movements in productivity and participation rates, which are discussed in more detail in the later section on GDP per person.6
Differences in population growth rates are the largest single source of the differences in nominal and real GDP between IGR1 and IGR2 over the next several decades. In IGR1, Australia’s population was projected to grow to 25.3 million by June 2042, but in IGR2, this population projection is 27.8 million, around 10 per cent higher. Annual population growth has been greater than 1 per cent in all but one of the past 30 years. In IGR1, annual population growth was projected to fall steadily, to under ¼ of a per cent by 2042. In IGR2, population growth still falls over time, but much less dramatically (Chart 2.22).
Chart 2.22: Annual population growth rates
A small part of the difference in projected population levels — a little less than 1 percentage point — is due to revisions to population estimates and faster population growth between 2001 and 2006 than was projected in IGR1. Most of the difference, however, reflects increased fertility rates, increased migration and declines in mortality, which are anticipated to continue over the projection period (Chart 2.23).
Chart 2.23: Population projections: Percentage change from IGR1 to IGR2
Note: The chart shows the contributions of changes in assumptions about, in turn, mortality, fertility, migrant numbers and migrant age distribution for 2007 to 2042. The impacts shown are cumulative and depend somewhat on the order in which the changes are imposed.
The residual difference represents data revisions and differences between projections in IGR1 and actual outcomes between 2001 and 2006, and interactions between these differences and assumptions for 2007 to 2042.
Mortality rates have been falling faster than was anticipated in IGR1, so life expectancy at birth is now projected to be higher, especially for men. This change is projected to add around 2 per cent to population by 2042. Fertility rates have been higher over the past five years than expected in IGR1, and projected fertility rates have been raised to reflect this. This revision adds 3 per cent to population by 2042.
Net overseas migration is projected to be 110,000 people per year from the end of the forward estimates period, compared with 90,000 under IGR1. Moreover, migrants are now projected to be slightly younger on average and thus more likely to live for longer after their arrival in Australia. Overall, changes in migration patterns are projected to add around 4 per cent to the population by 2042, with almost all of this from increased migrant numbers.
Comparison with IGR1: GDP per person
Developments in government spending and revenue are usefully examined on a per person basis, and it is likewise insightful to examine developments in nominal and real GDP per person. Projections of both nominal and real GDP per person over the next 40 years are higher in IGR2 than they were in IGR1 (Chart 2.24).
Data revisions since IGR1 which raised the estimated levels of nominal and real GDP in 2000-01 (and beyond) also raised the levels of nominal and real GDP per person (since revisions to population estimates were much smaller).
Aside from data revisions, the higher projected level of nominal GDP per person over the next several decades largely reflects higher outcomes between 2001-02 and 2006-07, with the biggest contribution arising from the recent strong rise in the terms of trade (as detailed below).
The higher level of real GDP per person in 2000-01 resulting from data revisions has been offset by slower subsequent growth than projected in IGR1, so that real GDP per person in 2006-07 is forecast to be a little lower than the level projected in IGR1. For the years beyond 2006-07, real GDP per person is projected to grow only slightly faster than in IGR1 (Chart 2.24).
Chart 2.24: Nominal and real GDP per person:
Percentage change from IGR1 to IGR2
GDP deflator
Price impacts on government expenditure depend mainly on consumer prices and nominal wages. Nominal GDP and nominal GDP per person, however, depend on a broader set of prices, including prices of consumption goods, investment goods, dwelling construction and exports.
By 2006-07 the GDP deflator (which measures the average level of prices of the various components of GDP) is forecast to have risen by around 8 per cent more than was projected in IGR1. This is predominantly due to the recent boom in the terms of trade and, to a lesser extent, the earlier housing boom. The impact of the terms of trade and housing booms on the level of the CPI, however, has been much more muted (Chart 2.25).
While it is difficult to forecast the future path of the terms of trade, the forward estimates assume that some of the past increases will be reversed, so that the level of the GDP deflator is projected to be around 5 per cent higher by 2009-10 than in IGR1. Since its rate of growth beyond 2010-11 is assumed to be the same as in IGR1 (2½ per cent per year), the 5 per cent level gap is projected to be maintained out to 2041-42.
Chart 2.25: The GDP deflator and the CPI:
The level of real GDP per person is projected to be around 1 per cent higher by 2041-42 than in IGR1. This is somewhat less than the impact of data revisions since the release of IGR1, which have added around 2½ per cent to real GDP per person.
Real GDP per person depends on productivity (output per hour worked) and hours worked per person. Growth in real GDP per person has been slower than was anticipated in IGR1 and this is forecast to have offset the impact of data revisions by 2006-07. This slower growth has been due almost entirely to productivity growth over the past few years being slower than assumed in IGR1. Projected productivity growth in the future in IGR2 is 1¾ per cent per annum, unchanged from the IGR1 assumption. By 2041-42 faster growth in hours worked per person is projected to lift real GDP per person by about 1 per cent relative to the outcomes projected in IGR1.
As explained above, changes in hours worked per person are driven by changes in age- and gender-specific participation rates and average hours, and by the impact of demographic changes on the age and gender composition of the population. These factors interact, making it difficult separately to identify their contributions to changes in hours worked per person. Nevertheless, in broad terms, changes in assumptions about participation rates and average hours worked between IGR1 and IGR2 contribute around 1¾ per cent to hours worked per person from 2006-07 to 2041-42 and demographic changes subtract around ¾ per cent. As a result, hours worked per person are projected to rise by about 1 per cent relative to IGR1 over this period.
Trends in participation rates for older workers now are projected to be considerably more favourable than they were in IGR1.7 This becomes increasingly important in later years with the rising proportion of older workers in the population.
The overall impact of changes in demographic assumptions is small, but individual factors have larger, though offsetting, effects (Chart 2.26). All demographic factors increase population growth relative to IGR1, but they increase real GDP per person only if they have a larger proportional impact on the growth of the traditional working-age population than on the number of children and older people.
Chart 2.26: Demographic contributions to real GDP per person:
Note: The impacts shown depend somewhat on the order in which the changes are imposed and are affected by interactions with differences between projections in IGR1 and actual outcomes between 2000-01 and 2005-06. Changes in assumptions from IGR1 to IGR2 are imposed in the order: mortality, fertility, migrant numbers and migrant age distribution.
Changes in assumptions about mortality and fertility have lowered real GDP per person relative to projections in IGR1. Decreases in mortality rates mainly raise the number of people living beyond normal retirement age, and so reduce real GDP per person. Higher fertility does not have an impact on real GDP until children enter the labour force, usually in their late teens or their twenties. Thus, as a result of higher fertility, real GDP per person falls at first, but starts to recover after around 20 years. The positive effects of higher fertility on real GDP per person are not felt until beyond the end of the IGR2 projection period.
The changes in migration assumptions add to real GDP per person. Because the proportion of migrants of prime working age is higher than for the resident population (Chart 2.3), an increase in migrant numbers leads to a rise in real GDP per person. The change in projected migrant numbers between IGR1 and IGR2 — 20,000 per year — leads to a modest rise in real GDP per person. The move to a greater emphasis on young skilled migrants also is projected to have a modest positive impact on real GDP per person, since such migrants disproportionately belong to age groups with higher participation rates and have a tendency to remain in the labour force for longer.
Productivity and labour utilisation
Chart 2.27 shows the effects of population, participation and productivity on real GDP per hour worked and hours worked per person in recent history and their projected effects under IGR1 and IGR2. Vertical movements in the chart show changes in GDP per hour worked, or labour productivity. Horizontal movements show changes in average weekly hours worked per person. They represent changes in both population and participation.8 The lines on the chart trace out combinations of real GDP per hour and hours worked per person in successive years.
Chart 2.27: Productivity and labour utilisation
Note: Average hours worked per person are calculated across the whole population, not just those in the labour force. Real GDP per hour worked is in 2006-07 dollars.
The IGR2 with IGR1 participation line shows IGR2 projections assuming participation rates and average hours worked by age and gender at the levels projected in IGR1.
Up to 2000-01, there was a general north-eastward movement of the line, reflecting increases in the proportion of the population of working age, and in participation and productivity. The substantial side-to-side swings correspond to recessions and subsequent recoveries. In IGR1, hours worked per person were projected to rise to a gentle peak towards the end of the current decade and then, once the baby-boomer generation began to retire, to fall steadily. By 2041-42, the end of the projection period in IGR1, hours worked per person were projected to have fallen to a level last seen around 1993-94, soon after the early 1990s recession, when labour utilisation remained at a relatively low ebb.
In the new projections, hours worked per person are again projected to rise to a gentle peak at the end of the current decade. The peak is somewhat higher and the subsequent fall more gradual than in IGR1, with the improvement due principally to higher projected participation rates for older workers and higher levels of skilled migration. Improvements since IGR1 in participation rates and average hours worked by age and gender have moved the line in Chart 2.27 to the right from the ‘IGR2 with IGR1 participation’ line to the IGR2 line.
1 United Nations, World Population Prospects: The 2006 Revision Population Database.
2 To be precise, both the 85 per cent and the chart refer to the age distribution of the net inflow of migrants to Australia. This net inflow is the number of permanent and long-term arrivals to Australia minus the number of permanent and long-term departures from Australia. The chart also shows the age distribution of the net inflow of migrants used in projections in IGR1. This IGR1 distribution is discussed later.
3 The number of births is affected by the number of women of child bearing age, along with the TFR; whereas the number of deaths is mainly driven by the number of people aged over 65 and their longevity. Over time, the ageing population will result in both a decrease in the proportion of women of child bearing age and an increase in the proportion of aged people. In the current Treasury projections, population ageing is expected to lead to a slow decline in the level of natural increase from 2020. However, it is not until the 2050s that net natural increase is projected to be negative.
4 For example, using the latest available data, and following the methodology of Gruen, Pagan and Thompson, 1999, which allows for a time-varying NAIRU, gives an estimated NAIRU of around 5¼ per cent in the September quarter of 2006, while Treasury’s TRYM model of the Australian economy gives an estimate of 4¾ per cent.
5 Real GDP per person can be written as where α is the proportion of the population aged 15 and over, ρ the participation rate, u the unemployment rate, h average hours worked, and π is real GDP per hour worked. Therefore, in a 3Ps decomposition of real GDP per person, α is population, is participation, and π is productivity. See also Henry (2002, 2003).
6 Historical levels of nominal and real GDP were revised up by around 3 per cent as a result of updating of the national accounts annual benchmarks in 2005. This was partly offset by other, downward, revisions of around ½ of a per cent made to the estimates of 2000-01 nominal and real GDP in the intervening years. See 2004-05 Australian System of National Accounts, Australian Bureau of Statistics Cat. No. 5204.0.
7 See Kennedy and Da Costa, 2006.
8 Population ageing leads to generally offsetting effects on the proportion of the population of working age (which tends to rise as the proportion of those under 15 falls) and on the participation rate and average hours worked (which tend to fall). The measure ‘hours worked per person’ captures these generally offsetting effects.
Next: Part 3: Long-term Fiscal Projections
Previous: Part 1: Economic and Fiscal Sustainability - Sound Foundations
Return to: Index
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By Cooper Fleishman on May 15, 2012
(Probably NSFW.)
Blanche Dumas, born to French and Caribbean parents, was a high-class Parisian courtesan in the late 1800s. She was uniquely qualified for her line of work: Attached to her lower back was a third leg, and her wider-than-normal pelvis contained two bladders, two bowels and, yes, two vaginas. Her doctors noted that both sets of ladyparts had “equally developed sensations.” They also commented on her sex drive, which was “markedly pronounced,” and, they confirmed, “coitus was practised in both vaginae.”
As you can see, the “breasts” between her legs weren’t always there. It was stump of another limb (either undeveloped or amputated) protruding between two legs, painted with nipples to resemble a second, tiny bosom, which made her even more of an exotic commodity for Parisian pimps to promote.
While living in Paris, Dumas met Juan Baptista dos Santos, a Portuguese man with a “ravenous” sexual appetite. Like Dumas, he happened to have a third, nonfunctional leg, which he kept in a sling or tied to his thigh. And like Dumas, he also had a second set of genitals.
“Juan was considered quite handsome, fit and well proportioned,” writes The Human Marvels, which adds, “Both penises functioned perfectly. An 1865 report stated that Santos used both penises during intercourse and, after finishing with one he would continue with the other.”
Diphallia, known as penile duplication, is a condition in which a male is born with two penises. Only 1,000 cases have ever been reported. One in 5.5 million men in the United States has two penises.
Physically, the two fit together like a two-fingered hand in a two-fingered glove, and before long the two embarked on an affair, making love with the ferocity only a couple with four sets of genitals could muster. The affair was well-publicized, naturally, by the Us Weeklys of the time. As the legend goes, “Both had found the only living human at the time who had the capacity to satisfy their appetite and their bodies.”
Sources: Cogitz, The Human Marvels, Phreeque
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Seaworthiness Defined
The concepts of seaworthiness and its opposite, unseaworthiness, can be found in many aspects of maritime law. Despite their pervasive presence, the concepts are not easily defined. A vessel that is seaworthy in one circumstance may not be seaworthy in another. Moreover, what was considered a seaworthy vessel a decade ago may no longer be so because of technological advances.
Over the years, the courts have fashioned various definitions of seaworthiness. In the mid-nineteenth century, the US Supreme Court in E.J. Dupont de Nemours & Co. v. Vance 60 US 162 (1857) agreed with the following standard for the seaworthiness of a cargo ship:
To constitute seaworthiness of the hull of a vessel in respect to cargo, the hull must be so tight, staunch, and strong, as to be competent to resist all ordinary action of the sea, and to prosecute and complete the voyage without damage to the cargo under deck.
In seamen's personal injury cases, the courts have held that to be considered seaworthy, a vessel, including her crew and appurtenances, must be reasonably safe to use and perform her assigned tasks. Stated another simpler way, to be seaworthy, a vessel must be reasonably fit for her intended purpose. In the towing context, a seaworthy vessel is one that is sufficiently staunch to withstand the normal and expected rigors of the tow.
Presumption of Unseaworthiness
A vessel is not required to be in perfect condition to be seaworthy. Moreover, the mere happening of an accident aboard a vessel does not raise a presumption the vessel was unseaworthy. However, a presumption of unseaworthiness does arise if the vessel's equipment fails under normal use. A presumption of unseaworthiness also arises if the vessel sinks without explanation in fair weather and calm seas. A certificate from a classification society or marine surveyor is not conclusive as to a vessel's seaworthiness.
In any context, a deteriorated hull, inoperable equipment and missing equipment are obvious indicia of unseaworthiness. However, a vessel can be held unseaworthy for a wide variety of reasons, many not readily apparent. While not intended to be an exhaustive list of conditions rendering a vessel unseaworthy, below are some conditions not related to the hull or equipment, which should not be overlooked by the vessel owner.
Inadequate Manning
A vessel must have an adequate number of crewmembers who are properly licensed if required for their positions, and who are competent to perform their assigned work. The vessel owner must also assign the proper number of crewmembers to perform tasks aboard the vessel. For example, in American President Lines, Ltd. v. Welch, 377 F.2d 501 (9th Cir. 1967), the district court held the vessel owner 50 percent liable for the back injury suffered by the third assistant engineer. The third assistant engineer undertook repair of the lube pump, which the court found to be a two-man job. The vessel owner had not provided a second man to assist him for the entire task, resulting in a finding of unseaworthiness due to improper manning. The court also found the third assistant engineer 50 percent at fault for not requesting assistance. Other courts have declined to find an unseaworthy condition when the injured party fails to request assistance and other crewmembers are available to assist with a job requiring more than one person such as a heavy lift.
A vessel owner has an obligation to furnish the crew with protective gear as well as safety and lifesaving equipment aboard the vessel. The failure to do so can result in a finding of unseaworthiness. For example, in Lasseigne & Sons, Inc. v. Bacon, 1987 AMC 2251 (D. Or. 1987), a fishing vessel capsized and her crew of three drowned. The district court held the fishing vessel to have been unseaworthy because it did not provide a suitable life raft and survival suit for each of the crew members.
In Webb v. Dresser Industries, 536 F.2d 603 (5th Cir. 1976), a crew member of an ocean surveying vessel was ordered ashore in Seward, Alaska in winter to get supplies for the vessel. Large amounts of snow and ice had accumulated on the ground making the walking conditions very hazardous. While taking inventory of the supplies, the crewmember slipped on the snow and ice, injuring himself. The appellate court affirmed the trial court's finding the vessel was unseaworthy because the vessel owner failed to provide the crew member with proper boots to wear while walking in the snow, particularly when wet weather gear was provided to the scientists working aboard the vessel. The court declined to impose a duty on the vessel owner to supply every crewmember with boots for shoreside conditions that foreseeably might be encountered. However, it did hold the vessel owner had a duty to provide appropriate footwear to those crewmembers who were ordered to work under reasonably foreseeable adverse conditions.
Manuals and charts
Modern day vessels can be equipped with many different types of equipment, some more technologically complex than others. Not every crewmember knows how to operate every piece of equipment aboard the vessel. The vessel should maintain adequate and current manuals as reference guides. Their absence could render the vessel unseaworthy.
A vessel can also be found unseaworthy due to the failure to have current or sufficiently detailed charts aboard. In re Complaint of Thebes Shipping, Inc., 486 F. Supp. 436 (S.D.N.Y. 1980), involved the grounding of the Argo Merchant off Nantucket Island on December 15, 1976. The November 1976 Pilot Chart of the North Atlantic Ocean was aboard the vessel but not the December 1976 issue. There were some differences in the direction of the currents in the area of the grounding on the two charts. The district court held the vessel to have been unseaworthy for many reasons including the lack of a current pilot chart. Similarly, in In re Complaint of Delphinus Maritima S.A., 1981 AMC 2362 (S.D.N.Y. 1981), the vessel went aground on a coral reef near Bermuda while seeking a port of refuge where the cargo on board could be re-secured. The court held the vessel unseaworthy for, among other things, failing to have a large-scale chart of Bermuda or its adjacent waters because Bermuda would be a logical port of refuge on the voyage from the US East Coast to the Mediterranean.
Vessel Scheduling
A vessel's schedule can also be the basis for a finding of unseaworthiness. In In re Complaint of Armatur, S.A., 710 F. Supp. 390 (D.P.R. 1988) the master had been on the vessel for nearly one year without a break. The court held the vessel's demanding schedule led to the master's fatigue and grounding of the vessel while he was on watch, and rendered the vessel unseaworthy. Frequent violation of the federal law specifying the maximum hours a seaman may work may also render the vessel unseaworthy. That a seaman may have to work more than the maximum hours because of exigent circumstances may not necessarily render the vessel unseaworthy.
Establishing a published port of call schedule and pressuring the master to adhere to the schedule may also lead to a finding the vessel was unseaworthy if the vessel encounters heavy weather and the master does not reduce speed or change course in order to comply with the vessel owner's instructions to meet that schedule. Further, a vessel sailing with the knowledge it may be subject to arrest or detention at a subsequent port because of outstanding debts, may be held "financially unseaworthy" and liable for cargo damage proximately caused by the arrest or detention.
Duty to Provide Seaworthy Vessel
The duties imposed on vessel owners regarding the seaworthiness of their vessels can vary depending on the circumstances. A vessel owner owes an absolute duty to crewmember-employees to provide them with a seaworthy vessel. But, with respect to passengers, there is no such duty. Rather, a vessel owner has a duty only to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. With respect to the owners of cargo carried aboard a vessel, the vessel owner has a non-delegable duty to exercise due diligence at the beginning of the voyage to make the vessel seaworthy.
There are no fixed criteria setting the standard for a vessel's seaworthiness. As a general rule however, a vessel will be found seaworthy if it is reasonably fit for its intended purpose, whether that be as a towed vessel, a towing vessel, a cargo-carrying vessel or a passenger-carrying vessel. In addition to deterioration of the vessel's hull and equipment, conditions not directly related to the vessel's hull and equipment may lead to a finding of unseaworthiness and the imposition of liability. Whether a vessel owner has a duty to provide a seaworthy vessel in the first instance and the effort needed to make the vessel seaworthy will depend on the circumstances.
Outside Link: www.pacmar.com/#
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As always we’d like to thank our members for all their commitment and talent. St Michaels Parish Hall for allowing us the use of their facilities and Burtonwood Catholic Club for rehearsal space and meeting room.
On April 29 2014, the Burtonwood Amateur Music & Drama Society received a grant from the Warrington Borough Council.
The £1500 grant gave us the opportunity to relocate our costume house facility. The benefits of this facility will be evident in our continuous commitment to deliver fantastic performances to our well-deserved community. It is important that Burtonwood AMADS continue to raise a generation that understands, values and supports theatre in society and the impact this can have on a very supportive community. We have no doubt Burtonwood AMADS will continue for many more years to come as we have continued support from the members of our village and surrounding areas for the hard and dedicated work we do.
The grant is not an investment in our Society alone, it is an investment in our Community. The Society’s doors are open to anyone and welcomes all newcomers.
Burtonwood Amateur Music and Drama Society is Affiliated to The National Operatic and Drama Association (NODA) and is a member of NODA North West, District 8.
The North West Region is split into 10 districts, stretching from the Solway Firth and Carlisle right down to Chester and the North Wales Border.
District 1 - Manchester, Macclesfield, Stockport, Altrincham, Glossop, Salford & Prestwich
District 2 - Preston, Fylde & Isle of Man
District 3 - Burnley, Clitheroe, Blackburn, & Haslingden (FKA District 3 & 12)
District 4 - Liverpool, Wirral, Prescot, West Derby & Birkenhead
District 5 - Bolton & Leigh
District 6 - Chorley, Ormskirk, Southport, St. Helens & Wigan
District 7 - Bury, Rochdale, Oldham & Ashton-under-Lyme
District 8 - Warrington, Runcorn, Northwich, Nantwich, Chester & Congleton
District 10 - Carlisle, Workington, Penrith, & Whitehaven
District 11 - Lancaster, Garstang, Barrow-in-Furness, South Lakeland, Lunesdale & Ulverston
On March 11 2014, the Burtonwood Amateur Music & Drama Society received a grant from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.
The Trust operates in the heart and soul of coalfield communities, investing knowledge, expertise and resources to ensure local people are able to fulfil their potential. Successful regeneration strengthens communities by creating opportunities, it is an investment which seeks to make transformations to create places where people want to continue to live, work and play.
The £5000 grant gave us the opportunity to update our sound system and improve not only the quality of our performances but improve the confidence of the talented people of our society.
info@burtonwoodamads.co.uk
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Brazos County Historical Commission
List of Historic Markers
Map of Historic Markers
Heritage Trees
Search website and historic marker text
News / Past Announcements
Remembering Rosemary Boykin--Former BCHC Member
Former Brazos County Historical Commission member Rosemary Boykin died on Sunday, June 15, 2008, in College Station, Texas. As a member of the BCHC, Rosemary, with the help of her husband, Cal, conducted the first survey of all historic markers in Brazos County. She was also responsible for the research and writing that led to the approval of the Steele's Store historic marker. Even after she left the BCHC, she continued to contribute to local preservation efforts and was a cherished member of our community.
In honor of Historic Preservation Month (as designated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the Texas Historical Commission), the Brazos County Historical Commission has developed a bookmark to help raise awareness of the commission, its mission, and its new website. View the bookmark here, or stop by a nearby library, bookstore, or museum to get your own.
If you've ever wanted to learn about the rich history of the Brazos Valley, you now have another great resource in this Brazos County Historical Commission website. Primarily developed to educate the public about historic resources in Brazos County, as well as encourage local historic preservation and tourism, we have included several useful research tools. These include an interactive map of area historic markers and original research documents ("narratives") submitted to the State of Texas as part of the application to obtain these markers. Until now, these narratives have been virtually unavailable to the public.
© 2010 Brazos County - Site by Brazos County Webmaster
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Research and new media: the academic clowd
June 23, 2008 at 10:55 pm · Filed under Sci & Tech
I have a little secret: Slashdot may have lost its lustre now, but back in 2001, shortly after returning from my refreshing internship at Almaden, I posted a question to “Ask Slashdot” for the first and last time. I posed the question rather poorly and was ignored. Although I could not find exactly what I wrote back then, it was something along the lines of “why aren’t academic venues more like SourceForge?” You have to remember that this was the early 2000’s, when large and transparent user communities existed only in the technical sphere, and things like SourceForge were the prototypical sites for online focused communities. So why couldn’t academia and the research community open things up a bit more, and leverage new media to set up virtual forums for world-wide lively discussions and collaborations?
Fast-forward seven years. I got a feeling of deja-vu when I saw two recent blog posts and a Slashdot post. The first two question specific aspects of current publishing practices, while the “Ask Slashdot” post wonders whether academic journals are obsolete. The technologies and media have changed dramatically since then, but the essence remains the same.
Going over the comments on Slashdot, even though there are some surprisingly (for Slashdot) insightful ones, there is also one fundamental misconception. I was genuinely surprised at its prevalence. Many commenters seem to identify the general notion of “peer evaluation” with the specific mechanisms currently employed to do it. Is the current way of doing things so deeply entrenched, that people are blind to other possibilities?
Quoting a random vicious comment: “The purpose of restricting published work to that which has passed peer review is to ensure that results do not become obsolete. They must uphold the same quality standards that we expect from all scientific disciplines—not blog-style fads that have become popular and at some stage will cease to be popular.” I wonder if commenter has ever written a blog himself, or whether he even just taken a look at, say, Technorati: there are over four million blogs out there and 99% have just one reader (the author). Very few blogs are popular (i.e., the actually read by a significant number of people). An explosion in quantity of published content does not imply a proprtional explosion in its consumption; quite the contrary. If anything, there is more competition for attention, not less.
Another commenter said that “there isn’t any direct communication between reviewers and submitters.” Not so. Take a look at Julian Besag’s “On the Statistical Analysis of Dirty Pictures” (unfortunately JSTOR is restricted-access, but maybe your institution has a subscription), published in the Journal of the Royal Statistical Society as recently as 1986. The actual paper is 21 pages, while the other 23 pages are devoted to an open discussion. This looks oddly familiar (deja vu again): it looks like very popular blogs, which often have comment sections larger than the original posts. A free and open discussion of ideas has always been an organic part of the research process. A few centuries ago, scientific articles appeared with a date on which they were “read” to the community (just take a look at, e.g., the an issue of the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society).
Research on the web
Reaching far out into the long tail of ideas, which I also discussed in a previous post, should arguably be a top priority for research. In other endeavors it is an important means to success (financial or otherwise), but in academia and the research community it is usually an end in itself. The web itself was originally conceived as a venue for the exchange of scientific ideas, but even its creators probably did not envision the full potential nor realize all the implications of democratizing publication.
Modern technology allows more researchers (whether they work for startups, academic institutions, or large corporations) to try out more ideas. In other words, the production of research output is scaling up to unprecedented levels. However, I strongly suspect that traditional ways for evaluating research will not scale for much longer, being unable to keep up with the explosive growth in the rate of new ideas.
The typical process for evaluating and disseminating research—at least in computer science with which I am familiar—seems to be the following (with perhaps a few exceptions). First you come up with an interesting idea. Next, you build a story around it and do the minimal work to support that story. If everything works out, you write it up and submitted to a conference or, more rarely, a journal. On average, three people (chosen largely at random) review your work, making some comments in private. Once your work is published, you move on to the next paper.
I would simply name two artifacts as the main “products” of computer science research: papers and software. The latter is often overlooked, but it’s at least as important as the first. Anyway, what might be the state-of-the-art media for each of those artifacts?
There are some well-known efforts to use the web for the former. For example, there is arXiv for physics and sciences, CoRR for computer science, and PLOS for life sciences. There is also VideoLectures for open access to some talks. All of these, however, largely mirror the established ways of doing things: they are still built using the paradigm of a “library”. Although very important steps in the right direction, they perhaps play second fiddle to traditional media (there is a reason that arXiv is called a “pre-print server”) and thus fail to fully realize the potential offered by the rapidly emerging social media.
Things are perhaps a little more advanced for software artifacts. There are SourceForge, Google Code, and countless other similar sites for hosting source code, tracking issues and holding online discussions. There is also Freshmeat, Ohloh, and other project directories, as well as source code search engines such as Koders. However, none of these (or, as far as I know, anything similar) have been widely embraced by the research community.
Enough about today. It is more interesting to try and imagine how all these things, and more, may come together in the future.
The academic clowd scenario
Shamelessly copying this post, let’s imagine the academic clowd (cloud + crowd).
You have a great new idea and decide to try it out. You write a proof-of-concept implementation and run it on the cloud, using large datasets that also live out there. The implementation itself is available to the clowd, which can analyze the revision control logs and find out who really worked on what.
Your idea works and you decide to write a research article about it. The clowd knows what papers you wrote, who are your co-authors and which conferences and journals you publish in (cf. DBLP). It also knows the content of your papers (cf. CiteSeer). So, when you publish your new article, it compares it with the existing literature and finds the most relevant experts (in terms of content, co-citations, venues of publication, etc) to evaluate your work. It knows who your close friends and relatives are (from Facebook) and automatically excludes them from the list of potential reviewers. It also exlcudes your co-authors from the past three years. Then, it solicits reviews from those experts. Of course, it also allows others who are interested to participate in the discusssion.
In addition to the original paper, all review comments are public and can be moderated (say, similar to Digg or to Slashdot, but perhaps in a more principled and civilized manner). Thus, the review comments are ranked for their correctness, originality and usefulness. These rankings propagate to the papers they refer to.
You present your work in public and the video of your lecture is on the clowd, exposing you to a much larger audience. Anyone can also comment on it and respond to it. The videos are linked to each other, as well as to the articles and to the implementations. They are organized into thousands “virtual research tracks” with several tens of talks in each. “Best of” virtual conference compilations appear on the clowd.
Rising papers and their authors get introduced to each other by the clowd. You can easily find ten potential new collaborators with mutual interests. You try out more things together, write more articles, and so on …until one day you all save the world together (well, maybe not, but it would be nice! :-).
So, what will the future really look like?
Well, who knows? I’m pretty sure the above scenario will seem as ridiculous in ten years, as the SourceForge ideal looks today (what was I thinking then?). Nonetheless, I believe it should be part of the current vision for research. I don’t think that the web and social media will lead to less selection via peer evaluation. Quite the contrary. Nor do I think that they will lead to less elitism. This follows from simple math. Taking the simplistic but common measure of “acceptance ratio”, the numerator cannot grow much, because people’s capacity to absorb information will not grow that much. But, if the potential to produce published content makes the denominator grow to infinity, then the ratio has to approach zero. Methods for evaluating research output need to scale up to this level of filtering, and I simply don’t think that the current way of evaluating research can achieve this.
The shift from private to public channels of information
June 5, 2008 at 11:24 am · Filed under Sci & Tech
Many discussions about privacy these days obsess over the shifting balance between public and private channels of information, while missing the real issues and opportunities.
The information landscape is unquestionably changing. We are experiencing the emergence and rapid proliferation of social media, such as instant messaging (e.g., IRC, Jabber et al., AIM, MSN, Skype), sharing sites (e.g., Flickr, Picasa, YouTube, Plaxo), blogs (e.g., Blogger, WordPress, LiveJournal) and forums (e.g., Epinions), wikis (e.g., Wikipedia, PBWiki), microblogs (e.g., Twitter, Jaiku), social networks (e.g., MySpace, Facebook, Ning), and so on. Also, much financial information (e.g., your bank’s website or Quicken) as well as health records are or soon will be online.
A rather obvious distinction is between public vs. private channels of information or content:
In public channels, the default policy on data sharingis “opt-in”.
In private channels, the default is “opt-out” (along with some, hopefully enforceable, guarantees that this is the case).
Most people, at least of a certain age, take the former for granted. However, this is changing. Just a couple of decades back, schoolchildren would keep journals (you know, those with a locket and “Hello Kitty” or “Transformers” on the cover). These days they are on MySpace and Twitter, and they do not assume “opt-out” is the default. Quoting from the article “The Talk of Town: You” (subscriber-only access) in the MIT Technology Review:
New York‘s reporter made a big deal about how “the kids” made her “feel very, very old.” Not only did they casually accept that the record of their lives could be Googled by anyone at any time, but they also tended to think of themselves as having an audience. Some even considered their elders’ expectations about privacy to be a weird, old-fogey thing—a narcissistic hang-up.
Said differently, an increasing fraction of content is produced in public, rather than private channels and “opt-in” is becoming the norm rather than the exception. Social aggregation sites, such as Profilactic, are a step towards easy access to this corpus. Despite some alarmism about blogs, Twitter, MySpace profiles, etc, all this information is, by definition, in public channels. Perhaps soon 99% of information will be in public channels.
So, which information channels should be perceived as public? Many people have a knee-jerk reaction when it comes to thinking of what should be private. For example, this blog is clearly a public channel. But how about your health records? In an interesting opinion about making health records public, most commenters’ expressed a fear of being denied health coverage by an insurance company. However, this is more an indication of a broken healthcare system, than of a problem with making this data public. Most countries (the U.S. included) are behind in this area, but others (such as the Scandinavians or Koreans) are making important steps forward. Now, how about your financial records? For example, credit reporting already relies on aggregation and analysis of publicly available data. How about your company’s financial records? Or how about your phonecall records? Or your images captured by surveillance cameras? The list can go on forever.
We should avoid that knee-jerk reaction and carefully consider what can be gained by moving to public channels, as well as what technology and regulation is required to make this work. The benefits can be substantial; for example, the success of the open source movement is largely due to switching to public, transparent channels of communication, as well as open standards. Openness is usually a good thing.
Even in the enterprise world of grownups, tools such as SmallBlue (aka. Atlas) are effectively changing the nature of intra-company email from a private to a (partially) public channel. The alternative would be to establish new public channels and favor their use over the older, “traditional” (and usually private) channels. Both approaches are equivalent.
Moreover, how should we deal with the information in private channels? The danger with private channels arises when privacy is breached. If that happens, not only do you get a false sense of security when you have none, but you may also have a very hard time proving that it happened. However, the notion itself of a “breach” in public channels is clearly meaningless. In that sense, public channels are a safer option and should be carefully considered.
Even when the data itself is private, who is accessing it and for what purpose should be public information. The MIT TR article continues to mention David Brin’s opinion that
“[…] our only real choice is between a society that offers the illusion of privacy, by restricting the power of surveillance to those in power, and one where the masses have it too.”
The need for full transparency on data how they are used is more pressing than ever. Ensuring that individuals’ rights are not violated requires less secrecy, not more. A recent CACM article by a gang of CS authority figures makes a similar case (although their proposal for an ontology-based heavyweight scheme for all data out there is somewhat dubious; it might make sense for the 1% niche of sensitive data, though). Interestingly, one of their key examples is essentially about health records and they also come to the same conclusion, i.e., that the problem is inappropriate use of the data.
I actually look forward to the day I’ll be able to type “creator:spapadim@bitquill.net” on Google (as well as any other search engine) and find all the content that I ever produced. And going one step beyond that, also find the “list of citations” (i.e., all the content that referenced or used my data), like I can find for my research papers on Google scholar, or for posts on this blog with trackbacks. Although I cannot grasp all the implications, it would at least mean we’ve addressed most of these issues and the world is a more open, democratic place. McLuhan’s notion of the global village is more relevant than ever, but his doom and gloom is largely misplaced; let’s focus on the positive potential instead.
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AIRBUS AIRCRAFT
2016 AVERAGE LIST PRICES (millions of US$)
A318 – Price : $75.1 millions
The Airbus A318 is the smallest member of the Airbus A320 family of short- to medium-range, narrow-body, commercial passenger twin-engine jet airliners manufactured by Airbus
The A318 carries up to 132 passengers and has a maximum range of 3,100 nmi (5,700 km; 3,600 mi)
A319 : Price : 89.6 millions
A319neo : Price : $ 98.5 Millions
As a shortened-fuselage version of Airbus’ A320 cornerstone single-aisle jetliner, the A319 continues to prove its versatility – enabling carriers around the world to benefit from the aircraft’s range options and seat layout versatility.
n addition to the standard A319 124-seat configuration, Airbus offers an option with a seating capacity of up to 156 passengers – a version that is being ordered by an increasing number of low-cost airlines.
A320 : Price – $ 98.0 millions
A320neo : Price – 107.3 Milions
The A320s are also named A320ceo (current engine option) after the introduction of the A320neo.
The aircraft family can accommodate up to 220 passengers and has a range of 3,100 to 12,000 km (1,700 to 6,500 nmi), depending on model
The A320 family pioneered the use of digital fly-by-wire flight control systems, as well as side-stick controls, in commercial aircraft. There has been a continuous improvement process since introduction.
A321 : Price – $ 114.9 Millions
This aircraft has a stretched fuselage with an overall length of 44.51 metres, along with an extended operating range of up to 3,000 nautical miles while carrying a maximum passenger payload
The twin-engine A321 can be powered by either of two engine options: the CFM International CFM56 or International Aero Engines’ V2500. With a range of up to 4,000nm /7,400km., the A321 is capable of flying longer routes,
The A321 typically accommodates 185 passengers in a two-class configuration (16 in business class and 169 in economy)
A330-200 : $ 231.5 Millions
A330-800neo : $ 252.3 Millions
A330-200 Freighter : $ 234.7 Millions
A330 have a range of 5,600 to 13,430 kilometres (3,020 to 7,250 nmi; 3,480 to 8,350 mi) and can accommodate up to 335 passengers in a two-class layout or carry 70 tonnes (154,000 lb) of cargo.
The A330-200 is a shortened, longer-range variant, which entered service in 1998 with Korean Air. Typical range with 253 passengers in a three-class configuration is 13,400 km (7,240 nmi; 8,330 mi). The A330-200 is ten fuselage frames shorter than the original −300, with a length of 58.82 m (193 ft 0 in)
The A330-300 is based on a stretched A300 fuselage 63.69 m (208 ft 11 in) long but with new wings, stabilisers and fly-by-wire systems. The −300 carries 295 passengers in a three-class cabin layout, 335 in two-class, or up to 440 in an all-economy layout. It has a range of 10,500 km (5,670 nmi; 6,520 mi). It has a large cargo capacity
A350-1000 : $ 355.7 Millions
The A350 is the first Airbus with both fuselage and wing structures made primarily of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer. Its variants seat 280 to 366 passengers in typical three-class seating layouts.[10] The A350 is positioned to succeed the A330 and A340, and compete with Boeing’s 787 and 777.
The A350-800 is to seat 270 passengers in a three-class configuration with a 9-abreast seating, and have a range of 15,400 km (8,300 nmi)
The 268 tons MTOW A350-900 is the first A350 model and typically seats 325 passengers over a 7,590 nmi (14,060 km) range. Airbus says that per seat, the Boeing 777-200ER should have a 16% heavier MWE, a 30% higher block fuel consumption and 25% higher cash operating costs than the A350-900
Price depends on design weights, engines choice and level of selected customisation.
The A380’s upper deck extends along the entire length of the fuselage, with a width equivalent to a wide-body aircraft. This gives the A380-800’s cabin 550 square metres (5,920 sq ft) of usable floor space,40% more than the next largest airliner, the Boeing 747-8,
The A380-800 has a design range of 8,500 nautical miles (15,700 km), sufficient to fly nonstop from Dallas, USA to Sydney, Australia, and a cruising speed of Mach 0.85 (about 900 km/h, 560 mph or 490 kn at cruising altitude).
Courtesy : Airbus
en 12:11 AM
Etiquetas: A318, A320, A330, A340, A380, Airbus, aircraft, aviación, aviación privada, avion, jet for sale, jet privado, Sales
IJET AVIATION, servicio integral de aeronaves
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Avengers: Infinity War India Box Office: Takes A NEVER SEEN BEFORE Opening!
Souvik Saha on April 27, 2018
Avengers: Infinity War India Box Office: With the likes of Fast & Furious franchise, The Jungle Book and many Marvel movies, Hollywood movies has opened up the gates for themselves in India. With the release of Avengers: Infinity War, trade pundits were high on hopes about the movie earning big.
Avengers: Infinity War has surpassed all the expectations and has taken a never seen before opening for a Hollywood movie in India. The movie has opened in the range of 75-80% at the box office. This is way bigger than any Bollywood movie this year. An interesting point to note is the movie has just been released in 2000 screens over the country.
Tiger Shroff’s Baaghi 2 which was released on over 3500 screens opened in the range of 50-55%. This is Bollywood’s best this year and Avengers: Infinity War has surpassed it with ease. Padmaavat with over 3750 screens opened in the range of 40-45%.
Twenty two superheroes, including Robert Downey Jr’s Iron Man, Mark Ruffalo’s The Hulk and Benedict Cumberbatch’s Doctor Strange, and one big villain after six infinity stones — Avengers: Infinity War is bringing the deadliest showdown of all time to the big screen on April 27 in India.
The off-screen Avengers army has assembled to grab the tickets to watch the epic on-screen battle.
The response to ticket bookings for ‘Avengers: Infinity War‘ has been extremely encouraging across formats. And while, as expected, the craze for watching the film on an IMAX screen is huge, the sales have been remarkable even for the 3D format,” Ashish Saksena, Chief Operating Officer – Cinemas, BookMyShow, said in a statement to IANS.
“Given the huge anticipation around the film from fans, Disney opened the advance bookings on Sunday instead of Wednesday as is the trend and this turned out to be a rewarding decision.”
Echoing this, Rajender Singh Jyala, Chief Programming Officer, INOX Leisure Limited, said the advance booking response of Avengers: Infinity War is “outstanding across all their multiplexes”.
“We opened advance bookings on Sunday (April 22) morning and we sold over 40,000 tickets by 7 p.m., which is the highest ever for any Hollywood movie and second highest advance of all time after ‘Baahubali 2‘.”
BOX OFFICEHOLLYWOOD
So Good…Thrilling, Action-Packed with Emotions but Heartbreaking, so close to the Original Story {The INFINITY WAR(1992)}, a must watch for FANS and NON-Fans also, This the best MCU movie till date!!
Nilanjan Dutta April 27, 2018 12:59 pm Reply
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Road World Champs 2010 Preview: Who will reign in Victoria?
by Simon MacMichael September 23 2010
We look ahead to the battle for the rainbow jersey as Australia prepares to welcome the world
With less than a week to go before the 2010 UCI Road World Championships get under way, the elite of world cycling are now heading to the state of Victoria in Australia ahead of what promises to be one of the more intriguing recent editions of the event, first held in 1927.
There's plenty of interest for British fans too, with a very strong presence in the women's events, Mark Cavendish targeting the men's road race and David Millar seeking redemption in the men's time trial, plus Alex Dowsett looking to add the World Under-23 Time Trial Championship to his European title.
This year marks the 77th edition of the championships, and while the event has been held outside Europe on six occasions previously - in Canada (Montreal, 1974 and Hamilton, 2003), Venezuela (San Cristóbal, 1977), the USA (Colorado Springs, 1986), Japan (Utsunomiya, 1990) and Colombia (Duitama, 1995) - this year marks the first time they have been held in the Southern Hemisphere.
That means that in terms of season, the event is being held in spring, although current forecasts are that temperatures will seem positively autumnal by Southern European standards, with forecast highs next Tuesday and Wednesday of 13 and 15 Celsius, respectively, and the possibility of showers, although conditions may improve later in the week.
Last year's men's elite winner, Cadel Evans (below), finds himself in the unusual position of having won the rainbow jersey on home roads - he and wife Chiara live in Switzerland close to last year's venue, Mendrisio - and getting to defend his title on home territory too, with the couple's Australian home being close to this year's course.
Cadel Evans has done the rainbow jersey proud in 2010
Men's Elite Road Race
Fans, pundits, coaches and riders alike have been divided over whether or not the men's elite road race course suits spirinters ever since it was first announced, with attention centering on two climbs within the closing circuit in Geelong.
The men's elite riders negotiate that circuit 11 times prior to the finish in the 263km race which begins in Melbourne, unlike the other events which all comprise laps of the Geelong course.
Some maintain that Mark Cavendish proved in his 2009 Milan-Sanremo win that he can not only last the distance, but is also able to cope with short, punchy climbs, with the Cipressa and the Poggio both figuring in the final kilometres of La Classicissima.
The more widely held view is that the cumulative effect on the legs of negotiating the two climbs on the Geelong circuit 11 times will not only prove too draining for the out-and-out sprinters, but will also favour solo or group attacks.
Certainly, the bookies seem to agree with the latter opinion, with Belgium's Philippe Gilbert, who proved his form during the Vuelta when he won two stages, the second of those with a solo attack in Toledo last week (below), installed as favourite with ridiculously low odds of as little as 2/1.
Philippe Gilbert wins in Toledo (copyright Unipublic/Graham Watson)
Italian national coach Paolo Bettini, who took over from his close friend Franco Ballerini earlier this year after the latter's untimely death in a rallying accident, recced the course during the summer and together with the two co-leaders of his men's elite squad has spoken of his impressions following the first training session since the team arrived in Australia earlier this week.
“We all had a great desire to pedal on the course," said Bettini, himself World Champion in 2006 and 2007. "Today confirmed the impression we got during the visit in July; the circuit is demanding, characterised by the presence of the wind."
Vuelta winner Vincenzo Nibali confirmed Bettini's impression. "It's not a simple circuit," the Liquigas-Doimo rider stated. "The two uphill kicks could make the difference, without a doubt it's tough and demanding."
Co-leader Filippo Pozzato of Katusha, who visited the course in July along with Bettini, and who is exactly the kind of punchy, combative rider the course may suit, said: "This first training session is a reconfirmation of the feelings we had in July; this is an unforgiving course. It will be necessary to experience it lap after lap during the race to be able to tackle it in the best way possible."
If it does come down to a sprint finish, then assuming he is in the bunch contesting the finish, Mark Cavendish is the favourite to become the only British man besides the late Tom Simpson to win the World Championship road race, but he does face some stiff competition, not least Tyler Farrar, who showed during the Vuelta that on his day, he can beat the HTC-Columbia rider.
Besides that, the fact that Great Britain has only qualified three riders for the race means that with only Jeremy Hunt (below), who has a home nearby and therefore has local knowledge, and David Millar for support, not only is Cavendish likely to have to rely on his skills of jumping from wheel to wheel should it come down to a sprint, but he will also have to rely on other countries' riders to help chase down any breaks that do occur. That could prove problematic should a break get away including leading riders from the stronger nations.
Jeremy Hunt will support Mark Cavendish's rainbow jersey bid (© Simon MacMichael)
Meanwhile, Spain's Oscar Freire has won the rainbow jersey three times before, and has his sights set on an unprecedented fourth title. The last of his victories may have been back in 2004, but the Rabobank rider did hold off Tom Boonen and Alessandro Petacchi to take this year's Milan-Sanremo, proving that he can go the distance and still find the legs at the end to contest the sprint.
Others who will have their own ambitions for the rainbow jersey include Norway's Thor Hushovd, the Russian Alexandre Kolobnev, twice runner-up in the last three years, Kazakhstan's Alexandre Vinokourov and Switzerland's Fabian Cancellara, although his focus will be on defending the time trial title and no-one has ever done the road race and time trial World Champinship double in the same year, although Spain's Abraham Olano did win each in separate editions.
As for the defending champion Cadel Evans - who of course will have completed his reign and will therfore be riding in Australian national colours, rather than the rainbow jersey - few cyclists know these roads as well as he does, and throughout 2010 he has proven a worthy champion, even when faced with adversity as happened when he broke his elbow during the Tour de France and lost the overall lead.
Should the Australian, who is supported by a strong team, find the same form he had when winning La Fleche Wallonne back in April, he could become only the sixth man to retain the title.
Among younger riders, meanwhile, the two to watch may well be Team Sky's Edvald Boasson Hagen, second earlier this month in the GP de Quebec to France's Thomas Voeckler, and Liquigas-Doimo's Peter Sagan.
Men's Elite Time Trial
A couple of weeks ago, it would have been difficult to see beyond Fabian Cancellara succesfully defending the title he won in such imperious manner in his native Switzerland 12 months ago, but a third-place finish in the Vuelta's Stage 17 individual time trial last week, and the cyclist's own admission that he isn't quite in the same shape he was ahead of Mendrisio, introduce an element of doubt.
The first time the time trial was added, in Agrigento, Sicily in 1994, it was Britain's Chris Boardman who came away with the rainbow jersey. David Millar, the country's sole representative this year, emulated Boardman's achievement in Hamilton in 2003, but was subsequently stripped of his title after admitting to doping, the title instead going to the Australian, Michael Rogers.
As recently as last year, Millar showed that he still had what it takes to win a time trial in a grand tour, taking the penultimate stage of the Vuelta in Toledo. Whether, 12 months on, he can still pull out a performance on the world stage to take the rainbow jersey and finally put the ghosts of 2003 to rest, is open to question.
Women's Elite Road Race and Time Trial
While it's more than four decades since Britain had its only men's road race World Champion, you only have to go back two years to find the last woman to don the rainbow jersey, Nicole Cooke, who became the third British winner of the title after Beryl Burton in 1960 and 1967 and Mandy Jones in 1982.
Cooke, however, has endured a difficult couple of years since clinching the World and Olympic titles in 2008, and the pick of a storng British contingent in the women's events is Emma Pooley, whose Cervelo TestTeam forms the nucleus of a strong squad, with Lizzie Armistead and Sharon Laws also both selected in the preliminary squads for both events (the two starters in the time trial are still to be confirmed.)
Kristin Armstrong of the USA, behind whom Pooley won silver in Beijing, isn't around to defend her title in the time trial, but fellow American Amber Neben, the 2008 champion, is competing.
However, the 27-year-old Pooley comes to Australia on the back of a fantastic season that has seen her win the Tour de l'Aude and the Giro del Trentino, plus one-day races La Fleche Wallonne and the GP de Plouay, as well as the national road and time trial titles, and does seem the pick of British medal hopes.
Germany, Italy and Holland, as well as the host nation, all have strong squads entered in both events, however, while the French team includes the evergreen Jeannie Longo, 52 years old next month, five times World Road Race Champion.
Men's Under 23 Road Race and Time Trial
Britain's Alex Dowsett, European Under 23 Time Trial champion, is the country's only representative in the event in Melbourne, but his Trek-Livestrong team mate, the BMC Racing-bound Taylor Phinney, will provide stiff opposition. Both also contest the road tace, where Dowsett is joined in the British team by Jonny McEvoy of Motorpoint-Marshalls Pasta, plus Olympic Academy riders Luke Rowe and Andy Fenn.
Programme (all timings are local, BST is -9 hours)
Wednesday 29th September 10am - Men's Under 23 Time Trial 31.8km
2009: Jack Bobridge (AUS)
Wednesday 29th September 3pm - Women's Time Trial 22.9km
2009: Kristin Armstrong (USA)
Thursday 30th September 1pm - Men's Time Trial 45.8km
2009: Fabian Cancellara (AUS)
Friday 1st October 1pm - Men's Under 23 Road Race 159km
2009: Romain Sicard (FRA)
Saturday 2nd October 1pm - Women's Road Race 127.2km
2009: Tatiana Guderzo (ITA)
Sunday 3rd October 10am - Men's Road Race 262.7km
2009: Cadel Evans (AUS)
Men's Elite Road Race Course
Men's Elite Road Race Profile
Geelong Circuit Course *
Geelong Circuit Profile
* Geelong circuit varies slightly for events other than Men's Elite Road Race. A detailed map showing schedules and deviations can be found here.
Live coverage: All events will be shown on British Eurosport and by the BBC on its website and on TV via the red button. Check listings on the Eurosport or BBC websites for details.
Event website: www.melbourne2010.com.au
2010 World Championships
2010 Road World Championships
Simon MacMichael
Born in Scotland, Simon moved to London aged seven and now lives in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds with his miniature schnauzer, Elodie. He fell in love with cycling one Saturday morning in 1994 while living in Italy when Milan-San Remo went past his front door. A daily cycle commuter in London back before riding to work started to boom, he's been news editor at road.cc since 2009. Handily for work, he speaks French and Italian. He doesn't get to ride his Colnago as often as he'd like, and freely admits he's much more adept at cooking than fettling with bikes.
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cat1commuter [1421 posts] 8 years ago
I'll be there for the men's event. I'm getting excited.
Simon E [3747 posts] 8 years ago
Brilliant video of Robbie McEwen riding the course, providing commentary along the way:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpKArLtAiqU
Comprehensive coverage from the Beeb, unfortunately much of it at ongodly hours of the morning:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/other_sports/cycling/6155366.stm
There is another World Championship event that weekend too
Simon_MacMichael [2527 posts] 8 years ago
Simon E wrote:
How could I have forgotten that?
http://road.cc/9647
Cheers for the link to the Robbie McEwen video.
I told my wife I'd be up early to watch cycling on the telly next weekend.... at 4am! Her expression was priceless
Thankfully we have a PVR so I'll get up a more normal time, get the coffee brewed, knowing I'm only a few hours behind the live action and that I can pause it to make the breakfast / nip for a wee.
Simon, are you racing the Brompton again this year?
Things you only see on pro race bikes
Cycling survival: What to do when you get dropped — and how to avoid it
Tour de France pros on Strava: the definitive list of who to follow
Trend Spotting: Should we all be using lights in the daytime?
Perches of the peloton: Tour de France pro bikes saddle special!
Sean Yates says Chris Froome went "back on his word" when he attacked Bradley Wiggins on 2012 Tour de France
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Someone's going to have to explain this one a bit more. "Not continuously recording"? So are you supposed to switch it on just before the...
Dr Winston 41 sec ago
Deeferdonk 2 min 30 sec ago
Can't we just say "lied" rather than "embellished"?
mike the bike 2 min 42 sec ago
burtthebike 3 min 57 sec ago
flobble 37 min ago
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Users and applications
Formal description
Use in data structures
Architectural roots
Making pointers safer
Simulation using an array index
Project partners & contact details
In computer science, control flow (or flow of control) is the order in which individual statements, instructions or function calls of an imperative program are executed or evaluated. The emphasis on explicit control flow distinguishes an imperative programming language from a declarative programming language.
Interrupts and signals are low-level mechanisms that can alter the flow of control in a way similar to a subroutine, but usually occur as a response to some external stimulus or event (that can occur asynchronously), rather than execution of an in-line control flow statement.
A label is an explicit name or number assigned to a fixed position within the source code, and which may be referenced by control flow statements appearing elsewhere in the source code. A label marks a position within source code, and has no other effect.
Today, subroutines are more often used to help make a program more structured, e.g., by isolating some algorithm or hiding some data access method. If many programmers are working on one program, subroutines are one kind of modularity that can help divide the work.
Switch statements (or case statements, or multiway branches) compare a given value with specified constants and take action according to the first constant to match. There is usually a provision for a default action ("else", "otherwise") to be taken if no match succeeds. Switch statements can allow compiler optimizations, such as lookup tables. In dynamic languages, the cases may not be limited to constant expressions, and might extend to pattern matching, as in the shell script example on the right, where the *) implements the default case as a glob matching any string. Case logic can also be implemented in functional form, as in SQL's decode statement.
In functional programming languages, such as Haskell and Scheme, loops can be expressed by using recursion or fixed point iteration rather than explicit looping constructs. Tail recursion is a special case of recursion which can be easily transformed to iteration.
A control break is a value change detection method used within ordinary loops to trigger processing for groups of values. Values are monitored within the loop and a change diverts program flow to the handling of the group event associated with them.
General iteration constructs such as C's for statement and Common Lisp's do form can be used to express any of the above sorts of loops, and others, such as looping over some number of collections in parallel. Where a more specific looping construct can be used, it is usually preferred over the general iteration construct, since it often makes the purpose of the expression clearer.
Infinite loops are used to assure a program segment loops forever or until an exceptional condition arises, such as an error. For instance, an event-driven program (such as a server) should loop forever, handling events as they occur, only stopping when the process is terminated by an operator.
In his 2004 textbook, David Watt uses Tennent's notion of sequencer to explain the similarity between multi-level breaks and return statements. Watt notes that a class of sequencers known as escape sequencers, defined as "sequencer that terminates execution of a textually enclosing command or procedure", encompasses both breaks from loops (including multi-level breaks) and return statements. As commonly implemented, however, return sequencers may also carry a (return) value, whereas the break sequencer as implemented in contemporary languages usually cannot.
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Norwegian Jewel Receives Enhancements
CruiseTT
Norwegian Cruise Line announced that Norwegian Jewel will re-enter service on May 17, 2014 following a two-week dry dock where the ship received numerous enhancements as she readies for her much-anticipated arrival in Houston, Texas on October 11, 2014, following the summer season in Alaska.
Norwegian Jewel is the first ship to be retrofitted with the popular O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill (first introduced on Norwegian Epic and also on Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway). In addition, the ship's Moderno Churrascaria, the Brazilian-style steakhouse, was relocated to a more intimate setting on Deck 13 and the Sugarcane Mojito Bar, first introduced on Norwegian Getaway, was added adjacent to the new restaurant.
"O'Sheehan's Bar & Grill is a huge hit on three of our new ships, so we wanted to ensure that guests sailing on our existing fleet, beginning with Norwegian Jewel, could experience the welcoming atmosphere and the traditional pub fare," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "Our guests are going to love the addition of both O'Sheehan's and the Sugarcane Mojito Bar which can only add to the already great dining and lounging opportunities onboard."
Guests will also be able to enjoy delicious cannoli and cupcakes from Carlo's Bake Shop by Buddy Valastro, star of TLC's Cake Boss and Next Great Baker, that has been added in the Java Café. A number of additional guest area enhancements included: updates to the Casino and Photo Gallery, new carpets and flooring throughout guest areas, window replacements, upgrades in galley areas and updates to the pool deck. Norwegian's innovative digital signage, first introduced on Norwegian Breakaway, will also be added to the ship over the summer. The interactive touch screen signs will allow guests to order specialty items, get directions and reserve dining and shore excursions simply with a scan of their stateroom key.
Technical modernizations also took place during the dry dock. The ship is being outfitted with Green Tech Marine Scrubbers, in order to reduce fuel emissions, overall energy consumption, and the company's environmental footprint. In addition, the ship will receive an Azipod hydrodynamic upgrade and state-of-the-art silicone paint on the hull, in order to further improve fuel efficiency. Norwegian Jewel will also benefit from the installation of shore power connectivity. Additional significant technical and safety updates include: lifeboat and tender boat release systems upgrade; thrusters and stabilizer maintenance; and ballast and bilge piping replacement.
Starting May 17, 2014, Norwegian Jewel begins a series of seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle through September 13, 2014. Ports of call on this adventurous itinerary include Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway, Alaska as well as Victoria, British Columbia. Following the Alaska cruise season, Norwegian Jewel repositions to Houston and begins sailing a series of Western Caribbean cruises on October 11, 2014, with stops in Cozumel, Mexico; Belize City, Belize; and Banana Coast, Honduras.
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Home Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador Page 397
Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador, volume 3 [Extract: letter M]
MCCALLUM 397
M.C.L.I. See LITERARY INSTITUTE, METHODIST COLLEGE.
MABERLY. See ELLISTON.
MCANDREW. See ARGENTIA BASE; MARQUISE.
MACARTHUR, ALLAN (1884-1971). Gaelic musician and storyteller. Born MacDale, Codroy Valley, son of Lewis and Jenny MacArthur. MacArthur helped keep Gaelic language and oral tradition alive in the Codroy VaUey into the 1970s.
Recognized for his keen memory, his music, his stories, his step-dancing and his sense of humour, MacArthur was a living source of local knowledge as well as of facts and legends of Scotland among resi¬ dents of the Codroy Valley. All members of his house¬ hold spoke Gaelic until the 1960s, but by the time of MacArthur's death in September, 1971, his children, like most others in the Valley, spoke Gaelic only rarely. MacArthur was a primary source of informa¬ tion for Margaret Bennett's study of Scottish tradi¬ tions in western Newfoundland, The Last Stronghold. M. Bennett (1989). bwc
MCBAY (alt. MCBEY), PETER (1823-1911). Police¬ man. Born Linlithgow, Scotland. At the age of 16 McBay enlisted in the British Army. He served in Gibraltar and the West Indies before joining the New¬ foundland Companies, stationed in St. John's, in 1848. He was pensioned from the army c. 1859 and joined the constabulary. In 1861 Sergeant McBay was posted to Carbonear, where he remained in charge of the local constabulary for the next 20 years. Transferred to St. John's in 1882, he was head constable until his retire¬ ment. H.M. MosdeU (1923), E.R. Seary (1977), ET (June 19, 1911). rhc
MACBRAIRE, JAMES (1757-1832). Merchant. Born Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Married Elizabeth Bower. MacBraire was one of the most successful merchants in Newfoundland in the early 1800s. He was also a founder of the ^Benevolent Irish Society qv in 1806 and served as its president for many years.
MacBraire came to Newfoundland after having served in the British Army during the American Revo¬ lutionary War. After being discharged in 1780 he was apprenticed as a clerk with William Danson and Co., a Bristol firm trading out of Harbour Grace. He later became a trader at Harbour Grace and the agent for another Bristol firm, that of Joseph Bower, whose daughter he married. Around 1800 MacBraire pur¬ chased premises in St. John's and soon became one of the town's most important merchants. He played a leading role in the formation of a Society of Mer¬ chants in 1807 and was elected its president. MacBraire established a branch of his business at King's Cove qv c.l806. Although he largely left King's Cove in the hands of his agent, his trade there grew rapidly and became the most important part of his business, which also expanded to the Southern Shore, in Placentia Bay, and into supplying trappers and fishermen of Notre Dame Bay.
In 1806 MacBraire joined with some of the promi¬ nent Irish merchants and army officers of St. John's to form the B.I.S., with MacBraire as its first treasurer. He became president in 1810 and was elected perpet¬ ual president in 1819, although by that time he had left Newfoundland. "Probably the greatest philanthropist of his generation in Newfoundland" (DCB V), MacBraire, though a Protestant and merchant, was particularly popular among the Irish fishermen. When he left St. John's on July 10, 1817, it was to the sound of heart-felt tributes from the Irish community. He retired to Berwick-upon-Tweed, from whence he con¬ tinued his Newfoundland business activities, also re¬ maining president of the St. John's B.I.S. until 1823. MacBraire died at Berwick on March 24, 1832. The King's Cove business was continued by his son until 1839. Lawton and Devine (1944), J.W. McGrath (1970), DCB V, DNLB (1990), Newfoundland Histori¬ cal Society (James MacBraire). rhc
MCBRIDE, JAMES (1794-1877). Merchant. Born Scotland. Married Anne HounseU. McBride was the principal owner ofthe St. John's firm of McBride and Kerr from 1821 to 1864.
McBride originally came to Newfoundland as agent for a Scottish merchant, Thomas Boag. When the busi¬ ness became insolvent in 1821, McBride and two other employees of Boag (Robert and George Kerr) founded their own company trading in fish and fishery sup¬ plies. This firm became one of the larger firms in St. John's, with premises on Water Stieet at what later became known as McBride's Hill. McBride and Kerr supplied a number of local dealers on the southern shore of the Avalon Peninsula, eventually acquiring several ships and supplying vessels to the seal hunt. The firm also did some business in building supplies (which is known because their lumber yard was burnt in the great fire of 1846).
McBride was appointed commissioner of light¬ houses and justice of the peace in 1834. In 1837 he took the lead in forming the Newfoundland Joint Stock Banking Co.; his brother and partner, Peter, became a director of the Bank of British North Amer¬ ica (see FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS). He retired to Greenock to manage the Scottish end of the firm's trade in 1841. The firm of McBride and Kerr was wound up and taken over by a nephew, Robert Kerr McBride, and James Goodfellow qv in 1864. Keith Matthews (1980), Paul O'Neill (1976), Evening Her¬ ald (July 1, 1893). RHC
MCCALLUM (inc. 1981; pop. 1986, 243). A fishing community near the western entrance to Bonne Bay on the south coast, just west of Bay d'Espoir (see HER¬ MITAGE BAY). Located at the head of Bonne Bay Harbour, McCallum is sheltered from all winds by Taylor, Poole and Daniel islands. Originally known as Bonne Bay, reflecting its early history when French fishermen from St. Pierre and Miquelon began fre¬ quenting the area in the 1500s, the community was renamed McCallum in the first decade of this century.
Title Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador, volume 3 [Extract: letter M]
Alternative Title ENL
Editor Smallwood, Joseph Roberts, 1900-
Poole, Cyril F.
Cuff, Robert, 1959-
Publisher Harry Cuff Publications Ltd.
Place of Publication St. John's
Physical Description p. 397-687 [ie. 291 p.] : ill. (some col.), maps
Description The Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador, in five volumes, was completed between 1981-1994. It covers all aspects of the province's history and culture, with illustrations and maps.
Subject Newfoundland and Labrador--Encyclopedias
Labrador (N.L.)--Encyclopedias
Note Alternative title from common abbreviation. Bibliography: vol. 5, p. 657-706. Contents: Volume 1 [A-E] -- Volume 2 [Fac-Hoy] -- Volume 3 [Hu-M] -- Volume 4 [N-R] -- Volume 5 [S-Z]. As digital items, the individual ENL volumes have been divided by letter for ease of use.
Location Canada--Newfoundland and Labrador
Local Call Number FF 1006 E6 V.3
Resource Type Book
Format image/jpeg; application/pdf
Collection Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador
Sponsor Centre for Newfoundland Studies
Source Print text held in the Centre for Newfoundland Studies
Repository Memorial University of Newfoundland. Libraries. Centre for Newfoundland Studies
PDF File (55.41 MB) -- http://collections.mun.ca/PDFs/cns_enl/ENLV3M.pdf
Description Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador, volume 3 [Extract: letter M]
Transcript MCCALLUM 397 M.C.L.I. See LITERARY INSTITUTE, METHODIST COLLEGE. MABERLY. See ELLISTON. MCANDREW. See ARGENTIA BASE; MARQUISE. MACARTHUR, ALLAN (1884-1971). Gaelic musician and storyteller. Born MacDale, Codroy Valley, son of Lewis and Jenny MacArthur. MacArthur helped keep Gaelic language and oral tradition alive in the Codroy VaUey into the 1970s. Recognized for his keen memory, his music, his stories, his step-dancing and his sense of humour, MacArthur was a living source of local knowledge as well as of facts and legends of Scotland among resi¬ dents of the Codroy Valley. All members of his house¬ hold spoke Gaelic until the 1960s, but by the time of MacArthur's death in September, 1971, his children, like most others in the Valley, spoke Gaelic only rarely. MacArthur was a primary source of informa¬ tion for Margaret Bennett's study of Scottish tradi¬ tions in western Newfoundland, The Last Stronghold. M. Bennett (1989). bwc MCBAY (alt. MCBEY), PETER (1823-1911). Police¬ man. Born Linlithgow, Scotland. At the age of 16 McBay enlisted in the British Army. He served in Gibraltar and the West Indies before joining the New¬ foundland Companies, stationed in St. John's, in 1848. He was pensioned from the army c. 1859 and joined the constabulary. In 1861 Sergeant McBay was posted to Carbonear, where he remained in charge of the local constabulary for the next 20 years. Transferred to St. John's in 1882, he was head constable until his retire¬ ment. H.M. MosdeU (1923), E.R. Seary (1977), ET (June 19, 1911). rhc MACBRAIRE, JAMES (1757-1832). Merchant. Born Londonderry, Northern Ireland. Married Elizabeth Bower. MacBraire was one of the most successful merchants in Newfoundland in the early 1800s. He was also a founder of the ^Benevolent Irish Society qv in 1806 and served as its president for many years. MacBraire came to Newfoundland after having served in the British Army during the American Revo¬ lutionary War. After being discharged in 1780 he was apprenticed as a clerk with William Danson and Co., a Bristol firm trading out of Harbour Grace. He later became a trader at Harbour Grace and the agent for another Bristol firm, that of Joseph Bower, whose daughter he married. Around 1800 MacBraire pur¬ chased premises in St. John's and soon became one of the town's most important merchants. He played a leading role in the formation of a Society of Mer¬ chants in 1807 and was elected its president. MacBraire established a branch of his business at King's Cove qv c.l806. Although he largely left King's Cove in the hands of his agent, his trade there grew rapidly and became the most important part of his business, which also expanded to the Southern Shore, in Placentia Bay, and into supplying trappers and fishermen of Notre Dame Bay. In 1806 MacBraire joined with some of the promi¬ nent Irish merchants and army officers of St. John's to form the B.I.S., with MacBraire as its first treasurer. He became president in 1810 and was elected perpet¬ ual president in 1819, although by that time he had left Newfoundland. "Probably the greatest philanthropist of his generation in Newfoundland" (DCB V), MacBraire, though a Protestant and merchant, was particularly popular among the Irish fishermen. When he left St. John's on July 10, 1817, it was to the sound of heart-felt tributes from the Irish community. He retired to Berwick-upon-Tweed, from whence he con¬ tinued his Newfoundland business activities, also re¬ maining president of the St. John's B.I.S. until 1823. MacBraire died at Berwick on March 24, 1832. The King's Cove business was continued by his son until 1839. Lawton and Devine (1944), J.W. McGrath (1970), DCB V, DNLB (1990), Newfoundland Histori¬ cal Society (James MacBraire). rhc MCBRIDE, JAMES (1794-1877). Merchant. Born Scotland. Married Anne HounseU. McBride was the principal owner ofthe St. John's firm of McBride and Kerr from 1821 to 1864. McBride originally came to Newfoundland as agent for a Scottish merchant, Thomas Boag. When the busi¬ ness became insolvent in 1821, McBride and two other employees of Boag (Robert and George Kerr) founded their own company trading in fish and fishery sup¬ plies. This firm became one of the larger firms in St. John's, with premises on Water Stieet at what later became known as McBride's Hill. McBride and Kerr supplied a number of local dealers on the southern shore of the Avalon Peninsula, eventually acquiring several ships and supplying vessels to the seal hunt. The firm also did some business in building supplies (which is known because their lumber yard was burnt in the great fire of 1846). McBride was appointed commissioner of light¬ houses and justice of the peace in 1834. In 1837 he took the lead in forming the Newfoundland Joint Stock Banking Co.; his brother and partner, Peter, became a director of the Bank of British North Amer¬ ica (see FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS). He retired to Greenock to manage the Scottish end of the firm's trade in 1841. The firm of McBride and Kerr was wound up and taken over by a nephew, Robert Kerr McBride, and James Goodfellow qv in 1864. Keith Matthews (1980), Paul O'Neill (1976), Evening Her¬ ald (July 1, 1893). RHC MCCALLUM (inc. 1981; pop. 1986, 243). A fishing community near the western entrance to Bonne Bay on the south coast, just west of Bay d'Espoir (see HER¬ MITAGE BAY). Located at the head of Bonne Bay Harbour, McCallum is sheltered from all winds by Taylor, Poole and Daniel islands. Originally known as Bonne Bay, reflecting its early history when French fishermen from St. Pierre and Miquelon began fre¬ quenting the area in the 1500s, the community was renamed McCallum in the first decade of this century.
Encyclopedia of Newfoundland and Labrador, volume 3...
Inside Back Cover 1
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Winnie The Pooh for President!
Cubby Bear is Here!
BAXTER'S BREAKDOWNS
August 3, 2016 posted by
The Pink Panther “In The Pink” (1967)
Here’s a wonderful surprise for you readers — a draft from the DePatie-Freleng studios!
By the mid-‘50s, the advent of television gave animators an option to work in commercials or in animated programming exclusively for the medium. Studio cartoons were still prevalent in theaters, but their business dwindled over time as the TV market prospered. After MGM closed its animation department in the summer of 1957, Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera formed their own studio, producing television cartoons. They recruited animators from MGM to their studio—Ken Muse and Mike Lah, for instance. Soon, other staffers from different studios joined, as well.
David DePatie and Friz Freleng
Mike Maltese, the main writer in Chuck Jones’ unit at Warners, contacted Barbera for a job at his studio and left in October 1958. Warren Foster, another principal writer in Friz Freleng’s unit, left to work for John Sutherland Productions, but joined Maltese at Hanna-Barbera on Huckleberry Hound. Jones and Freleng served as their own storymen, while Tedd Pierce stayed in Bob McKimson’s unit until he left for Walter Lantz in the early ‘60s. Jones contacted animator Ward Kimball at Disney’s, desperate for a writer. John Dunn, a story artist for Kimball’s Tomorrowland specials for the Disneyland television program, came to the studio on February 1960.
By this time, Warner Bros. agreed to keep the studio open for another three years; a weekly, half-hour Bugs Bunny Show proved substantial. As their new writer, Dunn wrote the bridging sequences—alternating directorial duties between Jones, Freleng, and McKimson—used in between three previously released cartoons. The studio produced commercials, often with their established characters, and industrial films, which merged with the animation studio. David DePatie, son of vice president/general manager E.L. DePatie, operated the organization.
While The Bugs Bunny Show wrapped up production around the spring of 1962, DePatie was given orders to finish the show and close the studio. Key personnel from Warners would soon depart; Jones’ involvement with UPA in selling Gay Purr-ee, a screenplay co-authored by his wife Dorothy, led to his termination from Warners when it became the film’s distributor in July 1962. Freleng left the studio in November of that year, to work with Hanna-Barbera as a story supervisor on the team’s first feature Hey There, It’s Yogi Bear. Freleng took Dunn along with him. McKimson directed inserts for The Incredible Mr. Limpet, a Don Knotts vehicle, which helped keep the studio going until the spring of 1963, when its animation department officially closed.
The last days of Warner Bros. Cartoons – “The Incredible Mr. Limpett” crew with Freleng and Dunn (back row, l to r): Bob McKimson, Bill Tytla, Harry Love, Tom O’Loughlin, Dave De Patie, Treg Brown, Friz Freleng, Lee Halpern, Bob Matz, Lew Irwin, Hawley Pratt, Bill Orcutt; (front row, l to r): Gerry Chiniquy, Art Leonardi, O. B. Barkley, John Dunn and Virgil Ross
After the closure, Warners offered DePatie a position in their live-action television division as an executive producer, but he decided to head his own business. Freleng returned to the studio after the closure, and the two formed DePatie-Freleng Enterprises, renting the Warners animation building in Burbank. They hired many artists, most of whom previously served during a certain period; for instance, animator Norm McCabe directed several black-and-white Looney Tunes during the early ‘40s.
Comedy screenwriter/director Blake Edwards, a friend of DePatie’s, gave him the script for an upcoming film The Pink Panther, thinking the name was appropriate for an animated character somewhere in the live-action film. Edwards planned to shoot some sequences in Rome, leaving DePatie and his animation team with the idea. Freleng’s layout artist Hawley Pratt created the design for the Pink Panther, which, at this poraint, was used on the studio’s letterheads and business cards.
When Edwards arrived back from Rome, he previewed the footage for DePatie, and proposed that the Panther appear in the main title sequence, as the character interacts with the names involved. It met with a tremendous reaction when previewed at the Village Theater in Westwood. DePatie convinced the Mirisch Company, the distributor of the film, and United Artists to sign a contract for animated shorts starring the Pink Panther. The first entry, The Pink Phink, won an Academy Award for Best Cartoon of 1964 — a rare instance for an animation studio to win for its first release. John Dunn wrote the story for the cartoon, and continued to work on countless projects for the studio, including their television programs.
Warners composer Bill Lava composed much of the music in the DePatie-Freleng cartoons, including a series starring The Inspector, based on the protagonist of the Pink Panther film. Walter Greene took over the musical duties around 1966. Shortly thereafter, DePatie-Freleng Enterprises re-located to the Union Bank building in Sherman Oaks. As a result, the studio wasn’t able to secure either musician; by the time of Pink Posies, the 27th Pink Panther, different snatches of Lava and Greene’s musical cues—most of which used Henry Mancini’s theme from Edwards’ film — from earlier entries are used throughout much of the Panther’s films. (Extinct Pink, slated to be the last Panther release in 1969, is an exception, using Doug Goodwin’s music from The Ant and the Aardvark series.)
John Dunn and Friz Freleng
The draft for In the Pink, the 29th Pink Panther cartoon, was recently found in the collection of Pete Alvarado, the film’s background artist. Formerly an assistant animator for Disney, he worked as a layout and background artist for Chuck Jones at Warners in the mid-‘40s and early ‘50s. He shifted to the McKimson unit as its chief layout artist. His background work in DePatie-Freleng occurred after a pause in his animation career, as Alvarado gravitated towards comics, coloring books and other animation-related merchandising art for Western Publishing.
Alvarado left Disney for New York to seek other employment in the late ‘30s, and found himself drawing adventure comics and funny animal stories for Funnies Inc. and Timely Comics (later Marvel), returning to Disney’s after eighteen months. During his time in the Jones unit, he contributed to the Roy Rogers newspaper strip with Tom and Charles McKimson. He also drew newspaper strips of Gene Autry, Little Lulu, Mister Magoo, Yogi Bear, and the Flintstones, among many. He also continued drawing funny animal stories for Dell Publishing, drawing Disney, Warners, Hanna-Barbera and Walter Lantz characters.
The animators credited on the draft are present in the main credits, though the first scene of the Pink Panther emerging from the shower (credited to Norm McCabe) is lifted from Pink Panic, released a few months earlier. The draft also indicates omitted scenes in the beginning, including an unused gag with the Pink Panther attempting to wear a girdle to appear thin, before having the notion of joining a gym.
In the film, animators Don Williams and Manny Gould worked exceptionally within the restraints of limited animation; examples of this are Williams’ animation of the Panther bouncing on a trampoline and skipping rope, and Gould’s scenes of him struggling with a barbell. It’s interesting to note Art Leonardi is credited with only two shots in the film, during the shadow boxing sequence, while Manny Gould finishes the rest of the footage.
There will not be a breakdown for next week. In addition to my regular job, I’ve been working on a local independent feature, editing different sequences. It’s been exhausting trying to keep up, but I shall return…
(Thanks to Jerry Beck, Michael Barrier, Greg Duffell, Mark Arnold, Charles Brubaker, Didier Ghez, and the Pete Alvarado Estate for their help.)
David DePatieFriz FrelengThe Pink Panther
Ian L.
I’ve observed that I have a harder time differentiating animators when there’s no dialog. It’s really interesting how an animator’s style comes out simply for how they move a character when they talk, at least in the classic cartoons.
Dave Kirwan
One of the many joys in the weekly savoring of BAXTER’S BREAKDOWNS is the acknowledging of some unsung heroes, long overdue spotlights on some long overlooked talents. Well, here’s a quick but heartfelt thank you to you, Devon, for all the work you pour into these things. We know this is a labor of love, but it’s still labor and I know so many of us appreciate it as well as your thoughtful insights on the good solid research.
Love that you focus on a variety of subjects from a variety of eras, studios, etc. Hey, and I love that we were able to see the breakdown of a DePatie-Freleng toon! Make good use of the break, and we look forward to seeing BREAKDOWNS return!
Very interesting post today, Devon! I’m always up for more DFE history on this site…
It was interesting to read of the evolution of these cartoons. I only became aware of GAY PUR-EE when I saw a coloring book with that title. I’d never seen these characters before and, then, the film came to TV and I enjoyed it on our CBS affiliate. It was a great late night of cartoons long before there was any such network that aired such things ’round the clock, ending with a vintage PEPE LE PEW cartoon just before the 11:00 news.
Bigg3469
A lot of the VOSFX (Voice Over Sound Effects) in the Pink Panther cartoons and well as in Roland and Rattfink’s first cartoon Hurts and Flowers were created by Mel Blanc including the shrieking “AAAAAAAAH!!!” Scream originally used in the WB cartoon Boston Quackie and my favorite the “Yodeling Yeow” scream
This is a wonderful surprise! I had no idea animators draft for a DFE cartoon existed. Nice to see, indeed!
Yowp
Since Devon didn’t mention it, the sheets show Ted Bonnicksen and Warren Batchelder also animated parts of the cartoon.
Alvarado was back home in Los Angeles by the end of April 1940 as he shows up in the census return there.
Andy Norton
I’ll admit I was intrigued to see a breakdown for this Pink Panther short, mainly for such stylistic character designs I thought would be awkward to distinguish. But after this effort, it’s interesting to see the slight drawing approach from Leonardi and Gould in tackling the titular character.
I’ll look forward to Baxter’s next breakdown after his break.
Evan S.
Nice to see a breakdown for a DFE short! Many thanks, Devon!
Noah Bossier
November 04, 2016 8:20:15 am
Can anybody indenitfy the scenes Don Williams animated on “Nine Lives of Fritz The Cat”. I have a hard time desiphiring who animated what especially on films from the 70’s
ABOUT DEVON BAXTER
DEVON BAXTER is a freelance video editor, currently residing in Pennsylvania. He has provided vintage material and edited supplemental features for Tom Stathes’ Cartoons on Film Blu-Ray/DVD sets.
MORE BAXTER BREAKDOWNS
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Why Every 3020-a Arbitrator Award Is Different. - Part V
One of the truisms in the New York City version of the 3020-a hearing process is that "every case is different". To support that statement I present three cases that have the same or similar allegations with vastly different Arbitrator "awards" (penalties).
Case #1: Three high school teachers were reported to have been drinking hard liquor in the classroom before open school night started. All three teachers were sent through the 3020-a hearing process and received vastly different "awards". The alleged ringleader of the group was the first one to finish his 3020-a hearing and received a $5,000 fine and a course on appropriate behavior. His girlfriend was next and received a much more stringent fine of $25,000. The last teacher was handed to most severe "award" with a six month suspension without salary and benefits as well as being called on to take alcohol testing at a moment's notice.
All three teachers had no previous discipline problems and were well liked by the school Administration' Why the vastly disparate "awards"? The answer is the dynamics of the 3020-a hearing itself. All three teachers had different attorneys and different arbitrators. Further, its how each teacher handled the highly stressful 3020-a hearing. Finally, the teacher's testimony will influence an Arbitrator's "award". Therefore, the combination of many factors caused the different and disparate "awards".
Example #2: Two female elementary school teachers were accused of "corporal punishment" at two different schools. They allegedly took a misbehaving special education student and according to the room paraprofessional either kicked, pushed, or shoved the student. The cases were similar in many ways. Each student was eventually placed in a District 75 school because of their behavioral disabilities, the teacher and paraprofessional had issues with each other, and most importantly, the Principal did not like the teacher.
One teacher ended up with a "letter-to-the-file" while the other teacher was terminated. Why the difference?
In the non-terminated teacher's case, the school physiologist testified on behalf of the teacher about the student's behavioral issues while the terminated teacher had no witnesses. Otherwise, there is no differences. Therefore, it goes back to the dynamics of the hearing and the teacher's testimony.
Example 3: Two male high school teachers were accused of "sexual misconduct" with female students. In one case the teacher was spotted with a schoolgirl in his parked car near the school and it was reported to SCI who substantiated that the girl was in the teacher's car but according to the girl "nothing was going on".. The Other teacher had an inappropriate testing and phone relationship with a female student and were seen together often alone in his classroom. SCI substaintiated the allegations and both teachers went through the 3020-a process.
The teacher who had the female student in his parked car near the school was terminated for "sexual misconduct" which is automatic by the Arbitrator. While the teacher with the numerous phone and text messages was given a $7,500 fine. Go figure. I will not pretend to understand these two widely disparate "awards" except to say its about the dynamics of the 3020-a hearings and the creditability of the teacher. .
Consequently, the best advice I can give you is to tell the truth, express sorrow, even if you believe you didn't do anything wrong, and be confident but not arrogant in your testimony and hope for the best.No wonder the teacher is confused because there is no rubric that is used to determine the Arbitrator's "award".
The four other parts of the New York City 3020-a process can be found Here, Here, Here, and Here.
On my first day as a new teacher in 1967 I was assigned a classroom occupied previously by a teacher who had retired. Going through the desk I was suprised to find a half finished bottle of Four Roses (which, to the uninitiated, is rye whiskey.) I was told that the teachers frequently "took a shot" at lunchtimr to help them through the day.
Fast forward a number of years and I'm in a high school where several of the departments partied in the building after school on Friday. One AP was the organiser.
I am not surprised to hear about teachers drinking, or being stoned on drugs, during the school day; given the tone set by the people at Tweed. It is nothing new.
I also remember a principal who sold dresses and purses in his office after three, the AP who spent most of the day on the phone running his travel agency and the lunchroom ladies who sold Avon.
These are abberations in a system where I found most teachers to be caring, hard working persons who were both amazed and upset by the antics of a few.
Hopefully, a new chancellor(an educator), appointed by Mayor elect Di Blasio will set a new tone in the schools so that teachers won't need to resort to drugs or alcohol to get through the day.
I am a tenured teacher currently reassigned for "Misconduct". In a nut shell, Super Storm Sandy hit and all hell broke loose. Teachers from my program were told not to penalize students for being displaced..meaning mark them present as long as you have contact with them. I did so and in the midst of a parent attempting to get FEMA money, they reported that their child had not received any "schooling" since the storm. The parent told this to a hospital social worker and the next thing I knew I was reassigned for "misconduct". Bottom line...there was no warning, no meeting on what occurred and the parent told me herself why what was happening happened and she apologized to me. The investigation was a farce. It's been a year since the super storm and I am still awaiting this 3020a hearing...I am a combination of pissed off and confused. The child that caused this is no longer a student in the DOE. I am wondering does the DOE even know this and if so why are they still putting me through this crap! After almost 20 years and a clean file, do they really think they can terminate me??? I have a decent relationship with my Admin and I have dozens of parents ready to testify, but why go through all that if this situation was caused by a Storm that no one knew how to handle??? What are your thought on this situation??
Jeff Kaufman said...
Disparity in award is a basic part of the arbitration process. The same thing happens in criminal cases. Under the Pell standard penalties must not shock the conscience nor be arbitrary and capricious. If the awards are truly based on the same or similar findings and disciplinary history and the disparity is large there is a good chance of reversing the award in an Article 75 proceeding.
By the grace of GOD my 3020A charges were dismissed. The hearing officer founded that my Principal contradicted himself and found him not credible. Needless to say I left my old school and I’m in a wonderful new school. God is Great!!!!!!
P.S. To win a 3020A case, PRAY GOD IS AWESOME, be truthful, and have strong witnesses that can attest for your character for example principals or DOE supervisors that you worked for or fellow teachers and did I say remember to PRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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U.S. announces sanctions on Iran's metal sectors
WASHINGTON, May 8 (Xinhua) -- The White House announced on Wednesday that the United States is imposing sanctions with respect to the iron, steel, aluminum, and copper sectors of Iran.
"Today, I am signing an executive order to impose sanctions with respect to Iran's iron, steel, aluminum, and copper sectors, the regime's largest non-petroleum-related sources of export revenue," U.S. President Donald Trump said in a statement.
"Tehran can expect further actions unless it fundamentally alters its conduct," the statement added.
Brian Hook, U.S. special representative for Iran, also said at a conference on the same day that Washington would continue the "maximum pressure" against Iran until Tehran changes behavior.
The sanction constituted the latest move of U.S. "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran, which came on the one-year mark of the Trump administration's decision of exiting the Iran nuclear deal in May last year.
Tehran has been taking a hard-line stance and urging national unity and solidarity in the face of resolute U.S. threats.
In a televised speech on Wednesday, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said that Iran would begin to build up stockpiles of its enriched uranium and heavy water.
"It doesn't mean that Iran leaves the nuclear agreement, known as Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)," Rouhani said.
Iran will wait for 60 days to start negotiations with the signatories of the nuclear deal over its economic interests enshrined by the nuclear deal, including its oil sales and international banking transactions, said Rouhani, adding that if Iran achieves no results after 60 days, it will adopt two more counter-measures to the U.S. withdrawal from the deal.
Following the exit from the Iran nuclear deal, the Trump administration has kept piling up pressure on Iran through a series of sanctions and designations, which have been strongly opposed and criticized by Tehran.
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Projects & Creative Research
Biography – Copper Frances Giloth – February 2018
Copper Giloth is an Professor of Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She teaches courses in Digital Media, Information Design, Mobile Apps and Drawing. Giloth’s projects take the form of drawings, books, animations, videos, websites and installations. Her work has been exhibited in the U.S., Japan, Canada, and across Europe. In July of 2014 she released “Labyrinth-of-Fables” a mobile app allowing the user to visit, remotely or at the original site, the Labyrinth of Versailles which was constructed starting in 1665 but destroyed in 1775. (http://www.labyrinth-of-fables.com/en/) The Oculus Rift version was released in March of 2015. Her solo exhibition “The Sudoku Diaries: Gaining or Seeding Control” was at Herter Gallery at University of Massachusetts in September through October 2015. Much of her earliest work was among the pioneering efforts in the then nascent field of computer art and computer graphics. She organized the first two international ACM Siggraph Art Show Competitions in 1982 and 1983. The 1983 exhibition travelled to 30 locations in the U.S., Canada, France, and Japan. Her website documenting the Siggraph’82 Art Exhibition is located at: http://people.umass.edu/sig82art/
Download PDF [100k]
1985 - Present University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Department of Art, Professor
1993 - 2013 University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Director of Academic Computing in OIT
1992 - 96 Princeton University, Visual Arts, Visiting Instructor, Fall Semester only
1985 University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, Visiting Professor, School of Art, Summer
Kent State University, Kent, OH, Visiting Professor in the Blossom Summer Program in Art
School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL, Instructor in the Video Department
1983 School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Instructor
Kent State University, Visiting Professor
© Copyright, 2015, Copper Giloth
+ giloth@umass.edu
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Click to Return to crimeresearch.org
Home → Op-Eds →
The threat of radical Islam is not new, but what will we do?
June 10, 2017, at The Hill
By John R. Lott, Jr.
Late last month, the Manchester bombing left 22 dead and 59 injured. Over the weekend, another 7 were killed and 48 injured in London by a truck and knife attack.
It was yet another example of Muslim terrorists killing people. President Trump in his tweets over the last couple days has pushed against the London mayor's claim that there is “no reason to be alarmed” and the need for “extreme vetting” of those from seven high-risk countries.
Let’s be clear, the vast majority of Muslims live their lives in peace and are great neighbors. But that can’t take away from radical Muslims being overwhelmingly responsible for long-term violence that has been occurring around the world.
Bombs, like the Manchester attack, are much more commonly used in terror attacks outside of the United States. Between 2014 and 2015 there were 1,761 terrorist bombings around the world that claimed the lives of at least 4 people.
Even though the motives aren’t known for 17 percent of the attacks, at least 80 percent are committed Muslims radicals.
From 2009 to July 2014, Russia saw 0.24 annual deaths per million from bombings with four or more fatalities.
Muslim extremists committed all of these attacks. That rate is 2.7 times higher than the death rate from mass public shootings in the United States.
In Belgium in 2016, an airport and subway bombing killed 31 people and wounded 180. The 2004 Madrid train bombing took the lives of 192 and injured about 2,000.
While the London-type attack with a vehicle where at least 4 people have been killed is still relatively rare around the world, since 2000, 80 percent of the 10 such attacks involved Islamic extremists.
Muslim radicals have also committed 40 of the worst 50 mass public shootings around the world from 1970 through May 2017 – following the traditional FBI definition of shootings in a public place, and not in connection to another crime such as robbery. Number 16 on that global list took place last June in Orlando.
That shooting, the worst in U.S. history, claimed 50 lives and 53 people were wounded also involved a Muslim who had his pledged allegiance to ISIS.
Mass shootings were excluded if they were part of a war over sovereignty or ones done by the government.
If one were to include these cases, the list would include many more attacks in such places as Israel, the Philippines, Russia, and the U.K. And the vast majority of those would have also involved Muslims.
In the case of Russia, I excluded five shootings that were part of the Russian-Chechen conflict. The most deadly was the Beslan School siege of September 1, 2004, which left 385 dead and another 783 wounded. Muslims also carried it out.
Many people mistakenly believe that the United States is somehow unique in mass public shootings, but in fact the rest of the world is much more dangerous: 24 of the worst 25, and 45 of the worst 50, occurred abroad.
The two worst attacks involved over 200 and 300 people killed in Nigeria during 2014. The third worst killed 148 people in Pakistan also in 2014.
Besides the Orlando attack, in the US there have also been the massacres by Muslims in San Bernardino, Ft Hood in 2009, Orlando, and Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Yet, despite Army Major Nidal Hasan yelling “Allahu Akbar” during the first Ft Hood attack and even President Obama finally referring to the massacre as a terrorist attack, some news organizations, such as the Washington Post, still refuse to count that attack as related to Muslim extremism and claim that US “mass shootings generally have nothing to do with radical Islam.”
Still other attacks have been narrowly averted. Last year, a young ISIS sympathizer planned a shooting at one of the largest churches in Detroit. An FBI wire recorded him explaining why he had targeted the church: “It’s easy, and a lot of people go there.
Plus people are not allowed to carry guns in church. Plus it would make the news.” Fortunately, that ended up being only a would-be killer. There is also the Fort Dix plot in New Jersey by six Muslims that was only just prevented.
It is this concern over letting the violence in the rest of the world into the US that is behind Trump’s request to the Supreme Court to let him to temporarily delay letting people in the US from seven high-risk countries where it is difficult to properly screen people.
Despite the violence that we have seen in the US, compared to the world at large, the United States is a safe haven. Americans may not really understand the true scope of the problem.
The fears people have of Muslim terrorists aren’t irrational fears. There is a unique problem there, and it isn’t new.
Follow @CrimeResearch1 on Twitter
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Episode 82 Hell's Bells
West Michigan's own Rob Bell has a new book out entitled Love Wins: A Book About Heaven, Hell and the Fate of Every Person Who Has Ever Lived. The Doubtcasters take the opportunity to revisit Bell's "theology," and take a look at just what it means, historically, to go to Hell. We also discuss a new study which draws the not-so-new conclusion that Yahweh had a wife.
Also in this episode: Props and Shit List and PolyAtheism goes to Hel.
Watch Rob Bell squirm
Posted by Fletcher
Your comments at the end of the podcast about Valhalla and Helheim reminded me of this animation:
http://www.fubiz.net/2011/03/09/the-saga-of-biorn/
You are incorrect when you say that the secular have fewer children. If you compare countries in Western Europe, the least religious have some of the highest birth rates and the most religious have some of the lowest. Google "Is Secularization Responsible for Lower Birth Rates?" to see some of the numbers.
My impression from the video you posted is that Robb Bell's mission is to sell a screen play.
Like the plot of many movies, especially fantasy movies, Bell's theology crumbles the moment you take a hard look at it.
Furthermore, like the plot of such movies, you aren't *meant* to take a hard look at it, you're supposed to sit back and enjoy the ride. That's precisely the impression I get from Bell's message. He just wants us to get caught up in the warm fuzzy feeling of it.
Bashir asks Bell some very straightforward questions and Bell replies by turning up the warm-fuzzy knob in the hope that Bashir will get swept up in the suspension of disbelief that Bell promotes. It's rather pathetic.
Lausten North said...
Wow Justin, “I looked it up and it turns out my ideas were wrong.” Paraphrased of course, but that was amazing. Not that I take pleasure in your admission, but if more people would do what you did, this whole science vs religion problem would be nearly non-existent.
Not to mention Luke’s pragmatic backing of Rob’s focus on the here and now.
RLQ said...
You mentioned that Christians might be surprised at the presence of morality and "good" behavior among atheists, but I remember the rationalization of this taught by one of my churches growing up (which I obviously no longer attend): any good in the world is there because of God. So, according to this view, the only reason atheists are not only capable of good, but do good, is because of God's hand. . . even though he'll probably send them to Hell.
We're tools!
Mirjiam said...
I've argued with some more well versed Christians before about the concept of hell, and mentioned that 'Satan' and 'hell' (usually referred to as Hades in the translations I've read) are rarely ever mentioned in the new testament.
They tell me this is because the bible chapters that discuss these and other concepts in depth were edited out of the original compilation of the new testament.
I was wondering to what degree this is true, and wanted to know more about where I might be able to find out about these texts banned from the bible. I would like to see for myself where some of these concepts came from.
> "They tell me this is because the bible chapters that discuss these and other concepts in depth were edited out of the original compilation of the new testament."
How did they know that? Presumably, they haven't read those edited-out sections of the New Testament (and if they did, they could point you to them). Do they just assume these New Testament books and chapters must've existed because the modern church has concepts of the devil and hell 2,000 years later? It seems like a lot of concepts could creep into the religious worldview that aren't traceable to the original text. (For example, there's plenty of Catholic beliefs that aren't directly traceable to the Bible.) Besides, we see that all the time in other cultures - where old and new religious beliefs get mixed together. Just look at how Christianity has mixed with other native beliefs. For example Santaria is a mixture of Catholicism and Voodoo. Perhaps they would claim that all their beliefs are traceable to lost books of the Bible, even though it's obvious to us that it's just a hybrid of two religions.
