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Astronauts photograph water flowing to Southern…
Astronauts photograph water flowing to Southern California
By Science Writer-Editor | Orange County Register
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station have photographed Colorado River water flowing into Southern California via the All-American Canal,” long billed as the “largest irrigation canal in the world and a key landmark on the U.S.-Mexico border.”
The canal doesn’t directly deliver water to Orange County; the system delivers water to the cities in the Imperial Valley. However, the canal helps divvy up Colorado River water that helps make life possible in Orange County and the rest of Southern California. Depending on the year, the river provides 30-70 percent of the imported water consumed by more than 18 million people in Southern California.
As environment writer Pat Brennan reported this week, the Metropolitan Water District — the region’s chief importer — is curtailing deliveries to cities by at least 10 percent because precipitation has been below avergae for three consecutive years.
NASA says, “This image captures about 9.3 miles of the important infrastructure corridor just west of Yuma, Arizona. The prominent dark line crossing the image is the Canal, which is crossed in this view by Interstate Highway 8. The canal carries 26,155 cubic feet of water per second westward from the Colorado River to support the intensive agriculture of California’s Imperial Valley to the northwest and nine cities, including San Diego.
“The canal system is the Imperial Valley’s only source of water, and it allows irrigation of more than 500,000 acres of agricultural fields. The Coachella Canal, one of four main branch canals, leads water north to Imperial Valley.”
Did you miss …
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New “Earth from Space” photo gallery, featuring Santa Barbara
UCI granting admission to far fewer students
OC science blog
Science Writer-Editor
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Updated: Sat, Aug 21, 2010, 12:16 pm
Uploaded: Fri, Aug 20, 2010, 5:31 pm
Cardinal, Eagles open women's soccer season with a draw
Former Stanford star Jessica Allister has a new softball job
Lindsay Taylor
Castilleja grad Lindsay Taylor scored the first goal of the season for the Stanford women's soccer team, which played to a 1-1 draw with host Boston College in the season opener for both teams.
Taylor gave Stanford a 1-0 lead at the 55:14 mark, nailing a shot from 23 yards out into the top left corner.
Taylor moved into a tie for 10th with Dena Dey (1992-95) on Stanford's all-time career scoring list, with 60 points.
Boston College tied the score a little more than eight minutes later when Natalie Crutchfield chipped in a shot over Kira Maker's head.
Stanford outshot the Eagles, 22-9, including 11-4 on goal, through the first 100 minutes. Christen Press and Taylor combined for 11 and 7 of those attempts.
Stanford pushed hard for the winner, outshooting the Eagles, 7-0, in the two 10-minute overtime periods. Press had two good chances in the first overtime, and Nogueira was denied by a save on a diving header from five yards out.
Late in the second overtime, a Press corner kick found Morgan Redman for a header that goalkeeper Jillian Mastroianni, who had 10 saves, tipped over the crossbar with three seconds left.
"We definitely dominated the game," Stanford coach Paul Ratcliffe said. "It was not a bad result by any stretch; Boston College is a top-10 team. But, by the same token, we were disappointed we didn't win that game. It's early in the season, but we've got to be sharper on our finishing."
The Cardinal travels to Boston University for a game Sunday.
Stanford senior Nate Whitaker was named to the 30-player preseason watch list for the Lou Groza Award, which honors the top place kicker in college football.
Whitaker earned Pac-10 honorable mention last season after converting 16 of 22 field goals on the year. His 16 field goals tied for third-most in Stanford single-season history. He also made all 53 of his point-after-touchdown attempts, becoming the first Stanford kicker with more than 40 attempts to convert all of his PATs.
Kickers on the Lou Groza Award watch list were chosen based on statistics from the 2009 season as well as 2010 preseason expectations. Fifteen semi-finalists are returning from 2009, including last year's award-winner Kai Forbath of UCLA.
The award is named for NFL Hall of Fame kicker Lou "The Toe" Groza, who played 21 seasons with the Cleveland Browns. Groza won four NFL championships and was named the NFL Player of the Year in 1954. Although an all-pro offensive lineman, Groza ushered in the notion that there should be a place on an NFL roster for a kicker.
Stanford's top three recruits followed through on their commitments to play for the Cardinal and turned down big-league offers as the deadline passed Monday.
Righthanded pitcher A.J. Vanegas was a seventh-round pick of the San Diego Padres, Austin Wilson was a 12th-round choice of the St. Louis Cardinals, and Brian Ragira was a 30th-round pick by the Texas Rangers.
Stanford setter Evan Barry was selected to play for the United States in September's beach volleyball junior world championships.
He was selected to represent the U.S. at the FIVB Junior World Championships through a series of qualifying events and camps beginning late May in Santa Cruz.
Barry will team with UC Irvine outside hitter Will Montgomery on one U.S. team, while UCI outside hitter Connor Hughes teams with USC setter Connor Hughes when the tournament opens Sept. 15 in Alanya, Turkey.
Jessica Allister, who led Stanford to a pair of College World Series appearances as a four-year starting catcher, has been named head softball coach at Minnesota.
Allister spent three seasons on coach John Rittman's staff, before becoming the lead assistant at Oregon last season, helping the Ducks to their first NCAA Super Regional berth.
Allister was a 2004 All-American and a three-time All-Pac-10 selection. She owns Stanford's career records for games played (266) and fielding percentage (.994).
— Palo Alto Online Sports
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Betting Laws in the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates is home to the world’s richest thoroughbred race meeting, the Dubai World Cup Night, for which there is more than $20 million up for grabs in just six contests. So it may come as something of a surprise to find out that gambling is illegal in the Arab country, but in during our research of Asia we again find that some legitimate sites will accept the UAE. Currently, the most active gambling site in the UAE is Betway; an Asian specific brand that works with UAE countries. They are just big enough to not get IP blocked like larger sites such as SpinPalace.
Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
So seriously does the United Arab Emirates government take its prohibition of online gambling that it established the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and tasked it with producing the Internet Access Management policy, which outlines banned online content categories for Internet service providers. These categories include the following:
Internet tools for bypassing blocked content
content for learning criminal skills and illegal drugs
content containing pornography and nudity, gambling websites
websites for hacking and malicious codes, content offensive to religions,
phishing Internet sites – Internet content that downloads spyware
websites providing unlicensed voice over Internet protocol services
terrorism content and prohibited top-level domains, which is a reference to the il. domain.
Sheikh Khalifa 2012 Decree
And only recently the United Arab Emirates stiffened up its laws when UAE president Sheikh Khalifa issued a decree that has been described as the most comprehensive cyber-crime law in the Arab world. Sheikh Khalifa’s 2012 decree, which builds on one made in 2006, makes it illegal to use the Internet to transmit, publish or promote pornographic material, gambling activities and indecent acts.
What’s interesting is that Gambling seems to be the least offensive in terms of having the website blacked. At the Telecoms Regulatory Authority its shows the UAE blocks 0% of internet gambling sites. I have heard of a few sites being blocked, but do believe the list to be pretty short from those I have spoken to on message boards about betting online.
The “Get Around”
There are reports that United Arab Emirates online gamblers get around the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority’s infamous Internet Access Management policy by using a web proxy server. There are thousands of free proxy servers but Telecommunications Regulatory Authority officials have found and banned most of them. Other methods, including using a virtual private network or connecting with Remote Desktop to a Microsoft Windows computer outside of the United Arab Emirates, have been used as well but there are even more difficult to pull off consistently. Besides, getting around the Internet Access Management policy does not change the fact that online gambling is an illegal activity.
Punishment for Gambling
Article 414 of the United Arab Emirates Penal Code states that whoever gambles shall be punished by detention for a maximum period of two years or by a fine not exceeding 20,000 dirhams. A penalty of detention or a fine shall be inflicted if the crime occurs in a public place, a place open to the public, or in a place or house prepared for gambling. And Article 415 says that punishment by imprisonment for a maximum period of 10 years shall be inflicted upon anyone who opens or runs a place for gambling and prepares such a place for admission of people, as well as anyone who organizes any game of gambling in a public place or in any place or house prepared for such a purpose.
The United Arab Emirates has such anti-gambling legislation that it would be silly to think that the environment will change. Few countries are more committed than the federation of Abu Dhabi, Ajman, Dubai, Fujairah, Ras al-Khaimah, Sharjah and Umm al-Quwain to prohibiting gambling.
We can not condone gambling in the UAE, but again, it goes on all the time on the internet according to reports at Betway.
COUNTRY SPECIFIC LAWS
Laws by Country
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Stay Tuned: This week’s viewing is lots of finales, a few premieres
Melissa Crawley More Content Now
May 7, 2019 at 9:20 AM May 7, 2019 at 9:20 AM
Season finales fill the week, a sneaky conman returns, and an acclaimed Staten Island rap crew get the docuseries treatment.
Dispatches: Weekly TV news
YouTube announced that its original series and specials will soon be available to watch for free with ads. Chief Business Officer Robert Kyncl discussed the decision at YouTube’s annual Brandcast event. “While every other media company is building a paywall, we are headed in the opposite direction,” he said.
The “Downton Abbey” team of Julian Fellowes, Gareth Neame and Michael Engler are partnering with HBO for their new series “The Gilded Age.” The 10-episode period drama (previously slated for NBC) follows the orphaned daughter of a Southern general who moves to New York City and quickly gets caught up in the lives of her fabulously wealthy neighbors.
ABC has given an early series order to “Mixed-ish.” The “Black-ish” prequel spinoff will focus on a young version of Tracee Ellis Ross’ Rainbow character and her experience growing up in a mixed-race family in the 1980s.
Elizabeth Banks will host ABC’s “Press Your Luck” reboot, which is set to air June 12.
Kanye West is developing a Showtime anthology series called “Omniverse.” The first season, described as “examining the many doors of perception,” will feature Jaden Smith as a young Kanye West in an alternate reality.
Contenders: Shows to keep on your radar
A slew of ABC, Fox and CBS shows say goodbye for the summer. On Fox, “Empire” ends its fifth season on May 8 at 8 p.m. ET followed by “Star’s” season three finale at 9 p.m. ET. Fox’s other finales take place on May 10 with “Last Man Standing” (8 p.m. ET), “The Cool Kids” (8:30 p.m. ET) and “Proven Innocent” (9 p.m. ET). May 8 on ABC sees the finales of “The Goldbergs” (8 p.m. ET), “Schooled” (8:30 p.m. ET), “Modern Family” (9 p.m. ET) and “Single Parents” (9:30 p.m. ET). On CBS, it’s the season six finale of “Mom” (May 9, 9 p.m. ET), season three ender of “MacGyver” (May 10, 8 p.m. ET) and season nine finale of “Blue Bloods” (May 10, 10 p.m. ET).
“Sneaky Pete” returns for its third season (May 10, Amazon Prime). It’s been 14 months since the premier of season two, so remembering this excellent show’s complicated story structure takes some time but an introductory catch-up in the premiere helps. In the new season, Marius/Pete (Giovanni Ribisi) helps his pretend family save their bail-bond business and a woman from his past persuades him to get back into the con game.
Seminal rap group Wu-Tang Clan is the subject of “The Wu-Tang Clan: Of Mics and Men” (May 10, Showtime, 9 p.m. ET). The four-part docuseries explores the globally successful group’s history and impact.
Report Card: A look at ratings winners and losers
Winners: CBS has renewed all five of its daytime shows. The line-up is on track to be the most-watched network daytime slate for the 32nd straight year.
Losers: With mediocre ratings and cast and production issues, Fox’s “Lethal Weapon” may have reached the end of the line.
Melissa Crawley is the author of “Mr. Sorkin Goes to Washington: Shaping the President on Television’s ‘The West Wing.’” She has a Ph.D. in media studies and is a member of the Television Critics Association. To comment on Stay Tuned, email her at staytuned@outlook.com or follow her on Twitter at @mcstaytuned.
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Imprint: Unbound Digital
Rose Bretécher
Rose Bretécher has OCD, but not as you know it. Pure is the true story of her life with intrusive sexual thoughts – a rampant but little-known symptom of the disorder. It tracks her farcical ten-year path to redemption, from the time she was first seized by graphic mental images to her eventual recovery through therapy, acceptance and love.
The book describes her obsessive questioning of her identity and her compulsive search for an answer: driving across the world in a double-decker bus; debating the respective erotic allure of Cherie and Tony Blair; watching Jake Gyllenhaal's face turn into a chubby vagina... Eventually, after stepping back from the iron railings of a snow-swept balcony in east London, she finds joy in the inescapable truth that when it comes to who we are, there are no neat conclusions.
At its core, Pure is about uncertainty and insecurity, and how trying to banish these things in the pursuit of happiness will paradoxically make us unhappy. It's about finding beauty in greyness, and embracing the unfathomable weirdness of the human mind.
"This book is written with such staggering honesty your jaw might literally drop at certain moments. This is a very welcome look at unwelcome thoughts and how minds can stage their own uprisings against us. There is pain here, but also a lot of humour and Rose writes with such dead-on frankness that you are gripped from the first to last page."
"Bright and funny . . . Pure is an enlightening read helping to highlight a form of mental illness that has been hushed up for so long."
"Bold and darkly funny."
ES Magazine
Rose is 29 years old and lives in London. Since graduating in English Literature, she's been working as a freelance writer, creating feature articles, short film scripts, short stories and ad copy. Rose's work has been published by the Guardian, the Independent, Vice and Somesuch Stories. Pure is her first book.
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Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl was released by Taliban-linked militants last year in exchange for five Guantánamo Bay detainees. | AP Photo
Bowe Bergdahl breaks his silence in 'Serial' podcast
Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl on Thursday broke his silence surrounding allegations that he left his outpost in Afghanistan and went into hostile territory.
Bergdahl was released by Taliban-linked militants last year in exchange for five Guantánamo Bay detainees after nearly five years in captivity. He was charged with desertion and misbehavior before the enemy after allegedly abandoning his post in 2009 and faces a possible life sentence.
Bergdahl told filmmaker Mark Boal that he had left his platoon, an action he described as “gutsy but stupid,” because he wanted to create a DUSTWUN — a radio signal that stands for “Duty Status Whereabouts Unknown” — to highlight poor leadership within his unit.
But not long after he began executing his plan, he had doubts. “Twenty minutes out I’m going, ‘Good grief, I’m in over my head,’” Bergdahl said. “Suddenly, it really starts to sink in that I really did something bad.
“And what I was seeing, from my first unit all the way up into Afghanistan, all I was seeing was, basically, leadership failure, to the point that the lives of the guys standing next to me were, literally, from what I could see, in danger of something seriously going wrong and somebody being killed,” Bergdahl said amid roughly 25 hours of recorded calls with Boal, some of which were used in Thursday’s second-season premiere of the podcast “Serial.”
In the roughly 45-minute podcast, narrated by Sarah Koenig, Bergdahl also described the pain of being held captive in a dark room. “It’s like this mental, like, you’re almost confused,” Bergdahl recalled. “You know, there’s times when I’d wake up and it’s just so dark, like, I would wake up not even remembering what I was. You know how you get that feeling when that word is on the tip of your tongue? That happened to me, only it was, like, what am I? I couldn’t see my hands. I couldn’t do anything.”