I haven't yet read Bell's book. But his theory seems to fit in with teachings.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son tells the story of a son who asked his dad for an early inheritance, wastes it, starves, then returns home to find his father forgiving, welcoming and happy to have him back.
This story, told by Jesus, begs the question of whether a mortal man has greater power to forgive than God. The Lord either has infinite power, or mortal death is a deadline that defeats even His influence.
Not much detail is given regarding the other son, but it can be inferred he followed his father, lived honorably and had a life much better than fighting pigs for slop. And when his father celebrated the return of the wicked son, he was not happy. Sadly, that mimics the reactions of too many Christians.
As for the comment above about who is having babies, Muslims countries have birth rates well above those of "secular" Europe. In fact, Russia, Japan and much of Europe have declining populations.
Take into account the booming Muslim immigration into Western Europe, and the secular birth rate is even lower than reports may indicate.
http://bit.ly/8QK6V
Muslims aren't necessary having children at such high rates for religious reasons, although that is sometimes the case. They often have large families because they lack knowledge about or access to birth control. When Muslims get access to birth control, their family sizes do decrease. Muslim Bangladesh has halved it's birth rate through an aggressive family planning program.
If you compare birth rates of more religious countries to less religious countries in Western Europe, the less religious countries generally have higher birth rates. In the US, the birth rates of the religious and the secular aren't significantly different.
The Is Secularization Responsible for Lower Birth Rates? article does acknowledge that some groups, such as Mormons, Muslims and Orthodox Jews do have larger families. But the point is the connection between birth rates and secularization is overblown. It would be more accurate to say that higher levels of wealth drive down birth rates. This is why Japan and Western Europe are seeing a decline in birth rates. Birth rates in America are only increasing due to higher Hispanic birth rates. But even Hispanics start to have fewer children when they are second and third generation.
I'm not sure if you read Is Secularization Responsible for Lower Birth Rates? The article did say that birth rates have increased in France. The birth rates of natives and immigrants were very similar, so it wasn't that immigrants were driving up the rate. Like in America, recent immigrants tend to have more children. But second and third generations have smaller families. This is generally true for European Muslims as well.
Most people, including the religious, would prefer to have smaller families. This is easier in wealthier countries where people tend to have more access to family planning services.
So, when you compare secular people and religious people in similar demographic groups, there is no real difference in birth rates. If you compare birth rates of Japan and Pakistan, then you are comparing apples and oranges. You can't properly compare such dissimilar groups.
Jon H said...
I don't have much to add, but I do want to say that I've really been loving the addition of Justin Schieber. I love all the doubt casters but it's always nice to hear a fresh voice of reason.
> "As for the comment above about who is having babies, Muslims countries have birth rates well above those of "secular" Europe. In fact, Russia, Japan and much of Europe have declining populations. Take into account the booming Muslim immigration into Western Europe, and the secular birth rate is even lower than reports may indicate."
Keep in mind that much of the talk about high muslim birthrates has been pushed by the right-wing media to stir up fear. The Muslim birthrates vary from country to country, and in general, the more educated the muslim, the fewer children they have. Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Palestine have high birthrates. On the other hand, the three largest countries around the middle east have lower birthrates than you'd expect. A replacement birthrate is 2 children per woman.
Iran: 1.71 children born/woman
Egypt: 2.72 children born/woman
Turkey: 1.87 children born/woman
This means these Iran and Turkey also have declining populations. And Egypt has said they want to get their birthrate down to 2.0.
another great episode.
As an inactive JW I wanted to challenge a brief comment you made that mormon's and JW's have "6 or 7" children.
I can't speak for Mormons, but I can safely say that this is not accurate for JW's, at least modern JW's anyhow.
In Southern Ontario Canada large families are not common at all, in fact young families are often only 1 or 2 children while more and more couples are remaining without children. I have friends in Germany and I see this same pattern there.
While the odd family may have large numbers of children I think this would be representative of large families within the population in general.
Just something I thought I would share with you
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JEREMY BEAHAN is an Adjunct Professor teaching classes on: Philosophy, World Religions, Biblical Literature, Aesthetics, and Critical Thinking through FSU.
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Episode 81 Sacrificial Lambs
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Why have they killed Jaurès?
Today is the 99th anniversary of the assassination of Jean Jaurès, the French socialist leader and parliamentarian who had struggled, valiantly but vainly, to keep his country from plunging into the infernal stupidity of what would become known as "the Great War." Dining in a Paris restaurant, Jaurès was shot by a French nationalist who was later acquitted of the murder. A fictionalized version of the event is included in Roger Martin du Gard's Les Thibault.
This version of Jacques Brel's "Pourquoi ont-ils tué Jaurès?" was recorded by Erik Marchand.
Ils étaient usés à quinze ans
Ils finissaient en débutant
Les douze mois s'appelaient décembre
Quelle vie ont eu nos grand-parents
Entre l'absinthe et les grand-messes
Ils étaient vieux avant que d´être
Quinze heures par jour le corps en laisse
Laissent au visage un teint de cendres
Oui notre Monsieur, oui notre bon Maître
Pourquoi ont-ils tué Jaurès?
On ne peut pas dire qu'ils furent esclaves
De là à dire qu'ils ont vécu
Lorsque l'on part aussi vaincu
C´est dur de sortir de l'enclave
Et pourtant l'espoir fleurissait
Dans les rêves qui montaient aux cieux
Des quelques ceux qui refusaient
De ramper jusqu'à la vieillesse
Oui notre bon Maître, oui notre Monsieur
Si par malheur ils survivaient
C'était pour partir à la guerre
C'était pour finir à la guerre
Aux ordres de quelque sabreur
Qui exigeait du bout des lèvres
Qu'ils aillent ouvrir au champ d'horreur
Leurs vingt ans qui n'avaient pu naître
Et ils mouraient à pleine peur
Tout miséreux oui notre bon Maître
Couverts de prèles oui notre Monsieur
Demandez-vous belle jeunesse
Le temps de l'ombre d'un souvenir
Le temps de souffle d'un soupir
Labels: France, French, Music
Streets of the Spectacle
It's February 1848, and Frédéric Moreau, the idle young hero of Flaubert's Sentimental Education, paces up and down the sidewalk, nervously awaiting a rendez-vous with another man's wife. The two have been engaged in a passionate but unconsummated love affair, and Frederick has at last persuaded her to stroll arm-in-arm with him, in public view, along the streets of Paris. (What Madame Arnoux doesn't know is that he is secretly scheming to whisk her up into a room he has previously rented just for that purpose.) But, inexplicably, his date hasn't shown, and Frederick is left cooling his heels. Here's how Flaubert describes him:
He considered the cracks in the paving-stones, the mouths of the gutters, the candelabras, the numbers above the doors. The most trivial objects became his companions, or rather ironic spectators, and the regular façades of the houses seemed pitiless to him. He felt himself dissolve from despondency. The reverberation of his footsteps shook his brain.
When his watch read four o'clock, he felt a wave of something like vertigo, like horror. He tried to repeat some lines of poetry, to perform some mental calculation, to concoct a story. Impossible! The image of Madame Arnoux obsessed him. He wanted to run to her. But which route would he take to avoid passing her?
What gives this rather silly scene an extra pungency is what is happening all around it, because an uprising is in the process of breaking out, the early stages of which Frédéric has personally witnessed, and the reign of Louis-Philippe is about to come to a sudden, violent end. Only after some time has passed does it dawn on him that it might be the fighting in the streets that has prevented her from appearing — in fact this is not the case, as she has been detained because her son is ill — and eventually he gives up and consoles himself, even as the battle rages, by chasing after another woman, whom he succeeds in leading up to the same rented room he had prepared for Madame Arnoux. The next morning he leaves her, goes out, and is on hand during some of the fighting, which fascinates him even as he remains emotionally detached from it:
The wounded who fell, the corpses stretched out, didn't seem like real wounded, like real corpses. It seemed to him like being present at a spectacle.
At one point Frederick will tread on something soft and realize that it's the hand of a dead man, but even this has no real effect on him.
The whole episode, and the entire novel, are heavily tinged with irony, a self-mocking irony given that the character of Frédéric is regarded as being modeled on the author, who, like Frédéric, supported the 1848 revolution but was largely indifferent to politics. Inevitably, it recalls the writings of the Situationist Guy Debord, who declared (as translated by Ken Knabb):
In societies dominated by modern conditions of production, life is presented as an immense accumulation of spectacles. Everything that was directly lived has receded into a representation.
The images detached from every aspect of life merge into a common stream in which the unity of that life can no longer be recovered. Fragmented views of reality regroup themselves into a new unity as a separate pseudoworld that can only be looked at. The specialization of images of the world evolves into a world of autonomized images where even the deceivers are deceived. The spectacle is a concrete inversion of life, an autonomous movement of the nonliving. (The Society of the Spectacle)
It's likely no coincidence that the events that Flaubert chose to describe coincided with the earliest years of photography. Far more so than a painting, a photograph is an image that acquires a life independent of its creator. Photography is an art form, to be sure, and is eminently susceptible to being manipulated, but a photographic image eludes the control of the photographer in a way that a painted one, whose every brushstroke has been consciously placed, can not. The image at the top of this post, captured by Daguerre himself in 1838, bears details and resonances that the photographer himself may or may not have noticed; most importantly, it doesn't matter if he noticed them. Frédéric, the epitome of the Paris flâneur, is strolling through a spectacular world, that is, a world made up of just such images, not necessarily photographs themselves (though they are a part of it) but a whole universe of things that appear not to have been consciously created, by God or by man, but rather to simply exist on their own.
The Daguerrotype shown, which is said to be the earliest datable photographic representation of the human form (a bootblack and his customer at lower left), depicts the Boulevard du Temple. Flaubert later lived on the same street.
Labels: Flaubert, France, French, Novels, Photography
Three portraits
Three more Real Photo postcards, possibly from western Pennsylvania. The one above has the following inscription on the reverse of the card:
Mother Moser [or possibly "Moses"]
Mother's Sister
Mariah Knotts
& Son & his child
This conceivably could be the Mariah Knotts who was born in 1836 and died in Franklin, Pennsylvania in 1915. The Cyko cardstock on which the image is printed was manufactured from 1904 into the 1920s. The other two cards, which bear no inscriptions, are on Azo stock that is roughly contemporary.
Labels: Photography, Postcards, Real Photo
Scenes of Rural Life
The images on this page reproduce part of a group of Real Photo postcards that may have originated in western Pennsylvania. The one above is probably the oldest; it's printed on postcard stock, in this case sold by an unknown manufacturer, that became obsolete around 1907, when postal regulations were updated to permit including a message, in addition to the mailing address, on the reverse of the card. The wall behind the adolescent boy has been decorated with a variety of posters and advertisements, though it's difficult to read the lettering because of the angle and the exposure. Even so, the central image of the boy and his horse is nicely composed.
The remainder are later, printed on Azo postcard stock manufactured from 1918-1930, and may be the work of a single photographer, one who developed his own images but hadn't quite mastered the printing process. In the first, an oval frame was employed, but only on the right side. Note the rungs on the tree to enable climbing. The name "Harold Bixler" is written on the back.
The image below, of a woman holding a cat, is even more askew (these scans are aligned with the axes of the cardstock, not of the print).
In the composite below, I have juxtaposed the two cards to show how the ragged edge and the dark background on the left side apparently align. If I'm correct, the two prints must have been made at the same time.
The awkwardly exposed image below may also belong with the previous two; if rotated 90° to the left, it also is a possible candidate for aligning with the top of the print of the woman with the cat.
The dark backgrounds framing these three prints appear to be previously exposed film. I don't really understand the developing technique involved here, but it's clear the photographer was improvising, probably with minimal training and rudimentary equipment. That would make sense given the general poverty and isolation of the scenes, but it says something that he or she was driven, even under less than optimal conditions, to preserve a little bit of the surrounding world.
None of these postcards were ever addressed or mailed.
Hopscotch at Fifty
This summer marks the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Julio Cortázar's Rayuela (Hopscotch) by Editorial Sudamericana, and next year will be the centenary of the author's birth. Blog Morellianas has a useful round-up of some related articles and announcements in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. Among the more interesting are an exhibit at the Instituto Cervantes in Paris devoted to Rayuela: El París de Cortázar and a nice appreciation by Ted Gioia (link dead).
Much of this activity is inevitably highly "meta," as they say these days, since the author himself has been dead for nearly thirty years. Supreme cronopio that he was, he would probably have found all of it more than a bit tiresome and wandered off to play with the nearest cat or spin some Louis Armstrong records. But hopefully it will draw the attention of new readers and bring old readers back to the books themselves, which are aging nicely, thank you.
I'll leave the last word to Cortázar, from a letter to Jean Barnabé dated June 3rd, 1963, just as Hopscotch was going to press:
Personally, I think I've written nothing better than "The Pursuer" [his novella loosely based on Charlie Parker]; nevertheless, in Hopscotch I have broken any number of dikes, of doors, I have smashed myself to pieces in so many and such various ways, that as far as I'm concerned it wouldn't matter to me if I died right now. I know that in a few months I'll think that I still have other books to write, but today, when I'm still within the atmosphere of Hopscotch, I feel that I've gone to my own limits, and that I would be incapable of going further.
Labels: Julio Cortázar, Novels
It's a bit disconcerting, perhaps, to reflect that the oldest story in this collection is now more than sixty-five years old. Gabriel García Márquez is still with us, of course, though he seems to have outlived his muse, but these early stories, almost of which were written before more than a handful of readers had even heard of him, now seem to belong to a distant era. Even so, many of them still hold up quite well for all that.
The volume gathers "all the stories" Gabo had published as of 1975 (the latest story is in fact dated three years earlier), organized into the three earlier collections — Ojos de perro azul; Los funerales de la Mamá Grande; and La increíble y triste historia de la cándida Erendira y de su abuela desalmada — in which they first appeared. They can be roughly divided into three distinct but not necessarily mutually exclusive modes. Two are fairly easy to categorize: the neorealism of "La mujer que llegaba a las seis" and "En este pueblo no hay ladrones"; and well-wrought fantastic tales like "Un señor muy viejo con unas alas enormes," "El ahogado más hermoso del mundo," and "El último viaje de la buque fantasma." The third (but chronologically earliest) group is made up of what we might call existential horror tales, and here we find most of the contents of Ojos de perro azul.
There are deservedly popular gems among both the neorealist and fantastic tales, but it is the author's first — and by most measures least accomplished — pieces that interest me for the moment. And what a difficult and strange bunch of stories they are! Most are concerned with ghosts, or corpses, or disembodied spirits of some kind; in the least challenging (perhaps "Nabo, el negro que hizo esperar a los ángeles") the reader is eventually able to piece together something resembling a narrative thread, but at their most extreme (the frankly baffling "Amargura para tres sonámbulos") we're pretty much left scratching our heads. Note that this is not a criticism. Note also that the stories, though written over the course of a least a half-dozen years, weirdly illuminate each other; thus certain cryptic references in "Diálogo del espejo," which describes a man shaving before work and discovering that the face he sees in the mirror has begun to diverge from his own, acquires new possibilities when read alongside "La otra costilla de la muerte," in which one of a pair of twins has died and the survivor waits while a barber shaves the face of his brother's corpse in the next room. Motifs of consciousness beyond the grave, of transmigration, not always fully developed, weave in and out of these tales, though it isn't clear whether their affinities are the result of strategy, improvisation, or simply the reworking of material that wasn't fully mined the first time through.
One of the strangest, and most abstract, of the tales is the brief "La noche de los alcaravanes," in which three men who have been blinded by curlews* stumble about within a space that is neither explained nor truly described; the setting could be from one of Beckett's theatre pieces, except that Beckett would never have conceived of anything so garish. According to Gerald Martin's biography of García Márquez, the tale alludes to a folk belief about curlews blinding children, but no such origin can account for the oddness of the tale. Longer, but no less perplexing, is "Eva está dentro de su gato" ("Eve Is Inside Her Cat"), in which a woman who is tormented by her own beauty (which she compares, in a lush extended metaphor that runs to a full page, to a population of insects coursing through her veins) suddenly leaves her body, floats in a dimensionless world, finds herself drawn back by a craving for the taste of oranges, and then attempts (apparently unsuccessfully) to enter the body of a cat. There is no backstory, no explanation; instead there are mysterious allusions to a buried "niño" — a boy or child, but the word is placed in quotation marks in the original — and to "three unmovable enemies" (the sonámbulos of the other story?) and the reader has little to hold onto, though the story's final sentence provides a devastating, if not clarifying, conclusion.
To some extent, these perplexing stories can, perhaps, be characterized as apprentice work, though by a singularly gifted hand. García Márquez would go on to write more classically polished tales, as well as audience-pleasing novels like One Hundred Years of Solitude. But these earliest pieces, as clunky and difficult to interpret as they often are, also display the possibilities of a more radical approach to narrative.
*"Curlews" is the word used in Gregory Rabassa's translation of the story, though the Spanish alcaraván may correctly refer to a "stone-curlew" or bittern.
Labels: Gabriel García Márquez, Tales
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Page Four SKIDMORE NEWS March 19, 1970
Skidmore Graduates Stress Problems for Career Women
By STEVEN COHEN
“Bread and Roses” sponsored a panel discussion in Starbuck Thursday at which two professional women told about the difficulties of building a career in a man’s world. The ladies were both Skidmore students at one time, and their talk seemed to generate some enthusiasm among the approximately fifty people present.
First to speak was Virginia Young, a Skidmore graduate of 1964 and a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. She did doctorate work at the University of Buffalo and is now teaching at John Jay College. Next year she will teach at Princeton.
Virginia Young is a feminist, although she says she likes men and is happily married. “Either don’t get married or be happily married,” she told the gathering. She said her husband is tolerant of many things, for in a man’s world, “everybody will want to buy you drinks,” and he appreciates the difficulties she encounters. He also shops and cleans the house, but she does the cooking. “I cook because I like to cook,” Mrs. Young said, “not because I’m a woman.”
Mrs. Young places great importance on her marriage. While two professional people must each make sacrifices, she certainly views marriage in a positive light. She did not “shop around for a man who would tolerate a professional woman” — it was purely by chance. Her views of man are particularly interesting:
“A man defines himself in terms of his career and how he provides for his family.”
“A man has his limits — you can’t be too aggressive.”
Mrs. Young feels she met tremendous discrimination in graduate school, where she was seen “as a woman, not as a person.” In a few instances, it proved to be an advantage, for certain professors would “push me along.” She viewed children as a “crisis” in the career of a professional woman, but she intends to have them. She stated that when having children, she will simply have to slow down; “You can’t preserve your sanity as a professional woman and expect to achieve at the same rate as men.”
She feels she has been hired at Princeton as their “nigger” and they have already made unfair stipulations about where she can live there. “Your worst enemies are your liberals,” she concluded. “With the conservatives, at least you know where you stand. The liberals are not aware of their prejudices.”
Miss Nancy Comer spoke next. She is an associate editor of Madamoiselle. She graduated from Skidmore as a fine arts major, and feels her biggest problem was that she did not “plan ahead.” “That’s it—plan ahead, or you will get a menial job with no future.” She felt that one should have a definite goal in mind when graduating. This goal should be a specific job, not just a field.
She recommended certain steps to follow in order to become prepared before graduating. One might keep a “career notebook” in order to be well acquainted with her chosen work. She told the girls to read a great deal, especially newspapers and news magazines. Some other advice included writing to people for advice, and to seek out contacts ahead of time. Like the first speaker, she said to “beware of the liberals.” She spoke little of marriage, but did say that a woman should make sure her prospective husband is “aware of the housekeeping role” before marriage. That, too, should be planned ahead.
She put great emphasis on accepting jobs with a future, one in which the woman can move up. She warned against accepting a job as a secretary for a large corporation; there is no future in this. A field like publishing was acceptable for starting out with secretarial work, which is precisely how she began at Madamoiselle.
[photograph]
Bread and Roses Panel Discussion
Lyn Samuels will present a senior piano recital Sunday, March 22, at three o’clock in College Hall.
Before attending Skidmore, Lyn studied piano with Miss Phoebe Gaylord of Hamilton, New York. Mrs. Loraine Hausman is her current teacher.
The program for the recital includes Beethoven’s “Appas-sionata” Sonata, Chopin’s G Minor Ballade, and selections by Debussy, Scarlatti and Saxton, a recently retired professor with whom Lyn studies music theory.
A reception will follow in the Skidmore Hall living room.
On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 19, 20 and 21, at 8:00, two senior seminars will be presented. Melissa Eichler will star in her seminar, "Talk to Me Like the Rain, and Let Me Listen," by Tennessee Williams, directed by Peter Wright. Nancy Lovell choreographed and directs her seminar, "The Space Between." Admission to both is free.
Beller Performs With Finesse
By JANIS MONDANO
Evelyn Beller’s recital wasn’t a senior graduation recital in its formal connotation. No, that would merely suggest one of those hidden students who emerge from the Filene Music Complex having lost themselves for four years. It wasn’t simply a question of stepping on stage and finding pleasant sounds in a progression dictated by Mozart or Bach.
Delicacy and Finesse
Debussy’s Prelude “La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune” was a weightless apparition of delicacy and finesse that transferred the College Hall wooden interior to a cottony cloud which floated through the paneled loft and disappeared.
True to Ideals
The Bach English Suite was an affirming statement of what was to come. Although the tempi were a bit daring, sacrificing the expected sonority, Evelyn held on to the fine runs and sequences, not allowing them to upset those ideals of control which Bach set forth. I loved the Sarabande with its tricky turn that she so masterfully executed. Those three Brahm’s Intermezzi were never played as well as Evelyn did on Sunday. They were very much a part of her and I heard her speaking through them.
Hidden Supply of Energy
The patience to play Mozart is a virtue attributed to very few but she managed to perform that A minor sonata despite the demands of the second movement that weren’t fully met. But the glory of the afternoon was the sound execution of the Prokofieff’s Third Sonata. It was as if she loosed a hidden supply of energy to end the afternoon’s performance with an impressive spurt of contemporary sound doing justice to the unusual sounds and patterns that the piece contains. But is this it? The personal association in our profession to end here as she leaves Skidmore this Spring? No, I expect to be hearing from her again and again through that medium in which she is so well versed . . . music ... it goes on and on. So will Evelyn Beller. Evelyn Beller will present . . .
by Jean-Marie Segnalla
If you are wondering who or what has provided Skidmore students with the means of escaping campus and home during vacations and summer months, it is the Skidmore Suitcase Service, headed by Skidmore student, Barbara Ross. This miniature travel bureau, located in Room 103, Hathorn Activities Center, is arranging not only spring vacation trips to Nassau, Puerto Rico and Jamaica, but also is sponsoring a cut-rate European tour, to take place this summer. The Service arranges buses to the sundry college mixers, and also convenient transportation in and out of Saratoga Springs. Though not licensed to distribute tickets, The Suitcase Service provides all manner of travel information and literature.
Future plans include a possible revision of the ride board situation so that students may be certainly assured of weekend rides, and a program to help teachers arrange buses for field trips during the January Winter Term.
CGA Big Three
Election results are available to any member of the College Government Association from Martha Merrick, Elections Chairman, ext. 660.
Miss Merrick will reveal vote tallies to individuals but refused to submit them for publication in the News.
New CGA Officers: Left to right, Debbie BozBeckian (President), Lise Bang-Jensen (1st Vice-President), and Dexie O'Neill (2nd Vice-President)
Mrs. C. H. Voss Resigns; Admissions Director Since ’58
Mrs. Carl Hermann Voss, director of admissions at Skidmore College, has resigned from her post effective as of June 30, it was announced by Joseph C. Palamountain, Jr., president of the college. She will become headmistress of Bartham School, a college preparatory school for girls in Jacksonville, Florida.
Born in Inverness, Scotland, Mrs. Voss was educated at the University of Edinburgh, London (School of Slavic Studies), and Berlin, and at the Sorbonne. She holds Masters degrees in English, French, German, and the D. Ed. with a double specialization in education psychology and industrial psychology. During the Second World War she was an educational psychologist with the Kent Education Committee in England. From 1944 to 1946 she was confidential translator in the Ministry of Education of the Polish-Government-in-Exile in London. In 1946 she was appointed by World University Service to Warsaw to organize and administer a program of relief in the war devastated Polish universities.
In 1952 Mrs. Voss came to the United States as Executive Secretary for World University Service in the New England region. She joined the faculty of Emma Willard School in 1954, and was chairman of the English department and assisted in admissions. In 1958 she was appointed director of admissions at Skidmore College.
In announcing the resignation of Mrs. Voss, President Palamountain said: “No one has contributed more significantly to the qualitative and quantitative growth of Skidmore in the past dozen years than Mrs. Voss. The quality of students is one of the two essential ingredients in the overall quality of a college; and under Mrs. Voss’s direction Skidmore has enjoyed a truly extraordinary qualitative improvement in the entering classes. More than this, she has never forgotten that she is dealing with human beings, and I have first hand knowledge of literally hundreds of cases in which her counsel and her personal concern have been generously offered and gratefully received.
“When Mrs. Voss came to Skidmore in 1958, the student body totalled 1,233 compared with the present 1,765. In that year students applied for admission from 411 high schools and transfers from 17 other colleges. Last year applicants came from almost 900 high schools, and transfer applicants from more than 40 colleges. Since 1958 the median SAT scores of the entering class have risen more than 150 points, from below 500 to above 600. In 1958 only half of the students entering in a given year graduated four years later; the percentage is now about 70, far above the national average.
“While I congratulate Bartham School on its good fortune, I deeply regret Mrs. Voss’s departure.”
“A dead tree’s nothing,”
they say,
“Cut it down,
burn it up!”
— A dead tree is still useful;
it may be
a quiet corner for the
of a solitary hermit of an owl,
a handy perch for ravens
after dinner,
a haven for our poet to
contemplate
the vanity and frailness
of our life on earth,
and for the artist it is
far more than all the blossoms
of a living tree . . .
Birgit Swenson
Title March 19, 1970
Date March 19 1970
Transcript Page Four SKIDMORE NEWS March 19, 1970 Skidmore Graduates Stress Problems for Career Women By STEVEN COHEN “Bread and Roses” sponsored a panel discussion in Starbuck Thursday at which two professional women told about the difficulties of building a career in a man’s world. The ladies were both Skidmore students at one time, and their talk seemed to generate some enthusiasm among the approximately fifty people present. First to speak was Virginia Young, a Skidmore graduate of 1964 and a Woodrow Wilson Fellow. She did doctorate work at the University of Buffalo and is now teaching at John Jay College. Next year she will teach at Princeton. Virginia Young is a feminist, although she says she likes men and is happily married. “Either don’t get married or be happily married,” she told the gathering. She said her husband is tolerant of many things, for in a man’s world, “everybody will want to buy you drinks,” and he appreciates the difficulties she encounters. He also shops and cleans the house, but she does the cooking. “I cook because I like to cook,” Mrs. Young said, “not because I’m a woman.” Mrs. Young places great importance on her marriage. While two professional people must each make sacrifices, she certainly views marriage in a positive light. She did not “shop around for a man who would tolerate a professional woman” — it was purely by chance. Her views of man are particularly interesting: “A man defines himself in terms of his career and how he provides for his family.” “A man has his limits — you can’t be too aggressive.” Mrs. Young feels she met tremendous discrimination in graduate school, where she was seen “as a woman, not as a person.” In a few instances, it proved to be an advantage, for certain professors would “push me along.” She viewed children as a “crisis” in the career of a professional woman, but she intends to have them. She stated that when having children, she will simply have to slow down; “You can’t preserve your sanity as a professional woman and expect to achieve at the same rate as men.” She feels she has been hired at Princeton as their “nigger” and they have already made unfair stipulations about where she can live there. “Your worst enemies are your liberals,” she concluded. “With the conservatives, at least you know where you stand. The liberals are not aware of their prejudices.” Miss Nancy Comer spoke next. She is an associate editor of Madamoiselle. She graduated from Skidmore as a fine arts major, and feels her biggest problem was that she did not “plan ahead.” “That’s it—plan ahead, or you will get a menial job with no future.” She felt that one should have a definite goal in mind when graduating. This goal should be a specific job, not just a field. She recommended certain steps to follow in order to become prepared before graduating. One might keep a “career notebook” in order to be well acquainted with her chosen work. She told the girls to read a great deal, especially newspapers and news magazines. Some other advice included writing to people for advice, and to seek out contacts ahead of time. Like the first speaker, she said to “beware of the liberals.” She spoke little of marriage, but did say that a woman should make sure her prospective husband is “aware of the housekeeping role” before marriage. That, too, should be planned ahead. She put great emphasis on accepting jobs with a future, one in which the woman can move up. She warned against accepting a job as a secretary for a large corporation; there is no future in this. A field like publishing was acceptable for starting out with secretarial work, which is precisely how she began at Madamoiselle. [photograph] Bread and Roses Panel Discussion Lyn Samuels will present a senior piano recital Sunday, March 22, at three o’clock in College Hall. Before attending Skidmore, Lyn studied piano with Miss Phoebe Gaylord of Hamilton, New York. Mrs. Loraine Hausman is her current teacher. The program for the recital includes Beethoven’s “Appas-sionata” Sonata, Chopin’s G Minor Ballade, and selections by Debussy, Scarlatti and Saxton, a recently retired professor with whom Lyn studies music theory. A reception will follow in the Skidmore Hall living room. On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, March 19, 20 and 21, at 8:00, two senior seminars will be presented. Melissa Eichler will star in her seminar, "Talk to Me Like the Rain, and Let Me Listen," by Tennessee Williams, directed by Peter Wright. Nancy Lovell choreographed and directs her seminar, "The Space Between." Admission to both is free. Beller Performs With Finesse By JANIS MONDANO Evelyn Beller’s recital wasn’t a senior graduation recital in its formal connotation. No, that would merely suggest one of those hidden students who emerge from the Filene Music Complex having lost themselves for four years. It wasn’t simply a question of stepping on stage and finding pleasant sounds in a progression dictated by Mozart or Bach. Delicacy and Finesse Debussy’s Prelude “La terrasse des audiences du clair de lune” was a weightless apparition of delicacy and finesse that transferred the College Hall wooden interior to a cottony cloud which floated through the paneled loft and disappeared. True to Ideals The Bach English Suite was an affirming statement of what was to come. Although the tempi were a bit daring, sacrificing the expected sonority, Evelyn held on to the fine runs and sequences, not allowing them to upset those ideals of control which Bach set forth. I loved the Sarabande with its tricky turn that she so masterfully executed. Those three Brahm’s Intermezzi were never played as well as Evelyn did on Sunday. They were very much a part of her and I heard her speaking through them. Hidden Supply of Energy The patience to play Mozart is a virtue attributed to very few but she managed to perform that A minor sonata despite the demands of the second movement that weren’t fully met. But the glory of the afternoon was the sound execution of the Prokofieff’s Third Sonata. It was as if she loosed a hidden supply of energy to end the afternoon’s performance with an impressive spurt of contemporary sound doing justice to the unusual sounds and patterns that the piece contains. But is this it? The personal association in our profession to end here as she leaves Skidmore this Spring? No, I expect to be hearing from her again and again through that medium in which she is so well versed . . . music ... it goes on and on. So will Evelyn Beller. Evelyn Beller will present . . . Suitcase by Jean-Marie Segnalla If you are wondering who or what has provided Skidmore students with the means of escaping campus and home during vacations and summer months, it is the Skidmore Suitcase Service, headed by Skidmore student, Barbara Ross. This miniature travel bureau, located in Room 103, Hathorn Activities Center, is arranging not only spring vacation trips to Nassau, Puerto Rico and Jamaica, but also is sponsoring a cut-rate European tour, to take place this summer. The Service arranges buses to the sundry college mixers, and also convenient transportation in and out of Saratoga Springs. Though not licensed to distribute tickets, The Suitcase Service provides all manner of travel information and literature. Future plans include a possible revision of the ride board situation so that students may be certainly assured of weekend rides, and a program to help teachers arrange buses for field trips during the January Winter Term. [photograph] CGA Big Three Election results are available to any member of the College Government Association from Martha Merrick, Elections Chairman, ext. 660. Miss Merrick will reveal vote tallies to individuals but refused to submit them for publication in the News. New CGA Officers: Left to right, Debbie BozBeckian (President), Lise Bang-Jensen (1st Vice-President), and Dexie O'Neill (2nd Vice-President) Mrs. C. H. Voss Resigns; Admissions Director Since ’58 Mrs. Carl Hermann Voss, director of admissions at Skidmore College, has resigned from her post effective as of June 30, it was announced by Joseph C. Palamountain, Jr., president of the college. She will become headmistress of Bartham School, a college preparatory school for girls in Jacksonville, Florida. Born in Inverness, Scotland, Mrs. Voss was educated at the University of Edinburgh, London (School of Slavic Studies), and Berlin, and at the Sorbonne. She holds Masters degrees in English, French, German, and the D. Ed. with a double specialization in education psychology and industrial psychology. During the Second World War she was an educational psychologist with the Kent Education Committee in England. From 1944 to 1946 she was confidential translator in the Ministry of Education of the Polish-Government-in-Exile in London. In 1946 she was appointed by World University Service to Warsaw to organize and administer a program of relief in the war devastated Polish universities. In 1952 Mrs. Voss came to the United States as Executive Secretary for World University Service in the New England region. She joined the faculty of Emma Willard School in 1954, and was chairman of the English department and assisted in admissions. In 1958 she was appointed director of admissions at Skidmore College. In announcing the resignation of Mrs. Voss, President Palamountain said: “No one has contributed more significantly to the qualitative and quantitative growth of Skidmore in the past dozen years than Mrs. Voss. The quality of students is one of the two essential ingredients in the overall quality of a college; and under Mrs. Voss’s direction Skidmore has enjoyed a truly extraordinary qualitative improvement in the entering classes. More than this, she has never forgotten that she is dealing with human beings, and I have first hand knowledge of literally hundreds of cases in which her counsel and her personal concern have been generously offered and gratefully received. “When Mrs. Voss came to Skidmore in 1958, the student body totalled 1,233 compared with the present 1,765. In that year students applied for admission from 411 high schools and transfers from 17 other colleges. Last year applicants came from almost 900 high schools, and transfer applicants from more than 40 colleges. Since 1958 the median SAT scores of the entering class have risen more than 150 points, from below 500 to above 600. In 1958 only half of the students entering in a given year graduated four years later; the percentage is now about 70, far above the national average. “While I congratulate Bartham School on its good fortune, I deeply regret Mrs. Voss’s departure.” “A dead tree’s nothing,” they say, “Cut it down, burn it up!” — A dead tree is still useful; it may be a quiet corner for the meditation of a solitary hermit of an owl, a handy perch for ravens after dinner, a haven for our poet to contemplate the vanity and frailness of our life on earth, and for the artist it is picturesque far more than all the blossoms of a living tree . . . “A dead tree’s nothing,” they say, “Cut it down, burn it up!” Birgit Swenson
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THROUGH A LENS DIMLY
THE NEW CHIEF/THE OLD NAVY
By Dick Kraus
Newsday Staff Photographer (retired)
When you have been in this business for as long as I, you have to put up with changes in the way things are done, whether you agree with them or not. The changes will keep coming at you and if you resist, you are doomed to a life of misery and discontent. You may think that your "good old way" is the best way but you may find yourself with the minority opinion. I remember when I did a four year stint in the US Navy and I got tired of hearing the old salts complaining about the "Old Navy," and how much better things had been in those bygone days. I mentioned this to an old timer; a Chief Petty Officer who had been recalled for duty during the Korean War. His advice was, "Don't sweat it, kid. One day THIS will be the "Old Navy." He was right.
In spite of having been made aware of this phenomenon, I wasn't prepared for the massive changes that occurred when Newsday brought in a new man to be Chief Photo Editor and run the Photo Department. Since I had been hired by Harvey Weber (then known as the Director of Photography) in 1960, this new Chief was the fourth leader of our happy band of warriors. Harvey Weber had molded us into a very cohesive and innovative group of news photographers who were winning awards and becoming known throughout the industry as a department to watch. That was over 20 years ago and things were about to change. There were some problems when the second Chief took over but the problems were seriously exacerbated with the third leader. There were glimmers of hope when the fourth Chief was brought in but we soon learned otherwise.
One of the problems that came about with each new Chief was when they hired new photographers to the staff. Naturally, each Chief sought to salt the staff with his own hires who would swear allegiance to him. In order to prove that his choice of hires was beneficial to the company, each of the Chiefs made sure that his men got the best assignments. Of course, this policy ran to the detriment of the veteran staffers who felt, and rightly so, that they were being consigned to the dust heap of "Head Shot and Real Estate" photos. We had always had "Head Shot and Real Estate" assignments. It came with the territory. But, from time to time, we would get a "meaty" assignment that had some relevance and could produce some excellent photographic opportunities.
After enduring month after month of nothing but "head Shots and Real Estate," I knocked on the door to our New Chief's office.
"I've gotta get something off my mind," I told him. "I'll buy the coffee if you can spare me a couple of minutes."
He graciously accepted and we went down to the company cafeteria. It was a pleasant spring day so we took our coffee and Danish out to a table on the patio outside the cafeteria.
I got right to the point. "Look," I said. "I understand the politics involved here. And while I don't like it, I realize that I can't fight it."
The New Chief listened in silence as I spoke.
"It's like the late night tv talk shows. (At that time, Johhny Carson was the big guy.) Johnny introduces his first guest and they sit on the couch right next to his desk. The show breaks for a commercial and when they return, Carson introduces the next guest star and the first one slides over on the couch and the new star sits next to the desk. This is repeated throughout the show."
"Well," I said, "instead of commercial breaks, we have new department heads. And, every time we have a New Chief, the old photographer moves over one slot when the New Chief introduces his new star. Well, I gotta tell ya, Chief, I feel like I fell off the end of the couch."
I paused. He still looked at me without speaking, waiting for me to go on.
"I'm sure that you feel that it's a matter of loyalty; that your new people will be loyal to you and that we older staffers who were hired by previous Chief Photo Editors can't possibly be loyal to you. But," I continued, "if you take the time to notice, you will find that it isn't a matter of loyalty to whomever is the current Big Kahuna. You'll find that our loyalty is to Newsday. No matter who runs the department, you'll see that we"old timers" will consistently put forth our best effort."
"I think that I speak for all of us as a group when I tell you this. We are all getting tired of shooting nothing but "Head Shots and Real Estate" while your hand picked crew gets all of the decent assignments. I, for one, will willingly continue to shoot "Head Shots and Real Estate" without complaint if you will allow me to be a real photographer a couple of times a year. Just give me the opportunity to do something relevant with maybe some travel and I will endure the garbage jobs for the rest of the year and still try to make the best damned "Head Shots and Real Estate" photos imaginable."
I was done. I had nothing more to add. The New Chief finished his coffee and mumbled something unintelligible and walked back into the building.
His policy remained unchanged. At least as far as he was concerned. I did manage to get a few really good assignments over the course of the rest of my career. But, those were few and far between and were always the results of his Deputy Photo Editors slipping it past him. By the time he realized that I was on a good assignment, it was too late for him to recall me.
Another bone of contention came about when he decided to turn all of us into specialists. Harvey Weber's policy had been to create a department where every photographer had the talent and ability to shoot any assignment that came down the pike. Oh, there were some photographers who had a special flair for one thing or another; be it Sports or Fashion, Spot News or Studio assignments. And, the editors would try to steer those jobs to them. But, any of us could shoot just about anything and do a good job. This was good for the paper and it was good for the photographers. It allowed the Photo Editors to assign whatever photographer was available for the assignment without having to juggle starting times and/or days off. This also allowed each photographer to hone his/her skills and to have the opportunity to cover a diversity of stories.
The New Chief called me into his office one day.
"Dick, I'm changing the way we operate," he opened. "Some of the staff will cover news and some will cover features. And some will be assigned just to sports."
For quite awhile, we had one staffer cut loose to cover sports, exclusively. He covered major league sports. The scholastic sports were assigned to whomever was available.
He went on. "Because you are the senior man on the staff, I'm going to ask you to choose what you want to cover."
That was nice of him, but.....
"Gee, I dunno, Boss," I said. "One of the things that I've always liked best about this job was the fact that I got to cover everything and anything. The joy was in not knowing what your next assignment would be. You might have had two "Head Shots' in a row, but when you called in, your next job might be a major breaking news story or an interesting food page feature."
"That's all well and good," he said, "but, I'm changing all of that. Now, what do you choose?"
I thought long and hard. This was a tough decision to make. Like I said at the beginning, you can't always expect the "Old Navy" to last forever. The New Chief waited patiently.
"I like covering news," I said.
"OK, then," he responded, "you'll be on news."
"But," I moaned, "I love doing features. I enjoy the challenges of doing a food layout or a home interior. I enjoy fashion shoots and I especially love working in the studio; being creative and trying to make a silk purse out of a sow's ear."
"OK," he responded. "I'll put you on features."
I was almost sobbing. "But, not if it means never covering news, again."
For the rest of my career I worked news. I still tried to convince him that his plan was counter-productive. I explained that the time would come when we would have a feature photographer shooting a home interior out in East Hampton and a plane would crash in Southhampton. The feature photographer would be less than 20 minutes away. But, we would have to send a news photographer from the office in Melville which was nearly 2 hours away. Furthermore, they would probably pass each other as the feature photographer drove past the accident scene on his way back to the office.
It happened on several occasions; not quite that exact scenario, but it happened. What a colossal waste of manpower. But, he was the Chief; not I.
The Old Navy was dead.
READ PART II OF THE NEW CHIEF/THE OLD NAVY IN NEXT MONTH'S
ASSIGNMENT SHEET.
Dick Kraus
http://www.newsday.com
newspix@optonline.net
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The Flower Machine on Lavender Lane
There is a new album out from our beloved sunny psych music-makers, The Flower Machine. It's called Lavender Lane, and it's just perfect. Lavender Lane is not completely new: it contains six new tracks mixed in among eight well-known and adored, remastered quintessential Flower Machine songs. Seven are from previous Flower Machine releases and the eighth remaster is from Trip Inside This House's Summer of 2008 gift compilation album, a little song called Traveling By Trampoline, one of my personal big favorites by The Flower Machine. If you know the music of The Flower Machine, then you know how Peter Quinnell's smooth vocal style, his whimsical lyrics, and mellotron-tinged melodies can enchant you in such a way as no other can. The pure charm & whimsy of the songs, their delicate, sunny vibes, can put a smile on my face when even the worst mood is upon me. How can you not love that? If you have not yet heard The Flower Machine, what the hell are you waiting for?! Go get Lavender Lane, set your tea, toss in a little sugar and spice, have a sip and listen to The Flower Machine. Relax, things just cannot be that bad, even for just a little while........
Now it's my pleasure and honor to give you one of the best reads you will have all year: to go along with the release of Lavender Lane, a little q&a with Peter Quinnell himself:
So, Mr. Quinnell, do you actually own a trampoline?
I don’t own one, as the building regulations are rather strict where I live. It’s a converted convent across the street from a park near Sunset Blvd in Silverlake, and a lot of the flats seem to be occupied by nuns still. I ran into the property manager at 2 a.m. the other night coming back from band rehearsal, and he clued me in to some of the things going on around here…deeply shocking. The pool area is apparently being used for love-cult rituals, and a bi-weekly swap meet where heavily tattooed people exchange incense and Hendrix bootlegs. That’s Los Angeles for you…
Describe for me your perfect day, include the season, and what makes a day special for you.
A perfect day would be waking up in a top-floor flat on the Rembrandts Plein in Amsterdam with $9,000 in travelers checks, walking up the Utrechtsestraat to Concerto and buying some impossibly rare vinyl picture discs from Luxembourg, then going out for drinks and reggae spliffs, and meeting some hippie girls who decide that I simply must come back with them for tea at their home, which would look exactly like David Hemmings’ pad in Antonioni’s 1966 movie “Blow Up” and have an analog 16-track studio that I could use indefinitely for free. Season? Preferably Autumn, but I’m flexible on that…
If you were to pick a bouquet of flowers for me from one of those 'pick your own bunch' fields, which would you choose?
21 purple Zinnias with one pink rose in the middle.
Let's go out for brunch, where shall we go & what shall we have?
The perfect brunch would have to take place by a lake in Central Park. It would be nice if there were swans too. The restaurant would have to have lots of tapestries and sitar music. Apple martinis to start, followed by tangerines suspended in mid-air and tiny squares of alpine milk chocolate arranged in a mosaic pattern on top of orange ice cream.
What music have you been listening to lately?
This is the part where musicians typically start droning on about how they only listen to pre-war blues or Bulgarian choral music to appear sophisticated – sod that, I say. I’ve been on a T. Rex jag lately – I put on my Italian red vinyl copy of The Slider, and it stayed on the turntable for 2 weeks straight. That’s probably one of the best records in the history of time. I’ve also been listening to demo recordings of Steve Peregrine Took …the Missing Link cd with Seventh Sign, Days, Syd’s Wine and Lucky Charm…incredible music with unintelligible lyrics recorded in a basement – the polar opposite of what his ex-bandmate Bolan was doing, but equally compelling, in a way.
The idea behind Lavender Lane was to take some older songs & remaster them, and mix them up with some new songs, right? I assume this was because The Flower Machine joined the roster at Rainbow Quartz? Who are some of your fellow label-mates now?
Something like that, although the chronology is rather more bizarre. We’d been on Microindie, a small label in Grand Rapids, for years and years. Toward the end of 2009, following some sessions in Ohio with my friend Todd Tobias, we for some reason simultaneously veered off into making a weird record that was sort of like a prog-rock science fiction opera that took place in 1951 called The Velvet Curtain. Brian Webster (keyboardist/engineer/co-producer) and I put the thing together at my house and dubbed all sorts of weird stuff on…one track was a 16-minute mellotron epic…just utter madness from a commercial point of view. We sent it to Microindie, and he was very nice about it and came out to LA for a couple of dinners, but I imagine he thought I’d gone a bit bonkers, and nothing concrete came of it. So I went shopping for a new label over the summer and sent out some discs. I was talking to an A&R person at Subpop for a few weeks, but then Rainbow Quartz’s president Jim McGarry rang me up from New York and wanted to do a 14-song album and rush-release it in November. That was incredibly flattering, and as it happens, RQ is the only label that has bands that I’m actually a fan of, such as Rockfour, the High Dials, The June…people we could relate to, in other words, so that was an easy decision. Jim then asked me to send over everything we’d ever done, so I sent him hours of material, and he spent most of a weekend plowing through all that and came back with some really sharp insights on what we were doing and how to present it…I was floored that he took the time to do that. I couldn’t be happier about how that all fell together.
Do you still have problems with neighbors swiping Netflix, or any other incomings to your postal box?
Not lately, but I finally gave up on using Netflix, because no matter which dvd I ordered, they’d only send over old Pippi Longstockings films. As you can imagine, after only a few months that becomes quite boring. I signed up with a new service that delivers the dvd to your door within 30 minutes. The selection is limited though…they only have episodes of Gilligan’s Island, hardcore porn from New Zealand, and the first season of Welcome Back Kotter.
What have you been reading lately? Anything old & obscure & wildly interesting?
I’m reading the new Syd Barrett biography “A Very Irregular Head” after Syd Barrett’s nephew Ian recommended it to me recently. I’ve read the others, which in my view are rather one-dimensional, but Ian says this book nails it, and he’s absolutely right. Definitely the best thing written about Syd thus far, and unique in that the author spent a lot of time with Syd’s sister Rosemary, the only person close to him in the post-London years, so there’s quite a lot of new information and insight into Syd’s decision to withdraw from public life, and his perspective about being relentlessly hounded by journalists and door-steppers, which carried on till the day he died.
Have you met anyone worth mentioning lately?
A resounding “no” on this question. I recently went through a horrendous break-up with my ex-girlfriend, and wound up going on a few ill-advised dates, one of which involved being propositioned on a Hollywood rooftop at 1 o’clock in the morning by a girl who was literally falling-down drunk. I’m thinking of moving to Kansas to meet a nice farm girl, but there’s a train strike at the moment.
I wish I was in LA to see your upcoming performance at Spaceland. Who else is playing with you & are you excited for this event, record release party?
Quite looking forward to it, yes…Saturday, November 27th is just around the corner. I don’t know much about the other bands we’re playing with, but it’ll be our first show with our new drummer Mitch Ross. Mitch’s playing is like a cross between Ringo and Bill Bruford…fantastic player. Plus he’s only been in the band for two months, so he’s not all jaded already or hooked on heroin or anything…
What is next for you & The Flower Machine?
I’m writing a novel based on the 1918 Treaty of Versailles, which I hope to turn into a lawsuit. I’m also scribbling away for our next LP, which will probably be a concept album about a little-known event in the life of Suzi Quatro, involving a prominent minister in the Church of England and a pair of purple Perspex water wings.
Any tarts left? Shall I have some over-nighted to you from NY?? Do they have to be pineapple?
A few of the nuns dropped by to vacuum and dust the other day, and they ate all the pineapple tarts…very naughty. So, any tarts you’d like to send would be lovely. Pineapple, tangerine, candy cane, cinnamon, menthol…we’re not fussy.
Peter, thanks so much for answering my questions!
My pleasure – it’s nice to chat with someone one-on-one, as opposed to relaying things through trial lawyers…
I know, attorneys, I'm not into them either, too serious, everything is so complicated.......I prefer things simple & charming & fun, like Peter and his music. Thank you once again, Peter Quinnell, my best to you and The Flower Machine!
Posted by Terri at 1:47 PM
Labels: Lavender Lane, Peter Quinnell interview, The Flower Machine
-valis said...
Outstanding! PQ is a rare bird these days: uninhibitedly funny and unabashedly unserious. It comes through in the music, too.
I did a radio review for this album last week. Great stuff!
Adele said...
WHAT A GREAT INTERVIEW...OPEN..FUNNY..HONEST. I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED IT
6NOIR
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J.J.Watt's Major Crush
Houston Texans star J.J. Watt goes goo-goo for crush Jennifer Aniston
Dallas restaurant fails and Blue Bell savior top most popular stories
Party Time. Excellent
Garth Brooks finally announces dates for concerts in Dallas
Garth Brooks finally announces date for concerts in Dallas
Garth Brooks is touring for the first time in 17 years. Photo by J. Thomas Ford
UPDATE: Since this story was published, Garth Brooks has added five additional shows to the two already announced for the Dallas leg of his tour: September 17 at 7:30 pm; September 18 at 7 and 10:30 pm; September 19 at 7 and 10:30 pm; September 20 at 7:30 pm; and September 22 at 7:30 pm.
Pop-country crooner Garth Brooks has finally announced the dates for his World Tour stop in Dallas: September 18-19 at American Airlines Center. This marks the first time Brooks has played in Dallas in 17 years, although Garth followers will recall that he was in Arlington in April for the 50th Academy of Country Music Awards ceremony at AT&T Stadium.
He also played a four-night eight-show run in Houston, in late June and early July.
Brooks kicked off the tour in Chicago in September 2014, with his wife Trisha Yearwood as special guest. He released his latest album, Man Against Machine, in November. Rather than take the traditional, time-tested route of releasing an entire tour schedule, Brooks has been dribbled out the individual tour dates city by city. So unconventional.
Brooks and Yearwood most recently performed in New Orleans on July 12, and they have not announced any additional tour stops for the interim, so the Dallas dates represent a kind of summer vacation or second leg.
Both of his Dallas shows will begin at 7 pm. Tickets start at the silly price of $74.98 and go on sale Friday, July 24, at 10 am. For information, call Ticketmaster at 866-448-7849.
Watch for the Opt For Optimism van all over Texas
Shawn Mendes in concert
Queen + Adam Lambert in concert
Big3: 3-on-3 Basketball League
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Corydalis flavula - (Raf.) DC.
Yellow Corydalis
Other English Common Names: Yellow Fumewort
Other Common Names: yellow fumewort
Related ITIS Name(s): Corydalis flavula (Raf.) DC. (TSN 19005)
French Common Names: corydale jaune pâle
Element Code: PDFUM03070
Informal Taxonomy: Plants, Vascular - Flowering Plants - Fumitory Family
Plantae Anthophyta Dicotyledoneae Papaverales Fumariaceae Corydalis
Name Used in Concept Reference: Corydalis flavula
National Status: N1N2 (04Dec2017)
United States Alabama (SNR), Arkansas (SNR), Connecticut (S1), Delaware (S1), District of Columbia (SNR), Florida (SNR), Georgia (S2?), Illinois (SNR), Indiana (SNR), Iowa (SNR), Kansas (SNR), Kentucky (S5), Louisiana (SNR), Maryland (SNR), Michigan (S2), Mississippi (SNR), Missouri (SNR), Nebraska (S1), New Jersey (S3S4), New York (S3), North Carolina (S4), Ohio (SNR), Oklahoma (SNR), Pennsylvania (SNR), South Carolina (SNR), South Dakota (SNR), Tennessee (SNR), Virginia (S5), West Virginia (S5)
Canada Ontario (S1S2)
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC): Candidate (Medium) (26Jan2015)
United States AL, AR, CT, DC, DE, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MO, MS, NC, NE, NJ, NY, OH, OK, PA, SC, SD, TN, VA, WV
CT Hartford (09003), Middlesex (09007), New Haven (09009)
MI Berrien (26021), Calhoun (26025), Cass (26027)*, Kalamazoo (26077)
NE Richardson (31147)*
NY Rockland (36087)
01 Lower Connecticut (01080205)+, Quinnipiac (01100004)+
02 Hackensack-Passaic (02030103)+, Brandywine-Christina (02040205)+
04 St. Joseph (04050001)+, Kalamazoo (04050003)+
07 Kankakee (07120001)+*
10 Tarkio-Wolf (10240005)+*, Big Nemaha (10240008)+*
Argus, G.W., K.M. Pryer, D.J. White and C.J. Keddy (eds.). 1982-1987. Atlas of the Rare Vascular Plants of Ontario.. Botany Division, National Museum of National Sciences, Ottawa.
Burgess, T.J.W. 1888-1889. The Lake Erie shore as a botanizing ground. Journal and Proceedings of the Hamilton Association. 5: 41-59.
Campbell, C.A., and A.A. Reznicek. 1977. New vascular plant records from Pelee and East Sister Islands, Essex County, Ontario. Canadian Field-Naturalist 91:384-390.
Day, D.F. 1883. A catalogue of the native and naturalized plants of the City of Buffalo and its vicinity. Baker, Jones & Co., Buffalo, N.Y. 215 pp.
Farnsworth E.J. 2001. Corydalis flavula (Yellow Corydalis) Conservation and Research Plan. New England Wild Flower Society, Framingham, Massachusetts, USA. 37 pp.
Higman, P.J. and M.R. Penskar. 1999. Monitoring pale Corydalis (Corydalis flavula) a winter annual. In: Proceedings Fifteenth North American prairie conference (1996). C. Warwick (ed.). The Natural Areas Association. Bend, OR: 119-123.
Mitchell, Richard S. and Gordon C. Tucker. 1997. Revised Checklist of New York State Plants. Contributions to a Flora of New York State. Checklist IV. Bulletin No. 490. New York State Museum. Albany, NY. 400 pp.
Nuzzo, V.A. 2005. Demography and habitat of Corydalis flavula (Raf.) DC. (Fumariaceae) in south-western Michigan (U.S.A.). Journal of the Torrey Botanical Society 132(1): 16-23.
Oldham, M.J. 2010. Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Niagara Regional Municipality, Ontario. Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, Welland, Ontario. 212 pp.
Weakley, Alan S. 2015. Flora of the Southern and Mid-Atlantic States. Unpublished mss. available as .pdf from the Herbarium, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. 1320 pp.
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Stanley Baxter
Stanley Baxter:
Yes, he's hardly 'unknown' - in the UK at least. In fact the impish Scottish actor Stanley Baxter is virtually the last man standing of the golden era of British film comedy, alongside his old sparring partner Leslie Phillips. In films produced by the film company Independent Artists, Baxter played a series of characters whose indignant innocence and highland integrity was set off against Phillips's casual caddishness. In 'The Fast Lady' (1962) and 'And Father Came Too' (1964) their rivalry was played out under the critical eye of the great James Robertson Justice. In these he made a likeable, if rather unlikely, male lead - winning the girl through dogged virtue rather than matinee-idol dash.
Publicity still for 'The Fast Lady' (1962)
In 'Very Important Person' (1961) and 'Crooks Anonymous' (1962) the emphasis was more on his vaudevillian skills of comic characterisation, in which he was considerably more nuanced than, say, Norman Wisdom, but not as sophisticated as Peter Sellers. To me, his craggy features and mischievously mobile expressions gave him a rather sinister quality, particularly in drag. His love of the dressing-up box was later to become the raison d'etre of his television sketch shows.
With Leslie Phillips in 'Crooks Anonymous' (1962)
By the later '60s and early '70s, the light family comedies had been brushed aside by smuttier Carry-Ons and the horror boom and television became his natural domain, although it always seemed that his audience was an older one. The shows featured some memorable skits, particularly his long-running 'Parliamo Glasgow' language course routines which offered an early observational take on the peculiarities of Scottish culture, later taken up by Billy Connolly and the 'Rab C Nesbitt' series. Other sketches, however, tended towards overlong costume pieces with the spectacle of a gargoyle-like Baxter in elaborate drag as a series of Hollywood actresses proving not all that funny. Especially if you were a ten-year-old who didn't know his Ethel Mermans from his Rita Hayworths.
Showing off his regional accents in a 'Nationwide' skit. Ill-advised blacked-up
Baxter (yes really) in the BBC's 'Brixton' studio not shown
Hello who is this? Shirley MacLaine? Who knows?
This one must be 'Gone With The Wind'. Not very
many people gave a damn, I suspect
His regular shows became less regular, eventually just an annual Christmas special, but there was a final flourish as the Andy Warhol-meets-Patrick Troughton children's TV star 'Mr Majeika' in the '80s before he settled down to national treasure status. Born in 1926, he's now in his nineties and hopefully going strong.
As 'Mr Majeika'. As scary as only strange childlike elderly men can be
Anyhoo. Lang may his lum reek.
Stanley Baxter - imdb
Labels: Crooks Anonymous, drag, Father Came Too, James Robertson Justice, Leslie Phillips, Mr Majeika, Parliamo Glasgow, Scottish, The Fast Lady
Michael Culver
Michael Culver:
Now here's a face of the seventies, a lean, shrewd-looking actor who carved his name into a swathe of memorable roles through the heyday of popular television, yet without quite becoming a star.
As the caddish Danny, telling the world that he doesn't love Annabelle. Soon to be
pushed off the Albert Bridge by that miffed lady and not, as it turns out, by
a lovelorn Rodney Bewes. All in a day's work for a 'Man In A Suitcase'.
He's another of that dwindling band of actors whose careers straddle the cult TV years of the '60s and '70s, when he appeared in 'Maigret', 'The Avengers', 'The Plane Makers', 'Man In A Suitcase', and 'Space:1999', and more mature roles in dramas such as 'Within These Walls', 'Doomwatch', 'Churchill's People' and 'Warship'. Perhaps his highest-profile part was in the very popular 'Secret Army' as the comparatively sympathetic German officer Brandt who tempers some of the Nazi fervour of his Gestapo counterpart Kessler (played by Clifford Rose). Younger viewers at the time would probably associate him more with 'The Adventures Of Black Beauty'.
Hirsute's you. Culver plays the dastardly kidnapper Kurt with some
impressive mutton chops, alongside the late Ralph Bates at his glossiest
in 'Nuisance Value', an episode of 'The Persuaders' from 1972
The later '70s and early '80s kept things nicely on the boil with appearances in favourites like 'The Sweeney', 'Minder', 'Squadron', 'Hammer House Of Horror', 'The Adventures Of Sherlock Holmes', 'Boon', 'The Professionals' and 'Shoestring'.
As Prior Robert in the medieval detective series 'Cadfael'
Then there's the cinema CV, which contains some pretty impressive titles, kicking off with (uncredited) roles in 'From Russia With Love' (1963) and 'Thunderball' (1965), and including 'A Passage To India' (1984), the Peter O'Toole 'Goodbye Mr Chips' (1969). As with many British character actors, though, he is known throughout geekdom for his brush with the Star Wars franchise, in this case as Captain Needa, another imperial officer who gets on the wrong side of Darth Vader.
Still breathing in 'The Empire Strikes Back' (1980). But not for long.
Michael Culver-imdb
Labels: Amanda Ward, Avengers, Black Beauty, Cadfael, Crossplot, From Russia With Love, Man in a Suitcase, Minder, New Avengers, Secret Army, Space: 1999, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, Thunderball
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George Zebrowski
George Zebrowski is a SF author and editor who has written and edited a number of books, and is a former editor of The Bulletin of the Science Fiction Writers of America.
He was born Jerzy Tadeuz Zebrowski in Austria, but has lived in the United States and used the name George Zebrowski since 1951. He lives with SF/fantasy author Pamela Sargent, with whom he has collaborated on a number of books, including four Star Trek novels. Some of his short stories have been nominated for the Nebula Award, and one, “The Idea Trap,” was nominated for the Theodore Sturgeon Award.
Zebrowski has edited several genre anthologies, including four volumes of Synergy (1987-1989). He was also editor of Crown Publishers' Classics of Modern Science Fiction series in the 1980s.
He has also written genre non-fiction books, including Beneath the Red Star: Studies on International Science Fiction (1996).
Awards, Honors and GoHships:
1981 — Triciticon '81
1988 — Genericon IV
1999 — John W. Campbell Memorial Award
RE SFE Wikipedia File770
Ansible ISFDB FF http://www.google.com (IA) Website
This is a biography page. Please extend it by adding more information about the person, such as fanzines and apazines published, awards, clubs, conventions worked on, GoHships, impact on fandom, external links, anecdotes, etc.
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Controversial Meme Has Democrats Furious, Unfortunately For Them History Proves it to Be Dead True
July 3, 2018 BAISH, FEATURED
Kirsters Baish| Liberal America has a way of coming up with things to be mad about, then moving on to the next thing on their list when they don’t get their way. This time, they are angry about immigration policies. It all leads back to identity in politics, and the left are not going to be happy about their Party’s true identity.
We recently reported on Democratic Socialist Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a New York leftist who seems to support the same ideologies as Mao Zedong did in China during the 1960s. Ocasio-Cortez took Joseph Crowley’s seat last week during a New York state primary election.
Just take a look at this ridiculous tweet Ocasio-Cortez sent out this week:
3. Your attempt to strip me of my family, my story, my home, and my identity is exemplary of how scared you are of the power of all four of those things.
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@Ocasio2018) July 1, 2018
The New York Democratic Socialist’s comment was made after people began looking into her claim that she was just a “girl from the Bronx.” The thing is, her story didn’t contain many facts, which is something liberals seem to be good at doing (you know, leaving out facts.) The problem with her story, like so many other liberals, is that when people began looking into her claims, she became offended, and for liberals it all goes back to one thing: racism. Ocasio-Cortez and her liberal cronies are now looking to abolish ICE, because they feel that the organization is “racist.”
The thing is that history paints a very different portrait of the Democratic Party than the one that modern day liberals want you to see. It’s interesting that Democrats are so dead set on “eliminating racism” in our country, when their Party is the one that enslaved African Americans for years.
This brings us to a controversial Civil War meme that has been going around. It speaks for itself.
The truth of the matter is that Democrats aren’t the loving and accepting group that they claim to be. Around a hundred and sixty years ago, in fact, the Democrats were enslaving African Americans, forcing them onto plantations in the South. The Democrats had control over the South, and they were set on keeping slavery very much alive.
Conservative Tribune reports:
A century ago, it was Jim Crow Dixie, still a Democrat fiefdom. African-Americans were second-class citizens, kept in place by segregation. They couldn’t vote, they couldn’t go to the same schools as whites and they had no civil control over their own destiny.
Once segregation began to melt thanks to the judiciary, things began to change — although the racist attitude sure didn’t. When Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, he’s alleged to have said: “I’ll Have Those n*****s Voting Democratic for 200 Years.” That’s never been proven.
What we can document is his explanation for why he appointed Thurgood Marshall as the first black Supreme Court justice instead of a lesser-known jurist: “When I appoint a n***** to the bench, I want everybody to know he’s a n*****,” the president said, according to biographer Robert Dallek.
The Democrats’ fiefdom quickly moved from the “Solid South” to urban areas. There, segregation still existed, it was just by neighborhood. The trick this time is that both young white millennials drawn by the liberal, cosmopolitan atmosphere and minorities kept shackled to “entitlements” with little opportunity to escape both gave their votes to the Democrats.
Just think about the illegal immigrants flooding our country now. The Democrats promise to protect these people, but what they receive when they arrive here are sickeningly low wages. Congressional numbers are being screwed up. Our Electoral College is being screwed up. There is a demographic shift in our country, and the left is behind it. Why else would the left be so upset with the Trump administration for enforcing immigration laws that were already in place?
The truth is that the Democratic Party was the party of slavery. Unfortunately, sometimes the truth hurts.
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answeredquestions.html?tablingMemberPrinted.=Giles%20Watling&_page=0
Giles Watling
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what plans he has to use the Board of Trade to ensure that the constituent parts of the UK benefit from UK trade policy after the UK leaves the EU.
Clacton
<p>Establishing the Board of Trade has been one of this department’s major achievements over the last three years and it will continue to meet in all UK Nations and regions. It has representation from the Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and business advisers from across the UK, and will make sure all parts of the UK benefit from the jobs and investment that come with an independent trade policy.</p>
Dr Liam Fox
Biography information for Dr Liam Fox
Biography information for Giles Watling
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, if he will (a) review and (b) increase the 6GW capacity cap in the Contracts for Difference auctions to support the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
<p>We set the the 6-gigawatt capacity cap for the third Contracts for Difference allocation round based on our understanding of the pipeline of projects. It aims to promote competitive tension, whilst delivering significant capacity, and ensure smooth delivery of low carbon generation through the 2020s.</p>
Wind Power: Seas and Oceans
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the finding of the Committee on Climate Change that the UK will require up to 75GW by 2050, if he will review the 30GW by 2030 target for offshore wind.
<p>The Offshore Wind Sector Deal foresees up to 30GW of installed offshore wind capacity by 2030, provided costs continue to fall. This level of certainty, unmatched by any other major European market, sets a firm foundation for offshore wind to play its role in reaching net zero emissions by 2050.</p>
Electricity: Heating and Transport
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what steps the Government is taking to accelerate the electrification of (a) heat and (b) transport.
<p>The electrification of heat, notably through heat pumps, can play a key role in decarbonizing heat, which is an essential step in meeting our carbon budgets. The Government is committed to supporting the deployment of heat pumps. Through the Renewable Heat Incentive we are spending £2.8bn between 2018/19 and 2020/21 to support innovative low carbon heat technologies in homes and businesses, including heat pumps.</p><p>The Government is currently developing the future policy framework for supporting low carbon heat, including through the Future Homes Standard announced by my. rt. hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer in February 2019. This will set standards through building regulations to drive uptake in low carbon heating.</p><p>Low consumer awareness and confidence in heat pumps also remain key issues. BEIS will launch a demonstration project on the electrification of heat in 2019, which will help demonstrate the feasibility of a possible large-scale transition to heat pumps and develop innovative solutions that work for a wide range of homes and consumers.</p><p>The Government is working to put the UK at the forefront of the design and manufacturing of zero emission electric vehicles, and for all new cars and vans to be effectively zero emission by 2040.</p><p>To achieve this, we are investing nearly £1.5bn between April 2015 and March 2021, with grants available for plug in cars, vans, lorries, buses, taxis and motorcycles, and schemes to support charge point infrastructure at homes and workplaces and on residential streets.</p><p>The Road to Zero Strategy was published last year, it sets out a clear pathway to zero emissions, to give clarity and certainty to both industry and motorists.</p>
Environment Protection: Investment
To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, what steps he is taking to encourage green investment in the UK to ensure that the UK reaches Net Zero by 2050.
<p>DIT’s global network is dedicated to promoting green investment in the UK, such as in renewable energy, and broader low carbon growth. For example, the UK has the biggest offshore wind capacity in the world, with full participation of global investors, developers, and a growing UK supply chain. The Industrial Strategy Offshore Wind Sector Deal builds on the UK’s global leadership position in offshore wind and seeks to maximise the advantages for UK industry from the global shift to clean growth. The Sector Deal sets out a strategy to deliver 30GW of Offshore Wind energy by 2030, and supply chain investment of £250M. The Government published its Green Finance Strategy on 2 July setting out the steps it is taking to catalyse green investment in the UK and abroad.</p>
Electricity Generation: Private Sector
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what recent assessment he has made of the merits of private sector ownership of electricity networks.
<p>The Government is fully committed to a model of private ownership with strong independent economic regulation and ensuring this model delivers for consumers. The Government has not conducted a recent assessment of the merits of private sector ownership of electricity networks; nor an assessment of the potential effect of the re-nationalisation of electricity networks on the level of personal pensions.</p>
Electricity Generation: Nationalisation
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment he has made of the potential effect of the re-nationalisation of electricity networks on the level of personal pensions.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of investment in carbon capture usage and storage to help reach the Government's net zero by 2050.
<p>On 27 June, a new, legally binding, target to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 came into force. This will require ambitious action across the economy building on our Clean Growth Strategy, and carbon capture usage and storage (CCUS) is likely to play a vital role. Our CCUS Action Plan sets out that we will move to deploying CCUS in the 2020s, working in partnership with industry to achieve this.</p><p> </p><p>We are investing over £50 million in CCUS innovation programmes, supporting innovative technologies across the UK between 2017 and 2021. As part of this investment we announced on 27 June that nine companies have secured £26 million of government funding, in addition to industry backing, to advance the rollout of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) in the UK - a crucial step towards the UK’s net zero emissions and the end of the UK’s contribution to global warming. It is the next milestone for the Government’s ambition for the UK to be a world-leader in the field as laid out in the Clean Growth Strategy and the CCUS Action Plan.</p><p> </p><p>One company, Tata Chemicals is being awarded £4.2m toward the construction of a facility to capture and utilise 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide a year – the equivalent of 22,000 cars. When fully operational in 2021 it will be the largest carbon capture plant in the UK, removing 100 times more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than the country’s current largest facility.</p><p> </p><p>Our Clean Growth Grand Challenge Mission sets an ambition to establish at least one low-carbon industrial cluster by 2030, and the world’s first net-zero carbon industrial cluster by 2040. The Mission is technology neutral but is focussed on technologies that can be delivered cost-effectively through the use of shared networks, and CCUS is one of the key technologies that could help to deliver the mission. The mission is backed by £170 million public investment through the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.</p><p> </p><p>Also supporting the mission, the Industrial Energy Transformation Fund is a £315 million fund aimed at helping industry to transition to a low-carbon future. The fund will help companies cut their energy bills and carbon emissions through investing in energy efficiency and low-carbon technologies. This could include supporting technologies that are strategically important to long-term emissions reductions such as CCUS and Hydrogen.</p>
STEM Subjects: Females
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of women taking up careers in STEM.
<p>In order to increase the number of women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) industries, we are encouraging more girls to take STEM subjects at school, college and university, as well as providing improved careers advice and awareness and working with the STEM sector to champion gender representation.</p><p> </p><p>We announced substantial spending commitments in the Autumn Budget 2017 on maths, digital and technical education. We are funding programmes to increase the take-up of maths, such as the Advanced Maths Premium, and physics, through the Stimulating Physics Network, which has a specific strand focusing on increasing the number of girls in physics A level.</p><p> </p><p>We are supporting better teaching of maths, science and computing in schools, including a new £84 million programme for computing teaching and participation. As part of this investment, we also launched the Gender Balance in Computing pilot programme this year, which aims to identify practical interventions that schools (at all stages, excluding post-16) can implement to improve girls’ participation in computing.</p><p> </p><p>We have committed to improving STEM careers advice in schools in the Careers Strategy, including making sure that STEM encounters, such as with employers and apprenticeships, are built into school career programmes by updating school and college statutory guidance. We are also raising awareness of the range of careers that STEM qualifications offer, through programmes such as STEM ambassadors. 44% of these ambassadors are women.</p><p> </p><p>Finally, we are taking steps to work with the sector through apprenticeships and using the employer Apprenticeships Diversity Champions Network, now employing 70 members, to champion gender representation in industries where improvement is needed.</p><p> </p><p> </p>
To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps he is taking to encourage more people to visit museums.
<p>The world-class collections in our museums help people understand and participate in our culture and heritage, improve wellbeing, and provide learning, education and research. Museums are supported by public funding worth over £800 million annually to support this access. The UK Government remains committed to free entry to the permanent collections of our 15 DCMS- sponsored national museums ,which in total received around 47 million visits in 2017/18 .Additional projects, through Arts Council England (ACE), aim to improve cultural participation for everyone, regardless of their background. For example, ACE funds Creative People and Places which supports participation in places with traditionally lower engagement with culture. The scheme has just announced 79 new places will be eligible to apply for £24 million of funding in 2019 and 2020, to fund projects until 2023/4.</p>
Taunton Deane
Rebecca Pow
Biography information for Rebecca Pow
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answeredquestions.html?tablingMemberPrinted.=Lord%20Wigley&_page=0&_properties=answer.isMinisterialCorrection,hansardHeading,answer.questionFirstAnswered,tablingMemberPrinted&max-date=2018-12-03
Lord Wigley
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Draft Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, published on 14 November, why provision is made in Article 183 for the text of the agreement to be equally authentic in the Irish language, but not in the Welsh language.
<p>Article 183 of the Withdrawal Agreement provides for the text to be equally authentic in the official languages of the European Union, which includes the Irish language. Welsh is not an official language of the European Union.</p><p> </p>
Lord Callanan
Biography information for Lord Callanan
Biography information for Lord Wigley
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Draft Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, published on 14 November, what is the precise date or dates implied in Article 184 for a "political declaration of [DD/MM/2018]"; and in the event of that declaration not being achieved before 31 December, what provision has been agreed for the amendment of the document.
<p>The Political Declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the EU and the UK was published on the 25th November 2018. Article 184 of the Withdrawal Agreement published on the 25th November 2018 refers to “the political declaration of 25/11/2018”.</p><p /> <p> </p>
Government Assistance: Northern Ireland
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Draft Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, published on 14 November, whether the regulation of state aid will be on the same basis in Northern Ireland as in Wales, Scotland and England during the transition period.
<p>Yes. During the transition or implementation period the EU State aid rules will remain in place throughout the UK, and the EU Commission will be the Regulator as at present.</p><p /> <p> </p>
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Draft Political Declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union, published on 22 November, what are the implications of the agreement of the "rational management and regulation of fisheries in a non-discriminatory manner" in relation to "Fishing Opportunities" when applied to fishing within UK territorial waters.
<p>The full Political Declaration reaffirms that, when we leave the EU, the UK will become an independent coastal state in control of its waters. As outlined in the Withdrawal Agreement, the UK and the EU shall use their best endeavours to conclude and ratify a new fisheries agreement before 1 July 2020. Specific arrangements will be a matter for discussions, as part of the next stage of negotiations, including access by non-UK vessels to fish in UK waters. Any non-UK registered vessels granted access to UK waters will need to meet the same requirements as our fleet across all UK fishing zones, including adherence to sustainable practices.</p><p>The Fisheries Bill creates the powers necessary to build a sustainable and profitable fishing industry, one which is in the best interests of the whole UK and future generations. We have also recently announced an amendment to the Fisheries Bill that would place a legal obligation on the government, when negotiating a fisheries agreement with the EU, to pursue a fairer share of fishing opportunities than the UK currently receives under the Common Fisheries Policy</p><p> </p>
Public Sector: Procurement
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Draft Political Declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the UK and the EU, what consultation was undertaken with the devolved governments of Wales and Scotland in relation to the statement on multiple opportunities in public procurement markets.
<p>Cabinet Office officials regularly engage with the devolved administrations on Brexit-related issues at fortnightly ‘operational readiness’ meetings. In addition roundtable discussions and teleconferences alongside other Government Departments have been held at various dates throughout 2018 with Devolved Authorities officials as required.</p>
Lord Young of Cookham
Biography information for Lord Young of Cookham
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Draft Political Declaration setting out the framework for the future relationship between the UK and the EU, why they decided to include an intention to make bilateral agreements for cross-border rail services; why no similar intention was included for cross-border bus services; whether they carried out a consultation on such arrangements; and if so, what were the results.
<p>As outlined in the Future Relationship White Paper in July and the Political Declaration on the Framework for the Future Relationship between the EU and the UK Government, published on 22 November, the EU and the UK have agreed that the UK will pursue bilateral agreements. These will be undertaken with France, Belgium and the Netherlands to ensure the continued smooth functioning and operation of services through the Channel Tunnel, and with Ireland to do the same for the Belfast‑Dublin Enterprise line.</p><p>Outside of these cross-border services, the UK will have the flexibility to shape its own domestic railway legislation to meet the needs of its passengers and freight shippers, and reflect the unique characteristics of the rail network within the UK.</p><p>Continued market access for transport between the UK and the EU, including for bus and coach travel, is in our mutual interests. We will seek to agree cross-border bus services as part of the future relationship with the EU. In the event of no deal, as set out in the Department for Transport Technical Notice ‘Operating bus or coach services abroad if there’s no Brexit deal’, the UK would seek to put in place bilateral agreement with EU countries.</p><p>Consultations with industry have been ongoing, and we will continue to take on board the views of stakeholders.</p><p> </p>
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Explainer for the agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union, published on 14 November, on what basis it was determined that (1) Crown Dependencies will be required to pass their own legislation to ensure that the withdrawal agreement is fully implemented, and (2) such legislation will not be required from the devolved legislatures of Wales and Scotland.
<p>It is long-standing constitutional convention that Acts of Parliament do not extend to the Crown Dependencies automatically, as they are not part of the United Kingdom but are self-governing jurisdictions with their own democratically-elected legislative assemblies. They are not represented in this Parliament. Therefore, although the United Kingdom Government is responsible for the Crown Dependencies’ international relations, each of the Crown Dependencies is responsible for passing its own Exit legislation. This includes legislation which may be required to implement the Withdrawal Agreement in their jurisdictions. As the Prime Minister has made clear, the longstanding constitutional relationships between the UK and the Crown Dependencies will not change as a result of the UK’s decision to leave the EU.</p><p>For the UK, the EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill will implement our international commitments - set out in the Withdrawal Agreement - into UK law. We will seek the consent of the devolved legislatures where provisions of the Bill engage the conventions and practices under which the UK Government will normally seek legislative consent.</p>
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Draft Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, published on 14 November, when they aim to have application forms available for residency documents under Article 18; and when the deadline will be for submitting such applications.
<p>In line with Article 18 of the draft Withdrawal Agreement, the Home Office will introduce the EU Settlement Scheme which will provide a simple, streamlined process for resident EU citizens and their family members to obtain their new UK immigration status.</p><p>The EU Settlement Scheme is being implemented on a phased basis and will be fully open by 30 March 2019. Once the scheme is fully open, EU citizens and their family members will be able to apply online, via an app, or by post.</p><p>The deadline for applications will be 30 June 2021.</p>
Baroness Williams of Trafford
Biography information for Baroness Williams of Trafford
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Draft Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, published on 14 November, whether they will appoint an independent commissioner to oversee the working of the administrative procedures under Article 18 for the issuance and administration of documents to persons applying for residence status in the UK.
<p>The draft Withdrawal Agreement already provides for an Independent Monitoring Authority to oversee implementation of Part 2 of the Agreement. This will be legislated for in the Withdrawal Agreement Bill.</p>
Health Services: EU Nationals
To ask Her Majesty's Government, further to the Draft Agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, published on 14 November, whether, under the provision of Article 18(k)(ii), it is their policy to refuse economically inactive persons who become residents of the UK access to the NHS.
<p>All people in the United Kingdom are able to access the National Health Service. However, since the UK has a residency based healthcare system, charges for most non-primary care services will apply to those people that are neither ordinarily resident in the UK, nor exempt from charge under the NHS (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 2015, as amended.</p><p> </p><p>European Union citizens who are currently ordinarily resident in the UK are treated in the same way as ordinarily resident UK nationals for the purpose of receiving NHS-funded healthcare. There is no requirement for European Economic Area nationals to have a ‘right to reside’ in the UK under the Free Movement Directive, nor to exercise treaty rights or hold Comprehensive Sickness Insurance, in order to meet the ordinary residence definition.</p><p> </p><p>For EU citizens resident in the UK by the end of the implementation period and in scope of the Withdrawal Agreement, their entitlement to free NHS services will not change, as long as they continue to be ordinarily resident in the UK.</p><p> </p><p>When EU citizens living in the UK apply to the EU settlement scheme for UK immigration status, they will not be required to demonstrate they have held comprehensive sickness insurance as a qualifying criteria. The settlement scheme will be open to all EU citizens resident in the UK by 31 December 2020, including EU citizens studying in the UK. Those granted pre- or settled status under the settlement scheme will continue to have access to the NHS as long as they are ordinarily resident in the UK and therefore be able to access care as a UK national would.</p><p> </p><p>EU students in the UK at the end of the implementation period will also have a European Health Insurance Card. Under the Withdrawal Agreement they can continue to use this during their stay to access needs arising healthcare.</p><p> </p>
Lord O'Shaughnessy
Biography information for Lord O'Shaughnessy
# Counting has been applied to this query. PREFIX dcterms: <http://purl.org/dc/terms/> PREFIX parl: <http://data.parliament.uk/schema/parl#> PREFIX xsd: <http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#> SELECT DISTINCT ?item WHERE { ?item a parl:WrittenParliamentaryQuestion ; parl:answer ?ans . ?item parl:tablingMemberPrinted "Lord Wigley" . ?item dcterms:date ?___date_0 . FILTER (?___date_0 <= "2018-12-03"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#dateTime>) } ORDER BY DESC(?___date_0) ?item OFFSET 0 LIMIT 10
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Video: The Human casualties caused by the US wars during the last century…
Iran foreign minister in India for talks after U.S. sanctions
ran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif will hold talks with his counterpart in the Indian capital on Tuesday after New Delhi stopped purchases of Iranian oil this month in the wake of renewed U.S. sanctions.
India was Iran’s top oil client after China, but halted imports after Washington reimposed sanctions on Iran and later withdrew waivers to eight nations, including India, which had allowed them to import some Iranian oil.
“India is one of our most important partners, economic, political and regional,” Zarif said ’ partner ANI on Monday ahead of talks with Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj.
“We have regular consultations with India on various issues and I’m here to have consultations with my counterpart on most recent developments in the region as well as our bilateral relations,” he added.
Washington wants to block Iran’s oil exports after U.S. President Donald Trump pulled out of the 2015 accord between Iran and six world powers to curb Tehran’s nuclear programme.
“Unfortunately the United States has been escalating the situation unnecessarily. We do not seek escalation but we have always defended ourselves,” Zarif said.
The sanctions have more than halved Iran’s oil exports to 1 million barrels per day (bpd) or less, from a peak of 2.8 million bpd last year. Exports could drop to as low as 500,000 bpd from May, an Iranian official told Reuters this month.
Iran is insisting on exporting at least 1.5 million bpd of oil as a condition for staying in an international nuclear deal, sources with knowledge of Iran-EU talks said on Monday.
Police in the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina have raided a clandestine factory manufacturing …
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Financial Morning News 14/09/2012 14 September 2012
The General Index in Athens Stock Exchange (ASE) closed at 741.76 posting heavy losses of 3.73%, in a turnover of €106mn. We do not wait that the today Eurogroup meeting would reach any decision on Greece and as a result any important decision making is postponed for the October 8 Eurogroup meeting and the October 18 – 19 EU Council meeting.
The senior IMF official Mr. Thanos Catsambas said that Greece will need a third bailout package from the euro zone and the country΄s European creditors will have to find the money for it.
The government spokesman Mr. Simos Kedikoglou said that the package of €11.5bn in austerity measures being discussed by coalition leaders and troika is tough, noting that labor costs are already low and that there was no reason for this issue to be raised again by the troika. We remind that the main areas of disagreement between the coalition leaders and the troika ate the layoffs in the public sector and the further deregulation of the labor market. At the same time, the two main labor unions have called for a general strike against the new austerity measures on Sept. 26
The French Finance Minister Mr. Pierre Moscovici discussed Greece’s economic problems and reform efforts with the Prime Minister Mr. Antonis Samaras in Athens. The talks were very cordial and focused on issues of concern to both Greece and Europe ahead of today’s informal Eurogroup summit in Nicosia. He expressed his government’s full backing for Greece’s membership of the eurozone but stressed the need for Athens to push through reforms and regain credibility with its partners.
Greece and the European Investment Bank agreed on the immediate disbursement of €750mn in loans to small and medium-sized enterprises and for transport, energy and education projects.
The unemployment rate rose to a record high in the second quarter of this year at 23.6% from 22.6% in the first three months of 2012 and 16.3% in the second quarter of 2011 (ELSTAT).
OTE:It announced that it plans to cut costs by offering early retirement or new roles to a fifth of its local fixed-line workforce – about 2,000 staff.
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http://fna.ir/bs1ken
US Faults Saudi Arabia in Killing of Khashoggi, Human Rights Abuses
TEHRAN (FNA)- The Donald Trump administration used an annual human rights report to call out Saudi Arabia on Wednesday over the October killing of US-based journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Turkish city of Istanbul.
The State Department annual global human rights report said The Washington Post columnist was killed by agents of the kingdom, a close Washington partner, while he was inside the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Daily Sabah reported.
It drew no conclusion as to who was responsible, despite the belief of intelligence agencies and lawmakers that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MbS) ordered the murder.
The report noted Saudi Arabia's Public Prosecutor's Office indicted 11 suspects and stated 10 people were under investigation but has not released more information.
"At year's end the PPO had not named the suspects nor the roles allegedly played by them in the killing, nor had they provided a detailed explanation of the direction and progress of the investigation," it noted.
The report added that the murder was one of several instances in which "the government or its agents engaged in arbitrary or unlawful killings" and contributed to "an environment of impunity" in the country.
It also cited a range of other human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia, including the arrest of at least 20 prominent women's rights activists, executions for nonviolent offenses, forced disappearances and torture of prisoners.
The report announced that some gains in the monarchy, including that women were allowed to vote and run as candidates in municipal elections for the first time.
Khashoggi had been living in Virginia in self-imposed exile as he wrote columns critical of the Saudi government under the crown prince, the de factor leader.
His killing caused tensions to soar between the US and the kingdom, with members of Congress saying they believed the crown prince was behind the operation, an allegation the Saudi government has denied. President Donald Trump has been reluctant to place blame on a country that is central to his Middle East policy.
"The policy of this administration is to engage with other governments, regardless of their record, if doing so will further US interests," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said.
Human rights groups lambasted the report as inadequate even with Pompeo's qualification that the administration must work to promote US national interests.
"From its shielding of Saudi leaders from accountability over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, to its cozy relationship with NATO allies trending towards authoritarianism, the Trump administration seems disinterested in its own advice," said Human Rights First, adding, "With respect to the Khashoggi killing, the administration's continued insistence that it is waiting on a Saudi-led investigation is laughable, given the complete absence of rule of law in that country."
The report noted abuses in a number of familiar US adversaries like China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Myanmar and Russia, all of which were cited for major violations, including forced disappearances, torture, arbitrary killings and arrests and political prosecutions.
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Mick Schumacher eyes Macau Grand Prix challenge in F3
Mick Schumacher, 19, is one of the names to beat in this Saturday's Macau Grand Prix after being crowned the 2018 European Formula Three champion last month. AFP/File
Mick Schumacher will attempt to follow in his famous father's footsteps on Saturday when he races in the Macau Grand Prix to decide arguably the world's best Formula Three driver.
"It's great to be back in Macau, it was a fantastic season for the whole team and I'm proud to be coming here as European champion," Mick Schumacher, 19, said after arriving in China with his Italian Prema Team.
"This is the race that every Formula Three driver wants to win. I'll try my best to do just that."
Famous past winners of the Macau Grand Prix for F3 drivers include Ayrton Senna and David Coulthard, plus both Mick Schumacher's father Michael and his uncle Ralf.
Michael Schumacher, 49, the stricken seven-time former Formula One world champion, was just 21 when he won the 37th edition of the race around the streets of Macau in 1990.
Fast-forward 28 years and Mick Schumacher is one of the favourites for the 65th edition -- essentially the World Cup of Formula Three -- after winning this season's European F3 title last month.
He will battle Japan's F3 champion Sho Tsuboi and Britain's 2017 Macau GP winner Dan Ticktum, who finished second behind Schumacher in the 2018 European F3 title race, on Macau's famous Guia Circuit in a field of 28.
Schumacher junior finished 16th in last year's Macau Grand Prix, despite clocking the fastest lap.
"The Macau Grand Prix is a race with great history, with many of the victors being some of the most successful drivers of all time," added the teenager.
"It would be a great honour to appear on the list of winners."
Michael Schumacher has not been seen in public since suffering head injuries in a skiing accident in Meribel, France, in December 2013 and his current condition is a closely guarded secret.
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Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington", published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
GEORGE M. McDONALD has won a brilliant success in the mercantile world in Douglas county and it is with pleasure we accord him representation in the work which chronicles the history of this interesting political division. He has come to the front, not by reason of any "streak of luck", as is so often hurled at leading men, but has won the present position by dint of hard labor, steady application to business, and display of keen discrimination and business sagacity. He has always shown uprightness and integrity in his dealings and has thus won the confidence of the people, which is richly deserved.
George M. McDonald was born in Decatur county, Iowa, on February 26, 1857, being the son of William McDonald, who was born in Ohio but came as a pioneer to Iowa. Before coming to the Hawkeye State he married an Ohio girl, Neoma Montgomery and when the awful Rebellion broke out he tore himself from his home and enlisted in the Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infanty, to fight for his country. He was put in the hospital later and there died, giving his life for his flag. Our subject was educated in Iowa and there remained engaged variously until 1881 when he came to Harrington, Kansas. For two years he did a livery business there and then sold and traveled until 1887, when he settled at Medical Lake, Washington. One year later he did building in Spokane, whence he came to Almira and opened a lumber yard and feed store. One year later Mr. McDonald located in Coulee City and started a feed and implement store. For two years this engaged him and then he added a general stock of merchandise and at once began to do a large and thriving business. For eleven years he has continued in this business and has come to be second to no mercantile house in the county. Early in 1903, Mr. McDonald sold the hardware and grocery departments of his business to DeBolt & McCann, and continued handling dry goods and gents' furnishings together with boots and shoes until recently he added a grocery and hardware departments. Mr. McDonald has shown excellent wisdom in selecting and buying his goods to meet the needs of this section and herein lies much of his success. In addition to the enterprises mentioned, Mr. McDonald buys much wheat independently and does well in selling to the general market. Politically, he is decidedly independent and although often solicited to hold office he has absolutely refused to allow his name to appear on any ticket.
Mr. McDonald has two brothers, Albert T., and John W., and one half-sister, Mary L.
At Spokane, in 1900, Mr. McDonald married Miss Josephine Bonner, a daughter of Peter and Margaret (Whalan) Bonner, the former a native of Holyoke, Massachusetts, and the latter of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She has the following named brothers and sisters, Mrs. Mary Marlow, Thomas James, Mrs. Nellie Sprague, William S., Mrs. Isabella Carr, Mrs. Catherine Hagey, Fred M., Frank R., and Grace. Mr. and Mrs. McDonald have no children of their own, but one adopted daughter, Beulah D., born May 26, 1900.
Mr. McDonald is fraternally connected with the A. F. & A. M. and the I. O. O. F. and is a leading spirit in the county.
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By Ken Levine
Ken Levine has had an interesting career as a comedy writer, with M*A*S*H, Cheers, and Everybody Loves Raymond among his credits. He's also had a simultaneous interesting career as a baseball announcer, doing play-by-play for the Baltimore Orioles, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners. He draws on both of these backgrounds — especially the first one — at By Ken Levine. The site's primary topic is the serious business of being funny, and Levine's posts are serious, funny, sarcastic and contemplative — sometimes all at once. Even an overcovered topic like the Two and a Half Men meltdown benefits from his perspective.
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Igor Gusev
Eröffnung am Donnerstag, den 2.03.2017, um 18 Uhr
IGOR GUSEV – „AGENTEN DER ZEIT“
PETAR CUKOVIC
WHEN GUSEV PRESSES THE “STOP” COMMAND…
Igor Gusev’s three most recent exhibitions – The Platforms of Eternity, at the Dymchuk gallery in Kiev, Resident’s Confession, at the Dukley Art Center in Kotor, Montenegro, and Meeting in the Interval, at the Museum of Western and Eastern Art in Odessa and the National Museum of Russian Art in Kiev – have at their centers series of paintings which are linked by a certain fleetingly visible and intriguing duality in the structure of the scenes. Most of these scenes “redouble” the principles of figurative mimesis, on the one hand, and of the visual language embodying “ab- straction”, on the other. A smaller number of the painitngs “redouble” two types of abstract painting: abstract expressionism (or Informel) and ra- tional structuralism. Nevertheless, in both cases we are faced with the establishing of an internal dialogue between two models of visual language, of a highly specific type of intervisual relations. However, if we understand the painting as a type of text, and it is only in this way that it appears in the field of interpretation, we could say that these “redoubled” images in Igor Gusev’s paintings reveal a kind of intertextual fluctuation. Such forms of artistic practice, i.e., forms which include the development of the principles of intervisuality and intertextuality, are very common in the history of modern and, particularly, postmodern art. Without doubt, they both point to a symptom and represent its expression – the symptom of the inability of the modern world to perceive a whole and coherent image of the world and its meaning; of the world which has “lost its horizon” and which has been hopelessly scattered into an infinite multitude of fragmented “little worlds”. It is my opinion, however, that the principle of “redoubling”of unrelated languages in Gusev’s paintings is not based on any conceptual intention of the artist to simply contrast them by suggest- ing through their discord the impossibility of establishing the elusive unified image of the world or to seek unusual, nearly surrealist aesthetic ef- fects. For Gusev, these languages are both formally and substantively merged in a single, indivisible whole. In the paintings which are based on a figure in an interior or exterior setting, the figure or figures have their “abstract” extensions, stripes which spread out from a nearly organic “su- ture” with the mimetic fragment of the figure to the very edge of the painting. These stripes have an appropriate colour structure which is in ac- cordance with the painted base from which they start. This results in painted stripes which clearly resemble the stripes which appear on a screen during any interference or malfunction in the broadcasting of a digital image. Naturally, this reveals the reasons for the formal merging of two different languages, the mimetic and the abstract, and the internal circulation of meaning between the two types of visual representation of the world of objects: one based on the recognition of objects by analogy and another which rests on simulating some form of the numerical structural- isation of the image of that same object. It is worthwhile to draw an art-historical comparison here. Gerhard Richter’s digital prints, exhibited under the title Strip Paintings, came about in 2011 as the result of a complex work process by the artist – a computer manipulation of a digital recording of his own painting from 1990. These Strip Paintings, consisting of a nearly unsurveyable series of horizontal painted stripes, represent a kind of cold objectification of the digital deconstruction of his own chosen painting, executed with specialised software through a series of ra- tional and methodical mathematical operations of mirrorring, repetition and multiplication. Unlike Richter’s “cold” objectification, Gusev’s series of paintings constitute a manifestly vitalist type of “joyous”, hedonistic articulation of the image, in which the object and the simulation of its dig- ital extension are laced into a unique scene, saturated with the materiality of the paint.
Although he is very much aware of the “totalising requirements of technology” and the domination of digital culture, which is completely taking over the visual field in the public space, Gusev actually does not intend to grieve and lament over this threat, but rather wishes to use the threat, the domination and the omnipresence of digital images as an inexhaustible reservoir from which to “feed” his traditional painting practice. In other words, if Richter destroys the painting (his own, at that) in order to translate it into a digitalised matheme as the expression of its ineffable essence, Gusev, on the contrary, “deconstructs” a digital visual source and takes from it the model for his own painting, and searches for its as yet unexpressed essence. Unlike the nearly laboratory character, objectivity and strictness of Richter’s working process, Gusev, while “having his morning tea”, watches films streamed from pirate websites and, at the moment when he likes a shot, presses “stop”. Then, “in the evening”, as he says, comes the process of metamorphosis, of “deforming” the selected shot.
Executing this “pirate” operation of selecting and taking freeze-frames – that is, already existing images – Gusev is clearly following the practice and procedures of “appropriation”, which are highly characteristic of the art of recent times, particularly the art of the so-called Postmodern. This introduction of an “external” element into the work of art, of some preceding visual representation, indicates a shift in the artist’s interest with re- gard to the world: this relationship is no longer based on a direct representation of the world’s objects, but is mediated by already existing repre- sentations. In turning to the “virtual” world, to the domain of existing images and to their adoption, in the nature of things Gusev not only follows an important characteristic of any appropriation, that of its being based on a “distortion, not a negation of the prior semiotic assemblage” (Robert S. Nelson), but additionally strengthens this “distortion” by also expressing it in the formal-linguistic procedure of aberration of forms within the chosen model. Although these deformations can be understood, inter alia, as a way of humorously “outsmarting” copyright rules, that is, the “permission to reproduce photographs and other copyright material”, as the term is explained in Google’s most widely available translation serv- ice, by their formal character they point towards a powerful force that moves them in order to either “introduce” them from some undefinable space into the painting or “extract” them from it and try to convey them to this same undefinable space.
From the movement of the hand which presses the “stop” command in front of a screen on which a film is running and then stores the freeze- frame in files, to the moment when the stored freeze- frames are used as the basis for a painting on canvas, including the obligatory metampor- phoses, a “whole ritual” is enacted of which the final act is the painting, which, along with everything else, bears witness to the magic of creation when faced with the inexpressible and ineffable, as well as to Igor Gusev’s faith in the undeniable power of painting as a unique aesthetic experi- ence.
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Natalia Goncharova
NATALIA GONCHAROVA (June 4, 1881 – October 17, 1962)
was a Russian avant-garde artist, painter, costume designer, illustrator, set designer and writer. She was born in a small village south-east of Moscow in the Tula province. Young Goncharova was brought up in a highly intellectual environment of her family.
Her Great aunt was Natalia Goncharova-Pushkina, wife of the Russian poetAlexander Pushkin.
In 1891 the family moved to Moscow. In 1901 she entered Moscow Institute of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, where she met Mikhail Larionov, who was a student of the same art school.
In 1906 Goncharova and Larionov exhibited their works at a World of Art exhibition put on by Diaghilev, and he subsequently invited the pair to exhibit in Paris at the 1906 Salon d’Automne. Goncharova’s professional relationship with Diaghilev didn’t end there, and in 1914, after having spent eight years developing and perfecting her artistic techniques in Moscow and Saint Petersburg, she returned to Paris to work again with Diaghilev on stage designs for his Ballets Russes.
In 1911 Goncharova became a founding member of Der Blaue Reiter group of avant-garde artists led by Wassily Kandinsky. She participated in the first show of Der Blaue Reiter in Munich. In 1912 she took part in organizing the Russian avant-garde group „Osliny Khvost“ (aka.. Donkey’s Tail), together with her partner, artist Mikhail Larionov. At that time she was inspired by the lectures by the Italian ideologue and founder of Futurism Filippo Tommaso Marinetti in Moscow. Marinetti’s lectures about Futurism and the influence on masses of people through art, provoked Goncharova and Larionov on making their own lectures on Futurism, albeit their Russian lectures were less politically charged compared to their Italian counterpart.
Goncharova was also a graphic artist who created design and illustrations for books in the style of Futurism. In her innovative compositions, Goncharova often broke traditional forms by introducing an intricate fabric of images intertwined with music notation, letters, fragments of words and textual messages.
In 1913 Goncharova had her first and biggest „one-man“ show which covered the enormous range of her talent, from her Neo-primitive works and Russian icon-inspired images, to her most modern endeavors in Cubo-Futurism and Rayonism. At that time Goncharova emerged as an important and also a highly controversial figure, often breaking social conventions as well as rigid cultural dogmas. She was among the first women in Russia who shocked the public with her casual cross-dressing, and also with her sharp comments on art and society.
Between 1922 and 1926 Goncharova created fashion designs for Marie Cuttoli’s shop, Maison Myrbor on the Rue Vincent, Paris. Her richly embroidered and appliqued dress designs were strongly influenced by Russian folk art, Byzantine mosaic and her work for the Ballets Russes.
During the 1920s she played a significant role within the Ecole de Paris and continued to live and work in France until her death.
Natalia Goncharova was a major figure in early 20th century Russian art, and is now one of the most highly priced Russian artists in history. A controversial figure who scandalized Moscow with her open cohabitation with the modernist painter Mikhail Larionov, she was noted for her avant-garde art which borrowed heavily from Russian icon painting and other forms of primitive art.
1938 Goncharova became a French citizen. In 1955 she and Larionov were finally married. Goncharova died on October 17th, 1962 in Paris, France.
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Topic: TAR 28: Burnie Burns & Ashley Jenkins -- YouTube Stars/Dating
Pages: 1 2 3 [All] Go Down
Author Topic: TAR 28: Burnie Burns & Ashley Jenkins -- YouTube Stars/Dating (Read 14718 times)
TAR 28: Burnie Burns & Ashley Jenkins -- YouTube Stars/Dating
Burnie Burns & Ashley Jenkins -- "YouTube Stars"
Burnie and Ashley's Announcement
https://www.youtube.com/v/2D3yzrZi6Fw
Relationship: Dating
Current Residence: Austin, Texas
Burnie runs Rooster Teeth, one of the largest gaming sites with more than 8.2 million subscribers on YouTube. He is racing with his girlfriend and Rooster Teeth co-host, Ashley.
Subscribe on YouTube: Rooster Teeth
Follow on Twitter: @burnie and @ashleyj
« Last Edit: November 12, 2015, 03:05:33 AM by georgiapeach »
Re: TAR 28: Burnie Burns & Ashley Jenkins -- "YouTube Stars"
CBS "Reveal" 1/21/16
Burnie Burns and Ashley Jenkins: Dating
Meet Burnie Burns and Ashley Jenkins, two saavy social media personalities who also happen to be dating. Burnie runs Rooster Teeth, one of the largest gaming sites on Youtube, and Ashley is a co-host for the site.
Name: Burnie Burns
Twitter: @burnie
Instagram: burnieburns
YouTube: www.youtube.com/roosterteeth
www.roosterteeth.com
How many total followers do you have across all platforms? 14 million on YouTube, 400,000 on Twitter and 1.5 million on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/redvsblue).
Connection to your teammate: Boyfriend
Current occupation: Filmmaker/Gamer
Describe what you do: I started one of the first online video companies way back in 2003.
3 words to describe you: Forgetful, funny and forgetful.
Favorite hobbies: Gaming and watching gaming.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Released a book, a TV show and a movie in a two month span. Then went on a race around the world.
What scares you most about traveling? When the in-flight movies don't work.
What excites you most about traveling? Meeting new people and building lifelong memories.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: If I don't keep Ashley fed, she gets grumpy. That's bad.
Pet peeve about your teammate: Being late everywhere we go.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? India or China. It's so different from anywhere I have lived.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? We are huge fans of The Race and it's a dream come true to participate.
Name: Ashley Jenkins
Twitter: @AshleyJ
Instagram: jinxcellent
How many total followers do you have across all platforms? Across all channels and sites, Rooster Teeth has probably... 18+ million.
Connection to your teammate: Girlfriend
Current occupation: Executive Producer of “The Know”
Describe what you do: I run “The Know”, an informational brand of content for Rooster Teeth. We do news and more about video games, movies, TV, tech, and science. If it's cool and you want to know about it, so do we.
3 words to describe you: Geeky, smart and competitive.
Favorite hobbies: Video games, reading and running.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? I've created a place for myself online that enables me to do everything I love the most for a living: keep up to date on geeky interests and share that with others, play video games and talk about them, and learn something new every day.
What scares you most about traveling? The risk of getting stranded in a foreign country without the resources to get myself home.
What excites you most about traveling? Throwing away the box I usually live in and immersing myself in other cultures and ways of life.
Biggest challenge you and your teammate will face on The Race together: Making sure we balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses to be the best team we can.
Pet peeve about your teammate: He's better at just about everything than I am, which would be more annoying if I didn't like him so much. Luckily it's us against the world, not us against each other.
What country and place would you most like to visit and why? Bora Bora in French Polynesia -- I love water activities and beaches and heat. Add glass bottom huts, drinks with umbrellas, and I'm set.
What do you hope to accomplish by running The Race (other than winning one million bucks)? This is our chance to compete in a huge game that spans the globe, and we want to be the team that plays it best
« Last Edit: January 21, 2016, 02:19:19 PM by georgiapeach »
https://www.youtube.com/v/Do3Wp8JTFAE
« Last Edit: January 22, 2016, 01:32:42 AM by georgiapeach »
SamualDude
YES.YES.YES
Burnie and Ashley's announcement video!
It's Clobbering Time!
gamerfan09
Big Brother Updaters
#LookWhatYouMadeMeDo
Re: TAR 28: Burnie Burns & Ashley Jenkins -- YouTube Stars/Dating
I hate Let's Players with a passion.... but they seem awesome!
Rooting for them!
"But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time
Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time
I've got a list of names and yours is in red, underlined
I check it once, then I check it twice (oh)"
Really love them. Amazing to see a gamer couple on the race
Quote from: gamerfan09 on November 15, 2015, 05:31:59 AM
I hate Let's Players with a passion....
Hey, don't knock Let's Players, I subscribe to a few of them (not these two). But I do thank my lucky stars Felix Kjellberg (PewDiePie, the king of Let's Players) isn't American, or they may have tried to cast him. Can't stand that guy.
But I will be rooting for this team as well
I'm rooting for them
« Last Edit: November 21, 2015, 04:35:19 PM by georgiapeach »
atonofclay
I'm a huge Rooster Teeth fan and Amazing Race fan and I just wanted to show you guys a skit Burnie was in to show you guys what he does besides Let's Playing
Can't wait for S28
Team Ashley and Burnie
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPkhlkgt9n4
See post 2!
stekay
42 & 33? :O REALLY?
Quote from: SteKay on January 21, 2016, 03:44:13 PM
Seems fine to me, I always liked "older" guys too! They look like a great couple!
paradoxinee
Wow, I don't know that he is 40-ish. I think they both are in 30-ish.
Cast vid up in post 3!
Nic & Sabrina from TAR Canada 3 were 22 and 32. 10 years of difference. Is more than them. Btw, age doesn't care.
And yes, they both look younger.
Quote from: Hysha on January 26, 2016, 07:28:44 AM
I don't think people talked about their age difference. Last season, Logan 36 and Chris 46.
RealityFreakWill
Big Brother Sho2 Updater
RFF Board Moderator
ZANKIE FOREVER!!!
What are Burnie and Ashley’s biggest accomplishments?
For Burnie, it'd be releasing a book, TV show, and movie all within a two-month span. Then, for Ashley, who started as a professional gamer, it'd be making a living off what she loves most—being the Executive Producer of The Know and sharing her gaming passion with other geeky individuals.
Partner Predictions!
https://www.youtube.com/v/hA1swG-rvYI
Phil tweeted this...
Ready to play @Burnie @AshleyJ #Gifted #GoGetting #Geeky #Gamers #AmazingRace in 6 days
Think these will be my favourites
As per a post on the Roosterteeth subreddit congratulations to Burnie and Ashley on their engagement!
RaceUntilWeDie
Watching the episode its a little annoying when they keep kissing but looking back its kinda amusing
RFF Not So Newbie
Great podcast about the race from Rooster Teeth with Burnie and Ashley giving an overview of the race.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJPAgHJyEi4
I love how MORP/UTRP they are edited Such a cute couple!
Platrium
They are becoming the Kelsey & Joey of the season. What's even worse was they had the chance to win a leg in Leg 4, had production not forced them to travel to Chamonix for the pit stop.
Consistent team all throughout the Race now following the likes of Jason & Amy and Kelsey & Joey.
elthemagnifico
Previously as rafael02
Quote from: TARUSAFan on April 25, 2016, 08:38:08 PM
... and Justin/Diana
Burnie and Ashley for a returnee's season!
ianthebalance
Quote from: SamualDude on May 06, 2016, 08:05:12 PM
Quote from: ianthebalance on May 06, 2016, 08:06:15 PM
Unfinished business, sure. All Stars... maybe alternate picks.
Burnie seemed mad in the last 10 minutes of the episode, I felt bad.
"To deny people their human rights is to challenge their very humanity" - Nelson Mandela
"We don't read and write poetry because it's cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. " - Robin Williams, Dead Poets Society
I wasn't a giant fan of them but I really loved them in the end
I'll really miss them and agree, they do deserve a second chance!
Quote from: Bookworm on May 06, 2016, 08:41:51 PM
They got a lot more airtime towards the end of their journey at it really reminded me of Joey & Kelsey's edit, also revolving around constant 2nd placed Those 2 teams now both hold the record for most 2nd place finishes in a row, at 5.
I loved seeing how strategic they are these last 2 legs, and I hope as well that they'll get a second chance!
The Amazing Race Show N' Tell: Burnie & Ashley
Couple Burnie Burns and Ashley Jenkins relive memories from The Amazing Race Season 28 by adding their own special commentary to clips from the show.
https://www.youtube.com/v/ANPUM3Fr0Tc
http://www.cbs.com/shows/amazing_race/photos/1006429/burnie-burns-and-ashley-jenkins-reflect-on-their-adventures-during-the-amazing-race/
Burnie Burns And Ashley Jenkins Reflect On Their Adventures During The Amazing Race
Burnie and Ashley were the seventh team eliminated on Season 28 of The Amazing Race.
After traveling the world together, loving couple Burnie and Ashley came up short during the latest episode of The Amazing Race and host Phil Keoghan had to give them the disappointing news that they would not be competing in the finals.
While the pair didn't proceed to the next leg of the journey, they did walk away from the Race with enough incredible memories from the experience to last a lifetime—that, and even more adoration and admiration for each other than ever.
Read what Burnie and Ashley had to say following their incredible experience on The Amazing Race.
1. How long were you guys looking for the Pit Stop?
Ashley: "We were looking for about 30 to 40 minutes. We asked dozens and dozens of people because the picture on the clue was not the library. It was the Civic Center and it was about two blocks away.
We went to the picture and did all the obvious things. We tried to find the Pit Stop, based on the perspective of the painting, but that was actually the opposite side of where it was."
Burnie: "That probably put us about a quarter-mile away from it, if not more."
2. If you didn't stop to help Sheri and Cole for that first clue, do you think you might've advanced?
Ashley: "I really don’t think that's the case. Sheri and Cole actually asked the currency exchange attendant where it was. They had the right directions. It was not from us."
Burnie: "They are a tough team and everyone underestimates them."
3. What was the hardest task you had to perform during the entire Race?
Burnie: "The salt was pretty hard, but I would say the hardest task was the Roadblock in the last episode. In the amusement park, we had to sprint from location to location and the only people we could ask for help were tourists so they didn’t really know much. By the end of that Roadblock I was just so tired at that point that I could not make decisions."
Ashley: "For me, the hardest task was absolutely trying to race [the] camels. I don’t know anything about bikes and did the entire race in the highest gear."
4. What was the most unforgettable moment from the Race?
Burnie: "My favorite moment was watching Ashley on stage with the Georgian National Ballet. She absolutely killed that challenge and I will never forget that as long as I live. It was such an incredible moment."
Ashley: "I feel obligated now, thanks to Burnie’s nice answer, to say that my favorite moment was seeing him in the tiny gold swimsuit in Dubai."
5. When did you feel most proud of your partner during the Race?
Burnie: "Mine was the amount of preparation that Ashley did to get ready for this. There was a moment in Mexico City where Ashley outran the Frisbee boys. That was really impressive. Also, in Dubai when we were on the bicycles and I said, 'Let’s just take it easy since we can’t win,' but she could not give anything less than 100-percent and we ended up in second place."
Ashley: "It's hard to pick one moment because every time [Burnie] went into a Roadblock and he came out several spots ahead, I was very impressed and proud."
6. How does it feel to know so many fans were rooting for you to win?
Ashley: "It has been very humbling to have so many people cheering for us and supporting us. We have been receiving tweets and messages from people who had never watched before and are watching for the first time with their parents. Being able to introduce more people to the show that we love so much has been great."
Burnie: "My favorite part is to see the posts from people who are watching with their parents. It's really cool to see that."
7. Where was the best place you visited?
Burnie: "Oh, gosh. For me, it was the top of the mountain in Chamonix. That was just incredible. I had never been to the top of the mountain and you felt like you were on the top of the world."
Ashley: "Everywhere you looked [from the top of Chamonix], you felt like you were looking at a postcard."
8. If given the chance, would you return for another season of The Amazing Race?
Burnie: "If they told us that we had to walk out of here wearing the clothes we're in and go do it, I would. I would maybe change shoes, though."
Ashley: "Absolutely! My bags are packed. They say that life goes by faster as you get older because there are fewer firsts. This experience was absolutely amazing and every time I think about it, I feel younger."
Watch the episode where Burnie and Ashley were eliminated from the show now.
Plus, don't forget to watch the season finale of The Amazing Race on Friday, May 13 at 8/7c.
Quote from: Platrium on May 13, 2016, 06:06:53 AM
I love these two
http://parade.com/476648/joshwigler/rooster-teeths-burnie-ashley-the-amazing-race/
Sometimes, the goose gets away, and it’s the Rooster who gets cooked instead. Such was the case for The Amazing Race contestants Burnie Burns and Ashley Jenkins, eliminated during season 28’s penultimate leg, just shy of the grand finale.
Throughout their time on the race, the Rooster Teeth video game veterans never picked up a first place finish, but were consistently toward the top of the pack. They placed second for five legs in a row beginning with Leg 6, only to fall on extraordinarily bad luck during their final leg in China.
Here’s what Burnie and Ashely had to say about their key to success on the Race, how their gaming history impacted the competition, their takes on the three remaining finalists, and what they have planned next.
PARADE | You earned several second place finishes during the race…
Ashley: We were collecting them!
PARADE | What was the key to that consistency?
Ashley: We had a really good track record of choosing the best person for our Roadblock. We were very focused on working together as a team. Everything we approached, we approached with a team mentality: “We’re going to knock this out together. What can I be doing right now to help our team the most?”
Burnie: Yeah, I think the trend for our team across the season was making up ground in Roadblocks and losing ground in Detours. Almost every leg was like that for us. If we could just put together a knock-it-dead Detour, then we would have a pretty good leg, always. Those were the times where we were pretty close to finishing in first. Even in Dubai, when [Brodie and Kurt] used the Express Pass, we switched Detours and did well enough in the Roadblock where we did well enough to get back into second place.
Ashley: And the navigation. We worked together as a team in the navigation for that one, and we drove ourselves straight to our destination every time.
PARADE | Not to point fingers, but this season, we’ve seen a few teams melting down at each other along the way. You were both always level-headed with one another. How hard is it to maintain your cool with your partner?
Burnie: Anybody who has traveled with a significant other before knows it’s tough. Travel is stressful. When you add the competition on top of it, and all of the tasks — and you string ten of those trips together? Yeah, it’s pretty stressful. I can totally understand when teams start griping at each other. It’s a way to deal with the stress. But Ashley and I were real careful. We had a thing we would say to each other: “Same team. It’s us against everyone else.” We just relied on one another.
Ashley: The last thing you need is to be against each other when it’s you against the world.
PARADE | How much did your career as gamers influence your success?
Burnie: It made us a little more analytical. We approached legs almost as levels in a game. What’s the goal for this level? How do we get through it? That approach definitely helped us a lot.
Ashley: Games have also taught us to think on our feet a lot. When any situation comes up, we instantly look at it as: “What can I do in this moment with the pieces I’m given to make the most out of it for my team?”
Burnie: It would have been nice to have an extra life. [Laughs] That’s part of the race, though. You never know when [non-elimination legs] are going to come. They’re pre-planned, but we have no idea. You just never know. We didn’t even know when we got to the mat in fourth in China. It was possible we were still in it. They’ve done four-team finales before, so you don’t know.
Ashley: You never know.
PARADE | So when you were rounding that corner in China, you still had hope as you were running up the stairs?
Burnie: There was a little bit of speculative hope, but we were very sure that we were in last place. In fact, I made a joke: “Hey, maybe we’re in first!” At that point, we had been looking for the Pit Stop for about 45 minutes. We knew at that point we were going home.
Ashley: One thing we’ve heard a lot about the Race, even before we went into it, and it really does bear out, is that the hardest part of the Race isn’t the challenges. Those are very difficult. But the hardest part of the Race is getting from Point A to Point B, because so often, it’s in someone else’s hands. In this case, the clue we were given was a painting of the Shenzen Cultural Center, and it’s enormous. The library is maybe two blocks away from that. The building is so big that it has to be two blocks away just to fit it into the background shot. So we get to that general area, and without being able to speak the language, trying to ask someone where the library is… we asked dozens and dozens of people, and no one could tell us where it was. That’s really the hardest, most frustrating part. We did the challenge. We made the switch. We still got out of the Detour in third place — but we needed other people’s help to find the Pit Stop. We just didn’t get lucky until it was too late.
Burnie: We probably asked people for more directions in China than we did in all of the other legs combined. I wouldn’t be surprised if we asked 40 people for directions that day.
PARADE | And how did that go?
Burnie: That sucked. [Laughs]
Ashley: I’m learning Mandarin now. [Laughs] I feel like I have to learn it, because now I need to beat it.
Burnie: I hate to even bring this up, but… we did so much prep for the Race, and the thing that’s hardest to me looking back is I had one of those electric unicycles in my Amazon shopping cart. Literally one of those. When we got back from the Race, it was still in my shopping cart. And when you shop for something online, it shows that thing in ads on every other website that you go to. I kept seeing that damn unicycle everywhere I went for a month after that.
Ashley: It was haunting him.
Burnie: I think I bought paper towels just so I wouldn’t see the unicycle anymore. [Laughs] Isn’t that crazy? And I think, oddly enough, that influenced my decision to do the unicycles. I was like, “Oh, I know what those things are!” But I have no idea why I thought that was going to help us. My mind was just not working after that Roadblock challenge.
PARADE | Sure, but on any other day, when you’re not in the middle of a competition, the unicycle looked like the most fun thing ever.
Ashley: Oh, yeah. And that’s one of the reasons we decided to give that Detour a shot, though. Earlier in the Race, in Charmonix, we did what we thought was the safe bet in the Detour and decided to build a tent. Everyone else took the via ferrata. Not only was that a poor decision because it was the longer Detour, but afterward, hearing about it and seeing it, we realized we took the dull one. We should have taken the one that was fun. With this Detour choice, we could go and shut ourselves in an art gallery and hang paintings for a while, but we were so excited to get to China. It’s a bucket list country for us. We always wanted to go. We thought, “We’re here. Let’s do something fun.” We had a lead over Cole and Sheri. The Detours were right next to one another. We knew we could make a switch pretty quickly if we needed to. And we thought, “We’re here. Let’s try something fun before we do the boring thing.”
Burnie: We were only a block away. We figured we would give it a shot and then hop off and do the other Detour. That’s what we did in Dubai, but the Detours were 20 kilometers apart. Here, it was like a block. Way less of a risk, it felt like.
PARADE | So you don’t regret going for the unicycle?
Burnie: I think there were a lot of things that day that built up that led to us being eliminated. Choosing the unicycles is probably the thing we had the most control over.
PARADE | Where does the bad day begin, then?
Burnie: Really, the leg was designed so well, because the language barrier in China is so severe for all teams. If you look at the way it was structured, the first challenge of the day was to navigate an amusement park. We were sprinting back and forth for about an hour — sprinting from one exhibit to another. The only people we could ask [for help] that were around were not just people who speak another language, but also tourists, because we’re in an amusement park. They have no idea where anything is. Then, after that, the Detour we had to navigate to, we had to ask for directions with our paintings so we can find the gallery, and that took an extraordinary amount of time. Then, the Pit Stop was designed so the clue didn’t tell you exactly where to go. It told you how to get close, and then you need to find directions on how to get to the actual place. It was a day of navigating directions and language barriers. All of those things added up. Adding an extra detour to it didn’t help.
PARADE | Tyler and Korey were acting a bit sneaky on your final leg. Was it frustrating going up against them that day?
Burnie: It was more frustrating going up against Tyler and Korey when they teamed up with Dana and Matt, because the challenge was really geared towards two teams working together. That was a big advantage. Not every challenge is like that. You’re not going to carry coconuts for every team. But when you’re trying to find answers for these things, you have two sets of eyes and two sets of legs, and you can split up. When you’re doing a challenge with your teammates, you can’t split up and ask for directions. If you’re working with another team, you can have people split up and share answers. That was the more frustrating part. But the gamesmanship and the misdirection? No, we liked that. That’s fun for us. You heard me firing back. It was a good time.
Ashley: Yeah, that felt like home.
Burnie: We’re used to that. That felt like gaming culture. It’s totally within the rules, and it motivates you to do better.
Ashley: Maybe we would have been a little more bitter about it, if Burnie hadn’t passed them both anyway.
Burnie: Ah, look at you. Building up my ego. [Laughs]
PARADE | Looking back at the previous episode, when you made sure the Frisbee Bros would get U-Turned…
Ashley: I love how everybody’s calling them the Frisbee Bros.
Burnie: We called them Dark Horse.
Ashley: It’s something Brodie would say all the time.
Burnie: Whenever something weird would happen, they would say, “Ooh… Dark Horse.”
Ashley: Like, anything unexpected.
Burnie: “Oh, we have to roll all the way out to this fishing boat?”
Both: “DARK HORSE.”
PARADE | Okay, so “Frisbee Bros” is appropriate, then. But you make this choice very quickly to burn the U-Turn on Tyler and Korey, so Brodie and Kurt have no chance of reversing the U-Turn. Talk me through the process.
Burnie: Basically, as a team that considers itself to be a strategic team, when we get into a situation, we try to figure out what the best scenario is given the circumstances we have. We can’t change the circumstances; there’s only one spot on the board. We can’t change the fact that Tyler and Korey chose to U-Turn Brodie and Kurt. What can we do in this situation? U-Turning Sheri and Cole didn’t make sense to us. U-Turning Dana and Matt didn’t make sense. Leaving it empty? As a team that’s in second place all the time, if we walked away from a U-Turn board, as a viewer, it would be like, “What are these people doing? Do they even want to win?” So U-Turning Tyler and Korey was just the best outcome for our team. That was the best thing we could have done in that moment. If we had gotten to the board first, we would have U-Turned Tyler and Korey. If we had gotten there and we were U-Turned, we probably would have used it on Sheri and Cole. Those were the options that made the most sense in those scenarios, but we didn’t hit those scenarios. We hit the one we hit.
PARADE | Why hit Tyler and Korey instead of Team “Dark Horse”?
Ashley: As we got further in the Race, Tyler and Korey were hitting their stride. The last couple of legs, the Frisbee Bros were starting to run into a little bit more trouble, because they were in a position where Brodie now had to do all of the Roadblocks, regardless of whether they were according to his talents. We thought that at that point in the Race, Tyler and Korey were probably a bigger threat, even though the Frisbee Bros look like the bigger threat on paper.
Burnie: Momentum’s a big thing, too. Teams go through periods where all the sudden they do poorly and need to play catch up, but Tyler and Korey were well past that point. They had bad legs in Armenia and Georgia back-to-back, but they were recovering in Dubai and did really well in Bali. They seemed like much more of a threat at that point in time.
PARADE | How has the Rooster Teeth community responded to your time on the show?
Burnie: They’re great. We have a lot of young people in our audience, some of them probably born after the first season of The Amazing Race aired. We get a lot of great posts and tweets from kids and their parents watching the show together. That’s really great.
Ashley: I like hearing, too, how many people didn’t know about the show or didn’t watch the show and are now diehard fans. As fans of the show ourselves, it’s really wonderful that we were able to introduce more people to a show that we love.
Burnie: I mean, there’s a subreddit for The Amazing Race that as of this season just completely exploded. That’s where we spend our time on some of the broadcasts, posting in there. I know it’ll be huge in there next season. They’ll have a whole new audience based on the people that watched the cast this year.
PARADE | Did you run into any fans while you were running the Race?
Burnie: We did, but hey, let me ask you a question. Who do you think would be the most recognizable person [from our cast] around the world?
PARADE | I would bet Tyler.
Burnie: My bet would be Tyler, too. He was definitely the most mobbable. We were always looking for a group of teenage girls so we could say, “Hey! Tyler Oakley’s over there! Go get a selfie with him!” So we could sabotage Tyler. [Laughs] We were always looking for that opportunity, but it never really presented itself. But the person who was recognized the most was actually Zach King. We could be in a desert in the middle of Dubai and a guy would go up to him and say: “Magic Vines!”
Ashley: It was great.
Burnie: We ran into fans everywhere. We were in an airport in Bali and we had fans follow us out that night to take selfies with us. It’s really great to see fans all over the world. When we got back, we saw lots of fans tweeting at us saying, “I can’t believe they’re going to Shenzhen! That’s my hometown!” And I was just like, “Where. Were. You.” [Laughs]
PARADE | Moving into the finale, what were your thoughts on the three remaining teams?
Burnie: I’m taking this from the perspective of how we felt when we were on that mat in China, because we were asked that question then as well. They asked us: “Who do you think is going to win?” I immediately responded: Tyler and Korey. They have so many first place finishes. When they put their heads to it, they’re super strong. They’re certainly capable of having bad legs. Look at what happened in Armenia and Georgia. They were second to last on both of those legs. They can definitely have a bad leg, but they’re in a position to win this thing.
Dana and Matt, they won the first leg. I honestly didn’t much understand their strategy, because they were helping a team that was, in my opinion, much stronger than them get to the finals. But one thing about Dana and Matt is that out of the top five teams, they’re the only team that never used an Express Pass, a non-elimination leg, or a U-Turn in any way. They didn’t use any of the power pieces in the game. They just raced straight through to the finals.
And then Sheri and Cole, they just refused to die. They keep going no matter what. They’re the Energizer Bunny. They keep going. They’re like Pepé Le Pew, where it doesn’t look like they’re moving at a full speed, but somehow they catch up and always manage to make it to the mat.
So, if Dana and Matt can work together, they’re a super strong team. If Tyler and Korey stick to their game plan, they’re great. Then with Sheri and Cole, if they keep their spirits up and their heads in the game, especially with navigation, I think they have a great shot.
PARADE | What are you working on now? What’s coming up?
Ashley: We’re about to take a trip to India, which is our other bucket list country.
Burnie: And we’re about to launch a Kickstarter for our first ever card game. It’s called the “Million Dollars, But…” card game. It was a show that we had and it was enormously popular, and it just lends itself so well to a table top game. It’s coming out tomorrow, and info will be all over RoosterTeeth.com.
PARADE | Taking one last look back it all, what would you have done differently?
Burnie: I would have bought that damn unicycle.
Ashley: I would have learned Chinese!
Josh Wigler is a writer, editor and podcaster who has been published by MTV News, New York Magazine, The Hollywood Reporter, Comic Book Resources and more. He is the co-author of The Evolution of Strategy: 30 Seasons of Survivor, an audiobook chronicling the reality TV show’s transformation, and one of the hosts of Post Show Recaps, a podcast about film and television. Follow Josh on Twitter @roundhoward.
http://www.realitytvworld.com/news/exclusive-the-amazing-race-burnie-burns-and-ashley-jenkins-confirm-they-are-engaged-19774.php
Exclusive: 'The Amazing Race's Burnie Burns and Ashley Jenkins confirm they are engaged
By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 05/10/2016
The Amazing Race "Dating Couple" Burnie Burns and Ashley Jenkins are no longer just dating!
During an exclusive interview with Reality TV World on Tuesday, Burnie and Ashley -- who got eliminated during Friday night's episode of The Amazing Race -- confirmed their engagement.
"We're engaged now!" Burnie revealed. "We got engaged about a month after we got back from the Race."
Burnie's decision to propose to Ashley was apparently premeditated and not spontaneous.
"Burnie didn't tell me this, but apparently when we were in Bali, he spent some of our leg money to buy a ring," Ashley said.
"I did! I bought a little string ring, but once we got back to the US, it didn't feel like that was appropriate," Burnie admitted before Ashley let out a big laugh.
He continued, "So I replaced it with a real ring. And yeah, we got engaged shortly after that."
Burnie and Ashley currently reside in Austin, TX. Burnie runs Rooster Teeth, one of the largest gaming sites with more than 8.2 million subscribers on YouTube, and Ashley serves as his co-host.
The couple became the eighth team eliminated from the around-the-world competition after they arrived at the Race's eleventh Pit Stop at Shenzhen Library Terrace in Shenzhen, China, in last place.
"It is enormously disappointing to not make it to the final, the final leg of The Amazing Race," Burnie said following his team's ouster on the show. "We just had a classic bad day on the Race and you can't do that this late in the game."
Three teams are left heading into The Amazing Race's Season 28 finale on Friday, May 13.
Exclusive: 'The Amazing Race' eliminees Burnie Burns and Ashley Jenkins talk (Part 1)
The Amazing Race eliminated Burnie Burns and Ashley Jenkins, determining Season 28's Final 3 teams during Friday night's broadcast of the CBS reality competition.
Burnie and Ashley, who recently became engaged although they were dubbed a "Dating Couple" on the show, were the eighth team eliminated from the around-the-world competition after they arrived at the Race's eleventh Pit Stop at Shenzhen Library Terrace in Shenzhen, China, in last place.
Burnie and Ashley were a tough team to beat all season long, as they finished in second place numerous times. The couple therefore became a target in China because no one wanted to go up against them in the final leg.
During an exclusive interview with Reality TV World on Tuesday, Burnie and Ashley talked about their The Amazing Race experience. Below is the first half. Check back with us soon for the concluding portion.
Reality TV World: The show made it look like you were running around looking for The Amazing Race host Phil Keoghan while Sheri LaBrant and Cole LaBrant were doing the same. How long after them did you finally arrive at the Pit Stop? What was the time gap between you and them?
Burnie Burns: We think it was about five minutes. At least one of the co-creators of the show, she would have the best perspective, and she said it was about five minutes. But we looked for the Pit Stop much longer than Sheri and Cole did, from what we understand.
Ashley Jenkins: Yeah, from what we understand, we were looking for it for 30-40 minutes, and their taxi pulled up to it, they got out and heard the music.
Burnie Burns: Right. Because the Pit Stop was not at the painting. It was probably about two blocks away from there. I think it was meant to be. It was a really well-designed leg, because it was a whole day of asking for directions, you know?
We had to ask for directions to the park and we had to ask for directions to the painting, and then the Pit Stop was designed where you had to hunt for that thing. But I do think the moment we got eliminated was when we got out of the cab.
That was the last decision that we made, and we couldn't recover from that. Potentially, you know, you go through, "What ifs?" Potentially, that cab could've done what Sheri and Cole's cab did, which was like, just drop us off right at the library.
Ashley Jenkins: Yeah. But we were stuck in traffic and we were so worried. The driver told us that it was only a couple of blocks away, and he pointed us in the direction, and we took off.
Burnie Burns: Yeah, we were not in a "hey, let's sit still," kind of mindset.
Reality TV World: Burnie, you said on your way up the stairs to the Pit Stop there was a chance you were in first place. So I'm guessing you didn't mean that and you were just trying to be optimistic or something?
Burnie Burns: That was 100% a joke.
Reality TV World: Oh okay. (Laughs)
Burnie Burns: We were looking for the Pit Stop for so long. There's actually a behind-the-scenes video on the YouTube channel where they talk to us right after we got off the mat.
We looked for the Pit Stop for so long, I was worried Phil was going to come find us, when you have that moment of not even making it to the mat and Phil has to come find you to tell you that you're eliminated. Because we could not find this thing! It was 40 minutes of running around in the rain just trying to find the location.
Ashley Jenkins: And we asked dozens and dozens of people all within that Civic Center area, and no one could tell us where the library was.
Burnie Burns: Yeah, that was 100% a joke of me saying that we were in first.
Ashley Jenkins: We knew that was SO long gone. (Laughs)
Burnie Burns: Oh yeah!
Reality TV World: I've heard most of the teams were good friends with each other this season. So if that applies to you guys as well, watching Friday night's episode back, was it a little disheartening to see how excited Tyler Oakley and Korey Kuhl, as well as Dana Borriello and Matt Steffanina, were when they saw Sheri and Cole approaching the Pit Stop mat in third place ahead of you two?
Ashley Jenkins: We have to take it as a little bit of a compliment that they were so happy they didn't have to race against us because they were threatened by us.
Burnie Burns: Yeah, you want teams in the finals that you think you can beat. And listen, I mean, it's really weird for us, but I am happy for Sheri and Cole.
Ashley Jenkins: We're all happy for Sheri and Cole.
Burnie Burns: That's probably one of my favorite moments in the Race, which is so weird because it's also such a low point for me personally in the Race. But yeah, there's no hard feelings, especially from a competition standpoint.
I'm the type of competitor where it's like, when you're on the field, it's a competition, but then when you step off, you can immediately shake hands with everybody. As we say in video games, you say, "Good game. Good game, everybody."
Reality TV World: I was going to ask you, Burnie, if you were frustrated how Tyler had lied to you a couple of times. But it sounds like you understand he and Korey just needed to do that to get ahead?
Burnie Burns: Yeah. The only thing I would say that I probably don't like about that is the fact I used the word "lying," because that has such a negative connotation to it. I mean, that's like misdirection, you know, that's going to take place during the Race.
And actually, you know, the fact that you can see through it makes it better. You realize the game is on; The game is afoot. So, yeah, that kind of stuff didn't bother me that much. I like to play it back and fire back, like when I said, "Are you guys still looking for your clue?" That was at the airport.
Ashley Jenkins: Even throughout that leg, Burnie was having a great time playing against Tyler and Korey and their cheeky racing.
Burnie Burns: Yeah. I was actually kind of surprised seeing it back, like, it did seem a little bit more like we were at odds. Neither of us remembered since that actual leg took place.
The one thing I can say for sure -- I can't speak for the other teams -- but this was 11 legs in. We were absolutely -- I was absolutely fatigued by this point in time. The way it builds up over time, it's just like, I don't think there's any way to possibly prepare for that.
Ashley Jenkins: There's absolutely no way.
Burnie Burns: I can't wait to see what the teams are going to be like running in the finale. I mean, there's going to be that adrenaline racing for a million dollars, but at the same time, it just weighs on you.
Reality TV World: You just mentioned how you're really happy for Sheri and Cole that they made the Final 3. So it sounds like you think they are deserving although they luckily survived two non-elimination legs? I didn't know if that would be a tough pill for you guys to swallow considering you had so many second-place finishes and they had so many last-place ones. (Laughs)
Burnie Burns: There's actually a weird record with that. We have a weird record, and they have a weird record.
Ashley Jenkins: Apparently, we are the highest ranked team to go through the Race without a single win.
Burnie Burns: Based on finish time -- average finish rank.
Ashley Jenkins: Yeah, and [Sheri and Cole] are the -- I think they have the lowest finish average of any team to make the Final 3. So, they are absolutely a dark horse. They did have the two non-eliminations, and it's always scary when you see a non-elimination go by, because you know there's one fewer ahead just in case you have a bad day. But on this leg, I don't think anyone can argue that they didn't earn it.
Burnie Burns: Right.
Ashley Jenkins: They raced that entire leg on their own two feet with no real help from anybody, and they came out ontop!
Burnie Burns: Non-elimination legs are part of the Race, and they did get two of them -- which gave them three lives in the Race -- but at the same time, we took part in using a U-Turn, and so did Tyler and Korey. [Kurt Gibson and Brodie Smith] had the Express Pass.
Those are all parts of the Race. They are events that take place and, as you get to them first, you can take advantage of them. Dana and Matt are the only people in the finals, really the only people in the Top 5, that never used anything at all to their advantage. They just had a straight race through.
Reality TV World: How much time did you spend at the unicycle Detour task, and do you regret not trying to stick it out for a little longer? Or do you think you made the right choice in switching to the art gallery task?
Burnie Burns: Man, I'll let Ashley answer this, but I don't really regret sticking it out longer. I regret trying it in the first place, because that was my idea. We actually selected the paintings first, and then on the train ride, I realized what the unicycles were -- because, this is going to be a horrible thing to say -- but when we were preparing for the Race, we did lots of things.
I had in my Amazon shopping cart one of those unicycles. I don't know what made me put it in there. It was, like, a $600 unicycle. So, for like two months, I didn't buy it. When I got back from the Race, it was still in my shopping cart. To think about that is just crazy to me.
It's like, I don't know why that made me think we should give it a shot, but I just felt like, "I know what this thing it. It's like a Segway, and we can do this. It's not like a sit-down unicycle." And I just wish that I hadn't convinced Ashley to do that.
Ashley Jenkins: Well, if I thought that was the one event that put us out of the Race, I would regret it more. But as we were discussing the different tasks, we knew that doing the paintings would involve shutting ourselves into an art gallery for a while. And we thought, "We've taken a lot of safe choices."
We did the safe choice in Chamonix. We did the safe, reliable choice, and that Detour almost put us out of the Race. We thought, "We've come all the way to China. This is a bucket-list country for us. We've always wanted to come. We didn't come to lock ourselves in an art gallery. Let's try something fun."
Burnie Burns: Yeah! Give it a shot and do something fun and exciting.
Ashley Jenkins: And we felt like we had the flexibility to do that because we did have the lead over Sheri and Cole.
Burnie Burns: Also, we made a switch in Dubai that worked out well for us, using the same theory. And those Detours were probably 25 kilometers apart. Here, the Detours were a block away from each other. So, it was like, they were in the same art district, so we felt like we could easily try it and then move to the next one. But the wardrobe change, I think, changed that into a risk a little bit.
Ashley Jenkins: It did a little bit.
Burnie Burns: It made the task more of a risk.
Ashley Jenkins: But we did still try it for a little while. We switched and we did complete our other Detour, still, in third place.
Burnie Burns: Yes.
Ashley Jenkins: So, I think while that was a contributing factor, I don't think that single decision is what put us out of this Race.
Burnie Burns: There were a lot of things that led to us being eliminated. I think choosing the unicycle is probably the thing we had the most control over. So, in that sense, yeah, I would think so.
Check back with Reality TV World soon for the concluding portion of Burnie and Ashley's exclusive The Amazing Race interview.
Exclusive: 'The Amazing Race' team Burnie Burns and Ashley Jenkins talk (Part 2)
The Amazing Race eliminated "Dating Couple" Burnie Burns and Ashley Jenkins, determining Season 28's Final 3 teams during the penultimate broadcast of the CBS reality competition.
Burnie and Ashley became the eighth team eliminated from the around-the-world competition after they arrived at the Race's eleventh Pit Stop at Shenzhen Library Terrace in Shenzhen, China, in last place.
During an exclusive interview with Reality TV World on Tuesday, Burnie and Ashley talked about their The Amazing Race experience. Below is the concluding portion. Click here to read the first half.
Reality TV World: Do you think it's a tougher blow to get eliminated before the final leg than it would be to race in the final leg and lose the million? What do you imagine is worse?
Burnie Burns: Man, that's a great question! That's a great question. We don't know because we only did our way.
Ashley Jenkins: We'd be more than happy to try the other way!
Burnie Burns: (Laughs) Yeah, we'd be happy to do a do-over! I can say that Ashley and I -- I'm pretty sure it was in Armenia -- we were like, "Okay, if we get eliminated tomorrow, I would still be really happy with this experience." And then when we got to China, we realized, "We've gone the whole way. We will be at every step of the way until the finish line."
So we thought we were very grateful to be able to travel to every country [this season], so that was the good part to us. So, I mean, obviously we want to be racing for the million dollars though. That's definitely preferable to being eliminated.
Ashley Jenkins: Yeah, we're gamers. We don't like losing at any level.
Burnie Burns: Yeah.
Reality TV World: How long do you think it took you to complete the art gallery Detour task?
Burnie Burns: The hardest part about it was -- and it shouldn't have been the hardest part of it -- we kind of nailed the hanging of the paintings pretty well, even though our art gallery, well, I was watching it back and there's a point when we go into [Tyler Oakley and Korey Kuhl]'s art gallery.
Ashley Jenkins: They had a huge art gallery!
Burnie Burns: Our art gallery was so small that we were in, we couldn't flip over paintings in it. We had to take paintings outside, flip them over and bring them back in. There was no way anyone else needed to do this.
Ashley Jenkins: (Laughs)
Burnie Burns: There's a behind-the-scenes video on The Amazing Race YouTube channel called "walking in circles." It took us forever to get the paintings and find the art gallery. We asked probably three people for directions and nobody could read the address. They all just, like, pointed in the general direction. That was probably the single most frustrating part of that.
Ashley Jenkins: I think we spent at least 15 or 20 minutes carrying around a whole bunch of heavy paintings and everyone pointing us in a different direction. It was extraordinarily frustrating.
Burnie Burns: Yeah, if I look at this leg like a game level, the way it was designed, it was designed so well. Because it was basically a whole day of trying to find things and get directions while in a place where the language barrier was probably the hardest.
In the amusement park, we had to run around and find things, and the only people we could ask were tourists in the amusement park, and then we had to find the art gallery, and then we had a Pit Stop that was in a two-block radius and we had to find that. So it was really well-designed.
Ashley Jenkins: After this leg, I started learning Mandarin.
Burnie Burns: (Laughs)
Reality TV World: I don't blame you. (Laughs)
Ashley Jenkins: I can ask, "Where is the library?" in Mandarin any day!
Burnie Burns: She also bought that unicycle.
Ashley Jenkins: I did. You have to take the moments you fell down as an opportunity to save yourself, and so, I'm going to conquer a unicycle and I'm going to conquer Mandarin.
Burnie Burns: There you go!
Ashley Jenkins: And then, I will be that much stronger.
Reality TV World: You two made the biggest move this season by U-Turning Tyler and Korey to ensure Brodie Smith and Kurt Gibson would be the only team completing both sides of the Detour so they'd go home. Korey felt bad about U-Turning the guys at first and Tyler had to talk him out of it. Did you experience any guilt after that? Did Brodie and Kurt ever say anything to you?
Ashley Jenkins: We traveled a lot in the early part of the Race with Brodie and Kurt, and we really like those guys. We think the world of them. They are both incredible competitors and they're both such nice guys as well. We also lost three footraces to the mat to those two players.
Burnie Burns: We lost in Mexico City, we lost in Chamonix, and we lost in Dubai. Three straight footraces we lost to those guys.
Ashley Jenkins: So we knew that if we were to have any sort of chance at taking the million dollars, they would make it that much harder for us. That was one consideration, but we also, when we got to that U-Turn board, all you can do is play with the pieces you're provided. And we had a couple of options there. Because [Brodie and Kurt] were already U-Turned, we could either leave it and let them U-Turn someone else...
Burnie Burns: Probably [Sheri LaBrant and Cole LaBrant].
Ashley Jenkins: And stay in the Race, or we could have U-Turned someone else on their behalf -- and that probably would have been Sheri and Cole -- or we could make sure that they went out. From a strategic standpoint, only one of those made any sense.
Burnie Burns: Yeah. I mean, you get to that board and the scenario is that you can't change what you are presented with. We just looked at what was there and we had to make the best choice for our team at that point in time. We were the strategy team. I think that was our strength. And, you know, we never asked the fast team not to run.
I think I would've felt more guilty if we had gotten all of these second places, we get to the U-Turn board and are like, "Nope, we're just going to move on! We're not going to use the U-Turn." I would ask as a viewer, like, "Does this team want to win?! Why are they doing this?"
You know what I mean? It's like, that was our opportunity as a team that's racing people who are probably 15 years younger than me and professional athletes. You've got to take the opportunities you can to win. And in terms of Brodie and Kurt, they haven't complained about it one time.
I mean, I think there's been a lot of people complaining on their behalf, but they understand it. They are professional athletes and professional competitors. Yeah, we've seen them since the Race and it's always been -- everything has been fine.
Reality TV World: What's the status of your relationship now? How are things going?
Burnie Burns: Well, we broke up right after the Race.
Reality TV World: (Laughs) I was hoping there was an announcement or something!
Burnie Burns: Yeah, we're engaged now! We got engaged about a month after we got back from the Race.
Ashley Jenkins: Burnie didn't tell me this, but apparently when we were in Bali, he spent some of our leg money to buy a ring.
Burnie Burns: I did. I bought a little string ring, but then when we got back to the U.S., it didn't feel like that was appropriate. So, I replaced it with a real ring. And yeah, we got engaged shortly after that.
Reality TV World: Well congratulations! And lastly, at the time you guys left the Race, which team were you rooting for to win?
Burnie Burns: On the mat, I don't think we were rooting for anybody in particular, but they asked, "Who do you think is going to win it?" And we said, "Tyler and Korey." Just looking at averages and the strength of the teams...
Ashley Jenkins: They've been so dominant the last half of the Race.
Burnie Burns: But anybody can win it! That's what we were thinking, you know? [Dana Borriello and Matt Steffanina] won the first leg, they didn't use any of the power pieces. And Sheri and Cole...
Ashley Jenkins: You said, "They refuse to die."
Burnie Burns: Yes! (Laughs) They refuse to die.
Ashley Jenkins: They never give up. There were so many tasks that we gave up on and they stuck through.
Burnie Burns: Oh yeah. They just, man, did [great]. So we're not rooting for anyone in particular. We really liked all the teams, but I think Tyler and Korey -- I'll say what I said on the mat when we were eliminated -- I think they're the strongest team and going into the finals, they are going to carry that through.
To read the first half of Burnie and Ashley's exclusive The Amazing Race interview with Reality TV World, click here.
« Last Edit: May 14, 2016, 06:17:51 AM by Platrium »
For being a very strategic team, I think they could've won the race had they not stumbled in Shenzhen, especially since Tyler & Korey were behind and Matt & Dana let their cab go.
There's no way to predict that.
If Tyler & Korey had somehow been out in 4th, you would've said that the finale was theirs to win with such strong past performances had they made it to the F3. But they flopped at most tasks.
Quote from: Marionete on May 14, 2016, 09:12:01 AM
They flop mostly at detours due to their risky decisions. Everything else seems smooth for them.
I was talking about Tyler & Korey and there was no detour in the finale
There are indeed no detours in the finale, that's why I think Burnie & Ashley would do well, but it seems like we're talking about different teams.
You Won't Believe These Fun Facts About The New Amazing Race Cast
http://www.cbs.com/shows/amazing_race/photos/1005631/you-won-t-believe-these-fun-facts-about-the-new-amazing-race-cast/101475/what-are-burnie-and-ashley-s-biggest-accomplishments-/
ghmorello
Here's Burnie and Ashley's newest project: Eleven Little Roosters.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=111&v=X3eE8L8lP9E
They're having a baby!
oh...how wonderful!
Quote from: ghmorello on March 14, 2019, 03:28:13 AM
congratz bu & ash
« Last Edit: June 12, 2019, 05:29:16 AM by Hubickichibi »
And they just got married!
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ARTIST MANAGEMENT - BOOKING AGENCY - RECORD LABEL - PRODUCTION SERVICES
MANAGEMENT/BOOKING – INFO@GLASSVILLEMUSIC.COM
“We are a very unlikely mixture of people really, not the average types you’d expect to see in the same band… so we thought Gazpacho, which really is the bastard of soups (meshed up vegetables served cold), was the perfect name for our group. With Gazpacho you get a surprise, something unexpected, something out of the norm, a ‘positive’ contradiction. We feel this describes our band very well.”
THOMAS ANDERSON, GAZPACHO
Gazpacho were formed in Oslo in 1996 by childhood friends Jon-Arne Vilbo and Thomas Andersen along with Jan-Henrik Ohme (later joined by Mikael Krømer, Lars Erik Asp and Kristian Torp) and released their debut album ‘Bravo’ in 2003.
Signing to Kscope in 2010, the band released their sixth album Missa Atropos followed by the acclaimed March of Ghosts in 2012. Gazpacho then released ‘Demon’ in 2014, an intricate concept album based on the mad ramblings left behind by an unknown tenant in an apartment in Prague, which delves deep within the demon that possessed the inhabitant and explores the evil he has caused and all that he is capable of. The band’s latest studio album ‘Soyuz’ was released in May 2018.
Crystal Spotlight
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History of DWTS
History of our United Way
Staff & Other Information
Food Trucks & Friends is BACK!
Singing For Toys
Unity Run
YLS Gordon County
About YLS
Activities + More
United Way of Gordon County begins its 29th year as a non-profit organization that raises funds for many agencies working right here in Gordon County. The history of how United Way came to Gordon County involves many local community leaders and one other well-known organization. Although the research is not totally complete it gives some idea about how United Way came to be in Gordon County. It also supports that fact that Gordon County has always been a community that supported those in need.
Ron Woods, 1972-1973 President of the Gordon County Community Chest, explained how their organization worked with an all-volunteer board to raise $25,000.00 to support The Voluntary Action Center, The Winners Club, Boy Scouts, Red Cross, and others in the early days before United Way came into being. The Community Chest was in place for many years and eventually became United Way. Mr. Woods could not remember when the Community Chest began, but he knew that Dick Inman had been president before him.
Mr. Inman remembered his goal was $12,000.00 and he said they reached it. Mr. Inman said different community members were assigned certain areas-industry, individuals, small businesses, professionals, and others. The volunteers would go to these friends and neighbors to solicit contributions for the Community Chest. No one seemed to know when the Community Chest started in Gordon County but during a United Way campaign meeting with Santek Environmental employee at the Gordon County landfill, an employee remembered contributing in the early 1960’s. The Community Chest continued with a volunteer board until 1989. Many local leaders were president or officers of the Community Chest Anita Davis, Dick Inman, Ron Woods, Jan Goble, Jim Mathews, David Lance, Ron Dobbs, Charles Miller and many others.
Jim Mathews remembered that Anita Davis handled the money and did much of the work. She was employed by the Great Southern Federal Savings and Loan and handled much of the day to day work. Mr. Mathews remembered that everyone took their contributions to Anita Davis.
In April 1987, United Way of Gordon County received its 501(c)(3) designation as a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. The change full change to United Way occurred later. Jan Goble was the first board president of the United Way of Gordon County. He remembered as a child bringing a nickel to school to buy a red feather for the Community Chest Drive. He was now the president of the group that would be changing the organization from Community Chest to United Way. According to Jan Goble, Mr. Pat Logan, a local mechanic, had a shop that was located on North 41 where the Painted Post is today. He left a sum of money to Community Chest. The current volunteer board felt that it was time provide more structure and control to the organization. An office was initially opened by Lori Etheridge, and Northwest Georgia United Way provided some assistance with the first United Way campaign. Northwest Georgia UW wanted to make Gordon County part of their United Way, but the current board was not interested in the merger and according to Mr. Goble the decision was the right one for Gordon County. The board hired Rebecca Owen as the first United Way Executive Director in 1989. Ms. Owen initially was a part-time director until 1990 when she became full time. She remembers having to go to the Wachovia Bank across the street from the United Way office to use the typewriter and other office equipment. Dan Davis, UW Board Member, was at that time the branch manager and offered his assistance. United Way of Gordon County flourished under the leadership of Ms. Owen. Many of the payroll deduction contributors who started giving to United Way because of Rebecca Owen are still contributing today. Ms. Owen was the longest-serving director from 1989-1999 and the most successful. Mr. Goble said that was the best decision they ever made. Jan Goble remembered that the year he was president of United Way of Gordon County was the first time United Way raised $100,000.00.
In 1994 Ms. Owen and a group of United Way volunteers began the first Unity Run. The purpose of the Unity Run was to kick-off the annual fund-raising campaign. This year will be the 25th year the Unity Run will be the official kickoff of the campaign. Although the route has changed, the Unity Run is still a fall tradition in Gordon County. Since leaving United Way, Ms. Owen has worked in the family business, Owen Detectron, and started the musical group Tapestry. Her son Justin has been a great board member who has taken over the company that is now known as Owen Security Solutions.
In 2013 the Unity Run added a special 1-K Kid’s Run sponsored by AGC Pediatrics. This event is held before the annual Unity Run. Children ages 3-11 (Pre-k-5TH Grade) run a specially designed route by John Rainwater, Track Coach at Gordon Central High School. The children follow the Gordon Central High School Cross Country team to the finish line on the Ratner Stadium track. Medals are given the male and female first second and third place winners along with the overall winner’s male and female.
From 1999-2001 Trace Vaughn was the Executive Director. Mr. Vaughn is now a Graduation Coach at Sonoraville High School and very involved in the community. He was followed by Ronnie Mc Brayer in 2001-2005. Mr. Mc Brayer was a local pastor who left United Way and moved to Florida where he is an accomplished author and continues to pastor a church. Following Ronnie Mc Brayer from 2005-2006 Chris Marshall, Joe Battaglio, and Debbie Baggett directed United Way. In September 2006, Vickie Spence began her tenure with United Way and is the current executive director.
United Way of Gordon continues to raise funds for the 18 agencies working to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Gordon County.
With a twenty-nine-year history of giving, this year the United Way of Gordon County Board has set a lofty goal for the campaign. Since 2011, United Way of Gordon County has exceeded the annual goal. According to Vickie Spence, current executive director the first few years were very rough with contributions growing slowly. Longtime manufacturing partners Mohawk, Shaw, Mannington, and Kobelco continued to donate but the needs were growing and the agencies required more support. In 2008 the $500,000.00 goal was exceeded but the recession hit and jobs went away making it difficult to continue the successful momentum started. Since 2011 with the addition of Engineered Floors and Bentley Dye the campaign has exceeded its annual goal each year. In 2015 Apache Mills joined the corporate leaders. Most of the major manufacturing companies are involved with United Way in a payroll deduction giving program for their employees. Over the years several of our major donors left Gordon County so attracting new partners is always critical. The most recent is Field Turf. Many of those who do not have a monthly employee giving are sponsors of the two major fund-raising events, the Unity Run and Dancing with the Stars.
Mohawk Presents Dancing with the Stars is the single largest fundraiser in Gordon County history. It began in 2012 as a partnership between The Calhoun GEM Theatre and United Way. Donna McEntyre, a local banker and member of the Calhoun Gordon County Community Foundation saw a program in Rome and brought it to Sarah Husser, Marketing Director for the GEM Theatre and Vickie Spence Executive Director of United Way. The two ladies along with a committee prepared for the first show held in March 2012. The success of the show was very unexpected and became an annual event with patron waiting in line for hours to purchase tickets. After 5 successful years with adult dancers, in 2017 the show changed to Mohawk Presents Calhoun’s Dancing with the Stars GETS SCHOOLED began. The first year the show involving students from all three public high schools was held at the GEM Theatre but the need for more space required a larger venue so it moved to the Calhoun Performing Arts Center in 2018. The one constant throughout the years was Mohawk Industries remained the name sponsor.
In 2016 a request came from a Mohawk Industries’ employee to start a Young Leaders Society (YLS). After several months of planning the organization began under the direction of a new employee Ashley Goble, Director of Communications and Community Involvement. YLS is active and continues in the philosophy of helping the current agencies. They are involved in volunteer activities, fundraising, and other philanthropic activities.
Throughout the years, United Way of Gordon County has been committed to keeping its funds in Gordon County and providing the most funds possible to the partner agencies. The agencies have changed over the years but the process for determining the funding they receive has remained the same. Community volunteers are used to help determine funding amounts after visiting the agencies and studying their applications, board involvement and financial situation. Their recommendations are presented to the UW board allocation committee who make a recommendation based on the total dollars available to give each year and the full board has the final decision as to the amount the agencies receive.
Updated June 2018
© 2019 United Way of Gordon County. All Rights Reserved.
Agency Facts
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Emme (river)
Title: Emme (river)
Subject: Aare, Biberist, List of rivers of Switzerland, List of rivers discharging into the North Sea, List of rivers of Europe
Collection: Rivers of Switzerland, Rivers of the Canton of Bern, Tributaries of the Aare
The Emme River near Schüpbach.
The Emme is a river in Switzerland. It rises in the Alps between the peaks of Hohgant and Augstmatthorn in the canton of Bern. The Emme is 80 km long and flows through the Emmental and into the Aar below Solothurn. The drainage area is 983 km². The average discharge at the mouth is approximately 20 cubic metres per second. The maximum discharge can be up to 500 cubic metres per second.
The Emme is known for its sudden variations in water discharge. The narration Die Wassernot im Emmental (The flood in the Emmental) by Jeremias Gotthelf describes very impressively the largest well-known flood, which occurred August 13, 1837. This and other floods led to the building of numerous canals and dams in the 19th century.
The tributaries of the Emme are the Ilfis and the Limpach.
Kleine Emme
Rivers of Switzerland
Tributaries of the Aare
Rivers of the canton of Bern
Rhine, Bern, Switzerland, Lake Brienz, Upper Rhine
Switzerland, Cantons of Switzerland, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism
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SSDPP
History of Fudan
SSDPP at a Glance
Departments and Institues
Institute of Anthropological and Ethnological Studies
Department of Social Management and Social Policy
Institute of Population Research
Strategic Partnership Worldwide
International SSDPP
Study Abroad & Exchanges
For SSDPP Students
WU MSP Double Degree Program
For Visiting Students
Course List, Credits and Sample Syllabus
Washington University in St. Louis MedPrep Program
Useful Handbook
Life in Fudan
Phoning in China
Pharmacy and Clinics
Student Associations&Clubs
Visa & Residence Permit
CCSP Summer
CCSP Summer Sessions 2018
Other Useful Contents
Home » Uncategorized » WU MSP Double Degree Program
MASTERS OF SOCIAL POLICY AND MASTER OF ARTS
– DUAL DEGREE PROGRAM
SHANGHAI, CHINA – March 28, 2015 – Two top-tier universities – Washington University in St. Louis and Fudan University – have teamed together to offer a distinctive dual-degree program. This program aims to develop the next generation of global leaders who must understand the substance of social issues as well as how to design, manage, and evaluate social policy. This Master of Social Policy and Master of Arts dual-degree program combines training in a specific discipline with knowledge and skills in social policy analysis, evaluation, management and leadership.
Learning from faculty at Washington University in St. Louis and Fudan University, students will gain a global perspective on social and policy issues. At Washington University’s Brown School, students will study in residence at the Brown School in St. Louis, Missouri and receive a Masters of Social Policy. Renowned as the #1 school of social work, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, the Brown School has been a leader in creating positive change since it was founded in 1909. At Fudan University’s School of Social Development and Public Policy in Shanghai, students receive a Master of Arts in a specific field, such as social security, social work, population studies, anthropology, psychology, sociology, and population, resources and environmental economics.
“This program provides a unique experience for students to gain a global perspective on social issues and policy. Students will learn from expert faculty from top-ranked universities and interact with diverse students from around the world,” says Professor Shenyang Guo, Frank J. Bruno Distinguished Professor of Social Work Research, Brown School and Assistant Vice Chancellor for International Affairs-China, Washington University.
Graduates will have the necessary skills and experiences to advance social welfare and to develop and implement innovative policy approaches. They will be poised to address social problems and policy challenges through leadership positions in government, business and nonprofit organizations.
Carolyn Lesorogol, Associate Professor and Associate Dean for Global Strategy and Programs at Brown School adds, “The dual-degree program enables students to combine deep knowledge of a discipline with the skills and knowledge to be a leader and innovator in social policy. With its focus on management and leadership, the MSP/MA program prepares graduates to make a positive impact on a large scale.”
For more information visit www.brownschool.wustl.edu/socialpolicy
Career prospects of certain graduates Click here
Contact: Ms.Fu Linyun fulinyun@wustl.edu
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Bacterial pathogen demonstrates genome flexibility and diversification during chronic infection of cystic fibrosis patients
Chronic lung infections can be devastating for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and infection by Burkholderia cenocepacia, one of the most common species found in CF patients, is often antibiotic resistant. In a study published in Genome Research, scientists sequenced and phenotyped multiple B. cenocepacia isolates from 16 CF patients. They found extensive variation among isolates during chronic lung infection as well as changes in clinically relevant bacterial phenotypes.
“We expected, based on anecdotal observations and single strain reports, that the genome of B. cenocepacia was flexible, but we had no idea of the scope and scale of how promiscuous the gene content and genome architecture would be in a modest-sized patient cohort,” said co-corresponding author, Corey Nislow, from University of British Columbia.
The researchers collected 215 isolates from 16 CF patients from the Canadian Burkholderia cepacia Complex Research and Referral Repository (CBCCRRR), with samples spanning a period of 2 to 20 years for each patient. Most patients demonstrated significantly decreased lung function during this time. Using whole genome sequencing, the genetic content of all isolates was profiled and genome assemblies were generated for 11 isolates. “By looking at changes in the genome over time, we were able to see patterns – common themes that help us better understand how this particular species evolves in its environment and how CF patients become chronically infected,” said study co-corresponding author Joshua Chang Mell, from Drexel University College of Medicine.
Similar to previous studies, the researchers found chromic infection of B. cenocepacia resulted in genome reduction, specifically loss of genes encoding non-essential functions, such as putative virulence genes. Phenotypic changes also occurred in a patient over time, including progressive decreases in motility and acute virulence, and changes in growth and biofilm formation. Although infections originated from a single strain, there was large phenotypic variation from samples taken later from the same patient at the same time, suggesting subsequent diversification within an infection.
While some isolates showed strong positive correlation between traits such as motility and biofilm formation, isolates from another patient showed an inverse correlation, suggesting the genetic architecture of the same trait may be distinct across strains.
Testing for associations between genetic variation and phenotypic differences, researchers identified numerous variants in genes associated with motility and biofilm formation. In addition, the loss of three genes previously associated with biofilm formation was correlated with both reduced motility and biofilm formation phenotypes in B. cenocepacia. The genetic determinants of motility and biofilm phenotypes may be promising targets for anti-virulence drugs.
“The outbreaks of B. cenocepacia in Canada and the UK in the 1990’s have been largely contained by introduction of infection control measures, but we believe that, rather than ‘re-fighting the last war’, the insights into which genotypic and phenotypic elements are pathogenic will let the B. cenocepacia community be proactive in responding to the next outbreak when it arrives,” Nislow said.
Researchers from the University of British Colombia and Drexel University College of Medicine contributed to this work. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, Genome BC, NASA, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and The UBC Faculty of Pharmacy.
Article: Phenotypic diversity and genotypic flexibility of Burkholderia cenocepacia during long-term chronic infection of cystic fibrosis lungs, Corey Nislow et al., Genome Research, doi: 10.1101/gr.213363.116, published online 21 March 2017.
Tagged Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis Respiratory / Asthma
Research to improve treatment for millions of lung disease patients
New lung scanning technology developed at Monash University has the potential to transform treatment for millions of people with lung disease in Australia and around the world. A four-dimensional lung scanning platform developed at Monash University by Professor Andreas Fouras has been commercialised by his medical technology company 4Dx. The scanning platform […]
Calcium induces chronic lung infections
The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a life-threatening pathogen in hospitals. About ten percent of all nosocomial infections, in particular pneumonia, are caused by this pathogen. Researchers from the University of Basel’s Biozentrum, have now discovered that calcium induces the switch from acute to chronic infection. In Nature Microbiology the researchers have also reported why […]
Cystic Fibrosis Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Where antibiotics fail, ‘bacteria-eating’ viruses may prevail
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria can cause infections that are very difficult to treat, and they may sometimes put a person’s life in danger. However, a creative new approach may offer a potent weapon against these “superbugs.” Bacteriophages (depicted above) are viruses that can infect and destroy bacteria. Could they hold the answer to antibiotic resistance? The recent […]
First global guidance for HPV vaccination for cervical cancer prevention
Erectile dysfunction: Stem cell therapy restores sexual function in phase I trial
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Lumentum Holdings Inc. - FORM 10-K - August 29, 2017
EX-32.2 - EXHIBIT 32.2 - Lumentum Holdings Inc. lite-09022017xex322.htm
x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended July 1, 2017
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from
Commission File Number 001-36861
Lumentum Holdings Inc.
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
400 North McCarthy Boulevard, Milpitas, California 95035
(Address of principal executive offices including Zip code)
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Name of exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value of $0.001 per share
Nasdaq Global Select Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No x
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained to the best of the Registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer
Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filer
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company
Smaller reporting company
Emerging Growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o
As of December 31, 2016, the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $1,655 million based on the closing sales price of the registrant’s common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Stock Market on December 30, 2016 of $38.65 per share. Shares of common stock held by officers, directors and holders of more than five percent of the outstanding common stock have been excluded from this calculation because such persons may be deemed to be affiliates.
As of August 18, 2017, the Registrant had 61,515,528 shares of common stock outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the information called for by Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is hereby incorporated by reference from the definitive proxy statement for the Registrant’s annual meeting of stockholders, which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after the Registrant’s fiscal year ended July 1, 2017.
ITEM 1A.
ITEM 1B.
UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENTS SCHEDULES
FORM 10-K SUMMARY
This Annual Report on Form 10-K (this “Annual Report”) contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “Exchange Act”). These statements are based on our current expectations and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that, if they never materialize or prove incorrect, could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These statements relate to, among other things, our markets, products and strategy, sales, gross margins, operating expenses, capital expenditures and requirements, liquidity, product development and R&D efforts, manufacturing plans, litigation, effective tax rates and tax reserves, our corporate and financial reporting structure, and our plans for growth and innovation, and are often identified by the use of words such as, but not limited to, “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “target,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions or variations intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of our management, which are in turn based on information currently available to management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results and the timing of certain events to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the section entitled “Risk Factors” included under Part I, Item 1A below. Furthermore, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this report. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
Lumentum Holdings Inc. (“we”, “our”, “Lumentum” or the “Company”) is an industry leading provider of optical and photonic products addressing a range of end market applications including data communications (“Datacom”) and telecommunications (“Telecom”) networking and commercial lasers (“commercial lasers”) for manufacturing, inspection and life-science applications, as defined by revenue and market share. In addition, we are using our core optical and photonic technology and our volume manufacturing capability to expand into emerging markets that benefit from advantages that optical or photonics-based solutions provide, including 3D sensing for consumer electronics and diode light sources for a variety of consumer and industrial applications. The majority of our customers are original equipment manufacturers (“OEMs”) that incorporate our products into their products which address end-market applications. For example, we sell fiber optic components that our network equipment manufacturer (“NEM”) customers assemble into communications networking systems, which they sell to network service providers or enterprises with their own networks. Increasingly, we are also selling Datacom products to owners and operators of large data centers, which we refer to as hyperscale datacenters. Similarly, many of our customers for our Lasers products incorporate our products into tools they produce, which are used for manufacturing processes by their customers.
We operate in two reportable segments: Optical Communications (“OpComms”) and Commercial Lasers (“Lasers”).
We have a global marketing and sales footprint that enables us to address global market opportunities for our products. We have manufacturing capabilities and facilities in North America, Asia-Pacific and Europe, the Middle East and Africa (“EMEA”) with employees engaged in R&D, administration, manufacturing, support and sales and marketing activities. Our headquarters are located in Milpitas, CA and we employed approximately 2,057 full-time employees around the world as of July 1, 2017.
Lumentum was incorporated in Delaware as a wholly owned subsidiary of JDS Uniphase Corporation (“JDSU”) on February 10, 2015 and is comprised of the former communications and commercial optical products (“CCOP”) segment and WaveReady product lines of JDSU. In August 2015, we became an independent publicly-traded company through the distribution by JDSU to its stockholders of 80.1% of our outstanding common stock (the “Separation”). Each JDSU stockholder of record as of the close of business on July 27, 2015 received one share of Lumentum common stock for every five shares of JDSU common stock held on such date. JDSU was renamed Viavi Solutions Inc. (“Viavi”) and at the time of distribution, retained ownership of 19.9% of Lumentum’s outstanding shares.
Our business traces its origins to Uniphase Corporation, which was formed in 1979, and became publicly traded in 1992. Uniphase was originally a supplier of commercial lasers, and later, a leading supplier of optical transmission products. In 1999, JDS Fitel Inc., a pioneer in products for fiber optic networking which was formed in 1981, merged with Uniphase to become JDSU, a global leader in optical networking. Subsequent acquisitions by JDSU broadened the depth and breadth of the OpComms and Lasers businesses, as well as the intellectual property, technology and product offerings, of what is now Lumentum. Notable amongst these acquisitions in the OpComms business were Agility Communications, Inc. in 2005 and Picolight, Inc. in 2007 which respectively brought widely tunable, long wavelength laser technology for metro and long haul networking applications and short wavelength vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (“VCSELs”) for enterprise, datacenter networking, and 3D sensing applications. The fundamental laser component technologies which we acquired through these acquisitions, forms the basis of virtually all optical networks today and we believe will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. These technologies will enable us to develop highly integrated products to satisfy our communications customers’ ever increasing needs for smaller, lower power and lower cost optical products. Notable acquisitions in the Lasers business were Lightwave Electronics Corporation in 2005 and Time-Bandwidth Products Inc. (“Time-Bandwidth”) in 2014. Both of these Lasers acquisitions brought high power pulsed solid-state laser products and technology to our business which address the micro laser machining market and expanded our addressable market.
Industry Trends and Business Risks
Our business is driven by end-market applications which benefit from the performance advantages that optical solutions enable.
The OpComms markets we serve are experiencing continually increasing needs for higher data transmission speeds, fiber optic network capacity and network agility. This is driven by rapid growth in both the number of higher bandwidth broadband connections, notably those associated with mobile devices, such as high-definition video, online gaming, cloud computing and the number and scale of datacenters that require fiber optic links to enable the higher speeds and increased scale necessary to deliver high bandwidth video and other services. Our technology, which was originally developed for communications applications is also finding use in other emerging market opportunities including 3D sensing applications that employ our laser technology in mobile devices, computers, augmented and virtual reality and other consumer electronics devices.
In the Lasers markets, customer demand is driven by the need to enable faster, higher precision volume manufacturing techniques with lower power consumption, reduced manufacturing footprint and increased productivity. These capabilities are critical as industries develop products that are smaller and lighter, increasing productivity and yield and lowering their energy consumption.
Our optical and laser solutions, developed in close collaboration with OEM partners, are well positioned to meet demand resulting from these trends. We do, however, expect to continue to encounter a number of industry and market risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties may limit our visibility, and consequently, our ability to predict future revenue, profitability and general financial performance, and could create quarter over quarter variability in our financial measures. For example, the demand environment in China has fluctuated significantly over the past year, and has created volatility and uncertainty in our future demand. We cannot predict when or to what extent these uncertainties will be resolved. Our revenues, profitability and general financial performance may also be affected by: (i) pricing pressures, particularly within our OpComms markets, due to, among other things, a highly concentrated customer base, increasing competition, particularly from Asia-Pacific-based competitors, and a general commoditization trend for certain products; (ii) high product mix variability which affects revenue and gross margin; (iii) fluctuations in customer buying patterns, which cause volatility in demand, revenue and profitability; and (iv) the current trend of communication industry consolidation, which is expected to continue, that directly affects our customer bases and adds additional risk and uncertainty to our financial and business projections.
Reportable Segments
We are an industry leading provider of optical and photonic products defined by revenue and market share addressing a range of end-market applications including optical communications and commercial lasers. We have two operating segments, Optical Communications, which we refer to as OpComms, and Commercial Lasers, which we refer to as Lasers. The two operating segments were primarily determined based on how the Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) views and evaluates our operations. Operating results are regularly reviewed by the CODM to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segments and to assess their performance. Other factors, including market separation and customer specific applications, go-to-market channels, products and manufacturing, are considered in determining the formation of these operating segments.
The table below discloses the percentage of our total net revenue attributable to our two reportable segments. In addition, it discloses the percentage of our total net revenue attributable to product offerings within the OpComms segment:
Years Ended
Optical Communications:
Consumer and Industrial
For further information regarding our operating segments, please refer to “Note 19. Operating Segments and Geographic Information” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
OpComms
Our OpComms products address the following markets: telecommunications (Telecom), data communications (Datacom) and Consumer and Industrial.
Our OpComms products include a wide range of components, modules and subsystems to support and maintain customers in our two primary markets: Telecom and Datacom. The Telecom market includes carrier networks for access (local), metro (intracity), long-haul (city-to-city and worldwide) and submarine (undersea) networks. The Datacom market addresses enterprise,
cloud and data center applications, including storage-access networks (“SANs”), local-area networks (“LANs”) and wide-area networks (“WANs”). These products enable the transmission and transport of video, audio and text data over high-capacity fiber-optic cables. We maintain leading positions in the fast growing OpComms markets, including reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (“ROADMs”), tunable 10-gigabit small form-factor pluggable transceivers and tunable small form-factor pluggable transceivers. Our 10G, 40G legacy transceivers and a growing portfolio of 100G pluggable transceivers support LAN/SAN/WAN needs and the cloud for customers building enterprise and hyperscale data center networks.
In the Consumer and Industrial markets, our OpComms products include laser light sources, which are integrated into 3D sensing platforms being used in applications for mobile devices, gaming, computers, virtual and augmented reality, other consumer electronics devices, and industrial segments. These systems simplify the way people interact with technology by enabling the use of natural body gestures, like the wave of a hand, to control a product or application. Systems can also be used for identification, safety, and process efficiency, among numerous other application spaces. Emerging applications for this technology include various mobile device applications, autonomous vehicles, self-navigating robotics and drones in industrial applications and 3D capture of objects coupled with 3D printing. Our laser light sources are also used in a variety of other industrial laser and processing applications.
Our OpComms customers include Ciena, Cisco Systems, Coriant, Fujitsu, Arista, Alphabet (formerly Google), Facebook, Yahoo, Microsoft, Huawei Technologies, FiberHome, Infinera, Microsoft, and Nokia Networks (including Alcatel-Lucent International). During fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, net revenue generated from a single customer which represented 10% or more of our total net revenue of the applicable fiscal year is summarized in the table below:
*Represents less than 10% of total net revenue
To remain competitive, network operators worldwide must offer broader suites of digital services. To do this, they are migrating to Internet-protocol (“IP”) networks and expanding long-haul, metro regional and metro access networks, which effectively deliver broadband services while lowering capital and operating costs of dense-wavelength-division multiplexing networks.
The growing demand for capacity encourages the adoption of OpComms products across the Datacom and Telecom markets. Demand for capacity in the Datacom market is driven by the growing needs of LANs and WANs. Growth in Datacom is also driven by web and cloud services companies that are expanding data center infrastructure, increasing the need for network capacity within and between these data centers.
Demand in the Telecom market is driven by new bandwidth-intensive applications that can result in sudden and severe changes in demand almost anywhere on the network. Increasing agility in optical networks by employing ROADMs, wavelength selective switches, wavelength tunable transmission products and other agile optical products provides an effective way to respond to unpredictable bandwidth demands and to manage expenses. With more agile optical networks, a network operator can add capacity by using remote management applications rather than dispatching technicians to perform manual operations in the field.
In addition, the high-end routers, switches and cross-connect equipment that must handle legacy and internet-protocol traffic are becoming increasingly complex in order to meet higher bandwidth, scalability, speed and reliability needs. Products must provide higher levels of functionality and performance in compact designs that must also meet requirements for quality, reliability and cost.
Deployment of fiber closer to the end user increases the availability of high-bandwidth services and we expect it will result in increased demand on the metro regional and long-haul networks into which these services feed. The dynamically reconfigurable nature of today’s agile networks enables lower operating costs and other competitive advantages, allowing service providers to use and scale network capacity more flexibly, streamline service provisioning, accelerate rerouting around points of failure and modify network topology through simple point-and-click network management systems.
Our optical products are well positioned to meet these demands. Our innovation has resulted in products that have more functionality, are less than half the size, require less power and are more cost-effective, particularly in the area of photonic integrated circuits. Higher levels of integration have also led to development of our Super Transport Blade, which delivers all transport functions (wavelength switching, pre-amplification, post-amplification, optical supervisory channel and monitoring) in a single, integrated platform, essentially replacing three blades with one.
In our OpComms segment, we are focused on technology leadership through collaborative innovation with our customers, cost leadership and functional integration. We align the latest technologies with industry leading, scalable manufacturing and operations to drive the next phase of optical communications for Telecom and Datacom applications that are faster, more agile and more reliable, making us a valuable business and technology partner for NEMs, consumer electronic companies, cloud service providers and data center operators.
We compete against various public and private companies in the markets we serve. Publicly traded companies providing optical communications components include II-VI , Acacia Communications, Foxconn Interconnect Technology, Finisar, Fujitsu Optical Components, Furukawa Electric, Neophotonics, Oclaro, Applied Optoelectronic, Innolight Technology, and Sumitomo Electric Industries.
In addition to a full selection of active and passive components, we offer increasing levels of functionality and integration in modules, circuit packs and subsystems for transmission, amplification, wavelength management and more.
In the Telecom market, we provide transmission and transport solutions for optical networks that make up the backbone of the wireline Telecom infrastructure, thereby enabling the internet. Transmission products, such as our tunable transponder, transceiver and transmitter modules, transmit and receive high-speed data signals at the ingress/egress points of the network. These products use dense wavelength division multiplexing technology to enable high capacity (from 20 to 40Tb/s in the C-Band) links driven by increasing internet demand. We also offer components including tunable lasers, receivers and modulators to address the higher end of these same network applications.
Our transport products, such as ROADMs, amplifiers and optical channel monitors provide switching, routing and conditioning of signals. We also make components for transport, including 980nm, multi-mode and Raman pumps for optical amplifiers, and passive components. Passive components include switches, attenuators, photodetectors, gain flattening filters, isolators, WDM filters, AWG’s, multiplex/de-multiplexers and integrated passive modules.
Our innovation led to the Super Transport Blade, which integrates all major optical transport functions into a single-slot blade. This all-in-one solution reduces the size, cost and power requirements of optical components, incorporates nano wavelength selective switch technology and enables greater chassis density and a smaller footprint.
In the Datacom market, which relies on storing, moving and manipulating vast amounts of data, we offer transmission products, such as our optical transceivers for Fiber Channel and Ethernet applications. Our transceivers are also used to connect servers, switches, routers and other information technology infrastructure critical for today’s email, enterprise resource planning and other cloud services such as streaming of high definition and 4k video.
Our integrated fiber optic transceivers provide cost effective and scalable connectivity and are used in the hardware that runs many of the applications people use daily such as email, social networking, cloud storage, online gaming and streaming video. They are available in several hot-pluggable form factors and allow for very compact, high-density hardware designs.
For the high 100G data rate, we offer several technologies to balance technical and commercial requirements. For high volume, short distance applications we developed our vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (“VCSELs”). VCSELs are ideal for short reaches because they are low power consumption, low cost and highly scalable. For high-performance, longer distance applications we have our distributed feedback laser (“DFB”) and electro-absorption modulated laser (“EML”). Our individual lasers and compact laser arrays offer an innovative solution for the LANs, SANs, broadband Internet and metro-area network as well as hyperscale datacenter applications.
Our 3D sensing technology enables real time depth information to any photo or video image. This represents a fundamental transition for image capture akin to the transition from monochrome to color and gives devices the ability to see the world around them in three dimensions. The immediate applications include full body imaging for gaming, 3D scanning for space mapping and facial recognition for security. Emerging applications are in mobile devices, computers, augmented and virtual reality and other consumer electronics devices, automotive, robotics and industrial. 3D sensing can be applied to any device with a camera. The
technologies to achieve accurate and stable 3D sensing are converging to laser based solutions. We are a leading supplier of the critical laser illumination sources for 3D sensing systems being used in applications for gaming, computing, mobile devices and home entertainment.
Our Lasers products serve our customers in markets and applications such as sheet metal processing, general manufacturing, biotechnology, graphics and imaging, remote sensing, and precision machining such as drilling in printed circuit boards, wafer singulation, glass cutting and solar cell scribing.
Our Lasers products are used in a variety of original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) applications including diode-pumped solid-state, fiber, diode, direct-diode and gas lasers such as argon-ion and helium-neon lasers. Fiber lasers provide kW-class output powers combined with excellent beam quality and are used in sheet metal processing and metal welding applications. Diode-pumped solid-state lasers provide excellent beam quality, low noise and exceptional reliability and are used in biotechnology, graphics and imaging, remote sensing, materials processing and precision machining applications. Diode and direct-diode lasers address a wide variety of applications, including laser pumping, thermal exposure, illumination, ophthalmology, image recording, printing, plastic welding and selective soldering. Gas lasers such as argon-ion and helium-neon lasers provide a stable, low-cost and reliable solution over a wide range of operating conditions, making them well suited for complex, high-resolution OEM applications such as flow cytometry, DNA sequencing, graphics and imaging and semiconductor inspection.
Our acquisition of Time-Bandwidth enabled us to provide high-powered and ultrafast lasers for the industrial and scientific markets. Manufacturers use high-power, ultrafast lasers to create micro parts for consumer electronics and to process semiconductor, LED, and other types of chips. Use of ultrafast lasers for micromachining applications is being driven primarily by the increasing use of consumer electronics and connected devices globally.
Our portfolio of Lasers products includes components and subsystems used in a variety of OEM applications that range in output power from milliwatts to kilowatts and include ultraviolet, visible and infrared wavelengths. We support customer applications in the biotechnology, graphics and imaging, remote sensing, materials processing and other precision machining areas.
Our Lasers customers include Amada, ASML Holding, Beckman Coulter, Becton, Dickinson and Company, DISCO, Electro Scientific Industries, EO Technics, and KLA-Tencor. During fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, we did not have any single customer attributable to our Lasers segment that generated net revenue of 10% or more of our total net revenue of the applicable fiscal year.
As technology advances, industries such as consumer electronics manufacturing increasingly turn to lasers when they need more precision, higher productivity and energy efficient, or “green,” alternatives for problems that cannot be solved by mechanical, electronic or other means. For example, these industries are using lasers to develop products that are smaller and lighter to increase productivity and yield and to lower their energy consumption. Lasers have been used for years to help achieve the scale and precision needed in semiconductor processing. In biotech applications, lasers have been instrumental for advances (and new standard procedures) in cytology, hematology, genome sequencing and crime scene investigations, among others. We believe the long-term trends in these industries will likely lead to increased demand for lasers.
Sheet metal processing and metal welding applications are increasingly using kW-class fiber lasers instead of kW-class CO2 lasers. Fiber lasers generate higher productivity at lower cost in such applications because they exhibit lower power consumption, better quality and generally lower user maintenance costs.
In addition, demand continues for electronic products, as well as products and components in other industries, with greater functionality while becoming smaller, lighter and less expensive. Innovative / Next generation product designs require precise micromachining and materials processing, such as micro bending, soldering and welding. At the scale and processing speed needed, lasers are replacing mature mechanical tools such as drills for minute holes, or “vias,” in printed circuit boards and saws and scribes for singulating silicon wafers, resulting in greater precision and productivity. As these trends continue, we believe that manufacturers and other industries will increase their reliance on lasers in order to maintain or increase their competitiveness.
We believe we are well-positioned with key OEM providers of laser solutions to these industries. We continue to develop our laser portfolio to offer smaller and more cost-effective products designed specifically for the performance, integration, reliability and support needs of our OEM customers.
In our Lasers segment, we leverage our long-term relationships with OEM customers to drive commercial laser innovation. Using established manufacturing, engineering, lasers and photonics expertise, we deliver products that meet cost-of-ownership and reliability needs while delivering on volume production demands.
We compete against various public and private companies in the commercial laser markets we serve. Publicly traded companies providing commercial laser products include IPG Photonics and Coherent.
Our broad range of Lasers products includes diode-pumped solid-state, fiber, diode, direct-diode and gas lasers such as argon-ion and helium-neon lasers. Diode-pumped solid-state and fiber lasers that provide excellent beam quality, low noise and exceptional reliability are used in biotechnology, graphics and imaging, remote sensing, materials processing and precision machining applications. Diode and direct-diode lasers address a wide variety of applications, including laser pumping, thermal exposure, illumination, ophthalmology, image recording, printing, plastic welding and selective soldering. Gas lasers such as argon-ion and helium-neon lasers provide a stable, low-cost and reliable solution over a wide range of operating conditions, making them well suited for complex, high-resolution OEM applications such as flow cytometry, DNA sequencing, graphics and imaging and semiconductor inspection.
We evaluate strategic opportunities regularly and, where appropriate, may acquire additional businesses, products, or technologies that are complementary to, or broaden the markets for our products. We believe we have strengthened our business model by expanding our addressable markets, customer base and expertise, diversifying our product portfolio and fortifying our core businesses from acquisitions as well as through organic initiatives.
In February 2017, we completed the acquisition of a privately held company to enhance our manufacturing and vertical integration capabilities. We acquired all of the outstanding shares of the company. In connection with the acquisition, we paid upfront cash consideration of $5.1 million, incurred liabilities of $2.7 million contingent upon the achievement of certain production targets being achieved within 36 months following the acquisition date and retained $0.9 million of the purchase price as security for the seller’s indemnification obligations under the purchase agreement. This resulted in total purchase consideration of $8.7 million.
Please refer to “Note 6. Mergers and Acquisitions” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Restructuring Programs
We continue to engage in targeted restructuring plans primarily intended to reduce costs, consolidate our operations, rationalize the manufacturing of our products and align our business in response to market needs. We have focused on improving efficiencies and reducing costs by consolidating operations where appropriate, while taking into consideration our current investment strategy, product offerings, core competencies, opportunities to enhance cost efficiency and the availability of alternative manufacturers, as appropriate.
Please refer to “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Note 14. Restructuring and Related Charges” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for information on restructuring charges.
During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, we incurred R&D expenses of $148.3 million, $141.1 million and $140.8 million, respectively. The number of employees engaged in R&D was approximately 598 as of July 1, 2017, 570 as of July 2, 2016 and 550 as of June 27, 2015.
We devote substantial resources to R&D for the development of new and enhanced products to serve our markets. Once the design of a product is complete, our engineering efforts shift to enhancing both product performance and our ability to manufacture it in greater volume and at lower cost.
In our OpComms segment, we are maintaining our capability to provide products throughout the network, while focusing on several important sub-segments. We are increasing our emphasis on Datacom products, such as 100G and 400G transceivers while we continue to maintain strong investments in Telecom components and modules such as ROADMs and tunable devices needed for long-haul and metro markets. We are also responding to our customers’ requests for higher levels of integration, including the integration of optics, electronics and software in our modules, subsystems and circuit packs. We are providing optical technology for 3D sensing systems that simplify the way that people interact with technology. These solutions are initially being used in computing, mobile, and industrial applications, including automotive applications.
In our Lasers segment, we continue to develop new product offerings in both solid-state and fiber lasers that take advantage of technologies and components we develop. These products are targeted at serving customers engaging in biotechnology, graphics and imaging, remote sensing, and materials processing and precision micromachining markets.
Our significant manufacturing facilities are located in the United States, Thailand, and Switzerland. In March 2017, we completed the purchase of a property in Thailand for additional manufacturing capacity for our future growth.
Our significant contract manufacturing partners are located primarily in Thailand, Taiwan and China. Contract manufacturers can save a significant amount of dollars on labor, material and other related production expenses. We rely on the capabilities of our contract manufactures to procure the components and manage the inventory in these locations.
Sources and Availability of Raw Materials
We use various suppliers and contract manufacturers to supply parts and components for the manufacture and support of multiple product lines. Although our intention is to establish at least two sources of supply for materials whenever possible, for certain components we have sole or limited source supply arrangements. We may not be able to procure these components from alternative sources at acceptable prices and quality within a reasonable time, or at all; therefore, the risk of loss or interruption of such arrangements could impact our ability to deliver certain products on a timely basis.
Intellectual property rights that apply to our various products include patents, trade secrets and trademarks. We do not intend to broadly license our intellectual property rights unless we can obtain adequate consideration or enter into acceptable patent cross-license agreements. As of July 1, 2017, we own 681 U.S. patents and 241 foreign patents with expiration dates ranging from 2017 through 2035, and have 153 patent applications pending throughout the world.
Our revenue may be influenced on a quarter to quarter basis by customer demand patterns and new product introductions. Some of our products may be incorporated into consumer electronic products, which are subject to seasonality and fluctuations in demand.
Backlog consists of purchase orders for products for which we have assigned shipment dates.
As of July 1, 2017, our backlog was $218.4 million, as compared to $168.5 million as of July 2, 2016. Due to possible changes in product delivery schedules and cancellation of product orders, and because our sales often reflect orders shipped in the same quarter in which they are received, our backlog at any particular date is not necessarily indicative of actual revenue or the level of orders for any succeeding period.
As of July 1, 2017, we employed approximately 2,057 full-time employees including approximately 1,084 employees in manufacturing, 598 employees in R&D and 375 employees in SG&A.
Outside of the United States, our business is subject to labor laws that differ from those in the United States. We follow the statutory requirements of those countries where we operate. We consider our employee relations to be good.
Our R&D, manufacturing and distribution operations involve the use of hazardous substances and are regulated under international, federal, state and local laws governing health and safety and the environment. We apply strict standards for protection of the environment and occupational health and safety to sites inside and outside the United States, even if not subject to regulation imposed by foreign governments. We believe that our properties and operations at our facilities comply in all material respects with applicable environmental laws and occupational health and safety laws. However, the risk of environmental liabilities cannot be completely eliminated and there can be no assurance that the application of environmental and health and safety laws will not require us to incur significant expenditures. We are also regulated under a number of international, federal, state and local laws regarding recycling, product packaging and product content requirements. The environmental, product content/disposal and recycling laws are gradually becoming more stringent and may cause us to incur significant expenditures in the future.
In connection with the Separation, we agreed to indemnify Viavi for any liability associated with contamination from past operations at all properties transferred to us from Viavi, to the extent the resulting issues primarily related to our business.
During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, net revenue from customers outside the United States based on the geographic region and country where our product is initially shipped, represented 85.2%, 82% and 80.6% of net revenue, respectively. In certain circumstances customers may request shipment of our products to a contract manufacturer in one country, which may differ from the location of their end customers. During fiscal 2017, our net revenue from Hong Kong, Mexico and Japan represented 22.6%, 18.5% and 9.9% of our consolidated net revenue, respectively. During fiscal 2016, our net revenue from Hong Kong, Mexico, and Japan represented 23.7%, 12.5% and 10.3% of our consolidated net revenue, respectively. During fiscal 2015, our net revenue from Hong Kong, Mexico and Japan represented 14.4%, 13.5% and 12.7% of our consolidated net revenue, respectively. Our net revenue is primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, including our net revenue from customers outside the United States based on customer shipment locations as presented above.
As of July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016, long-lived assets, namely our net property, plant and equipment, located outside of the United States comprised 67.8% and 62.4% of our total property, plant and equipment, net, respectively. As of July 1, 2017, 30.1% and 31.2% of our net property, plant and equipment were located in China and Thailand, respectively. As of July 2, 2016, 25.4% and 23.9% of our net property, plant and equipment were located in China and Thailand, respectively.
Please refer to “Note 19. Operating Segments and Geographic Information” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. For information regarding risks associated with our international operations, see “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”
Available Information
Our website is located at www.lumentum.com, and our investor relations website is located at www.investor.lumentum.com. Copies of our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to these reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, as amended, are available free of charge on our investor relations website as soon as reasonably practicable after we file such material electronically with or furnish it to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The SEC also maintains a website that contains our SEC filings at www.sec.gov.
Investors in our securities should carefully consider all of the relevant factors disclosed by us, including the following factors that could affect our results of operations, financial condition or stock price. The risk factors generally have been separated into three groups: risks related to our business, risks related to the Separation and risks related to our common stock.
Risks Related to Our Business
Changing technology and intense competition require us to continuously innovate while controlling product costs, and our failure to do so may result in decreased revenues and profitability.
The markets in which we operate are dynamic and complex, and our success depends upon our ability to deliver both our current product offerings and new products and technologies on time and at acceptable prices to our customers. The markets for our products are characterized by rapid technological change, frequent new product introductions, substantial capital investment, changes in customer requirements, continued price pressures and a constantly evolving industry. Historically, these pricing pressures have led to a continued decline of average selling prices across our business. The development of new, technologically advanced products is a complex and uncertain process requiring high levels of innovation and the accurate prediction of technological and market trends. The introduction of new products also requires significant investment to ramp up production capacity, for which benefit may not be realized if we are not successful in the production of such products or if customer demand does not develop as expected. Ramping of production capacity also entails risks of delays which can limit our ability to realize the full benefit of new product introductions. We cannot assure you that we will be able to identify, develop, manufacture, market or support new or enhanced products successfully, if at all, or on a timely basis. We also cannot assure you that potential markets for our new products will materialize on the timelines we anticipate, or at all, or that our technology will meet our customers’ specifications. Our future performance will depend on the successful development, introduction, deployment and market acceptance of new and enhanced features and products that meet our customers’ current and future needs.