He wanted to scream, he said, but he couldn’t. “I can’t risk that,” he explained. “So it’s like you’re standing there screaming in your mind,” knowing the entire world is just on the other side of a door he could probably rip the hinges off. “I hate doors now,” he added.
Army Forces Command Gen. Robert Abrams is presiding over Bergdahl’s case. He can order a general court-martial or a special court-martial, recommend nonjudicial punishment or take no action.
Maj. Gen. Kenneth Dahl, however, testified in September that a jail sentence for Bergdahl, who could face life in prison, would be “inappropriate.” Dahl led the investigation into Bergdahl’s actions.
Eugene Fidell, a lawyer representing Bergdahl, told POLITICO that Abrams would decide "what, if anything, should be done with the charges in light of the preliminary hearing conducted in September."
"As far as the 'Serial' podcast is concerned," Fidell said, "we think it's important that the American people have as good an understanding as possible of the facts of the case. That's why we have been working to compel the Army to release General Dahl's report, including the transcript of Sgt. Bergdahl's interview."
Republican poll leader Donald Trump blasted Bergdahl at a Las Vegas rally in October, declaring that the “dirty, no-good traitor” would have been executed 30 years ago for what he did.
Appearing on MSNBC on Thursday afternoon, Fidell went after Trump in defense of his client. “Oh, he’s the defamer-in-chief,” he said on “Andrea Mitchell Reports.” “Mr. Trump can barely come within a foot of a microphone without saying that my client is a — his phrase is a ‘dirty, no-good traitor,’ which I guess is the worst kind of traitor."
“Mr. Trump should really be ashamed of himself, and we’re keeping a list of the times that he does this. It’s really outrageous,” Fidell said.
In June, National Security Adviser Susan Rice was criticized for saying that Bergdahl had served with "honor and distinction"; comments she made before the circumstances of his capture were widely known.
"Let's remember this is a young man who volunteered to serve his country. He was taken as a prisoner of war. He suffered in captivity," she said later in defending those remarks. "He's now trying to begin the process of recovery. Let's let that happen. And then let's know the facts including his side of the story, and then we can make a judgment."
Bowe Bergdahl
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Fact-checking the Feb. 21 Sunday shows
By Jon Greenberg, Linda Qiu on Sunday, February 21st, 2016 at 5:02 p.m.
Chuck Todd interviews Donald Trump on "Meet the Press" on Feb. 21, 2016.
The day after Donald Trump’s decisive win in the South Carolina primary, Trump addressed concerns that his opposition to Obamacare isn’t strong enough, while Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas argued that most voters would prefer someone else to Trump.
Trump answered questions about conflicting answers he’s given on his views about the health care law. In an interview earlier in the week, Trump seemed to suggest he liked the provision of the law that requires people to have insurance. Trump told Meet the Press moderator Chuck Todd that he opposed the requirement and hoped to repeal the entire law and replace it with something different.
"We're going to have great plans, they're going to be a lot less expensive than Obamacare," Trump said. "They're going to be private. ... We're going to have a lot of different options. Right now, you have no options. You know why? Because the insurance company controls Obama, because they gave him a lot of money. That's why you have lines around the states. And you can't get competitive bidding."
Trump was referring to the Republican idea of allowing insurance companies to sell in multiple states in one fell swoop, rather than through the state-by-state permitting process that happens today. (The state-by-state rule predates Obama, by the way.) Trump also believes in health savings accounts and some sort of program for the very poor.
But we were struck by his statement that "right now, you have no options." We reached out to the Trump campaign to learn what he specifically meant and did not hear back. Trump’s comments are misleading because a major part of the health care law is set up to encourage competition and give people options.
Does the law achieve that? The short answer is, for most people it does. However, in more rural counties, residents might have to choose between only one or perhaps two insurance companies. Those people have few options. Trump’s statement rates Mostly False.
The health care exchanges
The new health care law sets up exchanges or marketplaces, primarily online, where people can pick from roughly comparable insurance plans for which the main difference is price. The law puts each plan into one of four tiers -- bronze, silver, gold and platinum. The more generous, and costly, the plan, the higher the tier.
The government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported that for 2016, about two-thirds of the counties have three or more insurers offering plans at the silver level. (This only has to do with plans on the exchanges. Employer-provided insurance is altogether separate.)
Out of about 2,600 counties in the Kaiser study, 10 percent, or about 260, have just one insurance company offering any policies.
"There are a lot of things to criticize about the Affordable Care Act -- too rigid and regulated in terms of the benefits that must be offered, etc. -- but most exchanges have several options available and some have many options," said Gail Wilensky, who headed the Medicare program during the George H.W. Bush administration and now is a health care analyst with Project Hope.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported that 9 out of 10 returning customers using the national exchange, healthcare.gov, were able to choose from among at least three companies.
The Kaiser Family Foundation noted that the lack of competition is greatest in rural communities. The higher the percentage of rural residents, the lower the number of insurers. "There are fewer potential enrollees to attract insurers and also fewer health care providers with whom they can contract," the report said.
It is worth noting, though, that because rural counties have fewer people, the fraction of the population that faces no real choice is less than than the fraction of counties where that is a problem. Most Americans live in urban areas where insurance competition is more robust.
Cruz on electability
Cruz made the case against Trump’s inevitability and argued that he, Cruz, was actually the best candidate for the job.
"For anyone who doesn't believe that Donald Trump is the best candidate to go head to head with Hillary Clinton in November, and that's about 70 percent of Republicans nationwide who don't think Donald Trump is the right guy," Cruz said on Feb. 21. "Our campaign is the only campaign that has beaten Donald Trump and that can beat Donald Trump."
This rosy forecast caught our attention (as well as the attention of Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, who made a similar claim on CBS’ Face the Nation). Is it true that 70 percent of Republicans "don’t think Donald Trump is the right guy?"
The Cruz campaign referred us to Trump’s Real Clear Politics polling average of 34.2 percent, as of Feb. 17, 2016. This figure represents the portion of Republican primary voters who prefer Trump as the party’s nominee.
"The point is, close to 70 percent of Republicans are choosing someone else," said Cruz spokesman Brian Phillips.
True. But by this logic, about 80 percent of Republicans don’t think Cruz — who’s polling at an average of 20.6 percent — "is the right guy" either.
Cruz’s interpretation leaves out some nuance. It rates Mostly True.
Even though Trump isn’t the top pick for many Republican primary voters, a good chunk of them would be perfectly happy with him (or Cruz or Rubio for that matter) as the party’s nominee.
Trump was the first or second choice for 47 percent of Republicans in a Fox News poll, for 38 percent in a NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll and for 44 percent in a USA Today/Suffolk University poll. A similar portion of GOP voters (39 to 45 percent) named Cruz and Rubio as their top two picks.
Trump is also viewed favorably by most of the party: about 62 percent of Republican voters in a Quinnipiac University poll and 62 percent in Economist/YouGov poll. Cruz and Rubio commanded similar numbers.
Conversely, in the Quinnipiac poll, more Republicans (31 percent) had an unfavorable opinion of Trump than Cruz or Rubio (23 percent). The three men clocked similar numbers Economist/YouGov poll.
Trump does the worst when voters are asked straight up if they would support him for the nomination. In an NBC/Wall Street Journal poll, 42 percent of Republicans said no. In comparison, 33 percent could not see themselves supporting Cruz, and 28 percent said the same about Rubio.