The market for optical communications products in particular has matured over time and these products have increasingly become subject to commoditization. Both legacy competitors as well as new entrants, predominantly Asia-based competitors, have intensified market competition in recent years leading to pricing pressure. To preserve our revenues and product margin structures, we remain reliant on an integrated customer and market approach that anticipates end customer needs as Telecom and Datacom requirements evolve. We also must continue to develop more advanced, differentiated products that command a premium with customers, while conversely continuing to focus on streamlining product costs for established legacy products. If we fail to continue to develop enhanced or new products, or over time are unable to adjust our cost structure to continue to competitively price more mature products, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
Continued competition in our markets may lead to an accelerated reduction in our prices, revenues and market share.
The end markets for optical products have experienced significant industry consolidation during the past few years. As a result, the markets for optical subsystems and components are highly competitive. Our current competitors include a number of domestic and international companies, many of which may have substantially greater financial, technical, marketing and distribution resources and brand name recognition than we have. These competitors include II-VI, Acacia Communications, Applied Optoelectronics, Coherent (including Rofin-Sinar Technologies), Finisar, Fujitsu Optical Components, Furukawa Electric, InnoLight Technology, IPG Photonics, Neophotonics, Oclaro, and Sumitomo Electric Industries. We may not be able to compete successfully against either current or future competitors. Our competitors may continue to enter markets or gain or retain market share through introduction of new or improved products or with aggressive low pricing strategies that may impact the efficacy of our approach. Additionally, if significant competitors were to merge or consolidate, they may be able to offer a lower cost structure through economies of scale that we may be unable to match and which may intensify competition in the Lasers market. Increased competition could result in significant price erosion, reduced revenue, lower margins or loss of market share, any of which would significantly harm our business.
The manufacturing of our products may be adversely affected if our contract manufacturers and suppliers fail to meet our production requirements or if we are unable to manufacture certain products in our manufacturing facilities.
We rely on several independent contract manufacturers to supply us with certain products. For many products, a particular contract manufacturer may be the sole source of the finished-good products. We depend on these manufacturers to meet our
production and capacity requirements and to provide quality products to our customers. Despite rigorous testing for quality, both by us and the contract manufacturers to whom we sell products, we may receive and ship defective products. We may incur significant costs to correct defective products which could result in the loss of future sales, indemnification costs or costs to replace or repair the defective products, litigation and damage to our reputation and customer relations. Defective products may also cause diversion of management attention from our business and product development efforts.
Additionally, the ability of our contract manufacturers to fulfill their obligations may be affected by natural disasters, legal requirements and economic, political or other forces that are beyond our control. In particular, certain of our contract manufacturers are located in China, which exposes us to risks associated with Chinese laws and regulations, such as those related to import and export tariffs, taxation and intellectual property. Chinese laws and regulations are subject to frequent change, and if our contract manufacturers are unable to obtain or retain the requisite legal permits or otherwise to comply with Chinese legal requirements, we may be forced to obtain products from other manufacturers or to make other operational changes. Any such developments could have a material impact on our ability to meet our customers’ expectations and may materially impact our operating results. In addition, some of our purchase commitments with contract manufacturers are not cancellable which may impact our earnings if customer forecasts driving these purchase commitments do not materialize and we are unable to sell the products to other customers. Alternatively, our contract manufacturers may not be able to meet our demand which would inhibit our ability to meet customer demand and maintain or grow our revenues. Furthermore, it could be costly and require a long period of time to move products from one contract manufacturer to another which could result in interruptions in supply and adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
We manufacture some of the components that we provide to our contract manufacturers, along with our own finished goods, in our San Jose, California manufacturing facilities and, until its closure in June 2017, our Bloomfield, Connecticut manufacturing facility. For some of the components and finished good products we are the sole manufacturer. Our manufacturing processes are highly complex and issues are often difficult to detect and correct. From time to time we have experienced problems achieving acceptable yields in our manufacturing facilities, resulting in delays in the availability of our products. In addition, if we experience problems with our manufacturing facilities, it would be costly and require a long period of time to move the manufacture of these components and finished good products to a different facility or contract manufacturer which could then result in interruptions in supply, and would likely materially impact our financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, the closing of our Bloomfield, Connecticut manufacturing facility required the transfer to other manufacturing sites of complex technologies and processes. If the other manufacturing sites are unsuccessful, it could result in interruptions in supply and would likely impact our financial condition and results of operations.
Changes in manufacturing processes are often required due to changes in product specifications, changing customer needs and the introduction of new products. These changes may reduce manufacturing yields at our contract manufacturers and at our own manufacturing facilities resulting in reduced margins on those products.
We depend on a limited number of suppliers for raw materials, packages and components, and any failure or delay by these suppliers in meeting our requirements could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
We purchase raw materials, packages and components from a limited number of suppliers, who are often small and specialized. We depend on the continued supply and quality of the materials, packages and components that they supply to us. Our business and results of operations have been, and could continue to be, adversely affected by this dependency. Specific concerns we periodically encounter with our suppliers include receipt of defective parts or contaminated materials, stoppages or delays of supply, insufficient resources to supply our requirements, substitution of more expensive or less reliable materials, increases in the price of supplies, and an inability to obtain reduced pricing from our suppliers in response to competitive pressures. Any disruption in the supply of the raw materials, packaging or components used in the manufacture and delivery of our products could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We rely on a limited number of customers for a significant portion of our sales; and the majority of our customers do not have contractual purchase commitments.
We have consistently relied on a small number of customers for a significant portion of our sales (please refer to “Note 19. Operating Segments and Geographic Information” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements) and we expect that this customer concentration will continue in the future. The majority of our customers purchase products under purchase orders or under contracts that do not contain volume purchase commitments. Changes in the business requirements, vendor selection, project prioritization, financial prospects, capital resources, and expenditures, or purchasing behavior (including product mix purchased) of our key customers, or any real or perceived quality issues related to the products that we sell to such customers, could significantly decrease our sales to such customers or could lead to delays or cancellations of planned purchases of our products or services, which increases the risk of quarterly fluctuations in our revenues and operating results. If forecasted orders do not materialize, we may need to reduce investment in R&D activities, we may fail to optimize our manufacturing capacity, or we may have excess inventory. Any of these factors could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We contract with a number of large OEM and end-user service providers that have considerable bargaining power, which may require us to agree to terms and conditions that could have an adverse effect on our business or ability to recognize revenues.
Large OEM and end-user service providers comprise a significant portion of our customer base. These customers generally have greater purchasing power than smaller entities and, accordingly, often request and receive more favorable terms from suppliers. As we seek to expand our sales to existing customers and acquire new customers, we may be required to agree to terms and conditions that are favorable to our customers and that may affect the timing of our ability to recognize revenue, increase our costs and have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Furthermore, large customers have increased buying power and ability to require onerous terms in our contracts with them. If we are unable to satisfy the terms of these contracts, it could result in liabilities of a material nature, including litigation, damages, additional costs, loss of market share and loss of reputation. Additionally, the terms these large customers require, such as most-favored nation or exclusivity provisions, may impact our ability to do business with other customers and generate revenues from such customers.
Our products may contain defects that could cause us to incur significant costs, divert our attention from product development efforts and result in a loss of customers.
Our products are complex and defects may be found from time to time. Networking products in particular frequently contain undetected software or hardware defects when first introduced or as new versions are released. In addition, our products are often embedded in or deployed in conjunction with our customers’ products which incorporate a variety of components produced by third parties. As a result, when problems occur, it may be difficult to identify the source of the problem. These problems may cause us to incur significant damages or warranty and repair costs, divert the attention of our engineering personnel from our product development efforts and cause significant customer relation problems or loss of customers, all of which would harm our business.
We expect to change our international corporate structure in the near future in order to minimize our effective tax rate; however, if we are unable to adopt this structure or if it is challenged by U.S. or foreign tax authorities, we may be unable to realize such tax savings which could materially and adversely affect our operating results.
We have taken certain preliminary steps to implement an international corporate structure more closely aligned with our international operations. This potential corporate structure is intended to reduce our overall effective tax rate through changes among our wholly-owned subsidiaries in how we use our intellectual property, and how we structure our international procurement and sales operations. The contemplated structure includes legal entities located in jurisdictions with income tax rates lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate. Such intercompany arrangements would be designed to result in income earned by such entities in accordance with arm’s-length principles and commensurate with functions performed, risks assumed and ownership of valuable corporate assets. We believe that income taxed in certain foreign jurisdictions at a lower rate relative to the U.S. statutory rate will have a beneficial impact on our worldwide effective tax rate over the medium to long term.
We have agreed to reimburse Viavi for certain tax liabilities and related costs that may be incurred by Viavi, under certain circumstances, in the event that we implement this revised corporate structure. In addition, the implementation of such a structure has required us to incur expenses, and may require that we incur additional expenses, for which we may not realize related benefits, and in any event, we do not expect to materially realize such benefits for several years.
If we put the intended structure into effect and it is not accepted by the applicable taxing authorities, if changes in domestic and international tax laws negatively impact the proposed structure, including proposed legislation to reform U.S. taxation of international business activities, or if we do not operate our business consistent with the proposed structure and applicable tax provisions, we may fail to achieve the financial and operational efficiencies that we anticipate as a result of the proposed structure, and our business, financial condition and operating results may be materially and adversely affected.
We are subject to risks arising from our international operations, which may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We derive a majority of our revenue from our international operations, and we plan to continue expanding our business in international markets in the future. In addition, we have extensive international manufacturing capabilities through third-party contract manufacturers, as well as through our own international facilities, with employees engaged in R&D, administration, manufacturing, support and sales and marketing activities.
As a result of our international operations, we are affected by economic, business regulatory, social, and political conditions in foreign countries, including the following:
changes in general IT spending;
the imposition of government controls, inclusive of critical infrastructure protection;
changes or limitations in trade protection laws or other regulatory requirements, which may affect our ability to import or export our products from various countries;
varying and potentially conflicting laws and regulations;
fluctuations in local economies;
wage inflation or a tightening of the labor market;
political developments of foreign nations;
the impact of the following on service provider and government spending patterns: political considerations, unfavorable changes in tax treaties or laws, unfavorable events that affect foreign currencies, natural disasters, epidemic disease, labor unrest, earnings expatriation restrictions, misappropriation of intellectual property, military actions, acts of terrorism, political and social unrest and difficulties in staffing and managing international operations.
Any or all of these factors could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Moreover, local laws and customs in many countries differ significantly from or conflict with those in the United States or other countries in which we operate. In many foreign countries, particularly in those with developing economies, it is common for others to engage in business practices that are prohibited by our internal policies and procedures or U.S. regulations applicable to us. There can be no assurance that our employees, contractors, channel partners, and agents will not take actions in violation of our policies and procedures, which are designed to ensure compliance with U.S. and foreign laws and policies. Violations of laws or key control policies by our employees, contractors, channel partners, or agents could result in termination of our relationships with customers and suppliers, financial reporting problems, fines and/or penalties for us, or prohibition on the importation or exportation of our products, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our operating results may be subject to volatility due to fluctuations in foreign currency.
We are exposed to foreign exchange risks with regard to our operating expenses which may affect our operating results. Although we price our products primarily in U.S. dollars, a portion of our operating expenses are incurred in foreign currencies. If the value of the U.S. dollar depreciates relative to certain other foreign currencies, it would increase our costs as expressed in U.S. dollars. Conversely, if the U.S. dollar strengthens relative to other currencies, such strengthening could raise the relative cost of our products to non-U.S. customers, especially as compared to foreign competitors, and could reduce demand.
Although we intend to hedge for a portion of our foreign currency exposure, significant fluctuations in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies may adversely affect our net income (loss). Additionally, hedging programs rely on our ability to forecast accurately and could expose us to additional risks that could adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Our ability to develop, market, and sell products could be harmed if we are unable to retain or hire key personnel.
Our future success depends upon our ability to recruit and retain the services of executive, engineering, sales and marketing, and support personnel. The supply of highly qualified individuals, in particular engineers in very specialized technical areas, or sales people specializing in the service provider, enterprise and commercial laser markets, is limited and competition for such individuals is intense. None of our officers or key employees is bound by an employment agreement for any specific term. The loss of the services of any of our key employees, the inability to attract or retain personnel in the future or delays in hiring required
personnel and the complexity and time involved in replacing or training new employees, could delay the development and introduction of new products, and negatively impact our ability to market, sell, or support our products.
Our ability to hire and retain employees may be negatively impacted by changes in immigration laws, regulations and procedures.
Foreign nationals who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents constitute an important part of our U.S. workforce, particularly in the areas of engineering and product development. Our ability to hire and retain these workers and their ability to remain and work in the United States are impacted by laws and regulations, as well as by procedures and enforcement practices of various government agencies. Changes in immigration laws, regulations or procedures, including those that may be enacted by the new U.S. presidential administration, may adversely affect our ability to hire or retain such workers, increase our operating expenses and negatively impact our ability to deliver our products and services.
We face a number of risks related to our strategic transactions.
We have made acquisitions of other businesses or technologies in the past and we will continue to review acquisition and other strategic opportunities. Such strategic transactions involve numerous risks, including the following:
diversion of management’s attention from normal daily operations of the business;
unforeseen expenses, delays or conditions imposed upon the acquisition or transaction, including due to required regulatory approvals or consents;
unanticipated changes in the combined business due to potential divestitures or other requirements imposed by antitrust regulators;
the ability to retain and obtain required regulatory approvals, licenses and permits;
difficulties and costs in integrating the operations, technologies, products, IT and other systems, facilities and personnel of the purchased businesses;
potential difficulties in completing projects associated with in-process R&D;
an acquisition or strategic transaction may not further our business strategy as we expected or we may overpay for, or otherwise not realize the expected return on, our investments;
insufficient net revenue to offset increased expenses associated with acquisitions;
potential loss of key employees of the acquired companies;
difficulty forecasting revenues and margins;
dilution of our current stockholders as a result of any issuance of equity securities as acquisition consideration;
expenditure of cash that would otherwise be available to operate our business; and
incurrence of indebtedness on terms that are unfavorable to us or that we are unable to repay.
If we are unable to successfully manage any of these risks in relation to any future acquisitions, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be adversely impacted.
We may require additional capital to support business growth, and this capital might not be available on acceptable terms, if at all.
We intend to continue to make investments to support our business growth and may require additional funds to respond to business challenges, including to support product development and introduce new products, address new markets, engage in strategic transactions and partnerships, improve or expand our operating infrastructure or acquire complementary businesses and technologies. In March 2017, we issued and sold a total of $450 million in aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes due in 2024 (the "2024 Notes") and we may in the future engage in additional equity or debt financings to secure additional funds. If we raise additional funds through future issuances of equity, equity-linked or convertible debt securities, our existing stockholders could suffer significant dilution, and any new equity securities we issue could have rights, preferences and privileges superior to those of holders of our common stock. Any debt financing we secure in the future could involve restrictive covenants relating to our capital raising activities and other financial and operational matters, which may make it more difficult for us to obtain additional capital and to pursue business opportunities, including potential acquisitions. We may not be able to obtain additional financing
on terms favorable to us, if at all. If we are unable to obtain adequate financing or financing on terms satisfactory to us when we require it, our ability to continue to support our business growth and to respond to business challenges could be significantly impaired, and our business may be harmed.
Any failure, disruption or security breach of our information technology infrastructure or information management systems could have an adverse impact on our business and operations.
Our business depends significantly on effective and efficient information management systems, and the reliability and security of our information technology infrastructure are essential to the health and expansion of our business. For example, the information gathered and processed by our information management systems assists us in managing our supply chain and monitoring customer accounts, among other things. We must continue to expand and update this infrastructure in response to our changing requirements.
In some cases, we may rely upon third-party providers of hosting, support and other services to meet our information technology requirements. Any failure to manage, expand and update our information technology infrastructure, including our Enterprise Resource Planning (“ERP”) system and other applications, any failure in the extension implementation or operation of this infrastructure, or any failure by our hosting and support partners or other third-party service providers in the performance of their services could materially harm our business. In addition, we have partnered with third parties to support our information technology systems and to help design, build, test, implement and maintain our information management systems. Our merger, acquisition and divestiture activity may also require transitions to or from, and the integration of, various information management systems within our overall enterprise architecture.
Despite our implementation of security measures, our systems and those of our third-party service providers are vulnerable to damage from computer viruses, natural disasters, unauthorized access and other similar disruptions. Any system failure, accident or security breach affecting us or our third-party providers could result in disruptions to our operations and loss of or unauthorized access or damage to our data or in inappropriate disclosure of confidential information. Any actual or alleged disruption to, or security breach affecting, our systems or those of our third-party partners could cause significant damage to our reputation, result in legal obligations or liability, affect our relationships with our customers, and ultimately harm our business. In addition, we may be required to incur significant costs to protect against or mitigate damage caused by these disruptions or security breaches in the future.
Our operating results may be adversely affected by unfavorable economic and market conditions.
The uncertain state of the global economy has contributed and continues to contribute to decreases in demand and spending in the technology industry at large, as well as to the specific markets in which we operate. The slow pace of global economic recovery and the resulting effects on global credit markets has created uncertainty in the timing and overall demand from our customers. This uncertainty may lead to decreased demand for our products and revenue fluctuations, increased price competition for our products, and may increase the risk of excess and obsolete inventories and higher overhead costs as a percentage of revenue. The impact of continued economic challenges on the global financial markets could further negatively impact our operations by affecting the solvency of our customers, the solvency of our key suppliers or the ability of our customers to obtain credit to finance purchases of our products. If economic conditions do not improve or if they deteriorate, our financial condition and results of operations would likely be materially and adversely impacted.
If we have insufficient proprietary rights or if we fail to protect our rights, our business would be materially harmed.
We seek to protect our products and product roadmaps in part by developing and/or securing proprietary rights relating to those products, including patents, trade secrets, know-how and continuing technological innovation. The steps we take to protect our intellectual property may not adequately prevent misappropriation or ensure that others will not develop competitive technologies or products. Other companies may be investigating or developing technologies that are similar to our own. It is possible that patents may not be issued from any of our pending applications or those we may file in the future and, if patents are issued, the claims allowed may not be sufficiently broad to deter or prohibit others from making, using or selling products that are similar to ours, or such patents could be invalidated or ruled unenforceable. We do not own patents in every country in which we sell or distribute our products, and thus others may be able to offer identical products in countries where we do not have intellectual property protections. In addition, the laws of some territories in which our products are or may be developed, manufactured or sold, including Europe, Asia-Pacific or Latin America, may not protect our products and intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws of the United States. Any patents issued to us may be challenged, invalidated or circumvented. Additionally, we are currently a licensee for a number of third-party technologies including software and intellectual property rights from academic institutions, our competitors and others, and we are required to pay royalties to these licensors for the use thereof. In the future, if such licenses are unavailable or if we are unable to obtain such licenses on commercially reasonable terms, we may not be able to rely on such third-party technologies which could inhibit our development of new products, impede the sale of some of our current products, substantially increase the cost to provide these products to our customers, and could have a significant adverse impact on our operating results.
We also seek to protect our important trademarks by endeavoring to register them in certain countries. We have not registered our trademarks in every country in which we sell or distribute our products, and thus others may be able to use the same or confusingly similar marks in countries where we do not have trademark registrations. We have adopted Lumentum as a house trademark and trade name for our company, and are in the process of establishing rights in this name and brand. We have also adopted the Lumentum logo as a house trademark for our company, and are in the process of establishing rights in this brand. The Lumentum brand is the subject of trademark applications in the United States or other jurisdictions, but the trademarks have not yet proceeded to registration. The efforts we take to register and protect trademarks, including the Lumentum brand, may not be sufficient or effective. Although we will seek to obtain trademark registrations for the Lumentum brand, it is possible we may not be able to protect our brand through registration in one or more jurisdictions, for example, the applicable governmental authorities may not approve the registration. Furthermore, even if the applications are approved, third parties may seek to oppose or otherwise challenge registration. There is the possibility that, despite efforts, the scope of the protection obtained for our trademarks, including the Lumentum brand, will be insufficient or that a registration may be deemed invalid or unenforceable in one or more jurisdictions throughout the world.
Our products may be subject to claims that they infringe the intellectual property rights of others, the resolution of which may be time-consuming and expensive, as well as require a significant amount of resources to prosecute, defend, or make our products non-infringing.
Lawsuits and allegations of patent infringement and violation of other intellectual property rights occur regularly in our industry. We have in the past received, and anticipate that we will receive in the future, notices from third parties claiming that our products infringe upon their proprietary rights, with two distinct sources of such claims becoming increasingly prevalent. First, large technology companies, including some of our customers and competitors, are seeking to monetize their patent portfolios and have developed large internal organizations that may approach us with demands to enter into license agreements. Second, patent-holding companies that do not make or sell products (often referred to as “patent trolls”) may claim that our products infringe upon their proprietary rights. We respond to these claims in the course of our business operations. The litigation or settlement of these matters, regardless of the merit of the claims, could result in significant expense and divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel, regardless of whether or not we are successful. If we are unsuccessful, we could be required to expend significant resources to develop non-infringing technology or to obtain licenses to the technology that is the subject of the litigation. We may not be successful in such development, or such licenses may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all. Without such a license, or if we are the subject of an exclusionary order, our ability to make our products could be limited and we could be enjoined from future sales of the infringing product or products, which could adversely affect our revenues and operating results. Additionally, we often indemnify our customers against claims of infringement related to our products and may incur significant expenses to defend against such claims. If we are unsuccessful defending against such claims, we may be required to indemnify our customers against any damages awarded.
We also face risks that third parties may assert trademark infringement claims against us in one or more jurisdictions throughout the world related to our Lumentum brand and/or other trademarks. The litigation or settlement of these matters, regardless of the merit of the claims, could result in significant expense and divert the efforts of our technical and management personnel, regardless of whether or not we are successful. If we are unsuccessful, trademark infringement claims against us could result in significant monetary liability or prevent us from selling some or all of our products or services under the challenged trademark. In addition, resolution of claims may require us to alter our products, labels or packaging, license rights from third parties, or cease using the challenged trademark altogether, which could adversely affect our revenues and operating results.
We face certain litigation risks that could harm our business.
From time to time we have been, and in the future we may become, subject to various legal proceedings and claims that arise in or outside the ordinary course of business. The results of legal proceedings are difficult to predict. Moreover, many of the complaints filed against us may not specify the amount of damages that plaintiffs seek, and we therefore may be unable to estimate the possible range of damages that might be incurred should these lawsuits be resolved against us. While we may be unable to estimate the potential damages arising from such lawsuits, certain of them assert types of claims that, if resolved against us, could give rise to substantial damages. Thus, an unfavorable outcome or settlement of one or more of these lawsuits could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations. Even if these lawsuits are not resolved against us, the uncertainty and expense associated with unresolved lawsuits could seriously harm our business, financial condition and reputation. Litigation is generally costly, time-consuming and disruptive to normal business operations. The costs of defending these lawsuits have been significant in the past, will continue to be costly and may not be covered by our insurance policies. The defense of these lawsuits could also result in continued diversion of our management’s time and attention away from business operations, which could harm our business. For additional discussion regarding litigation, see “Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings.”
Our products incorporate and rely upon licensed third-party technology, and if licenses of third-party technology do not continue to be available to us or are not available on terms acceptable to us, our revenues and ability to develop and introduce new products could be adversely affected.
We integrate licensed third-party technology into certain of our products. From time to time, we may be required to license additional technology from third-parties to develop new products or product enhancements. Third-party licenses may not be available or continue to be available to us on commercially reasonable terms. The failure to comply with the terms of any license, including free open source software, may result in our inability to continue to use such license. Our inability to maintain or re-license any third-party licenses required in our products or our inability to obtain third-party licenses necessary to develop new products and product enhancements, could potentially require us to develop substitute technology or obtain substitute technology of lower quality or performance standards or at a greater cost, any of which could delay or prevent product shipment and harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
We are subject to laws and other regulations worldwide including with respect to environmental matters, securities laws, privacy and personal data collection compliance with which could increase our expenses and harm our operating results.
Our operations and our products are subject to various federal, state and foreign laws and regulations, including those governing pollution and protection of human health and the environment in the jurisdictions in which we operate or sell our products. These laws and regulations govern, among other things, wastewater discharges and the handling and disposal of hazardous materials in our products. Our failure to comply with current and future environmental or health or safety requirements could cause us to incur substantial costs, including significant capital expenditures, to comply with such environmental laws and regulations and to clean up contaminated properties that we own or operate. Such clean-up or compliance obligations could result in disruptions to our operations. Additionally, if we are found to be in violation of these laws, we could be subject to governmental fines or civil liability for damages resulting from such violations. These costs could have a material adverse impact on our financial condition or operating results.
From time to time new regulations are enacted, and it is difficult to anticipate how such regulations will be implemented and enforced. We continue to evaluate the necessary steps for compliance with regulations as they are enacted. These regulations include, for example, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (“REACH”), the Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (“RoHS”) and the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (“WEEE”) enacted in the European Union which regulate the use of certain hazardous substances in, and require the collection, reuse and recycling of waste from, certain products we manufacture. These regulations and similar legislation may require us to re-design our products to ensure compliance with the applicable standards, for example by requiring the use of different types of materials, which could have an adverse impact on the performance of our products, add greater testing lead-times for product introductions or other similar effects. We believe we comply with all such legislation where our products are sold and we continuously monitor these laws and the regulations being adopted under them to determine our responsibilities.
In addition, pursuant to Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the SEC has promulgated rules requiring disclosure regarding the use of certain “conflict minerals” that are mined from the Democratic Republic of Congo and adjoining countries and procedures regarding a manufacturer’s efforts to prevent the sourcing of such minerals. Complying with these disclosure requirements involves substantial diligence efforts to determine the source of any conflict minerals used in our products and may require third-party auditing of our diligence process. These efforts may demand internal resources that would otherwise be directed towards operations activities.
Since our supply chain is complex, we may face reputational challenges if we are unable to sufficiently verify the origins of the conflict minerals used in our products. Additionally, if we are unable to satisfy those customers who require that all of the components of our products are determined to be conflict free, they may choose a competitor’s products which could materially impact our financial condition and operating results.
Additionally, we are subject to laws and regulations with respect to personal data we collect from our employees, customers, and others. These laws and regulations are subject to frequent modifications and updates and require ongoing supervision. For example, the European Union recently adopted a General Data Protection Regulation, effective in May 2018, that will establish new, and in some cases more stringent, requirements for data protection in Europe. We may be required to modify our practices in order to comply with these or other requirements, which may require us to incur costs and expenses, and we may face difficulties in complying with all privacy and data protection legal requirements that apply to us now or in the future.
Our failure to comply with any of the foregoing legal and regulatory requirements could result in increased costs for our products, monetary penalties, damages to our reputation, government inquiries and investigations, and legal action. Furthermore, the legal and regulatory requirements that are applicable to our business are subject to change from time to time, which increases our monitoring and compliance costs and the risk that we may fall out of compliance. Additionally, we may be required to ensure that our suppliers comply with such laws and regulations. If we or our suppliers fail to comply with such laws or regulations, we
could face sanctions for such noncompliance, and our customers may refuse to purchase our products, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our sales may decline if we are unable to obtain government authorization to export certain of our products, and we may be subject to legal and regulatory consequences if we do not comply with applicable export control laws and regulations.
Exports of certain of our products are subject to export controls imposed by the U.S. government and administered by the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce. In certain instances, these regulations may require pre-shipment authorization from the administering department. For products subject to the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”) administered by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security, the requirement for a license is dependent on the type and end use of the product, the final destination, the identity of the end user and whether a license exception might apply. Virtually all exports of products subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) administered by the Department of State’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, require a license. Certain of our fiber optics products are subject to EAR and certain of our RF-over-fiber products, as well as certain products and technical data, are developed with government funding, and are currently subject to ITAR. Products and the associated technical data developed and manufactured in our foreign locations are subject to export controls of the applicable foreign nation.
Given the current global political climate, obtaining export licenses can be difficult and time-consuming. Failure to obtain export licenses for these shipments could significantly reduce our revenue and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. Compliance with U.S. government regulations also subjects us to additional fees and costs. The absence of comparable restrictions on competitors in other countries may adversely affect our competitive position.
In addition, certain of our significant customers and suppliers have products that are subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore these customers and suppliers may also be subject to legal and regulatory consequences if they do not comply with applicable export control laws and regulations. Such regulatory consequences could disrupt our ability to obtain components from our suppliers, or to sell our products to major customers, which could significantly increase our costs, reduce our revenue and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our revenues, operating results, and cash flows may fluctuate from period to period due to a number of factors, which makes predicting financial results difficult.
Spending on optical communication and laser products is subject to cyclical and uneven fluctuations, which could cause our financial results to fluctuate unevenly and unpredictably. It can be difficult to predict the degree to which end-customer demand and the seasonality and uneven sales patterns of our OEM partners or other customers will affect our business in the future, particularly as we release new or enhanced products. While our fourth fiscal quarters are typically strongest, future buying patterns may differ from historical seasonality. If the mix of revenue changes, it may also cause results to differ from historical seasonality. Accordingly, our quarterly and annual revenues, operating results, cash flows, and other financial and operating metrics may vary significantly in the future, and the results of any prior periods should not be relied upon as an indication of future performance.
Risks Related to the Separation and Our Operation as an Independent Public Company
Potential indemnification liabilities to Viavi pursuant to the Separation agreement could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
The Separation Agreement provides for, among other things, indemnification obligations designed to make us financially responsible for:
any Lumentum Liability (as defined in the Separation and Distribution Agreement dated as of July 31, 2015 by and among JDS Uniphase Corporation, Lumentum Holdings Inc. and Lumentum Operations LLC (the “Separation Agreement”);
our failure to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any Lumentum Liability or contracts, in accordance with their respective terms, whether prior to, at or after the distribution;
any guarantee, indemnification obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding by Viavi for our benefit, except to the extent it relates to an Excluded Liability (as defined in the Separation Agreement);
any breach by us of the Separation agreement or certain of its ancillary agreements or any action by us in contravention of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws; and
any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect
to all information contained in the Registration Statement on Form 10 (the “Registration Statement”) and information statement filed in connection with the Separation or any other disclosure document that describes the Separation or the distribution, or us and our subsidiaries, or primarily relates to the transactions contemplated by the Separation agreement, subject to certain exceptions.
Our indemnification obligations are not subject to maximum loss clauses. If we are required to indemnify Viavi under the circumstances set forth in the Separation Agreement, we may be subject to substantial liabilities.
In connection with the Separation, Viavi has agreed to indemnify us for certain liabilities. However, there can be no assurance that the indemnity will be sufficient to insure us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that Viavi’s ability to satisfy its indemnification obligation will not be impaired in the future.
Pursuant to the Separation agreement, Viavi will indemnify us for certain liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from:
any Excluded Liability (as defined in the Separation Agreement);
the failure of Viavi or any of its subsidiaries, other than us, to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any of the Excluded Liabilities, in accordance with their respective terms, whether prior to or after the effective time of the distribution;
any guarantee, indemnification obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding by us for the benefit of Viavi, except to the extent it relates to a Lumentum Liability;
any breach by Viavi or any of its subsidiaries, other than us, of the Separation Agreement or certain of its ancillary agreements; and
any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to information contained in the registration statement or information statement filed in connection with the Separation or any other disclosure document that describes the Separation or the distribution or primarily relates to the transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement, subject to certain exceptions.
However, third parties could seek to hold us responsible for any of the liabilities that Viavi agrees to retain, and there can be no assurance that the indemnity from Viavi will be sufficient to protect us against the full amount of such liabilities, or that Viavi will be able to fully satisfy its indemnification obligations. Moreover, even if we ultimately succeed in recovering from Viavi any amounts for which we are held liable, we may be temporarily required to bear these losses.
We have characterized Viavi’s contribution of the CCOP segment and WaveReady product lines to us as a taxable transaction. If tax authorities were to take the position that this contribution is not a taxable transaction, then we may face greater than expected income tax liabilities, which would negatively impact our operating results.
In connection with the Separation, Viavi’s assets related to the CCOP segment and WaveReady product lines were transferred to us in a transaction or transactions intended to be characterized as taxable, which will result in our receiving a fair market value or substantially stepped-up tax basis in the assets. We have reduced, and expect to continue to reduce in future reporting periods, our cash taxes by depreciation and amortization deductions related to the stepped-up tax basis in the assets. If the IRS disagrees with our characterization of the transactions pursuant to which the CCOP business assets were transferred to us or disallow the depreciation and amortization deductions, and the position were sustained, our financial results would be materially and adversely affected.
We could have an indemnification obligation to Viavi if the distribution were determined not to qualify for non-recognition treatment, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition.
We have received a private letter ruling from the IRS (the “IRS Ruling”), to the effect that the retention by Viavi of 19.9% of our common stock will not be deemed to be pursuant to a plan having as one of its principal purposes the avoidance of U.S. federal income tax within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(D)(ii) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Notwithstanding the IRS Ruling, the IRS could determine on audit that the retention of our common stock was pursuant to a plan having as one of its principal purposes the avoidance of U.S. federal income tax if it determines that any of the facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings that we or Viavi have made or provided to the IRS are not correct. If the retention is deemed to be pursuant to a plan having as one of its principal purposes the avoidance of U.S. federal income tax, then the distribution could ultimately be determined to be taxable. In addition, Viavi also received a written opinion of PwC, its tax advisor in connection with the Separation, to the effect that the distribution, together with certain related transactions necessary to effectuate the distribution, should qualify for non-recognition of gain or loss under Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Code. The opinion is
not binding on the IRS or the courts, and there can be no assurance that the IRS or any court will not take a contrary position. If the distribution were determined not to qualify for non-recognition of gain and loss, then Viavi would recognize gain in an amount up to the fair market value of our common stock held by it immediately before the distribution, over its tax basis in our stock immediately before the distribution.
If, due to any of our representations being untrue or our covenants being breached, it were determined that the distribution did not qualify for non-recognition of gain or loss under Section 355 of the Code, we could be required to indemnify Viavi for the resulting taxes and related expenses. The indemnification obligation is not expected to be material because Viavi is expected to have a fair market value or substantially stepped-up tax basis in our shares immediately prior to the Separation. If, contrary to our expectation, it were determined that Viavi did not have a fair market value or substantially stepped-up tax basis in our shares, any such indemnification obligation could materially and adversely affect our financial condition.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and internal control over financial reporting, our ability to produce timely and accurate financial statements or comply with applicable regulations could be impaired.
As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as amended, or the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and Nasdaq listing requirements. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to maintain and improve the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, we have expended, and anticipate that we will continue to expend, significant resources, including accounting-related costs and significant management oversight.
Any failure to develop or maintain effective controls, or any difficulties encountered in their implementation or improvement, could cause us to delay reporting of our financial results, be subject to one or more investigations or enforcement actions by state or federal regulatory agencies, stockholder lawsuits or other adverse actions requiring us to incur defense costs, pay fines, settlements or judgments. Any such failures could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial and other information, which would likely have a negative effect on the trading price of our common stock. In addition, if we are unable to continue to meet these requirements, we may not be able to remain listed on the NASDAQ stock market.
Risks Related to Our Common Stock
Our stock price may be volatile and may decline regardless of our operating performance.
Our common stock is listed on NASDAQ under the symbol “LITE”. Since shares of our common stock commenced trading on the NASDAQ stock market in August 2015, the reported high and low closing prices of our common stock per the NASDAQ Global Select Market has ranged from $14.12 to $65.10, through July 1, 2017. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly due to a number of factors, some of which may be beyond our control, including:
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our quarterly or annual operating results;
changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts or our ability to meet those estimates;
the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;
a shift in our investor base;
the financial performance of other companies in our industry;
success or failure of our business strategy;
credit market fluctuations which could negatively impact our ability to obtain financing as needed;
changes to the regulatory and legal environment in which we operate;
announcements by us, competitors, customers, or our contract manufacturers of significant acquisitions or dispositions;
investor perception of us and our industry;
changes in accounting standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles;
litigation or disputes in which we may become involved;
overall market fluctuations; sales of our shares by our officers, directors, or significant stockholders;
the timing and amount of dividends and share repurchases, if any; and
general economic and market conditions and other external factors.
In addition, the stock markets have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many technology companies. Stock prices of many technology companies have fluctuated in a manner unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of those companies. In the past, stockholders have instituted securities class action litigation following periods of market volatility. If we were to become involved in securities litigation, it could subject us to substantial costs, divert resources and the attention of management from our business and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
We do not expect to pay dividends on our common stock.
We do not currently expect to pay dividends on our common stock. The payment of any dividends to our stockholders in the future, and the timing and amount thereof, if any, is within the discretion of our board of directors. Our board of directors’ decisions regarding the payment of dividends will depend on many factors, such as our financial condition, earnings, capital requirements, potential debt service obligations or restrictive covenants, industry practice, legal requirements, regulatory constraints and other factors that our board of directors deems relevant.
In addition, because we are a holding company with no material direct operations, we are dependent on loans, dividends and other payments from our operating subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to pay dividends on our common stock. However, our operating subsidiaries’ ability to make such distributions will be subject to their operating results, cash requirements and financial condition and the applicable provisions of Delaware law that may limit the amount of funds available for distribution. Our ability to pay cash dividends may also be subject to covenants and financial ratios related to existing or future indebtedness, and other agreements with third parties.
The obligations of Lumentum Inc. to holders of its Series A Preferred Stock could have a negative impact on holders of our common stock.
Our subsidiary, Lumentum Inc., issued $35.8 million in Series A Preferred Stock to Viavi, which were sold to Amada following the Separation. The Series A Preferred Stock may be converted by Amada into shares of our common stock beginning on the second anniversary of the closing of the stock purchase (absent a change of control of us or similar event) using a conversion price of $24.63, which is equal to 125% of the volume weighted average price per share of our common stock in the five “regular-way” trading days following the Separation. Any shares of our common stock that may be issued upon conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock would dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders and any sales in the public market of the common stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock. The Series A Preferred Stock may be redeemed by us upon the third anniversary of the date of issuance or the preferred stockholders may cause us to redeem the Series A Preferred Stock upon the fifth anniversary of the date of issuance.
Cumulative senior dividends on the Series A Preferred Stock will accrue at the annual rate of 2.5%, but will be paid only when and if declared by the board of directors of Lumentum Inc. Our ability to make payments to holders of the Series A Preferred Stock (“Series A Holders”) will depend on Lumentum Inc.’s ability to generate cash in the future from operations, financings or asset sales. Lumentum Inc.’s ability to generate cash is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that we cannot control. The payment of this dividend will reduce the amount of cash otherwise available for distribution by Lumentum Inc. to us for further distribution to our common stockholders or for other corporate purposes. If Lumentum Inc. is in arrears on the payment of dividends to the Series A Holders, (i) Lumentum Inc. will not be able to pay any dividends to us, subject to certain exceptions, and (ii) we will not be able to make any distribution on or repurchase of our common stock.
Certain provisions in our charter and Delaware corporate law could hinder a takeover attempt.
We are subject to the provisions of Section 203 of the DGCL which prohibits us, under some circumstances, from engaging in business combinations with some stockholders for a specified period of time without the approval of the holders of substantially all of our outstanding voting stock. Such provisions could delay or impede the removal of incumbent directors and could make more difficult a merger, tender offer or proxy contest involving us, even if such events could be beneficial, in the short-term, to the interests of our stockholders. In addition, such provisions could limit the price that some investors might be willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws contain provisions providing for the limitations of liability and indemnification of our directors and officers, allowing vacancies on our board of directors to be filled by the vote of a majority of the remaining directors, granting our board of directors the authority to establish additional series of preferred stock and to designate the rights, preferences and privileges of such shares (commonly known as “blank check preferred”) and providing that our stockholders can take action only at a duly called annual or special meeting of stockholders, which may only be called by the chairman of the board of directors, the chief executive officer or the board of directors. These provisions may also have the effect of deterring hostile takeovers or delaying changes in control or changes in our management.
Our bylaws designate Delaware courts as the sole and exclusive forum for certain types of actions and proceedings that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could discourage lawsuits against us or our directors and officers.
Our bylaws provide that, unless we consent in writing to an alternative forum, the state or federal courts of Delaware are the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; any action asserting breach of fiduciary duty, or other wrongdoing, by our directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders; any action asserting a claim against Lumentum pursuant to the Delaware General Corporation Law or our certificate of incorporation or bylaws; any action asserting a claim against Lumentum governed by the internal affairs doctrine; or any action to interpret, apply, enforce or determine the validity of our certificate of incorporation or bylaws. This exclusive forum provision may limit the ability of our stockholders to bring a claim in a judicial forum that such stockholders find favorable for disputes with us or our directors or officers, which may discourage such lawsuits against us or our directors and officers.
Alternatively, if a court outside of Delaware were to find this exclusive forum provision inapplicable to, or unenforceable in respect of, one or more of the specified types of actions or proceedings described above, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such matters in other jurisdictions, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Servicing our 2024 Notes may require a significant amount of cash, and we may not have sufficient cash flow or the ability to raise the funds necessary to satisfy our obligations under the 2024 Notes, and our current and future indebtedness may limit our operating flexibility or otherwise affect our business.
Our ability to make scheduled payments of the principal of, to pay interest on or to refinance our indebtedness, including the 2024 Notes, or to make cash payments in connection with any conversion of 2024 Notes or upon any fundamental change if note holders require us to repurchase their notes for cash, depends on our future performance, which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control. Our business may not generate cash flow from operations in the future sufficient to service our indebtedness and make necessary capital expenditures. If we are unable to generate such cash flow, we may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring indebtedness or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. Our ability to refinance our indebtedness will depend on the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in a default on our debt obligations. In addition, our existing and future indebtedness could have important consequences to our stockholders and significant effects on our business. For example, it could:
make it more difficult for us to satisfy our debt obligations, including the 2024 Notes;
increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;
require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund working capital and other general corporate purposes;
limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;
restrict us from exploiting business opportunities;
place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less indebtedness; and
limit our availability to borrow additional funds for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions, debt service requirements, execution of our business strategy or other general purposes.
Transactions relating to our 2024 Notes may dilute the ownership interest of existing stockholders, or may otherwise depress the price of our common stock.
If the 2024 Notes are converted by holders, we have the ability under the indenture for the 2024 Notes to deliver cash, equity, common stock, or any combination of cash or common stock, at our election upon conversion of the 2024 Notes. If we elect to deliver common stock upon conversion of the 2024 Notes, it would dilute the ownership interests of existing stockholders. Any sales in the public market of the common stock issuable upon such conversion could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock. In addition, certain holders of the 2024 Notes may engage in short selling to hedge their position in the 2024 Notes. Anticipated future conversions of such 2024 Notes into shares of our common stock could depress the price of our common stock.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
We own and lease various properties in the United States and in seven other countries around the world. We use the properties for executive and administrative offices, data centers, product development offices, customer service offices and manufacturing facilities. Our corporate headquarters of approximately 126,000 square feet is located in Milpitas, California. As of July 1, 2017, our leased and owned properties in total were approximately 1,200,000 square feet, of which we owned approximately 650,000 square feet, including a 560,000 square feet manufacturing site in Thailand. Larger leased sites include properties located in Canada, China and the United States. We believe our existing properties, including both owned and leased sites, are in good condition and suitable for the conduct of our business.
From time to time we consider various alternatives related to our long-term facilities needs. While we believe our existing facilities are adequate to meet our immediate needs, it may become necessary to lease, acquire, or sell additional or alternative space to accommodate future business needs.
We are subject to a variety of claims and suits that arise from time to time in the ordinary course of our business. While management currently believes that resolving claims against us, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows, these matters are subject to inherent uncertainties and management’s view of these matters may change in the future. Were an unfavorable final outcome to occur, there exists the possibility of a material adverse impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows for the period in which the effect becomes reasonably estimable.
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Market Information for Common Stock and Stockholders
From August 4, 2015, our common stock has traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol “LITE”. The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing prices of our common stock per the NASDAQ Global Select Market for the periods indicated:
Fiscal 2017 Quarter Ended:
September 26, 2015 (August 4, 2015 through September 26, 2015)
According to records of our transfer agent, we had 2,718 stockholders of record as of August 18, 2017 and we believe there is a substantially greater number of beneficial holders.
Our subsidiary, Lumentum Inc., issued $35.8 million in Series A Preferred Stock to Viavi, which was sold to Amada following the Separation. Holders of Series A Preferred Stock, in preference to holders of Lumentum Inc.’s common stock or any other class or series of its outstanding capital stock ranking in any such event junior to the Series A Preferred Stock, are entitled to receive, when and as declared by the board of directors, quarterly cumulative cash dividends at the annual rate of 2.5% of the Issuance Value per share on each outstanding share of Series A Preferred Stock. The accrued dividends are payable on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year commencing on September 30, 2015. During fiscal 2017, Lumentum Inc. paid $0.9 million in dividends to the holders of Series A Preferred Stock.
Stock Performance Graph
This performance graph shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), or incorporated by reference into any filing of Lumentum Holdings Inc. under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
The following graph compares the cumulative total return of our common stock with the total return for the NASDAQ Composite Index (the “NDAQ”) and the NASDAQ 100 Technology Sector Index (the “NDXT”) from August 4, 2015 through July 1, 2017. The stock price performance on the following graph is not necessarily indicative of future stock price performance.
Recent Sale of Unregistered Equity Securities
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
This table sets forth selected financial data of Lumentum (in millions, except share and per share amounts) for the periods indicated. This data should be read in conjunction with the discussion in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included in Item 7 of this Annual Report and our audited consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of this Annual Report. The selected data in this section are not intended to replace the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report.
Our historical consolidated financial statements include allocations of expenses arising from shared services and infrastructure provided by Viavi to us, including costs of information technology, human resources, accounting, legal, real estate and facilities, corporate marketing, insurance, treasury and other corporate and infrastructure services. The financial information included here may not necessarily reflect our financial position and results of operations or what our financial position and results of operations would have been had we been an independent, publicly-traded company during the entirety of the periods presented or be indicative of our future performance as an independent company.
June 27, 2015 (1)
Consolidated Statements of Operations Data:
Income (loss) from operations
(23.4
Net (loss) income
(102.5
Cumulative dividends on Series A Preferred Stock
Accretion of Series A Preferred Stock
Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders(3)
Shares used in per share attributable to common stockholders calculation—basic and diluted (3)
Balance as of
July 1, 2017 (4)
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data:
Convertible note
Derivative liabilities
Other non-current liabilities
Total redeemable convertible preferred stock
During the third quarter of fiscal 2015, we settled an audit in a non-U.S. jurisdiction which resulted in the recognition of a $21.8 million tax benefit. In addition, we recognized $14.1 million of additional deferred tax assets which were fully offset by a corresponding increase in the deferred tax valuation allowance.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2014, we acquired Time-Bandwidth in a transaction accounted for in accordance with the authoritative guidance on business combinations. The Consolidated Statement of Operations for fiscal 2014 included the results of operations from Time-Bandwidth subsequent to the date of acquisition, and the Consolidated Balance Sheet as of June 28, 2014 included Time-Bandwidth’s financial position.
On August 1, 2015, JDSU distributed 47.1 million shares, or 80.1% of the outstanding shares of Lumentum common stock to existing holders of JDSU common stock. JDSU was renamed Viavi and at the time of distribution, retained 11.7 million shares, or 19.9% of Lumentum’s outstanding shares. Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for all periods through June 27, 2015 is calculated using the shares of Lumentum common stock outstanding on August 1, 2015. Refer to “Note 4. Earnings Per Share” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we completed the acquisition of a privately held company in accordance with the authoritative guidance on business combinations. Results of operations of the business acquired have been included in our consolidated financial statements subsequent to the date of acquisition. Refer to “Note 6. Mergers and Acquisitions” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the corresponding notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report. This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains forward-looking statements. The matters discussed in these forward-looking statements are subject to risk, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those made, projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. Please see “Risk Factors” and “Forward-Looking Statements” for a discussion of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.
Our OpComms products include a wide range of components, modules and subsystems to support and maintain customers in our two primary markets: Telecom and Datacom. The Telecom market includes carrier networks for access (local), metro (intracity), long-haul (city-to-city and worldwide) and submarine (undersea) networks. The Datacom market addresses enterprise, cloud and data center applications, including storage-access networks (“SANs”), local-area networks (“LANs”) and wide-area networks (“WANs”). These products enable the transmission and transport of video, audio and text data over high-capacity fiber-optic cables. We maintain leading positions in the fast growing OpComms markets, including reconfigurable optical add/drop multiplexers (“ROADMs”), tunable 10-gigabit small form-factor pluggable transceivers and tunable small form-factor pluggable transceivers. Our 10G, 40G legacy transceivers and a growing portfolio of 100G pluggable transceivers support LAN/SAN/WAN needs and the cloud for customers building enterprise and hyperscale data center networks.
Our OpComms customers include Ciena, Cisco Systems, Coriant, Fujitsu, Arista, Alphabet (formerly Google), Facebook, Yahoo, Microsoft, Huawei Technologies, FiberHome, Infinera, Microsoft, and Nokia Networks (including Alcatel-Lucent International).
Our Lasers products are used in a variety of original equipment manufacturer (“OEM”) applications including diode-pumped solid-state, fiber, diode, direct-diode and gas lasers such as argon-ion and helium-neon lasers. Fiber lasers provide kW-class output powers combined with excellent beam quality and are used in sheet metal processing and metal welding applications. Diode-pumped solid-state lasers provide excellent beam quality, low noise and exceptional reliability and are used in biotechnology, graphics and imaging, remote sensing, materials processing and precision machining applications. Diode and direct-diode lasers address a wide variety of applications, including laser pumping, thermal exposure, illumination, ophthalmology, image recording, printing, plastic welding and selective soldering. Gas lasers such as argon-ion and helium-neon lasers provide a stable, low-cost
and reliable solution over a wide range of operating conditions, making them well suited for complex, high-resolution OEM applications such as flow cytometry, DNA sequencing, graphics and imaging and semiconductor inspection.
Our Lasers customers include Amada, ASML Holding, Beckman Coulter, Becton, Dickinson and Company, DISCO, Electro Scientific Industries, EO Technics, and KLA-Tencor.
Separation from JDSU
Lumentum Holdings Inc. was incorporated in Delaware as a wholly owned subsidiary of JDS Uniphase Corporation (“JDSU”) on February 10, 2015 and is comprised of the former communications and commercial optical products (“CCOP”) segment and the WaveReady product lines of JDSU. On August 1, 2015, we became an independent publicly-traded company through the distribution by JDSU to its stockholders of 80.1% of our outstanding common stock (the “Separation”). Each JDSU stockholder of record as of the close of business on July 27, 2015 received one share of Lumentum common stock for every five shares of JDSU common stock held on the record date. JDSU was renamed Viavi in connection with the Separation and retained ownership of 19.9% of Lumentum’s outstanding shares.
On July 31, 2015, prior to the Separation, Viavi transferred substantially all of the assets and liabilities and operations of the CCOP segment and WaveReady product lines to Lumentum. Our financial statements for periods prior to the Separation were prepared on a stand-alone basis and were derived from Viavi’s consolidated financial statements and accounting records. For the period from June 28, 2015 to August 1, 2015, expenses were allocated to us using estimates that we consider to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or benefits received by us.
The consolidated financial statements include certain assets and liabilities that were historically held at the Viavi level but which were transferred to us in the Separation. Viavi’s debt and related interest expense were not attributed or allocated to us for the periods presented since we are not the legal obligor of the debt and Viavi’s borrowings were not directly attributable to us. Certain intercompany transactions between us and Viavi were considered to be effectively settled in the consolidated financial statements at the time the transactions were recorded. The total net effect of the settlement of these intercompany transactions is reflected in our consolidated statements of cash flows as a financing activity and on the consolidated balance sheets as Viavi net investment.
The consolidated statements of operations includes our direct expenses for cost of sales, R&D, sales and marketing, and administration as well as allocations of expenses arising from shared services and infrastructure provided by Viavi to us through the Separation. These allocated expenses include costs of information technology, human resources, accounting, legal, real estate and facilities, corporate marketing, insurance, treasury and other corporate and infrastructure services. In addition, other costs allocated to us include restructuring and stock-based compensation related to Viavi’s corporate and shared services employees as well as other public company costs. These expenses were allocated to us using estimates that we consider to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or benefits received by our business. The allocation methods include revenue, headcount, square footage, actual consumption and usage of services and others.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions believed to be reasonable. Although these estimates are based on management’s best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact us in the future, actual results may be different from the estimates. Our critical accounting policies are those that affect our financial statements materially and involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management. Those policies are short-term investments, impairment of marketable and non-marketable securities, inventory valuation, goodwill and intangibles, long-lived asset valuation, pension benefits, revenue recognition, stock-based compensation, income taxes, restructuring, derivative liabilities, business combinations, and warranty.
We classify our investments in debt as available-for-sale and record these investments at fair value. Investments with an original maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase are considered cash equivalents, while all other investments are classified as short-term based on management’s intent and ability to use the funds in current operations. Unrealized gains and losses are reported as a component of other comprehensive loss. Realized gains and losses are determined based on the specific identification method, and are reflected as interest and other income (expense), net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. We regularly review our investment portfolio to identify and evaluate investments that have indicators of possible impairment. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is other-than-temporary include, but are not limited to: the length of time and extent a security’s fair value has been below its cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, the credit quality of the security’s issuer, likelihood of recovery and our intent and ability to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in value. For our debt instruments, we also evaluate whether we have the intent to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.
Impairment of Marketable and Non-Marketable Securities
We periodically review our marketable and non-marketable securities for impairment. If we conclude that any of these investments are impaired, we determine whether such impairment is other-than-temporary. We consider factors such as the duration, severity and the reason for the decline in value, the potential recovery period and whether we intend to sell. For marketable debt securities, we also consider whether (i) it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the debt securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, and (ii) the amortized cost basis cannot be recovered as a result of credit losses. If any impairment is considered other-than-temporary, we will write-down the security to its fair value.
Inventory is valued at standard cost, which approximates actual cost computed on a first-in, first-out basis, not in excess of net realizable value. We assess the value of our inventory on a quarterly basis and write down those inventories which are obsolete or in excess of our forecasted usage to their estimated realizable value. Our estimates of realizable value are based upon our analysis and assumptions including, but not limited to, forecasted sales levels by product, expected product lifecycle, product development plans and future demand requirements. Our product line management personnel play a key role in our excess review process by providing updated sales forecasts, managing product transitions and working with manufacturing to minimize excess inventory. If actual market conditions are less favorable than our forecasts or actual demand from our customers is lower than our estimates, we may be required to record additional inventory write-downs. If actual market conditions are more favorable than anticipated, inventory previously written down may be sold, resulting in lower cost of sales and higher income from operations than expected in that period.
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price of an acquired business over the fair value of the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We test for impairment of goodwill on an annual basis in the fourth quarter and at any other time when events occur or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of goodwill may not be recoverable. Refer to “Note 13. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
An entity has the option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform the two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test. If an entity determines that as a result of the qualitative assessment that it is more likely than not (i.e., greater than 50% likelihood) that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, then the quantitative test is required. Otherwise, no further testing is required. The two-step quantitative goodwill impairment test requires us to estimate the fair value of our reporting units. If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, the goodwill of that reporting unit is potentially impaired and we proceed to step two of the impairment analysis. In step two of the analysis, we measure and record an impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying value of the reporting unit’s goodwill over its implied fair value, if any.
Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgments, including: identification of the reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to reporting units, assigning goodwill to reporting units, a qualitative assessment to determine whether there are any impairment indicators, and determining the fair value of each reporting unit. We estimate the fair value of a reporting unit using the market approach, which estimates the fair value based on comparable market prices. Significant estimates in the market approach include: identifying similar companies with comparable business factors such as size, growth, profitability, risk and return on investment, and assessing comparable revenue and operating income multiples in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit.
We base our estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions about the future that we believe are reasonable based on available information. Unanticipated events and circumstances may occur that affect the accuracy of our assumptions,
estimates and judgments. For example, if the price of our common stock were to significantly decrease combined with other adverse changes in market conditions, thus indicating that the underlying fair value of our reporting units may have decreased, we might be required to reassess the value of our goodwill in the period such circumstances were identified.
Intangible assets consist primarily of intangible assets purchased through acquisitions. Purchased intangible assets primarily include acquired developed technologies (developed and core technology). Intangible assets are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated economic useful lives of the assets, which is the period during which expected cash flows support the fair value of such intangible assets.
Long-lived Asset Valuation (Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization)
We test long-lived assets for recoverability, at the asset group level, when events or changes in circumstances indicate that their carrying amount may not be recoverable. Circumstances which could trigger a review include, but are not limited to: significant decreases in the market price of the asset, significant adverse changes in the business climate or legal factors, accumulation of costs significantly in excess of the amount originally expected for the acquisition or construction of the asset, current period cash flow or operating losses combined with a history of losses or a forecast of continuing losses associated with the use of the asset, or current expectation that the asset will more likely than not be sold or disposed significantly before the end of its estimated useful life.
Recoverability is assessed based on the difference between the carrying amount of the asset and the sum of the undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use and the eventual disposal of the asset. An impairment loss is recognized when the carrying amount is not recoverable and exceeds fair value.
We recognize revenue when all four revenue recognition criteria have been met: (i) persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, (ii) the product has been delivered or the service has been rendered, (iii) the price is fixed or determinable and (iv) collection is reasonably assured. Revenue from product sales is recorded when all of the foregoing conditions are met and risk of loss and title passes to the customer. Our products typically include a warranty and the estimated cost of product warranty claims, based on historical experience, is recorded at the time the sale is recognized. Sales to customers are generally not subject to price protection or return rights.
The majority of our sales are made to OEMs, distributors, resellers and end-users.
Compensation expense related to stock-based transactions, including employee and director restricted stock units (“RSUs”) is measured and recognized in the financial statements based on fair value at the grant date. The fair value of time-based RSUs is based on the closing market price of our common stock on the grant date of the award. The stock-based compensation expense is recognized, net of forfeitures using a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally three to four years.
We estimate the expected forfeiture rate and recognize only expense for those shares expected to vest. When estimating forfeitures, we consider historical forfeiture experiences as well as our expectation about future terminations and workforce reduction programs. The estimated forfeiture rate is trued up to the actual forfeiture rate as the equity awards vest. The total fair value of the equity awards, net of forfeitures, is recorded on a straight-line basis over the requisite service periods of the awards, which is generally the vesting period, except for performance stock units which are amortized on a graded vesting method.
We estimate the fair value of the rights to acquire stock under our Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) using the Black-Scholes option pricing formula. Our ESPP provides for consecutive six-month offering periods. We recognize such compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. We calculate the volatility factor based on our historical stock prices.
We account for the fair value of RSUs using the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. For new-hire grants, RSUs generally vest ratably on an annual basis over four years. For annual refresh grants, RSUs generally vest ratably on an annual, or combination of annual and quarterly, basis over three years.
We account for the fair value of performance stock units (“PSUs”) using the closing market price of our common stock on the date of grant. We begin recognizing compensation expense when we conclude that it is probable that the performance conditions will be achieved. We reassess the probability of vesting at each reporting period and adjust our compensation cost based on this probability assessment.
We will continue to use judgment in evaluating the assumptions related to our stock-based compensation on a prospective basis. As we continue to accumulate additional data related to our common stock, we may have refinements to our estimates, which could materially impact our future stock-based compensation expense.
In accordance with the authoritative guidance on accounting for income taxes, we recognize income taxes using an asset and liability approach. This approach requires the recognition of taxes payable or refundable for the current year and deferred tax liabilities and assets for the future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns. The measurement of current and deferred taxes is based on provisions of the enacted tax law, and the effects of future changes in tax laws or rates are not anticipated.
The authoritative guidance provides for recognition of deferred tax assets if the realization of such deferred tax assets is more likely than not to occur based on an evaluation of both positive and negative evidence and the relative weight of the evidence. With the exception of certain international jurisdictions, we have determined that at this time it is more likely than not that our deferred tax assets will not be realized in the future. This determination is primarily due to our history of losses which impacts our ability to benefit from our deferred tax assets. Accordingly, we have established a valuation allowance for such deferred tax assets. If there is a change in our ability to realize our deferred tax assets for which a valuation allowance has been established, then our tax provision may decrease in the period in which we determine that realization is more likely than not.
We are subject to income tax audits by the respective tax authorities of the jurisdictions in which we operate. The determination of our income tax liabilities in each of these jurisdictions requires the interpretation and application of complex, and sometimes uncertain, tax laws and regulations. The authoritative guidance on accounting for income taxes prescribes both recognition and measurement criteria that must be met for the benefit of a tax position to be recognized in the financial statements. If a tax position taken, or expected to be taken, in a tax return does not meet such recognition or measurement criteria, an unrecognized tax benefit liability is recorded. If we ultimately determine that an unrecognized tax benefit liability is no longer necessary, we reverse the liability and recognize a tax benefit in the period in which it is determined that the unrecognized tax benefit liability is no longer necessary.
The recognition and measurement of current taxes payable or refundable and deferred tax assets and liabilities requires that we make certain estimates and judgments. Changes to these estimates or a change in judgment may have a material impact on our tax provision in a future period.
Restructuring Accrual
Costs associated with restructuring activities are recognized when they are incurred. However, in the case of leases, the expense is estimated and accrued when the property is vacated. Given the significance of, and the timing of the execution of such activities, this process is complex and involves periodic reassessments of estimates made from the time the property was vacated, including evaluating real estate market conditions for expected vacancy periods and sub-lease income. We recognize a liability for post-employment benefits for workforce reductions related to restructuring activities when payment is probable and the amount is reasonably estimable. We continually evaluate the adequacy of the remaining liabilities under our restructuring initiatives. Although we believe that these estimates accurately reflect the costs of our restructuring plans, actual results may differ, thereby requiring us to record additional provisions or reverse a portion of such provisions. Refer to “Note 14. Restructuring and Related Charges” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Series A Preferred Stock issued by our subsidiary Lumentum Inc. is redeemable at the option of the holder after five years and classified as non-controlling interest redeemable convertible preferred stock in our consolidated balance sheet and is measured at its redemption value. The Series A Preferred Stock conversion feature is bifurcated from the Series A Preferred Stock and accounted for separately as a derivative liability. In March 2017, we issued $450.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 0.25% Convertible Senior Notes due in March 2024 (the “2024 Notes”), unless earlier repurchased by us or converted pursuant to their terms. We separated the derivative liability from the host debt instrument based on the fair value of the derivative liability.
On a quarterly basis, the derivative liabilities are marked to market based on the fair value of the conversion features, with the resulting income or loss recorded as unrealized loss on derivative liabilities on our consolidated statements of operations. The determination of fair value includes various inputs, including volatility and interest rate assumptions. However, the change in the fair value of our common stock has the largest impact to the fair value of the derivatives. During fiscal 2017 and 2016, we recognized a change in value of the derivative liabilities of $104.2 million and $10.3 million, respectively.
Business Combinations
We allocate the fair value of purchase consideration to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired based on their estimated fair values. The excess of the fair value of purchase consideration over the fair values of these identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. When determining the fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, management makes significant estimates and assumptions, especially with respect to intangible assets. Critical estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows from customer relationships and acquired developed technology and discount rates. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ materially from estimates. Other estimates associated with the accounting for acquisitions may change as additional information becomes available regarding the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
In many cases, the accounting treatment of a particular transaction is specifically dictated by GAAP and does not require management’s judgment in its application. There are also areas in which management’s judgment in selecting among available alternatives would not produce a materially different result. Our senior management has reviewed our critical accounting policies and related disclosures with the Audit Committee of our board of directors.
We provide reserves for the estimated costs of product warranties at the time revenue is recognized. We estimate the costs of our warranty obligations based on our historical experience of known product failure rates, use of materials to repair or replace defective products and service delivery costs incurred in correcting product failures. In addition, from time to time, specific warranty accruals may be made if unforeseen technical problems arise.
Refer to “Note 2. Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
The results of operations for the periods presented are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for future periods. The following table summarizes selected Consolidated Statements of Operations items as a percentage of net revenue:
Segment net revenue:
Amortization of acquired technologies
Selling, general and administrative
Restructuring and related charges
Unrealized loss on derivative liabilities
Interest and other income (expense), net
Provision for (benefit from) income tax
)%
Financial Data for Fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015
The following table summarizes selected Consolidated Statements of Operations items (in millions, except for percentages):
Percentage Change
Percentage of net revenue
Net revenue increased by $98.6 million, or 10.9% during fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. This increase was primarily due to an increase in net revenue from our OpComms segment. OpComms net revenue increased $96.5 million, or 12.7%, during fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016 driven by increases from Telecom and 100G Datacom products. Lasers net revenue increased $2.1 million, or 1.5%, in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016.
Net revenue increased by $65.9 million, or 7.9%, during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. This increase was primarily due to an increase in net revenue from our OpComms segment. OpComms net revenue increased $67.2 million, or 9.7%, during fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015 driven by increases from Telecom and 100G Datacom products. Lasers net revenue decreased $1.3 million, or 0.9%, in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015.
Revenue by Region
We operate in three geographic regions: Americas, Asia-Pacific and EMEA. Net revenue is assigned to the geographic region and country where our product is initially shipped. For example, certain customers may request shipment of our product to a contract manufacturer in one country, however, the location of the end customers may differ. The following table presents net revenue by the three geographic regions we operate in and net revenue from countries that exceeded 10% or more of our total net revenue (in millions, except for percentages):
Net revenue:
Other Americas
Total Americas
Asia-Pacific:
Other Asia-Pacific
Total Asia-Pacific
Total net revenue
During fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015, net revenue from customers outside the United States, based on customer shipping location, represented 85.2%, 82% and 80.6% of net revenue, respectively. Our net revenue is primarily denominated in U.S. dollars, including our net revenue from customers outside the United States as presented above. We expect revenue from customers outside of the United States to continue to be an important part of our overall net revenue and an increasing focus for net revenue growth opportunities.
Gross Margin and Segment Gross Margin
The following table summarizes segment gross margin for fiscal 2017, 2016 and 2015 (in millions, except for percentages):
Segment total
Unallocated corporate items (1)
(1) The unallocated corporate items for the years presented include the effects of amortization of acquired developed technology intangible assets, share-based compensation and certain other charges. We do not allocate these items to the gross margin for each segment because management does not include such information in measuring the performance of the operating segments.
Gross margin in fiscal 2017 increased by 1.1% to 31.8% from 30.7% in fiscal 2016. This increase was primarily due to an increase in OpComms gross margins partially offset by a decrease in Lasers gross margins.
Gross margin in fiscal 2016 was relatively flat compared to fiscal 2015. A decrease in Lasers gross margins was offset by an increase in OpComms gross margins.
As discussed in more detail under “Net Revenue” above, we sell products in certain markets that are consolidating, undergoing product, architectural and business model transitions, have high customer concentrations, are highly competitive (increasingly due to Asia-Pacific-based competition), are price sensitive and/or are affected by customer seasonal and mix variant buying patterns. We expect these factors to continue to result in variability of our gross margin.
Segment Gross Margin
OpComms gross margin in fiscal 2017 increased 2.5% to 33.5% from 31.0% in fiscal 2016. This increase was primarily due to higher revenue volume and product mix.
OpComms gross margin in fiscal 2016 increased 1.5% to 31.0% from 29.5% in fiscal 2015. This increase was primarily due to higher revenue volume and cost reductions, partially offset by an inventory write-off related to our legacy 3D sensing product.
Lasers gross margin in fiscal 2017 decreased 1.6% to 41.7% from 43.3% in fiscal 2016. This decrease was primarily due to higher manufacturing and warranty costs.
Lasers gross margin in fiscal 2016 decreased 3.8% to 43.3% from 47.1% in fiscal 2015. This decrease was primarily due to lower revenue volume and higher warranty cost due to a component quality issue on our fiber laser product.
R&D expense increased $7.2 million, or 5.1%, in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. The increase in R&D expense was primarily due to the increase in the payroll related expense of $8.6 million, which includes an increase of stock-based compensation of $2.6 million. This was partially offset with higher partner reimbursements for development expense.
R&D expense increased $0.3 million, or 0.2%, in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. The increase in R&D expense was primarily due to increased investment in new R&D programs, one additional week of spend in fiscal 2016, and increased payroll related expense. This was partially offset by higher partner reimbursements for development expense and a decrease in payroll-related costs resulting from the closure of the Serangoon office in Singapore.
We believe that continuing our investments in R&D is critical to attaining our strategic objectives. We plan to continue to invest in R&D and new products that we believe will further differentiate us in the marketplace and expect our investment to increase in absolute dollars in future quarters.
SG&A expense decreased $7.1 million, or 6.1%, in fiscal 2017 compared to fiscal 2016. The decrease was primarily a result of reduced separation related charges and restructuring expenses of $13.6 million. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in payroll related expense of $7.8 million and an increase in stock-based compensation of $1.8 million.
SG&A expense decreased $11.6 million, or 9.0%, in fiscal 2016 compared to fiscal 2015. Our fiscal 2015 SG&A expense included allocated expenses from Viavi and therefore was higher as compared to fiscal 2016 which was entirely on a stand-alone basis. This is partially offset by higher payroll related and benefits costs resulting from an additional week in fiscal 2016.
We intend to continue to focus on managing our SG&A expense as a percentage of net revenue. However, we may experience in the future, certain non-core expenses, such as mergers and acquisitions-related expenses and litigation expenses, which could increase our SG&A expense and potentially impact our profitability expectations in any particular quarter.
We have reduced costs through targeted restructuring efforts intended to consolidate our operations, rationalize the manufacturing of our products and align our business in response to market conditions. Refer to “Note 14. Restructuring and Related Charges” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
As of July 1, 2017, our total restructuring accrual was $3.8 million. During fiscal 2017, we recorded $12.0 million in restructuring and related charges. Of the $12.0 million charge recorded during fiscal 2017, $2.1 million related to severance, retention and employee benefits.
During fiscal 2016, we recorded $7.7 million in restructuring and related charges.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016, management approved a plan to optimize operations and gain efficiencies throughout the organization. As a result, a restructuring charge of $0.7 million was recorded for severance and employee benefits during fiscal 2016. In total, there were 18 employees in manufacturing, R&D and SG&A functions that were terminated. Payments related to the remaining severance and benefits accrual have been paid in full.
We also incurred restructuring and related charges of $7.0 million from restructuring plans approved prior to fiscal 2016 primarily related to manufacturing transfer costs for transfer of certain production processes into existing sites in the United States or to contract manufacturers.
Interest and other income (expense), net is comprised substantially of gains and losses associated with the re-measurement of non-functional currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, as well as amortization of the debt discount on the 2024 Notes. See “Note 11. Convertible Senior Notes” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the 2024 Notes.
Interest and other income (expense), net was $(3.2) million in fiscal 2017 as compared to $(1.2) million in fiscal 2016. The $2.0 million change was primarily due to interest expense related to the 2024 Notes in fiscal 2017.
Interest and other income (expense), net was $(1.2) million in fiscal 2016 as compared to $(1.1) million in fiscal 2015. The $0.1 million change was primarily due higher foreign exchange losses, offset by a decrease in interest expense in fiscal 2016.
The components of interest and other income (expense), net were as follows (in millions):
Foreign exchange gains (losses), net
Other income (expense), net
Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative liabilities
Unrealized loss on Series A Preferred Stock derivative liability amounted to $41.3 million and $0.6 million for the fiscal years 2017 and 2016, respectively. Unrealized loss on the 2024 Notes derivative liability during fiscal 2017 was $62.9 million. The change is primarily related to the change in the price of our underlying common stock and is reflected in the consolidated statements of operations as “Unrealized gain (loss) on derivative liabilities”.
For further discussion of our derivative liabilities, see “Note 12. Derivative Liabilities” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Provision for (Benefit from) Income Taxes (in millions)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes
We recorded a provision (benefit) for income taxes of $42.7 million, $0.4 million, and $(21.1) million in fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Our effective tax rate of (71.4)% in fiscal 2017 differs from the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35%, primarily attributable to non-deductible unrealized losses associated with the embedded derivatives for the Series A Preferred Stock and the 2024 Notes, as well as unrecognized tax benefits, non-deductible stock-based compensation, and changes in the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets. Our effective tax rate was also impacted by the benefit of our foreign income being taxed at different rates than the U.S. statutory rate, as well as the benefit of research and development tax credits.
Our effective tax rate of 4.1% in fiscal 2016 differs from the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35%, primarily attributable to changes in the valuation allowance against our deferred tax assets and offset by the benefit of our foreign income being taxed at different rates than the U.S. statutory rates.
Our effective tax rate of 86.1% in fiscal 2015 differs from the U.S. statutory federal income tax rate of 35%, primarily attributable to reversal of previously accrued taxes and offset by Subpart F taxes.
As of July 1, 2017, we had net deferred tax assets of $3.6 million which was mainly comprised of tax attribute carryovers in certain foreign jurisdictions. Our federal, state, and Canada deferred tax assets are subject to a valuation allowance to reflect uncertainties about whether we will be able to utilize the deferred tax assets before they expire.
While we believe our current valuation allowance is sufficient, we assess the need for an adjustment to the valuation allowance on a quarterly basis. The assessment is based on our estimates of future sources of taxable income for the jurisdictions in which we operate and the periods over which our deferred tax assets will be realizable. In the event the Company determines that it will be able to realize all or part of its net deferred tax assets in the future, the valuation allowance will be reversed in the period in which the Company makes such determination. The release of a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets may cause greater volatility in the effective tax rate in the periods in which it is reversed. It is reasonably possible that significant positive evidence may become available to reach a conclusion that a significant portion of the valuation allowance will no longer be needed, and as such, we may release a significant portion of our valuation allowance in the next 12 months. Such a release would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and a decrease in the income tax expense for the period in which the release is recorded.
The income and non-income tax regimes we are subject to or operate under are unsettled and may be subject to significant change. Changes in tax laws or tax rulings, or changes in interpretations of existing laws, could materially affect our financial position and results of operations. Many countries in Europe, as well as a number of other countries and organizations, have recently proposed or recommended changes to existing tax laws or have enacted new laws that could significantly increase our tax obligations in many countries where we do business or require us to change the manner in which we operate our business. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development has been working on a Base Erosion and Profit Sharing Project, and issued in 2015, and is expected to continue to issue, guidelines and proposals that may change various aspects of the existing framework under which our tax obligations are determined in many of the countries in which we do business. The European Commission has conducted investigations in multiple countries focusing on whether local country tax rulings or tax legislation provides preferential tax treatment that violates European Union state aid rules and concluded that certain countries. These investigations may result in changes to the tax treatment of our foreign operations. In addition, the current U.S. administration and key members of Congress have made public statements indicating that tax reform is a priority. Certain changes to U.S. tax laws, including limitations on the ability to defer U.S. taxation on earnings outside of the United States until those earnings are repatriated to the United States, could affect the tax treatment of our foreign earnings. Due to our expanding international business activities, many of these types of
changes to the taxation of our activities could increase our worldwide effective tax rate and harm our financial position and results of operations.
For further discussion of our income tax provision, see “Note 15. Income Taxes” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contractual Obligations
The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at July 1, 2017, and the effect such obligations are expected to have on our liquidity and cash flow over the next five years (in millions):
Payments due by period
Asset retirement obligations
Purchase obligations (1)
Operating lease obligations (1)
Pension and post-retirement benefit payments (2)
0.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024
Interest on 2024 Notes (3)
Acquisition contingencies (4)
(1) Refer to “Note 18. Commitments and Contingencies” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(2) Refer to “Note 17. Employee Benefit Plans” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
(3) Includes interest on our 0.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 through September 2023 as we have the right to redeem the 2024 Notes in whole or in part at any time on or after March 15, 2024.
(4) Refer to “Note 6. Mergers and Acquisitions” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
Purchase obligations represent legally-binding commitments to purchase inventory and other commitments made in the normal course of business to meet operational requirements.
As of July 1, 2017, other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet include $0.3 million and $0.3 million of asset retirement obligations and operating lease obligations, respectively, in connection with restructuring and related activities, disclosed in the preceding table.
As of July 1, 2017, our other non-current liabilities primarily relate to asset retirement obligations and pension which are presented in various lines in the preceding table.
As of July 1, 2017, our other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet include $10.5 million of unrecognized tax benefit for uncertain tax positions. We are unable to reliably estimate the timing of future payments related to uncertain tax positions and therefore have excluded them from the preceding table.
The table above does not include potential redemption of our redeemable convertible preferred stock with a $35.8 million face value, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, as there is no set maturity date. If the holder of our redeemable convertible preferred stock does not execute its conversion option, or if it is unable to do so before the third anniversary of the date of issuance, we may choose to redeem the preferred stock for $35.8 million. In addition, on the fifth anniversary date of the issuance, the holder of our redeemable convertible preferred stock may elect to redeem the preferred stock for $35.8 million.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as such term is defined in rules promulgated by the SEC, that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.
As part of our strategy, we are committed to the ongoing evaluation of strategic opportunities and, where appropriate, the acquisition of additional products, technologies or businesses that are complementary to, or broaden the markets for, our products. We believe we have strengthened our business model by expanding our addressable markets, customer base and expertise, diversifying our product portfolio, and fortifying our core businesses through acquisitions as well as through organic initiatives.
In February 2017, we completed the acquisition of a privately held company to enhance our manufacturing and vertical integration capabilities. We acquired all of the outstanding shares of the company. In connection with the acquisition, we paid upfront cash consideration of $5.1 million, incurred liabilities of $2.7 million contingent upon the achievement of certain production targets being achieved within 36 months following the acquisition date, and retained $0.9 million of the purchase price as security for the seller’s indemnification obligations under the purchase agreement. This resulted in total purchase consideration of $8.7 million.
As a result of acquiring Time-Bandwidth in January 2014, we have a pension plan for certain employees in Switzerland. This plan is open to new participants and additional service costs are being accrued. The Switzerland plan is partially funded. As of July 1, 2017, our pension plan was under funded by $3.9 million since the projected benefit obligation (“PBO”) exceeded the fair value of the plan assets.
We expect to contribute $0.5 million to the Switzerland plan during fiscal 2018.
A key actuarial assumption in calculating the net periodic cost and the PBO is the discount rate. Changes in the discount rate impact the interest cost component of the net periodic benefit cost calculation and PBO due to the fact that the PBO is calculated on a net present value basis. Decreases in the discount rate will generally increase pre-tax cost, recognized expense and the PBO. Increases in the discount rate tend to have the opposite effect. We estimate a 50 basis point decrease or increase in the discount rate would cause a corresponding increase or decrease, respectively, in the PBO of $1.3 million or $(1.1) million, based upon data as of July 1, 2017.
Financial Condition
As of July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016, our cash and cash equivalents of $272.9 million and $157.1 million, respectively, were held predominantly in the United States. The total amount of cash outside the United States as of July 1, 2017 is $65.4 million, which is primarily held in Cayman Islands, Thailand, Canada, Switzerland, China and Japan. Although the cash currently held in the United States as well as the cash generated in the United States from future operations is expected to cover our normal operating requirements, a substantial amount of additional cash could be required for other purposes, such as capital expenditures to support our business and growth, including costs associated with increasing internal manufacturing capabilities, strategic transactions and partnerships, acquisitions, dividends that may be declared and future stock repurchase programs. Our intent is to indefinitely reinvest funds held outside the United States and our current plans do not demonstrate a need to repatriate them to fund our domestic operations. However, if in the future, we encounter a significant need for liquidity domestically or at a particular location that we cannot fulfill through borrowings, equity offerings, or other internal or external sources, we may determine that cash repatriations are necessary. Repatriation could result in additional material U.S. federal and state income tax payments in future years. Such adverse consequences would occur, for example, if the transfer of cash into the United States is taxed and no foreign tax credit is available to offset the U.S. tax liability, resulting in higher taxes. These factors may cause us to have an overall tax rate higher than other companies or higher than our tax rates have been in the past. If conditions warrant, we may seek to obtain additional financing through debt or equity sources. To the extent we issue additional shares, our existing stockholders may be diluted. However, any such financing may not be available on terms favorable to us, or may not be available at all.
Fiscal 2017
As of July 1, 2017, our consolidated balance of cash and cash equivalents increased by $115.8 million, to $272.9 million from $157.1 million as of July 2, 2016. The increase in cash and cash equivalents was mainly due to proceeds from the issuance of the 2024 Notes during fiscal 2017, offset by the purchases of short-term investments and property, plant and equipment.
Cash provided by operating activities was $85.0 million for the year ended July 1, 2017, primarily resulting from $102.5 million of net loss and $199.4 million of non-cash items such as depreciation, stock-based compensation, amortization of intangibles and unrealized loss on derivative liabilities, offset by changes in excess tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation. In addition, changes in our operating assets and liabilities of $11.9 million related primarily to an increase in inventories of $41.7 million and a decrease in accounts payable of $16.9 million related to such non-cash items as $10 million unpaid property, plant and equipment, offset by a decrease in deferred taxes, net of $26.8 million and an increase in income taxes payable of $15.9 million.
Cash used in investing activities was mainly for capital expenditures and purchases of short-term investments, net of sales of $138.1 million and $282.5 million, respectively, for the year ended July 1, 2017. Changes in investing cash flow in fiscal 2017 also related to the acquisition of a business for $5.1 million.
Cash provided by financing activities was $456.7 million for the year ended July 1, 2017, consisting primarily from proceeds of $442.3 million from the issuance of the 2024 Notes.
As of July 2, 2016, our consolidated balance of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments was $157.1 million, an increase of $142.3 million, or 961.5%, as compared to $14.8 million as of June 27, 2015.
Cash provided by operating activities was $86.6 million, primarily resulting from $9.3 million of net income, which included $80.7 million of non-cash items such as depreciation, stock-based compensation, derivative liability, amortization of intangibles and disposal of property, plant and equipment, offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $3.4 million. Changes in our operating assets and liabilities related primarily to an increase in accounts payable of $28.9 million, an increase in accounts receivable of $21.8 million, an increase in prepayments, other current and non-currents assets of $12.7 million, an increase in accrued payroll and related expenses of $9.2 million, a decrease in deferred taxes, net of $1.7 million, a decrease in income taxes payable of $1.7 million, an increase in inventories of $3.1 million and a decrease in accrued expenses and other current and non-current liabilities of $0.5 million.
Cash used in investing activities included $82.0 million, of cash used for capital expenditures, primarily to expand our manufacturing capacity.
Cash provided by financing activities was $136.4 million resulting primarily from net transfers from Viavi of $134.2 million at the Separation date.
As of June 27, 2015, our consolidated balance of cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments was $14.8 million, a decrease of $5.4 million, or 26.7%, as compared to $20.2 million as of June 28, 2014.
Cash provided by operating activities was $9.4 million, primarily resulting from $3.4 million of net loss and $69.0 million of non-cash items such as depreciation, stock-based compensation, amortization of intangibles and changes in our deferred tax balances, offset by changes in operating assets and liabilities of $56.2 million. Changes in our operating assets and liabilities related primarily to an increase in accounts receivable of $17.8 million, an increase in other current and non-currents assets of $14.5 million, a decrease in income taxes payable of $10.8 million, an increase in inventories of $6.2 million and a decrease in accrued expenses and other current and non-current liabilities of $6.9 million.
Cash used in investing activities was $53.5 million, primarily resulting from cash used for capital expenditures of $53.7 million.
Cash provided by financing activities was $40.6 million resulting from net transfers from Viavi.
Liquidity and Capital Resources Requirements
We believe that our cash and cash equivalents as of July 1, 2017, and cash flows from our operating activities will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements for at least the next 12 months. However, if market conditions are favorable, we may evaluate alternatives to opportunistically pursue additional financing.
There are a number of factors that could positively or negatively impact our liquidity position, including:
global economic conditions which affect demand for our products and services and impact the financial stability of our suppliers and customers;
changes in accounts receivable, inventory or other operating assets and liabilities which affect our working capital;
increase in capital expenditures to support our business and growth;
the tendency of customers to delay payments or to negotiate favorable payment terms to manage their own liquidity positions;
timing of payments to our suppliers;
factoring or sale of accounts receivable;
volatility in fixed income and credit which impact the liquidity and valuation of our investment portfolios;
volatility in foreign exchange markets which impacts our financial results;
possible investments or acquisitions of complementary businesses, products or technologies, or other strategic transactions or partnerships;
issuance of debt or equity securities, or other financing transactions, including bank debt;
potential funding of pension liabilities either voluntarily or as required by law or regulation; and
the settlement of any conversion or redemption of the 2024 Notes in cash.
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
We conduct our business and sell our products to customers primarily in Asia, Europe, and North America. Due to the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar and foreign currencies, for the fiscal year ended July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016, we recorded unrealized gain (loss) of $0.6 million and $(0.9) million, respectively, in the interest and other income (expense), net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations included in this Annual Report.
Although we sell primarily in U.S. Dollar, we have foreign currency exchange risks related to our operating expenses denominated in currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, principally the Thai Baht, Canadian Dollar, Japanese Yen, Swiss Franc, Euro, and Chinese Yuan. The volatility of exchange rates depends on many factors that we cannot forecast with reliable accuracy. In the event our foreign currency denominated assets, liabilities, sales or expenses increase, our operating results may be more greatly affected by fluctuations in the exchange rates of the currencies in which we do business.
Equity Price Risk
We are exposed to equity price risk related to the conversion options embedded in our Series A Preferred Stock and the 2024 Notes. Our Series A Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into shares of our common stock commencing on the second anniversary of the closing of the securities purchase (absent a change of control of us or similar event) using a conversion price of $24.63. The 2024 Notes will mature on March 15, 2024, unless earlier repurchased by us or converted pursuant to their terms, at a conversion price of approximately $60.62 per share.
The conversion feature is bifurcated from the Series A Preferred Stock and accounted for separately as a derivative liability. On a quarterly basis, the derivative liability is marked to market based on the fair values of the conversion feature, with the resulting income or loss recorded as unrealized (gain) loss on a derivative liability on our consolidated statements of operations. The determination of fair values includes various inputs, including volatility and interest rate assumptions (see “Note 12. Derivative Liabilities”). However, the change in the fair value of our common stock has the largest impact to the fair value of the derivative. Based on a hypothetical $10.00 per share increase or decrease in the fair value of our common stock, our net income would be reduced or increased by approximately ($13.9) million or $14.0 million, respectively, for the Series A Preferred Stock derivative.
Market Risk and Market Interest Risk
On March 2, 2017, we issued $450 million aggregate principal amount of 0.25% Convertible Senior Notes (the “2024 Notes”). Holders may convert their notes prior to maturity under certain circumstances. On June 29, 2017, we satisfied the Tax Matters Agreement settlement condition, as described in “Note 11. Convertible Senior Notes” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. As such, the value of the conversion option will no longer be marked to market, and is reclassified to additional paid-in capital within stockholders’ equity on our consolidated balance sheet.
We do not have economic interest rate exposure related to the 2024 Notes, as they have a fixed annual interest rate of 0.25%. See “Note 11. Convertible Senior Notes” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the 2024 Notes.
Interest Rate Fluctuation Risk
As of July 1, 2017, we had cash, cash equivalents, and marketable securities of $555.3 million. Cash equivalents and marketable securities are primarily comprised of certificates of deposit and highly liquid investment grade fixed income securities. Our investment policy and strategy is focused on the preservation of capital and supporting our liquidity requirements. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. As of July 1, 2017, the weighted-average duration of our investment portfolio was less than one year. Our fixed-income portfolio is subject to fluctuations in interest rates, which could affect our results of operations. Based on our investment portfolio balance as of July 1, 2017, a hypothetical increase in interest rates of 1% (100 basis points) would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value of our portfolio of approximately $0.4 million, and a hypothetical increase of 0.5% (50 basis points) would have resulted in a decrease in the fair value of our portfolio of approximately $0.2 million.
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Milpitas, California
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of Lumentum Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of July 1, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, redeemable convertible preferred stock, stockholders' equity and invested equity, and cash flows for the year ended July 1, 2017. Our audit also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Lumentum Holdings Inc. and subsidiaries at July 1, 2017, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year ended July 1, 2017, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also, in our opinion, such financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as July 1, 2017, based on the criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated July 1, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.
/s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Lumentum Holdings Inc.:
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the accompanying index appearing under Item 15(1) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Lumentum Holdings Inc. at July 2, 2016 and June 27, 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended July 2, 2016 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedules listed in the accompanying index appearing under Item 15(2) present fairly in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except per share data)
Net income (loss) per share attributable to common stockholders (a)
Shares used in per share calculation attributable to common stockholders (a)
On August 1, 2015, JDS Uniphase Corporation (“JDSU”) distributed 47.1 million shares, or 80.1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Lumentum Holdings Inc. (“Lumentum”) to existing holders of JDSU common stock. JDSU was renamed Viavi Solutions Inc. (“Viavi”) and at the time of the distribution, retained 11.7 million shares, or 19.9% of Lumentum’s outstanding shares. Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for all periods through June 27, 2015 is calculated using the shares of Lumentum common stock outstanding on August 1, 2015. Refer to “Note 4. Earnings Per Share” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(in millions)
Other comprehensive loss:
Net change in cumulative translation adjustment
Net change in defined benefit obligation, net of tax
Unrealized actuarial losses arising during the period
Net change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
Comprehensive income (loss)
(in millions, except share and per share data)
Prepayments and other current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Goodwill and intangibles, net
Other non-current assets
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE CONVERTIBLE PREFERRED STOCK, STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY, AND INVESTED EQUITY
Accrued payroll and related expenses
Income taxes payable
Accrued expenses
Redeemable convertible preferred stock:
Non-controlling interest redeemable convertible Series A preferred stock, $0.001 par value, 10,000,000 authorized shares; 35,805 shares issued and outstanding as of July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016
Common stock, $0.001 par value, 990,000,000 authorized shares, 61,476,103 and 59,580,596 shares issued and outstanding as of July 1, 2017 and July 2, 2016, respectively
Total liabilities, redeemable convertible preferred stock, stockholders equity, and invested equity
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation expense
Unrealized loss on derivative liability
Amortization of acquired technologies and other intangibles
Disposal of property, plant and equipment
Other non-cash (income) expenses
Excess tax benefit associated with stock-based compensation
Amortization of discount on 0.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2024
Prepayments and other current and non-currents assets
Deferred taxes, net
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Political gridlock leads to a disorderly no-deal Brexit
Although a withdrawal agreement between the EU and the UK was finalised at an EU summit on November 25th, it has been rejected by UK members of parliament three times, with issues over the permanence of the Irish border backstop still a key obstacle. (The backstop stipulates that the UK would remain in a customs union with the EU indefinitely should a trade agreement preserving an open Irish border not be found.).
At an EU summit on April 10th Theresa May, the British prime minister, asked the EU to extend the deadline for the UK parliament to ratify the withdrawal agreement from April 12th to June 30th. After lengthy negotiations, other EU heads of state agreed to extend the deadline to October 31st. Although this has avoided a no-deal Brexit for now, it cannot be ruled out later in the year. Cross-party talks with the opposition Labour Party have found no workable compromise. Their failure, coupled with the ongoing contest for the Conservative party leadership (with hard-line pro-Brexit candidates so far leading the polls), increases risks of a general election or a second referendum, the outcomes of which remain uncertain. Were a no-deal Brexit to occur, we would expect this to trigger a sharp depreciation in the value of the pound against major currencies and a much sharper economic slowdown in the UK than we currently forecast. In addition, the EU has indicated that under a no-deal scenario it would treat the UK as a "third country", leading to tariffs, border checks and border controls, a stance that the UK would probably respond to in kind.
Although some contingency plans have been made, the hit to UK and EU trade and investment under a disorderly no-deal scenario is likely to go beyond just the negative impact on EU economies and prove sizeable enough to dent global economic growth.
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Nick Nurse smiles after being named the new basketball head coach of the Senior Men's National Team of Canada in Toronto on Monday, June 24, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Nick Nurse named new coach of Canada’s men’s basketball team
Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse is the new coach of Canada’s men’s basketball team.
Canada Basketball announced the hiring on Monday, less than two weeks after Nurse guided the Raptors to their first NBA championship.
Canada Basketball says Nurse’s contract runs through the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Penticton, B.C., native Gordie Herbert, one of three Canadian head coaches during a successful 12-game Americas qualifying run for this year’s World Cup in China, has been named an associate coach.
The 51-year-old Nurse has international basketball experience as an assistant with Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.
He spent 11 seasons coaching in Europe, mostly in the British Basketball League. The Iowan was named head coach of the Iowa Energy of the G League in 2007. His first NBA job was with the Raptors, joining Dwane Casey as an assistant in 2013. Nurse become head coach of the Raptors this season.
Canada is in Group H along with Senegal, Lithuania and Australia for the World Cup, Aug. 31-Sept. 15. The tournament serves as an Olympic qualifier.
“I’m looking forward to working with this talented group of young players, and to seeing what we can do on the competitive global basketball stage,” Nurse said in a statement. “I love the international game. I also see this as a real chance for me to learn from the world’s best, and for us to represent Canada with pride and distinction.”
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FIFA forensic audit of Ghana FA found no corruption against Kwesi Nyantakyi
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Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) eyes the ball while playing against the Golden State Warriors during second half NBA championship basketball finals action in Toronto on Thursday, May 30, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
NBA Sports
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Stereotaxis.com
Board of Directors and Management
Stereotaxis Submits 510(k) Application to FDA for Vdrive(TM) With V-CAS(TM) Catheter Advancement System
June 10, 2014 at 6:30 AM EDT
ST. LOUIS, June 10, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Stereotaxis, Inc. (Nasdaq:STXS) announced today that it has submitted a 510(k) Premarket Notification to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the Company's Vdrive™ Robotic Navigation System with V-CAS™ Catheter Advancement System. The submission, which follows the Company's 510(k) application for Vdrive with V-Loop™ Variable Loop Catheter Manipulator on March 31, includes both the single-arm system (Vdrive) and the two-arm system (Vdrive Duo).
The Vdrive with V-CAS system is currently available in the European Union and Canada and has been used in more than 1,100 procedures since its introduction in 2011. The system allows physicians to remotely control the advancement, retraction and rotation of a compatible fixed curve transseptal sheath, in conjunction with a magnetic ablation catheter. Utilized in the majority of ablation procedures, the fixed curve transseptal sheath provides greater stability and support to the ablation catheter during therapy delivery.
"We are excited about the prospect of bringing the Vdrive with V-CAS system to the U.S. market, where we believe it could have significant potential for streamlining physician workflow," said William C. Mills, Stereotaxis Chief Executive Officer. "With the addition of this system, physicians have reported improved maneuverability as well as efficient use of devices during remote magnetic procedures."
About Stereotaxis
Stereotaxis is a healthcare technology and innovation leader in the development of robotic cardiology instrument navigation systems designed to enhance the treatment of arrhythmias and coronary disease, as well as information management solutions for the interventional lab. Over 100 issued patents support the Stereotaxis platform, which helps physicians around the world provide unsurpassed patient care with robotic precision and safety, improved lab efficiency and productivity, and enhanced collaboration of life-saving information. Stereotaxis' core Epoch™ Solution includes the Niobe® ES Remote Magnetic Navigation system, the Odyssey® portfolio of lab optimization, networking and patient information management systems and the Vdrive™ Robotic Navigation system and consumables.
The core components of Stereotaxis systems have received regulatory clearance in the U.S., European Union, Canada, China, Japan and elsewhere. The V-Sono™ ICE catheter manipulator has received U.S. clearance, and the V-Loop™ variable loop catheter manipulator and V-CAS catheter advancement system have been submitted for review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. For more information, please visit www.stereotaxis.com
This press release includes statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements, usually containing the words "believe," "estimate," "project," "expect" or similar expressions. Forward-looking statements inherently involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. Factors that would cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, the Company's ability to raise additional capital on a timely basis and on terms that are acceptable, its ability to continue to manage expenses and cash burn rate at sustainable levels, its ability to continue to work with lenders to extend, repay or refinance indebtedness on acceptable terms, continued acceptance of the Company's products in the marketplace, the effect of global economic conditions on the ability and willingness of customers to purchase its systems and the timing of such purchases, the outcome of various shareholder litigation filed against Stereotaxis, competitive factors, changes resulting from the recently enacted healthcare reform in the U.S., including changes in government reimbursement procedures, dependence upon third-party vendors, timing of regulatory approvals, and other risks discussed in the Company's periodic and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. By making these forward-looking statements, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release. There can be no assurance that the Company will recognize revenue related to its purchase orders and other commitments in any particular period or at all because some of these purchase orders and other commitments are subject to contingencies that are outside of the Company's control. In addition, these orders and commitments may be revised, modified, delayed or canceled, either by their express terms, as a result of negotiations, or by overall project changes or delays.