And finally, most Republicans would support any of the three men if they were the party’s nominee according to a CBS poll. But about a fifth of Republican voters said they wouldn’t back Trump (20 percent), Cruz (18 percent) or Rubio (17 percent) no matter what.
Related rulings:
With Obamacare, "You have no options .. you can't get competitive bidding."
— Donald Trump, Sunday, February 21st, 2016.
"About 70 percent of Republicans nationwide ... don't think Donald Trump is the right guy" to take on Hillary Clinton in November.
— Ted Cruz, Sunday, February 21st, 2016.
See related rulings
Researchers: Jon Greenberg, Linda Qiu
See fact-checks for sources.
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Solar Power: Jay's Green Garage
Jay has been making his own power for almost six months thanks to a PacWind Delta II vertical-axis wind turbine mounted on the side of the Green Garage's rooftop. But one turbine, albeit a very large one, isn't nearly enough to keep the lights, air conditioners and numerous shop tools humming along every day, all day. So Jay decided to augment the Delta II with a grid-tied General Electric solar power system.
Solar and wind systems compliment one another nicely. When there's no sunlight to be captured but the wind is blowing, the turbine will make power. When there's sunlight but no wind, the solar panels pump out the juice. And when those powerful Santa Ana winds of Southern California kick up on a sunny day, both can really crank out the kilowatts. Jay has found that he can make his own electricity in just about any weather. On one recent day, we learned the last time we were at the garage, Jay had made more power than he consumed--enough to spin his electric meter backwards. But to produce such a significant portion of the energy he uses from sunlight, Jay had to go big. And that's exactly what he did, thanks to some guidance from GE.
The roof of the garage is covered with 270 solar panels. Each one is a 200-watt GE module--one of the most powerful designs on the market. The whole system produces 54 kilowatts of DC power. That's enough to serve a good chunk of the energy needs (at least while the sun is shining) of eight to ten average homes. GE says that over the lifetime of the system (about 25 years) Jay will offset close to 3 million pounds of CO2, which, according to GE, would be equivalent to taking 200 cars off the road. GE worked with Premier Power to design and install the system. Like many roof-mounted systems, Jay's panels are attached to nonpenetrating racks. The panels essentially float on the roof and are less susceptible to high-wind loads than are other mounting systems. A Xantrex inverter converts the DC energy from the solar panels to normal household AC.
One of the coolest features about the system is the Fat Spaniel Technologies Web monitor. Basically, Jay logs onto the company's Web site, where he tracks just how much energy is being used and how much is being made--daily, weekly or monthly. Everyone at the Green Garage can see, right there on a computer screen, the energy those solar modules are producing. Check back soon for a long-term report on the system.
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Did the Seahawks' refusal to use their best player cost them in Dallas?
By Ben Linsey
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Jan 5, 2019; Arlington, TX, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) celebrates with tight end Nick Vannett (81) after scoring a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the third quarter of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
This offseason, new Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said that the key to his offensive philosophy and one of the biggest predictors of victory was to hit 53 combined rush attempts and pass completions in a game. With that, Schottenheimer set out to change the Seahawks’ offensive game plan with a focus on establishing the run, even when the defense knew that the run was coming.
On the surface, it appears that it worked. The Seahawks did end up in the postseason with a 10-6 record in a season where not much was expected of them. They ran the ball on 49.6% of their offensive snaps which not only led the league, but it was over ten percentage points higher than the league average of 38.5 percent. Their ground attack, led by PFF’s fifth-highest graded running back Chris Carson was working well enough to string together victories.
Until it wasn’t, and Schottenheimer and company refused to adapt.
In the first half of their Wild Card matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, the Seahawks running backs had nine attempts for 19 yards rushing – which also matched the number of rushing yards that they had after contact. The Cowboys had completely shut down the Seahawks on the ground, and Carson was getting met repeatedly at or behind the line of scrimmage. By comparison, Russell Wilson went 7-for-11 for 97 yards in the first half with two big-time throws.
When you look at the production on first and second down in the first two quarters, the comparison between the Seahawks’ ground and air production becomes even more stark. On the ground, they ran eight times for 16 yards on early downs with 19 of those yards coming after contact. In other words, they had negative three rushing yards before contact – not great. On first and second down, Wilson completed seven of eight attempts for 97 yards in the first half.
That brings up another point – running the ball frequently on early downs often forces your quarterback to make plays on third down. Wilson had been excellent in that area all season with a league-high passer rating of 113.7 on third down coming into the playoffs, which was a big reason for their playoff berth. Running the ball on first and second down to set up third down only gives your quarterback one opportunity to extend the drive, though. When they do not deliver on third down, the drive is dead. That’s exactly what happened in the first half in Dallas, as Wilson did not complete a third-down pass on any of his three attempts.
Given how successful the Seahawks were passing on early downs against the Cowboys compared to how little they were able to accomplish on the ground, one would assume that they would come out after halftime and take the path of least resistance. In this scenario, one would assume wrong.
Schottenheimer and the Seahawks came out and doubled down on establishing the run with 11 handoffs to running backs on early downs compared to nine Wilson pass attempts. On those passing attempts, they averaged 9.2 yards per attempt. On the runs, they averaged just 3.5 yards per carry. There was less of a gap than the first half, but the Seahawks were still giving up over five yards per rush on first and second down compared to a pass attempt.
Russell Wilson was excellent and ultra-efficient on Saturday night, as he has been all season. He finished with the second-highest quarterback grade of the Wild Card Round behind only Andrew Luck. His 8.6 yards per attempt and 105.9 passer rating led all quarterbacks for the weekend. He was particularly effective when he threw the ball deep, which is an area in which he has excelled all season. Against the Cowboys, Wilson completed four of six deep passes for 140 yards with four big-time throws. He certainly played well enough for the Seahawks to win on the road.
Yet, the Seahawks didn’t win because they took the ball out of his hands. Pete Carroll and Schottenheimer stubbornly maintained the course in establishing the run despite little to no success in the first half to indicate that it would work. While Wilson picked apart the Cowboys defense on early downs, Carson had no room to work. That didn’t stop the Seahawks from handing off the ball 19 times to running backs on early downs compared to letting Wilson throw the ball just 17 times. That refusal to put the ball in the hands of their best player and franchise quarterback cost the Seahawks their season.
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The t-drive is a shared internal network drive and is intended to be the central repository of information for use by all employees of the Three Rivers District Health Department (TRDHD). There are both open areas providing read/write access to all employees and areas providing limited access to certain groups or individuals within TRDHD. Currently, administrative and management staff primarily use the t-drive, and use by front-line and middle-level staff is very limited. TRDHD serves a four-county district with five work sites, so there is a great need for all employees to use a shared internal network drive to facilitate storing and accessing information.
Before the Kaizen event, no process owner was assigned, and a defined purpose of the t-drive had not been established. As a result of this event, a process owner has been assigned, all staff have been educated on the purpose of the t-drive, and extensive training has been provided about the benefits of using the t-drive. Anecdotal data suggest much greater satisfaction with the t-drive.
Harris, A. Public Health Quality Improvement Exchange. NNPHI Kaizen Program: T-Drive Alive—Organizing a Shared Network. Fri, 09/15/2017 - 11:44. Available at https://www.phqix.org/content/nnphi-kaizen-program-t-drive-alive%E2%80%94organizing-shared-network. Accessed July 17, 2019.
By March 14, 2014, staff use of the t-drive (the shared internal network drive) will increase by 50%. (See the PrISM for a table with more detailed information.) Beneficiaries: staff What is measured: use of the t-drive How it is measured: staff survey—percentage responding “Yes, Always” to knowing how to access the t-drive Target/how much: 50% increase from baseline Target/by when: March 14, 2014 Target/actual: 35% increase on May 13, 2014 Beneficiaries: staff What is measured: use of the t-drive How it is measured: staff survey—percentage responding that they use the t-drive at least once per week Target/how much: 50% increase from baseline Target/by when: March 14, 2014 Target/actual: 8% increase on May 13, 2014 Beneficiaries: staff What is measured: ability to find a file How it is measured: staff survey—percentage responding that they can always find what they are looking for Target/how much: 50% increase from baseline Target/by when: March 14, 2014 Target/actual: 240% increase on May 13, 2014 Beneficiaries: staff What is measured: time to locate a file How it is measured: direct observation and timing Target/how much: less than 30 seconds Target/by when: March 14, 2014 Target/actual: 5.7 seconds on February 13, 2014 Beneficiaries: staff What is measured: accuracy of locating a file How it is measured: direct observation—percentage occurrence of finding the correct file on the first attempt Target/how much: greater than 75% Target/by when: March 14, 2014 Target/actual: 100% on February 13, 2014 Targets will be achieved within 1 month of Kaizen event completion. The event will focus on the entire t-drive. Staff will achieve this goal by conducting a 5-day Kaizen event during the week of February 10, 2014.
As part of developing the strategic plan in 2009, a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats (SWOT) analysis conducted by management and supervisory staff identified “lack of staff computer competence” as a weakness. Anecdotal data from discussions with TRDHD's management team, quality improvement (QI) team, and the IT manager suggest that an important next step would be to increase the effectiveness, efficiency, and use of the t-drive. The strategic plan also includes many goals, objectives, and action steps associated with documentation, maintenance, and use of the t-drive. Additionally, staff report issues accessing the t-drive or finding documents on it. No measures of t-drive use were in place before initiation of this project. As part of the preparation for this project and event, a staff survey was conducted to gauge current usage and associated issues. The primary data element used was the staff t-drive utilization survey. Analysis of this survey indicated two key areas for improvement: Improve the ability to find documents on the t-drive, and close key knowledge gaps in how to effectively and efficiently use the t-drive. The project is expected to impact all current employees in all five work sites, future employees, and vendors and customers affected by documentation stored on the t-drive.
Managers and administrative staff appear to be the most proficient with accessing the t-drive, as well as uploading documents to the t-drive when appropriate. Some staff cannot access the t-drive at all, and some can access the t-drive but have difficulty finding a file. The current state of the t-drive is in disarray; there are more than 25 primary folders, with a range of 5–125 housed in secondary folders. The Public folder is the most used and houses more than 30 secondary folders and approximately 100 documents that do not belong to a specific folder. The employee must have the background knowledge about the primary and secondary folder in which the desired document was located, and he or she must select the appropriate folders to access the document. General staff lack awareness of what documentation is stored on the t-drive and where it is specifically located. The current process cycle time has a range of great variability. For example, if each employee was given the task of locating and accessing the emergency contact list (located on the t-drive, in the Public primary folder, within the Disaster Response secondary folder), the cycle time would be approximately 30 seconds, and several staff would not be able to complete the task at all. Currently, there is no charge for using the t-drive. However, significant labor cost is due by time spent searching for documentation maintained on the t-drive.
Root causes that were identified include • the t-drive is disorganized; • the current organization of the t-drive hinders workflow; • file and folder names are not intuitive; and • users do not know what is on the t-drive, why they should use it, and how to use it.
The overall method of this QI initiative was based on the Kaizen methodology (see attached picture). Project Schedule 1. Prepare and gather data: December 2013–February 9, 2014 2. Conduct Kaizen event: week of February 10, 2014 3. Update t-drive and supporting documentation: February 17–21, 2014 4. Gather feedback and update site: February 24–28, 2014 5. Training materials completed: March 7, 2014 6. Training delivered: April 2, 2014 7. Remove old t-drive structure: April 7, 2014 Implementation primarily focused on reorganizing the t-drive structure throughout the Kaizen event, then training all staff on the new structure. The first training included an all-day staff meeting and a presentation about the Kaizen event and newly structured t-drive. A second training was held with each of the five departmental staff meetings, so that each employee could have personalized, hands-on training tailored to his or her departmental needs. Managers and supervisors were given 4 weeks to transfer their documents from the old t-drive to the new structure. The new t-drive would be able to go live on April 4, 2014.
Data collection and management/Information Technology
Organizational effectiveness
Policies / internal procedures and processes
The primary method of measurement will be a staff survey made available to all staff after receiving two trainings. This survey will be compared with another survey that was conducted before the Kaizen event. More specifically, weekly self-reported use of the t-drive and the ability and time it takes to locate files will be evaluated to determine the impact of the project. Use of the t-drive and ability for all staff to easily find a file on the t-drive will be measured by two staff surveys. (See the PrISM for a table.)
Quote from partner/participant
T-Drive Alive PrISM rev 5 22 2014.docx 1.19 MB
tdrive feedback slide.pdf 1.74 MB
SRLD T-drive Alive.docx 30.47 KB
new t-drive structure.pdf 1.77 MB
Worksheet in T-Drive Alive PrISM rev 5 22 2014.xlsx 15.47 KB
Guidelines.pdf 474.29 KB
t-drive team.jpg 103.27 KB
To demonstrate the outcomes related to the T-Drive Alive project, a table has been created that uses data from the pre- and posttest. The table of results has been added with the various complement documents. To note, during the postevent survey, staff reported that the new t-drive is more user friendly (37.2%), finds items faster (26.4%), and is better organized (32.2%). More specific and measurable outcomes are outlined as follows: Use of the t-drive will be measured by a staff survey—specifically, the percentage responding “Yes, Always” to knowing how to access the t-drive. The aim statement outlines the potential for a 50% increase from baseline data by March 14, 2014. On June 13, 2014, there was a documented 35% increase. Use of the t-drive will also be measured by a staff survey—specifically, the percentage responding that they use the t-drive at least once per week. Initially, 50% increase from baseline data was projected by March 14, 2014. On June 13, 2014, there was a documented 8% increase. The ability for all staff to easily find a file located on the t-drive will be measured by a staff survey—specifically, the percentage of staff who report that they can always find what they are looking for. The target measurement was a 50% increase from the baseline survey by March 14, 2014. On June 13, 2014, there was a 240% increase, which was the most significant outcome. See the PrISM for a table that outlines the measurable outcomes for this project. It is important to note the direct observation and timing completed during the test phase of the Kaizen event. Three employees (two who routinely use the t-drive and one who does not) were tested before any changes and again after the changes were implemented. The direct observation testing resulted in a 100% rate of finding the correct file on the first attempt.
See the attached PrISM document, specifically step 14: construct and execute findings, step 15: document test results, and step 16: analyze results and extract learnings. Also included is the "status, reason, learning and direction" worksheet, which outlines specific lessons learned from the t-drive event.
The new structure of the t-drive will allow staff to access all agency documents more efficiently (see pictures of the revised structure). Three folders are at the root of the t-drive: All One Team, Departmental, and Instructions for the T-Drive. The All One Team folder mirrors the agency’s vision statement; it contains general documents housed in 10 folders. The Departmental folders represent each department or group of staff in the agency. Each departmental folder has 8 standard folders, which will serve as the basis for organizing documentation on the t-drive. Departments may choose to add folders to their functions as needed. During the Kaizen event, the team developed several key action points that would enhance the new t-drive structure. First, a document that encompassed all of the guidelines for the t-drive was created. Also, a policy was formed that would be implemented across the agency. The District Board of Health voted on this policy. Policies are reviewed annually by the TRDHD management team to ensure consistency. The training plan was developed so that each employee would receive training on the t-drive in a group and individual setting, which would allow for the general concept to be explained. Each employee would then participate in hands-on demonstrations. Last, three members of the Kaizen team sit as active members on the TRDHD QI team, in which they give monthly updates on the project and any changes that have been made based on feedback. To maintain an avenue for staff to provide feedback on issues and solutions, a bulletin board at each site was established (see picture). To date (May 19, 2014), only one post-it has been received. Kaizen team members will continue to monitor the bulletin boards and encourage staff to use these spaces for feedback. A picture of the new t-drive structure has been added, along with the various complement documents.