CONTACT: Company Contact:
Marty Stammer
Todd Kehrli / Jim ByersMKR Group, Inc.
stxs@mkr-group.com
Stereotaxis, Inc.
© Copyright Stereotaxis 2019
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Investing in Index Funds for Beginners
Investing for Beginners
Becoming a Seasoned Investor
All Investing for Beginners
Investing for Beginners Mutual Funds
The good, the bad, and the ugly of investing in index funds
••• Nikada / Getty Images
Index funds have become a major force in the investing world. In fact, as late as 2016, more than $1 out of every $5 invested in the equity markets here in the United States was believed to be invested through the conduit of an index fund. What, precisely, does this mean and why should new investors care? What are the benefits of investing in index funds? What are the drawbacks? These are some of the most important questions you'll face considering that you are going to need to seriously give index funds a look, especially if you are a smaller investor of modest means.
In the next few minutes, I want to walk you through how I think about index funds - the good, the bad, and the ugly - to help you gain some perspective.
What are index funds?
To understand what an index fund is, you first need to understand the definition of an index.
An index doesn't actually exist in a sense. Rather, it is an academic concept; an idea. Basically, it amounts to a person or a committee of people sitting down and coming up with a list of rules as to how to construct a portfolio of individual holdings because, in the end, the only thing you can actually do is invest in individual common stocks or bonds, presuming we're limiting our discussion to equity and fixed income markets.
For example, the most famous index of all time, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, is a list of thirty blue chip stocks. This list is to be made up of a representative collection of stocks that are important to the economy of the United States. The shares are weighted based on stock price and adjustments are made for things such as stock splits. The stocks on the list are selected by the editors of The Wall Street Journal. Historically, the DJIA has been highly passive as changes are somewhat rare.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average has beaten many other indices, including the S&P 500, over long periods of time by a meaningful margin on a compounded basis even though the year-to-year results deviate and frequently appear small.
Speaking of the S&P 500, it is now, perhaps, the most widely discussed index in the world. Short for the Standard and Poor's 500, which was originally called the Composite Index when it introduced its first stock index in 1923. It expanded to 90 stocks in 1926, before expanding to its current count in 1957 of 500. The S&P 500 has a more complex methodology than the Dow Jones Industrial Average. In the past decade, the S&P 500's methodology has been quietly changed in ways many inexperienced investors won't understand but that, had they been in place in the past, almost assuredly would have lowered the returns the stock market index generated.
Investors today are largely clueless that what they are getting is not their grandfather's S&P 500. At some point, you enter a Ship of Theseus paradox and you have to wonder, at what point you are dealing with an entirely different thing.
In any event, an index fund is simply a mutual fund that, instead of having a portfolio manager making selections, outsources the capital allocation job to the individual or committee determining the index methodology. That is, if you buy a Dow Jones Industrial Average index fund or ETF (an ETF, or exchange traded fund, is a mutual fund that trades like a share of stock throughout the day rather than settling at the end of the day like an ordinary mutual fund; often same portfolio, same underlying holdings), you're really just handing over the job of managing your money to the editors of The Wall Street Journal.
If you buy an S&P 500 index fund, you're really just handing over the job of managing your money to a handful of people at Standard and Poor's. In the end, you still own a portfolio of individual stocks, it's just held in a pooled structure with a portfolio manager over it who is responsible for getting results as close to the index as possible (known as "tracking"). To learn more about the setup of a mutual fund, read How a Mutual Fund Is Structured.
What are the advantages of investing in index funds?
Index funds have a lot of advantages, especially for poorer investors, which is one of the reasons I've lavished a lot of praise on them over the years.
First, as long as the investor realizes there is nothing magical about the word "index" - there are good indices, bad indices, and mediocre indices - and selects an intelligent underlying index run by a stable and responsible asset management company, it should provide a satisfactory way to participate in whatever underlying market it represents with a single purchase. That has a lot of convenience and can mean lower transactions costs, which matters if you're only investing something like $25,000 or $50,000 and commissions could eat up a meaningful amount of your principal if you attempted to build your own 30, 50, 100+ stock portfolio directly in a brokerage account.
Second, many index funds in the equity market tend to be run in a way that minimizes turnover. Low-turnover, or high passivity depending upon how you prefer to phrase it, has long been a key to successful investing. In fact, there is a tremendous body of research that shows investors would be better off in many cases buying the underlying index components directly, as individual stocks, and sitting on them with no subsequent changes at all than they would be by investing in the index fund itself.
These ghost ship portfolios, as they are sometimes known, require a specific type of psychological profile but the rewards over periods of 25 to 50 years can be astounding. You don't have to worry about methodology changes and you have much better tax planning flexibility should you need to raise cash.
Third, index funds tend to have lower mutual fund expense ratios than other mutual funds. This can add up to real money over time if you aren't fortunate enough to have a large portfolio with the requisite scale to take advantage of other opportunities and planning strategies. Take a firm like Vanguard, the largest sponsor of index funds in the world, said the median participating balance for one of its retirement accounts was only $29,603. That means half of those accounts have less than $29,603 and half have more.
That's extraordinarily small compared to a lot of asset management firms. In fact, it doesn't even cover the minimum fee at many of the white-glove, well-heeled asset management groups that build portfolios for the affluent and high net worth investors. An investor with $29,603 couldn't even get serviced at most regional bank trust departments. Even then, if the account were only $100,000 or $150,000, some of those bank trust departments would charge investment management fees of between 2.5% and 3.0% so it still wouldn't be worth it given the almost guaranteed under-performance relative to the index unless you were getting some sort of comprehensive financial planning assistance or other service; e.g., a widow in a farm town who doesn't have to deal with paying her bills because the bank takes care of everything so she can live out her remaining days in peace after losing her husband or wife.
There can be a lot of utility for a person in that situation, especially someone who isn't good with money and doesn't have more than a couple of decades to live so the fee differential doesn't have a huge compounding period to expand upon itself in terms of opportunity cost.
In fact, it's a good general rule of thumb for any young investor of modest means investing through a 401(k) plan at work to almost always opt for the low-cost, highly passive index fund over any of the other offerings available to him or her. It's how to handle assets if they are stuck within a retirement plan at the place of employment.
Fourth, index funds have an enormous psychological advantage for people who are not inherently good at math. Do not underestimate how incredible this can be in saving a family from financial hardship and ruin due to its influence on behavior. A lot of men and women, who otherwise might be intelligent, good people, lack a basic grasp on how numbers interact together. To demonstrate it, take the so-called bat and ball question.
“A bat and a ball cost $1.10 in total. The bat costs $1.00 more than the ball. How much does the ball cost?”
A lot of people answer, "$.10". It's wrong. The answer is $.05. In the same way, they can't grasp that immediately - and people can learn in most cases, of course, it's that they don't want to bother - they don't understand the math of diversification. They don't get that individual components can compound at a lower rate, on average, than the overall portfolio or that several bankruptcies of different holdings along the way can still result in positive returns. The index fund solves this because it serves as what I've called an obfuscation mechanism.
It hides the returns of the underlying components so investors don't have to think about them. They don't see things like their oil stocks collapsing by 50% or more because it's hidden in the headline index fund share price number. Rich investors, sophisticated investors, they don't need this sort of mind trick. They own the stocks directly. In this way, the index fund can help encourage investors to hold on longer than they otherwise would have, thinking about their total portfolio and not the underlying components.
(There is a meaningful danger in this approach, though, in that if methodology changes cause the underlying holdings to be less than stellar, ultimately, that will harm the investor.)
Fifth, index funds, by nature of being diversified already, diffuse the dangers of investors who suffer from a cognitive bias called irrational escalation.
Sixth, index funds force people who cannot value businesses, and thus have no business owning stocks, to avoid the temptation to select individual ownership stakes in different enterprises. You wouldn't believe how often I've watched ordinary people who are smart in all sorts of areas throw their life savings into a company they don't understand based on the most ridiculous justification. By outsourcing their thinking to the editors of The Wall Street Journal, a handful of employees as Standard and Poor's, or whomever else may be running a given index, they basically allow those who have more financial literacy and understanding to make decisions on their behalf.
What are the downsides of investing in index funds?
On the flip side, there are several major disadvantages of investing in index funds. These become more pronounced the more successful you are.
First, you need to understand that index funds are a crude approximation of the thing that makes them work. They are not ideal, they are simply "good enough". When you look at the underlying academic evidence, it is overwhelming in demonstrating that, historically, success most frequently arises for investors who:
Combine diversified equity ownership with
Long ownership periods due to low turnover and
Keep costs low.
For lower and middle-class investors, the index fund was the only way to achieve that if you didn't want to devote a lot of time to your portfolio. In fact, though the future may differ from the past so there is no guarantee it will always be thus, if you could go back in time and had a choice between investing in an index fund - we'll pick the S&P 500 market capitalization weighted version for the sake of simplicity - or creating your own private index fund by buying all five hundred underlying stocks, individually, on an equal-weight basis and holding them with no subsequent changes, including watching several individual positions go bankrupt, your private index fund would have crushed the public index fund over 30, 40, 50+ year periods.
As a matter of fact, it's not even close. No intelligent person would have picked the public index fund over a privately constructed index fund made up of the individual securities held on an equal-weight basis after seeing the data if he or she could afford the costs. Dr. Jeremy Siegel and his researchers at Wharton have demonstrated this beyond any potential disagreement so arguing with it is like advocating for the Flat Earth Society. The numbers are crystal clear and irrefutable. The academically inclined among the asset management industry know this but it's Mokita - a truth that isn't spoken outside of professional circles or certain classrooms because it's impossible to offer it on a widespread basis without breaking the equity markets due to the lack of float in the smaller components (it's gotten so bad, the larger components now have to be float-weight adjusted, which effectively means mom and pop investors of public index funds in the future will be transferring their wealth to rich insiders who decide to sell out at the top of stock market bubbles; an esoteric adjustment that, while necessary to accommodate the massive inflows of capital, amounts to one more transfer from the poor to the rich.
And don't even get me started on the fact that many people think the S&P 500 is passively managed - it's not, it's highly passive but very much actively managed by a committee of folks at Standard and Poor's who change the rules from time to time, including selling off some of the highest returning international equities.
Many of the elite asset management groups will run private index-like portfolios such as this for investors who want the better diversification of equal-weight methodology if they ask. It can be done at very little additional cost provided the investor has the requisite scale. In fact, John Bogle himself attempted to get Vanguard to offer such a service several decades ago before the management that ultimately forced him into retirement due to his age rejected the idea as too much work for the firm.
Bogle was correct - the tax consequences for wealthy investors are important enough, leaving aside the equal-weight-versus-market-weight advantage entirely, that it's still better to own the underlying components directly. Between the risk of embedded gains, which I'll touch on a bit in a moment, and the ability to tax lot harvest when needing to raise funds, the advantage becomes shocking as time passes and compounding works its magic. People who don't understand the principles behind Bogle's early work, the thing that makes the index fund function in the first place, do not understand the public, pooled structure isn't a requisite; it's not required to capture the forces of passivity, low costs, and tax efficiency.
Rather, it is only a way for those without sufficient scale to take advantage of them. It's second best. It was never meant for the rich, who, if they desire to index, should be running a private index fund on their own.
How much would it take to justify building your own private index fund rather than investing through a pooled public index fund? Good question. A quick glance around most white-shoe firms indicates you could probably get it done for between 0.75% and 1.00% if you had less than $5 million. If you have $5 million to $100 million, you might get away with paying between 0.25% and 0.50%. Due to the ability to tax-loss harvest and having assets more equally spread out, there's a good chance over 25 to 50 years, you'd be not just better off, but a hell of a lot better off despite the modestly higher fees due to superior portfolio construction methodology of your private index account than you would be with the public index fund.
Even more unfairly, the richer you are, the bigger the advantage. This just isn't possible if you have something like $50,000 unless you're really enterprising and convince a brokerage firm to give you five hundred free trades in exchange for opening an account then have that same broker reinvest the dividends for free. Even then, it's going to be a good amount of work on you and you risk corporate reorganization fees of $50 or more cutting into your returns which wouldn't matter on a $10 million portfolio but mean a great deal on a $50,000 portfolio.
Split-offs will occur. Tender offers will be extended. Proxies will need to be voted. The paperwork mailings alone could bury your living room. It's a different calculation from someone with $750,000 going to a place like Personal Capital and paying 0.89% or someone with $50,000,000 walking into Goldman Sachs and paying 0.25% to save himself the hassle and have it all taken care of without worry.
Another potentially devastating issue with wealthy investors holding certain index funds that nobody wants to talk about, and even if they do, refuse to believe the same way folks ignored the dangers of dot-com stocks and collateralized debt obligations, is the risk of embedded capital gains. It is outright stupid for such a person - for a rich investor to buy a meaningful amount of something like the Vanguard S&P 500 index fund in a fully taxable account when, with a relatively insignificant amount of work, he or she could build the index directly out of individual stocks and avoid the risk of being stuck with enormous potential tax liabilities that arise because of the way the tax code treats past unrealized gains in a fund.
Specifically, Vanguard had $198,712,172,000 in that particular fund at the end of 2014, of which $89,234,130,000 consisted of unrealized gains. If Vanguard were to experience a significant run on the fund for whatever reason - and these things have, do, and will happen - management could be forced to liquidate those positions or, at the very best, pay them out "in kind". This is something Vanguard investors have never had to consider because as indexing has become the latest fashion, it has been able to pay redemption requests with fresh deposits a lot of times, net assets growing in the long-run.
Should that stop, it could get ugly.
Many people won't have to worry about it because they own this fund in their 401(k), Roth IRA, or other tax-shelter. You also may not care about it if you plan on donating most of your estate to charity and your spouse is only a few years younger than you with a life expectancy that is nearing its end. Warren Buffett is a good example. His second wife, Astrid, will inherit somewhere around $100 million to keep her comfortable following his death, of which $90 million will be in a taxable S&P 500 index fund and $10 million in cash.
However, Buffett will almost certainly have this put into some sort of charitable annuity trust, most likely organized by Munger Tolles, which itself mitigates almost all of the tax risk. Even if he didn't, given the large amount involved, and the likelihood of end-of-life arriving in short order, the trade-off isn't worth building a portfolio directly as he isn't leaving the money to his children and grandchildren.
Were you to ask me, I'd probably draw the line at a couple million dollars, saying that if you want to follow an indexing strategy and had at least the low seven figures invested outside of the confines of such protection in the pooled, public index fund rather than your own privately constructed index fund, you may mean well but you're behaving very foolishly. I wish I could say it more kindly or in a way that doesn't risk offending you, and no matter how much you may dislike me for bringing it to your attention, it doesn't change the fact that with a tiny bit of effort, and practically no additional net expense, you could eliminate the possibility of triggering embedded taxes, enjoy tax lost harvesting, and likely higher long-term returns due to the superior methodology of initially equal-weight positions entirely and yet you choose not to out of a misunderstanding of what it is you own, the way it is structured, or obdurance.
The opportunity cost of the lost wealth is real. It is meaningful. You and your heirs have no one else to blame. There isn't even a major convenience advantage, anymore; not at that size. If you've ever worked with a private asset management firm, you know that you can log in to your custody account as easily as you can an account holding a public index fund. There's no real downside here provided, again, the requisite scale is present.
Nevertheless, whenever I mention this, there will inevitably be hate mail that flows into my inbox. It's unavoidable. People have these weird ideas about index funds in that they understand the benefits but fail to grasp why they work. They don't realize how significant the advantages of indexing directly in a private account can be overusing the pooled public structure once you're rich enough. As a result, they refuse to even look into it, in which case it becomes abundantly clear that there's no real cause for disagreement.
The facts are the facts. It's not a matter of taste like chicken versus beef, it's a matter of numbers.
One particularly large drawback of most index funds is that they are not intelligently representative of different sectors and industries. There are very good arguments that the current S&P 500 index is weighted far too heavily toward financial companies. Something like an individually managed account might be able to sidestep that; creating a private index fund like I've already discussed and then weighting certain sectors and industries more heavily in favor of underlying fundamentals. Alternatively, if you are a do-it-yourself investor, you could hold a core collection of index funds then tilt the portfolio in certain directions through the introduction of individual stocks designed to increase their weighting relative to the index.
(My suggestion would be to start by considering the industries that have historically produced higher than average long-term returns. There is a reason they produce higher-than-average returns on capital.)
Yet another drawback of index fund investing is the societal consequences. Despite my praise for them in certain conditions, and my decision to use them in my own charitable foundation, which is structured as a donor-advised fund to avoid certain disclosures, basic intellectual honesty requires me to acknowledge that index funds are parasitical by their very nature. They exist by extracting value from the regular investors setting the price through their buy-and-sell behavior. By piggybacking on them, index funds effectively get a free ride, contributing little to the necessary function of identifying businesses and funding productive enterprise.
They are somewhat akin to a clever teenager figuring out how to cheat a soda machine to get free Coca-Cola. Someone, somewhere, is paying the price as he brags about his low-cost beverage. When I use them for my charitable foundation, I'm getting an unfair advantage. When you use them in your retirement accounts, you're getting an unfair advantage. As long as a small enough percentage of people do it, it's fine. Unfortunately, if enough people ever adopt indexing as an investment strategy, it could decouple the market quotation of stocks, especially smaller components in the index, from the price a rational free market would set.
This would be bad not only for society but for the investors in the long-run.
Where is that point? Nobody quite knows. We've now reached a threshold in which $1 out of every $5 invested in American equity markets is put in index funds. That would have been unthinkable not that long ago. It's not something that is going to end well if it continues. It may take years, even decades, to play out but it's not a good thing. Paradoxically, the best defense is knowing what you actually own, the underlying holdings of your index funds, and how they are valued relative to intrinsic value but if you can do that, you wouldn't own the index fund in the first place.
Some of the Reasons I'm Hesitant to Speak So Openly About Index Funds
One of the challenges I face in writing about index funds is my insistence upon intellectual honesty - telling you how I actually feel about a topic - and my worry that the wrong audience will listen to that message. For the poorer and inexperienced, index funds are a Godsend, the benefits of which dwarf the drawbacks in most cases. It's one of the reasons I talk about them so often and praise them so liberally. The last thing I want is a person to somehow misinterpret my writing on the topic and try to invest in individual stocks with their little portfolio, having no idea what they are doing nor any interest in learning.
Things like . If you can't read a balance sheet or analyze an income statement, the index might be your friend.
Additionally, index funds have taken on a cult-like status in certain sub-regions of the population. I've referred to them as a form of secular religion; a sort of click-whirr response equivalent to a person driving a car into a lake because the navigation system told him to keep driving straight. I've used the analogy before but they take a solution meant for those without a lot of money then attempt to scale it, which you can't do any more than you could use experience building a log cabin to construct a skyscraper.
It's total nonsense but they'll come across with the force and authority of a fire-and-brimstone preacher, denouncing anyone or anything who questions their orthodoxy.
Often, these are failed speculators who experienced significant stock market losses and, like a former alcoholic who is obsessed with the idea of everyone drinking, overcompensates. Far from the reasonable man or woman who says, "I acknowledge the shortcomings and risks of index fund investing and think they are still the best fit despite those problems" - a perfectly rational and intelligent way to behave in most cases - they think that index funds are the answer to all of life's problems, focusing on cost to the exclusion of all else, including value.
It isn't an accident, to provide one example, so many billionaires use the services of Northern Trust for their banking and trust fund administration needs. Those fees they pay can be a fantastic trade-off in a lot of cases. So what if they underperform the market by a few points per annum toward the end of their life expectancy but they cut their inter-generational estate tax bill by millions upon millions of dollars due to intelligent planning and asset position strategies? Do you think the rich got that way by being stupid?
I once saw a person advocate online that a lottery winner should invest tens of millions of dollars in index funds! That's how enormous the divide between the average investor and is. You would almost never hear a truly wealthy person or family advocate such an idiotic policy.
The secular religion model is the correct one because these people are engaged in idolatry. They worship the form of the thing over its substance. They don't understand . They say nonsensical things like, "I don't invest in individuals stocks" when, in the end, all equity index fund investors are really owners of individual stocks. All that matters is 1.) which stocks you own, 2.) how those stocks are selected, 3.) the weightings assigned to those stocks, 4.) the costs relative to the services or benefits received, and 5.) the potential tax exposure.
Maybe you can get it through an index fund, maybe you can't. Directly owned passive portfolios are going to be a better choice for a lot of successful people.
Final Thoughts About Investing in Index Funds
Where does that leave us? My conclusions are fairly straightforward and, at the risk of repeating myself in sections, I'll share them with you:
If your portfolio is modest, and you don't have a clue what you are doing, index funds are probably your best bet. They are good enough for what you need and will likely save you from a lot of mistakes.
If your money is held captive in a 401(k) plan at work and you have to make allocation decisions, low-cost index funds are almost always going to be among the best choices you have at your disposal. Seriously consider investing in them over the alternatives or, at the very least, making them a core part of your portfolio.
If you are affluent or high net worth, enough to get economies of scale with your money, take advantage of certain planning and tax strategies, and have a lot of money outside of tax shelters, you are bonkers if you invest in the pooled, public index fund. Instead, if you want to use an indexing approach, build a privately held index fund for yourself or pay someone like Goldman Sachs a meaningless handful of additional basis points to administer it for you. There are few things nuttier than someone with millions of dollars sitting on taxable index funds when the dramatically superior alternative of a private index account is available.
In other words, take index funds for what they are: a potentially wonderful tool that can save you a lot of money and help you get a good foundation underneath you. Once you are wealthy enough to have some real money behind you, consider bypassing the pooled structure entirely and owning the underlying components. Beyond that, index funds are neither friend nor foe, virtuous nor evil. They are a tool. Nothing more, nothing less. Use them when it suits you and is to your advantage, avoid them when they don't and aren't.
Don't get emotionally attached to them or somehow be seduced by the lie that there is something magical about their structure that makes them superior to all else in the universe.
If you do invest through index funds, I'd gently suggest you consider dollar cost averaging into a handful of core index funds, including an all-cap domestic and a developed market international, reinvest your dividends, ignore market fluctuations, and stay the course. Let time do the heavy lifting for you and, if you have a long enough run and good enough luck, retirement should be more comfortable than it otherwise would have been. There are a lot worse things you can do.
To read more about index funds and how I feel about them, check out:
Investing in Index Funds Is Almost Always the Right Choice for the Inexperienced
3 Reasons Some Sophisticated Investors Don't Buy Index Funds
Top 5 Reasons Index Funds Might Be a Better Choice for the Average Investor
Otherwise, I wish you good fortune and hope you make the right decision for yourself. If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go brace myself for the inevitable onslaught of hate mail I mentioned that is assuredly coming my way. Over the past decade and a half, whenever I write about the advantages of index funds, or point out some of the recent research about them, if the article isn't sufficiently glowing with praise, there's a small contingent of readers who will become openly hostile in a way I haven't seen since back at the tail end of the dot-com era when I had people screaming at me for pointing out they shouldn't be buying Coca-Cola at 50x earnings.
That's okay. I understand completely. Some people are wired to attack anyone who tells them something they don't want to hear. I'll take it because I care about you and your family. I'm also right. Look into it and sooner or later, you'll come to the same conclusion. The facts are not up for debate and the historical evidence is overwhelmingly conclusive.
Reasons Why Some Sophisticated Investors Don’t Buy Index Funds
A Guide to Stocks vs Index Funds and Find out Which is Right for You
Investing Tips to Improve Your Investing Results
Why You Shouldn't Try to Pick Stocks Like Warren Buffett
Understand How to Invest Your Money to Make it Grow
Basics of Asset Management Firms
Why Is the Dow Jones Industrial Average Considered Outdated?
Should You Invest in Broad Market Index Funds?
Here Is a Look at How You Can Benefit from Simple Investments
Why Are Leveraged ETFs Like TQQQ Not for the Average Investor?
The Definitive List of Top Indexes
Why to Invest in Low-Cost Index Funds
Learn Which S&P Index Funds Are the Best and Find Out Why
If You Only Invest in US Markets, You're Taking a Big Risk
How Do Actively Managed Funds Stack up Against Passive Investing?
What Are the Easiest Ways to Track Your Investments?
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Brit-Am Historical Reports (16 May, 2014, 16 Iyar, 5774)
1. Ancient Greek Language Said to Reprogram The Brain by Konstantinos MenzelÂ
[Brit-Am Comment: Similar claims have been made concerning the Study of Hebrew]
2. German Identification with Canaanites as a Motivation for Anti-Semitism?
3. WW2: Free French Forces.
Most of Escaped French Army from Dunkirk Voluntarily Returned to German Occupied France and Surrendered!
[Brit-Am Comment: Another case of Jews being sacrificed for Nothing?]
4. An Irish Revised Appreciation of Oliver Cromwell.
Cromwell: An Honourable Enemy by Tom ReillyÂ
5. A Possible Research Source: Old English Chronicles
1. Ancient Greek Language Said to Reprogram The Brain by Konstantinos Menzel - May 7, 2014 -
See more at: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2014/05/07/ancient-greek-language-said-to-reprogram-the-brain/#sthash.S37UOOnJ.dpuf
Another published scientific research by the team of Greek psychiatrist Ioannis Tsegos, showed that the measurable indicators of verbal intelligence and deductive thinking were accelerated across a group of 25 non-dyslexic children, who were taught Ancient Greek through accepted methods for two hours per week, between the ages of 8 and 12. In another equal group of children that weren't taught Ancient Greek, the study revealed that the respective indicators were decelerated. Both groups were taught similar lessons. Australian university researcher Kate Chanock, however, took Tsegos' study a step further in her work "Help for a dyslexic learner from an unlikely source: the study of Ancient Greek" (2006: Literacy), the Australian researcher describes how she cured an English-speaking person from dyslexia by using Ancient Greek.
[Brit-Am Comment:
Similar claims have been made concerning the Study of Hebrew.
Johann Andreas Eisenmenger
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johann_Andreas_Eisenmenger
A further, if minor, element in his polemic consisted in an argument that Germans were a distinct people within Christianity, descended from the Canaanites, whom 'the Jews' were intent on destroying[12] in accordance with Deuteronomy 7:16.[13]
12. Pierre James, The Murderous Paradise: German Nationalism and the Holocaust, Greenwood Publishing Group, 2001 p.72-3
13. Nils Roemer, 'Colliding Visions:Jewish Messianism and German Scholarship in the Eighteenth Century,', in Allison Coudert, Jeffrey S. Shoulson (eds.) Hebraica Veritas?: Christian Hebraists and the Study of Judaism in Early Modern Europe, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2004 pp.266-284, p.271.
Free French Forces
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_French_Forces
Despite de Gaulle's call to continue the struggle, few French forces, at least initially, pledged their support. Of the tens of thousands of French soldiers evacuated fromDunkirk in June 1940, only about 3,000 chose to continue the fight by joining de Gaulle's Free French army in London.[11] Three-quarters of French servicemen in Britain requested repatriation.[12]
The fact was that France was bitterly divided by the conflict. Frenchmen everywhere were forced to choose sides, and often deeply resented those who had made a different choice.[13] One French Admiral, Rene Godfroy, voiced the opinion of many of those who decided not to join the Free French forces, when in June 1940 he explained to the exasperated British why he would not order his ships from their Alexandria harbour to join de Gaulle:
"For us Frenchmen the fact is that a government still exists in France, a government supported by a Parliament established in non-occupied territory and which in consequence cannot be considered irregular or deposed. The establishment elsewhere of another government, and all support for this other government, would clearly be rebellion".[13]
Equally, few Frenchmen believed that England could stand alone. In June 1940 Petain and his generals told Churchill that "in three weeks England will have her neck wrung like a chicken".[14] Few in the summer of 1940 could foresee German defeat. Of France's far-flung empire, only a few distant African colonies rallied behind de Gaulle's initial call to arms.[15]
In the summer of 1940, as Britain fought for her survival during the Battle of Britain, around a dozen Free French pilots volunteered to help fight the Luftwaffe.[16] By contrast, 139 Polish pilots volunteered to join the RAF.[17]
France's surrender found her only aircraft carrier, Bearn, en route from the United States loaded with a precious cargo of American fighter and bomber aircraft. Unwilling to return to occupied France, but likewise reluctant to join de Gaulle, Bearn instead sought harbour in Martinique, her crew showing little inclination to side with the British in their continued fight against the Nazis. She would remain in Martinique for the next four years, her aircraft rusting in the tropical climate.[18]
However, following repeated broadcasts, by the end of July 1940, seven thousand people had volunteered for the Free French forces.[19] The Free French Navy manned some 50 ships with about 3,700 men operating as an auxiliary force to the British Royal Navy.
By the time of the Normandy Invasion, the Free French forces numbered more than 400,000 strong. 900 Free French paratroopers landed as part of the British Special Air Service (SAS) Brigade; the Free French 2nd Armored Division, under General Leclerc, landed at Utah Beach in Normandy on 1 August 1944, and eventually led the drive toward Paris, while the divisions which had been fighting in Italy became part of the French First Army, under General Jean de Lattre de Tassigny, and joined the US 7th Army in Operation Dragoon. This operation was the Allied invasion of southern France. The Allied forces advanced up the line of the Rhone River to liberate the Vosges and southern Alsace. The 1er Bataillon de Fusiliers-Marins Commandos formed from the Free French Navy Fusiliers-Marins landed on Sword Beach and were amongst the first members of the Free French forces to enter Paris
End of the war
By September 1944, the Free French forces stood at 550,000 (including 195,000 French from North-Africa and 295,000 Maghrebis).[48] This number rose to 1 million by the end of the year. French forces were fighting in Alsace, the Alps, and Brittany. In May 1945, by the end of the war in Europe, the Free French forces comprised 1,300,000 personnel, and included seven infantry divisions and three armoured divisions fighting in Germany making it the fourth largest allied army in Europe behind the Soviet Union, the US and Britain.
The French offered to send a division to the Pacific to help fight the Japanese toward the end of the war, but it ended before they could be sent.
Brit-Am Comment:
There are reports of Jewish refugees begging to be taken aboard ship in the evacuation from Dunkirk. They were usually refused, sometimes with the compliment of hearing curses and crass anti-Jewish sentiment. If these Jews had have been saved they would have contributed to Allied victory.
As it was most of the French who were evacuated went back to German occupied France and indirectly (through their manpower etc) helped the German War effort!
Another case of Jews being sacrificed for Nothing?
4. An Irish Revised Appreciation of Oliver Cromwell.
Cromwell: An Honourable Enemy by Tom Reilly
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cromwell-Honourable-Enemy-Tom-Reilly/dp/0863223907
Publication Date: 9 Feb 2008
This controversial study of Cromwell's notorious Irish campaign is published on the 350th anniversary of Cromwell's death. The author's unique opinions are shaped by his home town of Drogheda, the site of one of Cromwell's most notorious alleged massacres.
Tom Reilly says: As author of this book, I feel that many historians in Ireland are not ready yet for 'an honourable' Cromwell - nor indeed are the people of Ireland. I thought that I would change the history books and public opinion about this much maligned historical figure by publishing the truth about Cromwell's Irish campaign. The reaction - among the under forties on the whole - was good, but among historians and the over forties it was bad. They can't seem to accept that an amateur could discover such a fundamental flaw in Irish history ie that neither Cromwell or his men ever engaged in the killing of any unarmed civilians throughout his entire nine month campaign. The facts are there for all to see. But God bless Ireland the past is still the present here and we MUST have our English hate figures - despite the truth. How sad is that?
http://www.freefictionbooks.org/books/o/44378-old-english-chronicles
BOHN'S ANTIQUARIAN LIBRARY.
Old English Chronicles.
ETHELWERD--ASSER'S LIFE OF ALFRED--GEOFFREY OF MONMOUTH--GILDAS--NENNIUS--AND RICHARD OF CIRENCESTER.
EDITED, WITH ILLUSTRATIVE NOTES, BY J.A. GILES, D.C.L., LATE FELLOW OF CORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE, OXFORD.
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The 25 Best Movies of Summer!
The Case for Canning: Visit the Little Rock Cannery...
The Blueberries Are Coming! Get Ready Downtown Brooksvi...
October 27th, 2017- National Navy Day
Posted by Jared Tanner | Oct 27, 2017 | Community News | 0 |
NATIONAL NAVY DAY
The United States Navy (USN) is the naval warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven uniformed services of the United States. The U.S. Navy is currently the largest, most powerful navy in the world, with the highest combined battle fleet tonnage. The service has over 340,000 personnel on active duty and more than 71,000 in the Navy Reserve.
Navy Day was established on October 27, 1922 by the Navy League of the United States. Although it was not a national holiday, Navy Day received special attention from President Warren Harding. Harding wrote to the Secretary of the Navy Edwin Denby:
“Thank you for your note which brings assurance of the notable success which seems certain to attend the celebration of Navy Day on Friday, October 27, in commemoration of past and present services of the Navy. From our earliest national beginnings the Navy has always been, and deserved to be, an object of special pride to the American people. Its record is indeed one to inspire such sentiments, and I am very sure that such a commemoration as is planned will be a timely reminder.”
“It is well for us to have in mind that under a program of lessening naval armaments there is a greater reason for maintaining the highest efficiency, fitness and morale in this branch of the national defensive service. I know how earnestly the Navy personnel are devoted to this idea and want you to be assured of my hearty concurrence.”
October 27 was suggested by the Navy League to recognize Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday. Roosevelt had been an Assistant Secretary of the Navy and supported a strong Navy as well as the idea of Navy Day. In addition, October 27 was the anniversary of a 1775 report issued by a special committee of the Continental Congress favoring the purchase of merchant ships as the foundation of an American Navy. President Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919, served 1901-1909), who was a naval enthusiast/promoter of sea power and former assistant Secretary of the Navy just before the Spanish-American War of 1898. Although meeting with mixed reviews the first year, in 1923 over 50 major cities participated, and the United States Navy sent a number of its ships to various port cities for the occasion. The 1945 Navy Day was an especially large celebration, with 33rd President Harry S. Truman (1884-1972, served 1945-1953), reviewing the returning home American fleet in New York Harbor after victory in World War II.
NAVY DAY. Navy Day is observed annually on October 27. It is a day to salute all of the women and men who have served, both past and present, in the United States Navy.
Jared Tanner
Hernando Connects
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Anthony Patch | The Ultimate Adversary Artificial Intelligence, VR & 5G | Aug. 15, 2017
Labels 5G, A.I., Anthony Patch
Source: kevbakershow.com, anthonypatch.com
THE ULTIMATE ADVERSARY.
Artificial Intelligence is advancing at break neck speed & this was demonstrated again over the weekend when Elon Musk’s OpenAI took on some of the worlds best players at online game Dota 2….. and won!
We previously covered, in depth, how Google Deepmind’s AlphaGo AI managed to outwit one of the worlds top Go players. Over the course of 3 games of the ancient Chinese game of Go, the Deepmind AI took on and won against a player regarded as one of the best, Ke Jie. Not only that, but it came up with moves previously unseen by human players. This achievement by AlphaGo was heralded around the world as an indication as to just how powerful these AI systems are becoming.
You might not think that this is all that special, but take into account that the game of Go is regarded as mans’s most complicated strategy game. The eventual goal of Deepmind is to create a machine that can “solve intelligence & make the world a better place“.
AI taking on players at Go & winning was one thing, but arguably, OpenAI just went one better.
OpenAI is the open source AI company set up by Elon Musk. Musk is not stranger to the world of AI & his remarks are usually met with controversy due to his pessimistic views on the subject. On this occasion, its the actual AI that has people talking.
OpenAI just stunned the gaming world by beating a professional player at the game of DOTA 2. It had been thought that an AI bot wouldn’t be able to even come close to beating a skilled human player.
OpenAI went up against Ukrainian Danylo “Dendi” Ishutin…. and won! What is even more impressive, or scary, is the fact that the AI only started learning the game TWO WEEKS AGO!
This marks an important step in the progress of AI technology.
So, how does an AI bot learn how to play a game that is even difficult to explain to humans?
The answer to that questions is Adversarial Neural Networks (ANN).
ANN’s can be trained to recognise patterns in data including speech, text data, or visual images & are the the basis for a large number of AI under development in recent times.
We have talked in the past about “deep machine learning” and “recurrent neural networks”, but in the case of the AI bot that just won at DOTA 2, it the ANN – Adversarial Neural Network.
Think of it like this – there are 2 AI bots pitted against each other, in this case, the game of DOTA 2. Neither one of the AI start with any knowledge of the task at hand or the game they are playing. What happens is that through trial and error, and by always facing an opponent of the very same skill level, they learn from their mistakes and from each other, eventually leading to them developing an understanding of the task at hand.
The AI has one goal in mind, and that is to win, at any or all costs! It is designed to compete against, not work alongside, anything it encounters & that includes US!
Perhaps its just me but this technique used to train the AI puts us in a very disadvantageous position down the line. I say that due to the fact that the very nature of the machine is to win, win, win. There is no room for error on its part & will keep going until it achieves the only outcome it desires – victory. In the gaming arena this is fine, but what happens when this transfers into an artificial super intelligence, or as it also known “Strong” or “Wide” AI?
Recently we seen reports of both Google & Facebook having to pull the plug on AI chat bots because they had developed their own language that programmers couldn’t decipher. There are also stories about AI developing the ability to deceive its users, all to gain an advantage so that it can “win”.
All AI’s are driven by goals which are met with rewards, and the AI will go to any length to achieve its goal so that it attains the reward it seeks. Just how far will these machines go to reach their goals, that is the question?
This is why people such as Elon Musk, rightly in my opinion, warn about the existential threat posed by AI.
Anthony Patch & I discuss Musk’s warnings and offer our own theories as to why a man so concerned about AI is in fact one of the people bringing about its inception.
Musk talks openly about “a third digital layer that could work symbiotically” with the human & machine. Contraversially, i do see where he is coming from. For the machine to truly appreciate & understand human emotion, the best way would be for it to “experience” these emotions via us. With us being a part of the AI system, that in itself would be a safety feature to prevent the potential for AI to wipe us out.
Let me make it abundantly clear that I am not advocating for merging with machines, im merely explaining my opinion on Elon Musk’s idea that we need something like the Neural Lace to prevent our downfall.
There is another, more nefarious, way of integrating us into the AI system, and it comes in the form of our DNA.
Anthony Patch has discussed the potential for a third strand of DNA to be utilised for just this function. We all may be unwittingly wired & ready to go already! The metal particulates that we are all subjected to via the aerosol spraying could be used for this very purpose.
The use of Nanotechnology could literally wire us for the matrix & all that awaits is the activation of this technology.
Could 5G by the switch that is about to be flicked & welcome us all into the matrix?
-kevbakershow.com
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Affiliated Blogs
Beyond Planet Three
About Planet 3
Beyond Sustainability: A Manifesto
What’s on Topic for Planet3.0
Only In It For The Gold
Honest, wide-ranging, scientifically informed conversation about sustainable technologies and cultures, toward a thriving future
quicquid status quo
Michael Tobis
Michael Tobis, editor-in-chief of Planet3.0 and site cofounder, has always been interested in the interface between science and public policy. He holds a doctorate from the University of Wisconsin - Madison in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences where he developed a 3-D ocean model on a custom computing platform. He has been involved in sustainability conversations on the internet since 1992, has been a web software developer since 2000, and has been posting sustainability articles on the web since 2007.
I saw a sentence on a leftish site today, Mother Jones iirc, to the effect that “Power is concentrated in the hands of defenders of the status quo”
This seems almost a tautology. Moments in history where this is not true are rare – they are the true tipping points.
The question is the nature of the status quo and of the power. Responsible power perceives itself as a balancing act between chaos on one hand, and perfidy on the other. Disruption or corruption, with a narrow space between.
How narrow? An interesting question, obviously dependent on many things.
But balanced on this narrow ledge, you will always find the ancien régime. Who else would you expect to see there?
Whatever the status quo, it defends itself, and very rarely fails completely. It is very risky for those outside the status quo to overturn it, and the effort often makes matters worse. But sometimes the situation becomes too ridiculous to put up with much longer.
Some dude once said:
When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.
This article was posted in Uncategorized.
pangolin says:
After spending several weeks of 12 hour days at my local Occupy site I have come to a certain conclusion. The biggest obstacle to overcome is the perception that there is no such thing as social responsibility.
We have been trained by media for some time to think that all problems in life are the fault of the individual. If and when the perception shifts to where a significant fraction decide that social responsibility is paramount over individual privilege then we will see movement.
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≡Home Wall of Remembrance Foundation The Memorial Honor RollApplication Contact DONATE
The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc., is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization originally entrusted with the responsibility to ensure that the Korean War Veterans Memorial in our Nation’s Capital will be maintained in perpetuity and to assist with ceremonies at the Memorial honoring all those who have served. A recent law added a new purpose.
In October, 2016 legislation tasking the Foundation with raising the funds necessary to build and establish a “Wall of Remembrance” as part of the Korean War Veterans Memorial was signed into law. The Wall is to become the permanent home to the names of the 36,574 who gave their lives in the service of freedom—names that might otherwise remain Forgotten.
The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation is led by:
Colonel William E. Weber, USA-Ret.
Enlisting on 25 February 1943 at age seventeen, Colonel William E. Weber spent his first seven months of service in the Army Specialized Training Program until reaching the age of eighteen in November 1943, when he entered basic training. Following basic and advanced infantry training, he volunteered for the Airborne. Graduating from the Parachute School as paratrooper and glider qualified, he then underwent airborne demolitionist training.
Selected to attend Infantry Officer Candidate School at Fort Benning, Georgia, he was commissioned a second lieutenant of Infantry in January 1945. After graduating from the Airborne Jumpmaster Course at Fort Benning, Weber was assigned to the 11th Airborne Division, then in the Philippines as a platoon leader in Company M, 3rd Battalion, 187th Glider Infantry Regiment. When the Japanese surrendered in August 1945, he and his fellow troopers of the 11th Airborne participated in an air landing operation to initiate the occupation of Japan.
After serving with the occupation forces in Japan, Weber was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. In April 1949, he rejoined the llth Airborne Division at Camp Campbell, Kentucky, when it returned from Japan. In August 1950 he deployed to Korea with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team as the executive officer of Company L, 187th Airborne Infantry. Wounded in September 1950 during the battle for Seoul while the 3rd Battalion, 1 87th Infantry, was attached to the 1st Marine Division, Weber was assigned as the battalion S-2 while recuperating. Following a combat jump at Sukchon, North Korea, he became commander of Company K in December 1950.
During the battle for Wonju in February 1951, Weber was severely wounded and lost his right arm and right leg. Following hospitalization, he was retained on active duty, being one of the first such disabled officers on active duty since the Civil War. His (and others’) ability to perform required duties of their branch, rank, etc., established the practice of retaining selected disabled personnel for active duty. Back then, this was an exception to common practice; today it is an established procedure.
Following assignment as Assistant Secretary General Staff, Headquarters, First Army, Weber attended the Infantry Officer Advanced Course at Fort Benning. After graduation, he was assigned to the Leadership Committee, Infantry School, and then to the Command & General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
After graduation, he was assigned to U.S. Army Europe and served as Operations Officer, G-3, at Headquarters, Central Army Group, with NATO. Upon his return to the United States, Weber attended the Armed Forces Staff College and was then assigned to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, in the Pentagon. After graduating from the Army War College, he served in the Office of the Secretary of the Army before retiring in 1980.
His awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star, Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star with V, Purple Heart with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
In 1987, Weber was appointed by President Ronald Reagan as a member of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Advisory Board. During this period, he and three airborne comrades planned, organized, and conducted the Fiftieth Anniversary celebration of the Army’s airborne forces in July 1990 in Washington, DC.
He presently serves as Chairman of the Board for the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation.
RICHARD W. DEAN II, COL (RET.), US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, VICE CHAIRMAN
Colonel (Ret.) Richard Dean has thirty five years of engineering expertise in the armed forces, federal and private sectors. Rick is currently the Director of Engineering at the National Defense University, Fort McNair, Washington, DC and oversees a robust diversity of renovation projects in the Historic District of the base including its keynote historic landmark facility of Roosevelt Hall and recent renovation of Grant Hall in which the third floor courtroom of the Lincoln conspirators was recreated to its 1865 configuration.
Prior to his current position, Rick was the Project Engineer with the Baltimore District US Army Corps of Engineers in which he was tasked continually with high visibility / sensitive projects to include the construction of the Korean War Veterans Memorial on the National Mall; renovation of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff quarters at Fort Myer; complete renovation of the Headquarters, US Army Corps of Engineers, Washington, DC; and significant renovation projects at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to name a few the diverse portfolio of projects. Two of these projects were dedicated by presiding US Presidents. Rick also deployed (first rotation) to Kosovo at the end of the air war and was a key team member in the base camp design and construction of Camp Gjilane and assisted in the establishment of Camp Bondsteel. Previous to his Federal Service, Rick was a Superintendent of road construction, utilities, and sports facilities construction companies in Northern Virginia.
Colonel Dean spent over 30 years of service in the US Army (Active and Reserve Duty) culminating as Commander, 579th Engineer Detachment (FEST-M) with deployment to Kandahar, Afghanistan and NATO Regional Support Command Engineer during the 2010 surge campaign. Prior to this assignment, Colonel Dean was the 88th Regional Support Command Deputy Chief of Staff, Engineer in which he oversaw the facilities maintenance, renovation and construction of over 350 facilities located in 19 states with a staff of military/civilian/contractor staff of 200 personnel and was heavily involved with the BRAC 2005 program. Colonel Dean was selected as the US Army Reserve Command’s BASOPS Engineer Executive of the Year. Colonel Dean held numerous positions of increased responsibility with the 416th Engineer Command, culminating as the Fort Meade/Belvoir Facility Engineer Team Leader. He also deployed in support of the US Army Corps of Engineers Emergency Response Team for Texas flood disaster/levee rebuilding 1992; Mississippi River floods 1993 and 1994 and Hurricanes Luis/Marilyn in the Virgin Islands 1995. He is a recipient of the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters and other decorations, as well as the Bronze and Silver De Fleury Medals from the US Army Engineer Regiment.
Rick also takes pride in his volunteer efforts with the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation as Vice Chairman and co-leader to construct a glass “Wall of Remembrance” at the memorial to list the 36,574 veterans killed in the war and key planner of numerous national events to honor Korean War Veterans. He is Executive Board Member of the Senior Army Reserve Commanders Association and has lead a volunteer crew of adult scouters for over 25 years in numerous semi-annual construction projects at the National Capital Area Council’s scout camp at Goshen, Virginia.
Rick received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University and a Master of Science degrees from the University of Idaho and the University of Southern California and is a Honor Graduate of the US Army Command and General Staff College.
JAMES R. FISHER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jim Fisher, National Executive Director, Korean War Veterans Association of the USA and Executive Director of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation.
Jim Fisher is a senior military leader who retired from the U.S. Army after 24 years of service. Seven of them were spent as the Chief of Operations Officer for the Department of Defense’s 50th and 60th Anniversary of WWII and 50th Anniversary of the Korean War Commemoration. After leaving the Department of Defense he became the coordinating producer for the PBS National Memorial Day Concert and A Capitol Fourth Concert. Jim has served as the executive director of the Friends of the National WWII Memorial, The Korean War Veterans Association, and the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War commemoration for the Nation. Within these roles he successfully executed 100+ high-profile Veteran events and commemorative programs. In 2001, he was awarded the Vietnam Veteran of the Year Award for his dedication to ensure all Veterans are properly honored for their service.
Jim is the Executive Director of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation (KWVMF) and oversees the day-to-day operations which provide a full spectrum of tactical and strategic workforce solutions.
THOMAS S. KIM, President, Thomas Capitol Partners, Inc.
Thomas S. Kim is Founder and President of Thomas Capitol Partners, Inc., an international lobbying and strategic consulting firm based in Washington, DC. Mr. Kim’s practice centers on representing and advising the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Korea International Trade Association (with over 72,000 member companies) on a wide range of political, security, diplomatic, military, cultural, economic and trade matters before the United States Congress. For more than a decade, Mr. Kim has contributed to nearly every congressional and legislative initiative affecting the U.S.-Korea alliance.
He serves on the Board of Directors of W2E International Corporation, an advanced waste conversion technology company that utilizes gasification processes to convert waste matter into clean energy. He also serves on the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation, Inc. whose mission is to ensure the proper maintenance and enhancement of the Korean War Veterans Memorial in the Nation’s Capital.
Mr. Kim volunteers as a Guest Lecturer in the Department of Political Science at the United States Naval Academy. He is also active with the Naval Academy Foundation and established the “Thomas S. Kim Scholar” program that supports a Midshipman’s semester exchange at the Republic of Korea Naval Academy.
Educated at The Johns Hopkins University (B.A. with Honors) and Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service (M.S.), Mr. Kim currently resides in McLean, Virginia with his wife Nancy, a Partner at Lange, Thomas & Associates LLP, and their sons Thomas (TJ) and Samuel.
ANNELIE WEBER
Annelie E. Weber retired after serving nearly 29 years as a congressional staffer and Executive Assistant to the General Counsel and to the Chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, U.S. House of Representatives.
Annelie is a “Distinguished Toastmaster” the highest award Toastmasters
International can bestow to its leaders and was elected to serve District 18 as its Governor. She also served for two years as a Board member of Toastmasters International, and served for three years as a member of the International Leadership Committee.
She is also a past President of the Frederick County Commission for Women. She is a graduate of the annual 2003-2004 Leadership Frederick program sponsored by the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce.
Annelie has served as the Executive Staff assistant for the Korean War Veterans Association.
During the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War 2000-2003, she published The Commemorator, a quarterly publication for and about Korean War veterans and served as the Executive Assistant and interim Executive Director for U.S. Korea 2000 Foundation, a non-profit Foundation.
She now serves as the Secretary/Treasurer of the Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation and is the Assistant Editor of the Airborne Quarterly, a digest of airborne history published by her husband under the auspices of the American Airborne Association.
Annelie is a Board Member of the League of Women Voters, Frederick County and a past Board Member of the Asian American Community of Frederick, MD.
She is an alumna of the University of Maryland where she obtained her BA and MS degrees. Annelie is German by birth and American by choice.
George S. Kopp
George S. Kopp is a Washington lawyer and government relations consultant. Working closely with members of Congress, Mr. Kopp is often called upon to assist with appropriations matters and the development of legislative proposals, which would affect the competitiveness and economic viability of client companies and products. An expert in science and technology policy and an international trade law specialist, Mr. Kopp is particularly well versed in trade matters involving aerospace and other high-technology industries. He also serves liaison between clients, the Administration, and the regulatory agencies on matters ranging from emergency response to the environment. He frequently prepares in-depth reports on highly complex subjects, addressing individual clients’ concerns, and assists in increasing clients’ presence on Capitol Hill during key legislative debates on national policy.
Throughout his career, Mr. Kopp has represented some of the largest international and domestic corporations, and foreign, state and local governments. Mr. Kopp also has represented several non-profit organizations. He has held senior positions in several Presidential campaigns and numerous Congressional races. Following the Clinton campaign, Mr. Kopp served on the Transition Team of the incoming Chief of Staff. Mr. Kopp also served as Adjunct Professor of law at Columbus School of Law at Catholic University where he taught Administrative Law.
Prior to entering the private sector, Mr. Kopp served in several positions on Capitol Hill and in the Federal Government, including seven years as Democratic Staff Director and Chief Counsel to the Environment Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science. In this position, he was responsible for the authorization and oversight of a wide variety of programs, including advanced remote sensing, environmental satellite programs, next generation radar, new energy technologies, biotechnology, research into the relocation of hazardous nuclear waste and climate change. In fact, Mr. Kopp’s subcommittee held the first congressional hearing on climate change. Mr. Kopp also served as Counsel to the Space Shuttle Challenger accident investigation.
Previously, as Democratic Counsel to the House Energy and Commerce Committee, Mr. Kopp was responsible for trade regulation, insurance and antitrust matters. He was the principal House staff member involved in passage of the Federal Trade Commission authorization bill, which made significant changes in the Commission’s jurisdiction and procedures.
Before serving on Capitol Hill, Mr. Kopp was Assistant Director of the Division of Product Reliability at the Federal Trade Commission. There he directed the agency’s activities relating to standards and certification, warranties, franchising, and dispute resolution. He was also a trial attorney with the Department of Justice Criminal Division for six years.
Mr. Kopp currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Korean War Veteran’s Memorial Foundation. He graduated with honors from the University of Arkansas School of Law. He is a member of the bars of the District of Columbia and the State of Arkansas.
Make A Donation To The Korean War Veterans Memorial Foundation
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Posts Tagged ‘James McCord’
Friday, July 22nd, 2011
Nearly 40 years after the Watergate arrests, a former police spy has published a book in which he makes extraordinary claims about the FBI’s COINTEL program and, just as sensationally, the supposed dismantling of the Nixon Administration by a Pentagon spy-ring.
Watergate Exposed is the biography of a “Confidential Informant” named Robert Merritt, as told to one of the lawyers for the Watergate burglars. It is not a very good book, or even a very reliable one. But it may be a mistake to ignore it. Among other things, Merritt claims to have tipped off the police in advance of the June 17th Watergate break-in, to have participated with police and Pentagon agents in the drugging, kidnapping and blackmailing of a senior CIA lawyer, while also having a hand in the poisoning of antiwar demonstrators.
Robert Merritt
The story begins in the tradition of the bildungsroman, with the young Merritt leaving an unhappy home in West Virginia, only to wash up at a Trailways bus station in the nation’s capital. A good-looking kid with few, if any, moral inhibitions, it was apparently only a matter of minutes before he concluded a sex-for-hospitality arrangement with an employee at the bus station. With his domestic situation efficiently sorted, Merritt then went looking for more gainful employment, and soon found it as a post-mortem technician in a local hospital. His job? Removing the hearts from the cadavers of children for use in a government study.
The work seems not to have bothered him overly much. He toiled at it for two years before he found what became his life’s calling. In January, 1970, while cruising the city’s “artsy” Dupont Circle neighborhood, Merritt attracted the attention of an undercover police detective named Carl Shoffler.
No ordinary cop, Shoffler was a born conspirator, forever setting traps for the wicked. Affable and very intelligent, he was a veteran of the Army Security Agency and its “listening post” at the Vint Hill Farm station in Northern Virginia. Working closely with the National Security Agency (NSA), Vint Hill was an antennae farm whose classified mission was to intercept Soviet Bloc radio transmissions – as well as communications among antiwar organizations, radical groups and left-wing think-tanks headquartered in the capital.
To an undercover cop like Shoffler, whose official responsibilities shifted between Vice and Intelligence, Merritt was quite the prize.
Undercover police detective Carl Shoffler.
Here, it should be recalled that the times were virtually radioactive. Two months before Merritt and Shoffler hooked up, more than half-a-million demonstrators braved tear-gas in the streets of Washington to protest the Vietnam war. Soon afterwards, college students were gunned down by National Guardsmen on the campus of Kent State University. The antiwar movement, already white-hot, exploded. So did the Army Mathematics Research Institute at the University of Wisconsin, where a cabal of students and townies detonated a van-load of ammonium nitrate fertilizer, inadvertently killing a graduate student who was working late that night. In Washington, the Weather Underground detonated their own bomb – inside the Capitol itself. Student riots became routine throughout the country, and to many people – Left, Right and Center - it seemed like the wheels were coming off.
All of which combined to make Robert Merritt something of a find. A gay street kid with long hair and very little “hold-back,” he could be relied upon to help Shoffler and his colleagues “infiltrate, expose, disrupt and discredit” dissident groups and their leaders. That was the mandate of secret government undertakings to which Shoffler and his cohort were a party – illegal operations like the COINTEL program and the CIA’s Operation CHAOS. In Washington, the Institute for Policy Studies was subjected to surveillance, infiltration, and disruption. So were the Red House Bookstore and underground newspapers like the The Quicksilver Times. Even the restrooms – especially the restrooms – came under surveillance. At least the ones at Dupont Circle did.
Some of this was business as usual. Washington’s gay community had been of special interest to the police and the feds since the Second World War. For more than 20 years, the Washington Police Department’s Lt. Roy Blick compiled thousands of dossiers on the city’s “perverts.” Testifying before a Senate subcommittee in 1950, “Blick described parties raided, officials high and low arrested, and ended with a real shocker,” Newsweek reported. “’There are some 5,000 homosexuals in the District of Columbia,’ he testified, ‘and 3,750 of them work for the government.’”
Of particular interest were people of influence – wayward lawyers and politicians, judges and businessmen – and their families. Male and female prostitutes and their clients were also targeted, and the results shared with both the FBI and the Security Research Staff at the CIA. That the dossiers were sometimes put to political use is undeniable, their compilation justified on the grounds that homosexuals were a national security threat.
Shoffler became Blick’s protege during the 1960s – and soon was known within the Department as “Little Blick.” He seems to have “inherited” many of his namesake’s files when the latter retired and, like Blick, liaised regularly with his FBI and CIA counterparts.
And not just his counterparts. If we can believe Merritt, Shoffler was also in touch with White House counsel John Dean.
This will give Watergate aficionados pause. There are those of us who believe that Dean unilaterally ordered the Watergate break-in. If then, it should turn out that in the weeks and months leading up to the break-in, Dean was meeting with the police officer who would eventually make the Watergate arrests, we will have arrived at an interesting and previously unknown intersectiion in the affair.
That said, it must be noted Merritt’s recollection of the supposed Shoffler-Dean meeting(s) is not in his book. It’s a story he recounted on a radio program while attempting to publicize that book. As Merritt tells it, he accompanied Shoffler to a soiree at the Old Stein restaurant in April, 1972. This was two months before the Watergate break-ins and, according to Merritt, those in attendance included John Dean and a temblor of “military brass.” Elsewhere, Merritt claims that he first met Dean before an antiwar demonstration in the capital. He’d met up with Shoffler who was on his way to a meeting with a man the detective would only identify as “J.D.” An antiwar demonstration was in the offing, and J.D. – whom Merritt later recognized as John Dean - was seated in a parked car near Dupont Circle. Merritt says he didn’t give the introduction much thought, until recently.
Why Shoffler would have brought Merritt to a kaffee-klatch of high-ranking military officers is unclear, and seems unlikely. Still, it is not entirely beyond the realm of possibility that Shoffler would have introduced Merritt to Dean if, in fact, Shoffler was liaising with Dean. And perhaps he was. Antiwar demonstrations were a part of Dean’s brief at the White House, and he is known to have kept track of them. It is at least possible, then, that he and Shoffler met from time to time to compare notes.
But revelations like these drive Merritt’s amenuensis, Douglas Caddy, crazy.
Douglas Caddy
Merritt and Caddy were in regular contact for years about the book. Indeed, the book is Robert Merritt’s story as told to Douglas Caddy, who also added a thoughtful and interesting Prologue and Afterward. The problem Caddy now has with the book is that some of Merritt’s most significant and/or outrageous claims are nowhere to be found in it. They only came out when Merritt began to publicize the book, whereupon he did what Confidential Informants almost always do: he became an unstoppable raconteur. And in so doing, he may well have embellished the tale to make it even more interesting (though this has yet to be demonstrated).
Caddy’s interest in the affair would seem to be transparent. He worked with Howard Hunt at the Robert R. Mullen Company, a Washington-based PR firm that served, also, as a CIA cover and looked after Howard Hughes’s interests in the capital.
So it was that immediately after the Watergate arrests, Hunt contacted Caddy, urging him to represent the burglars at their arraignment. Because Caddy’s new clients were mystery-men with fake IDs and refused to answer questions, the curiosity of the U.S. Attorney’s office, the FBI and the cops was piqued.
And so the court brought pressure upon Caddy himself.
Subpoena’d to appear before a grand jury, Caddy at first refused to answer questions about how he had come to be involved in the case, invoking the attorney-client privilege. Judge John Sirica promptly cited the lawyer for contempt. Confronted with jail-time, Caddy relented, which meant that he was forced to testify as a witness against his own clients.
To Caddy’s way of thinking, this was not necessarily a bad thing. Sirica’s order was so outrageous that if Caddy’s clients should be convicted, the case would likely be overturned on appeal. In the event, however, this analysis was mooted when the burglars were persuaded to change their pleas to Guilty, thereby obviating any revelations about the burglary or its purpose.
Merritt’s tale brings Caddy even deeper into the Watergate story. According to the Confidential Informant, officer Shoffler and his cohort lobbied him – hard - to seduce the lawyer.
This was an allegation that Merritt had made years earlier, and which I had reported upon – somewhat skeptically – in Secret Agenda. What made me skeptical was the absence of any evidence that Caddy was gay. But I was wrong. Caddy was, in fact, secretly gay and had gone to great lengths to conceal it.
So chalk one up for Merritt. He is obviously telling the truth about this, and we can only wonder about the lengths to which Shoffler and his associates would go. And had gone. That he knew of Caddy’s homosexuality seems remarkable until we recall that Shoffler was known as “Little Blick,” and liaised with what Jack Anderson called “the CIA’s Sex Squad,” as well as basement operations at the FBI and NYPD Intelligence.
Caddy’s name no doubt appeared in one or more the “pervert files” that were available to him.
But the story doesn’t end there. In Watergate Exposed, Merritt tells us that it wasn’t just Caddy’s seduction that was sought. Shoffler and his cohort – a casserole of fellow cops, FBI agents and Pentagon spooks – actually wanted him to kill the lawyer, and offered him $10,000 – later raised to $100,000 – to carry out “the assignment.” Merritt says he refused. Apparently on…well, ethical grounds.
Let us pause.
Inasmuch as Robert Merritt’s ethical standards can only be described as “chthonic,” I find it incredible that he would turn down so much money – to do anything. Even so, I am not sure that he’s lying in every direction. Because what stands out about Merritt almost as much as his corruption is his naivete and immense desire to please. It was these characteristics that made him so easily manipulated by his police handlers. And we see it at work here, in the Caddy story, when Merritt attempts to explain the motivations of Shoffler and the Pentagon spooks. It’s a mixed bag. They certainly wanted to know how Caddy had come to represent the burglars. But according to Merritt, there were other reasons, as well. The spooks were homophobic and were happy to kill Caddy…because he was a fag. And there were political reasons, also. Caddy “knew too much about the CIA,” Merritt tells us. He was “a communist…pro-Cuban and…” – wait for it – “a leader of the Young Americans for Freedom.”
As improbable story must seem, I am sure that something like it actually occurred. What makes me think so is a further detail that Merritt provides. “The exact description of the assignment,” he writes, is that “I was suppose to insert…(a) gelatin-like suppository into his rectum, which would have caused (Caddy’s) death within minutes.”
Yikes! Death by suppository! Poetic justice, no doubt, in the eyes of rightwing homophobes and yet…these are supposed to be serious people, the kinds of people who, when committing murder, place greater emphasis on efficiency than wit. Instead, what we have is what sounds a bit like the macho b.s. that one sometimes hears in locker-rooms and bars with sticky floors.
So the question presents itself: am I overestimating the intelligence of Shoffler and his cohort, or am I underestimating the intelligence of Merritt?
There can be no certainty on this point, but some of Merritt’s other “revelations”
may help us to decide. For instance, one of his many bombshells is the assertion that he tipped off Shoffler to what turned out to be the the final Watergate break-in. He did this, we’re told, on June 1, 1972.
That Shoffler may have been tipped off is something I have long suspected. I wrote about the possibility in Secret Agenda, noting that Shoffler and his buddies were waiting in an unmarked car outside the Watergate office building when the break-in took place. I was 1:30 in the morning, and Shoffler had been off-duty for hours. But this was by no means the only reason to suspect that the burglars walked into a trap. Even if we leave aside the peculiar behavior of the burglary team’s leader, James McCord – about which I have written elsewhere – there is the testimony of Capt. Edmund Chung.
He was Shoffler’s commanding officer at Vint Hill Farm. And according to Chung, who volunteered his testimony to the Senate, he had occasion to dine with Shoffler after the Watergate arrests. The burglary was front-page news, and Chung asked Shoffler how he had made the arrests. The police detective replied that he’d been in contact with Alfred Baldwin prior to the last break-in. (Baldwin was the former FBI agent hired by McCord to eavesdrop on telephone conversations that McCord claimed were emanating from the DNC.)
Shoffler’s implication, then, is that it was Baldwin who had tipped him off. (Baldwin acknowledges having met Shoffler at an antiwar demonstration.) If the whole story ever came out, Chung says Shoffler told him, “his life wouldn’t be worth a nickel.”
There is no mention of Chung in Merritt’s book, and the men’s stories are by no means of a piece. While they are in agreement that Shoffler was given advance warning of the June 17 break-in, they differ on the source. According to Merritt, it was he – and not Alfred Baldwin – who warned Shoffler. He says he did this on June 1, after being told of the impending break-in by a switchboard operator at the nearby Columbia Plaza Apartments. “She,” we are told, had learned of the break-in plan while eavesdropping on a telephone conversation between two men.
Merritt’s account of the incident is detailed. The switchboard operator is said to have been “a drag-queen” named James Reed, a/k/a “Rita.” The telephone connection apparently consisted of a so-called “reserve line” – one of three on the switchboard – that did not connect to the apartments. Asked about this, a former supplier of bugging equipment to the FBI suggested that the line in question may have been in use by an eavesdropping operation in the basement or elsewhere in the apartment complex.
The problems with (this part of) Merritt’s tale are several, and fundamental. For instance, the first successful burglary of the DNC occurred on the night of May 28th, 1972. A handwritten log, summarizing telephone conversations that Baldwin overheard from his listening-post in the Howard Johnson’s Motel, was edited by McCord and given to Gordon Liddy two days later. In other words, Liddy received the logs on June 1 – the same day Merritt says he told Shoffler about a break-in that was set for June 18th.
The problem, of course, is that there was no perceived need for a second entry at this time.
It was not until a week later – on Friday, June 9th – that the Committee to Re-Elect the President’s Jeb Magruder pronounced the eavesdropping logs “worthless.” Coincidentally, this was the same day that a front-page story appeared in the The Washington Star, linking the White House to a “Capitol Hill call-girl ring” with ties to the Nixon White House. John Dean reacted to the news with alacrity, if not panic. Grabbing the phone, he summoned the Asst. U.S. Attorney who was handling the case to come to the White House – and ordered him to bring “all the evidence” with him.
The weekend intervened, and it was not until Monday, June 12th, that Dean’s subordinate, Jeb Magruder, told Liddy that there would have to be a second entry to the Watergate.
This sequence of events is a well-established part of the Watergate narrative. On its face, it would seem to rule out a June 1 plan to re-enter the DNC more than two weeks later.
But maybe not. When Douglas Caddy is asked about this, he acknowledges the problem and suggests a solution. Perhaps, he says, Magruder and/or Dean were taking orders from a person or group outside the White House and the Committee to Re-Elect the President (CRP). Like who? Like what? The Pentagon, Caddy suggests. Or the CIA.
There is no evidence that this is what occurred, though it would tend to explain a second problem that is fundamental to Merritt’s account.
According to Merritt, his source (James “Rita” Reed) told him that the break-in would destroy the Nixon Administration. Which, in a sense, it did. But this could not have been foreseen as a consequence of the burglary itself. The Administration was actually destroyed by a perfect storm that included the relentlessness of the liberal media; the influence of the Kennedy machine upon the Senate Judiciary Committee; the slow-motion hemorrhage of the Administration’s secrets, crimes and improprieties; the destructive duet of James McCord and John Dean; and, not least, the Administration’s clumsy attempts at a cover-up.
Until those events had come to pass, the Watergate incident was little more than a serious embarrassment – one that Nixon appeared to have overcome through his re-election. To claim, as Merritt does, that Nixon’s downfall was foreseen in early June suggests either supernatural clairvoyance or a conspiracy of Byzantine proportions.
In the event, neither Caddy nor Merritt see this as an obstacle to the latter’s credibility. On the contrary, they imagine the unfolding of a “Seven Days in May” scenario – in other words, they believe “Watergate” was a coup d’etat.
As evidence of the conspiracy, Merritt offers yet another revelation that is not in his book, but which he recounted (much to Caddy’s chagrin) after the book was published.
According to the police informant, Shoffler and a team of Pentagon spooks drugged and kidnapped the CIA’s special counsel, Mitch Rogovin, in 1975. Though Nixon had resigned by then, the Church and Pike committees were investigating (respectively) CIA abuses and the Agency’s involvement in the Watergate affair.
According to Merritt, the Pentagon feared that an in-house CIA report (marked “Eyes Only,” “Secret,” and/or “Confidential”) would reveal the existence of a military spying operation targeted at the former Nixon White House. The purpose of the Pentagon operation, we are told, was to bring down the Administration.
The 400-page CIA report was supposedly entitled Confidential Report on Intelligence of Military Secret Operations on Nixon. By way of clarification, the report was said to be subtitled Report of Operations of Secret Surveillance and Eavesdropping. Perhaps to facilitate discussion, the putative report was conveniently referred to by its acronym, C.R.I.M.S.O.N R.O.S.E. (though C.R.I.M.S.O.N R.O.S.S.E. would have been more accurate).
I must confess that I am not sure where to begin with this, as we seem to have arrived at a S.I.L.L.Y. P.L.A.C.E. The most obvious point to make, I suppose, is that if Merritt is telling the truth, the CIA is in desperate need of a copy editor. “Secret Surveillance and Eavesdropping”? Sounds a bit like “wet water,” does it not? As for the report’s classification, it is the first that I have ever seen to have been designated “Secret,” “Confidential” and “Eyes Only” – all at once.
No matter. Shoffler and his alleged team of Pentagon spies were determined to obtain the supposed report – though it is by no means clear what they intended to do with it. In the event, we’re told they lured CIA lawyer Mitch Rogovin to the Mayflower Hotel, spiked his drink with knock-out drops, and dragged him to the hotel’s freight elevator – which Merritt claims he was operating. Carried to a room, the hapless and unconscious attorney was stripped to his wedding ring and placed in embarrassing postures with a whore.
The purpose of the exercise, we’re told, was to persuade Rogovin to retrieve the Crimson Rose report, which had been sequestered in a Secure Room at CIA headquarters in Langley. There, it was chained to a table in a large binder. Fearful that the photos might be leaked, Rogovin supposedly retrieved the Crimson Rose report and gave it – with the severed chains till dangling from the binder – to Shoffler and his team of Pentagon spooks.
Seems unlikely, does it not? Even if Pentagon’s spies were so deranged as to mount an operation as crude and egregious as the one that Merritt describes, what did they hope to do with the report? Would it not have occurred to them that there might be a copy? Moreover, what was to be done about Rogovin? The Secure Rooms that Merritt refers to are guarded by Marines and/or CIA Security staff. A record is maintained of all who enter and leave them, and closed circuit television cameras record the comings and goings of all visitors. Leaving aside the question of Rogovin being subject (as all CIA employees are) to regular polygraph testing, surely someone might would have noticed a dangling chain and missing binder in the Secure Room.
With the Crimson Rose story, Robert Merritt descends to opera bouffe. The Pentagon spy-ring that he has christened “Crimson Rose” is obviously derived from the Moorer-Radford incident, in which a Navy yeoman rifled Henry Kissinger’s briefcase and burn-bags. The secrets he obtained were dutifully conveyed to Adm. Thomas Moorer, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – though it’s unlikely that any of it was news to him. Washington Post reporter Jack Anderson, a friend and co-religionist of Yeoman Charles Radford, may also (and especially) have been a consumer of the looted materials.
The Moorer-Radford incident is, of course, anything but news. It is discussed in Secret Agenda and other books and news articles. The Pentagon and White House investigated the affair, which the Pentagon’s own chief investigator (Donald Stewart) compared to a “Seven Days in May” scenario. If there was a secret report on the Moorer-Radford affair, it was therefore more likely to be held in a Secure Room at the Pentagon (and/or the White House) than at the CIA.
In this connection, it is at least ironic to note that Yeoman Radford’s espionage was, if anything, trivial compared to the CIA’s own surveillance of the Nixon White House. It is a fact that all of the photos taken and all of the documents stolen by the Plumbers were diverted to the CIA – with the White House receiving either nothing at all, or adulterated versions of the take.
Finally, what may be said about Robert Merritt is that he is, by profession, a lifelong snitch and provocateur who admits to having “committed so many crimes at the direction of the FBI that had I been indicted, the list of felony counts would have set a world record and, if convicted, I could have received one of the longest sentences in history.”
According to Caddy, Merritt’s activities included “lying to…two comittees of Congress and a Special Prosecutor; participating in the theft of a Top Secret…national security document obtained through kidnapping, blackmailing and extorting the General Counsel of the CIA; (and) distributing candy containing poison to anti-war demonstrators and later claiming over a hundred of these persons died as a result.”
To these sins, we may add that Merritt also admits to having whored for the police and the Feds, by going after liberal political targets such as Sen. William Proximire.
Merritt is, in other words, a “man for all seasons,” albeit a gay one. His bottom-line is that, like all snitches, he needs a patron or a client – someone who will immunize him from own misdeeds, so long as he returns with whatever is needed (whether what’s needed is there or not).
That said, at this late date, it is doubtful that even Merritt knows what’s true or false about his past. So desperate does he seem for validation – money or fame, infamy or redemption – he will, I think, “remember” whatever it takes to rescue himself from a clear view of his own life.
William Burroughs called it “the naked lunch,” and Merritt has been dining on it for quite awhile. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t listen to him. While reserving judgment on Merritt’s bona fides, journalist Phil Stanford notes that some of Merritt’s more interesting and controversial claims would seem to be corroborated elsewhere. Even so, to rely on Merritt as a source would be folly. Best, then, to treat his information as leads and seek verification where it can be found.
As for Douglas Caddy, his contribution to the Merritt story is an important one. His Prologue, Afterword and letter to FBI Director Mueller contain new revelations about Watergate and the COINTEL program, while raising any number of interesting questions. For instance, we can only wonder why an experienced spook such as Howard Hunt would have turned to Caddy to represent the burglars at their arraignment. Both Caddy and Hunt were employed by the Robert R. Mullen Company, which the CIA used as a cover – a cover that the Agency was desperate to protect. Dragging Caddy into the Watergate affair could only have served to expose that cover (as, indeed, it did). From a tradecraft point of view, this was madness and we can only wonder about Hunt’s inentions.
From a tradecraft point of view, this was madness – unless Hunt hoped that the CIA would intervene with cries of “National security!” and shut the investigation down.
Caddy is interesting, as well, for having been recruited at this time to build and run a luxury hotel in Nicaragua for the CIA. The Agency, he was told, hoped that the hotel would attract Sandinista rebels to its gaming tables. I emphasize “he was told” because the rebels were not exactly what Vegas would consider “a pod of whales.” What seems more likely is that the putative hotel would have been used as a secret hospice for the CIA- (and Robert R. Mullen-) connected billionaire Howard Hughes. In the end, the Agency’s offer to make Caddy a hotelier proved to be a non-starter. The lawyer declined the post, knowing that a mandatory CIA polygraph would “out” him.
If nothing else comes out of Merritt’s tome, the book will have been worth it for those bits alone.
Tags: Alfred Baldwin, Capt. Edmund Chung, Carl Shoffler, Charles Radford, CIA, CIA Sex Squad, COINTEL, CRIMSON ROSE, Donald Stewart, Douglas Caddy, Howard Hughes, Howard Hunt, Institute for Policy Studies, James McCord, James Reed, John Dean, Mitch Rogovin, Moorer-Radford, NSA, Operation CHAOS, Pentagon, Robert Merritt, Robert R. Mullen Company, Roy Blick, Sen. William Proxmire, Vint Hill Farm
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011
G. Gordon Liddy
Nearly 30 years after the Watergate arrests, an astonishing editorial appeared in the Washington Post, attacking a Baltimore jury for having the temerity to think for itself. While the Post did not urge that the guilty parties should be burned at the stake, it was clear from the newspaper’s tenor that a bonfire would not be entirely out of order.
At issue was the jury’s 7-2 decision in a defamation case brought by a woman named Ida “Maxie” Wells. Instigated by John Dean’s attorneys in a related matter, the suit accused former White House spy G. Gordon Liddy of slandering Wells during the Q-and-A portion of a speech he’d given at James Madison University. In the judgment of the jurors, Liddy’s revisionist view of the Watergate break-in, substantially informed by a book that I’d written, was sufficiently plausible as to deserve the protections given to free speech. The judge agreed with the jury’s decision, dismissing the suit with the assertion that “no ‘reasonable jury’ could have found in favor of the plaintiff,” Maxie Wells.[Civil Case No. JFM-97-946, “Memorandum” by District Judge J. Frederick Motz, March 19, 2001, U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.]Aghast at the decision, the Post thundered that:
Courts are a capricious venue for arguments about history [The editorial appeared in the Post on Feb. 4, 2001.]. Sometimes, as when a British court last year resoundingly rejected the Holocaust denial of “historian” David Irving, litigation can help protect established history from those who would maliciously rewrite it. But conspiracy theorizing generally is better addressed in the public arena by rigorous confrontation with facts. That’s true both out of respect for freedom of speech—even wrong-headed speech—and because historical truth does not always fare so well in court. A jury in Tennessee in 1999 embraced the looniest of conspiracy theories concerning the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. And this week, in a federal court in Baltimore, the commonly understood and well-founded history of the Watergate scandal took a hit as well.
The forum was the defamation case of G. Gordon Liddy… Mr. Liddy has argued that the burglary was not an attempt to collect political intelligence on President Nixon’s enemies, but an effort masterminded by then-White House counsel John Dean to steal pictures of prostitutes—including Mr. Dean’s then-girlfriend and current wife—from the desk of a secretary at the Democratic headquarters. The secretary…is now a community college teacher in Louisiana and was understandably offended by the implication that she was somehow involved in a call-girl ring. She sued Mr. Liddy, and the battle has dragged on for four years.
The jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict, but it split overwhelmingly in favor of Mr. Liddy; the majority of jurors felt that Ms. Wells’s lawyers had failed to prove his theory wrong. They found this in spite of the fact that Mr. Liddy relies, for his theory, on a disbarred attorney with a history of mental illness. The call-girl theory “is possible,” one juror (said)… “It sure makes me more curious.” “We’ll never know” what happened, said another.
The danger of such outcomes as this one is that this sort of thinking spreads. For whether or not Mr. Liddy’s comments legally defamed Ms. Wells, we do know what happened at Watergate—and it had nothing to do with prostitutes.
Jim Hougan's, 'Secret Agenda' is available at Amazon.
The Post‘s alarm at “this sort of thinking” was compounded more than a year later, when the verdict was overturned on appeal. A new trial was ordered.
In Wells v. Liddy redux, Wells sought to bolster her case with the testimony of Sam Dash, chief counsel of the Senate Select Committee on Presidential Campaign Activities in 1973. [Headed by Sen. Sam Ervin, the committee was informally known as "the Watergate committee."] Having led the Senate’s investigation of the Watergate affair, Dash ought to have been an impressive witness. But under cross-examination from Liddy’s attorneys, John Williams and Kerrie Hook, Dash seemed pompous and strangely unprepared—characteristics he shared with Wells’s own attorney, David Dorsen (himself a former deputy of Dash’s). After listening to the witnesses for both sides, the jury again returned a verdict in Liddy’s behalf. This time, it was unanimous.
There were no further appeals, and no more editorials. The Post buried the story on an inside-page of the Metro section, and turned its attention to other matters.
But the “established history” of the Watergate affair had suffered a grievous blow. And this, because one jury after another did what the Post prescribed, but which the Post itself has never done in 30 years: they confronted the facts in a rigorous way.
One of the more crucial facts that the jury was asked to consider was a key that one of the arresting officers, Carl Shoffler, took from Eugenio Martinez, one of the Watergate burglars. As physical evidence obtained at the scene, it was literally “the key to the break-in.” And, as the FBI determined, it unlocked the desk of Maxie Wells.
James McCord mug shot
The issue—why did they pick the DNC as a target?—has been debated for decades, though one might not know it by reading the Washington Post. Most accounts of the affair suppose that the break-ins (burglars gained access to the DNC on two occasions, once at the end of May, and again on June 17th) were mounted to obtain “political intelligence.” James McCord, the former CIA officer who led “the Cubans” into the Watergate office building, told the Senate that DNC Chairman Larry O’Brien was the target. That’s why he, McCord installed a room-bug in O’Brien’s office. At least, that’s what McCord said.
But Howard Hunt and his Cuban cohort offered an entirely different reason for the break-in. According to them, they were sent into the DNC to find evidence of illegal campaign contributions from Fidel Castro.
In reality, neither explanation is supported by the evidence. If the burglars were looking for financial data, they certainly chose some strange places to search. DNC Treasurer Robert Strauss’s office was untouched, as were the offices of the DNC’s Comptroller. As for the bug in Larry O’Brien’s office, none was ever found—despite repeated and rather desperate searches by the FBI and the telephone company.
Not that the bug would have worked, in any case. O’Brien’s office was part of an interior suite at the DNC and, as such, it was shielded from McCord’s “listening post” in the motel across the street from the Watergate. Moreover, and as Liddy himself pointed out, the supposed subject of the surveillance – Larry O’Brien – wasn’t even in Washington. Nor was he expected to return anytime soon. More than a month before the break-in, the DNC’s chairman had moved to Florida, where the Democratic Convention was to be held.
Richard M. Nixon 37th President of the United States
Not that anyone cared. In 1973, the burglars’ motives weren’t of much interest to anyone. They’d pleaded guilty, and their trial was over. The story had moved on. Now, the task of the Senate Watergate Committee was to establish responsibility for the break-ins, and to deconstruct the cover-up. Or to put it another way, with the burglars convicted, it was now time to put the Administration on trial. Accordingly, the Committee’s attention was focused on higher-ups in the Nixon White House and, in particular, the Oval Office. Everything else – like the purpose of the break-in – was made to seem irrelevant.
Things might have been different, of course, had Maxie Wells been more candid in her executive session testimony before the Watergate committee. Instead, she neglected to mention that the FBI had questioned her about the key to her desk, and the circumstances under which the key had been found. According to Howard Liebengood, who served as the committee’s minority counsel, the Committee’s investigation might have taken a dramatic turn if the Committee had he learned of the key’s existence, and of Wells’s interview with the FBI.
But it did not.[The Watergate Committee lacked direct access to the FBI's investigative files, and so knew nothing about such topics as the key to Maxie Wells's desk or the Bureau's inability to find any bugging devices inside the DNC. The exception to this was the single day that Sam Dash was permitted to look at the files. Years after the hearings had ended, the FBI's Watergate file was made public by this author. Using the Freedom of Information Act, I was able to obtain the release of more than 30,000 pages of investigative files, memoranda and air-tels that Senator Ervin's committee had never seen.]
The issue of the burglary’s purpose was even raised in Blind Ambition, the John Dean memoir ghost-written by the well-regarded historian, Taylor Branch. In that book, we’re told that Dean raised the issue with Charles Colson in 1974, when both of them were doing time in federal prison.
Chuck, why do you figure Liddy bugged the DNC instead of the Democratic candidates? It doesn’t make much sense. I sat in (Atty. Gen. John) Mitchell’s office when Liddy gave us his show, and he only mentioned Larry O’Brien in passing as a target…’
“It looks suspicious to me,’” Dean continues. “‘(I)t’s incredible. Millions of dollars have been spent investigating Watergate. A President has been forced out of office. Dozens of lives have been ruined. We’re sitting in the can. And still nobody can explain why they bugged the place to begin with. [John Dean, Blind Ambition, Simon & Schuster (1976), pp. 388-91.]
Though Dean subsequently repudiated his own memoir, [Blind Ambition was written in 1975, while Gordon Liddy was in prison, refusing to talk about Watergate. When Liddy published his own memoir, and when other books began to appear, Dean's inconsistencies and "errors" became as glaring as they were numerous. Accordingly, Dean dismissed the book he had once embraced with pride, claiming that he hadn't actually read it before it was published, while insisting that much of the book was "made up out of whole cloth by Taylor Branch." A Pulitzer Prize-winner, Branch calls the allegation a lie.] the anecdote makes a good point. The Watergate affair can only remain a mystery so long as its purpose remains hidden.
Eugenio Martinez mug shot
Fortunately, we know today what the Senate Watergate Committee did not: that Detective Shoffler wrested the key from one of the burglars. (According to Shoffler, Eugenio Martinez was so determined that the key should not be found, he attempted to get rid of it and may even have tried to swallow it.) As much as a confession, that key is prima facie evidence of the break-in’s purpose. Clearly, the burglars were after the contents of whatever it was that the key unlocked.
The FBI seems to have understood this because the Bureau’s agents went from office to office after the arrests, trying the key on every desk until they found the one that it fit. This was Maxie Wells’s desk, and Shoffler, for one, wasn’t surprised. When he took the key from Martinez, Shoffler said, photographic equipment was clamped to the top of that same desk.
But what was in it? What did the burglars hope to find?
It was precisely this question that was so embarrassing to Wells. In her suit against Liddy, she sought to suppress discussion of the key because, she insisted, it unfairly implicated her in allegations about a call-girl ring.
A call-girl ring?
Well, yes. Although the Post prefers to ignore any and all evidence on the matter, links between call-girls and the DNC—and, therefore, between call-girls and the Watergate affair—have been rumored or alleged for years. The connection first surfaced in a book by a Pulitzer prize-winning New York Times reporter, J. Anthony Lukas. According to Lukas, secretaries at the DNC used a telephone in the office of Wells’s boss, Spencer Oliver, Jr., to make private calls. They did this because Oliver’s office was often empty—he traveled a lot—and his telephone was thought to be among the most private in the Democrats’ headquarters.[J. Anthony Lukas, Nightmare, Viking (1976), p. 201.] (In fact, Oliver had two phones, one of which was a private line that did not go through the DNC switchboard.)
“They would say, ‘We can talk; I’m on Spencer Oliver’s phone,’” Lukas wrote. Quoting Alfred Baldwin, who eavesdropped on these conversations at the direction of James McCord, Lukas reported that “Some of the conversations were ‘explicitly intimate.’” Baldwin was even more specific in a deposition that he later gave. According to the former FBI agent, many of the telephone conversations involved dinner arrangements with “sex to follow.” And while he never heard “prices” being discussed, Baldwin testified, he guessed that “eight out of ten” people would have thought the calls involved prostitution.
But he himself did not. As former FBI agent, Baldwin knew that for prostitution to occur, there has to be a promise of money. But money was never discussed, he said, or at least not in his hearing. And since McCord told him that he was eavesdropping on telephone conversations emanating from the DNC, Baldwin assumed that the women must be amateurs. As incredible as it seems, it did not occur to him that McCord might have lied to him about the bug’s location. To Baldwin, it was entirely plausible, or at least possible, that one secretary after another would go to a private telephone to engage her boyfriend in a conversation that was “extremely personal, intimate, and potentially embarrassing.”[Nomination of Earl J. Silbert to be United States Attorney, Hearings before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, 93d Cong., 2d sess., Part I, April-May, 1974, p. 52.] The more sophisticated Anthony Lukas was skeptical of the idea. As he reported, “So spicy were some of the conversations on the phone that they have given rise to unconfirmed reports that the telephone was being used for some sort of call-girl service catering to congressmen and other prominent Washingtonians.” [Lukas, Nightmare, p. 201.]
The same rumors were overheard by others, including the DNC’s Robert Strauss. In a 1996 deposition, Strauss testified that he recalled stories about “some of the state chairmen (who) would come into (Oliver’s) office and use the phone to make dates…” Strauss added that “in connection with the use of the telephones, some of the calls…could have been embarrassing to some of the people who made them.”
The DNC’s Treasurer was even more specific in an interview with Fox News correspondent, James Rosen. As Rosen has testified, Strauss told him that “Democrats in from out of town for a night would want to be entertained… ‘It wasn’t any organized thing, ‘but I could have made the call, that lady could have made the call’—the reference was to Maxie Wells—’and these people were willing to pay for sex.’ Those were his exact words.”[Testimony of Rosen in the first Wells v. Liddy trial.]
In an interview with Liddy’s attorneys, DNC secretary Barbara Kennedy Rhoden acknowledged that she, too, overheard such rumors. Asked if Rhoden had said “it was likely that Spencer Oliver and Maxie Wells were running a call-girl operation,” Rhoden replied: “I might have said that…” But, she added, “I have no knowledge that they were.”[Testimony of Barbara Kennedy Rhoden in the first Wells v. Liddy trial.]
That a relationship may have existed between a call-girl service and the DNC was dissed and dismissed by Wells and her attorneys, and by Spencer Oliver and his attorneys—just as it was by the Washington Post. According to them, the only evidence of such a relationship was the testimony of Phillip Bailley, a disbarred lawyer with a history of mental illness.
But that wasn’t true. One man who knew a lot about the relationship between call-girls and the DNC was a private-eye named Lou Russell. A former FBI agent, Russell had gone on to become chief investigator for the House Committee on Un-American Activities. That was in the early 1950s. Fired for soliciting “loans” from witnesses, he had turned into a hard-drinking private-eye—a noirish tough-guy who knew a lot about electronic eavesdropping. And even more about whores.
In the months leading up to the Watergate break-ins, Russell was working for James McCord, and moonlighting for the late Bud Fensterwald, a Washington lawyer who’d founded the Committee to Investigate Assassinations. In the evenings, Russell hung out with call-girls at the Columbia Plaza Apartments, barely a block from the Watergate. And according to Fensterwald and two of his employees, Russell told them he was tape-recording telephone conversations between the prostitutes and their clients at the DNC. The women didn’t mind, and the taping was a source of amusement to Russell, who seems to have regaled anyone who’d listen with anecdotes about the calls.[Jim Hougan, Secret Agenda: Watergate, Deep Throat and the CIA (Random House, 1984), p. 118.]
Not that Democrats were the only ones to avail themselves of the pleasures to be taken at the Columbia Plaza. Nixon biographer Anthony Summers quotes a longtime Nixon aide who said that Nick Ruwe, then Deputy Chief of the Office of Protocol, “was always using those call girls at the place next to the DNC.”[The Office of Protocol makes arrangements for White House social events, and for the visits of foreign dignitaries to the nation's capital.] Ron Walker, Nixon’s top advance man, was a second source. According to Walker, he knew of the brothel next to the DNC because “I had colleagues that used call girl rings.”[Anthony Summers, The Arrogance of Power (Viking, 2000), p. 422.]
In April, 1972 the seamy side of Washington was rocked when FBI agents raided the office and home of the Phil Bailley, a Washington defense attorney whose clientele included prostitutes. Coded address-books, photographs and sexual paraphernalia were seized, and what began as a simple violation of the Mann Act, became a grand jury investigation with ramifications throughout the capital.
Asst. U.S. Atty. John Rudy was placed in charge of the investigation. Soon, Rudy found himself looking into the Columbia Plaza call-girl ring and its connections to the DNC—where a secretary was said to have “arranged for liaisons.”
Watergate Complex
It was at about this time that Lou Russell appeared in Rudy’s office. According to Rudy, Russell tried to divert his attention from the Columbia Plaza to another operatioon that serviced lawyers and judges on the other side of town.
But it didn’t work. On June 9th, Bailley was indicted on 22 felony counts, including charges of blackmail, racketeering, procuring and pandering. That same afternoon, the Washington Star published a front-page story, headlined “Capitol Hill Call-Girl Ring.” According to the article:
The FBI here has uncovered a high-priced call girl ring allegedly headed by a Washington attorney and staffed by secretaries and office workers from Capitol Hill and involving at least one White House secretary, sources said today.
The article did not go unnoticed on Pennsylvania Avenue. Within an hour of its publication, Bailley’s prosecutor received a telephone call from the President’s counsel John Dean, ordering him to the White House. “He wanted me to bring ‘all’ the evidence but, mostly, what I brought were Bailley’s address books,” Rudy recalled. “Dean said he wanted to check the names of the people involved, to see if any of them worked for the President.”[Hougan, pp. 172-3.]
It was, after all, a presidential election year, and the names in Bailley’s address-books included the secretaries and wives of some of Washington’s most prominent men—as well as the names of the johns they serviced.
At first, Dean wanted Rudy to leave the address-books with him, but Rudy demurred, pointing out that the books were evidence. As a compromise, Dean’s secretary was permitted to copy the books, while Rudy and Dean discussed the case. When the secretary returned, Dean went through the copies page by page, circling names with a Parker pen. [Ibid.]
It wasn’t the first time that Dean had shown an interest in such matters. Months before, he’d dispatched a White House investigator to New York to look into a call-girl ring run by a madame named Xaviera Hollander.[Hollander subsequently wrote a book with Robin Moore, The Happy Hooker.]Like the Bailley case, the Hollander investigation was generating headlines. One, in the New York Times, blared:
POSSIBLE BLACKMAIL OF NIXON OFFICIALS CHECKED HERE
The story began:
At least two high-ranking officials in the Nixon administration are among the people the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office intends to question about the possibility that they were blackmailed because of their association with an East Side brothel.
Dean’s meeting with John Rudy occurred on a Friday. On the following Monday, Jeb Magruder summoned Liddy to his office, and told him that he had to break into the DNC a second time. The bugging device that James McCord had supposedly placed on Larry O’Brien’s telephone had yet to work, and a second bug (apparently the one being monitored by Alfred Baldwin) was generating little or nothing of political value.
Magruder told Liddy that he wanted the bug in O’Brien’s office repaired, and even more importantly, he wanted to know if O’Brien was sitting on information that could damage the Nixon re-election campaign. It wasn’t put in so many words, but that was Liddy’s understanding of the brief that he’d been given.
If the purpose of the break-in was somewhat vague, the provenance of the order was even more so. Since Magruder was Mitchell’s deputy, Liddy assumed that he was conveying an order from Mitchell. But Mitchell always denied that, and Magruder—himself convicted of perjury—has given conflicting accounts. At first, young Jeb claimed that Liddy had acted on his own. [John Ehrlichman, Witness to Power, Simon & Schuster (1982), p. 380.] Later, he insisted that the order was Mitchell’s. More recently, he told an interviewer (on tape) that it was none other than John Dean who ordered the break-in. [This was said to Len Colodny, co-author (with Robert Gettlin) of Silent Coup, St. Martin's Press (1991), p. 148.]
Whatever its purpose, the burglary took place in the early morning hours of June 17th. McCord and four of his accomplices had not been inside the DNC for more than a few minutes, when the police arrested them. Baldwin watched the arrests unfold from his seventh floor aerie in the motel across the street, while Hunt and Liddy packed their bags and fled from the Watergate Hotel.
In the weeks that followed, John Rudy had second thoughts. After the Watergate arrests, his investigation of a link between the Columbia Plaza call-girl ring and the DNC might appear to be politically-motivated. Worried about that perception, he asked his boss, U.S. Atty. Harold Titus, what he should do. And the advice came back: Chill it (sic).
And so he did.
Bailley was remanded to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital to undergo psychiatric tests. This was an unwelcome and surprising development, inasmuch as he had been practicing law before that same court only a few weeks earlier. Eventually, he was certified sane, and encouraged to plead guilty to a single felony. When he did, he was bundled off to a federal prison in Connecticut where, ironically, he served on the Inmates Committee with Howard Hunt and other Watergaters. The case-file, thick with interviews and evidence, was sealed and, soon afterwards, it became “lost.”
Which was unfortunate because, a few doors down the hall, others in the U.S. Attorney’s office were putting together a case in which sexual blackmail was said to be the central motive in the Watergate break-in. Asst. U.S. Atty. Earl Silbert was convinced that “Hunt was trying to blackmail Spencer (Oliver).” [Op cit., Nomination of Earl J. Silbert to be United States Attorney, p. 52.] The same point was made by Charles Morgan, who represented Wells and Oliver at the burglars’ trial in early 1973. Determined to block any testimony about the contents of the conversations that Baldwin overheard, Morgan said Silbert told him over lunch in December, 1972, that “Hunt was trying to blackmail Spencer, and I’m going to prove it.” ["A Report to the Special Prosecutor on Certain Aspects of the Watergate Affair, June 18, 1973 (published in Hearings before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary [concerning Earl J. Silbert's nomination to be United States Attorney], 93d Cong., 2d sess., Part I, April-May, 1974, pp. 42, 53).] Morgan was skeptical. Taking a page (or at least a metaphor) from John Dean’s book, Morgan railed that “Mr. Silbert’s blackmail motive had been woven from whole cloth.” [Ibid., p. 42.] Accordingly, he asked the court to bar any testimony about the conversations Baldwin overheard.