Technical Assistance Received:
A total of 48 hours of QI foundational and Kaizen event training were provided via two in-person sessions. Distance and on-site QI coaching to support and co-lead a kaizen event were also provided. Additional QI coaching included Kaizen event preparation, foundational and advanced QI methods including Kaizen, site change management, installation of the improvements and associated results after the event, and reporting.
25,000 to 49,999
Population Characteristics:
TRDHD serves four rural counties in north central Kentucky: Carroll, Gallatin, Owen, and Pendleton. There are five TRDHD work sites: one health center in each county and one administrative office in Owenton, Kentucky. The population of TRDHD’s service area was last reported at 45,122 by U.S. Census data. The communities TRDHD serves have small populations in relation to their large geographic area; the service area covers approximately 861.4 squares miles. The population ratio is 50% male and 50% female. The majority of residents are Caucasian (97.6%), with African Americans representing 1.3% and Hispanics or Latinos representing 1.5%. The average household income is $22,033. All counties in the service area are designated mental health and primary care health professional shortage areas. There are 18 primary care physicians and 12 dentists within the four counties. On average, 22.5% of the population uses Medicaid services; however, only two dentists accept Medicaid or Passport Health Plan. Most residents in the TRDHD service area must travel approximately 1 hour for specialty services.
Local Health Department Governance:
Local Governance - all LHDs in the state are units of local government
1-3 Initiatives
QI Culture
Local Health Department, Multi-County
Administrative support staff
Lindsey Tirey
Greg Ramey
District Director
Georgia Heise
Clinical Support Staff
Kim Hudnall
Domain 11: Maintain administrative and management capacity›Standard 11.1 Develop and Maintain an Operational Infrastructure to Support the Performance of Public Health Functions›Measure 11.1.6 A Use information systems that support the health department mission and workforce by providing infrastructure for data collection/analysis, program management, and communication
Partner Organizations:
National Network of Public Health Institutes
Partner Organization Types:
Thanks for a great project
Submitted by jerober on Thu, 10/30/2014 - 12:22
Thanks for a great project summary. Our agency is spread out in 10 different locations and we use numerous shared drives, all of which have become fairly disorganized over time and led to frustration finding files. To address it all at once sounds near impossible, but this has inspired me to propose that our bureau (one of ~15 in our agency) tackle our own areas of the shared drives as a trial and if successful, expand to other bureaus. We are not yet familiar with kaizen methodology, however, so I hope this could still be successful using a normal PDSA approach. This will be a great reference for us if we move forward on it.
Jenny Robertson, MSPH
Salt Lake County Health Department
slcohealth.org
Please let us know if we can
Submitted by AprilHarris on Tue, 11/04/2014 - 14:27
Please let us know if we can help as you move forward with your project. PDSA would be another great tool to utilize!
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Home > Inclusion Services > NDMC > Susan Sygall, Mobility International USA
Susan Sygall, Mobility International USA
By Genelle Thomas
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the National Disability Mentoring Coalition has named 25 outstanding leaders as the first inductees into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame. These inductees were selected for their demonstrated commitment to mentoring and for the impact of their contributions on improving the lives of people with disabilities.
We are proud to induct Susan Sygall, CEO and co-founder of Mobility International USA (MIUSA), into the Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame’s 2015 inaugural class.
Susan Sygall is an internationally recognized expert in the area of international development, educational exchange and leadership programs for persons with disabilities. MIUSA’s mission is to empower people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development. Since its founding in 1981, MIUSA has built an extensive network of over 2,300 alumni from over 110 countries.
Ms. Sygall is also recognized internationally for her work on issues related to women with disabilities.
Since 1995, Ms. Sygall has directed the National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, a project sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Mobility International USA to increase the participation of people with disabilities in the full range of international study, volunteer, work and research programs.
Ms. Sygall has become a much sought after consultant and speaker. She has lectured throughout the United States, the Middle East, Latin America, Europe and Asia on a variety of topics related to international exchange and inclusive development, and has traveled to more than 35 countries. She has co-authored numerous publications in the area of international exchange and international development, includingBuilding Bridges: A Manual on Including People with Disabilities in International Exchange Programs. Most recently, she published a memoir, No Ordinary Days, which highlights the creation of Mobility International USA and the impact that international exchange can have on everyone, including people with disabilities.
Ms. Sygall has also received numerous awards in recognition of her passionate advocacy for disability rights. She received the “President’s Award” from Bill Clinton in 1995 for her dynamic leadership in promoting international exchange programs and international development for people with disabilities. She received the Rotary Scholar Alumni Achievement Award in 1999. In addition, Ms. Sygall received a MacArthur Fellowship in 2000. This prestigious, unrestricted fellowship is awarded to a small number of talented individuals each year who have shown extraordinary originality and dedication in their creative pursuits. In 2011, Ms. Sygall was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate from Chapman University. Most recently, she received an Ashoka Fellowship in 2013.
Ms. Sygall earned her M.S. from the University of Oregon in 1981 and now teaches an undergraduate and graduate level course through the department of International Studies called Global Perspectives on Disability. The course utilizes a human rights paradigm to examine issues facing people with disabilities. In addition, Ms. Sygall serves on the President’s Diversity Advisory Community Council (PDACC) at the University of Oregon to carry out the university’s mission in ways that enhance access, retention, and opportunity for traditionally underrepresented groups, including people with disabilities.
PYD’s online mentoring expansion continues
Thanks to funding from The Milbank Foundation, Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD) will be expanding Campus Career Connect (C3),
By Eli Wolff
Advocacy, Allyship, and the Power of Mentoring
This blog post was written collaboratively by Eli Wolff (Partners for Youth with Disabilities) and Mary Hums (University of Louisville). Eli
By Nicole Malo
Bill Schawbel: Big Time Business Man, Even Bigger Heart
Partners for Youth with Disabilities is honored to introduce our second PYD Legends Award recipient, Bill Schawbel. Bill is a man of many
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King Charles III creator defends Princess Diana ‘ghost’ scenes in new BBC2 drama
Mike Bartlett said the inclusion of the mother of Princes William and Harry was "not an attack" on the royal family but "a genuine investigation of what it is to be that family"
Upcoming BBC2 drama King Charles III has already been attracting headlines and criticism for its storyline, which sees the Queen die and Prince Charles made King with major consequences when he refuses to sign a crucial government bill.
Particular controversy has surrounded the film’s Shakespearean inclusion of Princess Diana’s ghost – the original stage play featured scenes with the dead princess, and now writer Mike Bartlett has now defended including the sequences in the TV adaptation too.
“It would be very strange to tell the story without her,” Bartlett said at a preview screening of King Charles III, after an audience member asked whether Prince Harry’s recent comments about how his mother’s death had affected his mental health had changed Bartlett’s view of the script.
“The ghost is presented differently on stage than it is on screen but it serves the same function, which is that presence of her in their lives. And she’s never going to go away. They’ve lost their mother,” Bartlett said.
“And I would hope – and this would go for everything in this piece – that it is treated sincerely,” he added. “It’s not a sketch, it’s not satire, it’s not an attack. It’s a genuine investigation of what it is to be that family and in that role in the country. And Diana is part of that; she was a national hugely famous figure, controversial in many ways, and she’s still very present in the family in all sort of ways.
“I think her ghost is very much a Shakespearean form and is very much a dramatic device, and is not a joke,” he concluded. “And I hope that comes across in the film; we worked hard to make sure [that] clearly was the point.”
Actor Oliver Chris, who plays Prince William in the one-off drama alongside Charlotte Riley’s Kate Middleton and Richard Goulding’s Prince Harry, has also recently defended Diana’s part in the story, telling Radio Times that while it was “very emotionally near the line”, he thought it had been handled sensitively.
“Some people will bridle at it, but I hope it’s done with enough intelligence and sensitivity not to be gratuitous,” he said.
“I’m very conscious that it’s a real person and a real family. But I don’t think it’s any more intrusive than much of the mainstream media coverage of Diana and her death.”
Mike Bartlett
Oliver Chris
King Charles III
King Charles III | Why are they speaking in blank verse?
Did King Charles III predict the Prince Harry/Meghan Markle romance?
All about King Charles III
King Charles III cast and crew pay tribute to late star Tim Pigott-Smith
What time is King Charles III on TV?
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WK Dickson & Co., Inc.
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David Pond Reappointed by Governor McCrory to NC Board of Examiners
Charlotte, NC, January 20, 2014 --(PR.com)-- WK Dickson & Co., Inc. has announced that David L. Pond, PE, Executive Vice President, has been reappointed by North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory to serve on the North Carolina Board of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. Pond was initially appointed to serve in 2007, and with this reappointment will serve on the board through 2018.
The North Carolina Board of Examiners is the governing body responsible for administration and regulation of the professions of engineering and land surveying in North Carolina. The Board reviews applications, administers examinations, licenses qualified applicants, and regulates the Professional practice of the licensees throughout the State.
“I am very grateful for citizens such as you who give their time and talent to serve the State of North Carolina,” said Governor McCrory. “Your service makes a positive impact in our state.”
A graduate of North Carolina State University, David has been part of the engineering industry for more than 30 years. He joined WK Dickson in 1985 as an Associate and quickly grew into the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer.
David has served on various committees and in executive leadership roles in many state and national associations including Professional Engineers of North Carolina (PENC) and the American Council of Engineering Companies of North Carolina (ACEC/NC).
WK Dickson is an Engineering News Record Top 500, multi-disciplined consulting firm specializing in total community infrastructure solutions including: Airport Planning & Design; Environmental & Water Resources Engineering; Community Planning & Site Development; and Geospatial Technology. Our goal is to help communities improve the lives of its citizens through sound, ecologically responsible design principals. The firm has been headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina since its founding in 1929. We have grown to operate seven regional offices strategically located throughout the Southeastern United States including Charlotte, Hickory, Raleigh and Wilmington, NC; Columbia, SC; Augusta and Atlanta, GA.
Kraig C. Kern
www.wkdickson.com
Click here to view the list of recent Press Releases from WK Dickson & Co., Inc.
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ND Team Rankings
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Recruiting Profile: Chris Mohr
By Caleb Christensen
This story is as old as basketball is, the face of the team graduates or moves on and another player on the team has to step up to fill that role.
In this case, Devin Eppard graduated which leaves the role up for grabs for a new player to become the new face of the program.
That player is Chris Mohr.
His senior season in basketball is almost upon him, and Mohr hopes it turns out better than last season.
“It wasn’t the best season for our program but it also wasn’t bad,” Mohr said. “We had a lot of ups and downs throughout the year but we just stuck together and made the most out of what we had. As far as my play and role it was more of a learning experience.”
Trying to fill in the shoes of Eppard will be a tough task for Mohr, but he thinks that getting the opportunity to play alongside him the past couple years will help him lead the team next season.
“Playing alongside Devin I was able to learn and absorb just a lot of basketball things,” Mohr said. “He was the type of player that had the ability to rub off his work ethic and scoring ability onto other players. So as a teammate to him I let him work and just stepped up and helped him when he needed that extra help.
“Watching him play showed me what it takes to be an elite player. To conquer this role I have to put a lot of time in the gym and take advantage of the things I’ve learned last year. With me being a big part of the team I have to now hold myself and everyone else accountable and make myself and my teammates the best they can be.”
Another guy he says he doesn’t know where he would be in the basketball world without is Greg Kahler. Kahler works out with several athletes around the area and they all have good things to say about him.
“If it wasn’t for Greg I don’t know where I would be in a basketball world,” Mohr said. “Every day for two or three hours we are usually in the gym working on new moves and just breaking down the game. My 8th-grade season he noticed that I had potential and that’s when he brought me in to work out with him. Ever since then my numbers have increased every year. He has helped me dramatically with my shooting, ball handling, basketball mentality, and decision making on the court. He has given me the moves and knowledge to get me to where I am today.”
Along with training with Kahler, Mohr plans on to work a little bit on every aspect of his game before his senior season gets started.
“From the offensive end to the defensive end I want everything to improve,” Mohr said. “This summer I have been playing on an AAU team with Coach Allan Bertram at Sacred Hoops. That helps in every way imaginable. It lets you see what others players have that you don’t have and makes you want to learn new things to be better than that person. It makes you work harder every possession because you know that if you don’t it could get ugly real quick. It has helped me on both ends of the floor drastically. You have to use every way possible just to score and then you have to come down and work harder on the defensive end just to get a stop.”
Mohr says that being able to play for Sacred Hoops has helped translate his play over to his high school season which he says will make him a better player for his team and gets him better overall.
After having a so-so season a year ago Mohr says he wants what every other player around the state wants, to succeed. He also is going to give it everything he’s got in his last season.
“My expectation for my team is just like any other team more than likely,” Mohr said. “ I want my team to be in the state championship and hoisting the trophy at the end of the season. Another expectation for my team is a much better year than last year. That will only happen if everyone buys in and gives it all they got. As for myself, I want to be an all-state player and make my team a winning team.”
He also wants to see his numbers increase but not at the expense of the team’s success or the other guy’s success as well.
“I want to see my numbers increase, but also not take away any value from an already well-rounded group of guys around me,” Mohr said. “I want myself to be a key player this season and lead my teammates to our team goals, and teach the younger players what’s good and bad while leaving a lasting legacy. I want to be a player that has earned the respect of his teammates and will get them to come along with me. All of this happening while winning games and increasing my play.”
Just like his former teammate Eppard, Dakota State has been interested in Mohr playing for them. But Mohr hopes that his play during the AAU and this next season will catch more coaches eyes.
“The only college that has contacted me has been DSU. As far as any others there hasn’t been any but during AAU games there have been coaches watching and I’ve been playing really well so hopefully, that is catching their eye.”
Takeaways from Chester Area vs. Dell Rapids St. Mary’s OT Thriller
Get To Know Quiz Part 2
Get To Know Him – Chris Mohr
Prospect Rankings: South Dakota 2021 top 75
2021 North Dakota Prospect Rankings Update – Top 50
Prospect Rankings: 2020 South Dakota (Juniors)
SD Team Rankings: Week 12
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Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant Names Kim Boerema Chief Executive Officer
Kevin Finn appointed chairman of the board
Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant
WILMINGTON, Del., June 5, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant ("Iron Hill" or the "company"), a globally acclaimed and award-winning scratch kitchen and craft brewery, today announced a management and Board-level transition that will accelerate the company's growth trajectory throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Culinary veteran Kim Boerema has been named chief executive officer following the appointment of Kevin Finn to chairman of the board.