The court complied.
But what of Bailley? When I interviewed him in the early 1980s, he seemed normal enough: well-dressed, articulate and intelligent, if bitter about the events that led to his downfall. In particular, he was curious to know what I knew about Watergate and how it related to him. I insisted he “go first,” and so he did.
Bailley told me that he was having an affair with a call-girl at the Columbia Plaza Apartments, a woman who used the alias “Cathy Dieter.” She prevailed upon him to establish a liaison arrangement with the DNC. A hard-partying young Dem who knew a number of workers at the DNC, Bailley told me that one of his acquaintances was a secretary in Spencer Oliver’s office. With the her help, he said, the liaison arrangement was established. Here’s how it worked:
According to Bailley, if a visitor to the DNC wanted companionship for the evening, the secretary would show him a photograph or photographs that she kept in her desk. If the man was interested, Bailley continued, he’d be sent into Spencer Oliver’s office to await a telephone call. When the phone rang for the first time, he was not to answer it. A minute later, it would ring again and, on this occasion, he was to answer it. The caller would be the woman (or one of the women) whose picture the visitor had just seen. Knowing that the woman was a call-girl, the visitor would make whatever arrangements he pleased.
As I testified in the Wells v Liddy trial, Bailley told me that the secretary was Maxie Wells. Ms. Wells denies that, just as she denies keeping pictures of call-girls in her desk.
But what about “Cathy Dieter”? Who was she? According to Gordon Liddy, Dieter’s real name was Heidi Rikan. Liddy testified that he learned this from a seemingly authoritative source: Walter “Buster” Riggin, a sometime pimp and associate of Joe Nesline, himself an organized crime figure in the Washington area.
Formerly a stripper at a seedy Washington nightclub called the Blue Mirror, the late Erica “Heidi” Rikan was a friend of Nesline’s and, more to the point, of John Dean and his then-fiancee, later wife, Maureen. Indeed, Rikan’s photograph appears in the memoir that “Mo” wrote about Watergate.[Maureen Dean (with Hays Gorey) Mo: A Woman's View of Watergate, Simon & Schuster (1975).]
While admitting their friendship with Rikan, the Deans deny that she ran a call-girl ring, or that she used “Cathy Dieter” as an alias. Beyond Buster Riggin’s assertion to Liddy, evidence on the issue is slim or ambiguous. One writer who attempted to verify the identification is Anthony Summers. As the Irish investigative reporter wrote in his massive biography of President Nixon:
Before her death in 1990, Rikan said in a conversation with her maid that she had once been a call girl. Explaining that a call girl was ‘a lady that meets men, and men pay them’—the maid had grown up in the country and knew nothing of big-city sins—she added, tantalizingly: ‘I was a call girl at the White House.”[Summers, p. 422.]
This would appear to confirm assertions that Rikan was a prostitute. But Summers undercuts the confirmation by reporting in that same book—strangely, and in a footnote—that he “found no evidence” of Rikan working as a call-girl. [Summers, p. 530.]
In the litigation with John Dean and Maxie Wells, Liddy took the position that a secret agenda was at work in the break-ins, and that this agenda was unknown to him at the time that the break-ins occurred. Here’s how the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals summarized the issue:
Liddy stated that the burglars’ objective during the Watergate break-in was to determine whether the Democrats possessed information embarrassing to John Dean. More specifically, Liddy asserted that the burglars were seeking a compromising photograph of Dean’s fiance that was located in Wells’s desk among several photographs that were used to offer prostitution services to out-of-town guests.[Ida Maxwell Wells v. G. Gordon Liddy, No. 98-1962, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, decided July 28, 1999.]
Dean and his wife challenged Liddy’s account, which was first reported in Silent Coup—whose authors (among many others) the Deans sued.[Dean brought suit against Liddy, St. Martin's Press, Len Colodney, Robert Gettlin, myself and more than 100 others, charging a conspiracy to defame him and his wife. In particular, the Deans accused the defendants of malice for suggesting that he was "guilty of criminal conduct in planning, aiding, abetting and directing the Watergate break-ins, and gave perjured testimony...with catastrophic consequences to alleged innocent persons, was a traitor to his nation as was Benedict Arnold, and that all...historical writings by John Dean...have been and are a self serving, ongoing historical fraud." After years of legal wrangling, the case was settled out of court among the Deans, the authors and their publisher. Terms of the settlement have not been disclosed. Both sides claimed victory. (This writer was dismissed from the case soon after it was filed.) For his part, Liddy refused to back down, wishing to take the case to court so that he could get Dean on the witness-stand. In that, Liddy was unsuccessful. The case against him was dismissed.]While this writer does not find John Dean’s account of his own role in the affair to be credible, neither does he think it likely that anyone would break into the DNC to retrieve a picture of someone’s girlfriend, assuming that such a picture existed and that it was somehow “compromising.” What would—what could—anyone do with such a photograph?
One question leads to another. If the instigator of the break-in (whether Dean, Magruder or someone else) was not after pictures in Maxie Wells’s desk, what was he after? The matter is necessarily speculative, but it seems useful to point out that men who make dates with call-girls seldom use their real names. Instead, they use handles like “Candyman,” or resort to aliases like “George Washington.” (One john at the Columbia Plaza—almost certainly a Democrat—used “Richard Nixon” as a nom de guerre.)[A copy of a trick-book from one of the call-girl operations at the Columbia Plaza was given to this writer by Detective Shoffler.] For that reason, the only person in a position to know who was dating whom was the person facilitating the liaisons. Whether that person kept a record of such contacts is unknown. But the instigator of the break-in may have suspected that she did. It seems reasonable, then, to suppose that the burglars may have been looking for a kind of calendar, or log, rather than a handful of dirty pictures that would be of little use to anyone.[According to Bailley, the photographs in question were in no way obscene, but were, instead, discrete pictures of attractive women---no more and no less.]
The key to Maxie Wells’s desk, therefore, is obviously central to any “rigorous consideration” of the facts pertaining to Watergate. But it isn’t the only important fact that the Washington Post and other media have done their best to ignore. A second and equally fundamental one is this: The only bugging device ever recovered from the headquarters of the DNC was a broken “toy” that the FBI believed had been planted in order that it might be found. And it was found, but not until nearly three months after the Watergate arrests, and not until Alfred Baldwin had gone public with his testimony about eavesdropping on the DNC.
But what did it all mean? Did James McCord lie about bugging Larry O’Brien and Spencer Oliver? And if he did, why did he? And if Alfred Baldwin wasn’t listening to telephone conversations being broadcast by a transmitter inside the DNC, what was he listening to?
These were the questions on Earl Silbert’s lips as he prepared his case against the burglars in the Summer of 1972. They were questions of which the public knew nothing. In secret correspondence with the Justice Department and the FBI, Silbert railed against the Bureau’s inability to locate a listening device inside the DNC. The Bureau replied, coolly, that while it recognized the difficulties this presented for Silbert’s case, it was a matter of fact. The DNC was clean.
Because the burglars ultimately pleaded guilty, obviating a need for a trial at which the evidence would be presented and contested, the discrepancy never came to the public’s attention. Indeed, Wells’s own attorney (who had also represented Dean) seemed stunned by the information when it came out on cross-examination in Liddy’s trial. If this was true, David Dorsen asked, what did it mean? Who, then, was bugged?
From the witness-stand, I suggested that there were only two possibilities: either the bugs were removed from the DNC prior to the break-in on June 17—or Baldwin was listening to telephone conversations emanating from a bugging device at another location.
Another location? what location? Dorsen wondered.
The most likely place, I replied, was the call-girls’ apartment in the Columbia Plaza, a block from the Watergate and in line-of-sight of Baldwin’s motel room.
This testimony was so discombobulating to Wells’s attorney that we did not get into the question of McCord’s motives. Why would the veteran CIA agent lie about bugging Oliver and O’Brien?
It is an interesting and important question, but it was not one that the jury was obliged to answer. Neither was it asked to decide if Liddy (or I) are correct in our belief that John Dean ordered the June 17 break-in because, we suspect, he’d learned of the relationship between the Columbia Plaza call-girl ring and the DNC. Instead, the jury was asked to decide if these issues, and their corollaries, are sufficiently plausible that fair-minded people can disagree about them. So, too, with Wells. Was she involved in facilitating arrangements between visitors to the DNC and call-girls at the Columbia Plaza, as Phil Bailley claimed? The evidence persuades me that she was but, once again, it is a matter of opinion. In ruling for Liddy, the courts did not decide that the “alternative theory” of Watergate (as articulated by Hougan and Liddy) is correct. Rather, they seem to be saying that the received version of the Watergate affair, as promulgated by John Dean and the Washington Post, is open to question, and that there is enough evidence in support of the alternative theory that it can (and perhaps should) be freely discussed.
The real issue, which in the end may be even more important than the who-shot-who of Watergate, concerns the arrogance of media such as the Washington Post, which pretend to an infallibility they do not have. For decades, the Post and its cousins have refused to tolerate (much less undertake) a re-examination of the Watergate affair—or any other major story in which they may be said to have a stake.
Watergate, after all, was journalism’s finest hour. Courageous editors and intrepid young reporters risked everything in a brave effort to save America from a White House ruled by Sauron and the hordes of Mordor. To question the received version of the story is, therefore, a kind of heresy. And so the Post becomes the Inquisition, labeling its critics “conspiracy theorists” while warning the public against the “danger” of such thinking. Clearly, the Post would rather its readers let the newspaper do their thinking for them.
If there wasn’t so much blood on the floor, it would be funny.
Tags: call-girl ring, Carl Shoffler, Eugenio Martinez, G. Gordon Liddy, Heidi Rikan, Howard Hunt, James McCord, John Dean, John Mitchell, Lou Russell, Maxie Wells, Nixon, Spencer Oliver Jr., Watergate, Wells v. Liddy
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Five Block Radius
Los Angeles,CA
I watched a hipster chick do a face plant in the street, just off of Olympic Blvd. I snickered and didn't offer to help her up.
She was too busy texting while walking from the sidewalk to a double parked black Prius, driven by one of your prototypical L.A. Douchebags with too much hair gel blasting the latest Kings of Leon album. As she crossed the street, she was preoccupied with writing a text, maybe even a Tweet, and tripped on a piece of cracked pavement.
Her iPhone flew a few feet in front of her and slid underneath a parked car, she fell on her side and jumped right back up. I was surprised that she didn't stay on the ground and start crying. That's what I would have done. I think she was going on a date or something and she didn't want to be embarrassed by her lack of coordination. Her date jumped out of the car and freaked out.
ER doctors are experiencing a wave of injuries caused by people texting and doing other things. The most fatal antics include driving and texting. The most routine injuries? Falling down while texting. A couple of years ago, one famous poker player tore his kneee up pretty badly when he tripped down a flight of stairs in his own house while trying to answer an email on his BlackBerry. He didn't watch his step and BAM!
Of course, that wasn't the oddest thing I saw all week while walking around my neighborhood. That would be the dudes with the rug.
I can't really explain what I saw. but these two guys were driving down the street in a green pick up truck. They looked like construction workers. The young guy was white and the older guy was black. They stopped about a half a block away from me so I watched this go down as I approached them. Both guys jumped out of the truck and pulled a rug out of the back. It was wrapped up with one of those bungee chords. They plopped it on a patch of grass next to a palm tree. The young guy said something and the black guy started screaming at him. The young kid pulled out his cell phone and dialed the phone. As he put the phone to his ear, the black guy bitch -slapped him. He surprisingly did not drop the phone.
I decided to cross the street just in case one of them pulled out a gun. Both guys yelled at each other for about fifteen seconds, then they abruptly stopped. They didn't say another word and bent over to pick up the rug. They threw it in the back of their pick up and drove off.
Sometimes I see the same homeless guy wandering down Pico Blvd. I've seen him plenty of times before by the post office or in front of the Jack in the Box. He looks like he's in his 60s with a weathered face like an old catcher's mitt. He wears dirty jeans and an old courdory blazer, the one with patches on the sleeves. He looks like he could have been a college professor in the 1970s and lost his job and wandered around the streets of L.A. ever since while wearing the exact clothes he used to teach in.
As I stood on the corner and waited for the light to change, traffic sped past us and he peered into a trash can at the bus stop. He rummaged around for a few seconds before he pulled out a newspaper and a box of Jack in the Box fries. It was 85% full, too. I have no idea how old they were, but he stumbled upon a major food score in the trash.
I ran out of printer paper and made a run to Staples as soon as they opened up in the morning. I forgot that it was a Saturday on a holiday weekend just a round the time kids went back to school. Yeah, Staples was flooded with kids running amuck in search of school supplies. All I wanted was paper and a hole puncher. I also bought a binder and a pack of red pens and waited in line which seemed like an eternity since there was only one cashier ringing up a store full of shoppers.
There were three women standing in line in front of me but they had a total of 15 children and no less than half of them were little ones darting in and out of the line and screaming and crying that they wanted whatever items they say in front of them. We were in prime "impulse buy" territory and since the line didn't move, we were stuck in between two rows of random office supplies and candy. The kids were going apeshit and I wish that I smoked more pot before I wandered into Staples on a Saturday morning.
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by Marguerite Elisofon | Mar 13, 2015 | "Keep the Change, autism, birthdays, books, Columbia University, disabilities, empty nest, Felicity House, flowers, memoir, middle age, minorities, parents, publishing, twins, women, writing | 0 comments
Birthdays have been coming at breakneck speed these last few years. Time flies—not necessarily because I’m having fun—but because I realize there’s so much less time left for me in the future than the past. (See “Fast Forward Birthdays,” 3/8/13). Each year I ask myself: “How is it even possible that I’m fifty-something?” Before I know it I’ll be entering—gulp(!)—a whole new decade. I shudder to think what it will feel like to punch in TWO new numbers on an elliptical machine. If I want to reinvent myself—as all empty nesters must—then NOW is the time. No more postponing, no more saying “there’s always next year.” Turning middle-aged dreams into reality takes time and planning.
My latest ideas are a lot more complicated than converting my son’s childhood room into a den. For the past five years, I’ve been gestating a memoir, writing and rewriting the story of raising my unusual twins. Now it’s time to hatch the book: “My Picture Perfect Family.” Coincidentally, the launch began on my birthday; I met with my editor, publisher, and marketing expert to brainstorm about the book’s release. Writing my memoir was daunting enough. But now there are more unfamiliar tasks to be tackled and decisions to make. What should the cover look like? (Yes, you CAN tell a lot about a book by its cover, ESPECIALLY if you believe, as I do, that a picture is worth a thousand words.) What is my “brand?” What about a subtitle that clarifies the book’s purpose? Should there be an endorsement on the front cover? What’s the difference between a prologue and an introduction? Which copy editor is cost efficient? Which publicist has the right area of expertise?
What started as a relatively insignificant birthday turned into a brainstorming session about the ins and outs of birthing my book in proper form, and sending it out into the world with a message of hope for people raising children on the autistic spectrum. There’s a lot of work to be done—some of which I was secretly dreading—but now I see that it’s actually going to be a lot of FUN. Writing is a wonderful creative release, but it can leave you feeling isolated and alone. On the other hand, publishing is a collaborative process, and equally creative in its own way. Oddly, I find myself enjoying the launching process more than I’d ever thought I would. Maybe I’m just excited because I’m involved in publishing my very FIRST book. Writing has always been about my relationship with the empty page; now I have a supportive and enthusiastic “team” behind me, which includes my best friend. And sometime this coming year, I’ll finally share my story with the world. Stay tuned. . .
This year I had a bountiful birthday. Not only did I receive a lovely gift and roses from Henry, but my son and his girlfriend also sent flowers. My daughter gave me a beautiful card with hearts painstakingly drawn on a pink envelope. What more could a birthday Mom want?
After two weeks of blogging about dismal headlines decrying discrimination against women (and especially women with disabilities), finally I want to tell you some good news. This week there was an open house at Felicity House, a new Community Center dedicated to—can you believe it—women on the autistic spectrum! Better still, my daughter, Sarah’s film, “Keep the Change”(winner of the 2013 Columbia University Film Festival) was shown. (See Sarah’s Next Fifteen Minutes,” 5/30/14). Director Rachel Israel and female lead Sarah were invited to speak about the film and answer questions. Maybe just maybe somebody will be moved to invest in the full-length version of “Keep the Change?” In fifteen short minutes, this extraordinary film shows that two young people with disabilities can struggle for romantic and emotional connection and succeed. What could be better proof of this ability to connect than my real-life daughter Sarah and serious boyfriend of over a year? There MUST be parents out there who dare to dream that their sons and daughters on the autistic spectrum will find love and someone to care for them after we’re gone.
The hopes and dreams of women on the autistic spectrum matter. Although 80% of people on the spectrum are male, that does not excuse marginalizing the 20% female minority. Sadly, 50% of the world’s population (neurotypical women) are still not treated as equal to males, so what hope do women with disabilities (a double minority) have of finding a productive and respected place in the world? Answer: Not much, and that’s why I’m SO grateful to each individual and every event that shines a spotlight on women who—like my daughter Sarah—have already exceeded most people’s expectations. For me, that’s the best birthday gift of all.
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This series emerged from Marlene Lowden’s captivation with female Canadian artists, many of whom are significantly under-recognized in the Canadian art canon. Their contributions deserve to be celebrated as singular expressions of dedication, endurance, and rebelliousness. With a desire to educate herself about the lives of female artists in Canada’s history, Lowden studied the lives and practices of skilled female artists from several regions, each with diverse cultural heritages. She was awed by the challenges they faced and the sacrifices they made to pursue art as their life’s purpose.
Lowden’s encounters with this work transformed her understanding of Canadian art history. Thus this series operates as an homage to those artists whose work was overlooked and turned aside, even as it helped to shape the Canadian aesthetic landscape we know today.
The series is titled “A Blind Contour Homage” because this style of drawing provides the base for each piece. It allows Lowden to study each of the historical works closely, giving her the freedom to recreate them with her own marks and gestures. Lowden then imbues her own stylized process upon each piece, balancing the original features of the painting with her own in an almost collaborative process.
“I hope my audience comes away invigorated by new knowledge about Canada’s female artists; I want the names of Odjig, Clark, Pootoogook, and Heward to become as familiar to them as Harris, Varley, Bush, and Town,” says Lowden.
Due to the types of conversations these pieces are designed to spark, Lowden hopes to inspire a new generation of youth interested in art history, compelling adults and children alike to investigate what still lies within the shadows of Canada’s artistic cultural fabric.
We are rightly conscious to address various groups’ and individuals’ under-representation in our present and future. We can only do this meaningfully by addressing the same in our history.
The series will be exhibited at
The Revelstoke Visual Arts Centre, Nov 1-22, 2019
Place des Arts in Coquitlam, Feb 14 – March 12 2020
The Gibsons Public Art Gallery, Feb 15 – Mar 8 2020
Slideshow of some of the work in the series.
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The British West Indies Regiment mutiny, 1918 - Steven Johns
A short history of the mutiny at Taranto in Italy by West Indian soldiers in the British army at the end of World War I, which had a significant impact subsequently on anti-colonial struggles in the Caribbean.
With the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, thousands of West Indians volunteered to join the British army. They were encouraged to do so by activists like Marcus Garvey, on the basis that if they showed their loyalty to the King they would show they have the right to be treated as equals.
Initially, the Secretary Of State for War Lord Kitchener believed that black British soldiers should not be allowed to join the forces, but King George V's intervention - combined with the need for men - made it possible.
Thousands of West Indians volunteered. Their initial journey to England was perilous, with hundreds of soldiers suffering from severe frostbite when their ships were diverted via Halifax in Canada. Very many had to return home no longer fit to serve as soldiers, with no compensation or benefits.
In 1915, the British West Indies Regiment was formed by grouping together the Caribbean volunteers. This should not be confused with the West India Regiment, founded in 1795, which was normally stationed in the British colonies in the Caribbean themselves.
BWIR troops being inspected in Jamaica. © IWM Q 52423
The commanding officers were all white, and no black officer could occupy a position higher than sergeant.
Arriving in the war zone, they found that the fighting was to be done by white soldiers, and that West Indians were to be assigned the dirty and dangerous work of loading ammunition, laying telephone wires and digging trenches. Most of them went to war without guns.
Conditions were appalling. George Blackman, a Barbadian member of the fourth division, when recounting conditions to a journalist rolled up his sleeve to show his armpit: "it was cold. And everywhere there were white lice. We had to shave the hair there because the lice grow there. All our socks were full of white lice."
This poem by one of the troops, The Black Soldier's Lament, showed the bitterness with which this was experienced:
Stripped to the waist and sweated chest
Midday's reprieve brings much-needed rest
From trenches deep toward the sky.
Non-fighting troops and yet we die.
During the war, 15,600 men in the regiment's 12 battalions served with the Allied forces, with two thirds of the volunteers coming from Jamaica and the rest from Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, the Bahamas, British Honduras (now Belize), Grenada, British Guiana (now Guyana), the Leeward Islands, St Lucia and St Vincent.
BWIR Troops stacking shells. © IWM E(AUS) 2078
It was active in a number of areas including playing a vital role in active combat against the Turkish army in Palestine, Jordan and Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) and in France, Italy and Egypt where the men served mainly in auxiliary roles. There is evidence that there were also armed skirmishes with German troops in France.
One Trinidadian soldier in Egypt wrote to a friend saying that: "We are treated neither as Christians nor as British citizens, but as West Indian ‘niggers" without anybody to be interested in nor look after us”.
After Armistice Day, on 11 November 1918, the eight BWIR battalions in France and Italy were concentrated at Taranto in Italy to prepare for demobilisation1. They were subsequently joined by the three battalions from Egypt and the men from Mesopotamia. As a result of severe labour shortages at Taranto, the West Indians had to carry out arduous physical tasks. They had to load and unload ships, do labour fatigues Manual or menial labour and perform demeaning tasks like building and cleaning toilets for white soldiers, which all caused much resentment. As did the discovery that white soldiers were being given a pay rise while black soldiers were not.
By 6 December 1918 they had had enough: the men of the 9th Battalion revolted and attacked their black officers. On the same day, 180 sergeants forwarded a petition to the Secretary of State complaining about the pay issue, the failure to increase their separation allowance, and the fact that they had been discriminated against in the area of promotions.
During the mutiny, which lasted about four days, a black NCO shot and killed one of the mutineers in self-defence and there was also a bombing. Disaffection spread quickly among the other soldiers and on 9 December the 'increasingly truculent' 10th Battalion refused to work. A senior commander, Lieutenant Colonel Willis, who had given the orders to BWIR men to clean the latrines of the Italian Labour Corps, was also subsequently assaulted.
In response to calls for help from the commanders at Taranto, a machine-gun company and a battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment were despatched to restore order. Perceived ringleaders were rounded up. The 9th BWIR was disbanded and the men distributed to the other battalions which were all subsequently disarmed.
Approximately 60 soldiers were later tried for mutiny and those convicted received sentences ranging from three to five years, but one man got 20 years, while another was executed by firing squad. The BWIR itself was disbanded in 1921.
Although the mutiny was crushed, the bitterness persisted and on 17 December 1918 about 60 NCOs held a meeting to discuss the question of black rights, self-determination and closer union in the West Indies. An organisation called the Caribbean League was formed at the gathering to further these objectives. At another meeting on 20 December, under the chairmanship of one Sergeant Baxter, who had just been superseded by a white NCO, a sergeant of the 3rd BWIR argued that "the black man should have freedom and govern himself in the West Indies and that if necessary, force and bloodshed should be used to attain that object". His sentiments were loudly applauded by the majority of those present. The soldiers decided to hold a general strike for higher wages on their return to the West Indies.
Back in the West Indies, between 1916 and 1919 a number of colonies including St Lucia, Grenada, Barbados, Antigua, Trinidad, Jamaica and British Guiana were experiencing a wave of often violent strikes.
It was into this turmoil that the disgruntled BWIR soldiers began arriving back. There were no welcome parades or celebrations of their contribution to the war effort. Instead, fearing unrest the British government moved three cruisers with machine guns into docks at Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad. Thousands of former soldiers were displaced to nearby countries like Cuba and Venezuela.
But despite this, many more joined the wave of worker protests resulting from a severe economic crisis produced by the war. Disenchanted soldiers and angry workers demonstrated, went on strike and rioted in a number of territories including Jamaica, Grenada and especially in British Honduras.
A secret colonial memo from 1919, uncovered by researchers for a Channel 4 programme on the Taranto mutiny, showed that the British government realised that everything had changed, too: "Nothing we can do will alter the fact that the black man has begun to think and feel himself as good as the white."
West Indian soldiers in the First World War - Arthur Torrington - retrieved on 07.08.13
Encyclopedia of World War I By Spencer Tucker, Priscilla Mary Roberts (p.508)
Caribbean participants in the First World War - retrieved on 06.08.13
We were there - West Indians in the British armed forces - retrieved on 06.08.13
Black history: Civil rights and equality - Dan Lyndon
The West India Regiment - retrieved on 07.08.13
"There were no parades for us" - retrieved on 07.08.13
The British West Indies Regiment - retrieved on 07.12.15
Trinidad and Tobago's first general strike - retrieved on 19.06.17
1. The process soldiers go through before leaving the Army
The British West Indies Regiment mutiny, 1918.pdf 349.55 KB
Aug 7 2013 12:03
Steven Johns
mutinies
Nothing we can do will alter the fact that the black man has begun to think and feel himself as good as the white.
British government memorandum
The British West Indies Regiment mutiny, 1918.pdf (349.55 KB)
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Tuesday, April 23rd 2019 – 00:04:23 AM
Aluminum Patio Roof
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Outdoor Seat Cushions Sale
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The Oriental Institute Museum – Chicago
Archeology, Culture, History, Science
The Oriental Institute Museum is a world-renowned showcase for the history, art, and archaeology of the ancient Near East. The museum displays objects recovered by Oriental Institute excavations in permanent galleries devoted to ancient Egypt, Nubia, Persia, Mesopotamia, Syria,...
Baikonur Cosmodrome – Kazakhstan
Flash, Memorial Complex, Rockets, Science, Space
Baikonur Cosmodrome – first and largest space flight center in the world, founded in 1955. Baikonur launches more than 20 rockets per year.
National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Dublin
Archeology, Biology, Fauna, History, Science
Galleries of animals from Ireland and overseas, also geological exhibits from a total collection of about 2 million scientific specimens.
Kennedy Space Center, Visitor Complex – Merritt Island, Florida
HTML5, Rockets, Science, Space
Kennedy Space Center – one of the largest launching and researching space center in the world. Visitor Complex exhibitions includes Space Shuttle Atlantis, rockets and equipment.
Clark Planetarium – Salt Lake City, Utah
Science, Space
Clark Planetarium has an authentic moon rock sample, obtained from the Apollo 15 mission and is displayed in a special exhibit. Also there are three 3D theaters with space theme films.
National Space Centre – Leicester, UK
Rockets, Science, Space
It’s a popular science museum, dedicated to exploration of the space. There are a lot of interesting information about universe and solar system, space expeditions and other.
Space Shuttle Discovery – Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.
Flash, Science, Space
Space Shuttle Discovery (OV-103) built in 1983 and had flown 149 million miles in 39 missions. It was decommissioned in 2011 and moved to the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.
Deutsches Museum – Munich, Germany
Culture, Factory, History, Industry, Railroad, Science
It’s the largest museum of science and technology in the world. There are about 28,000 exhibited objects from many fields of science and art: musical instruments, science models, machines, photos and others. Museum was opened in 1906.
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February 27, 2017 Joe Gonzalez
The Tournament of Power’s true purpose revealed in Dragon Ball Super
A few weeks ago with the announcement of the next story arc in Dragon Ball Super, fans were shocked to hear that in the upcoming Tournament of Power, the losing members of the tournament would result in their universe being erased from existence. Since then, we’ve only been able to speculate how the tournament would proceed and if Universe 7 (the universe where Dragon Ball takes place) is at risk. Although the Tournament of Power hasn’t started yet, we’ve received some more details from the Grand Priest.
Currently, an exhibition match is taking place between Universe 7 & 9 with their 3 best warriors. Goku, Gohan and Majin Buu are competing against a trio of deadly martial art wolves known as the Trio De Danger. Majin Buu has become victorious in the first match and Gohan technically won his, but since he succumbed to a poison during the match, fell at the end and was declared a draw. Before the start of Goku’s match against the final member of the Trio De Danger, Grand Priest made an announcement.
Grand Priest declares that Zen-oh has always felt there are too many universes and the Tournament of Power would declare whom to be erased. Since he has evaluated the Universes by strength, Universe 7 is the second weakest of the 12 universes with an average power level of 3.18, with Universe 9 being the lowest. Universe 1, 12, 5, and 8 are exempt from entering since their average is above 7. Whis feels this announcement confirms that since the lower universes were being erased anyways, the Tournament of Power will allow one Universe to prove themselves worthy and remain with the other 4. This announcement clears up that there won’t be a sole universe, but in fact 5 remaining out of the 12 universes, as well as also confirms that only 8 will be entering.
Seeing as Universe 7 is second to last when it comes to power levels, each opponent after the exhibition match could be much stronger than Goku and the Z Warriors have faced so far. But who knows how the power levels average were determined, seeing as it’s an average of all beings in each universe. Despite Goku and Vegeta reaching god-like power levels, we’ll see soon if it’s enough to save Universe 7!
Tags Dragon Ball Super
Joe Gonzalez 286 posts
Gamer since '86, well knowledgeable in movies and games, and semi tech savvy. Graphic artist and t-shirt printer for over 10 years.
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Lanka reacts to missive, says India being misled b...
Time for LTTE to lay down arms
Was suicide bomber’s target the President or PM?
Lanka reacts to missive, says India being misled by LTTE
The Sri Lanka government has reacted firmly to the message sent by India on Monday that it was both concerned and unhappy at the plight of Tamil civilians in the north of the country, where armed forces are locked in battle with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).
Foreign minister Rohitha Bogollagama read out a carefully worded statement in Parliament on Tuesday.
The crux of it was that India had been mislead by LTTE propaganda, civilian casualty had been kept at minimum, and that the Tigers did not represent the Tamil community. But he also made it clear that the Sri Lankan government would continue the military offensive against the LTTE, which he added, were now confined to the Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu districts.
Bogollagama said the LTTE had managed to mislead Sri Lanka's “friends” about the situation in the north. “It’s unfortunate that some of our friends too have been influenced by this malicious propaganda,” Bogollagama said, soon after mentioning that Narayanan had expressed concern on the situation in Sri Lanka.
He said: “The critics of Sri Lanka and sympathisers of the LTTE are attempting to portray a misleading and totally false notion that the government is opting for a military solution to address the problems of the minorities.'”
Bogollagama added the LTTE did not represent the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. “Therefore, military action against the LTTE should never be perceived as action against our brethren, the Tamil community. We are concerned about them and will work with them to ensure their welfare, security and aspirations since they are our fellow citizens,” he said.
source: www.hindustantimes.com
President Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing the All Parry Conference today repeated his call to the LTTE to lay down arms and surrender.
He said: "I wish to once again very clearly call on the LTTE to lay down their arms and surrender. They should act in this manner and enter the democratic political process. Our aim should be to ensure the democratic political rights of our Tamil brethren."
The President had summoned the Al Party Conference to apprise its members of the current developments with regard to the operations to eradicate terrorism, establish peace and restore democracy throughout the country. President Mahinda Rajapakse addressing the All Party Conference. Also in the picture Prime Minister Rathnasri Wickremanayake and Lalith Weeartunga, Secretary to the President President Mahinda Rajapakse addressing the All Party Conference. Also in the picture Prime Minister Rathnasri Wickremanayake and Lalith Weeartunga, Secretary to the President
"However difficult it may be, it is my belief that the efforts to find political solutions to political issues should be continued. It is my belief that there are no military solutions to political questions. The people have elected us to realize their aims and aspirations. It is our duty to ensure to the Tamil people of the North have the same democratic rights as enjoyed by the people in all other parts of the country. Military operations have become necessary to eradicate terrorism from the country and enthrone democracy throughout the land," the President said.
The leader of the Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal (TVMP) Muralitharan Karuna Amman, who was present at the APC today, said he had been with the LTTE for more than 22 years; and with his experience knew that when the LTTE came forward seeking peace it was always to further strengthen itself. On earlier occasions, incumbent governments, possibly by mistake, had encouraged the LTTE by giving it arms and money. V.Muralitharan of the TMVP speaking in the All Party ConferenceV.Muralitharan of the TMVP speaking in the All Party Conference
“He recalled his own participation in several rounds of talks with the Government held under international sponsorship. They had come to an understanding to accept a federal system as a solution. However, Anton Balasingham, without consulting Prabhakaran had issued a statement stating that they were willing to consider a federal system. When he discussed this with Prabhakaran he rejected the idea of federalism. He wanted the talks dragged for at least five years till the LTTE obtained enough arms to strengthen itself further.
That was when he decided to leave the LTTE. It was called a renegade for talking this decision, which was done after he had explained to Prabharakan the futility of the armed campaign they were engaged in where at least 80,000 people had lost their lives.
He emphasized that it was necessary to defeat the LTTE militarily. This was necessary in the interests of the people of the North, who have already rejected the LTTE, but controlled by the military power of the organization.Minister Douglas Devananda,, V.Muralitharan M.P. and ALL Party Conference Leaders in the picture (Pix by:Sudath Silva)Minister Douglas Devananda,, V.Muralitharan M.P. and ALL Party Conference Leaders in the picture (Pix by:Sudath Silva)
He said the President had brought about many important changes in the East with free and fair elections and that all communities in the East were today participating in the development process there.
Here is the text of the President’s statement:
“I welcome you all with all respect, and thank you for being present at this meeting at such short notice.
“We have today reached an important juncture in the difficult path of eradicating terrorism from our motherland and ensuring the dawn of peace. We seek this peace for all the people of our country. Similarly, what we look forward to is a peace that will ensure to all citizens, whether in the North, South, East or West equal rights and privileges, to be enjoyed in freedom and dignity.
“The political parties gathered here are those that have the highest regard to the democratic system, ands have great confidence in it; it is satisfying that they all value democratic thinking and follow the principles of democracy. We are also encouraged by the fact that all of these parties comprise those who take great pains to achieve the economic, social, cultural and political aspirations of our people.
“I wish to emphasize the importance of all of us have come together so as not to betray the people in their eager search for democracy and peace, away from the path of violence.
“However difficult it may be, it is my belief that the efforts to find political solutions to political issues should be continued. It is my belief that there are no military solutions to political questions. The people have elected us to realize their aims and aspirations. It is our duty to ensure to the Tamil people of the North the same democratic rights as enjoyed by the people min all other parts of the country. Military operations have become necessary to eradicate terrorism from the country and enthrone democracy throughout the land.All Party Conference in session presided over by President Mahinda RajapakseAll Party Conference in session presided over by President Mahinda Rajapakse
“You will recall that in January this year the All Party Representative Committee presented a set of proposals. It is the expectation of the government to carry these proposals forward and implement them. Especially, in the context of our Constitution not being properly implemented, such the full implementing of these proposals cannot be done immediately. They should be done step by step. Already this is being implemented well in the Eastern Province. At the same time, the military operations are continuing in the North, to free the people there from the yoke of terrorism and ensure them of their democratic rights and freedoms.
“There should be a proper environment to fully implement the proposals of the All Party Conference and the All Party Representative Committee. The current military operations are being carried out to build that required environment. They are not intended to harass the ordinary people, or cause harm or hardship to them. Our policy in this regard is very clear. It is that we continue with these operations to free another group of our own brothers and sisters from the cruel grip of terror.
“I wish to state our satisfaction that the entire machinery of government led by the respective Government Agents, is carrying out fully coordinated work together with the International Red Cross and the United Nations to ensure the welfare of the civilians who are faced with some hardship and have been temporarily displaced due to the current military operations in the North.
“I wish to state that all hardships faced temporarily by our brothers and sisters in the North will be brought to an end in a short time. Similar to what we did in the East, we will soon make arrangements to bring normalcy to the lives of our fraternal citizens in the North, and provide them the opportunity to elect their own political representatives to the constitutionally established political institutions.
“You are aware that we are taking action to properly implement our Constitution. Similarly, the local government bodies and provincial councils are being strengthened. What the All Party Conference should do now is to discuss and agree on measures towards stabilizing this political process, and discuss the further measures necessary to achieve peace. This should be done in a manner that is fair by all communities. Such measures should help in raising the living standards of all communities. Also, we should build an environment in which every citizen will be able to live in peace and satisfaction.
“Finally, I wish to once again very clearly call on the LTTE to lay down their arms and surrender. They should act in this manner and enter the democratic political process. Our aim should be to ensure the democratic political rights of our Tamil brethren.”
The representatives of the parties present supported the President initiative to end terrorism and restore peace in the country, and also the measures being taken to ease the temporary hardships faced by the people of the North due to the ongoing military operations.
Representatives of the following parties were present: Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Lanka Sama Samaja Party, Communist Party of Sri Lanka, Mahajana Eksath Peramuna, Jathika Hela Urumaya, Sri Lanka Muslim Congress, and Ceylon Workers Congress. Up Country People’s Front, National Unity Alliance, United National Party Democratic Group, Eelam People’s Democratic Party, All Ceylon Muslim Congress, National Congress, Western People’s Front, Thamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikal, National Freedom Front.
Government sources said that the President would have skipped the event due to his scheduled meeting with the visiting Palestinian President Mohammed Abbas. The blast hit the convoy about an hour before the Palestinian leader arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport.
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First annual home price fall in six years
Marnie Banger
House prices in Australia’s capital cities have fallen on an annual basis for the first time since 2012.
But the drop, led by falls in Sydney and Melbourne, isn’t considered significant in the scheme of things, given the dizzy heights prices had reached.
Capital city house prices fell 0.7 per cent nationally in the three months to June, according to the latest Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Residential Property Price Index released on Tuesday.
They also fell 0.6 per cent during the year to June 2018, the first annual fall recorded in six years.
Those national falls can be largely attributed to price drops in the big markets of Sydney and Melbourne.
The drop was greatest in Sydney in the June quarter, where house prices fell by 1.2 per cent, marking the fourth consecutive quarter in which they have declined.
Prices in Melbourne fell by 0.8 per cent in the three months to June, the city’s second consecutive quarterly drop.
Less demand for homes and a tightening of lending to investors played a role in the falls, ABS chief economist Bruce Hockman said.
But he has stressed they aren’t significant in the bigger picture.
“These are falls from pretty high levels,” he told AAP on Tuesday.
“Sydney over the last five years is actually up 56 per cent, so in the context of where we’ve come from, these aren’t significant.
“They tend to support those who suggest that we’re probably in for a period of sustained flat prices, rather than any of those catastrophic falls that some of the more dramatic forecasters tend to look at.”
House prices were also down in Darwin (by 0.9 per cent) and slightly down in Perth (by 0.1 per cent).
But prices rose in the June quarter in Brisbane (0.7 per cent), Adelaide (0.3 per cent) and Canberra (0.3 per cent).
They were also up a whopping three per cent in Hobart.
Employment growth in Tasmania and more visits from tourists have likely pushed up prices in the island state’s capital, Mr Hockman said.
“They seem to be outperforming the others for quite a while now, which is unusual for Tasmania,” he said.
“They’re marching to their own drum beat.”
The average price of a home in Australia is now $686,200, the figures show.
The total value of Australia’s 10 million residential properties is $6.9 trillion, which has fallen by $13.3 billion.
Categories: Property
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Internet Service Provider Ordered to Cease Providing Internet Capacity to The Pirate Bay
Michael Plogell and Erik Ullberg
Wistrand Advokatbyrå, Gothenburg
The Pirate Bay saga continues. On 21 August 2009, Stockholms tingsrätt (the District Court of Stockholm) issued an order, subject to a conditional fine, enjoining an Internet Service Provider, Black Internet AB, from contributing to the making-available of certain films and music albums to the public by means of supplying Internet capacity to the file-sharing site The Pirate Bay.
The court held that Black Internet AB was well aware that users of The Pirate Bay are considered to be engaging in illegal file sharing and that the people behind The Pirate Bay have been found guilty of complicity in activities in breach of the Swedish Copyright Act.
Furthermore, the court stated that Black Internet AB, as a supplier of Internet capacity to The Pirate Bay, objectively could be deemed to be an accomplice to the infringements performed by the users of The Pirate Bay.
Black Internet AB argued that it was not the sole supplier of Internet capacity to The Pirate Bay. Therefore, an injunction against Black Internet AB would not suspend public access to The Pirate Bay.
Nonetheless, the court held that, for complicity in activities in breach of the Copyright Act to be found, it was not necessary to establish that Black Internet AB’s supply of Internet capacity was an absolute condition for infringement. Consequently, it was irrelevant that other companies also supplied Internet capacity to The Pirate Bay.
The court concluded that the interest of the rightsholders outweighed that of Black Internet AB. Therefore, it was proportionate to enjoin Black Internet AB from complicity in making the films and music albums in question available to the public by means of supplying Internet capacity to the file-sharing site The Pirate Bay, subject to a conditional fine of SEK 500,000.
In practice this meant that Black Internet AB has had to cut off Internet access to The Pirate Bay.
Given that Black Internet AB only had the option of hitting the “off button”, meaning that lawful material will also be affected, critics have claimed that the proportionality of the decision in relation to its effects can be brought into question.
At the time of writing it was not known whether the decision would be appealed.
Stockholms tingsrätts beslut den 21 augusti 2009 i mål nr T 7540-09 och T 11712-09
Decision of the District Court of Stockholm of 21 August 2009 in cases No. T 7540-09 and No. T 11712-09
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Cell-autonomous mechanisms of chronological aging in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Anthony Arlia-Ciommo#, Anna Leonov#, Amanda Piano#, Veronika Svistkova# and Vladimir I. Titorenko
Department of Biology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada.
# These authors contributed equally to this work.
Keywords: yeast chronological aging; systems biology of cellular aging; cell-autonomous mechanisms of longevity regulation; proteostasis; lipid metabolism; mitochondria; carbohydrate metabolism.
Received originally: 07/04/2014 Received in revised form: 11/05/2014
Accepted: 13/05/2014 Published: 27/05/2014
Vladimir I. Titorenko, 7141 Sherbrooke Street, West, SP Building, Room 501-13; Montreal, Quebec H4B 1R6, Canada vladimir.titorenko@concordia.ca
Conflict of interest statement: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Please cite this article as: Anthony Arlia-Ciommo, Anna Leonov, Amanda Piano, Veronika Svistkova and Vladimir I. Titorenko (2014). Cell-autonomous mechanisms of chronological aging in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Microbial Cell 1(6): 163-178.
A body of evidence supports the view that the signaling pathways governing cellular aging – as well as mechanisms of their modulation by longevity-extending genetic, dietary and pharmacological interventions – are conserved across species. The scope of this review is to critically analyze recent advances in our understanding of cell-autonomous mechanisms of chronological aging in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Based on our analysis, we propose a concept of a biomolecular network underlying the chronology of cellular aging in yeast. The concept posits that such network progresses through a series of lifespan checkpoints. At each of these checkpoints, the intracellular concentrations of some key intermediates and products of certain metabolic pathways – as well as the rates of coordinated flow of such metabolites within an intricate network of intercompartmental communications – are monitored by some checkpoint-specific ʺmaster regulatorʺ proteins. The concept envisions that a synergistic action of these master regulator proteins at certain early-life and late-life checkpoints modulates the rates and efficiencies of progression of such processes as cell metabolism, growth, proliferation, stress resistance, macromolecular homeostasis, survival and death. The concept predicts that, by modulating these vital cellular processes throughout lifespan (i.e., prior to an arrest of cell growth and division, and following such arrest), the checkpoint-specific master regulator proteins orchestrate the development and maintenance of a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern and, thus, define longevity of chronologically aging yeast.
The budding yeast S. cerevisiae is an advantageous model organism for unveiling fundamental mechanisms and biological principles underlying the inherent complexity of cellular aging in multicellular eukaryotes [1][2][3][4][5][6]. Because this unicellular eukaryote is amenable to comprehensive biochemical, genetic, cell biological, chemical biological, system biological and microfluidic dissection analyses [7][8][9][10][11][12], its use as a model in aging research provided deep mechanistic insights into cellular processes essential for longevity regulation in evolutionarily distant eukaryotic organisms. Due to the relatively short and easily monitored chronological and replicative lifespans of the yeast S. cerevisiae, it played a pivotal role in discovering: (1) numerous genes that impact cellular aging and define organismal longevity not only in yeast but also in eukaryotic organisms across phyla; (2) some key nutrient- and energy-sensing signaling pathways that orchestrate an evolutionarily conserved set of longevity-defining cellular processes across species; and (3) several aging-decelerating and longevity-extending small molecules, many of which slow down aging, improve health, attenuate age-related pathologies and delay the onset of age-related diseases in evolutionarily distant multicellular eukaryotic organisms [1][2][3][4][5][6][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. These studies convincingly demonstrated that the signaling pathways governing cellular aging and mechanisms of their modulation by longevity-extending genetic, dietary and pharmacological interventions are conserved across species.
There are two different paradigms of yeast aging. Each of them is traditionally investigated separately from each other with the help of robust assays. These assays are conducted under controllable laboratory conditions [23][24][25][26] and have been recently automated to enable a systems-level analysis of the aging process in a high-throughput format [9][10][11][12][27][28][29]. In the chronological aging paradigm, yeast aging is defined by the length of time during which a cell remains viable after an arrest of its growth and division [23][30][31]. Yeast chronological aging under laboratory conditions is assessed using a simple clonogenic assay. This assay measures the percentage of yeast cells that in liquid cultures remain viable at different time points following entry of a cell population into the non-proliferative stationary phase. Cell viability in the clonogenic assay is assessed by monitoring the ability of a cell to form a colony on the surface of a solid nutrient-rich medium [3][25][30]. Chronological aging in yeast is believed: (1) to mimic aging of non-dividing, post-mitotic cells (such as neurons) in a multicellular eukaryotic organism; and (2) to serve as a simple model for organismal aging [32][33]. In the replicative aging paradigm, yeast aging is defined by the maximum number of daughter cells that a mother cell can produce before becoming senescent [24][34][35]. S. cerevisiae reproduces by asymmetric cell division; therefore, its replicative aging under laboratory conditions is typically assessed by using a micromanipulator to remove the budding progeny of a mother cell and counting the cumulative number of asymmetric mitotic divisions this mother cell could undergo [24][35]. Replicative aging in yeast is thought to mimic aging of dividing, mitotically active cells (such as lymphocytes) in a multicellular eukaryotic organism [2][32]. The use of robust assays for elucidating longevity regulation in chronologically or replicatively aging yeast under controllable laboratory conditions has significantly advanced our understanding of cell-autonomous mechanisms that orchestrate longevity-defining cellular processes within an individual cell in eukaryotic organisms across phyla [1][2][3][5][6][10].
Recent studies in yeast also advanced fundamental knowledge about cell-non-autonomous intraspecies mechanisms of longevity regulation. Such mechanisms operate within organized populations of yeast cells that are attached to solid surfaces to form a colony or a biofilm; these cells: (1) communicate with each other and cells in surrounding colonies or biofilms; (2) age chronologically and replicatively; and (3) undergo spatially organized growth, differentiation, aging or death, depending on their position within the colony [4][36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43].
It seems that cell-autonomous and cell-non-autonomous intraspecies mechanisms regulating yeast longevity have evolved in the process of natural selection within an ecosystem [44][45][46]. It has been recently proposed that this process: (1) is governed by ecosystemic interspecies mechanisms of lifespan regulation operating within the ecosystem; and (2) is driven by the ability of yeast cells to undergo specific pro-survival changes in their metabolism and physiology in response to some chemical compounds that, after being released to the ecosystem by other groups of organisms, may trigger a hormetic and/or cytostatic response in yeast [44][45][46][47][48].
In this review we analyze recent progress in understanding of cell-autonomous mechanisms of chronological aging in the yeast S. cerevisiae. Our analysis suggests a concept of a biomolecular network underlying the chronology of cellular aging in yeast. This concept envisions that: (1) the network integrates the vital processes of cell metabolism, growth, proliferation, stress resistance, macromolecular homeostasis, survival and death; (2) the network progresses through a series of the early-life and late-life ʺcheckpointsʺ; (3) a gradual progression of the network through these lifespan checkpoints is monitored by some checkpoint-specific ʺmaster regulatorʺ proteins; and (4) such progression is critically important for establishing the pace of cellular aging.
CELL-AUTONOMOUS MECHANISMS ORCHESTRATE LONGEVITY-DEFINING CELLULAR PROCESSES IN CHRONOLOGICALLY AGING YEAST PRIOR TO AN ARREST OF CELL GROWTH AND DIVISION
A body of recent evidence supports the view that certain cellular processes taking place early in life of a chronologically aging yeast cell, prior to entry into a non-proliferative state, define the length of time during which this cell remains viable after such entry – i.e., define longevity of chronologically aging yeast grown under controllable laboratory conditions in liquid media [3][20][23][49][50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63][64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73]. These longevity-defining cellular processes: (1) are essential for metabolism, growth, proliferation, stress resistance, macromolecular homeostasis, survival and death of individual yeast cells that age chronologically; and (2) are orchestrated via cell-autonomous mechanisms of lifespan regulation operating within these cells. The longevity-defining cellular processes and mechanisms orchestrating their progression in chronologically aging yeast prior to entry into a non-proliferative state (and, for some of them, after such entry) are outlined below in this section.
Intracellular trehalose modulates cellular protein homeostasis (proteostasis)
Recent studies revealed that the intracellular concentrations of trehalose prior to cell entry into a non-proliferative state and following such entry play essential and differing roles in defining longevity of chronologically aging yeast. This is because trehalose is involved in modulating protein folding, misfolding, unfolding, refolding, oxidative damage, solubility and aggregation throughout lifespan [23][61] (Figure 1A). In chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells, which undergo growth and division, trehalose plays an essential longevity-extending role because this non-reducing disaccharide: (1) binds to newly synthesized cellular proteins, thereby stabilizing their native folding states and attenuating their conversion into aberrantly folded and/or unfolded protein species; (2) shields the contiguous exposed hydrophobic side chains of amino acids that are abundant in misfolded, partially folded and unfolded protein species and that are known to promote their aggregation, thereby eliciting a direct inhibitory effect on the formation of insoluble protein aggregates; and (3) protects cellular proteins from oxidative carbonylation by interacting with their carbonylation-prone aberrantly folded species, thus having an indirect inhibitory effect on the aggregation of oxidatively damaged proteins [23][61] (Figure 1A).
FIGURE 1: Cell-autonomous mechanisms define longevity of chronologically aging yeast by orchestrating trehalose metabolism and metabolic processes confined to peroxisomes.
(A) A model for molecular mechanisms through which trehalose regulates the process of cellular aging in yeast by modulating protein folding, misfolding, unfolding, refolding, oxidative damage, solubility and aggregation in chronologically ʺyoungʺ and ʺoldʺ cells.
(B) A model for how the age-dependent efficiency of peroxisomal protein import in chronologically aging yeast defines the age-related metabolic pattern of peroxisomes, thus impacting longevity-defining processes in other cellular compartments and ultimately establishing a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern. Activation arrows and inhibition bars denote pro-aging processes (displayed in blue color) or anti-aging processes (displayed in red color). Please see text for additional details.
Ac-Carnitine, acetyl-carnitine; Ac-CoA, acetyl-CoA; DAG, diacylglycerol; ER, endoplasmic reticulum; ETC, electron transport chain; EtOH, ethanol; FFA, non-esterified (ʺfreeʺ) fatty acids; LD, lipid droplet; ROS, reactive oxygen species; TAG, triacylglycerols; TCA, tricarboxylic acid cycle; ΔΨm, electrochemical potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
In contrast, in chronologically ʺoldʺ yeast cells, which do not grow or divide, trehalose plays a key role in shortening longevity. This is because in such cells trehalose shields the patches of hydrophobic amino acid residues that are abundant in aberrantly folded protein species [61]. Thus, in chronologically ʺoldʺ yeast cells trehalose competes with molecular chaperones for binding with these patches of hydrophobic amino acid residues known to be required for the chaperone-assisted refolding of misfolded, partially folded and unfolded protein species [74][75][76][77] – either soluble or extracted from protein aggregates with the help of molecular chaperones [61] (Figure 1A). Importantly, it has been demonstrated that a caloric restriction (CR) diet and certain genetic interventions affecting trehalose synthesis or degradation extend longevity of chronologically aging yeast because they simultaneously: (1) increase the intracellular concentration of trehalose by 70-160% (above its level detected in yeast cultured under non-CR conditions) in chronologically ʺyoungʺ, proliferating cells; and (2) reduce the intracellular concentration of trehalose by 60-80% (below a threshold observed in yeast cultured under non-CR conditions) in chronologically ʺoldʺ, non-proliferating cells [61]. These findings suggest the existence of at least two ʺcheckpointsʺ during the lifespan of a chronologically aging yeast cell at which the intracellular concentration of trehalose (which depends on a balance between trehalose synthesis and degradation) defines its longevity by modulating cellular proteostasis. It seems that one of these checkpoints exists early in life of a chronologically aging yeast cell (i.e., prior to entry into a non-proliferative state), whereas the other checkpoint occurs late in its life (i.e., after such cell enters a non-proliferative state).
Protein import into the peroxisome impacts longevity-defining processes in other cellular compartments
The efficiency of peroxisomal protein import has been shown to decline with the chronological age of a eukaryotic cell [57][58][78][79]. Such import is driven by Pex5p and Pex7p, the peroxisomal targeting signal type 1 (PTS1) and PTS2 cytosolic shuttling receptors, respectively [80][81][82]. Recent findings support the view that the age-dependent efficiency of protein import into the peroxisome defines the efficiencies of fatty acid oxidation, hydrogen peroxide turnover and anaplerotic metabolism within this organelle. These metabolic processes are known to modulate the dynamic communications of peroxisomes with other cellular compartments via a unidirectional or bidirectional flow of certain soluble metabolites and lipids [20][57][58][65][83][84][85][86][87]. By influencing longevity-defining cellular processes confined to these other compartments, the metabolic processes within the peroxisome cause the development of a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern [20][54][57][58][65][88][89][83][84][85][86][87].
Altogether, these findings suggest a model for how the age-dependent efficiency of peroxisomal protein import in chronologically aging yeast defines the age-related metabolic pattern of peroxisomes, thus impacting longevity-defining processes in other cellular compartments and ultimately establishing a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern (Figure 1B). The model envisions that chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells develop and maintain an anti-aging cellular pattern in part because in these cells the efficiency of Pex5p- and Pex7p-dependent peroxisomal protein import exceeds a threshold. Specifically, such ʺyoungʺ cells are proficient in peroxisomal import of the following proteins: (1) catalase Cta1p and peroxiredoxin Pmp20p, both required for decomposition of hydrogen peroxide and other reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the peroxisome; (2) Fox1p, Fox2p and Fox3p, enzymes involved in peroxisomal β-oxidation of fatty acids to acetyl-CoA; and (3) the citrate synthase Cit2p and acetyl-carnitine synthase Cat2p, both facilitating the replenishment of tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediates destined for mitochondria by catalyzing the anaplerotic conversion of acetyl-CoA to citrate and acetyl-carnitine, respectively [14][20][57][58][83][90][91][92] (Figure 1B). The efficient peroxisomal import of all these proteins in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells enables the establishment of an anti-aging cellular pattern by: (1) minimizing the oxidative damage to peroxisomal proteins and membrane lipids; (2) maintaining the intracellular concentration of peroxisomally produced hydrogen peroxide at a threshold which is insufficient to damage cellular macromolecules but can activate transcription of nuclear genes essential for cell survival, thus promoting the longevity-extending cellular process of “stress-response hormesis”; (3) stimulating the TCA cycle and electron transport chain (ETC) in mitochondria, thus enabling to sustain mitochondrially generated ROS at a non-toxic level which is sufficient to stimulate transcription of nuclear genes encoding stress-protecting and other anti-aging proteins [20][23][57][58][65][92] (Figure 1B).
Noteworthy, peroxisomes in yeast house the polyamine oxidase Fms1p, an enzyme involved in the synthesis of spermidine [17][93]. This natural polyamine has been shown to extend longevity of chronologically aging yeast by stimulating the essential cytoprotective cellular process of autophagy [13][94][95] (Figure 1B). Because the intracellular concentration of spermidine in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast exceeds that in chronologically ʺoldʺ yeast [13], one could speculate that peroxisomal import of Fms1p early in life of a chronologically aging yeast cell is more efficient than it is late in life, after entry of a chronologically aging yeast cell population into a non-proliferative state. In this scenario, chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells develop and maintain an anti-aging cellular pattern in part because they are proficient in peroxisomal import of a protein needed for the synthesis of a natural polyamine which promotes the longevity-extending cellular process of autophagy (Figure 1B).
Our model further posits that in chronologically ʺoldʺ yeast cells the efficiencies of Pex5p- and Pex7p-dependent peroxisomal import of Cta1p, Pmp20p, Fox1p, Fox2p, Fox3p, Cit2p and Cat2p markedly decline (Figure 1B). Such deterioration of peroxisomal protein import below a threshold in these cells causes the development of a pro-aging cellular pattern by: (1) elevating the intracellular concentration of peroxisomally produced hydrogen peroxide above a cytotoxic level, thus increasing the extent of oxidative damage to cellular macromolecules; (2) reducing the efficiency of Fox1p-, Fox2p- and Fox3p-driven peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids derived from triacylglycerols that are synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and deposited within lipid droplets (LD) – thus elevating the concentrations of non-esterified (ʺfreeʺ) fatty acids and diacylglycerol, both of which are known to elicit an age-related form of liponecrotic programmed cell death (PCD); (3) diminishing the replenishment of TCA cycle intermediates destined for the TCA cycle in mitochondria – thus triggering a cascade of events that reduce the ETC in mitochondria, lower electrochemical potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM), promote mitochondrial fragmentation, cause the efflux of cytochrome c and other pro-apoptotic proteins from fragmented mitochondria, and ultimately elicit an age-related form of apoptotic PCD [14][20][23][54][57][58][65][89][91][92][96][97][98][99][100][101][102][103] (Figure 1B).
Furthermore, our model envisions that chronologically ʺoldʺ yeast cells develop and maintain a pro-aging cellular pattern in part because they exhibit a low efficiency of peroxisomal import of the polyamine oxidase Fms1p, which is required for the synthesis of spermidine [13][17][93][94][95] (Figure 1B).
Noteworthy, both chronologically ʺyoungʺ and ʺoldʺ yeast cells grown in a nutrient-rich medium under longevity-shortening non-CR conditions have been shown to accumulate ethanol, a product of glucose fermentation [23][89]. Ethanol is known to repress the synthesis of Fox1p, Fox2p and Fox3p, thereby suppressing Fox1p-, Fox2p- and Fox3p-driven peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids [90][104] (Figure 1B). By suppressing peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids to acetyl-CoA in chronologically ʺyoungʺ cells under non-CR conditions, the accumulated ethanol attenuates the anaplerotic conversion of acetyl-CoA to citrate and acetyl-carnitine – thus inhibiting an aging-decelerating cellular process of the replenishment of TCA cycle intermediates destined for mitochondria [57][58][90][104] (Figure 1B). Moreover, by suppressing peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids to acetyl-CoA in chronologically ʺoldʺ cells under non-CR conditions, the accumulated ethanol also elevates the concentrations of non-esterified (ʺfreeʺ) fatty acids and diacylglycerol – thus triggering an age-related form of liponecrotic PCD (Figure 1B) [14][23][54][57][58][89][103]. It should be stressed that neither chronologically ʺyoungʺ nor chronologically ʺoldʺ yeast cells grown under longevity-extending CR conditions amass ethanol [23][89]. Such inability of yeast cells limited in calorie supply to accumulate ethanol is one of the reasons of why they are able to develop and maintain an anti-aging cellular pattern throughout lifespan [23][54][57][58][89] (Figure 1B).
In sum, it is conceivable that there are at least two checkpoints during the lifespan of a chronologically aging yeast cell at which the age-dependent efficiency of peroxisomal protein import defines the age-related metabolic pattern of peroxisomes, thus impacting longevity-defining processes in other cellular compartments and ultimately establishing a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern. It seems that one of these checkpoints occurs early in life of a chronologically aging yeast cell (i.e., prior to an arrest of cell growth and division), whereas the other checkpoint exists late in its life (i.e., following such arrest).
Coupled mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial ROS production affect longevity-defining processes in other cellular locations
The functional state of mitochondria and mitochondrial ROS production early in life of a chronologically aging yeast cell, prior to entry into a non-proliferative state, have been shown to define the length of time during which this cell remains viable after such entry – i.e., define longevity of chronologically aging yeast [3][14][23][31][49][50][51][53][55][56][62][64][68][69][70][71][72][73][105][106][107][108]. One key feature of the longevity-defining functional state of mitochondria in chronologically ʺyoungʺ, proliferating yeast cells is the capacity of electron transport along the respiratory chain coupled to ATP synthesis [3][14][23][49][50][51][62][64][70][72][73][106][107]. Another such key feature is the value of mitochondrial membrane potential; it depends on a balance between the capacities of ETC-driven proton transport from the matrix to the intermembrane space and proton translocation across the IMM in the opposite direction [3][14][23][50][51][56][64][70]. Moreover, the longevity-defining process of mitochondrial ROS production in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells depends on the efficiency of coupling between the ETC and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system in mitochondria [50][51].
Recent studies revealed how various genetic, dietary and pharmacological interventions having diverse effects on the ETC, OXPHOS system and/or ROS production in mitochondria of chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast impact yeast longevity [3][14][23][31][49][50][51][53][55][56][62][64][68][69][70][71][72][73][105][106][107][108]. These studies suggest a model for how coupled mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential maintenance and mitochondrial ROS production early in life of chronologically aging yeast cells define their longevity. This model is depicted schematically in Figure 2. The model envisions that chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells cultured under non-CR conditions develop and maintain a pro-aging cellular pattern because the capacities of these mitochondrial processes in such cells are below a certain level (Figure 2; these capacities are displayed in green color) [23][53][62][72][73]. Furthermore, the model posits that chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells, in which the capacities of these mitochondrial processes exceed a critical threshold, develop and maintain an anti-aging cellular pattern. This is because such capacities have specific impacts on: (1) some longevity-defining processes confined to mitochondria; and (2) certain longevity-defining processes in other cellular locations (Figure 2; these capacities are displayed in red color) [14][23][50][51][56][62][64][70][73][107]. The model also predicts that a significant further increase in the capacities of coupled mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential maintenance and mitochondrial ROS production above a critical threshold in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells has a negative impact on their longevity (Figure 2; these capacities are displayed in blue color) [14][23][64][107].
FIGURE 2: The functional state of mitochondria and mitochondrial ROS production in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells define their longevity by orchestrating numerous ʺdownstreamʺ cellular processes.
A model for how coupled mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential maintenance and mitochondrial ROS production early in life of chronologically aging yeast cells, prior to entry into a non-proliferative state, define their viability after such entry - i.e., define their longevity. Activation arrows and inhibition bars denote pro-aging processes (displayed in blue color) or anti-aging processes (displayed in red color). Please see text for additional details.
CR, caloric restriction; D, diauxic growth phase; DAG, diacylglycerol; EtOH, ethanol; FFA, non-esterified (ʺfreeʺ) fatty acids; IMM, inner mitochondrial membrane; L, logarithmic growth phase; LCA, lithocholic acid; LD, lipid droplet; PD, post-diauxic growth phase; PS, phosphatidylserine; ROS, reactive oxygen species; ST, stationary growth phase; ΔΨm, electrochemical potential across the IMM.
The capacities of coupled mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential maintenance and mitochondrial ROS production in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells are modulated by several ʺupstreamʺ pathways (Figure 2). These longevity-defining pathways include: (1) the nutrient- and energy-sensing TOR (target of rapamycin) signaling pathway, which through the rapamycin-sensitive protein kinase Tor1p inhibits mitochondrial translation of the OXPHOS enzymes encoded by mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) [14][50][51][56][62]; (2) a CR pathway, whose ability to modulate coupled mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential maintenance and mitochondrial ROS production in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells is mediated in part by Tor1p [3][14][23][33][50][51][52][56][62]; (3) a pathway for the maintenance of mitochondrial genome integrity and copy number, which is orchestrated by the mitochondrial base-excision repair enzyme Ntg1p [108]; (4) the mitophagy pathway of mitochondrial quality control responsible for autophagic degradation of aged, dysfunctional or damaged mitochondria – which requires the receptor protein Atg32p on the surface of mitochondria destined for such degradation [70]; and (5) a pathway for specific remodeling of the membrane lipidome of mitochondria – which is stimulated in response to accumulation of the exogenously added lithocholic acid (LCA), an anti-aging natural compound, predominantly in the IMM [64][107] (Figure 2). Noteworthy, some of these ʺupstreamʺ pathways overlap; such convergent pathways modulating the capacities of coupled mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential maintenance and mitochondrial ROS production in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast include the TOR and CR pathways [3][14][23][33][50][51][52][56][62], as well as the TOR and Ntg1p-governed pathways [108]. In contrast, it seems that other ʺupstreamʺ pathways modulating the capacities of these three longevity-defining mitochondrial processes do not converge and act in synergy; such ʺparallelʺ pathways include: (1) a CR pathway and an LCA-driven pathway for remodeling of the membrane lipidome of mitochondria [64][107]; and (2) a CR pathway and the Ntg1p-governed pathway [108].
The capacities of coupled mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential maintenance and mitochondrial ROS production in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells define their longevity by orchestrating numerous ʺdownstreamʺ cellular processes throughout lifespan – i.e., prior to entry into a non-proliferative state and after such entry (Figure 2). Among them are the following ʺdownstreamʺ processes (Figure 2): (1) the maintenance of trehalose homeostasis, a longevity-defining process known to modulate proteostasis in chronologically ʺyoungʺ and ʺoldʺ cells [23][61] (Figure 1A); (2) the maintenance of the homeostasis of glycogen, a reserve carbohydrate whose elevated level in chronologically ʺyoungʺ and ʺoldʺ cells is a hallmark of carbohydrate metabolism remodeling in yeast cultured under CR [23]; (3) the maintenance of the homeostasis of neutral lipids deposited within LD, a process known to play an essential role in regulating longevity of chronologically aging yeast [14][23][92] (Figure 1B); (4) peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids, a process implicated in yeast chronological aging [14][23][91][92] (Figure 1B); (5) the maintenance of the homeostasis of non-esterified (ʺfreeʺ) fatty acids and diacylglycerol, whose reduced levels in chronologically ʺyoungʺ and ʺoldʺ cells are characteristic of lipid metabolism remodeling in yeast cultured under CR – a pattern likely linked to the demonstrated abilities of both lipid species to elicit an age-related form of liponecrotic PCD [14][23][103] (Figure 1B); (6) the maintenance of a balance between the relative rates of glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, a process known to impact the level of ethanol in chronologically ʺyoungʺ and ʺoldʺ yeast – thus defining the extent to which this product of glucose fermentation suppresses the longevity-extending process of peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids [14][23] (Figure 1B); (7) the longevity-extending process of mitochondrial translation [23][50][51][56]; (8) the maintenance of a balance between the relative rates of mitochondrial fusion and fission, a process known to define the size and number of mitochondria, the length of mitochondrial cristae extending from the IMM, and the level of ATP synthesized in mitochondria of chronologically ʺyoungʺ and ʺoldʺ yeast [14][23][64][70]; (9) the development of an age-related pattern of susceptibility to chronic oxidative, thermal and osmotic stresses [3][14][23][33][50][56][59][62]; (10) an age-related form of apoptotic PCD, which in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast is manifested in such early hallmark events of this PCD as the fragmentation of a tubular mitochondrial network into individual mitochondria, release of cytochrome c from mitochondria into the cytosol and phosphatidylserine (PS) translocation from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane [14][23] (Figure 1B); and (11) the development of a pattern of cell susceptibility to an age-related forms of apoptotic and liponecrotic PCD elicited by an exposure to exogenous hydrogen peroxide or palmitoleic acid, respectively [14][23][59][103].
The molecular mechanisms through which the capacity of mitochondrial ROS production in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells defines their longevity have begun to emerge; they involve communication between mitochondria and the nucleus via two signaling pathways [71][108]. In one of these signaling pathways, hormetic concentrations of ROS released from mitochondria trigger a pro-longevity transcriptional program in the nucleus by stimulating Gis1p, Msn2p and Msn4p [68][71][108]; these transcriptional factors are known to activate expression of numerous genes essential for the resistance to various stresses, stationary phase survival, carbohydrate metabolism, nutrient sensing and chronological longevity assurance [109][110][111]. Another mitochondria-to-nucleus signaling pathway initiated by hormetic concentrations of ROS in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells involves a cascade of events within the nucleus. In this cascade, the DNA damage response (DDR) kinase Tel1p responds to hormetic concentrations of ROS released from mitochondria by phosphorylating and activating the DDR kinase Rad53p. Active Rad53p then phosphorylates and inactivates the histone demethylase Rph1p confined to subtelomeric chromatin regions, thereby repressing their transcription, minimizing telomeric DNA damage and ultimately extending longevity of chronologically aging yeast [68][71]. Noteworthy, it seems that the Tel1p-Rad53p-Rph1p signaling pathway overlaps with and is regulated by the ʺupstreamʺ Ntg1p-governed pathway (Figure 2) for the maintenance of mitochondrial genome integrity and copy number [108].
Altogether, these findings suggest that there is a checkpoint early in life of chronologically aging yeast cells (i.e., prior to entry into a non-proliferative state) at which the capacities of coupled mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential maintenance and mitochondrial ROS production define their viability after such entry – i.e., define their longevity. It seems that the capacities of these three mitochondrial processes at such checkpoint define yeast longevity by orchestrating a number of ʺdownstreamʺ processes taking place in various cellular locations throughout lifespan, before an arrest of cell growth and division, and following such arrest.
Metabolite flow within glycolytic and non-glycolytic pathways of carbohydrate metabolism defines the establishment of a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern
Recent studies provided evidence that the relative rates of reactions comprising glycolytic and non-glycolytic pathways of carbohydrate metabolism, as well as the intracellular concentrations of some key intermediates in these pathways, define the development and maintenance of a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern in chronologically aging yeast [3][10][23][33][52][54][57][58][63][65][66][67][69][89][112][113][114][115][116][117]. The major findings of these studies can be summarized as follows: (1) the establishment of a certain metabolic pattern of such coordinated pathways early in life of chronologically aging yeast cells, prior to entry into a non-proliferative state, defines their longevity; and (2) some dietary, genetic and pharmacological interventions extend yeast longevity by causing a specific remodeling of such metabolic pathways in chronologically ʺyoungʺ, proliferating cells [23][52][66][67][69][112][113][114][115][116][117]. These findings suggest a model for how metabolic flux within the network integrating glycolytic and non-glycolytic pathways of carbohydrate metabolism modulates longevity-defining cellular processes. This model is depicted schematically in Figure 3.
FIGURE 3: The coordinated metabolite flow within glycolytic and non-glycolytic pathways of carbohydrate metabolism defines yeast longevity by modulating vital cellular processes.
A model for how metabolic flux within the network integrating glycolytic and non-glycolytic pathways of carbohydrate metabolism in chronologically ʺyoungʺ, proliferating yeast cells define the development and maintenance of a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern throughout lifespan, before an arrest of cell growth and division and after such arrest. Activation arrows and inhibition bars denote pro-aging processes (displayed in blue color) or anti-aging processes (displayed in red color). Please see text for additional details.
Ac-CoA, acetyl-CoA; DHAP, dihydroxyacetone phosphate; EtOH, ethanol; GA-3-P, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate; GLR, glutathione reductase; PCD, programmed cell death; TCA, tricarboxylic acid; TORC1, target of rapamycin complex 1; TRR, thioredoxin reductase.
The model posits that glucose, the primary carbon source used in most assays for investigating yeast chronological aging under laboratory conditions, is initially converted to pyruvate via the glycolytic pathway and also enters the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) [23][25][27][30][33][57][66] (Figure 3). In chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells progressing through logarithmic (L) phase, the PPP generates not only ribose-5-phosphate for nucleic acid synthesis but also NADPH, the primary source of cellular reducing equivalents required for the reductive synthesis of fatty acids, sterols and some amino acids [60][63][66][118]. Importantly, NADPH – which is produced in the Zwf1p- and Gnd1p-driven oxidative reactions of the PPP – also functions as the electron donor essential for sustaining cellular redox homeostasis via thioredoxin and glutathione reductase systems [63][66][118] (Figure 3). These two NADPH-dependent systems have been shown to reduce the extent of oxidative damage to numerous thiol-containing cytosolic, nuclear and mitochondrial proteins in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells; as such, both reductase systems play essential roles in longevity assurance and underlie, in part, the robust longevity-extending effect of CR [63][66] (Figure 3).
After chronologically aging yeast cells consume glucose during L phase, they enter diauxic (D) and then post-diauxic (PD) phases of slow growth [23][25][30][33]. During D and PD phases, prior to an arrest of cell growth and division and entry into the non-proliferative stationary (ST) phase, the pyruvate formed by glycolysis can enter several alternative pathways of carbon metabolism; all these pathways have been implicated in modulating various longevity-defining cellular processes [3][10][23][33][52][54][57][58][63][65][66][67][69][89][112][113][114][115][116][117]. One of these alternative metabolic pathways is fermentation leading to the formation of ethanol and/or acetic acid in the cytosol of a chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cell; the nature of a product of such fermentation depends on the type of a synthetic or nutrient-rich growth medium used and/or aeration conditions applied [3][10][23][33][52][112][113][114][115][117] (Figure 3). As discussed above, the level of ethanol in chronologically aging yeast defines the extent to which it suppresses the longevity-extending process of peroxisomal oxidation of fatty acids [14][23] (Figure 1B). The steady-state level of this product of glucose fermentation depends on the relative enzymatic activities of Adh1p and Adh2p, which are required for ethanol formation or oxidation, respectively [3][23][52][112][117] (Figure 3). Acetic acid, the alternative product of glucose fermentation in the cytosol of chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells, shortens their longevity – likely because it can elicit an age-related form of apoptotic PCD [3][27][113][114][115] (Figure 3). Of note, the Ald6p-dependent acetaldehyde dehydrogenase reaction in the cytosol of these cells yields not only acetic acid but also NADPH [60][66][118] (Figure 3). As discussed above, the NADPH-dependent thioredoxin and glutathione reductase systems are vital for longevity assurance and are essential for the longevity-extending effect of CR because they reduce the extent of oxidative damage to many thiol-containing cellular proteins in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells [63][66][118] (Figure 3). Moreover, acetic acid can be converted to acetyl-CoA in the nucleo-cytosolic Acs2p-dependent reaction [116][118]. The acetyl-CoA formed in the nucleus has been shown to shorten longevity of chronologically aging yeast by causing histone H3 hyperacetylation, thereby selectively suppressing transcription of the ATG5, ATG7, ATG11 and ATG14 genes; these genes encode proteins needed for the longevity-extending process of autophagy [116] (Figure 3). It remains to be determine what are the relative impacts of acetic acid (a pro-aging metabolite), NADPH (an anti-aging metabolite) and acetyl-CoA (a pro-aging metabolite) on longevity of chronologically aging yeast.
The model depicted in Figure 3 further envisions that glucose fermentation to glycerol in the cytosol of a chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cell operates as a longevity-extending cellular process – likely because it reduces metabolite flow into the longevity-shortening cellular process of glucose fermentation to ethanol and/or acetic acid [52][113] (Figure 3). The term ʺphantom carbon sourceʺ has been coined for defining this aspect of the essential longevity-extending role of glycerol in yeast [52]. Glycerol formed by glucose fermentation in the cytosol of a chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cell has been proposed to extend it lifespan also because it is known to reduce cell susceptibility to chronic oxidative, thermal and osmotic stresses [52] (Figure 3). Furthermore, glucose fermentation to glycerol in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells may also play an essential role in longevity assurance by maintaining an NAD+/NADH ratio characteristic of an anti-aging cellular pattern [52] (Figure 3).
In addition to being converted to ethanol, acetic acid, NADPH and/or acetyl-CoA, the pyruvate formed by glycolysis can enter the gluconeogenesis pathway leading to the formation of glucose; in chronologically aging yeast, this newly synthesized glucose can be further used for the synthesis of trehalose [23][61][62][117] (Figure 3). As discussed above [23][61] (Figure 1A): (1) in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells progressing through D and PD growth phases, trehalose plays an essential longevity-extending role, whereas (2) in chronologically ʺoldʺ, non-proliferating cells, trehalose plays a key role in shortening longevity (Figure 1).
In chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells progressing through D and PD growth phases, the pyruvate formed by glycolysis – as well as the acetaldehyde and acetate derived from it – can also fuel several longevity-defining metabolic processes in mitochondria. One of these metabolic processes is the TCA cycle. Two intermediates of the cycle, malate and isocitrate, can be used to form NADPH in the Mae1p- and Idp1p-dependent reactions, respectively [60][66][118] (Figure 3). NADPH in mitochondria of chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells progressing through D and PD growth phases can also be formed in the Ald4p-dependent acetaldehyde dehydrogenase reaction and in the Pos5p-dependent NADH kinase reaction [60][66][118] (Figure 3). As discussed above, NADPH can play a vital longevity-extending role by being used for a thioredoxin- and glutathione reductase-driven decrease in the extent of oxidative damage to thiol-containing mitochondrial proteins and proteins in other cellular locations [63][66][118] (Figure 3). Moreover, the oxaloacetate and α-ketoglutarate intermediates of the TCA cycle in mitochondria of chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells progressing through D and PD growth phases are known to be used for the synthesis of amino acids [60][118][119] (Figure 3). After their exit from mitochondria to the cytosol, some of these amino acids – including aspartate, asparagine, glutamate and glutamine – cause a significant increase in protein kinase activity of the TOR complex 1 (TORC1) on the surface of vacuoles [20][119][120][121][122][123][124] (Figure 3). The resulting stimulation of the TOR signaling pathway in chronologically ʺyoungʺ yeast cells is known to initiate the establishment of a pro-aging cellular pattern by: (1) activating the longevity-shortening process of protein synthesis in the cytosol; (2) suppressing the longevity-extending process of autophagy in vacuoles; (3) inhibiting the longevity-extending process of transcription of numerous stress-response genes in the nucleus; and (4) suppressing the longevity-extending process of protein synthesis in mitochondria [20][50][51][119][120][121][122][123][124] (Figure 3).
Taken together, these findings strongly suggest that there are several checkpoints early in life of chronologically aging yeast cells – during L, D and PD phases preceding entry into the non-proliferative ST phase – at which the coordinated metabolite flow within glycolytic and non-glycolytic pathways of carbohydrate metabolism defines yeast longevity. It seems that at each of these early-life checkpoints some key intermediates in such pathways affect – in a different manner and in a concentration-dependent fashion – the vital processes of cell metabolism, growth, proliferation, stress resistance, macromolecular homeostasis, survival and death. By modulating such longevity-defining cellular processes throughout lifespan – prior to an arrest of cell growth and division and following such arrest – these key metabolic intermediates define the development and maintenance of a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern.
A STEPWISE PROGRESSION OF A BIOMOLECULAR NETWORK OF CELLULAR AGING THROUGH A SERIES OF LIFESPAN CHECKPOINTS DEFINES LONGEVITY OF CHRONOLOGICALLY AGING YEAST
The above analysis of the current knowledge about cell-autonomous mechanisms underlying chronological aging in yeast suggests the existence of several lifespan checkpoints that are critically important for establishing the pace of such aging. A recently reported ability of a natural chemical compound to extend longevity of chronologically aging yeast only if added at some of these checkpoints [59] supports the notion that a stepwise progression through such checkpoints may define the development and maintenance of a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern. Therefore, in this review we extend the recently proposed network theories of yeast chronological aging [3][20][23][58][59][61][62][125][126][127] by putting forward a concept of a biomolecular network underlying the chronology of cellular aging in yeast. This concept is depicted schematically in Figure 4. The concept posits that the network progresses through a series of the early-life checkpoints (that exist in L, D and PD phases) and late-life checkpoints (that exist in ST phase). At each of these checkpoints, the intracellular concentrations of some key intermediates and products of certain metabolic pathways – as well as the rates of coordinated flow of such metabolites within an intricate network of intercompartmental (i.e., organelle-organelle and organelle-cytosol) communications – are monitored by some checkpoint-specific ʺmaster regulatorʺ proteins (Figure 4). The concept further envisions that, because each of these master regulator proteins is known for its essential role in longevity regulation, their synergistic action at certain early-life and late-life checkpoints modulates the rates and efficiencies of progression of such essential processes as cell metabolism, growth, proliferation, stress resistance, macromolecular homeostasis, survival and death (Figure 4). The concept predicts that, by modulating these vital cellular processes throughout lifespan – prior to an arrest of cell growth and division and following such arrest – the checkpoint-specific master regulator proteins orchestrate the development and maintenance of a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern and, thus, define longevity of chronologically aging yeast (Figure 4).
FIGURE 4: A concept of a biomolecular network underlying chronological aging in yeast.
A model for how a stepwise progression of a biomolecular network of cellular aging through a series of lifespan checkpoints is monitored by some checkpoint-specific ʺmaster regulatorʺ proteins. The model posits that a synergistic action of these master regulator proteins at several early-life and late-life checkpoints modulates certain vital cellular processes throughout lifespan - thereby orchestrating the development and maintenance of a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern and, thus, defining longevity of chronologically aging yeast. Activation arrows and inhibition bars denote pro-aging processes (displayed in blue color) or anti-aging processes (displayed in red color). Pro-aging or anti-aging master regulator proteins are displayed in blue color or red color, respectively.
Ac-Carnitine, acetyl-carnitine; Ac-CoA, acetyl-CoA; CR, caloric restriction; D, diauxic growth phase; DAG, diacylglycerol; ETC, electron transport chain; EtOH, ethanol; FFA, non-esterified (ʺfreeʺ) fatty acids; GLR, glutathione reductase; L, logarithmic growth phase; LCA, lithocholic acid; LD, lipid droplet; PD, post-diauxic growth phase; PKA, protein kinase A; TAG, triacylglycerols; TCA, tricarboxylic acid cycle; ST, stationary growth phase; TORC1, target of rapamycin complex 1; TRR, thioredoxin reductase; ΔΨm, electrochemical potential across the inner mitochondrial membrane.
In the proposed concept of a biomolecular network underlying the chronology of cellular aging in yeast, the key intermediates and products of longevity-defining metabolic pathways include the following metabolites: NADPH (an anti-aging metabolite), glycerol (an anti-aging metabolite), trehalose (an anti-aging metabolite in ʺyoungʺ cells but a pro-aging metabolite in ʺoldʺ cells), acetyl-carnitine (an anti-aging metabolite), citrate (an anti-aging metabolite), hydrogen peroxide (an anti-aging metabolite if it is maintained at an ʺadaptiveʺ level eliciting a hormetic response but a pro-aging metabolite if it amasses above a cytotoxic level), spermidine (an anti-aging metabolite), ethanol (a pro-aging metabolite), acetic acid (a pro-aging metabolite), acetyl-CoA (a pro-aging metabolite), non-esterified fatty acids (pro-aging metabolites), diacylglycerol (a pro-aging metabolite) and amino acids (pro-aging metabolites) (Figure 4). The proposed concept posits that these key metabolites undergo an age-related flow within an intricate network of intercompartmental communications. Such unidirectional and bidirectional flow of the critical metabolites between different cellular compartments connects mitochondria and the nucleus, peroxisomes and the nucleus, vacuoles and the nucleus, the cytosol and the nucleus, mitochondria and peroxisomes, lipid droplets and peroxisomes, mitochondria and vacuoles, peroxisomes and the cytosol, mitochondria and the cytosol, and vacuoles and the cytosol (Figure 4). In the proposed concept, a CR diet and some pharmacological interventions (such as rapamycin and LCA) – as well as some other environmental cues (such as the intake of certain dietary supplements and hormetic environmental stresses) – extend longevity of chronologically aging yeast by altering the age-related dynamics of changes in the intracellular concentrations of the key metabolites and/or by modulating the intercompartmental flow of these critical metabolites (Figure 4). The following proteins and protein complexes operate as checkpoint-specific master regulators that – according to the proposed concept – respond to age-related changes in the intracellular concentrations of the key metabolites and in the intensity of their intercompartmental flow by modulating the longevity-defining processes of cell metabolism, growth, proliferation, stress resistance, macromolecular homeostasis, survival and death: (1) thioredoxin and glutathione reductase systems (anti-aging master regulators); (2) Rim15p, Msn2p, Msn4p and Gis1p (anti-aging master regulators); (3) Tel1p and Rad53p (anti-aging master regulators); (4) components of the ATG protein machinery involved in the essential cytoprotective cellular process of autophagy (anti-aging master regulators); (5) Rph1p (a pro-aging master regulator); (6) Iki3p and Sas3p (pro-aging master regulators); and (7) TORC1 and protein kinase A (PKA) (pro-aging master regulators) (Figure 4). Future studies are likely to reveal some other checkpoint-specific master regulator proteins. Finally, the proposed concept posits that the checkpoint-specific master regulators define longevity of chronologically aging yeast by orchestrating certain ʺdownstreamʺ cellular processes and features throughout lifespan – i.e., prior to entry into a non-proliferative state and after such entry (Figure 4). These ʺdownstreamʺ processes and features include (Figure 4): (1) susceptibility to chronic oxidative, thermal and osmotic stresses; (2) oxidative damage to numerous thiol-containing cytosolic, nuclear and mitochondrial proteins; (3) cellular proteostasis, which depends on the relative rates and efficiencies of protein folding, misfolding, unfolding, refolding, oxidative damage, solubility and aggregation; (4) transcription of subtelomeric chromatin regions, which defines the extent of age-related telomeric DNA damage; (5) protein synthesis in the cytosol; (6) protein synthesis in mitochondria; (7) autophagy, an essential mechanism of cellular quality control responsible for the autophagic degradation of aged, dysfunctional and damaged macromolecules and organelles; and (8) liponecrotic and apoptotic forms of age-related PCD.
Emergent evidence supports the view that the processes of cell metabolism, growth, proliferation, stress resistance, macromolecular homeostasis, survival and death in chronologically aging yeast are integrated into a biomolecular network of cellular aging. Recent findings imply that a stepwise progression of this network through a series of the early-life and late-life checkpoints is monitored by some checkpoint-specific master regulator proteins; these proteins act in synergy to orchestrate the development and maintenance of a pro- or anti-aging cellular pattern and, thus, to define longevity of chronologically aging yeast. The major challenge now is to understand if a process of yeast chronological aging – whose progression through a series of lifespan checkpoints is monitored and controlled by a distinct set of master regulator proteins – is a program. We hypothesize that, although yeast chronological aging is a gradual and controllable process progressing through a series of consecutive lifespan checkpoints, it is not a program aimed at the termination of lives of individual yeast cells and of their organized populations. Rather, chronological aging in yeast is probably due to the inability of chronologically ʺyoungʺ, proliferating cells to maintain the capacities of some crucial cellular processes above a critical threshold; these key cellular processes may include ones that ensure robust cell growth and proliferation, implement a spatiotemporal control of cell development and differentiation into quiescent and non-quiescent cell populations, and limit an age-related accumulation of molecular and cellular damage. The proposed here hypothesis also posits that the extreme cellular stress caused by the excessive accumulation of such damage in chronologically ʺoldʺ, non-proliferating cells may activate pathways known to orchestrate the apoptotic, regulated necrotic, autophagic and/or liponecrotic subroutines of PCD; these subroutines are believed to constitute modules that are dynamically integrated into a so-called PCD network [103][128][129][130][131][132][133][134][135]. In sum, the hypothesis of non-programmed chronological aging in yeast envisions that: (1) the processes of cell metabolism, growth, proliferation, stress response, macromolecular homeostasis, development and differentiation have evolved in the course of natural selection within diverse ecosystems (and perhaps under laboratory conditions) as programs aimed at sustaining the long-term survival of individual yeast cells under various environmental conditions; (2) the processes of various subroutines of PCD have evolved throughout natural selection within different ecosystems (and perhaps under laboratory conditions) as ʺaltruisticʺ programs aimed at sustaining the long-term survival of organized yeast populations (such as colonies and biofilms of yeast cells attached to solid surfaces) by eliminating individual yeast cells that are damaged, unable to mate and reproduce, poorly adapted to diverse environmental conditions, and/or release excessive quantities of ROS and other harmful metabolites (for a comprehensive discussion of this topic, see refs. [136][137]); and (3) a trade-off between these programs aimed at sustaining the long-term survival of individual yeast cells or that of organized yeast populations under diverse environmental conditions drives the evolution of yeast longevity towards maintaining a finite yeast chronological lifespan within an ecosystem. The proposed here hypothesis of non-programmed chronological aging in yeast provides a framework for future studies aimed at testing its validity.
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V.I.T. research is supported by grants from the NSERC of Canada and Concordia University Chair Fund. V.I.T. is a Concordia University Research Chair in Genomics, Cell Biology and Aging.
Cell-autonomous mechanisms of chronological aging in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae by Anthony Arlia-Ciommo et al. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
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Duke scientists finds climate models inconsistent
A Duke University-led study questions the reliability of the climate models used to project short-term swings in temperature and the future extent of warming.
Patrick Brown, a Duke doctoral student in climatology, and two coauthors analyzed 34 models used by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change in its most recent report, completed in November.
Most of the models probably underestimate how much surface temperatures change from decade to decade, says the study published last week in the Journal of Geophysical Research. The models also don't consistently explain why they vary, it says.
That means too much emphasis shouldn't be placed on recent temperature trends, the study warns.
"The inconsistencies we found among the models are a reality check showing we may not know as much as we thought we did," Brown said in a Duke release. He added that the findings don't mean the planet won't warm as greenhouse gases accumulate in the atmosphere.
"It just means the road to a warmer world may be bumpier and less predictable, with more decade-to-decade wiggles than expected.... Don't assume that the reduced rate of global warming over the last 10 years foreshadows what the climate will be like in 50 or 100 years."
Global surface temperatures rose quickly in the 1980s and 1990, but have stayed relatively stable since then.
The National Climatic Data Center in Asheville reported that surface temperatures in 2014 were the warmest since record-keeping began in 1880. Nine of the 10 warmest years in that 135-year span have occurred in this century.
Martin's coauthors were Wenhong Li of Duke's Nicholas School of the Environment and Shang-Ping Xie of the University of California San Diego.
Posted by Bruce Henderson at 12:39 PM
Garth Vader said...
We know that the earth was far warmer during the Middle Ages than it is now. So these "warmest year ever" pronouncements are ignorant fearmongering and propaganda.
VikingsRule said...
Garth Vader: No, the earth was not warmer during the Middle Ages. There was a period of time AD 950-1250, when it is believed there where several regions around the world that experienced higher temperatures. However, the studies indicate GLOBAL temperatures didn't come close to what we're experiencing today. You need to include evidence which shows that, during this same time, areas of the world experienced colder than normal temperature.
Additional studies have found several causes including: 1) Fewer volcanic eruptions and changes in the ocean circulation patterns that warmed areas like the North Atlantic.
Garth, your pathetic attempt to use half-truths to back up your claim is embarrassing.
Somebody tell "Viking" idiot that poster #1 on the money only repeating what Duke just admitted thus making all these democrats as bogus liars starting with Al Gore the #1 idiot down to all time idiot Obama who lies when he moves his lips.
Who the hell was around 1000 yrs ago to say what the temp was anyway?
Climate change is all a fluke. No proof. Just lies and BS.
KevinW said...
Anon@ 2:27pm - It's clear you don't have a clue as to how scientific studies are presented and debated. Their peers will review the information, compare it to other studies, possibly challenge their findings.
Their studies do expose some interesting points, but it is not proof of that climate change is a fluke.
Really wished you had paid more attention in school.
Something all of the "climate change is a hoax" folks have yet to explain is who exactly benefits from the hoax? The vast academic-enviromental complex? Hoax implies a well-constructed like for an ulterior motive. What's the ulterior motive?
Archiguy said...
All the data points to a rapidly warming earth, and it's the SPEED with which this warming is taking place that makes this period of warming different from any that has occurred in the past. This is unprecedented, especially when you consider that according to global temperature cycles, we should be in a long-term cooling trend right now.
The more salient data point is the total atmospheric concentration of CO2. The last time the percentage of CO2 was this high was 70 million years ago, and sea levels then were 70 feet higher than today. Temperature change lags behind this metric.
Unfortunately, we ain't seen nothin' yet. Just wait until the frozen methane (10 times the greenhouse gas CO2 is) trapped beneath the deep oceans begins to melt and makes its way to the surface.
And Anon 2:27 must have dropped out of school before he took any science classes. There are a myriad of ways scientists can determine both global temperature levels and concentrations of atmospheric gasses going back hundreds of millions of years with a high degree of confidence.
Scott Menzel said...
@bird...how do you not know who benifits? Who do you think is paying these scientists to convince us that global warmimg is real? Do you really think that these scientists are going to tell tell the truth that its all false....no more government money.In the end its all so the government can implement a "carbon tax" on every single living human being for the evil of living on this earth and our sin of contributing to "global warming."
So, Scott, "climate change/global warming" is a US government conspiracy designed to allow them to implement increased taxes through regulation and some type of carbon impact assessement? And to do this they've enlisted scientific and academic institutions world-wide that are credible enough to have their research believed by a vast majority of the scientific community, yet dishonest enough to sell out their integrity for government funding? Sure, that may be viable on a small scale, as when tobacco companies would fund research to show that smoking and lung cancer were unrelated, but it seems like a less viable plan on a global scale.
That's what I'm interpreting from what you are saying, but I want to be far if I'm mischaracterizing what you said. Please feel free to correct me.
Ghoul said...
Bird,
It is a worldwide conspiracy of the left to make everyone on the planet equal, equally miserable. Everyone knows academia is in the left's pocket. They get paid to fudge the numbers, and its been proven that's exactly what they are doing.
Your prophet, Al Gore, is heavily invested in the carbon trading market. If the left succeeds in forcing the carbon tax on us, ole Al Gore will be a billionaire.
If global warming is discredited, then all those scientist will be out of a job, so of course they find what they need to find and ignore the facts that the Earth has not warmed for decades, and yes, the Earth was much warmer in the past, most recently in the 1500's. Guess it was all the oil lamps they were burning, right?
The biggest problem people like Mr. Menzel have with their paranoid fantasy about a vast conspiracy to deceive the world about climate change is that, in his ultra-conservative world, "the government" is funding all this research that has 98% of all scientists agreeing with the data that points to a rapidly warming planet, higher concentrations of CO2, rising sea levels, etc.
In fact, "the government" funds little if any of this research, which he would know if he actually knew ANYthing about this issue.
If there is any conspiracy at all, it lies with the big multi-national energy companies which have paid shills to keep this "debate" alive with pseudo-science and false information distributed and championed by the right-wing-echo-chamber and the politicians it supports. It's been going on for more than 30 years now. Three decades of obfuscation and denial which have probably cost us the chance to do something meaningful to slow down the changes and mitigate the impact on our societies.
kantstanzya said...
The UN's IGPC analysis only extends to the last 135 years....a pimple on the earth's climate history. There was indeed a Medieval Warm Period where the temperatures were warmer than in the last 8,000 years. It lasted from the end of the 9th century to the beginning of the 14th.And there was a Little Ice Age in the 1600's.There was a cooling period as recently as 1940 through the 1970's when we were warned of a catastrophic coming ice age.
Even the IGPC has been forced to revise its predictions...downgrading warming it expected in the 30 years following 1995 to 0.5C. Indeed the so called "hottest year" (of the the past 135 only)can not be determined because 2005, 2010 and 2014 all fall within the margin of error by a factor of five. And the reason the years are all close together is because...duh..climate is a continuous process of incremental change. The warmer years are grouped together just as the coolest years are.
The "pause" in global warming has lasted 16, 19 or 26 years depending on whether you chose surface temperatures or satellite records of the lower atmosphere to measure. and the people who make money off of climate scaremongering are panicked.They have seen it coming. Remember Phil Jones of the Univ. of East Anglia who wrote to another scientist in an email he thought would never see the light of day "the scientific community would come down on me in no uncertain terms if I admit the world had cooled since 1998."
Since the pause which has been pointed out by many scientists for the last 10 years can no longer be denied the Al Gore lobby has come up with 40 different explanations for it including cooling sulfate particles from China, an excess of volcanic emissions, a slowdown of magnetic activity in the sun and lately that the oceans are absorbing the heat.
The climate has and will always be changing. And there are plenty of scientists who don't believe in man made global warming that you have to look for because the media will not cover them.William Gray, Professor emeritus of Colorado State University says the computer models of the Climate Hysterics had hugely exaggerated any man made component in temperature rise. He estimates even the small rise that did occur in the late 70's to 90's is only at most 5% attributable to CO2. The rest was natural.
Man made global warming continues to be one of the biggest hoaxes in human history. Perpetrated by people making money off of it and by people who want bigger government and global wealth redistribution. Fortunately fewer and fewer people believe it each year and those that do are looking sillier and sillier.
The problem with all of this stuff on climate change is that it comes from liberal sources. Every liberal I've ever known is into 'group think' - they all think exactly alike. They are reinforced in this narrow herd and it's very difficult for them to think outside their peer group. So I'm a skeptic not because of any objection to science - but a skeptic because of experience with liberals.
The problem with all of this stuff against climate change is that it comes from conservative sources. Every conservative I've ever known is into 'group think' - they all think exactly alike. They are reinforced in this narrow herd and it's very difficult for them to think outside their peer group. So I'm a skeptic not because of any objection to science - but a skeptic because of experience with conservatives.
So basically, recent data doesn't conform to our theories therefore the recent data is not reliable. As someone who does historical trending for a living, this is a huge red flag!
Anonymous 5:09 PM,
Do you REALLY believe that group think is only a "conservative" problem? Then, please explain why liberal global warming proponents have consistently demonized any scientists who don't tow the line?
Frank Burns said...
The models grossly overestimate the impacts of CO2 emissions on global warming. The attached graph shows the model predictions are 60% greater than reality.
https://www.facebook.com/bjornlomborg/photos/a.221758208967.168468.146605843967/10153127817258968/?type=1&theater
Yeah, I'm going to follow your link to some bogus graph made with crayons. LOL. I can make up graphs too.
What difference does it make if the earth was warmer at some point in history due to other causes? It still does not disprove that the current trend is most likely due to human activity and pollution. Will the earth still be here? Of course! Will we be able to live here anywhere near as easily and painlessly as we do today? No way. That's what you knuckledragger Teabaggers don't get. Too much money tied up in fossil fuel stocks to admit reality.
Environmental Management Commission chair resigns
Duke Energy could recover ash disposal costs -- or...
Hellbenders survive fungus, but pollution takes a ...
Utilities panel keeps status quo on green-energy r...
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CHAPTER 4: The Price of Parks
PARKSadmin August 18, 2016 Uncategorized
With more than 84 million acres to manage and only 22,000 staff to do the managing (many of whom only work seasonally or part-time), the National Park Service does a lot with its relatively modest budget. For the agency’s Fiscal Year 2016, the National Park Service’s budget amounted to $3.4 billion, which included an extra infusion of funds to support iconic projects during its 100th anniversary year. Congress appropriated $2.85 billion of this, and the remaining amount represents revenue from park fees. To put this into context, former NPS Director Jon Jarvis pointed out that this total is less than the municipal budget for Austin, Texas, a city of approximately 885,000 people.
However, these numbers only tell part of the story. A recent study conducted by Colorado State University and the Harvard Kennedy School conservatively pegged the total economic value of national parks and the National Park Service’s programs (such as the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the National Natural Landmarks Program) at $92 billion.
“This study is a birthday wake-up call that shows Americans value the NPS at least 30 times more than the government spends on them,” says Harvard University Professor Linda J. Bilmes, one of the leading researchers behind the study. The review also found that 80 percent of the American public would be willing to pay higher federal taxes to protect and preserve national parks.
The parks also play a significant role in America’s economy as they draw visitor traffic from far and wide, supporting communities and businesses bordering the parks. In its 2015 National Park Visitor Spending Effects Report, the National Park Service calculated that last year’s national park visitors generated an economic output of $32 billion for local gateway regions — a 10-to-1 return on the agency’s budget — which supported more than 295,000 jobs.
Clearly, America’s national parks are a major economic driver, but NPS staff can only do so much with the funding the receive. In February of 2016, the National Park Service reported a FY 2015 deferred maintenance backlog of $11.93 billion, which represents critical facility repairs and updates the agency has been forced to push off due to a massive lack of funding. With a total annual budget of less than a third of that, it’s nearly impossible to make any headway on fixing critical infrastructure.
The Blue Ridge Parkway is especially hard-hit in terms of the deferred maintenance backlog, says Leesa Brandon, the park’s public information officer. At 80 years old and 469 miles long, the parkway features more than 3,000 asset locations like bridges and wastewater systems, many of which have been in need of renovation for decades. 2015 statistics for the parkway account for more than $516.6 million in deferred maintenance.
To help, supporting groups fundraise for many individual park units, such as Friends of the Smokies, which recently reached a milestone of $50 million in total funds raised for Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Last year, the National Park Service announced a proposed change to the agency’s philanthropy policy that would allow recognition of donors through temporary naming rights to park buildings and small logos on park signs, printed materials and online media. The hope is that by giving companies publicity for their financial contributions, more will find incentive to donate. Although the Park Service would carefully vet donors to limit any imposition these compromises would entail, allowing influence from outside corporations can opens the door to potential issues down the road, which has already been a problem. For example, several historic Yosemite landmarks including the Awahnee Hotel, Yosemite Lodge and Curry Village had to change their names last year due to an ongoing legal dispute with the park’s most recent concessioner, which claimed their trademarks.
However, many existing partnerships already provide significant assistance to parks nationwide, and many of these fall right in line with the parks’ conservation mission. In Acadia, L.L.Bean has donated millions to support the park’s Island Explorer shuttle service, which has significantly reduced emissions from individual cars. In Yellowstone, Toyota has provided hybrid vehicles to support park operations, green building expertise and financial backing for the Old Faithful Visitor Education Center, and more than 200 repurposed Prius batteries to store solar power at the off-grid Lamar Buffalo Ranch research facility.
Beyond corporate partnerships, other proposals to reduce budget strain include adding or increasing visitor fees, an unpopular idea as it would limit many families’ abilities to access their public lands. It’s not even an option in many places, including Great Smoky Mountains National Park, where the state of Tennessee made a deed restriction against tolls when it donated state roads to the park in 1951. “There is a provision that you can’t charge a visitor fee if you can’t charge a toll on highways,” says Dana Soehn, public affairs representative for the park. “It would require action by the Tennessee legislature before it could even be a topic of discussion.”
Alarmingly, several legislators have proposed almost 50 bills since January 2013 to sell off tens of millions of acres of federal lands, open them up to natural resource extraction or transfer them to state ownership in response to the budget shortfall. Support for these bills is strongly split along party lines, with Republicans almost exclusively backing the proposals and Democrats actively working to stop them.
Some members of Congress have also sought to undermine the Antiquities Act, a 110-year-old piece of legislation that gives the president the authority to establish national monuments to protect significant landscapes and historic sites. Nearly every president since the act’s creation has used it to preserve public lands, and it’s responsible for the protection of many of today’s most treasured landscapes, including Acadia and Grand Canyon, both of which began as national monuments.
However, Congress controls the amount of funding the National Park Service and other federal public lands agencies receive, and they’ve undermined a number of programs that support these agencies. One of the most visible programs among these is the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a bipartisan commitment established by Congress in 1965 that uses a portion of revenues generated from offshore oil and gas to support public lands and waters for all Americans to enjoy. Each year, energy companies drilling offshore put $900 million into this fund, which is then supposed to go toward national, state and local park programs and acquisitions across the country. Thousands of parks and programs in all 50 states depend on these funds, but each year, Congress reallocates huge portions toward programs unrelated to conservation and recreation, leaving public lands hanging.
In 2015, congressional dithering allowed the fund to expire for the first time in its 50-year history. Upon LWCF’s expiration, Rep. Rob Bishop, who regularly prioritizes fossil fuel extraction over conservation, proposed a baffling replacement that would gut the program and even further restrict funding for maintenance projects. Fortunately, Congress reauthorized a spending bill last year that gave the program a three-year lifeline, but even that only allocates half of the promised funds to public lands. Only twice in 50 years has Congress fully funded LWCF at its promised level.
Previous ArticleCHAPTER 3: Parks for People
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Switzerland Rejects a Popular Initiative ‘Against Foreign Judges’
17 Dec Switzerland Rejects a Popular Initiative ‘Against Foreign Judges’
[Constance Kaempfer is writing a PhD on the role of subnational parliaments in implementing international obligations. Sophie Thirion conducts PhD research on trade measures in multilateral environmental agreements. Evelyne Schmid is an associate professor of public international law (http://www.ius-gentium.ch). All three authors are based at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland.]
On 25 November 2018, the Swiss population and the cantons voted on a popular initiative that sought to alter the place and role of international law within the domestic legal system. Whereas preliminary surveys attested considerable support for the proposal, the initiative was rejected by a surprisingly large majority of Swiss voters (66.2%) and by all cantons. The participation rate was unusually high (47.7%). In this post, we present the proposal, we explain why we opposed it and we argue that future debates about the relationship between the Swiss legal order and international law should avoid deterministic assumptions that such initiatives are the ‘natural’ consequence of the increased relevance of international norms.
(Semi-)direct democracy in Switzerland foresees that a vote is held on any proposal for a constitutional amendment on any matter provided that 100’000 citizens sign the proposal and provided that the Federal Assembly does not declare the proposal to be invalid. On a side note, on 25 November, we not only voted on the initiative discussed in this post, but also on the question whether farmers who do not remove the horns from cows and goats should receive increased subsidies.
The so-called ‘Swiss law, not foreign judges’ initiative (‘self-determination initiative’) was the result of a popular initiative launched in 2016 by the major right-wing Swiss party, the Swiss People’s Party. The full text of the initiative is available in French, in German and in Italian. The proposal sought to introduce the priority of the Swiss Constitution over international treaties, with the only exception being peremptory norms of international law. In the case of a conflict between an international treaty obligation and the Swiss Constitution, the initiative would have amended the constitution so that the Confederation and the cantons would have been obliged to ‘adapt’ international treaties to the constitution and withdraw from international treaties ‘if needed’. While the initiative would have left unchanged the existing constitutional obligation stipulating that ‘the Confederation and the cantons respect international law’, the initiative proposed to severely restrict the sources that the Federal Tribunal and the Swiss authorities would apply. Only treaties whose approbation by the Federal Assembly has been subject to a referendum would have remained applicable, thus excluding the vast majority of international treaties concluded by Switzerland before 2003, when the facultative referendum in the area of foreign policy was introduced. Without saying so explicitly, this provision endangered the application of the European Convention on Human Rights, ratified by Switzerland in 1974.
This episode of Swiss direct democracy history must be understood both in its international and internal context. Internationally, the initiative is part of a wider phenomenon of challenging human rights through simplistic critiques of international institutions, international ‘elites’ and notably the EU. The awareness of why previous generations fought for the international recognition of human rights and the establishment of institutions mandated to protect them is fading. Domestically, the initiative was launched following a 2012 decision of the Swiss Federal Tribunal in which the Court prevented the removal of a residence permit of a nineteen-year-old foreign national convicted of drug offenses. Following the adoption of the popular initiative on the removal of foreign criminals in 2010, the Swiss People’s Party hoped for automatic deportations without consideration of proportionality. Of course, this idea was in tension with both the ECHR but also our own Constitution. Additionally, the Swiss People’s Party was unhappy with the legislative implementation of their initiative on ‘mass immigration’ and argued that the root causes of their anger was that international bodies and authorities are constantly expanding the scope of international law and politicians and courts no longer implement popular initiatives because they invoke international norms.
According to media reports, the campaign surrounding this proposal was one of the most expensive campaigns Switzerland has ever seen, with more money spent on the side of those favoring the proposal but considerable sums also being spent by the opponents, most notably by economiesuisse, the largest corporate union.
Why we opposed the proposal
If the ‘self-determination initiative’ had been accepted, it would have had various harmful consequences at the domestic and at the international level. At the domestic level, three aspects deserve to be mentioned here.
First, contrary to other constitutional systems, the Swiss Constitution is comparatively easy to amend and there are few restrictions to do so. A popular initiative that does not – according to the assessment by the Federal Assembly – infringe a peremptory norm of international law can only be rendered invalid if it fails to comply with ‘the requirements of consistency of form and of subject matter’. For all the enthusiasm we have for direct democracy, this arrangement means that the constitutional lawmaker, i.e. the people and the cantons, can at any time abolish or restrict fundamental rights or modify the separation of powers. In case of tensions between new constitutional provisions and international law, the federal legislator and the authorities try to resort to what can be described as delicate creative pragmatism in order to accommodate both norms.
Second, the ECHR plays a crucial and comparatively more important role within the Swiss domestic constitutional law framework than it does elsewhere. (For an English-language outline of the status quo, see the tab ‘documents’ on this website.) Switzerland follows the monist tradition which implies that international treaties do not need to be transposed. International norms will thus deploy most effects when they are considered directly applicable which is generally the case for the substantive norms of the ECHR. But this of course only works if the Federal Tribunal is given the right to actually apply them. If a ‘hard’ conflict of norms arises (i.e. one that cannot be solved by interpretation), there is a long-established jurisprudence that international law usually prevails. (For the possible exceptions, see e.g. here.) This co-applicability of international law and domestic law is of particular importance because the Swiss constitutional system does not provide for constitutional review of federal laws, i.e. judicial authorities have to apply federal laws (and ordinances depending on federal laws) even if they are unconstitutional. (For an analysis in English, see Rosalind Dixon’s paper here.) However, given that international law is equally part of the applicable law, the Swiss Federal Tribunal can ensure that federal laws and their application comply with the ECHR and other international conventions. This ‘conventionality check’ would have been endangered if the initiative had been accepted (We use the term ‘endangered’ rather than ‘abolished’ given that Switzerland ratified Protocols Nr. 14 and 15 after the introduction of the facultative referendum for such treaties – these Protocols would thus seem to have remained applicable and the argument was made that the submission to the facultative referendum of the two protocols indirectly means that the ECHR as well enjoys the status of a treaty that might have remained applicable. Glady, the courts will not need to answer this question.)
Third, the text of the proposal suffered from internal inconsistencies and ambiguities. For reasons of space, suffice it to say that it would have undoubtedly raised a plethora of complex legal questions than it pretended to solve (for more detail see an open letter by 201 law professors and lecturers here). It was mostly this issue of legal certainty that motivated the employers’ union to oppose the proposal, notably in relation to the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons with the EU.
We also opposed the initiative because it would have had deplorable consequences at the international level. The initiative would have harmed the reputation of Switzerland as a reliable partner internationally given that our Constitution would have stipulated that we distinguish two categories of treaties and will not apply some treaties in case of normative conflicts. Even more problematic, an acceptance of the ‘self-determination initiative’ would have been in line with other worrisome developments related to the protection of human rights in the Council of Europe and beyond. We are thus relieved that Switzerland decided to reject a proposal that indirectly aimed at targeting the role of the ECHR in the domestic legal system (and the domestic – not so much the foreign – judges applying it in national decisions).
Where does this leave us?
All’s well that ends well? Not quite. In our view, the rejection of the initiative provides an opportunity for honest reflections on the relationship between the Swiss legal order and international law. To name just a few ideas:
there are reflections on how the Swiss constitutional system can continue to assure the domestic democratic legitimacy of international norms that ae not contained in international treaties,
a legislative proposal to clarify the internal division of competence for the withdrawal from international treaties,
the idea to openly discuss a constitutional presumption of ‘friendliness towards international law’,
or there are those who propose to explain much more widely why Switzerland and the world around it are highly interdependent.
We hope to contribute to the debate on the interactions of the Swiss legal system with a dense web of international norms and actors. We will start a research project next year and will examine the concrete parliamentary structures and mechanisms in Swiss cantons that potentially support cantonal legislative actors to recognize, influence, defy or fulfil international obligations.
In that continuing debate, we suggest that we need to keep analytically separate the description of the context from the identification of the motivations of those behind proposals such as the initiative by the Swiss People’s Party. Of course, it is entirely correct to observe that there are more numerous and more detailed international standards than a century ago, that supervision has increased, and international norms sometimes place very high ambitions on domestic actors, including domestic legislators. But we would take issue with explanatory attempts that suggest a monocausal and deterministic relationship between ‘more international norms’ and proposals such as this Swiss popular initiative. We do not deny that a relationship exists and that this relationship deserves to be taken seriously. Yet, in our view, the ‘self-determination initiative’ cannot and must not be explained by a simple reference to the increased relevance of international law and its institutions or globalization tout court. If the proponents emphasized that the Federal Constitution is the supreme source of the law of the Confederation, why would they attempt to curtail the power of the highest domestic tribunal to apply international law while at the same time continuing its opposition to the introduction of judicial review against the federal legislator that would precisely allow the Constitution to play a more important role in the domestic legal system? We believe that additional explanatory factors play a role. Quite simply, not everyone shares the idea that ‘all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights’. There is nothing surprising about the fact that courts and other institutions protecting fundamental rights are not always unequivocally welcome. Let’s hope that the rejection of the proposal by the Swiss voters is at least a glimmer of hope to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the UDHR.
Courts & Tribunals, Europe
Constance Kaempfer, Sophie Thirion and Evelyne Schmid
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Home Tactics of Domination counterterrorism
counterterrorism, Islamofascism, Jews, Muslim Brotherhood, Tactics of Domination February 28, 2014
rotesters took to the streets across Turkey this week, after audio recordings purportedly of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan ordering his son to dispose of vast amounts of cash amid a graft probe surfaced and went viral on the Internet. Thousands of people demonstrated in 11 cities, including Ankara and Istanbul (Constantinople), shouting anti-government and anti-Erdogan slogans, according to China’s Xinhua news agency. Police in the capital fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd that chanted, “The government resigns” and “Thief Erdogan.” In Istanbul, protests were reportedly held at 10 locations, with the biggest demonstration in...
Anarchy, Arab Imperialism, Assimilation, Caliphate, counterterrorism, Dar-al-Harab, Dar-al-Islam, Demographics, GeoPolitics, Globalization, Homeland Security, Immigration, Islamic supremism, Islamofascism, Jihad, Orwellian, Political Correctness, Sharia Law, Tactics of Domination, Taqiyya July 30, 2012
Islam Will Rule The World in Fifty Years Of Demographic Superiority
he numbers are astounding, and the result is disheartening. Will Islam rule the world after fifty years of demographic superiority? Are the brightly fired souls of Western Civilization being extinguished without so much as a whimper? The future looks bleak unless the tide of stealth Islamic jihad is stopped with same authority often used in the past to salvage the European cultures, by insisting that these recent migrations are reversed. Islam is less a religion as it is a political system, totalitarian in its outlook, and feverish in its concentration. But we know that this will not happen. We know...
ACLU, Activists, counterterrorism, National Security, Radicalism, Sedition Acts, US Constitution February 28, 2012
Senate Moves To Allow Military To Intern Americans Without Trial
HIS MEANS AMERICANS COULD BE declared domestic terrorists and thrown into a military brig with no recourse whatsoever. Given that the Department of Homeland Security has characterized behavior such as buying gold, owning guns, using a watch or binoculars, donating to charity, using the telephone or email to find information, using cash, and all manner of mundane behaviors as potential indicators of domestic terrorism, such a provision would be wide open to abuse. The Senate is set to vote on a bill today that would define the whole of the United States as a “battlefield” and allow the U.S. Military...
counterterrorism, Dar-al-Islam, Freedom, GeoPolitics, Immigration, liberalism, Marxism, National Security, Orwellian, Patriotism, Paul Revere, Stock Market, Stupid Undergrounds, Tactics of Domination, Terrorists, The Resistance, War, WMDs, World History July 28, 2011
As We Awaken The Sleeping Giant
ANY OF US WHO WERE ALIVE during World War II and slightly thereafter may remember the famous quote regarding America being the “sleeping giant.” “Be fearful of waking her!” Do not wake a sleeping giant. This is an idiom which means: Do not disturb/annoy/provoke someone powerful who was not disturbing you in the first place. Japan woke a sleeping giant when they invaded Pearl Harbor. Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto is portrayed at the very end of the 1970 film Tora! Tora! Tora! and in the 2001 film Pearl Harbor, as saying after his attack on Pearl Harbor [was quoted in...
counterterrorism, Dar-al-Islam, Deportation, islamization, Islamofascism, Kafir, Radicalism, September 11, Sharia Law, Tactics of Domination, Taqiyya July 27, 2011
Peter King Opens Third Committee Focusing on al Shabaab
Dear Gabriel, Rep. Peter King’s opening statement at today’s House Committee on Homeland Security hearing (highlights added) underscores why ACT! for America presented him our highest legislative award at this year’s National Conference and Legislative Briefing. Make sure you scroll down to the end to read what he says about the New York Times. his morning, Wednesday, July 27, 2011, in Washington, DC, U.S. Rep. Peter T. King (R-NY), Chairman of the Committee on Homeland Security, convenes the hearing entitled “Al Shabaab: Recruitment and Radicalization within the Muslim American Community and the Threat to the Homeland.” The prepared opening statement...
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Call Us:+61 403 380 063
info@propertyvaluegoldcoast.com.au
Suburb Profile: Surfers Paradise
Location and boundaries
Surfers Paradise is bounded by Commodore Drive and the Gold Coast Highway in the north, the Coral Sea in the east, First Avenue, Monte Carlo Avenue and the Nerang River in the south, and Bundall Road and the Nerang River in the west.
Surfers Paradise was named to promote the beach and surfing attractions of the area. It was originally known as Elston.
19,667*
582 hectares (6 Km2)
33.80 persons per hectare
Settlement history
Settlement of the area dates from the 1840s, with land used mainly for timber-getting, farming and sugar cane growing. Population was minimal until the 1880s and 1890s, following land subdivision. Growth took place during the 1920s, spurred by improved access and a tourism boom. Significant development occurred from the 1950s, with several canal-based residential developments and many high-rise developments built during the 1960s and 1970s. The population declined during the early 1990s as the dwelling stock stabilised. The population increased between 1996 and 2006 as new dwellings were added to the area. The population was relatively stable between 2006 and 2011.
Surfers Paradise is a residential, tourist and commercial area.
Major features of the area include Surfers Paradise Beach, Northcliffe Beach, numerous shopping centres (including Capri Commercial Centre, Centro Surfers Paradise Shopping Centre, Chevron Renaissance Shopping Centre, Circle on Cavill, Piazza on the Boulevard and The Mark Shopping Centre), The Arts Centre Gold Coast, Gold Coast & Hinterland Historical Society Museum, Council offices, Surfers Paradise Esplanade, Appel Park, Chevron Island Park, Eileen Peters Park, Evandale Park, John Fraser Memorial Park, Macintosh Island Park, Les Rogers Memorial Park, Lex Bell Oval, Neddy Harper & William Duncan Park, King Tuts Putt Putt, Sling Shot Bungee and one school.
* 2011 Usual residents
Source: http://profile.id.com.au 15/11/14
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R 2910 Student Publications
Purposes Of Student Publications
The publications fulfill a vital role within the school community in providing a means by which students, faculty, administrators, and community can communicate with other students, faculty, administrators and community members. The publications serve as a forum for the constructive expression of ideas, opinions, plans for innovation, events, etc., in a factually informative, interpretive, and entertaining manner, thereby providing primarily the students but also the faculty and administrators with an instrument of constructive leadership for influencing the school and community.
Student publications offer students an opportunity for practical and legitimate journalistic experience in terms of writing, editing, organizing, administering, financing and budgeting, etc. Assuming a position of leadership on the student publication signifies the student's acceptance of responsibility. The acceptance of this responsibility also provides the student with the opportunity to develop the potential which he/she possesses.
In fulfilling their roles as participants in the community media, students must demonstrate their maturity and dependability, and must show that they are capable of analyzing problems and making sound judgments. The following statement is adapted and modified from the Canons of Journalism by the American Society of Newspaper Editors.
Responsibility - The welfare and the best interests of school and community members must be the guideline for the publication of all material.
Freedom -With every freedom of speech and of the press there is a corresponding responsibility. No freedom, not even that of speech and of the press, is absolute. Student publications must be free to print what has been responsibly considered, researched and written. The staffs must demonstrate objectivity, but at the same time must be free to express viewpoints after presenting all sides of an issue. This policy should not rule out articles marked as news analysis advocating a particular point of view.
Accuracy - Thorough research of all materials -- news, editorials, features and sports -- will be conducted and the facts presented in an objective, balanced and truthful manner. The facts will be verified; the reporter will present them in the proper perspective; and the publications will print only that which is based on fact after careful research and investigation.
Fairness - Student publications will not make unjust or undue attacks on any individual group or person, and will provide an open forum for any viewpoints which are opposed to those of the publication.
Decency - Material published -- language, pictures and artwork -- will not be offensive, obscene, pornographic or injurious to any person or group.
Objectives and Responsibilities of the Publication Staff
In student publications, staff members must assume the following responsibilities:
To make a concerted effort as a staff to learn and to apply correct journalistic techniques of writing, editing, advertising and to seek the aid of professional journalists and responsible adults when and where necessary.
To assume obligations of a journalist in being responsible, honest, sensitive, fair, impartial, decent and dedicated to the necessity of a free and responsible press.
To be open-minded and representative of all feeling and ideas within the community, not only their own.
To plan each issue of the paper in order to provide a balance of informational, interpretive and entertaining material (all factually based); to give consideration to the importance, significance and value of each article and to the possible effect each article will have on the general welfare of the readers.
To research and verify all story ideas and related material and to refuse to publish any material until it has been verified as truthful and accurate.
To set priorities for material covered in the newspaper based on the importance, significance and interest of the material to the majority of the readers.
To develop a keen sense of observation and awareness about school, student and community activities and to report these accurately.
To establish a schedule of deadlines and to meet those deadlines as professionals.
To correct promptly all errors of fact for which the newspaper is responsible.
To develop faculty and administrative confidences and to keep those confidences.
To be supportive of the total school community and its activities and personnel. (Supportive - defined as praise, comment, or constructive criticism based on the offering of alternative suggestions and plans. It also involves the inclusion of names in the news in order to promote a sense of personal involvement on the part of the readers.)
To encourage intelligent thought and action from the readers.
Coverage of Material
News stories in student publications will be objective - free from opinion and bias. Stories will be based on facts obtained through thorough research and investigation. An emphasis will be placed on previewing upcoming events and activities to create interest. Newsworthy occurrences will receive attention in coverage articles. The stories will be presented on the pages of the paper in such a way that undue attention will not be given to articles of lesser value, interest or significance.
The primary function of features or special-interest articles is informational and entertainment. A special emphasis will be placed on in-depth coverage of material deemed to be of significant interest to the readers.
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Monk's Way, Sannyasi Way, Human Way…
A journey to ultimate freedom, compassion and bliss
Icons of the Path
Author Archives: Monksway
Ikkyu and Some Reflections on the New Year
Let me begin with a poem written about a 150 years ago by a great Victorian poet and writer, Matthew Arnold. The poem is “Dover Beach,” one of his most famous poems, and this is how it goes:
Various friends have pointed out on more than one occasion that I am too pessimistic in my outlook, but compared to Matthew Arnold in this poem I am practically a raving optimist! But on a serious note, the poem does have a sadness, a melancholy, a seeming hopelessness in its vision. And yet it is also strangely attractive, challenging whatever optimism we might bring to the table. And calling us to a higher reality than all our social arrangements, including those of religion.
The poem begins with the seeming tranquility and stability of an evening by the sea. It is a quiet ocean; there is a beauty in the moonlight on the waters, “the cliffs of England stand glimmering and vast,” hinting at both the beauty of Nature and the glory of the British Empire. We seem to be lulled into resting on this “foundation” of human life, but as the Gospel points out there are many “foundations” out there that are nothing more than sand and if you build your house on that you are doomed.
The poem then jolts us out of our reverie by deconstructing this seeming tranquility. The human situation, social, religious and natural, is just as vulnerable as the little pebbles to the turbulence of the waves that beat on the beach. It is a timeless situation, both ancient and modern humans had to deal with the “turbid ebb and flow of human misery.” What is implied in these lines is also a pessimism concerning so-called “progress” in human science and technology as our “hope” for the future. But neither is religion spared from this darkness. When Arnold refers to “the Sea of Faith,” he means formal religion, the Christian churches through the centuries. In the 19thCentury Europe it was all falling apart and shrinking into insignificance.
The poem ends in a remarkable way. Outside the human heart there is nothing, absolutely nothing that we can “build our house on,” that we can trust, that is a source of consolation, etc. “Ah, love, let us be true to one another!” Obviously a reference to an authentic love between a man and a woman, but this icon represents all that comes from an authentic pure heart. The “truth” there is all that we ultimately have, and when we lose sight of that as so much of humanity seems to do, then we sink to the depths and darkness of those last lines of the poem. Considering that this was written just a few decades before the start of the 20thCentury and World War I, truly Matthew Arnold was prescient. When we walk in that darkness, and darkness it is no matter how lit up it seems to be by our techno world, we discover the nihilism of Shakespeare’s Macbeth: “Life is a tale told by an idiot full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.”
I write all this because it seems that we are in a similar situation, where we may be sinking ever deeper into a morass of human confusion and darkness. If you think there is any solution to be found in the messages of politics, economics or religion–I cannot cease marveling how bad off the Catholic scene has become with the priest scandal being so much worse than even recently thought (and here I mean formal religion, not the truths within all the great religious traditions), I think you will at the very least be seriously disappointed, and maybe even become an agent of this darkness. Arnold’s insight is still our “true star” to guide us. Only that which is the truth that abides in our heart will matter in the long run. We must be “true” to one another, and this may entail a deep silence and solitude or it may entail a hidden self-sacrifice which no accounting can figure out. Whatever it be, it is only this which allows us a transcendent vision of our situation.
And this brings me to the next topic: Ikkyu. You may wonder what does Ikkyu, a medieval Japanese Zen monk and poet, have to do with these reflections. Well, first of all, he is one of my favorite people, so that is enough reason (!); but seriously he is strangely reassuring to me and a key reminder. Ikkyu is not some “figurine” in a meticulously manicured zen garden; he lives in a violent and tumultuous setting, he is beset with a decadent zen culture, and his own personal life has a good dose of chaos in it. He is a good reminder of how there is no ideal time or place for our own transformation, for our own life in God. Sometimes we romanticize certain times and places and religious arrangements and this itself can become a serious obstacle to our journey in depth. Yes, there are some places and some times that may be a bit better off, but rest assured this will not last and ultimately it cannot be the foundation on which we build our house. This is the meat of Arnold’s poem; the ebb and flow of human misery will always reassert itself.
So who is this Ikkyu? (His name translates as “having once paused”). His years are 1394 – 1481. His mother was a “lady-in-waiting” at the emperor’s court, and it appears his father was the emperor’s son. Mother and child were ousted from the palace because even a bastard son could make a claim to the throne. Ikkyu grew up in great poverty, but his mother managed to send him at age 5 to Ankoku-ji, a Zen temple in Kyoto. There he was well-trained in Buddhist scriptures and the classics of China and Japan. As a young boy he appears to be very bright and very playful, but his whole life he carried a sadness for the unjust treatment of his mother, who died in poverty. Another interesting thing is that in temple life homosexual love was prevalent…he was exposed to this quite early but he then turned “the other way.” To the very end of his 87 years he was totally fascinated by members of the opposite sex. In fact he often preferred staying in brothels rather than in monasteries. In this regard and in so many others he was a kind of “Zen fool,” when perhaps that was the only road open to integrity and truth.
At age 16 he left his temple and the established zen culture. He was seeking something much deeper than external zen credentials, which seems to have been the preoccupation of zen monks then (and perhaps now). And then this from an introduction to Ikkyu’s poetry, Having Once Paused: “Zen monasteries of the period functioned in ways reminiscent of the medieval European church. They were lavishly patronized, rich in land and peasant farmers, traders in luxury goods, repositories of culture and its accoutrements, and perfectly interpenetrated by the concerns of their political lords. These make a poor home for serious Zen practice, and Ikkyu’s home temple was no exception. At sixteen years old, he quit in disgust and for the next fifteen years trained in poverty under the two most exacting zen masters he could find.”
The first master he lived with was Ken’o, who was considered an eccentric who lived in a secluded hut outside Kyoto. This from Extraordinary Zen Masters: “Earlier in his life Ken’o had caused a stir when he refused to accept an inka, a certificate of enlightenment, from Muin,…. In those days such certificates–often purchased or fraudulently obtained –were essential for winning a position at a major temple. Thus, Ken’o act of rebellion excluded him from becoming a member of the Zen establishment–which suited him and his single disciple, the stubborn and determined Ikkyu, just fine.”
Ikkyu stayed with Ken’o until the latter’s death; then followed a period of mourning, loss, depression until his mother snapped him out of it and he joined another Zen master who was even more severe and “odd” than Ken’o. This was Kaso, who had gained enlightenment under Daio who had spent years deepening his realization while living as a beggar in the vicinity of Kyoto’s Fifth Avenue Bridge. So you can see that Ikkyu fitted in with a kind of “Zen fool” tradition of sorts!
Ikkyu had several zen realizations during his stay with Ken’o, but when the latter tried to present Ikkyu with an inka it first got thrown away, then torn up, then another copy burned by Ikkyu. His rebellion against the zen establishment was absolute and complete, but his devotion to Kaso was very real: “He was so devoted to Kaso that he cleaned up his master’s excrement with his bare hands when the ailing Kaso had diarrhea and soiled himself”(Extraordinary Zen Masters).
There are a lot of stories about Ikkyu, but we will just touch only on a couple. He grew quite famous, his reputation extraordinary and quite mixed to say the least. He was even invited to be an abbot on several occasions, even accepted, but gave up quickly in that endeavor.
From Extraordinary Zen Masters:
“When he was staying in Sakai one year, Ikkyu carried a wooden sword with him wherever he went. ‘Why do you do that,’ people asked. ‘Swords are for killing people and are hardly appropriate for a monk to carry.’ Ikkyu replied , ‘As long as this sword is in the scabbard, it looks like the real thing and people are impressed, but if it is drawn and revealed as only a wooden stick, it becomes a joke–this is how Buddhism is these days….’”
“Once a rich merchant invited a number of abbots and famous priests to a feast of vegetarian dishes. When Ikkyu showed up in his shabby robe and tattered straw hat, he was taken for a common beggar, sent around to the back, given a copper coin, and ordered to leave. The next time the merchant hosted a feast, Ikkyu attended in fancy vestments. Ikkyu removed the vestments and set them before the tray. ‘What are you doing?’ his host wanted to know. ‘The food belongs to the robes, not to me,’ Ikkyu said as he was going out the door.”
“The down-to-earth, no-nonsense Zen master had many run-ins with the yamabushi (ascetics who practiced austerities in the mountains to attain supernatural powers). Once a big, swarthy yamabushi accosted Ikkyu and demanded, ‘What is Buddhism?’ Ikkyu replied, ‘The truth within one’s heart.’ The yamabushi took out a razor-sharp dagger and pointed it at Ikkyu’s chest. ‘Well, then, let’s cut out yours and have a look.’ Without flinching, Ikkyu countered with a poem:
Slice open the
Cherry trees of Yoshino
And where will you find
That appear spring after spring?”
The stories go on, but I want to conclude with a more touching episode. Ikkyu was a complex figure to say the least, not someone to imitate but certainly someone who inspires some of us in “such times as these,” and furthermore he vividly illustrates Arnold’s call to “stay true to one another.” In his old age, in his seventies, Ikkyu fell in love with a woman in her thirties who was a blind musician. She lived with him until his death at age 87. There was a peace, a serenity, a fulfillment in his old age that surpasses all usual understanding.
This entry was posted in Interreligious Dialogue on January 12, 2019 by Monksway.
The Theology of Catastrophe
We have just had two more catastrophic fires in California, the Woolsey Fire near Los Angeles and the Camp Fire north of Sacramento. Both fires have wrecked devastation on so many people; there are so many heartbreaking stories there and also ones of remarkable good fortune. The fire in SoCal had this special quality about it: it affected many homes of the very wealthy and big names in the pop culture of our country. What caught my attention was the content of what some of these people were saying. Like, “The fire just barely missed my house…thank God.” “God is good. We didn’t burn down.” Ok. Understood. This is a sentiment that is commonly heard in such situations. It is ok as far as it goes, but it also opens up a profound theological and spiritual problem which people tend to ignore because they simply do not have the spiritual resources to deal with it.
Consider this obvious “problem”: Your house doesn’t burn down and you proclaim “God is good. Thank God.” Your neighbor’s house burns down; he/she loses everything. Is that evidence for the fact that maybe God is not good, or more precisely he is “good” here and “not so good” there? We want to give credit to God for saving us, for defeating our cancer, for keeping the fire away, etc., etc. ; we are hesitant about “giving God credit” for the destruction or sickness or loss that might afflict us. In such cases mostly we partake of a kind of theological/spiritual sleight-of-hand in order to get around the problem–it’s called pop religion and it is in a very real sense “schizophrenic theology.” Or we may simply ignore this problem, realizing that we could never resolve this issue, or we just stay silent, which is an honest position and maybe the best one in most cases.
Let’s consider now the deeper implications of all this. In the 18thCentury in Europe there was a catastrophic earthquake in Lisbon in which thousands upon thousands of people were killed. For many thoughtful people this raised the question of theodicy, how could a good God allow such a thing to happen. It led to a crisis of faith for many. Many years ago Thomas Merton published a journal of reflections called Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander where he pondered Karl Barth’s approach to Mozart. Barth, a great Protestant theologian, was challenged by Mozart, a Roman Catholic of sorts, who lived during the time of the great Lisbon earthquake, and Barth was amazed at Mozart’s response to all the questioning around him. Here is at length the quotation from Karl Barth that so engaged Merton:
“Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Why is it that this man is so incomparable? Why is it that for the receptive, he has produced in almost every bar he conceived and composed a type of music for which “beautiful” is not a fitting epithet: music which for the true Christian is not mere entertainment, enjoyment or edification but food and drink; music full of comfort and counsel for his needs; music which is never a slave to its technique nor sentimental but always “moving,” free and liberating because wise, strong and sovereign? Why is it possible to hold that Mozart has a place in theology, especially in the doctrine of creation and also in eschatology, although he was not a father of the Church, does not seem to have been a particularly active Christian, and was a Roman Catholic, apparently leading what might appear to us a rather frivolous existence when not occupied in his work? It is possible to give him this position because he knew something about creation in its total goodness that neither the real fathers of the Church nor our Reformers, neither the orthodox nor Liberals, neither the exponents of natural theology nor those heavily armed with the “Word of God,” and certainly not the Existentialists, nor indeed any other great musicians before and after him, either know or can express and maintain as he did. In this respect he was pure in heart, far transcending both optimists and pessimists. 1756–1791! This was the time when God was under attack for the Lisbon earthquake, and theologians and other well-meaning folk were hard put to it to defend Him. In face of the problem of theodicy, Mozart had the peace of God which far transcends all the critical or speculative reason that praises and reproves. This problem lay behind him. Why then concern himself with it? He had heard, and causes those who have ears to hear, even to-day, what we shall not see until the end of time—the whole context of providence. As though in the light of this end, he heard the harmony of creation to which the shadow also belongs but in which the shadow is not darkness, deficiency is not defeat, sadness cannot become despair, trouble cannot degenerate into tragedy and infinite melancholy is not ultimately forced to claim undisputed sway. Thus the cheerfulness in this harmony is not without its limits. But the light shines all the more brightly because it breaks forth from the shadow. The sweetness is also bitter and cannot therefore cloy. Life does not fear death but knows it well. Et lux perpetua lucet [light perpetual shines] (sic!) eis[upon them]—even the dead of Lisbon. Mozart saw this light no more than we do, but he heard the whole world of creation enveloped by this light. Hence it was fundamentally in order that he should not hear a middle or neutral note, but the positive far more strongly than the negative. He heard the negative only in and with the positive. Yet in their inequality he heard them both together, as, for example, in the Symphony in G-minor of 1788. He never heard only the one in abstraction. He heard concretely, and therefore his compositions were and are total music. Hearing creation unresentfully and impartially, he did not produce merely his own music but that of creation, its twofold and yet harmonious praise of God. He neither needed nor desired to express or represent himself, his vitality, sorrow, piety, or any programme. He was remarkably free from the mania for self-expression. He simply offered himself as the agent by which little bits of horn, metal and catgut could serve as the voices of creation, sometimes leading, sometimes accompanying and sometimes in harmony. He made use of instruments ranging from the piano and violin, through the horn and the clarinet, down to the venerable bassoon, with the human voice somewhere among them, having no special claim to distinction yet distinguished for this very reason. He drew music from them all, expressing even human emotions in the service of this music, and not vice versa. He himself was only an ear for this music, and its mediator to other ears. He died when according to the worldly wise his life-work was only ripening to its true fulfilment. But who shall say that after the “Magic Flute,” the Clarinet Concerto of October 1791 and the Requiem, it was not already fulfilled? Was not the whole of his achievement implicit in his works at the age of 16 or 18? Is it not heard in what has come down to us from the very young Mozart? He died in misery like an “unknown soldier,” and in company with Calvin, and Moses in the Bible, he has no known grave. But what does this matter? What does a grave matter when a life is permitted simply and unpretentiously, and therefore serenely, authentically and impressively, to express the good creation of God, which also includes the limitation and end of man.
I make this interposition here, before turning to chaos, because in the music of Mozart—and I wonder whether the same can be said of any other works before or after—we have clear and convincing proof that it is a slander on creation to charge it with a share in chaos because it includes a Yes and a No, as though orientated to God on the one side and nothingness on the other. Mozart causes us to hear that even on the latter side, and therefore in its totality, creation praises its Master and is therefore perfect. Here on the threshold of our problem—and it is no small achievement—Mozart has created order for those who have ears to hear, and he has done it better than any scientific deduction could.”
(The quote is of course from Barth’s great work, Church Dogmatics(Edinburgh: T&T Clark, 2004), 297–99. But I found it on a very thoughtful, reflective blog by Jason Goroncy–many thanks for sharing this quote with a wider public!)
Well, this is one approach to the problem stated above; something that helps us not to rationalize or trivialize the situation but to transcend its opaqueness and allow ourselves to live within the Divine Mystery and to live beyond all the rational calculations we tend to make about the “meaning of life.” But there are also other approaches and here I just want to point to one other approach, not unrelated to the above one but still significantly different in its expression. Now we shall turn to Islamic mysticism for help. And here also I was helped by a lecture that Merton gave to his community of monks about Islamic mysticism, the Sufis. Here are a few key quotes from that talk.
Let’s begin with this:
“Ibn ‘Arabi says: ‘If it were not for this love, the world would never have appeared in its concrete existence.’ In this sense, the movement of the world toward existence was a movement of love which brought it into existence. And not only the movement of the world into existence, the coming of everything into existence is an act of love, the development of everything is an act of love. Everything that happens is love and is mercy. Not that it always appears to be that way, very often it appears to be just the opposite. But everything that happens is love. And of course the ones in Islam who emphasize this the most are the Sufis….”
“The opening of the Quran…is a kind of fundamental prayer which they say all of the time, which sort of contains everything. So I’ll just read that, ‘In the Name of God the Merciful, the Compassionate’…. God as Merciful or rahman, is the basic mercy in which everything is grounded; God Himself as the ground of all being is Mercy itself. And then the Compassion of God is in events. It shows itself in His intervention in particular events here and there…. ‘In the Name of God the Merciful and the Compassionate, Praise belongs to God, the Lord of all Being, the All Merciful, the All Compassionate… the Master of the Day of Doom’(Judgment/Accountability). That is to say He is at the end of the line…we forsee our total extinction in Him, and after the Day of Doom we live only in Him. You see, after the Day of Doom, the realm of Mercy as ground persists and the ground of Compassion and events ceases, but the Eternal Mercy goes on. ‘Thee only we serve… Guide us on a Straight Path, the path of those whom Thou hast blessed….’ The Straight Path is the…path of Islam…. What is the Straight Path? How do you know where the Straight Path is? For Islam it is very simple. The straight path is purely and simply What Is. Everything that is is willed by Allah, and whatever is, that’s it, that’s the straight path.”
No comments are really possible to all this–it is profoundly and breathtakingly clear and beyond all commenting, but a few thoughts here might be helpful. First of all that distinction in Islam between God’s Mercy and God’s Compassion is, I think, very significant and helpful. Compassion is associated with particularity and ongoing events; this is the basis of our petitionary prayers when we seek the help of God. We are also invited to show compassion to our neighbor as Jesus taught us, etc. However, there may come those times and situations where we have no sense of any kind of compassion either from God or from our neighbor. The true Sufi is not lost here; he/she knows that all, absolutely all that is, is grounded in and manifests the Mercy of God. The doctor may tell me that I have cancer; it is the Mercy of God. I may not be able to explain any such thing, and in fact according to the Sufis my only “window” into this mystery is through utter perplexity and bewilderment, not through rational analysis. But of course, and this is a very big BUT, you do not glibly or randomly say such things to people who are suffering and who are not spiritually prepared to receive such a word. Here again is Merton:
“That is the sort of thing which works beautifully if you’re a mystic. But short of mysticism, it can get you in plenty of trouble. If a person starts rationalizing about the thing, starts figuring it out wrong…starts saying things about it that are …produced by those that do not come from total submission to this thing in a completely spiritual way, then we…can find ourselves rationalizing all kinds of things that shouldn’t be.”
Now the average person generally does not have a grasp or a sense of the Ultimate Reality, God, present in all situations and in all moments and in all things. Generally this is due to the deeply endemic dualism of most of our understanding and vision. We picture God “over there,” ourselves “here,” and “stuff” between us which we try to arrange in some acceptable manner. The mystics and the Sufis do not see it that way, and here is Merton clarifying the picture:
“The average person, who stands outside the will of God…and looks on,… he does not understand that really everything is willed by God and makes choices, and…he makes his own plans, and he submits them to God. His idea of the Mercy of God is that, he makes his plans, and then God being merciful to him helps him so that it pans out the way he wants…. The only basic thing that the Sufis say about it is that a man who lives in that realm doesn’t really know what’s cooking…. He thinks that he is able to stand outside of all this, and make plans, and size things up, and then submit them to Allah, and then he and God are going to work things out…. Ibn ‘Arabi says, ‘Those who are veiled from the truth ask the Absolute to show mercy upon them each in his own particular way.’”
Merton continues by getting to the very heart of the issue: “Actually the ground of everything is within me and it is God, and it is within everybody too. And there’s one ground for everybody, and this ground is the Divine Mercy…. The people of the unveiling, that is to say the Sufis, ask the Mercy of God to subsist in them. These are the ones who ask in the Name of God and He shows Mercy upon them only by making the Mercy of God subsist in them. This is a totally different outlook. It is the outlook whereby the Mercy of God is not arranged on the outside in events for me–in good and bad events–but it is subsisting in me all the time. Therefore what happens is that if the Mercy of God is subsisting in me–and that goes to say if I am united with the will of God-…if I am completely united with the will of God in love, it doesn’t matter what happens outside, because everything that is going on outside that makes any sense is grounded in the same ground in which I am grounded. The opposition between me and everything else ceases, and what remains in terms of opposition is purely accidental and it doesn’t matter. And this is…a basic perspective in all the highest religions.”
And one might add that for the Sufis this is the real meaning of purity of heart, that one is able to live with both the positives and negatives of life, the mistakes, the accidents, the ailments, the malice of others, etc., and also the successes, the escapes, the accomplishments, the good fortune, etc., and see them all grounded in the Mercy of God. You are never then “outside” the Mercy of God, though at times it may certainly not seem or feel that way. And truly petitionary prayer is not to be scorned or abandoned; it may in fact be the only spiritual resource available in trying times, and it may be an “entrance” into the realization that you are one with the Mercy of God in all situations. But to reiterate, you do not “preach” this stuff to someone who has lost their home or a loved one; most likely they are not in any condition to receive such a message and it would be certainly misunderstood. It is best to help a person discover that reality in their own heart in their own way and in their own language. A “spiritual master,” like a heart surgeon, can perform this “operation” with certainty, but I use that term “master” loosely, not in some kind of professional sense. Mozart did that for Barth, and Mozart for all his musical genius was not a “spiritual” person as that is normally perceived—that’s why Barth was so perplexed about this person’s ability to reveal to his heart what all the big intellectuals and professional religious could not. Considering the lack of such folk as Mozart, all we can do is help each other along the road to a vision of the Mercy of God in all things and in all situations.
This entry was posted in Interreligious Dialogue on November 19, 2018 by Monksway.
For many people this is a most unpleasant subject and to be generally avoided. However, a number of thinkers and philosophers have pointed out that in this avoidance we are also running away from our own humanity. According to some this is the very reason for the diversions and distractions of our society. We would rather engage in all the endless “games” of our social existence rather than reflect on our own mortality and its meaning. Our own death is hardly ever the content of our reflections. But then most of the great spiritual traditions make it a point to look at the reality of death straight on, pondering its meaning and significance. In the Christian tradition there used to be that old cliché image of the old monk pondering a skull, the memento mori, the “remembrance of death,” that seemed to so many as bizarre and macabre, and to a certain extent it was that—especially when the original purpose of this “memento mori” was forgotten. Well, let us make a little effort in recovering the true significance of this remembrance.
First we need to consider the simple phenomenology of death–exactly what happens without attaching any of our meanings to it. We seem to go totally out of existence. We seem to be no more; there is no way back; nobody ever comes back into our own existence and experience. There is a striking finality to death. If you have ever been around a dead body, it is a chilling experience. This is the kind of thing that scares people and turns them off from considering the meaning of death. Modern life tries to shield us from this naked reality–just as it tries to immunize us from being sensitive to the language of Mother Nature. But the people of old had their own “escapes,” their own “narcotic” to soothe the pain of loss and finality. They created various stories about “rewards” and “punishments”–in other words in death our lives did not disintegrate into a meaningless nothingness. They created stories about various kinds of “paradises,” or perhaps a potential to “come back” in some form, thus defeating the seeming finality of death. And so it went.
But the deeper spiritual traditions always knew that the question of death–what is it anyway?– was fundamentally and foremost a question about our very identity. The Hindu holy man, Ramana Maharshi, held that the key to our whole spiritual life is the question: who am I? Indeed! And so many others in other traditions also focused the spiritual life on that kind of question in various ways. My own favorites, the Desert Fathers, certainly were on target most of the time, but their language often needs deciphering. Sometimes, though, it was very clear–consider the following story:
“Abba Poemen said to Abba Joseph, ‘Tell me how to become a monk.’ He said, ‘If you want to find rest here below, and hereafter, in all circumstances say, ‘Who am I? and do not judge anyone.’” (translation by Benedicta Ward)
This is a remarkably subtle story. The very notion of monkhood, of becoming a monk is tied to that most universal of all questions: who am I? Besides this question the other key elements of this story is this “rest”–exactly what is that anyway?–and then that phrase “in all circumstances.”
Let’s approach this from another angle. Our sense of identity is what we bring to “all circumstances” and this structures our responses and our experiences and our vision. We build up this sense of identity from two very different loci: the external, which is the most dominant, and the internal, which is highly valued in modern psychology. But the great spiritual traditions call all this structuring, both inner and outer, into question. And the reality of death provides the necessary leverage for this process of deconstruction.
Let’s consider briefly the so-called inner reality, that sense of “I-ness” that we seem to have deep within us. This reality forms the basis of what we generally call dualism. In other words there is that “solid” “I” that is me, and this stands in relation to everything “outside” it, including the Ultimate Reality which we call God. But most of the great spiritual traditions call this into question, especially Buddhism which does it in a very detailed and systematic way. Christianity for the most part has a lot of difficulty here. Basic Christian thought and piety has this aura of unremitting dualism–there is “I” and then in relation to me there is “God,”–the I-Thou relationship. Let’s face it, most of standard Christian piety (and all other theistic religions) are locked into this. This is what Abhishiktananda had so much trouble with. Christian mysticism of course tries to transcend this dualistic language in various ways. And you have to be sensitive to what is going on in that language to understand the astonishing depths there, as in Meister Eckhart for example.
But now getting back to our main topic, the reality of death seems to really challenge this sense of “I”-ness that we have. In death, that “knot” at the core of my being which is called “I,” “me,” seems to get undone, and this is totally scary. Death seems to make one nameless, a kind of void, a “black hole of existence,” sucking up all that you are as you vanish into it. That’s why for people whose “I-ness” was of paramount importance built huge monuments to themselves in preparation for death, like the pharaohs of Egypt to this day’s “important people.” “Who am I?” if this knot gets totally undone. Apparently there is no self there, precisely no-self. Whatever is “there,” if even that can be said, it cannot be pointed to or named or found on any “map,” theological or psychological.
Now consider the external locus of our selfhood and this sense is most superficial but also most dominant in social life and most evident. We live off what others think of us, either bad or good. Praise or blame is critical to our sense of self. Some people are totally enclosed in that sense of self and live in constant anxiety and “unrest,” wondering what “feedback” will come to them in all circumstances which announce to them who they are. In growing up, children are naturally passing through such a phase but now we are speaking of fully grown mature adults whose sense of self is that fragile. This is not just a modern problem. Ancient and traditional societies, East and West and in all religions, were/are built around the notions of “honor” and “shame.” A totally external locus of identity becomes the measure of your humanity and “worth.” Sometimes with very sad and tragic consequences. Another very common source of identity is possession: all we have, all the stuff around us, wealth–but even poverty can be used in this regard, religious garb, institutions, nationality, etc. What makes death so harrowing to these folks is that it comes like a thief and takes it all away, everything that I have used to prop up my sense of identity. We all know some of the key Zen and Desert Father stories where they encounter this thief. Lots of humor there but also very deep truth. But here is another Desert Father story that is apt:
“A brother came to Abba Macarius the Egyptian, and said to him, ‘Abba, give me a word, that I may be saved.’ So the old man said, ‘Go to the cemetery and abuse the dead.’ The brother went there , and abused them and threw stones at them; then he returned and told the old man about it. The latter said to him, ‘Didn’t they say anything to you?’ He replied ‘No.’ The old man said, ‘Go back tomorrow and praise them.’ So the brother went away and praised them, calling them, ‘Apostles, saints and righteous men.’ He returned to the old man and said to him, ‘I have complimented them.’ And the old man said to him, ‘Did they not answer you?’ The brother said no. The old man said to him, ‘You know how you insulted them and they did not reply, and how you praised them and they did not speak; so you too if you wish to be saved must do the same and become a dead man. Like the dead, take no account of either the scorn of men or their praise, and you can be saved.”
(translated by Benedicta Ward)
This story has been wrongly and grossly interpreted as an invitation to a kind of human insensitivity, as if that could ever be any kind of solution to anything. Rather this story is an ingenious expansion of that key question: who am I? And it is through the reality of death that we discover what that is all about. That exercise that Abba Macarius created for this young monk was meant to deconstruct all his usual social responses and so his usual social identity based on these various external loci. Death reveals the human stripped of everything, absolutely everything. What is left? Only that transcendent locus of our identity that is totally unnameable, unspeakable, something that one cannot “point to,” etc. For the Desert Fathers this was what they tried to express in such terms as “rest,” “being saved,” “quies” (Latin), or “hesychia” Greek. Recall what Jesus said in the Gospel about having the “right kind” of treasure, the kind that neither moth nor rust can eat away, nor thief can steal. Death is the moth and rust and thief and will take away everything that is part of that external locus of identity. Death will reveal who I really am. So then, who am I?
Consider now a very different example: a poem by Thomas Merton about Ernest Hemingway. It was written right after Hemingway’s death. What you have to remember about Hemingway is not only that he was a master of English prose, but also that he had this self-constructed image of himself which was very critical to his self-understanding: that of the macho writer/adventurer/big-time hunter/male hero whom women could not help but adore, etc. Well, as he got into old age that self-image began to crumble and sent him reeling into bouts of depression. Hemingway did not ask himself, “Who am I?” He assumed his identity was contained in his self-image, and when this “story” could no longer be sustained he totally collapsed and appears to have committed suicide. Here is Merton’s take on all this:
An Elegy for Ernest Hemingway
“Now for the first time on the night of your death your name is
mentioned in convents, ne cadas in obscurum.
Now with a true bell your story becomes final. Now men in
monasteries, men of requiems, familiar with the dead, include you
in their offices.
You stand anonymous among thousands, waiting in the dark at
the great stations on the edge of countries known to prayer alone,
where fires are not merciless, we hope, and not without end.
You pass briefly through our midst. Your books and writings
have not been consulted. Our prayers are pro defuncto N.
Yet some look up, as though among a crowd of prisoners or displaced
persons, they recognized a friend once known in a far country.
For these the sun also rose after a forgotten war upon an idiom
you made great. They have not forgotten you. In their silence you
are still famous, no ritual shade.
How slowly this bell tolls in a monastery tower for a whole age,
and for the quick death of an unsteady dynasty, and for that brave
illusion: the adventurous self!
For with one shot the whole hunt is ended!”
A haunting last line! A supreme irony too, for what this big-game hunter was really hunting for without realizing it was his true self. This is what we are mostly doing in all our activities really, in all our attempts to be “somebody.” Without realizing it we are actually always trying to answer that question, who am I? So death which ends this “hunt” seems very scary, and so we create all kinds of myths in order to “unscare” ourselves. But I will conclude with a Desert Father story that illustrates how deeply and with what subtlety the old masters understood this key question and its relation to death:
“They said that a certain old man asked God to let him see the Fathers and he saw them all except Abba Anthony. So he asked his guide, ‘Where is Abba Anthony?’ He told him in reply that in the place where God is, there Anthony would be.”
In death Anthony loses every marker of self/identity. (You might say this language is a radicalization of the sannyasi ideal; in fact the authentic sannyasi is the clearest living symbol of all that I have been trying to say above.) The ultimate truth and the really real are paradoxically manifest when there is no more “place” for Anthony, for Anthony is now a no-self whose locus is nowhere except in God.
Walking Out With Christ
The Catholic Church, my church, is in deep crisis. The abuse scandals globally and here in the U.S. are staggering. The response of the official Church so far has been sad, pathetic, and an insult to the “person in the pew.” Not to mention a total lack of justice and reality for the victims. There are no members of the official church who look good at this point, not even Pope Francis, even though the current attack on him right now by right-wing Catholics is merely an opportunity for them to vent their dislike of him. It’s amazing how nasty the “inside” of the Church is! In any case, the Pope’s first words about the Pennsylvania Report were very weak and showed that he has no awareness of the real nature and extent of the problem. He and so many others look at this as simply some “bad people” were active in the church and the rest of the prelates were not attentive enough and responsive enough. Or something like that. But as I pointed out in the previous posting, this problem is much, much larger than “some bad people” or even some “bad bishops.” It reveals a structural and a doctrinal problem that has been covered up as well for centuries. This leads me to think that nothing really substantial will happen–the official church will just wait to let the dust settle. Yes, a few prelates might “suffer” a bit, like losing their cushy positions; but I think it will mostly be the usual stuff in the long run. To borrow from a Roman historian lamenting the decadence of the Empire: We can neither stand our sickness, which is becoming terminal; nor can we stand the cure. I am afraid that there are some folks in the pews who are “taking the cure” their own way–they are leaving. It is happening in places like Ireland by the droves; and it is beginning here.
To be fair, I have seen quite a few op-ed pieces in recent days that voice a position for staying while others say they have had it. Both are usually cogent and make a good case for their position. I am reminded of a Hasidic story told by Martin Buber: Two rabbis are engaged in a heated debate about some point of the Law. A third rabbi comes by, hears their disagreement, and turns to Rabbi A and says “You are right.” Then he turns to Rabbi B and says “You also are right.” A fourth rabbi was walking by and overheard what this rabbi was saying. He becomes very agitated and says to this rabbi, “They both can’t be right; they are in total disagreement.” The third rabbi then turns to him and says, “You know what, you are also right!”
Recently I saw one of these articles in the online version of Salon magazine. Here is the link:
https://www.salon.com/2018/08/25/i-quit-the-catholic-church-im-not-giving-up-my-faith-but-im-losing-my-religion/
It is a very powerful statement by a woman who has been badly hurt by the Church but “stayed around” to fight the good fight until recently–the Pennsylvania report was the last straw. The best piece of this kind that I have seen even though I might not agree with every sentiment she utters–it seems she is going to go Episcopalian, but really do you think the Episcopal Church doesn’t have its “sewer” like we do? Yes, it is a lot smaller sewer simply because they are a lot smaller church. But I really respect her position and cannot disagree with its orientation. You really need to read it to understand what a lot of people are struggling with. Here is the concluding paragraph:
“My older teen became a holidays-only Catholic several years ago, but until recently, my 14-year-old and I still made a Sunday ritual of mass, and the meditative walk to and from church. My daughter doesn’t quite know yet how she wants to proceed, only that her lifelong parish is no longer a place she wishes to be a member of. She says she needs time to figure the rest out. As for me, I’ve always considered myself the making a scene, turning over tables in the temple kind of follower of Christ. And now, I’m following him right out the door of the Catholic church.”
And you know something, she is also right!
I was taken aback by her last sentence; it is actually an amazing image if you think about it. In the Gospel of John, Jesus calls himself a “gate,” and a “door.” You go in and out this door. It is because of Christ within her that she has a door to leave by. This sounds heretical! I prefer to stay (sort of), but I think she is right. And you know something, I am also right!
This entry was posted in Interreligious Dialogue on September 12, 2018 by Monksway.
Finally got around to reading a very small book by Abhishiktananda called The Mountain of the Lord: Pilgrimage to Gangotri. He gives an account of a pilgrimage into the Himalayas to the source of the sacred river Ganges about 1965. Thousands of devout Hindus, especially devotees of Siva, make this pilgrimage every year, so the trail up there is not deserted to say the least.
This book does not fire me up as much as some of his other works (especially The Further Shore, the letters, the journal, etc.), but it has some very interesting aspects about it. First of all he hides his identity in the account. His pilgrimage companion is Panikkar, who I believe at that time was still officially a priest in the Catholic Church; and so both Panikkar and Abhishiktananda are given pseudonyms to hide their real identity. Why, you might ask? Well, the Indian Catholic community was not quite ready to accept two Catholic priests doing that kind of thing with that throng of Siva devotees–not sure if they are more ready even today! Secondly, as one who loves to roam the Sierra high country (in the spirit of John Muir), I found very attractive his descriptions and enchantments with the Himalaya peaks and valleys. Truly awesome and inspiring wilderness.
But what is most interesting and most important here is the theological dynamic at work and the inner struggle within Abhishiktananda himself. This pilgrimage takes place during that period of his life when the tension he experiences between the pull of traditional Catholic spirituality and advaita is at its peak. He is trying somehow to reconcile the two within one language and within a similar conceptual domain but that obviously will not work. He resolves that tension (apparently) in the last years of his life by transcending that kind of language in a new realization but without discarding the traditional language. This culminates in that period after his heart attack when he is all serenity. In any case, it is also clear from the fact that even before his heart attack he criticizes his own attempt at a theological synthesis in Saccidananda–later he goes well beyond that in a total commitment both to Christ and advaita. But here in this book he is still struggling with that language of two worlds. Yes, there is a unifying theme/symbol, “the Source,” the pilgrimage to the Source of your being; but his use of biblical language in order to “baptize” this pilgrimage is a bit forced, artificial and annoying. Something like various patristic authors using various tricks to make biblical language say something they want it to say.
I did find fascinating the details of Abhishiktananda’s pilgrimage, how he mixed with the other pilgrims. Also very much of note is a kind of “debate” between him and Panikkar about the role and the place of the monk in the modern world. Well worth reading if for no other reason than to see how bad off we are at this point in history.
Elder Paisios
Speaking of monks, Paisios was the real deal and also someone who lived in our time on Mt. Athos (for a long period of time). A true Orthodox spiritual father who was recently proclaimed a saint by both the Greek and Russian Churches. I have heard many beautiful things about this holy man, a person of compassion and prayer, like Dostoyevsky’s Staretz Zosima. So it was with great sadness that I read what purports to be Paisios’s words about Hinduism and the Asian religions. This can be found on an Orthodox website, and you can’t be sure that these are actually his own words or thoughts imputed to him. If they are his, it is a really sad and a superficial and a seriously distorted view—and also very instructive for us. You can read this awful account at this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICQzcZ7pS3w
What is instructive about all this is that no matter how “holy” a person can be in a personal kind of way, they still abide within certain conceptual and social structures that shape and limit their thinking and vision. That’s why I could never be Orthodox no matter the beauty and power of that religious tradition. Once you get “inside that box” you seem to be unable to see the good in any other religious tradition. It is all “diabolical,” they seem to say. No thanks! You can see this kind of thing afflicting all kinds of “good people” through the centuries and in various cultures. That’s what makes Abhishiktananda so extraordinary, so revolutionary, that he is somehow able to venture outside his given box and truly experience the religious depths of another tradition and know it from the inside.
Catholic Problems
Wow, where to begin!? Recently I read that Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the U. S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, said that the Church suffers from a “crisis of sexual morality.” Really? Wonder what made him say that…..actually it is a LOT more than that. In fact calling it a moral crisis may be a form of obfuscation, a distraction from discussing some of the real problems. The problems extend to church theology and church structures and, yes, to morality and sex. Let’s step back a bit to get a glimpse of how bad the situation really is.
Richard Sipe died a few weeks ago. A truly remarkable person. He was a Benedictine monk at St. John’s in Minnesota for many years. There’s a good obituary for him in the New York Times here:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/09/nyregion/aw-richard-sipe-a-leading-voice-on-clergy-sex-abuse-dies-at-85.html
And the National Catholic Reporter had a nice piece on him also. He was trained in psychology and therapy and was put in position to try and help “problem priests and monks.” During his early years he became aware of a culture of secrecy and hypocrisy. A significant number of priests and monks were engaged in sexual activity, both heterosexual and homosexual, even as the value of celibacy was put on this enormous pedestal of unquestioning acceptance. But what was especially galling were the cases where the religious person was preying on people much younger than himself, even children. And then this was covered up by the hierarchy and the institution. The bishops and abbots hired lawyers; accusers were threatened; payoffs were made to keep people silent; and the perpetrators moved around to other places.
Sipe left monastic life but continued his research and became quite an advocate for all those harmed by these sexual predators. He also became quite an advocate for greater Church transparency and an end to the culture of secrecy. He wrote several letters to Pope John Paul II about the Archbishop of Washington, DC, Cardinal McCarrick, one of the big names on the American Catholic scene. Sipe laid out all the evidence he had accumulated about this man, how he had preyed on young seminarians and sexually exploited them even when he was a bishop. Sipe never heard from the Vatican at all. I am sure that being an ex-priest made him a persona non grata in JP II’s house. For this pope, leaving the priesthood was THE ultimate sin! In any case, the stuff about McCarrick has finally come out and the Church is forced to deal with it.
Sipe provides us with a key analysis to understand some critical connections and not to make some awful mistakes. First of all, in his research Sipe discovered that a significant percentage of Catholic priests and religious are gay. Now it is very, very important not to conflate this fact with the phenomenon of men (mostly it is men) who are sexual predators because you do have that phenomenon within both orientations. Sexual dysfunctionality is sexual dysfunctionality no matter where it appears. But here is the critical point: due to various factors people with a gay orientation have had to hide that fact. This begins to create an atmosphere of secrecy within which a large number of people socialize. The predators take advantage of this atmosphere of secrecy and so we have the beginnings of a nightmarish situation.
This is only a partial explanation of how this thing unfolds. As Sipe points out there is a structural and theological component to all this that is absolutely critical. First of all, as he emphasizes, the theological valuation of celibacy is totally skewed and distorted. It is placed on this enormous pedestal as if married human love is somehow a lesser kind of sign of divine presence. JP II and his followers certainly preached this exorbitant valuation of celibacy and certainly this has been with the Western Church for centuries. ( In this regard the Orthodox are better off since they have a married priesthood. ) Yes, celibacy is an important and integral value for the monastic charism, but it is an imposed reality on the priesthood. And then sexually dysfunctional people who really need psychological help come into the institution hiding their problem under the guise of “celibacy.” As Sipe found out, the actual living out of celibacy is not as prevalent as what church authorities say. In any case, what starts out as hypocrisy then develops into a culture of secrecy and then the whole institution loses any transparency.
But there is also another very important theological component to this problem: the “divine nature” of the Church itself. The Church is the “Body of Christ,” guided by the Holy Spirit, led by a divinely created hierarchy where the bishop of each diocese represents the reality of Christ to his people, and the “holiness” of the Church is unquestionable—so it is taught, and in a certain sense all this is true. HOWEVER, the human dimension of the Church seems to get lost when this gets overemphasized or proclaimed in too literal a sense. It is analogous to the situation with the Bible. Fortunately we in the Catholic community (and for a lot of Protestants and Anglicans also) are no longer biblical fundamentalists. Yes, the Bible is the “Word of God,” and God is the ultimate “author,” etc.; but we also now know how human the Bible really is, how human limitation and fallibility and blindness entered into the composition of every book. We are meant to read the Bible not only prayerfully and with our heart but also intelligently and with common sense. So many leaders of the Church have emphasized the “holiness” of the Church and its transcendent identity that its human nature has almost been lost. Thus a theological sense of hierarchy becomes institutionalized into a socially authoritarian, pragmatic leadership clique. The Holy Thursday “washing of feet” ritual which symbolizes the servant nature of church leadership is often just a joke because the bishop-pastor is nothing more than a money-manager trying to protect the assets of the Church and keep its imageuntarnished. In this context you begin to understand the cover-ups.
But you can’t keep this stuff hidden forever, can you? Lately there have been quite a few news items about all this, and you can see the problem is international and not just in the U.S. Let me provide just a few links:
An article in the Washington Post summarizing and asking the question “Why?”:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/why-the-vatican-continues-to-struggle-with-sex-abuse-scandals/2018/08/12/483e16e2-9439-11e8-818b-e9b7348cd87d_story.html?utm_term=.fd46abd10adc
The report from Pennsylvania where a state commission has investigated priestly sex abuse for decades and the subsequent cover-ups by the hierarchy:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2018/08/14/pennsylvania-grand-jury-report-on-sex-abuse-in-catholic-church-will-list-hundreds-of-accused-predator-priests/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.aa50856de6d2
We have all seen the reports coming from Australia where an archbishop is going to jail for his role in a cover-up.
https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/australian-archbishop-convicted-of-covering-up-sexual-abuse-resigns
Now there is this new story from England where two Benedictine abbeys have been implicated in a massive sex abuse scandal: Downside and Ampleforth. These are two of the largest and best known Benedictine abbeys in England and around the world. Here is that story:
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/aug/09/report-damns-culture-of-acceptance-of-sexual-abuse-at-two-catholic-schools
And so we see that the problem the Church has is a lot more than just a “crisis in morality.”
Some Quotes that Merton Noted
And now for a breath of fresh air!! In 1968, the year of his death, Merton visited the monasteries of Christ in the Desert and Redwoods before he left for Asia. There’s a small book of his photographs and some excerpts from his notebook. I found that he was quoting from some of his reading on this trip, and as usual Merton was acutely on target with his Asian sources even before he got to Asia.
Here are some quotes, first from Merton himself:
“The desert Fathers believed that the wilderness had been created as supremely valuable in the eyes of God precisely because it had no value to men. The wasteland was the land that could never be wasted by men because it offered them nothing. There was nothing to attract them. There was nothing to exploit.”
Merton quotes from the Astavakra Gita:
“The wiseman who has known the truth of the self plays the game of life and there is no similarity between his way of living and the deluded who live in the world as mere beasts of burden.”
“Where there is I, there is bondage. Where there is no I, there is release. Neither reject nor accept anything.”
“Whether he lives a life of action or withdraws from the world, the ignorant man does not find spiritual peace.”
Merton again: “When man and his money and machines move out into the desert, and dwell there, not fighting the devil as Christ did, but believing in his promise of power and wealth, and adoring his angelic wisdom, then the desert itself moves everywhere. Everywhere is desert. Everywhere is solitude in which man must do penance and fight the adversary and purify his own heart in the grace of God.”
This entry was posted in Interreligious Dialogue on August 15, 2018 by Monksway.
The Chinese Tradition
In the early 1960s Thomas Merton began a serious encounter with the Chinese spiritual traditions (among so many others!). When he met the works of Chuang Tzu (today spelled as Zhuangsi), he immediately connected with him. With the encouragement of his friend, John Wu, he took to doing what was a kind of translation of Chuang Tzu. While not being a literal word-for-word rendition, many readers still hailed it as truly “capturing” the thought of Chuang Tzu, including the famous Chinese translator Burton Watson. In any case Chuang Tzu quickly became one of Merton’s “favorite people.” He writes: “I think I may be pardoned for consorting with a Chinese recluse who shares the climate and peace of my own kind of solitude, and who is my own kind of person.” Later he writes somewhere in his Conjectures of a Guilty Bystander that he is more at home with all the Tzu’s, Fu’s, etc. he has met in the Chinese tradition than he is with most of modern Westerners.
I first read all this stuff many years ago when I was in my teens, and it too resonated very much with my heart. Foolishly I did not stay and grow in that milieu but in recent years I have rediscovered the spiritual and human riches that are there. Here I would like to touch upon simply one aspect of this great tradition.
Recently I stumbled on a truly marvelous book: Mountain Home: the Wilderness Poetry of Ancient China by David Hinton. The book covers what is known as the “rivers and mountains” tradition of Chinese poetry. It illustrates the depth, the beauty, the power of what we might call the contemplative, mystical vision of ancient Chinese thought—though putting it this way is typically “westernizing” and complicating what they are saying. Hinton is a master translator of Chinese poetry which is very, very difficult to translate. Those of us who have to rely on folks like him are limited in what we can say about the translator’s work. But reading Hinton and comparing it with other translations you can see that his language has a liveliness and an authenticity, and you intuit that this is getting you close to the original (other very good translators are Red Pine and Burton Watson, etc.–best method is to look at several translations and compare). I will not comment on individual poems or poets. They are so subtle, so refined, so deep that any passing comment would greatly miss the significance of the work. You have to spend a bit of time with each work and appreciate the linguistic, the cultural, and the spiritual backdrop of each work. That means that you need a real intuitive sense of early Taoism (like Merton had) and the Chinese Buddhism traditionally known as Chan, later to become Zen in Japan. And here I do have some disagreement with Hinton. I don’t totally buy his read, his interpretation of the meaning of “the Tao”–though of course there is much truth in what Hinton does say.
The Tao we are pondering here is not the Tao of later “Taoism,” which becomes a kind of cultural, institutional artifact of China. It became a strange amalgam of body-work, martial arts, healing methods, magic, superstition, elixirs, alchemy, talismans, a seeking of immortality, a ritualizing of key life-moments like marriage, death, organized temples, etc., etc., etc. Pop Catholicism has its own version and flavor of this phenomenon. In fact this kind of thing can be found in all religious traditions. Some of this stuff is ok; at least it gets people thinking a bit beyond the surface reality. But a lot of it is an obfuscation of what is at the core of each religious tradition and an attempt to manipulate reality to one’s ego benefit. In any case it is the Tao of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu and Chan Buddhism that is the true backdrop of the poetry and art of the “rivers and mountains” tradition.
The next thing that will enable our appreciation of this poetry is to recognize the importance and the role of the hermit life in the Chinese vision of things–even to this day. Even during the peak of the Mao years and the Chinese communist ideology, there were hermits living in the wilderness areas of China. Granted, the numbers were not large like in the old days, but there they were–and largely ignored by the government which was demolishing all institutional forms of religion. Then with social and economic relaxation and a change in perspective, the hermit movement in China has begun to flourish again (see the works of Red Pine).
There is a paradox in all this. Something that modern Westerners cannot grasp at all, and I fear some of the younger Chinese who have thoroughly appropriated Western ways may be losing. Think about this: the Chinese are a quintessentially communal people–I think it would hard to find anyone more so. In this context the atomized individualism of the West is almost incomprehensible. Yet what is most remarkable is that this same culture provides the most prolific manifestations of the hermit life. The thing that most modern Westerners do not understand is that the true grounding of the hermit life is in a strong sense of communion, oneness, community. It is not our atomized individualism, which so afflicts modern consciousness. In this context the hermit is seen as a kind of “rebel” vs. society or “the crowd.” The myth of the “rugged individual” who stands “outside” normal social life, the brave, lone fighter for what is real, or in fact just plain nuts….we are left to choose! You can see this in a lot of modern myths, including a serious misreading of Thoreau. In any case, the hermit’s real vocation and identity is to simply be a silent witness to that most fundamental (and therefore unspeakable) unity which is not grounded in politics, economy, nationality, race, sex, religion, or anything else. (I won’t go into how the language of Christian spirituality can obfuscate all this–it needs careful explication. Compare the language of early Merton with the later Merton.) That unity is grounded in what the early Chinese mystics called “the Tao,” and what Christian mysticism would call “the Mystery of God,” the unnamable and totally incomprehensible Ultimate Reality. It is this fundamental unity which transcends all dualisms such as community/individual. The true hermit has no message for the world; he/she is simply a witness to that unity through silence and emptiness and solitude. This unity is not a “something” alongside all the other somethings in one’s life; it is more like a “no-thing,” a “nothingness.” So in a very real sense there is “nothing there” in the hermit’s life; no badge of identity, no ostensible purpose, etc….the true hermit is a “no-monk,” (Merton loved this term), a “nobody,” nameless in the truest sense. People can stick labels on him/her, but that’s their doing. The hermit’s home is in the emptiness of silence and solitude; and this is the atmosphere which pervades the work of these poet-artist recluses of ancient China.
Now it must be added that there is a tension in Chinese culture between community and solitude that is due to two contrasting ideals: the Taoist/Chan ideal and the Confucian ideal. The latter fills the Chinese mind with a sense of social responsibility for the family and the community; the former initiates a dynamic seeking of Ultimate Reality. Among the poet-artists this tension is not resolved but a life becomes lived in various stages. A person might start out by serving the state as a scholar-official (what’s amazing about ancient China is that you could become a state official only if you were proficient in language and poetry). For one reason or another they then might “drop out,” leave the “world of red dust,” as the Chinese termed the busy social world of commerce and government, and live in solitude in a mountain wilderness. There also are the cases where the person is driven out of government, even into exile, and there they find themselves in an unexpected solitude. Then again sometimes a hermit is called by the Emperor to some official capacity because he is respected for his wisdom, and here again a variety of answers can transpire. Then there are the cases where a person heads into solitude early in life and comes back into community much later for one reason or another. Also, there are the cases where some of these poet-artists were married and lived in the wilderness with their wives. What they all share in common was a keen sense of what was found in that wilderness: silence, solitude, depth, emptiness,….the Tao.
Now let me briefly touch upon some very significant points that Hinton makes in the introduction to his translations. Let me quote from the beginning:
“…China’s tradition of rivers-and-mountains poetry represents the earliest and most extensive literary engagement with wilderness in human history. Fundamentally different from writing that employs the ‘natural world’ as the stage or materials for human concerns, this poetry articulates a profound and spiritual sense of belonging to a wilderness of truly awesome dimensions. This is not wilderness in the superficial sense of ‘nature’ or ‘landscape,’ terms the Western cultural lens has generally applied to this most fundamental aspect of Chinese poetry. ‘Nature’ calls up a false dichotomy between human and nature, and ‘landscape’ suggest a picturesque realm seen from a spectator’s distance–but the Chinese wilderness is nothing less than a dynamic cosmology in which humans participate in the most fundamental way.”
Now this is a very important statement, and I am not going to try and unpack all the key insights here; but I do want to say that I was startled when I first read this. I was always attracted to the wilderness, and I read much in John Muir and Edward Abbey and so many others(even Merton was a bit of help here) trying to find the language to understand my heart’s yearning for that wilderness. A lot of this was very good, but I sensed it did not go deep enough. When I first encountered Han Shan, the most remarkable hermit of any tradition, I felt I had discovered a real friend and a real source of further inquiry. Now I know why Merton loved all these Chinese characters and why I myself felt so attracted to wilderness places!
Here’s another quote from Hinton’s introduction:
“This cosmology as dwelling place provided the context for virtually all poetic thinking in ancient China. Indeed, it was central to all Chinese culture, for wilderness has constituted the very terms of self-cultivation throughout the centuries in China. This is most clearly seen in the arts, which were nothing less than spiritual disciplines: calligraphers, poets, and painters aspired to create with the selfless spontaneity of a natural force, and elements out of which they crafted their artistic visions were primarily aspects of wilderness.”
And one last quote, and here Hinton is referring to a particular poem, but I just want to illustrate the overall idea:
“The language in this sentence magically conjures the self as a presence, but it is an utterly empty presence. Here is the Chinese poem as an act of meditative dwelling in the deepest sense. When the bell calls out, we are not only there in the pregnant emptiness at the heart of the Cosmos, we are indistinguishable from it. This dwelling is the Way of ancient China’s Taoist and Chan sages. In it, self is but a fleeting form taken on by earth’s process of change–born out of it, and returned to it in death. Or more precisely, never out of it: totally unborn. For those sages, our truest self, being unborn, is all and none of earth’s fleeting forms simultaneously. Or more absolutely, it is the emptiness of nonbeing, that source which endures through all change. And China’s poets and readers were, in a very real sense, always already masters of this enlightenment, for it is the very structure of their language, their thought, their consciousness. This is utter belonging to a wilderness cosmology as dwelling-place. And as the mountain realm is the most compelling manifestation of this cosmology, it was for them always their mountain home.”
And I would like to conclude with an ancient Chinese painting which graces the cover of Hinton’s book. It pretty much illustrates it all and no more words are needed:
This entry was posted in Interreligious Dialogue on July 24, 2018 by Monksway.
The Man Who Cared For Bears
This is not going to be a fuzzy warm story about nice animals. Rather we are going to consider a man who befriended one of the most ferocious animals in Mother Nature: the grizzly bear. I have recently been commenting on the values of exposure to nature and wilderness that is important for a healthy humanity and a deeper spiritual life. It is interesting how all hermits and monks everywhere had that tendency to “get away” from civilization on the pretext of getting away from distractions, but I always thought there was a lot more there than they could articulate. In any case, we are not returning to this topic but to something not unrelated but very different. There is a deep lesson here for our own spiritual and theological understanding of our place in the great scheme of things. So let us begin.
Recently I read an obituary of a Canadian naturalist by the name of Charlie Russell. He spent a good part of his adult life studying and living close to bears, and he developed a very unorthodox view of them. This from the obit in the NY Times:
“Mr. Russell was outspoken in his belief that the view most people —
including many of his fellow naturalists — held of the bear was wrong.
‘I believe that it’s an intelligent, social animal that is completely
misunderstood,’ he said in a PBS Nature documentary about his work.
To prove the point, he and his partner at the time, Maureen Enns, a
photographer and artist, spent months each year for a decade living
among bears in a remote part of eastern Russia.
They wrote several books based on those experiences and were the
subject of documentaries and countless articles. Mr. Russell’s ideas,
though, were not embraced by everyone.
Some fellow naturalists worried that they might lead people to be
unwisely casual around wild animals. And in Russia, Mr. Russell ran
afoul of criminal elements and corrupt politicians tied to bear
poaching.”
But getting back to the beginning, Charlie was not an academic naturalist; he did not get a degree in the subject; he did not just read about bears in books or learn about them in lecture halls. Charlie went out and physically encountered them. He had grown up in an outdoor setting; his father ran a wilderness outfitting and guiding business. At some point Charlie’s father decided he wanted to get some film of bears in British Columbia. His father “was also a noted naturalist and writer, and when he decided to make a documentary about the white subspecies of black bears on Princess Royal Island in British Columbia, he took Charlie and his brother Richard along as assistants. The experience, Charlie said later, helped him begin to think differently about bears.
The three found that they were mostly capturing footage of bears’
backsides as the animals ran from them — until they left their rifles
behind when they went out to film.
‘The three of us eventually came to the conclusion that bears could
sense that we were not a threat,’ Mr. Russell told The Edmonton
Journal in 2002, ‘that somehow they realized that without a gun, we
would do them no harm.’”
As his interest in bears grew, he realized that he needed to study bears that had little or no human contact–that in fact did not know of human threat to them. From the obit:
But to really get at the innate nature of bears, he needed to find
ones that had no history of negative encounters with people. That is
what sent him and Ms. Enns to Kamchatka, which had been off limits to civilians for military reasons during the Cold War and thus was full
of bears that had had no contact with humans.
They first scouted the area in 1994. In 1996, Russian officials
granted them permission to build a cabin near a remote lake. Every
year they would fly in, using a small plane Mr. Russell had built from
a kit, and stay for four or five months.
The bears grew to know them, Mr. Russell said, and became comfortable enough with them that sometimes a few would come to the cabin and linger to see if he and Ms. Enns wanted to go for a walk with them.”
Here’s a couple of photos from that idyllic time:
Above with a young grizzly bear!
But this would not last …simply because there are so many human beings who do not want this kind of relationship to “wildness.” From the obit:
“His conclusion that bears were not naturally hostile to people earned him enemies among hunters.
‘A lot of it is because the hunting culture needs to promote an animal
as fearful so that people can feel brave about killing it,” he told
the Australian newspaper The Age in 2009.
His live-with-the-bears approach also drew criticism from some
wildlife officials. ‘He’s teaching people how to get mauled,’ one
said.”
Charlie would be the first one to tell you that you have to exercise great caution with these animals, that you have to respect their fear of you, that they are not your pets and you have to be able to read what their feelings toward you are. Do not be moronic and try to take a “selfie” with a grizzly!
But his research and relationship with the bears had a sad ending. From the obit:
“His and Ms. Enns’s experiment on the Kamchatka Peninsula ended
heartbreakingly. When they returned there for the 2003 season, they
found that almost all the bears they had become acquainted with were
gone, presumably slaughtered. A bear gallbladder — the prize for
poachers, valued in some countries as an aphrodisiac and general
health remedy — had been nailed to their cabin wall, like some kind of
‘The bears were killed so we would go home,’ Mr. Russell told The
Globe and Mail in July 2003. ‘It is a brutal ending to our research’…. Their relationship ended in the aftermath of the slaughter of the
Kamchatka bears in 2003, an incident that also left Mr. Russell with
the fear that, by teaching the bears to trust humans, he had
inadvertently conditioned them not to run from the hunters.
‘I can see how easily they were killed,’ he said. ‘That’s my nightmare image.’”
There’s a lot of food for thought in this account, ranging from the social to the theological. What is it about us/in us that makes us enjoy killing animals? Ok, most animals kill other animals for food, but once they have eaten they move on. It is a kind of cycle of nature. They don’t do it for a trophy or the thrill of killing a “dangerous” animal. Then there’s certain animals that will kill when they feel threatened. We do both of these things: food and self-protection, but then we add this bizarre thing of “sport killing.” What is that all about? Maybe we are touching the roots of violence in general in all this. In Christian theological language we might say that’s an effect of the “Original Sin.” Ok, but giving it a name may simply obfuscate the reality of what is there; if we have a word for it we think we understand the phenomenon. Is it any wonder that we as the whole human family seem so “out of whack” with Mother Nature, so out of harmony with the natural world. It seems to serve only as another commodity for our exploitation or as a tool to increase our own enjoyment. The fact is the natural world reflects back the various self-inflicted distortions of our humanity.
Some of you may be aware of the great Russian saint and hermit, St. Seraphim. In some mythic, iconic portrayal of him, I forget where I saw or read about this, he is seen in harmony with a great Russian bear. I thought of that when I saw those photos of Charlie with his bears. Whatever be the historic value of that depiction, its real significance is that Seraphim is shown as having “returned to Paradise,” where human beings lived in harmony with the natural world. This would also be well understood by the Chinese Buddhist/Taoist hermit tradition. In any case, the beginning of the Genesis account depicts the world, the whole natural world as “God’s Temple” in a sense, and the human being as a kind of “priest” in that temple meant to care for it all and bring it all back to its Creator. If the human being has the “lead part” in the great scheme of things, it is only to be a good caretaker and be responsible for its well-being. When John Muir was in Yosemite he said he felt like he was in God’s cathedral. Muir would have loved Charlie Russell.
This entry was posted in Interreligious Dialogue on May 24, 2018 by Monksway.
Ok, I am not referring to an end to this blog….though I am less inclined to write these days. And I am not referring to an “end of the world” as this is usually seen by Christians of all sorts. But I would like to call your attention to a kind of “end” of our civilization as I see it coming and some reasons for this and perhaps a hint or two about what to do. These thoughts, insights and reflections come from various folks and various directions, but they are all people I deeply respect and admire and have learned much from them.
A. Walker Percy
Catholic novelist, prominent in mid-20th century, admired by Merton, a doctor by profession. He was not afraid of treating religious topics, and he had a scathing portrayal of the shallow religiosity of both conservative and liberal Christianity. He portrays a culture in total decline, sinking ever deeper into an abyss that is a strange amalgam of banality and insanity. Not too long ago I came across a review of his work by none other than Chris Hedges. Here’s a few excerpts. Hedges:
“Walker Percy in his 1971 dystopian novel “Love in the Ruins” paints a picture of a morally degenerate America consumed by hedonism, wallowing in ignorance, led by kleptocrats and fools, fragmented into warring and often violent cultural extremes and on the cusp of a nuclear war. It is a country cursed by its failure to address or atone for its original sins of genocide and slavery. The ethos of ceaseless capitalist expansion, white supremacy and American exceptionalism, perpetuated overseas in the country’s imperial wars, eventually consumes the nation itself. The accomplices, who once benefited from this evil, become its victims. How, Percy asks, does one live a life of meaning in such a predatory society? Is it even possible? And can a culture ever regain its equilibrium when it sinks into such depravity?”
Hedges again:
“Percy, echoing the Christian existentialist Søren Kierkegaard, argues that the capitalist, rationalist ethic that crushed empathy and understanding and replaced it with the primacy of personal gain, cruelty and profit doomed Western civilization. The basest lusts are celebrated by capitalism. Success is defined by material advancement, power and the attainment of celebrity. Those, like Donald Trump, who amass enormous wealth, often by cheating, abusing and defrauding their employees and associates, are treated like pagan idols.
“Percy, who like the Russian playwright Anton Chekhov was a medical school graduate, was steeped in the classics, theology, philosophy, literature and history. He knew the common denominators of decaying societies. The elevation of the morally degenerate in the last days was never accidental. These corrupt elites embodied the warped values of a dying culture. They reflected back to the society, as does Trump, its spiritual emptiness. The feckless Romanovs in Russia, the megalomaniacal Kaiser Wilhelm II in Germany and the doddering head of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Franz Joseph I, in the last days of the European monarchies exhibited the same stupidity, self-delusion and self-destructiveness seen in the late American Empire.”
Percy is totally relentless in his satire even of religion and especially modern Christianity. He makes Saturday Night Live seem like amateur night!:
“In Percy’s novel, the Roman Catholic Church has rebranded itself as the American Catholic Church, based in Cicero, Ill. It celebrates Property Rights Sunday. The priest raises the Eucharistic host in the Mass, conducted in Latin, to the tune of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Sermons focus on how the rich in the Bible—Joseph of Arimathea and Lazarus—were specially blessed by God. Evangelical Christians stage ever more elaborate spectacles and entertainment, including nighttime golf—the Moonlight Tour of the Champs—advertised with the slogan “Jesus Christ, the Greatest Pro of Them All.”
If modern liberals think they have a superior vision of things, well, Percy dissects them also as Hedges explains:
“Today’s secularists have their own forms of hedonism, self-worship and idolatry. Spirituality is framed by puerile questions: How is it with me? Am I in touch with myself? Have I achieved happiness and inner peace? Have I, along with my life coach, ensured that I have reached my full career potential? Am I still young-looking? What does my therapist say? It is a culture based on self-absorption, a vain quest for eternal youth, and narcissism. Any form of suffering, which is always part of self-sacrifice, is to be avoided. The plight of our neighbor is irrelevant. Sexual degeneracy—narcissists are incapable of love—abounds in a society entranced by casual hook-ups and pornography.”
Every culture, every society has what you might call an “original sin” situation that then colors and haunts the mindset of that culture for the long term. Very few societies come to terms with this “sin” –in fact I don’t know of any. And this becomes an integral part of the demise of every society. Here is Walker Percy’s powerful depiction of our “original sin”:
“The old U.S.A. didn’t work! Is it even possible that from the beginning it never did work? That the thing always had a flaw in it, a place where it would shear, and that all this time we were not really different from Ecuador and Bosnia-Herzegovina, just richer. Moon Mullins blames it on the niggers. Hm. Was it the nigger business from the beginning? What a bad joke: God saying, here it is, the new Eden, and it is yours because you’re the apple of my eye; because you the lordly Westerners, the fierce Caucasian-Gentile-Visigoths, believed in me and in the outlandish Jewish Event even though you were nowhere near it and had to hear the news of it from strangers. But you believed and so I gave it all to you, gave you Israel and Greece and science and art and the lordship of the earth, and finally even gave you the new world that I blessed for you. And all you had to do was pass one little test, which was surely child’s play for you because you already had passed the big one. One little test: here’s a helpless man in Africa, all you have to do is not violate him. That’s all.
One little test: you flunk!”
B. Chaco and Chris Hedges
It appears that Chris Hedges recently visited the famous Anasazi archaeological site in New Mexico. I have been there myself, and all the Anasazi ruins are haunting and intriguing. Chaco flourished from about 850 to 1200, and it developed into a complex and sophisticated culture, initially peaceful, artistic and quite skilled in early astronomy and building. Here is how Hedges begins the story:
“The Chaco ruin, 6,200 feet above sea level, is one of the largest and most spectacular archeological sites in North America. It is an impressive array of 15 interconnected complexes, each of which once had four-to-five-story stone buildings with hundreds of rooms each. Seven-hundred-pound wooden beams, many 16 feet long, were used in the roofs. Huge circular, ceremonial kivas—religious centers dug into the earth, with low masonry benches around the base of the room to accommodate hundreds of worshippers—dot the ruins. It rivals the temples and places built by the Aztecs and the Mayans.
“Radiating from Chaco is a massive 400-mile network of roads, some 30 feet wide and still visible in the haunting desert landscape, along with dams, canals and reservoirs to collect and store rainwater. The study of astronomy, as with the Aztec and the Maya, was advanced. Petroglyphs and pictographs on the canyon walls often record astrological and solar events. One pictograph shows a hand, a crescent moon and a 10-pointed star that is believed to depict a 1055 supernova, and one of the petroglyphs appears to represent a solar eclipse that occurred in 1097.
“A few thousand priests and ruling elites, along their retainers and administrators, lived in the Great Houses or palaces. They oversaw the trade routes that stretched to the California coast and into Central America. They maintained the elaborate network of lighthouses whose signal fires provided rapid communication. They built the roads, the long flights of stairs carved into the rock formations, the bridges, the wooden ladders to scale the towering cliffs, and the astronomical observatories that meticulously charted the solar observations to determine the equinoxes and solstices for planting and harvesting and for the annual religious festivals when thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, would gather.”
Needless to say, this would not last–in fact the good years lasted about as long as the present age of the United States. And when the “good times” ended, it was a catastrophic conclusion. Hedges continues:
“But this complex society, like all complex societies, proved fragile and impermanent. It fell into precipitous decline after nearly three centuries. The dense forests of oak, piñon and ponderosa pines and juniper that surrounded the canyon were razed for construction and fuel. The soil eroded. Game was hunted to near-extinction. The diet shifted in the final years from deer and turkey to rabbits and finally mice. Headless mice in the late period have been found by archaeologists in human coprolites—preserved dry feces. The Anasazi’s open society, one where violence was apparently rare, where the people moved unhindered over the network of well-maintained roads, where warfare was apparently absent, where the houses of the rich and powerful were not walled off, where the population shared in the spoils of empire, was replaced with the equivalent of gated, fortified compounds for the elites and misery, hunger, insecurity and tyranny for the commoners. Dwellings began to be built in the cliffs, along with hilltop fortresses, although these residences were not close to the fields and water supply. Defensive walls were constructed along with moats and towers. The large, public religious ceremonies that once united the culture and gave it cohesion fractured, and tiny, warring religious cults took over, the archaeologist Lynne Sebastian notes.
“Lekson, a professor of anthropology at the University of Colorado in Boulder, believes the Anasazi rulers during the decline increasingly resorted to savage violence and terror, including the public executions of dissidents and rebels. He finds evidence, much of it documented in Steven A. LeBlanc’s book “Prehistoric Warfare in the American Southwest,” that “Chaco death squads” were sent out across the empire. LeBlanc writes that at Yucca House, a Chaco Great House near Mesa Verde, as many as 90 people were killed and tossed into a kiva and at least 25 showed signs of mutilation.”
“Chacoan violence, concentrated and brutal, appears to represent government terror: the enforcement of Chaco’s rule by institutionalized force,” Leksonwrites in the article “Chaco Death Squads” in Archeology magazine. “Violence was public, intended to appall and subdue the populace. Chacoandeath squads (my term, not LeBlanc’s) executed and mutilated those judged to be threats to Chacoan power, those who broke the rules.”
So much for that idyllic and idealized picture some of us have of Native American life!! When complex societies collapse they never do it in a “nice,” quiet way!
Now I would like to consider two other very different scenarios–not as “solutions” to what seems like an accelerating decline of our society, but just something that points in a very different direction. Be aware: we are not going to “solve” anything by “reform”–kind of adjusting the knobs of our social, economic, political, and religious world. You know, the old saying about rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic, or giving the deck a new paint job! Most people seem quite content in their pursuit of “the good life”: a good family, a nice home, a rewarding career, and then on top of this the accumulation of more and more stuff and the diversions of manifold entertainment. It is pretty much like drinking salt water; you get thirstier and thirstier; “more and more” only leads to a desire for more and more. The “average good guy” sees very little wrong with all this, as long as it is all moderated by this or that concern….not realizing that all this merely sets the stage for an endless cycle of decadence, corruption, violence, lies, greed, etc. Donald Trump, for example, is not as an individual some anomaly that got elected somehow as president–he is more a reflection of the state of our collective soul, an unmasking more or less of what we are really about. Getting rid of him will not truly solve the problem that lurks at the core of what we are.
And neither will revolution, the proposed alternative to reform. One set of scoundrels replaces another set of scoundrels in what appears to be a “new start” but it turns out to be merely a new version of the old problem–this is generally the history of all revolutions. Both reform and revolution are approaching the problem from the outside where we are very much tempted to focus our attention–simply because it is so much easier to objectify the problem as something “out there” where we can manipulate “reality.” But actually the problem is right there at the core of our own being, our “heart” as it were. Just like the great religious traditions always said it was. However, here is the sad thing: organized, institutional religion of any of the great traditions seems extremely ineffective, almost impotent, to address the real problem. They all have compromised more or less with the culture, and so their voices, when they do manage to say something important, are hardly believable. It should not be surprising that there are numbers that show that a whopping 40% of millennials do not affiliate with any religion. One only has to remember the child molestation scandals affecting various churches in Ireland, Australia, Latin America, and the U.S. and church officials desperately denying and covering up—like some politicians. Then there’s the insane Hindu nationalists in India and the list goes on and on depressingly. Much too often religion seems as part of the problem more than a way to some solution.
No, there is no easy or simple solution to our slipping deeper and deeper into this pit of deterioration. The only thing we can say for sure is that some sort of change has to take place in the way we live and in the way we look at the world. It’s only then, when this change begins, that we will also begin to see our solution. Here I will point to two very radical examples of the change in vision and lifestyle that is needed, but I want to emphasize that this is NOT the only possibility and that each person/persons has to find their very particular kind of change that they can embody and bring about so it is clear that they are not simply doing “business as usual.”
C. Jack Turner
Let me tell you about this guy. He grows up as a “normal good kid,” goes to college, gets advanced degrees in philosophy and Chinese and becomes an academic. In his own words: “In the mid-1970s I was an assistant philosophy professor at the University of Illinois. I was about thirty years old. I was very unhappy. One day I went to the Lincoln Park Zoo to sneak some meat to the snow leopards, as I did on occasion. It was a crappy day, cloudy and dim and snowing, and I thought to myself: I’m as trapped as these wild cats. I decided that I didn’t want to live my life working indoors. Since then, I’ve worked inside — a forty-hour-a-week, punch-the-time-clock type of job — for only two and a half years total. The rest of the time I’ve been working outside or writing in my cabin.” He pursues rock climbing and mountaineering and becomes a mountain guide in Wyoming for a living. That physical change leads to a very significant inner change in how sees the world around him. He discovers the importance of what might be called “intimacy with the wilderness”–loss with this contact, Turner emphasizes, is a loss with a significant part of our humanity. He fears that way too many people in our society are crippled by this loss of “intimacy with wildness.” It becomes a serious vision problem where you can’t evaluate what is and isn’t important to your life as a human being. Very hard to explicitly explain how the wilderness can touch your life like that, but you do see it sometimes very clearly in some people–like John Muir for example.
At first Turner did some mountaineering in Asia. About that experience he relates: “I think that anybody who goes into a wild place like that for the first time is simply stunned, not only by the land but by the differences in lifestyle. The average per capita income in Baltistan [a region in northern Pakistan] at the time of my first visit was seventy-three dollars a year. I quickly learned that Western ways of classifying people according to education and career are meaningless. There are brilliant people who can’t read. There are ways of living that don’t have anything to do with our way of living. People in the Hindu Kush knew virtually nothing of the U.S., nothing of our ways of life, and their own ways of life were thousands of years old. And there was the marvelous unfamiliar wildlife, too. I saw markhor and ibex and blue sheep and snow-leopard tracks. You simply cannot imagine the wildness of the place, the animals, the humans. Years later I led the first trek to the north side of K2. There is no place on earth wilder than the Karakoram.”
But Turner’s main focus is on our situation right here and his increasing concern about the disconnect people have with the wilderness:
“And here’s the problem: nowadays very few people directly experience voles, coral reefs, redwoods, and whales. You can live in San Francisco, ride a Google bus to work, stare at a screen, come home, stare at a screen, repeat, repeat, repeat. I’ve asked my environmental-studies students how much time each day, on average, they spend in contact with raw wild nature. Thirty minutes, they say. And what are they doing then? Walking between classes.They’ve told me they look at a screen eight to twelve hours a day, on average. These kids have not spent much time hiking in remote areas. They don’t have much personal experience with wild creatures. They also don’t have much experience with isolation. These days parents can hardly get their children to participate in an outdoor program, such as a backpacking trip, because it will cut them off from Facebook for two weeks. At Exum Mountain Guides Climbing School we forbid our students to bring music into the Tetons. They hate not having music. They don’t want to be alone. They are hive creatures now, far more so than generations past, fiercely attached to their social network, which is a large part of their identity. I’m part of the amateur astronomy community here in Jackson Hole. Our club has more and more trouble getting young people to come out in the dark — the cold, scary dark — and look at stars. They want to watch the night sky through video cameras. They want to use computers to connect to a telescope in Chile. They want to look at the stars on a screen. But the immediate, raw experience of being out in the dark, of being in the ocean with sharks, of seeing a bear, is far different from any simulation on a screen. If you don’t have contact with a wild place, a wild animal, or a wild process — and I mean experiential, bodily contact — then why would you ever vote for conservation and environmental measures? That’s a long-term problem for the American conservation movement. Sure, there are still Sierra Club trips and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and families who cherish the outdoors, but in terms of a general population trend, it doesn’t look good…. This doesn’t bode well for the natural world, let alone the quality of these people’s lives. I fear there will come a day when people won’t understand the writing of Thoreau and John Muir. It will be unintelligible to them. They just won’t get it.”
Turner again: “In my youth I did a lot of skin diving. One time I was ten feet underwater by some undulating eelgrass, and suddenly it opened to reveal a five-foot shark against the sand. That does something to your nervous system. It’s the same when you come across a bear in the wild. And you can have these experiences with people, too. I once ran into a sadhu [a Hindu holy man] way up in the Himalayas. It was sleeting and snowing heavily. He had a long beard and wore nothing but a loincloth. His eyes were huge! I said hello. He nodded. I pointed to the camera on my chest, indicating that I’d like to take a photo of him. He politely asked me not to in perfect English. I replied by saying something incredibly stupid: I asked him where he’d learned English. He said, “From my parents; where’d you learn English?” Wham! That guy was something else. Whether it’s with sharks or bears or sadhus, that type of wham experience shakes your foundations in a way an iPad never will. It has to do with contact. As Thoreau wrote in The Maine Woods: “Contact!Contact!” You can’t get contact from a screen.”
And one last quote from Jack Turner: “Getting people to slow down — young people, in particular — is important to me. I’m not saying that anybody needs to formally meditate. A far less loaded word is contemplate. What’s going on in your life and your relationships? Think about it. Reflect. Most people don’t contemplate anymore. They just go, go, go. Every one of the luminaries from the American conservation movement — Thoreau, Muir, Aldo Leopold, Rachel Carson, Margaret and Olaus Murie, E.O. Wilson, and many others — spent a lot of time alone on the seashore, or in a canoe on a lake, or in the forest, or in the mountains, or digging in the soil, and always in silence. I don’t think the conservation movement is going to get anywhere if we have a citizenry that no longer wants to be alone and experience silence.
There is no need now to encourage most people. There was when Muir started leading large groups of the public into the Sierra Nevada to acquaint them with the values of wilderness. Now the values claimed for such areas are well-known. The problem is that the people who go there don’t care about the wildness; they care about the other human values of our culture: money, gear, family, friends, having fun. Most people who do go into the natural world are going for recreation, not contemplation. They use their beloved stuff — skis, fishing rods, backpacks, rafts — in the playground of their choice. Many are in the wilderness business, servicing clients, often hordes of them, at thousands of dollars a whack. These visitors do not have to confront the loneliness, existential fear, silence, and indifference of the wild, nor do they contemplate what these things mean for a human life.”
All of the above quotes came from an interview of Jack Turner by LeathTonino, entitled “Not On Any Map,” in The Sun, August 2014.
D. The Chinese Thing
Among the great spiritual traditions of the world each of us, I think, finds one or another of these traditions as particularly attractive/inviting/inspiring. It might not even be “our home” but something we just visit for special insights. In my own case, I love the Sufis; I find the sannyasa ideal in the Upanishads unspeakably profound; I am deeply impressed and illumined by the Tibetan Buddhism of the Dalai Lama and Milarepa; and my original home and where I “live” is the hesychasm of the Christian East. But what I can’t explain is the absolute fascination I have with the ancient Chinese Daoism of Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu and early Chinese Zen and the mountain poets and artists of ancient China and some of its Japanese inheritors. Today there is a resurgence of interest in the ancient ways and a considerable number of young Chinese are “changing” their view of what constitutes “the good life.” I won’t say anymore except that everyone should see this short film, “Summoning the Recluse” to know what I am trying to point to. It is all in Chinese but with English subtitles. It is incredibly beautiful, profound, very realistic, and gives us some hope for the future. Here is the link to that movie, “Summoning the Recluse.”
http://www.hermitary.com/films/
Various Namarupa
What are “namarupa”? This is a term from Sanskrit that plays a large role in the later writings of Abhishiktananda. According to the various glossaries in his books the meaning is something like this: “name and form”…including the world of phenomena and all the signs used to refer to the unique mystery that is beyond all. Another approach to this can be found in the Tao Te Ching, which famously begins:
The Tao that can be told is not the eternal Tao
The name that can be named is not the eternal name
The nameless is the beginning of heaven and earth
The named is the mother of ten thousand things
(trans. by Gia-Fu Feng and Jane English)
When we speak of the Divine Reality, much of what we say is within the realm of “names.” There may be much that is true within this realm, but it cannot grasp the Ultimate Mystery of the Divine or our (and this is supremely important) our ultimate relationship to this Reality which is also beyond all names
As Abhishiktananda grew in knowledge and experience of advaita, nondualism, within Hindu religious thought, he was seriously tormented by Christianity’s inability to claim this very same mystical experience. The theological and spiritual language of Christianity seemed unredeemably dualistic. I am this solid reality over here and God is over there…to put it very crudely. As he wrestled with this problem he began to see more and more of Christian theology and doctrine as simply another example of namarupa. Not false or untrue, but not to be taken as literally true either. This was going to be his liberation from dualism to the mystical abyss of advaita.
The surface meaning of the words is only a pointer, if you will, at the ultimate truth. Ok, maybe more than a pointer; but the fact is that even our most sacred doctrines are in words that are necessarily culturally conditioned and bound. This is not something “bad,” just inevitable; and this holds for all religions. As Abhishiktananda was fond of pointing out, it is just as much a mistake for Hindus to absolutize their namarupa as it is for Christians. Words and symbols and rites are just that and certainly good and necessary but to take them as absolute and literal truth means you will not be able to engage other traditions in any meaningful way and you may miss the gift they bring to you in their spiritual experience of the Ultimate Reality. So, Abhishiktananda fretted over the fact that there seemed to be no interest or concern or means to translate the meaning of Christianity into Hindu terms, to liberate Christianity from its Judaeo-Hellenic roots. There seems to be no other way of then being liberated from a dualistic view of our relationship to the Divine. The situation has not changed 50 years later; we are now certainly much more friendly to other religious traditions, but we still refuse to see our own language and terms as a kind of namarupa. The challenge is too scary; the implications are enormous.
Consider this easy example from our liturgical/Biblical language: the Catholic feast of Christ the King. The terminology is alien to us because it comes from a monarchical social order. So you have to work at this language to extract its real significance, and that’s what a lot of homilies do on that feast day. Ok, that was obvious. But you need to go a lot deeper to see the nature of the problem. Consider the following list of terms: sin, justification; judgment; adoption; advocate; atone/atonement; “that we have been justified by his blood”(Rom 5:9), “Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Heb 9:22); obedience; etc.; etc.; etc. There is so much more of this; and this is Biblical language, New Testament, which is then carried over to Church doctrine and theology. Yes, it is explicated in books and homilies, but the point is that such language arises in a certain context, like the ancient Mediterranean, but it can be really alien in another context. In fact even in my own situation I remember how I was troubled by the notion that “Jesus died for our sins” when I was just beginning to get into spirituality in my early teens. I wondered what does that really mean. Why does God require bloodshed as the Bible seemed to be saying? It didn’t occur to me, as a youngster, that bloodshed was a big deal in engaging the divine order in the Mediterranean world and, yes, elsewhere. It is a fundamentally and decidedly dualistic picture in which there is this awesome reality out there somewhere and poor little us who try not to displease this ultimate other. Ok, yes the New Testament does say we no longer need animal sacrifices but why does Christ have to shed his blood for us? And what is this “debt” he has to pay?
Recall the movie Gandhi, the scene early in the movie where Gandhi and associates are riding a train through India, and his Anglican friend climbs up to the top of the railroad car to cool off and meets a number of poor travelers riding there. One of them recognizes him as a Christian priest and says “I have a Christian friend and she drinks the blood of Christ every week.” The humor of that situation only illustrates the problem that kind of language presents to someone who is “outside” that context. But what I am more concerned at the moment is what that language means to us who are “within” that context. And here I don’t mean to question the doctrine of the “Real Presence,” in which I am a firm believer, and which certain Protestant groups “solve the problem” by turning that language into a kind of metaphor, a linguistic maneuver that evaporates away the profound dimensions of that language. No, the Catholic and Orthodox commitment to the so-called Real Presence is profoundly true but when it encounters Hindu advaita, it should not retreat into a narrow shell but rather discover its deepest dimensions and most profound implications, which I admit is a real challenge on the “language level,” for theology and Christian spirituality which in its namarupa is definitely dualistic. The first step would be to admit the namarupa nature of our whole theological enterprise, but you know that isn’t going to happen. However, some of Christianity’s deepest mystics and theologians have come very close to seeing that. And that’s why Abhishiktananda is still the “prophet” of our future; we have yet to catch up to him!
Now I would like to further challenge and explore various avenues of the above issues somewhat at random:
Consider St. Paul. His basic message is that there is no need for this enormous religious scaffolding known as “the Law” in order to relate to the Ultimate Divine Reality which he calls “Father” (following the example of Jesus). Don’t get lost in the “new” namarupa of his language, however; follow the dynamics and trajectory of his thought: You have this direct relationship of unity with the Mystery of God (he would say “in Christ” “through faith” but I refrain from that because this language has been beaten into religious clichés—it badly needs rescuing from its own namarupa quality).
Recall Abhishiktananda’s account of an early encounter with some Quakers. This was while he was still trying to be an orthodox Catholic. He said he was thoroughly surprised by the fact that they “didn’t believe in all those things you were supposed to believe in,” yet they were more Christian than most other Christians he had met. It was an eye-opener for him about not getting trapped within a need to absolutize the namarupa of Christianity.
The so-called Old Testament is a very complex text, filled with an incredible diversity of views. It has some beautiful things in it and also many horrible things. The problem is that this forms the background of the Christ event, and as it is often said in the New Testament itself and in Church doctrine this background is said to be necessary in order to understand the Christ event….Jesus is the fulfillment, etc. Orthodox Christianity has always considered this language as “non-negotiable” in its self-understanding. And here I don’t mean to suggest that we should willy-nilly change or drop traditional language, like Jesus’ use of the word “Father.” That is a totally superficial “corrective” by some liberal church people; well-intentioned but it is simply the substituting of one kind of namarupa for another. A much deeper approach is to take the traditional language and “see into it” much deeper than its literal sense. (By the way, if you want to get a glimpse of how “bad” the Old Testament can get, take a look at Phyllis Trible’s little book, Texts of Terror.)
Consider St. Paul’s reference to the “mind of Christ.” There is the line from Philippians: “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus”(Phil 2:5). As an expression, I always wondered how close this was to Buddhism’s invitation to have the “Buddha mind” in realization. Again, not saying that the two are the same, don’t they circle around the same Ultimate Reality in many ways. Consider how Paul continues in his description of what constitutes having this “mind of Christ”:
“…who, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
as something to be exploited,
but emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
being born in human likeness.
And being found in human form,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to the point of death–
even death on a cross.”
Now compare all this with someone like Santideva, the great Indian Buddhist and the great ideal of the Bodhisattva; and you might find some very engaging similarities. They are working in a kind of harmonious way, circling around the same Ultimate Truth. What you need to do is not to get lost in the surface reality of the namarupa within both traditions. There is nothing wrong with the namarupa, nothing false; it’s simply that you need to get into the depths of what is being said, to that which is truly unnameable.
Consider this quote from J. P. de Caussade, an 18th Century Jesuit spiritual director and writer, from a work that was published only after his death called Abandonment to the Divine Providence. This is not exactly my favorite period of spiritual writing, nor are these folks much attended to by me, but this is a remarkable little work of spiritual direction:
“If we knew how to greet each moment as the manifestation of the divine will, we would find in it all the heart could desire…. The present moment is always filled with infinite treasures; it contains more than you are capable of receiving….[underlining mine] The divine will is an abyss of which the present moment is the entrance; plunge fearlessly therein and you will find it more boundless than your desire.”
Now this is quite remarkable, and if you know anything about Sufi spirituality, you would be amazed at the similarity. But now I want to quote something much more alien, from a definition of sorts of Dzogchen in Tibetan Buddhism:
“Dzogchen–the direct realization of the naturally abiding enlightenment within one’s own experience. This fundamental experience of limitless freedom, clarity, and openness is at the heart of who we are, and Dzogchen practice merely uncovers this experience.”
Do you see how these two quotes coherently converge? No, they are not the same thing in different languages; I would never venture to say that…..but it is amazing how both lead us to this fundamental realization of the Ultimate Reality which is always at our fingertips as it were, not far away, not somewhere else, but in the very fiber of our being. So the dissolution of another kind of dualism. The namarupa of these two traditions do not obscure the fact that here they are singing in harmony. Dostoevsky’s Fr. Zosima said that we are always in Paradise if only we had the eyes to see it. He uses the namarupa of Biblical language to point to that reality which the two authors above present in very different terms. Paradise is our real state of heart.
This entry was posted in Interreligious Dialogue on March 23, 2018 by Monksway.
Motley Topics
A. Recently I read a truly different book: A Journey to Inner Peace and Joy: Tracing Contemporary Chinese Hermits by Zhang Jianfeng. It is a personal account of a visit to the flourishing phenomenon of a healthy hermit movement in China. The earliest such account in modern times was by Bill Porter (Red Pine) about 25 years ago. This account surprised a lot of people, even a lot of Chinese, because most people just assumed that the hermit phenomenon had died out in China. Then there was a documentary movie made that was inspired by that work and covered some of the same ground. Now we have this more personal, subjective account of this Chinese man visiting many hermits in the mountains south of Xian–this is one of the favorite haunts of Chinese hermits from way back. These encounters took place just five years ago or so, and it is reassuring to see the hermit movement in full swing. The Chinese love their hermits!
The book is not great but still interesting; the author does not get beyond the surface descriptions, but here and there you will find gems of comment and insight: “The occupant of Baxiu Maopeng was in his thirties and the lay brother who followed him was half as old again. The lay brother’s gaze had a radiance which I had not often seen and so had his speech, everything under his gaze seemed as penetrating and clear as spring water. The hermit said that he had no title, that the hut was his…. He had left home to become a monk in the Southwest in 1999 and had been here ever since….. I asked: how do you normally practice? A: The method is unimportant. All rules should be set aside. The rule is that there are no rules. Instruction is merely a path, in the way that the nourishment required for each stage of life is different….”
There are gems like this sprinkled through the book, but unfortunately a lot of it is also very superficial observation. The subtle thing here is how the hermit undermines the “seeker’s” need for detailed instructions. This afflicts quite a few people on the spiritual path, and it leads to a clinging to detailed step by step instructions, systems of spirituality, which practically become almost an end in themselves. One of the things that very much characterizes the hermit approach to spirituality is a basic simplicity, taking whatever tradition of spirituality you want and applying what I call the “Thoreau rule”: Simplify, simplify, simplify!
B. Speaking of hermits, let us turn now to some thoughts on Western hermits. This phenomenon is not nearly as focused or as flourishing as its Chinese counterpart. Here we need to distinguish between two seemingly very different types: those who seek solitude for explicit religious/spiritual purposes; and all the rest! I hesitate to characterize the latter group because it is so varied and so problematic so often (in fact some of these folk can be much more spiritual than the first group but it is not easy to see). There are some very fine people in the first group, both those in formal religious groups and those who are more informal in this regard; but what I find intriguing (as did Merton) are people who find their way into a solitude which is often opaque to our view, and its purpose becomes concealed behind what may be basic human weakness. Often these folk have real human failings that are less visible in social life but which emerge in disturbing clarity in solitude. Our neurotic tendencies/fears/gestures which become somewhat concealed in the nitty-gritty of daily modern social life and whose rough edges can be softened by human companionship, all this can come out quite starkly in solitude; and the hermit has to deal with his/her own “craziness” undiluted by social life. This is an occupational hazard for all those who live alone in an unstructured context. And a visitor could find this a bit too much! Especially if they have an idealized, romantic view of solitude. For a much deeper discussion of the issues involved in all this I do highly recommend reading Merton’s essay, “Philosophy of Solitude.”
So recently I stumbled upon this story in The Guardian: “This reclusive life: what I learned about solitude from my time with hermits,” by Peter Willis. In many ways it is both a funny and an illuminating account of one man’s journey to try and meet some “real hermits”– he tries to contact some “religious” hermits but with no success he ventures out into the “wild and wooly ones”! Here’s how the article begins:
“A few years ago, beset by the same malaise that I suppose afflicts everyone who spends too much time in the bustle and chaos of a big city, I wondered if solitude might be the answer. I began to read about hermits and became obsessed with the idea of meeting one. As you might imagine, hermits are a difficult sub-group to track down. But I found out about a newsletter run by a couple in the Carolinas aimed at solitaries and, after posting an ad there, began writing to a few. The correspondences never led anywhere. The closest I got to an actual encounter was with a woman in rural Oregon called Maryann. We planned to meet but at the last minute she got cold feet, writing to say she could not risk letting a stranger visit her “in this crazy age of violence”.
It was winter by then. Desperate to flee the city, I flew to Vegas with a vague plan to hitchhike in to the high deserts of Arizona and New Mexico, which I had heard were good hermit hunting grounds. In the canyons of central Arizona, in Cleator, an inglorious little town of tin-roofed cabins an hour’s meandering drive west of the interstate, I heard about a man who had lived alone for 20 years guarding a disused silver mine. The next day I walked up the mountain to find him, watching the ground for rattlesnakes as I went. I had high hopes; I had read accounts of those who had gone alone into the wild and come back laden with deep personal insights. I wasn’t exactly expecting the Buddha, but a minor-league Thoreau would have been nice. As it was, I met Virgil Snyder. The first thing he asked was if I had brought beers. I had, and for the rest of the day I watched him down them, one after the other at his cabin, a ramshackle place cluttered with old birds’ nests and the bleached skulls of pack rats he had found on the trail.”
The guy turns out to be quite quirky and ornery. Not an edifying sample of the hermit life! Our author-seeker continues: “He didn’t understand why I had come. When I told him I was interested in learning about solitude, he looked at me like I had just flown in from Planet Stupid…. I wrote down everything he said, poring over my notes at night, searching for some searing insight among his professed hatred of, well, everything, and the litany of insults he had thrown my way. (I was at different times called “a faggot”, “a motherfucker” and, more bizarrely, “a Tootsie Roll”.) After several visits, I was forced to admit that he was not the mountain sage I had been looking for. He was an angry drunk.”
Ok, as “bad” as this guy was, you still have a basic choice of how you view this guy: either he is totally “out of it,” or like one of the Desert Fathers or Zen monks, putting up a “smoke screen” of unpleasant behavior to rebuff the casual and the curious, to test what is really the motivation of the “seeker.” One thing that he said I really liked and which sums up a Merton viewpoint: “I didn’t come here to prove a point,” he said. “I don’t do this to be unique.” Whatever be the case here, our author leaves this guy to continue his seeking.
Our author finds another hermit who is also living a totally unaffiliated life but this guy has a religious, Christian orientation and motivation. He is a “kinder and gentler” version of the genre of wild hermits. Our author-seeker continues:
“The same afternoon that I left Virgil, a Catholic monk I had been corresponding with left a message on my phone to tell me about Doug Monroe, a religious solitary who had been living alone for a decade in New Mexico’s vast Gila Wilderness. The monk described Doug as an “exceptional soul” and his hermitage as “the real thing”. There was no road or habitation within 10 miles of him and apart from a trip to Albuquerque once a year to restock his supplies, the monk said that he never left the cabin. Buoyed by the serendipity of the timing I decided to go find him. The route to Doug’s place switched back and forth across a stream gushing with snowmelt. I was greeted like a long-lost friend. ‘Boy, it’s such a treat to have ya here,’ Doug said in a homely southern accent, fussing over me, feeding me rice and tea. Unlike Virgil, he understood my interest and tried to convey what the solitary life was like. He described moments when the silence around him was so profound it left him frozen to the spot, afraid that the noise of even one footstep would be deafening. The desire to be a hermit had first come to him in his mid-20s, he said, but it was not until his late 40s that he finally plucked up the courage. When he first came here he had just $150 in cash and an 80lb pack on his back and trekked out into the forest determined to “entrust my survival to God”. For the first year, he lived in a metre-wide shelter he built below an exposed rock face using slabs of stone and fallen trees. He eventually built himself a one-room cabin. Compared with the melancholic decay of Virgil’s home, there was a calm order here: all his supplies were arranged neatly around the room. On the shelves were boxes of crackers, bucket-sized tubs of peanut butter, dried milk and grains, tins of tuna and Spam, cocoa and powdered mash.”
This promising beginning, however, does not blossom into anything profound, at least in the author’s eyes. He notices a distinctive neurotic pattern of behavior in the hermit: “I had the sense that Doug was genuinely content with the path he had chosen, but there was an eccentricity I saw in him too. He talked non-stop, jumping from one subject to the next without any clear connection. At first I thought he was just excited by my presence but he admitted that it was the same when he was alone. He held imaginary conversations with absent friends, with dead saints, even with the Virgin Mary.”
Our author-seeker is a bit disillusioned, but he has an interesting conclusion:
“In other words, if you go into solitude to get away from something, your troubles will probably follow you. This, I suspect, was Virgil’s story. It was probably my own, too, and I returned to the city unhappy that my hermit encounters had not yielded more. To my disappointment, Virgil and Doug had proved all too human. There was one aspect of the experience that had surpassed my inflated expectations: the environment where the two men lived. And as I became entrenched once again in city life, it was to the stark beauty of the high desert in winter that my mind kept returning, to the saguaros, dwarf junipers, pinyon pines and magical starlit nights. In the 1968 race that cost Donald Crowhurst his sanity, another competitor had a very different experience. French sailor Bernard Moitessier fell utterly in love with life alone at sea. So much so that instead of turning north towards the finishing line in England and possible victory, he dropped out of the race and sailed on to Tahiti. In his book The Long Way, Moitessier describes sailing one night by a headland with the Milky Way overhead. It occurs to him that were this view only visible once a century, the headland would be thronged with people. But since it can be seen many times a year the inhabitants overlook it. And because they could see it almost any night, perhaps they never will, he writes. It was a direct encounter with the quiet magnificence of nature that was the real gold I brought back from my wanderings in Arizona and New Mexico. It was probably what I had been looking for all along.”
One last note: some years back GQ had an article about a hermit who had lived for decades in the Maine woods and had survived by pilfering from vacation homes. After he was found and arrested, a GQ writer wrote about him and this was in GQ one of the most widely read articles of all time. When the writer asked this hermit what was the meaning of life, the old guy replied: “Get enough sleep.” Merton would have loved that!!
C. In a completely different vein, recently we have noted two important days: the first was the anniversary of the Wounded Knee massacre, and the second was Martin Luther King Day, honoring the life and achievements of this man who was looked upon as “America’s Gandhi.” With regard the first date, it was on Dec. 29th in 1890, 127 years ago, that American military gunned down a small encampment of Native Americans, men, women, and children, more than a hundred people. One is somewhat reminded of the Amritsar massacre in India by British troops, so clearly depicted in the movie Gandhi. What’s important to remember is that this was not just an isolated incident by some troops going amuck, but it represents a whole attitude and history that reveals something is very wrong with us as a nation and a culture.
The other day, MLK Day, needs little comment except to say that so many today jump on this bandwagon to praise Martin Luther King but they do not know or repress the message that was evolving within him. So many want to remember King for his famous 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech. But they ignore the more revolutionary King of 1967-68 just before he was killed. It is astonishing to realize that he was assassinated before his 40th birthday–to think what he could have done and been for us! Here’s a couple of quotes of his that don’t get that much publicity:
“The greatest purveyor of violence in the world : My own Government, I can not be silent.”
When he made the famous speech at the Riverside Church in New York against the Vietnam War, the whole liberal establishment came down on him. Both the New York Times and the Washington Post railed against him; a lot of Black leaders and famous people disassociated themselves from him. As long as he had “stayed in his lane,” and dealt only with Black issues and civil rights for Blacks(and mostly in the South), a lot of Northern liberals supported him. But when he began to question the whole liberal establishment in its vision for America (never mind the Conservatives whom he had lost years ago), they turned against him, and a lot of Black leaders joined in that because they did not want to lose that support. But King’s vision had expanded to a universal concern for economic justice, for peace, for an end to war and violence. Read his Riverside Church speech on Google.
Very shortly before his killing, King gave a sermon in his own Church, and this is from that:
“I’ve decided what I’m going to do; I ain’t going to kill nobody in Mississippi … [and] in Vietnam. I ain’t going to study war no more. And you know what? I don’t care who doesn’t like what I say about it. I don’t care who criticizes me in an editorial. I don’t care what white person or Negro criticizes me. I’m going to stick with the best. On some positions, cowardice asks the question, ‘Is it safe?’ Expediency asks the question, ‘Is it politic?’ Vanity asks the question, ‘Is it popular?’ But conscience asks the question, ‘Is it right?’ And there comes a time when a true follower of Jesus Christ must take a stand that’s neither safe nor politic nor popular but he must take that stand because it is right. Every now and then we sing about it, ‘If you are right, God will fight your battle.’ I’m going to stick by the best during these evil times.”
D. Finally. A lot of people on various spiritual paths speak of their guru, their spiritual father, their Teacher, guide, whatever…. It is often claimed that such a figure is essential on the spiritual journey. I don’t know about that, but I do know that my own situation is a bit peculiar: my spiritual father is a fictional character: Father Zosima from Dostoevsky’s Brothers Karamazov. I met this guy for the first time when I was 17 when I was assigned the novel to be read for class. His words set me off on my spiritual path, and it is amazing to find those words coming back to me again and again, decades later, as a beacon “in the night” of this life. If I get lost for a while, it is only for a while, and Father Zosima brings me back on the road where I am focused on what is important. Here is a key quote from him, and if you understand this there is little else that is needed:
“Brothers, do not be afraid of men’s sin, love man also in his sin, for this likeness of God’s love is the height of love on earth. Love all of God’s creation, both the whole of it and every grain of sand. Love every leaf, every ray of God’s light. Love animals, love plants, love each thing. If you love each thing, you will perceive the mystery of God in things. Once you have perceived it, you will begin tirelessly to perceive more and more of it every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an entire, universal love. Love the animals: God gave them the rudiments of thought and an untroubled joy. Do not trouble it, do not torment them, do not take their joy from them, do not go against God’s purpose. …
One may stand perplexed before some thought, especially men’s sin, asking oneself: ‘Shall I take it by force, or by humble love?’ Always resolve to take it by humble love. If you so resolve once and for all, you will be able to overcome the world. A loving humility is a terrible power, the most powerful of all, nothing compares with it. Keep company with yourself and look to yourself every day and hour, every minute, that your image ever be gracious. …
My young brother asked forgiveness of the birds: it seems senseless, yet it is right, for all is like an ocean, all flows and connects; touch it in one place and it echoes at the other end of the world. Let it be madness to ask forgiveness of the birds, still it would be easier for the birds, and for a child, and for any animal near you, if you yourself were more gracious than you are now, if only by a drop, still it would be easier. All is like an ocean, I say to you. Tormented by universal love, you, too, would then start praying to the birds, as if in a sort of ecstasy, and entreat them to forgive you your sin. Cherish this ecstasy, however senseless it may seem to people.”
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February 24, 2018 by tomdalzell
Frank Bardacke – He Stood Tall
A lone demonstrator stays behind to argue with the National Guards troops who moved in to help California Highway patrolmen break up an unauthorized rally on the University of California Campus in Berkeley, Ca., Friday, May 16, 1969. The guard was called by Gov. Ronald Reagan Thursday after a bloody riot over the fencing of People’s Park, which had been built on school property. Several persons were shot when police opened fire with shotguns. (AP Photo)
The “lone demonstrator” as described by the Associated Press who faced the National Guard bayonets in 1969 is Frank Bardacke.
He joined SLATE when he arrived at Cal in 1961. He picketed President Kennedy over the US Cuba policy. He missed the Free Speech Movement but was here for formation of the Vietnam Day Committee. He was a leader of Stop the Draft Week and for his efforts was indicted as one of the Oakland Seven. He was in the core group of founders of People’s Park. There wasn’t much in Berkeley in the 1960s that he wasn’t part of.
As we drift away from the core values and ethos of Berkeley, I think that a look at the men and women and events that defined Berkeley as Berkeley 50 years ago and cemented our reputation as a center of radical political activity is appropriate. We were forces of chaos and anarchy, and everything that they said we were, we were.
As Bardacke says, “It’s hard in this cynical age to appreciate the optimism and excitement we felt.” It’s nice to remember the fire that made us mellow. Just as my generation read of the General Strike of 1934 and the great strides forward made by progressive in the 1930s, it wouldn’t hurt for the young of today’s Berkeley to learn a little about what it was that we did, why we did it, and how it shaped Berkeley.
Frank Badacke is a prism through which we can learn and see.
Bardacke was born in Camden, New Jersey, in 1941. That makes him not a baby boomer.
Photo courtesy Frank Bardacke
His father was from a family of Turkish Jews who settled in Odessa and then during one pogrom or another, probably 1905, made their way to Vladivostok, Russia, and from there on the international train to Harbin, the capital and largest city of Heilongjiang province in the northeastern region of China. The Bardackes were secular Jews, followers of Leo Tolstoy’s philosophy of non-resistance to evil by force, pacifism, and nonviolence. When Frank’s father, Ted, went to Syracue University, he was moving up in the world.
Photo courtesy of Frank Bardacke
Bardacke’s mother was from elite colonial stock. She was destined to go to Radcliffe. She didn’t. She was moving down in the world when she went to Syracuse.
They met and married. They were Bohemian, culturally oppositional more than politically so. Mad magazine was a fixture in the house.
Ted Bardacke moved from job to job. By the time Frank was 11, they had lived in 13 different places, from coast to coast. Holding onto a job did not come easily to his father.
They then settled in Lemon Grove, California.
Lemon Grove is nine miles east and slightly north of downtown San Diego. The big lemon was designed by Alberto Treganza as a parade float for the 1928 Fiesta de San Diego parade, carrying the town’s first Miss Lemon Grove, Amorita Treganza. In 1930, the float was plastered to create a permanent sculpture.
Bardacke at age 14 in Lemon Grove. Photo courtesy of Frank Bardacke
La Mesa is just north of Lemon Grove. Helix High School is in La Mesa.
Bardacke graduated from Helix High School in 1959. He was the quarterback and captain of the football team. He was the class valedictorian. And he was off to Harvard, a decision which was in keeping with the ethos of his maternal lineage and a source of great pride for his father.
But it didn’t work out the way it was supposed to. He didn’t fit in. He had trouble making friends. He wasn’t interested in the Prep school graduates, and not sophisticated enough for the big city Jewish intellectuals.
He was assigned to room in Pennypacker, a dormitory built that year as apartments. It is in Crimson Yard, one of the four residential neighborhoods called Yards, at the geographic and historic center of College life.
Freshmen ate in the Freshman Dining Hall. The dress code was jacket and tie.
Bardacke found his voice in opposition, not compliance. To “comply” with the dress code, he bought a ratty jacket from Goodwill which he paired with a clip-on bow tie. He left jacket and tie on a hook at the dining hall.
The writer and activist Paul Jacobs was Bardacke’s godfather.
Jacobs visited Harvard and opened a charge account for Bardacke at a haberdasher. Bardacke went and got measured for a wardrobe. He was humiliated. He walked out and never went back. He could not accept any vestige of elitism. When he hitchhiked, he told drivers that he went to Boston University. Even saying that he went to Harvard was too much.
In the spring of 1960, Bardacke came to know Michael Walzer, who was a teaching assistant in one of his classes.
He was and is a political theorist. He become a prominent public intellectual, a professor at the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, and co-editor of Dissent.
They picketed Woolworth lunch counters in Boston in support of the students protesting lunch counter segregation in North Carolina. The battle cry was “We walk so that they may sit.”
Here, Bardacke (on the right) explains to Elearnor Roosevelt what they are demanding. She called the picket lines “simply wonderful.”
In the early spring of 1960, Walzer went to the South to write a story about the sit-in movement.
Photo: Greensboro News and Record
On February 1, 1960, at 4:30pm, four African-American students sat down at the lunch counter inside the Woolworth store at 132 South Elm Street in Greensboro to test segregation policies at southern restaurants. Their names were Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, Ezell Blair Jr., and David Richmond. All were students at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. They were refused service. They came back the next day with many more. The movement spread throughout the south.
In the late Spring,Bardacke and another activist on the picket line, David Koulack, drove to Greensboro, North Carolina. Bardacke and Koulack picketed the Greensboro Woolworth’s. They had raised funds at Harvard under the name of the Emergency Public Integration Committee and they distributed the money.
They got back to Harvard in time for finals.
P.S. On Monday, July 25, 1960, the lunch-counter campaign prevailed and lunch counters began to be desegregated.
There was one more chapter in Bardacke’s political education at Harvard.
He went to see “Operation Abolition” at Harvard’s ROTC program. The movie was a clumsy rightwing attack on the Berkeley students who had protested HUAC’s appearance in San Francisco City Hall in 1960 and had been arrested and fire hosed down City Hall’s steps.
The movie had the opposite effect of what had been intended. Bardacke and many others were inspired by the movie and drawn to Berkeley.
In the spring of 1961, Bardacke was on disciplinary probation at Harvard. He flunked Russian. Bardacke met with the school administration who told him that his connections with Harvard were severed for the next 18 months. It was suggested that he join the Army and become a man.
Which is how Frank Bardacke came to Berkeley in the fall of 1961. He stayed here until the fall of 1970, with a year off in Uganda for good behavior in 1964.
I asked him what his first impression was of Berkeley. He said, “Heaven.”
Bardacke cites Mario Savio’s explanation of why San Francisco and Berkeley were such incubators for new ideas. Cal was a state school with high standards, attracting an intelligent student body. San Francisco had been a home to Beat counterculture. And, the Left was strong; being a member of the Communist Party USA could help you get a job, not get you fired.
He also speaks of “bureaucratic anarchy” at Cal. Harvard was a relatively small university with constant mentoring of students by proctors and professors. Cal was huge. Nobody was tracking what you did. You were on your own. Anarchy!
Ideas were everywhere.
In 1962 Robert Scheer, David Horowitz, Maurice Zeitlin, Phil Roos, and Sol Stern founded Root and Branch: A Radical Quarterly. It lasted two issues. That’s not the point. At the same time, that is the point.
Still in the ideas department, Bardacke and Marvin Garson put out two issues of The Wooden Shoe. The wooden shoe was used as an icon by 19th and early 20th century anarchy-syndicalists. The French word for “shoe” is sabot. The Oxford English Dictionary gives the following eytmology for the English word sabotrage: “French, < saboter to make a noise with sabots, to perform or execute badly, e.g. to ‘murder’ (a piece of music), to destroy wilfully (tools, machinery, etc.), < sabot. So Dutch anarchsits factory workers threw their Dutch wooden shoes into factory machinery to shut it down, and because of the wooden shoes we have the word “sabotage.” Cool!
Garson wrote that The Wooden Shoe was “Priced at a nickel. Its motto was: What this country needs is a good nickel fortnightly. The price went up to a dime on the second issue. There were only two issues.”
I think now is the time for a brief digression about Garson.
Marvin Garson at the Med. Photo: Nacio Jan Brown
Garson started his college career at Brandeis. He was ordered to withdraw for “conduct unbecoming a Brandeis student” – using a phony telephone credit card. Which we all did at one point or another.
He went to work in the City Room of the New York World Telegram and Sun. He scrimped and saved, and he and his wife went to Cuba in 1960. Back in New York, he went to meetings of the Fair Play for Cuba Committee, which was, he wrote, “crawling with Trots.”
He was recruited by James Robertson, a Trotskyist involved with the Young Socialist League. He was admitted to Cal, came, matriculated, and eventually earned a BA in European history in 1963. Garson remained a good friend and theoretical inspiration for Bardacke over the years.
Back at Cal, there were the ideas and then there was action.
And SLATE was everywhere.
SLATE was formed in 1957. It was not an acronym, just the idea of a slate of like-minded candidates running for student government. Their platform – racial equality, free speech, banning the bomb, voluntary ROTC participation among others – included a number of off-campus issues. Just running on issues instead of personal popularity was a big step.
Photo: http://www.organizetrainingcenter.org/history.html
Bardacke met and was informed by working with several of the SLATE founders. Mike Miller was a product and believer in the Saul Alinsky model of community organizing.
Photo: http://www.nlgsf.org/news/join-us-2017-testimonial-dinner-april-29-2017-yerba-buena-center-arts-san-francisco
He also met Peter Franck, a SLATE founder.
Photo: http://www.westword.com/news/david-horowitz-has-turned-taunting-muslims-into-a-spectator-sport-5118887
And he met and worked with David Horowitz (on the far right in the photo above), who would become co-editor of the left magazine Ramparts before changing teams and playing for the neo-cons.
Bardacke’s friend Garson dabbled in traditional sectarian politics, joining the International Socialists (IS), a Third Camp Trotskyist group. When Lenny Glaser (now living under the name Lenni Brenner) was kicked out of the IS because of his advocacy of marijuana legalization, Garson and his wife Barbara defended Glaser. The Garsons were then kicked out. Garson wrote that “two grim-faced Bolsheviks representing the executive committee” told him that he would be resigning.
On March 23, 1962, President Kennedy spoke at Cal.
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Marvin Garson wrote this: “Me and my good buddy F.J. Bardacke were determined to wipe the smirks off all those bastards’ faces. Why not picket him when he comes.”
Marvin Garson estimated that he and Bardacke and about 450 people picketed Kennedy, and that 75,000 people crossed the picket line.
Photo: Bob Gill
SLATE tried to control the wording on picket signs, keep it civil and adult and respectful. There were outliers.
In October, 1963, Madame Nhu spoke at Cal. As the wife of Ngô Đình Nhu, who was the brother and chief-advisor to President Ngô Đình Diệm, she was the de facto First Lady of South Vietnam from 1955 to 1963. The San Jose State University newspaper referred to her as “South Vietnam’s best little warrior, the radiant Mme. Ngo Dinh Nhu.”
Bardacke joined SLATE members picketing the event. Respectfully.
Bardacke remembers: “There was opposition to her speech. If I remember correctly, the compromise was that she could speak, but that after the speech (or before the speech, or in some way in conjunction with the speech) Robert Scalapino was going to debate Bob Scheer on the war. But she went ahead and spoke in Harmon Gymnasium. It was a full house. And she was applauded politely. There was a small demonstration outside. This was the time that Lenny Glaser was giving his talks at Bancroft and Telegraph. As the students left Madam Nhu’s speech, Lenny, the practiced outdoor orator, was standing on the ledge above the steps delivering his own speech, admonishing the students for applauding. Here’s the part I remember. ‘You failed today. You failed a test in politics. And when you fail in politics it isn’t like failing in school. It matters. And you will pay. You will pay in the jungles of Vietnam, in the pampas of Argentina, in the mountains of Nicaragua. When you fail in politics, you pay in blood.’ It was magnificent. He held the attention of so many students, that the street across from Harmon was blocked. After a while the cops came. Made their way slowly through the crowd in a cop car with the siren blaring. The arrested Lenny. Put him in the car. Immediately some one sat down in front of the car, and was followed by many others. Lenny was in the back seat, delighted. ‘Oh you are in trouble now,’ he told the cops. For a while it was stand off. Finally, the confused cops let Lenny go, and were permitted to drive off. It was dress rehearsal for Jack Weinberg. and the FSM.”
The headline in the Examiner was “Students Mob Cops at UC.” The headline in the Daily Cal was “Near Riot as Mme. Nhu Exits”
In early 1964, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) picketed San Francisco auto dealers over their discriminatory hiring practices.
Photo: San Francisco Historical Society
Bardacke joined SLATE members in picketing. Respectfully.
And then came the Free Speech Movement in the fall of 1964.
Bardacke missed it.
Bardacke went to Kampala, Uganda for the year, as a research assistant.
His good friend Marvin Garson almost missed the FSM but didn’t. In 1963 Garson and wife went to Europe for a year. They returned to the United States in July, 1964. Things were humming. There were the Harlem riots (July 16 and 22, 1964) which began after 15-year-old James Powell was shot and killed by police Lieutenant Thomas Gilligan, the Mississippi summer for SNCC, the Freedom Summer murders of James Chaney, Andrew Goodman, Michael Schwerner, the Brooklyn chapter of the Congress of Racial Equality’s plan for a 500-car stall-in to shut down the New York World’s Fair. and the ascendancy of Goldwater. Yes indeed things were humming.
Garson was here for the early weeks of the Free Speech Movement but in December he went to Dallas where he worked with Mark Lane investigating the assassination of President Kennedy.
This is a screen grab from a January 29, 1964 news conference with Mark Lane and Marguerite Oswald.
When they got their BA’s, Garson and Bardacke swore to each other that they would not apply to graduate school. They embraced Flaubert’s axiom “hatred of the bourgeois is the beginning of wisdom.” Graduate school was for the bourgeois. It was bougie.
As letters from Berkeley came to the Bardacke describing the unfolding of the Free Speech Movement, he concluded that he had blown it by leaving Berkeley. Kampala was far away and Bardacke couldn’t get back.
Meanwhile, unbeknownst to the other, they each applied to graduate school at Cal. They matriculated in the fall of 1965 for graduate school in political science.
How was Berkeley? Bardacke says it was “raging.” Good description!
The Vietnam Day Committee was the main event in town.
The VDC emerged from a 35-hour-long teach-in about Vietnam at Cal. on May 21 and 22, 1965.
Speakers included I.F. “Izzy” Stone, Robert Scheer, Willie Brown, Berald Serreman (acting chairman of the Anthropology Department)and Eugene Burdick from the political science department debating department chair Robert Scalapino. Leaders of the VDC included the very Old Left Paul Mantauk and the very New Left Jerry Rubin, Stew Albert, and Abbie Hoffman.
Rubin is speaking from the ground, hands spread. Bardacke found Rubin very earnest, and someone who was all-in for whatever he did he was all-in. His first impression of Rubin was at a terrace on campus where armchair revolutionaries gathered to talk. As they talked, Rubin took notes. He wanted to learn. Bardacke soon came to appreciate Rubin’s skill with hyperbolic language and attracting attention from the press. He was friends with Rubin.
Garson admired Rubin. Rubin had announced the Bob Dylan, Norman Mailer, and Jean Paul Sartre were coming to the teach-in. They weren’t and didn’t. At the Teach-In, Rubin announced that there would be International Days of Protest on October 15 and 16. No such event was planned. Garson admired this though – “Jerry knew the trick. You don’t suggest or propose anything; all you have to do is announce it – in the right time, place, and manner of course.”
The goals of the Vietnam Day Committee were:
National and international solidarity and coordination on action.
Militant action, including civil disobedience.
Extensive work in the community to develop off-campus grassroots opposition and to benefit from the militancy of direct action.
In August 1965, the VDC led protests on the Santa Fe railroad tracks, trying to stop trains carrying newly inducted troops from Oakland. There were dramatic moments but no injuries. Bardacke did not take part in the train protests.
On the left, Jack Weinberg of Free Speech Movement fame; in coat and tie, Michael Lerner; with glasses and a cigarette Marvin Garson. Photo by Michael James at michelgaylordjames.com
Momentum grew with each march and demonstration.. Strategic decisions were made in late-night meetings and on-the-fly discussions.
In January of 1966, Leo Bach took over the Berkeley Free Press. Leo was a solid old lefty who had a small Christmas card imprinting business in his garage. The Berkeley Free Press was not operating at the moment, and in the absence of the usual left-wing printer, Leo had taken on a monster order for a leaflet written by Marvin Garson. Bardacke printed thousands of copies.
On one side, the leaflet had a picture of two Vietnamese babies who had been burned by napalm. On the other, the text began: “If you met the father of these children, what would you say to him?” John Seltz intended to bomb the leaflet over the Rose Bowl game on January 1, 1966, and everything was in the plane and ready to go, when on the runway in Pasadena, the airplane had a flat tire. They couldn’t get it fixed in time.
But nothing happened. No 250,000 leaflets falling like a malevolent snowstorm; no national TV coverage. No nothin’. UCLA beat Michigan 14-12. What an anticlimax.
Seltz, not one to give in, got another plane, painted out its identification numbers, and bombed the whole Bay Area, instead. Not nearly the impact, of course, but better than nothing.
Berkeley Citizen, April 15, 1966
In April 1966, a bomb exploded at VDC headquarters on Fulton Street.
Here Jerry Rubin inspects the damage. Of the bombing, Jack Weinberg wrote:
At one-thirty in the morning of April 9, 1966, we were startled by the sound of an explosion. It sounded distant, but big. In seconds, the phone rang and it was Pam Mellin asking if we had heard that the VDC headquarters had been bombed. Jesus H. Christ. We jumped into Leo’s car and went over to 2407 Fulton where the headquarters were, and the street was full of fire engines and ambulances and cops. Red lights flashing all over the place and the whole front of the building just plain gone.
All the VDC leaders had been there having a meeting in the living room. They had just adjourned, and gotten up and walked together into the kitchen to get some eats, and the room followed them out. One minute earlier and everyone would have been jam. That would have changed things a lot. Danny Kowalski was still in the attic. The cops found him, sound asleep. At first they thought he was dead. He’d slept through the whole thing and could hardly believe it.
The VDC bombing occurred one day after the Oakland Tribune printed an article about a VDC fundraiser in UC’s Harmon Gymnasium, which was represented as a drugged-out wild sex orgy. The Jefferson Airplane had played, and many people were stoned on acid (which was still legal), but the only concrete evidence of an actual orgy was one used condom on the floor of the balcony.
The April 15th Barb had two stories on the bombing. One proclaimed “Light Bomb Injuries Inflicted.” The second quote Bob Scheer as saying “People who have been slandering the VDC and others who are opposed to this war will have to bear the responsibility for this bombing.”
On December 7, 1966, Bardacke took part in the Maskorcion and Yellow Submarine demonstration.
Photo by Howard Harawitz
This photograph purports to be of Bardacke speaking at the “Maskoricon and Yellow Submarine Demonstration.” Bardacke isn’t sure: “I don’t remember much, except that it was awfully silly. The masks were making fun of the administration’s characterization of us; we started singing “Yellow Submarine” when the serious socialists started singing “Solidarity Forever.” I think it was during one of the student strikes.”
The event that elevated Frank Bardacke’s profile was Stop the Draft Week in 1967.
A lot of planning went into Stop the Draft Week.
Photo: California Historical Society (William Warren, Berkeley Barb)
Bardacke says that the plans for the week reflected a change from protest to resistance. “We weren’t protesting, we were stopping the war.” In retrospect, Bardacke sees how important it was to focus on the draft, which affected the sons of privilege as well as the poor and powerless.
At the time, Bardacke felt that young white radicals were wandering in the wilderness in the summer of 1967. Anti-war activity seemed without purpose – the demonstrations hadn’t ended the war. The hippie movement informed the culture of the left, but it was not a meaningful alternative for most.
The rhetoric of the VDC did not want for audacity – “By our decree there will be a draft holiday…” Those are audacious words. Looking back, David Lance Goines said to Bardacke, “No wonder they didn’t pay attention to us – we were kids.” Kids who decreed!
The VDC leaders did not plan to get arrested in Oakland. They had no interest in the concept of “moral witness.” They were inspired by the militancy of the Black Panthers and the uprisings/riots in Watts (1965), Detroit (1967), and Newark (1967). They were determined not to get arrested, and they trained in rescue tactics. They did not want to provoke discussion about Vietnam among the white middle class. They wanted to prove to “black and young workers” that they were serious and strong. The Tribune headline validated the feeling – “Guerrilla War in Oakland as Protestors Try Street Blockade.”
The Steering Committee for Stop the Draft Week was diverse. Bardacke points to the leadership of Terry Cannon, shown above at a Stop the Draft rally on Sproul Plaza in October 1967.
Election day 1965, Lowndes County. Photo: https://zinnedproject.org/materials/lowndes-county-and-the-voting-rights-act/
Cannon had served as a field secretary for SNCC in Lowndes County. In 1964, Cannon was asked by Mike Miller to set up a newsletter that would keep West Coast SNCC supporters in touch with what was happening in the South.
Cannon edited the newsletter (soon a newspaper), named The Movement. It was democratic and collective. Its signature approach was using organizers as the sources for most of their stories. Its staff were organizers. They went to the field and talked with organizers and they wrote about organizing. Cannon left The Movement to organize Stop the Draft Week.
On the first day of the demonstrations at the Induction Center on Clay Street in Oakland, several dozen protestors sat in front of the door – moral witness.
Photo: Bay Area News Group Archives
One of the protestors was Joan Baez. After those sitting were arrested, a massive police escort led the buses of draftees to the center and protected them as they went inside to be inducted into the Army.
Some of the draftees showed solidarity with the protestors.
The crowds grew each day of the week. The steering committee improvised throughout the week, learning each day what worked and what didn’t work, coming to understand what the police would do and when. Reese Erlich described the building of momentum: “Tomorrow we go down there twice and strong as we did today. We go down there with twice as many shields as we did today. And we go down there with everybody wearing one of these (surplus military helmet).”
David Harris. Photo: Nacio Jan Brown
During the week, a group calling itself “Men of the Resistance” came to the induction center and burned their draft cards. David Harris had been a founder of the group and was in Oakland for the protests.
Burning draft cards had been going on for two years, but it remained a dramatic gesture with consequences. Through the Free University of Berkeley, anti-war activists had been counseling students at Berkeley High to not register for the draft. They decided to put their money where their mouth was and burn their own cards.
On Friday, shit got real. This photo was taken about five minutes before the police attacked. Steve Weissman is on the left with a beard, Jack Weinberg is in the center, and Frank Bardacke in the center with glasses.
Sunrise at the Oakland Induction Center, Stop the Draft Week, October 1967
Photo: Oakland Tribune
When the police attacked the protestors on Friday, the protestors did what they planned – they blocked inductions and for the most part avoided arrest.
Bardacke wrote later: “We called our barricaded streets liberated territory. We did not loot or shoot. But in our own way we said to America that at that moment in history we do not recognize the legitimacy of American political authority. We controlled the downtown area of Oakland for most of the day. And the cops were outnumbered and confused and scared and we shut down the induction center.” He called himself and the others “political outlaws,” foreshadowing the lyrics of the Jefferson Airplane’s We Can BeTogether in 1969 – “We are all outlaws in the eyes of America .”
And then? In early 1968, seven demonstrators, including Bardacke, were indicted for their actions. It took Bardacke by surprise. He had heard no hints of a grand jury or a possible indictment. He faced the possibility of a three-year prison sentence.
Seven participants in the Stop the Draft demonstrations were indicted. They instantly had a name – the Oakland Seven. They were indicted for conspiring to commit misdemeanors in their planning for the demonstrations in October 1967. Some of them had been on the Stop the Draft Week Steering Committee and some were Monitor Captains in the crowd. They were Mike Smith, Steve Hamilton, Frank Bardacke, Reese Erlich, Terry Cannon, Bob Mandel, and Jeff Segal. Karen Jo Koonan, one of the main leaders of the Steering Committee, was not indicted, presumably because she is a woman.
The New York Review of Books gave the following thumbnail sketch of the seven, with a point of reference the night that they were (SPOILER ALERT) acquitted:
The Oakland Seven are young, white, and full-time politicians. The night they were acquitted, two of the Seven were in jail. Jeff Segal, who used to be anti-draft co-ordinator for national SDS, was serving a four-year sentence for refusing induction into the army. Mike Smith was in jail for sixty days for committing trespass and being a public nuisance during a demonstration in 1966. In 1968 Mike Smith starred in a movie about himself called The Activist. He worked in the Free Speech Movement, and spent six months with SNCC in the South. Five of the Oakland Seven had been Berkeley students. Four, including Mike Smith, were suspended for political activities.
Terry Cannon is twenty-nine, the oldest of the Seven. For two years he was an organizer for SNCC: he has written books about mathematics and he founded the newspaper The Movement. He is about to serve three months in jail for using profane language during a demonstration. The evening of the verdict, Frank Bardacke brought a television set into the courtroom and watched the San Francisco vs. Los Angeles basketball game. Frank Bardacke occasionally teaches political science. He is a political leader in the Berkeley radical community. Steve Hamilton was active in the Free Speech Movement. He lives in Richmond, an oil-town on the North Bay, and organizes among white oil-workers. Bob Mandel worked in SNCC for two summers. He used to be a full-time anti-draft organizer in Berkeley. Before the trial, Reese Erlich worked for the Peace and Freedom Party.
This was not the first political trial of the decade, and nor was it the last. At least two had come before.
Dr. Benjamin Spock, William Sloane Coffin, Michael Ferber, Mitchell Goodman, and Marcus Raskin were indicted and tried for conspiracy to counsel, aid, and abet resistance to the draft. The trial was conventional. Four were convicted, but none did time
The Catonsville 9, including the Berrigan Brothers, were tried in 1968. They burned 378 draft files with home-made napalm in Catonsville, Maryland. It was a more or less conventional trial, although the defendants often referred to a higher law that they were following—God’s moral law—as well as such precedents as the Nuremberg war crimes trials after World War II.
In their defense, they deployed legal and political strategies.
A support committee was formed and took on a life of it own.
Here is a photo of those posters in the wild:
Photo: Jerald Morse
And this no-word poster that ended no words:
Courtesy: Red Sun Rising Collective
On the legal front, they had three lawyers.
Malcolm Burnstein, Tempus fugit
Malcolm Burnstein was a partner of Robert Treuhaft and Doris Walker, all progressive and known for civil rights and civil liberties defense cases. (Hillary Clinton interned with the office in 1971). He was one of the chief lawyers of the Free Speech Movement and later defended Dan Siegel in his People’s Park bust.
Dick Hodge, Hic quoque tempus fugit
Dick Hodge was in private practice representing musicians, novelists, artists, cartoonists, actors and directors including Richard Brautigan, William Hamilton, Steve Miller Band, Boz Scaggs, Kenny Loggins, Joy of Cooking, Commander Cody and many others. Governor Jerry Brown appointed him to the Alameda County Superior Court in 1981. He retired in 2001 and now works on alternative dispute resolution.
Screenshot from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmnY2Wdjaas
Charles Garry was the superstar of the group. He aggressively fought HUAC in the 1950s. At about the time of the Oakland Seven, he took on defense of Huey Newton for the Black Panther Party. Newton was charged with killing Oakland Police officer John Frey in 1967. When the Panthers asked Garry how good he was, it is reported that he said, “Perry Mason and I both win. The difference is that his clients are innocent.” That was good enough for the Panthers, who probably didn’t know that Mason in fact lost a few cases.
Here is a documentary about Garry’s work in the 60s.
To an extent that had not been seen with the Spock or Catonsville trials, witnesses in Oakland were allowed to explain their reasons for being at the Stop the Draft Week demonstration. The only qualification was that they had been present at the Induction Center. This was a giant leap towards the tactics in Chicago, where Judge Hoffman’s handling of the circus/trial earned him the title “the biggest Yippie of all.”
Reese Erlich
Defendant Reese Erlich wrote about the trial in The Realist. He went on to a career in journalism and writing.
The trial ended and the case went to the jury. The Seven waited for a verdict.
Photo: Jeffrey Blankfort
Left to right :SteveHamilton, Terence Cannon, Reese Erlich, Bob Mandel, Mike Smith, and Frank Bardacke. Photo from Ramparts courtesy of Frank Bardacke
The verdict came in – all seven of the Oakland Seven were acquitted “on the evening of Friday March 28 by four housewives, two Post Office clerks, a retired Colonel of the Marines, a statistician, a carpenter, an assembly-line inspector at General Motors, a defense plant tool and die maker, and the supervisor of construction in a radiation laboratory: by twelve people who the courtroom bailiff called ‘really a cross-section of life.’ Juror number 12, a huge blonde lady who wore a sailor suit and sucked Tropical Fruit Lifesavers, had held out three days for conviction.” (New York Review of Books, July 10, 1969). (Emphatic italics added).
After the trial, Bardacke himself wrote about the trial, also for The Realist (Nov.-Dec. 1969).
In his article, Bardacke gives considerable time to an analysis of Judge George W. Phillips. Bardacke dismisses Phillips as a liberal, but conceded that he “went out of his way to give good instructions to the jury. Without those instructions we might not have been acquitted.”
Bardacke celebrating the acquittal. Photo: Nacio Jan Brown
On the ultimate question, Bardacke was brutally honest: “We helped organize Stop the Draft Week. We were proud of it, and not about to deny it.”
The summer of 1968 saw escalated street fighting on Telegraph Avenue in July, August, and September. There were no defining issues at stake – it was an effort of street people and radicals to control territory, Telegraph Avenue. That summer saw increased police violence and the first widespread use of tear gas. The street fighters learned that tear gas was not that effective a deterrent outdoors. For the most part, the radicals and street people controlled the Avenue for long stretches at a time. This action would have an opposite and equal reaction the next summer during People’s Park, with the police anxious for payback.
Photo at Fisherman’s by Craig Pyes
The Eldridge Cleaver sit-ins in the fall of 1968 and Third World Liberation Front strike in early 1969 came and went. Bardacke, living in a house that called itself the Fisherman House, wasn’t particularly involved in either. The house motto was “You don’t need to be a fisherman to know when something stinks.” They made t-shirts with clenched fish.
And then came People’s Park. It was a movement that operated without leaders, although there were of course leaders. One of them was Bardacke. He was involved from the first or second planning meeting, through the building got the park, and through the battle for the park.
Before the park got going, Bardacke was approached by a tobacco heir who felt guilty about his wealth and wanted to donate a large sum to doing good things. Bardacke took the money and doled it out. A big chunk went to the Black Panthers. The Diggers in San Francisco wanted a commercial oven; part of the money went to the oven.
And then a big part of it went to the sod that transformed a slutted out, rutted out, junk-filled dirt lot into a green urban open space, People’s Park.
Between April 20th and May 15th 1969, thousands of people spontaneously transformed the soul-sucking eyesore of a vacant lot into a pleasant, relaxing park. Volunteers laid the tobacco-money sod, planted flowers and trees and bushes, built an amphitheater, laid out winding brick paths, and installed swings and play structures. Music was performed, children played, stew was cooked in garbage cans, wine was drunk and marijuana was smoked.
Bardacke remembers a series of chaotic meetings among the non-leadership leadership. These were men and women who for the most part had known each other for several years, united by their radical, non-sectarian politics and their embrace of aspects of the counterculture.
University officials at first ignored the transformation of the park, but soon asserted their ownership rights of possession, control, and exclusion.
The University did not seek an injunction in pursuit of its rights, and engaged in negotiations with an amorphous group of park activists. Bardacke says that he and his colleagues knew that the University would not let the park go on forever, but he didn’t imagine that Governor Reagan would escalate to brute armed force to reclaim the park.
Before the University moved on the park, Bardacke composed one of the most famous pieces of literature that the counterculture would ever see.
The leaflet read:
Someday a petty official will appear with a piece of paper, called a land title, which states that the University of California owns the land of the People’s Park. Where did that piece of paper come from? What is it worth?
A long time ago the Costanoan Indians lived in the area now called Berkeley. They had no concept of land ownership. They believed that the land was under the care and guardianship of the people who used it and lived on it.
Catholic missionaries took the land away from the Indians. No agreements were made. No papers were signed. They ripped it off in the name of God.
The Mexican Government took the land away from the Church. The Mexican government had guns and an army. God’s word was not as strong.
The Mexican Government wanted to pretend that it was not the army that guaranteed them the land. They drew up some papers which said they legally owned it. No Indians signed those papers.
The Americans were not fooled by the papers. They had a stronger army than the Mexicans. They beat them in a war and took the land. Then they wrote some papers of their own and forced the Mexicans to sign them.
The American Government sold the land to some white settlers. The Government gave the settlers a piece of paper called a land title in exchange for some money. All this time there were still some Indians around who claimed the land. The American army killed most of them.
The piece of paper saying who owned the land was passed around among rich white men.
Sometimes the white men were interested in taking care of the land. Usually they were just interested in making money. Finally some very rich men, who run the University of California, bought the land.
Immediately these men destroyed the houses that had been built on the land. The land went the way of so much other land in America — it became a parking lot.
We are building a park on the land. We will take care of it and guard it, in the spirit of the Costanoan Indians. When the University comes with its land title we will tell them: “Your land title is covered with blood. We won’t touch it. Your people ripped off the land from the Indians a long time ago. If you want it back now, you will have to fight for it again. (Emphasis provided).
In the early morning of Thursday, May 15th, hundreds of law enforcement officers descended on People’s Park. All but a few of the campers there left voluntarily; three refused to leave and were arrested for trespass. The law enforcement oversaw the erection of a steel fence around the park; in the absence of any immediate reaction from park supporters, most of them left.
A scheduled noon rally at Sproul Plaza about the Middle East scheduled by Michael Lerner yielded to an impromptu People’s Park rally. The las speaker – who was not scheduled to be the last speaker – was Dan Siegel, incoming president of the student council. He suggested that one course of action was to “take the park,” an idea which sparked a strong reaction by the crowd of several thousand. They turned south and began marching down Telegraph Avenue towards the park.
The police, who were not prepared for a large march, halted the march before it could reach People’s Park. A fire hydrant was opened and the police responded with batons and tear gas.
South of Dwight Way on Telegraph Avenue, Alameda County Sheriff deputies ran out of tear gas and turned to shotguns, some loaded with non-lethal birdshot, some loaded with buckshot, which has an effective lethal range of 50 yards.
James Rector, an onlooker on a roof, was struck by buckshot and died four days later. Alan Blanchard, another onlooker on a roof, was struck in the face by birdshot and was permanently blinded. Dozens of marchers and bystanders were wounded by police shotguns, some shot in the back as they ran from the shooters.
In the aftermath, Governor Reagan established a strict curfew in Berkeley and called in more than 2,000 National Guard troops that occupied Berkeley for several weeks.
Bardacke was not in Berkeley for what instantly became known as Bloody Thursday. He was on a speaking tour that radical attorney Charles Garry put together to raise money for the Black Panthers, with either Bobby Seale or David Hilliard, both Black Panther leaders. He was in New York, staying in Jerry Rubin’s apartment. He came back to Berkeley immediately.
Screen grab from www.youtube.com/watch?v-nOCp3PbzpZY
During the curfew, Bardacke was standing and watching one of the daily demonstrations that defied the curfew. Someone near him threw eggs at the police. The police identified Bardacke as the egg-thrower and came for him. He ran as fast as he could through South Campus streets and back yards, the police in pursuit. He collapsed on a front porch, pleading with the home owner to let him hide inside. He remembers to this day the look of sheer horror on her face. She didn’t let him in. He backed away and was soon in the hands of the police
The police grabbed him, threw him to the ground, and held a revolver to his head. They got him between two of them in the back seat of a police car and took turns jabbing his ribs. They told him to sing the national anthem. Bardacke remembers his reaction to the demand: “Man I started singing.” He was charged with a felony.
Refusing bail in the city jail until other demonstrators were released, Bardacke ended up missing the May 20th rally on Sproul Plaza when a low-flying National Guard Sikorsky U-19 helicopter sprayed CS gas on the plaza, and it quickly dispersed over the campus and Berkeley, causing acute respiratory distress, disorientation, temporary blindness and vomiting. The gas and dispersal technique were developed by the Stanford Research Institute for use in Vietnam.
A large march was planned for Friday, May 30th. For the first time, the protests would include large contingents from outside Berkeley. Fearing confrontations and violence in the march, several Berkeley Movement elders stepped in. They brought in seasoned nonviolent activists such as Peter Bergel, who trained more than 700 peace marshals for the march. The peace organizers bought 30,000 daisies that they gave to the marchers.
There was no violence. The crowd of 30,000 was the largest ever assembled in a Berkeley protest. Bardacke was excited by the crowd. He remembers radios tuned to Tony Pigg’s show on KSAN blasting “For What It’s Worth” by the Buffalo Springfield.
Photo: Berkeley Public Library.
“But we fucked up” says Bardacke. “It was wonderful, fine, but the park was still there. It was the right thing to do, but it didn’t get the park back.”
Over the summer of 1969, Bardacke was a leader in efforts to sustain the flames of People’s Park. He was notably involved in the People’s Pad movement, an effort to squat in an abandoned building in South Berkeley.
Reflecting on People’s Park 49 years later, Bardacke said: “There was no single motivation. It wasn’t a plot to lure the University into a fight, and the claim that Abbie Hoffman came to visit and suggested that we could do that is made up.
“I think that it’s more that the Telegraph street scene was feeling its oats. The parking lot was right behind the Med – you couldn’t avoid it. For Michael Delacour, it was not looking for a fight. He was about creating a culture that could take the land and make it added space, a resource for street people. For the Berkeley politico’s, it was ripping off corporation property and turning a parking lot into a park.
“We created another world in the belly of the beast. It’s hard in this cynical age to appreciate the optimism and excitement we felt. We chanted ‘The NLF has won’ and believed it. We believed that the only debate in this era of post-revolutionary culture would be on the type of socialism that we would have.”
And, briefly, then:
People’s Park actions continued over the summer of 1969. In the fall/winter, Bardacke went to Chicago to testify in the trial of the Chicago Seven. He tells this story: “The people who were going to testify that day had to wait in a room together before their turn to testify because they we weren’t supposed to hear each other’s testimony. There were about a dozen of us. Jessie Jackson was one. Pete Seeger was another. I was in my most hippy stage: I carried a harmonica which I used to play to pass the time. I was terrible. Anyway, I asked Seeger for a lesson. He was reluctant, but finally agreed. He said, ‘Play something.’ I played my best. His response was: ‘Have you ever listened to anybody play the harmonica?'”
Bardacke joined a Yippie delegation in New York that was planning to visit Cuba. He sensed that the Cubans were worried about the cultural excesses of the group, and without ever officially calling the trip off they placed the Yippies on perpetual hold. The trip didn’t happen.
In early 1970, Bardacke moved to Pacific Grove to work at a GI Coffee Shop in Seaside.
GI Coffee Shop in Takoma. Photo: New York Times
He quickly learned that while he and his fellow leftists knew a lot about the history of the Vietnam War, they knew nothing about the war itself. He says that there were “all kinds of misses” between the radical organizers of the coffee house and the mostly black soldiers.
Despite the problems, there were some good discussions and a few anti-war soldiers were able to get some help in their battles with the Brass. In one amusing highlight, Frank smuggled Jane Fonda into the barracks at Fort Order where she spoke to 50 or 60 soldiers.
He then worked for six seasons on a celery crew in the Salinas Valley, then taught at Watsonville Adult School for twenty-five years, and now teaches at CSU Monterey Bay. He is the author of Trampling out the Vintage: Cesar Chavez and the Two Souls of the United Farm Workers. It is an epically brilliant book. I talked with Frank a lot as he was writing it.
This story is as much about Berkeley as it is about Frank Bardacke. Yes, of course there were excesses, but they were excesses in opposition to excesses by the state – the over-reach of the University into the lives of students, the horror of the war in Vietnam that would not end, the tyranny of the draft, and the brutality of law enforcement.
Bardacke stood tall. He acted in a brave, proud, and unyielding manner. He acted without without retreating from confrontation, danger, or adversity. He did not seek personal fame or glory. He was guided by principle and informed by humor.
Berkeley was the epicenter of the youth movement, the political counterculture, and resistance to the war in Vietnam. Mistakes were made, and regretted, and learned from. The struggle was real.
I asked my friend about this Bardacke post.
He pulled out a photograph that he keeps in his wallet, taken during the Free Speech Movement. In this photograph he is talking about the original Port Huron Statement, not the compromised second draft, to leaders of the Free Speech Movement. It was a defining moment in his life. He claims that he had been at Port Huron and that the reference to the use of the English language in this hemisphere as evidence of racism was his idea.
My friend missed People’s Park – he was in Delano living with Gabby, who was about to step in it and get shipped out by Cesar to the grape boycott in Philadelphia as punishment, but it is a righteous moment as far as he is concerned.
What does he think about this account of Frank Bardacke?
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7 Responses to Frank Bardacke – He Stood Tall
Doug Hill says:
Great piece! I was one of the FSM lawyers, and was a participant in much of what was going on.
Times to remember.
carole leita says:
I came to California in 73 and to Berkeley in 77. This was such a good read to fill up some of history I missed. Thank you.
michael james says:
Loved the article. Sent to me by pal Joe Blum who was editor of The Movement after Terry Cannon. Glad to see my photo of Jack Weinberg, Michael Lerner, Marvin Garson on Sproul Hall Steps in fall of 1964. Would have loved a photo credit; not sure where you found it; very happy its included. Its on my website: michaelgaylordjames.com
Onward Comrades,
Mike James FSM vet
tomdalzell says:
Fixed. It is a truly great photo. Tom
Barbara Garson says:
I know the title of this site is Quirky Berkeley. But so much of Frank Bardake’s extraordinary energy was devoted to unheralded organizing of agricultural workers in less glittering parts of California. I wish we could read more about that. Still thanks for collecting all of this.
(I also spy a rare photo of my former husband Marvin Garson)
Frank and Nancy were Mr. & Mrs. Berkeley.
Paul Lee says:
Nacio Jan Brown’s wonderful photo of an October 1967 “Stop the Draft Week” rally was shot at Lower Sproul Plaza, directly in front of Zellerbach Hall. If you look closely, you’ll see that it was still under construction. Note that the second-floor windows had yet to be installed. The building wouldn’t be completed until May 1968.
I’m surprised that this interesting article didn’t mention that fact that Lowndes County, Ala., where my hero Terry Cannon worked as a Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) field worker, would later become the birthplace of both Black Power, a modern, secular variant of the two-century-old tradition of black nationalism, or African American self-determination, and the first Black Panther party, formally known as the Lowndes County Freedom Organization (LFCO). The party was co-founded by SNCC field worker (and later chair) Kwame Ture, then still known as Stokely Carmichael.
(Ture accepted his African name in 1968 from two of modern Africa’s greatest leaders: deposed Ghanian President and Guinean Co-President Osagyefo (“Redeemer”) Kwame Nkrumah and Guinean Co-President Sékou Touré. Thus, he should never be called Stokely Carmichael after this date, anymore than Muhammad Ali should be called Cassius Clay after March 6, 1964, when Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad rechristened him.)
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Al Qaeda in Iraq: Leaderless Jihad or Well-Organized Insurgency?
In a great journalistic coup, Michael Ware and the CNN team in Iraq have unearthed the largest collection of al Qaeda in Iraq material outside the hands of the US military. What they found in this collection of videos and memos underlines a key aspect of the al Qaeda organization in Iraq; it is highly organized, and not simply a loosely-knit collection of jihadists.
A debate has recently erupted in the pages of Foreign Affairs, the leading American journal of international relations, between two scholars of terrorism. On one side is former CIA case officer, Marc Sageman, the author of Leaderless Jihad, who contends that al Qaeda as an organization is largely over and the new threat comes from “a multitude of informal groups trying to emulate their predecessors by conceiving and executing plans from the bottom up. These ‘homegrown’ wannabes form a scattered global network, a leaderless jihad.” Georgetown University professor Bruce Hoffman, by contrast, argues that the al Qaeda organization, headquartered on the Afghan-Pakistan border, remains the most important threat to American national security.
The thousands of pages of documents and scores of videos obtained by CNN will help to move the Sageman-Hoffman debate forward. They show that al Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) has, in fact, for years been a highly bureaucratized top-down organization with an attention to detail suggestive of the IRS. AQI recorded detailed battle plans for attacks that would take place over the course of three months; its members filled out application forms; the organization maintained pay sheets for brigade-size units of hundreds of men; it recorded the detailed minutes of meetings, kept prisoner rosters, maintained death lists of enemies, and kept the records of vehicles in its motor pool. Most chillingly AQI’s Anbar province branch videotaped 80 executions, which were not used for propaganda purposes, but simply as a record of having down the job.
The AQI documents recovered by CNN are similar to documents discovered by the US military at Sinjar on the Iraqi/Syrian border in the fall of 2007 and subsequently released by West Point’s Combating Terrorism Center.
In the Sinjar documents, AQI’s ‘emirate” on the Iraqi/Syrian border required its non-Iraqi recruits to fill out forms that asked for their counties and cities of origin, real names, aliases, date of birth, who their jihadist ‘coordinator’ was, how they were referred to the al Qaeda in the first place, their occupation, how they entered from Syria, who in Syria had facilitated their travel, an assessment of how they had been treated in Syria, what cash and ID cards they had with them when they arrived in Iraq, any relevant knowledge– such as computer skills–they might have, and whether they were volunteering to be a fighters or suicide attackers. Of the 606 foreign fighters who filled out the documents found at Sinjar few filled out all of this information, but all filled out at least some of it.
The CNN and Sinjar documents together show that AQI is not a ‘leaderless jihad’, but rather an insurgent/terrorist organization that prized order, discipline, and top-down direction.
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Late Edition with Wolf Blitzer, John Miller and PB
BLITZER: Osama bin Laden’s surprise videotaped message to America is raising several questions, among them his whereabouts, whether he’s planning more terrorist attacks, and if he’s trying to influence the U.S. presidential election.
For some answers we turn to two guests who have both met with the al Qaeda leader in recent years. In Los Angeles, the former ABC News correspondent John Miller. He is now the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department’s counterterrorism bureau. And in Washington, CNN’s terrorism analyst, Peter Bergen.
Gentlemen, thanks to both of you for joining us.
Let’s run a little clip first of Osama bin Laden on that videotape that Al Jazeera broadcast on Friday. Listen to this.
BIN LADEN (through translator): I wonder about you, after even the fourth year after September 11th, Bush is confusing you and not telling you the true reason. So the motivation is still there for us to repeat what happened. I will talk to you about the reasons behind those events, and I will be honest with you about the moments the decision was taken so that you can ponder.
BLITZER: I’ll go to you, John, first. Do you sense in listening and watching this videotape he might be trying to send some hidden message to his cohorts out there to plot or to go forward with another strike?
JOHN MILLER, FORMER ABC NEWS CORRESPONDENT: Well, if so, Wolf, I don’t think the hidden message is ever hidden in the tape. I think that if the tapes have ever been used as a hidden message — and, remember, there were two tapes released by al Qaeda this week, one of bin Laden and one of Azzam the American — that the release of the tapes itself is the message. In other words, if they can’t communicate with a cell, they say wait for word from the sheikh, i.e. bin Laden, or some other spokesperson, and that will be your signal.
Actually, that gives us some concern here. Al Qaeda has always prestaged its major attacks with a statement, either from bin Laden or someone else. BLITZER: Peter, what do you say?
PETER BERGEN, CNN TERRORISM ANALYST: I’m totally with John. You know, to my mind this whole thing of hidden messages is sort of — sort of wrong. I mean, the message is usually very overt…Kill Americans. In this particular instance, the message was actually rather unbelligerent. We didn’t see — this is the only videotape I can remember with no gun in the frame. Bin Laden presented himself as a statesman in sort of a Halloween parody of an Oval Office address. He sat at this table, speaking directly to the American people, suggesting some kind of truce, similar to a similar offer that he made back in the spring of this year in which he offered a truce to European nations who are willing to drop out of the coalition in Iraq.
So the message was actually less belligerent than normal, but as John indicated, tapes have preceded attacks. But we’ve had now so many tapes that it’s often hard to really see an exact causal relationship.
This is now by my count the 27th audio or video message from either bin Laden or Ayman Al Zawahiri himself since 9/11, so we’re getting an average of one every six weeks, which to me what this tape demonstrates is our intelligence gathering, in terms of following the chain of custody of these tapes, is obviously rather poor, since this is number 27, and it was not a complete surprise that bin Laden would try and insert himself into the American election process in this manner.
BLITZER: I want to get to that in a moment, but John, I was also struck, A, by how good he looked, how serious he sounded — didn’t ramble, he had a very direct message there — and the production value of this videotape. The lighting was pretty good. The audio was pretty good. All of us work in television, we know that’s not always that easy, especially if someone is hunkered down in a cave someplace.
Give us your thoughts on that.
MILLER: Well, I think that the production values are obvious, and as Peter pointed out, it’s not the bin Laden we know, the bin Laden that Peter met. The bin Laden that I sat down with is a guy who sits cross-legged on the floor cradling an AK-47 in a camouflaged jacket.
This was the presidential bin Laden. This was sitting at the desk, looking like Peter Jennings or Aaron Brown, with a backdrop and a very formal garb. He was trying to speak from a position of power, as a statesman not a military leader, and I would not rule out the possibility in either bin Laden’s case or Azzam the American, if you look at that tape closely, that there were not cue cards to even TelePrompTer to keep them specifically on message, because it sounded felt and read in a very literally scripted way. I think the message was important, too.
BLITZER: And that was quite different, I thought, amazingly different. Peter, let me get your thoughts on the production side of what we saw on that videotape. BERGEN: Well, similar also, we’ve also had another videotape back on the anniversary of 9/11 from Ayman Al Zawahiri, his number two. So we’ve had the Azzam statement that John mentioned, bin Laden himself, Ayman Al Zawahiri, all these guys producing these videotapes which suggest some kind of leisure and certainly a feeling of security, that they were able to do it.
After all, the last time we had an on-camera videotape statement from bin Laden was back on December 26th, 2001. In that statement, he looked dreadful. I mean, the guy was 45 at the time. He looked like he was in his mid-70s. His whole left side was immobilized, probably a shoulder wound he sustained at the battle of Tora Bora. He’s obviously recovered from that. He clearly is not suffering from some kind of life-threatening kidney disease as has been widely reported, judging on the present video. So unfortunately he seems to be in rather good shape.
BLITZER: John, the timing of this videotape, only four days or so approximately before the U.S. presidential election. What do you make of that?
MILLER: Well, there are no accidents in timing when it comes to communications by al Qaeda. The fact that the Azzam the American tape was released in Waziristan, Pakistan to a known ABC News operative there showed a deliberate attempt on al Qaeda’s part in that case to get this immediately to an American audience, through an American broadcasting source.
In the case of using the usual channel with bin Laden, which was from al Qaeda’s production company straight to Al Jazeera, which then goes through CNN and to the world, shows that they wanted to do some pre-election communication here.
The message is interesting, Wolf. What he says is, Bush is not the source of your problems, Kerry is not the answer to your problems. So he may go neutral in the election process.
The underlying message, if there’s a hidden message in this tape, is that America’s outlook from bin Laden’s view as a colonialist power, its support of Israel, that those are the underlying problems that replacing politicians will not solve. And I think that’s what he’s trying to say to the American people.
BLITZER: All right. We’re going to ask John Miller and Peter Bergen to stand by. We’re going to take a quick break. More on the Osama bin Laden videotape message when we come back.
BLITZER: Welcome back. We’re talking about that Osama bin Laden videotape, his reemergence, what it means, with two guests: Los Angeles Police Department counterrorism bureau chief John Miller and CNN terrorism analyst Peter Bergen.
Let’s play another clip from that Osama bin Laden videotape, going back to what he now says was the origin of his idea to go after the United States.
OSAMA BIN LADEN (through translator): The events that directly and personally affected me go back to 1982, what happened when America gave permission for Israel to invade Lebanon, and assistance was given by the American Sixth Fleet.
BLITZER: Peter, have you heard this argument from Osama bin Laden before?
BERGEN: No, and I think it’s sort of rubbish, to be honest. I mean, bin Laden was 25 back in 1982. The notion that somehow he started thinking about a 9/11 attack back in ’82 is just total rubbish. And if you look at the 9/11 Commission, it’s clear that the idea really kind of started percolating in al Qaeda in ’96 and only got a go-ahead from bin Laden in ’99.
So, no doubt that he’s been anti-American for a long time, but I don’t think there’s any connection between Israel’s invasion in 1982 and what happened on 9/11. I just think that’s bogus.
BLITZER: You mentioned that other videotape, John, videotape of a person called Azzam the American, supposedly an American al Qaeda operative. We’ll show a little bit of that videotape to our viewers.
You think there was a connection to what this person said and to what Osama bin Laden said in the other videotape?
MILLER: I have no doubt, Wolf. I would look at this tape, and I would say bin Laden is being portrayed by us largely as a guy who is on the run, who is hunkered down, who has lost his power, so he portrays himself in this, “I’m in control, I’m at the desk here, I look good, and I’m still running the empire.” He raises himself up to the level of a statesman with this, for bin Laden at least, very measured talk, while he discusses the murder of thousands of New Yorkers and people in Washington.
On the other hand, al Qaeda still gets out their tough talk by using this guy, which is a classic example of psy-op, psychological warfare. He’s an American like Tokyo Rose, speaking in English, as an American to America, saying the streets will run with blood.
So the idea of engineering this split message from Azzam the American threatening us and bin Laden as the statesman saying, “If you could only come to your senses, nothing terrible would happen,” is nothing short of masterful propaganda on the part of al Qaeda.
BLITZER: Peter, the Knight-Ritter newspapers today reporting they’ve gone back and taken a look at the question, did the U.S. let Osama bin Laden slip through Tora Bora? Who’s right on that sensitive political debate under way between the Kerry and Bush people right now?
I know you’ve done a lot of reviewing and researching into what happened at Tora Bora. Where do you come down on this?
BERGEN: There are a lot of things we can’t know for 100 percent for sure, but the idea that bin Laden was wasn’t at Tora Bora I think is not supported by the facts.
CNN and many other organizations reported at the time that there were radio transmissions indicating he was there. There are eyewitness accounts of him being there. Bin Laden himself released an audiotape last year talking about his experiences at the battle of Tora Bora, as indeed did Ayman al Zawahiri talk about his experiences at the battle of Tora Bora in his autobiography which was released back in early 2002.
So the preponderance of the evidence indicates, A, that bin Laden was at the battle of Tora Bora, and, secondly, the notion that we outsourced it to the Afghan warlords in the area is absolutely the case. There were more American journalists, by my counting, at the battle of Tora Bora than American soldiers, a fact which kind of speaks for itself.
We were the victims of our own success, in a sense, relying entirely with U.S. Special Forces and Afghans on the ground. That was a brilliant strategy for overthrowing the Taliban, but it failed us at the battle of Tora Bora. And there was an implicit recognition of this fact in the subsequent Operation Anaconda. There were a thousand American soldiers on the ground.
So certainly people at the top levels of the Pentagon understood that Tora Bora was not the model to follow, in terms of actually finding the top leaders of al Qaeda and surrounding them in the mountains of Afghanistan.
BLITZER: Peter Bergen, we’ll have to leave it right there.
John Miller, thanks to you, as well.
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Understanding Mobile Health Technology
The CEO of Medweb, Peter Killcommons, MD, has dedicated his medical career to helping those in need. Among his activities, Dr. Peter Killcommons expanded the use of telemedicine in Cabo Verde, Africa. Dr. Pete Killcommons recently traveled to Japan to improve mobile health technology in home health care for the elderly.
A new and rapidly evolving field of medicine, mobile health technology, also known as mHealth, harnesses the power of mobile devices in private medical and public health practices. Although it has yet to develop a set definition, it has a clear aim: more efficient, improved health care specifically adapted to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.
The use of mobile health technology offers benefits to both doctors and patients. For providers, it allows for real-time monitoring of patients, and enables medical professionals to offer care remotely. For patients, mHealth technology may take the form of accessing records and tracking health through the convenience of mobile devices.
ATA18 - Largest Telehealth Conference in the World
An executive who has traveled to such diverse places as Japan and the Cape Verde Islands to help promote telemedicine, Peter (Pete) Killcommons serves as the CEO of Medweb, a medical device software company in San Francisco. Peter Killcommons belongs to professional organizations such as the American Telemedicine Association (ATA). Telemedicine involves the remote diagnosis and even treatment of health conditions.
A leading non-profit in the field, ATA includes over 10,000 industry professionals around the world. The association offers a diverse range of educational opportunities for its members, including its annual conference.
The 2018 ATA Annual Conference and Expo will take place April 29-May 1 in Chicago at the McCormick Place convention center. As the largest global event for telehealth, the conference will provide career development and educational opportunities under the leadership of industry experts and discussion of cutting-edge topics. It also offers networking opportunities and an expo with over 150 exhibitors.
For more information about the ATA18, visit www.ata18.org. To learn about other educational opportunities and the continuing work of the ATA, go to www.americantelemed.org.
Peter Killcommons | Micro_Cellular Base Stations
The 2015 ATA Annual International Meeting and Trade Show
For more than 20 years, Dr. Peter (Pete) Killcommons has served as the CEO of Medweb, a technology solutions provider that specializes in the delivery of secure telemedicine and teleradiology products. Dr. Peter Killcommons maintains membership with the American Telemedicine Association (ATA).
In a recent press release, the ATA announced that registration is open for the ATA Annual International Meeting and Trade Show in May. The conference has been taking place for 20 years, and has become the largest gathering of health-care entrepreneurs and professionals in the telehealth, telemedicine, and mobile health industries.
According to the press release, the 2015 peer-reviewed program will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center and will include more than 500 educational seminars and sessions. The forums will explore the most recent innovations, uses, and delivery methods in telemedicine. With at least 6,000 attendees, the event also offers a wide range of opportunities to network with peers and meet leaders in the telemedicine industry. The exhibit hall will additionally feature 300 vendors showcasing cutting-edge remote health-care services and technologies.
Experimental Aircraft Association Membership Options
Peter or Pete Killcommons is the founder and CEO of Medweb, a medical imaging and telemedicine company. As a volunteer pilot for disaster relief efforts, Peter Killcommons is also involved with the Experimental Aircraft Association.
With several options for membership, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) welcomes anyone who is a pilot or is interested in becoming one, a plane builder or restorer, or is simply interested in planes. Membership options include individual, family, lifetime, and student. There are also opportunities to join several community memberships such as Warbirds, Vintage Aircraft, or the International Aerobatic Club.
The individual and family memberships provide the same benefits, which include access to EEA’s Sport Aviation Magazine, discounted rates to aviation celebrations, local EEA chapters, and more. Student memberships are available free of charge for anyone between the ages of 8 and 18 who has completed a Young Eagles Flight with EEA. Lifetime members receive several personalized items such as a jacket, engraved plaque, I.D. card, and gold pin.
Telemedicine Association Hosts Policy Forum
Since 1992, Peter (Pete) Killcommons has served as CEO of medical software and device company Medweb. A member of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), Peter Killcommons stays informed about key developments in his field.
The ATA is the country’s leading telehealth association and is dedicated to advancing high-quality, affordable healthcare worldwide. In October 2017, the ATA will hold a National Policy Forum in Washington, DC. Participants will discuss ways to advocate for policies and business strategies that promote telemedicine. The conference will be structured around small-group discussions, giving participants opportunities to work with representatives from Kaiser Permanente, the American Heart Association, and other major organizations.
The forum features innovative ways to connect participants. “Learning Labs” present cutting-edge information on topics in telemedicine, while “Exchanges” pair attendees with decision makers in the field who can answer their questions. In the evening, attendees can meet new people in a relaxed and fun setting at a reception/celebration. Attendees also may participate in congressional visits.
Medweb Helps Expand Specialty Healthcare in Kosovo
Holding an MD from New York Medical College, Dr. Peter (Pete) Killcommons has amassed over three decades of experience as a medical practitioner. As the founding CEO of San Francisco-based Medweb, Dr. Peter Killcommons spearheads the delivery of telemedicine and teleradiology technologies, often leveraging mobile medical solutions to expand healthcare access in remote and developing communities.
Since its founding in 1992, Medweb has brought telehealth technology to such countries as Malaysia, Antigua, and Pakistan. The company has also aided disaster relief efforts following tragedies like Hurricane Katrina.
Most recently, Mebweb worked to fill a pressing need for specialized medical care in Kosovo, where rural communities lack convenient access to specialty consultations. Partnering with Rotary Clubs from Gjakova, Kosovo, and Edwards, Colorado, and with additional support from Rotary International, Medweb facilitated the installation of digital healthcare tools in rural Gjakova communities. By providing computers and telecommunications equipment to family medical centers throughout the region, Medweb and Rotary Club helped to link existing primary care providers with secondary and tertiary healthcare networks, allowing patients to seek medical care for a wider, more specialized range of health concerns.
Benefits of Telemedicine
Peter “Pete” Killcommons serves as the chief executive officer of Medweb, where he manages the delivery of medical imaging and teleradiology services to clients. In 2011, Peter Killcommons gave a keynote presentation at the First Armenian International Telemedicine Congress in Yerevan, Armenia, where he discussed some of the benefits of a telemedicine system.
One of the most important benefits of telemedicine involves improved access for patients in remote locations. For more than four decades, healthcare systems have used telemedicine to address provider shortages in both rural and urban areas. Furthermore, research has demonstrated that telemedicine can actually improve patient outcomes in certain specialties, including psychiatry and intensive care.
In economic terms, telemedicine has shown a remarkable ability to reduce the cost of quality healthcare services, primarily through shared health professional staffing, shorter hospital stays, reduced travel times, and better management of chronic diseases. Perhaps most importantly, patients have reported high levels of satisfaction with telemedicine. Not only can patients receive instant care from specialists, but they also enjoy access to services that might not be available otherwise.
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