Mr. Finn, a co-founder of the company, has spent more than 20 years at the helm of Iron Hill. Under his leadership and that of co-founders Mark Edelson and Kevin Davies, Iron Hill employs more than 1400 staff members, has operations in 14 locations, and is poised for further expansion. The three founders remain active in every aspect of the business, ensuring a fully integrated and authentic food and beer experience – from Tap to Table.
"I'm honored that our Board has entrusted me with the great responsibilities of chairmanship," said Mr. Finn, who will also lead the company's real estate ventures. "My time as president has been incredibly rewarding, but this is both the next logical step for me, and the right time to take it. Our foundation is strong, our processes and protocols sound, and our staff is the best in the business. I am genuinely proud of them and pleased to turn over day-to-day command to Kim, an outstanding leader whose business acumen, drive and operational knowledge foster success at every turn."
Mr. Boerema comes to Iron Hill from The California Pizza Kitchen ("CPK"), where he served as chief operating officer. Prior to his seven years at CPK, Mr. Boerema was a vice president of Texas Roadhouse, a regional vice president of Brinker International, and a general manager of Bennigan's. He is a seasoned executive with 32 years of leadership experience in the culinary industry. During that time he opened more than 200 restaurants across the country.
"I am privileged to become the CEO of Iron Hill," said Mr. Boerema. "For years I have been a fan of the brewery and restaurant, seeing firsthand the pride, artistry, effort and raw talent of its staff. There is attention to detail in every meal and beer, all made from scratch using the finest ingredients; care and precision with every plating and pour; and an insistence that absolute freshness is not an optional luxury, but a self-imposed demand by the men and women of Iron Hill so that every guest receives the best.
"As we move forward and continue our strategic expansion, I see great things ahead for our guests, staff and this company."
Iron Hill serves local communities, brews its own craft beers on-site, and offers a full food menu made from scratch daily. It prides itself on excellent service and direct engagement with the guest throughout the entire experience. Demonstrative of the company's aggressive expansion plans, Iron Hill opened its newest location in Delaware's Rehoboth Beach on May 24. This followed the award-wining group's Greenville, South Carolina opening on May 1.
About Iron Hill
Named after the historic Revolutionary War landmark in Delaware, where General George Washington battled the British, Iron Hill is among the most enduringly successful craft brewers in the United States. Its 21-year consecutive medal-winning streak at national and international competitions is the longest by any independent craft brewery.
Founded by home brewers Kevin Finn, Mark Edelson and restaurateur Kevin Davies in Newark, DE in 1996, Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has blossomed from one restaurant and brewery to 14 locations up and down the East Coast, including Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and South Carolina. Each brewery/restaurant has their own scratch kitchen and craft brewery, allowing individual chefs and brewers the creativity to pair the freshest ingredients with the highest quality grains and hops. For 21 years, Iron Hill has incorporated beer in everything they do. As a result, Finn, Edelson and Davies are viewed as innovative business leaders in their home state of Delaware and in the Mid-Atlantic region. They started Iron Hill at a time when small breweries were just beginning to gain mass appeal around the country and their entrepreneurial, forward thinking helped build them into what they are to date. Each individual location has its own head brewer. Each location dedicates itself to the freshest ingredients and friendly atmosphere for all age groups – helping change overall perceptions about brewpubs one meal, one pint, one community at a time.
Newark, DE (147 East Main Street, 302-266-9000); Wilmington, DE (620 Justison Street, 302-472-2739); Media, PA (30 East State Street, 610-627-9000); West Chester, PA (3 West Gay Street, 610-738-9600); North Wales, PA (1460 Bethlehem Pike, 267-708-2000); Phoenixville, PA (130 East Bridge Street, 610-983-9333); Lancaster, PA (781 Harrisburg Pike, 717-291-9800); Maple Shade, NJ (124 East Kings Highway, 856-273-0300); Voorhees, NJ (13107 Town Center Boulevard, 856-545-9009); Chestnut Hill, PA (8400 Germantown Avenue, 215-948-5600); Ardmore, PA (60 Greenfield Avenue, 610-228-2280); and Huntingdon Valley, PA (785 Huntingdon Pike, 610-602-9255); Greenville, SC (741 Haywood Rd. 864-568-7009); Rehoboth, DE (19815 Coastal Highway. 302-260-8000) and two new locations opening in 2018, including: Philadelphia, PA and Hershey, PA.
14 locations in PA, DE, NJ and SC
www.ironhillbrewery.com
Twitter @ironhillbrewery
Instagram @ironhillbrewery
Michael Hand
Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
2502 W. Sixth Street | Wilmington, DE 19805
Phone: 302.660.4978 | email: 196573@email4pr.com
Lorraine Gimblett
Food Shelter PR
196573@email4pr.com
SOURCE Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant
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HomenewsSample essay papersEthics and the Use of Technology essay
Ethics and the Use of Technology essay
The problem of the correlation between the use of technologies and ethics is very important, especially nowadays when technologies progress rapidly and the modern life is practically unimaginable without the use of existing technologies. At the same time, the implementation of new technologies does not always lead to the improvement of human life but often leads to the violation of ethical norms. Naturally, this problem is widely highlighted in media and literature. In this respect, it is possible to refer to Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, where the author raises the problem of the use of new technologies to condition the development and identity of people.
Basically, the book focuses on the problem of the conditioning of an individual in accordance with the norms established by a limited group of people which actually rules the world. At the same time, to realize the idea of making all people happy, the brave new society uses new technologies to give birth to new people and, what is more, due to the use of new technologies and medicaments, people are conditioned and receive specific identity which is supposed to meet their position in the society. The rulers of this brave new world, such as Mustapha Mond sincerely believe that the use of technologies to program people is absolutely correct and ethically justified. The major reason of Mustapha Mond and the class of rulers is to make people happy. The even use special drugs, soma, created due to the progress of technologies, which bring happiness to people but, in actuality, these drugs simply help people to escape from reality to the world of their hallucination and imagination. The supporters of such a use of technologies argue that this system gives people what they need, according to the needs of the particular group or class of society people belong to.
However, they did not say whether the needs of people are conscious or probably they are imposed to them. As the matter of fact, the use of technologies opened the opportunity to program the personality, the identity of an individual from the beginning of his life as fetus. Such programming of people, which became possible due to the use of sophisticated technologies, is absolutely unacceptable for Savage, the character that was brought to the brave new world from the reservation. Savage is actually the only person who is not conditioned and he proves to be the only normal person and this is why he cannot live in the world which morals and lifestyle are absolutely hostile to him. He rejects this world but he cannot escape from it and this is why finally commits suicide that may be viewed as a protest of this character against the existing system that regulates the life of the brave new world. In such a way, it is possible to estimate that the main character, Savage, protests against the violation of basic ethical norms since he wants to be free and independent and he wants other people to be free too, such as Lenina, for instance. But he cannot defeat the system, which uses sophisticated technologies to condition people’s identity and control the existing social order.
In such a way, it is possible to conclude that Aldous Huxley depicted the extent to which technologies may be destructive and their use unethical because the use of technologies actually deprived people of their individuality, of their consciousness, and transformed them into a kind of machines.
Ethics and the Use of Technology
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A Look Back at Health Insurance
by HR Division of Propel HR on September 12, 2018
One year after a heart attack, a Texas high school teacher received an unexpected invoice from the hospital for a jaw-dropping $108, 951. The amount owed after the teacher’s health insurance plan had reimbursed the hospital for his care and after he had paid the required $1,400 out-of-pocket to his health plan. The bill was the balance of the hospital’s $165,000 procedure, a charge the hospital defended as “reasonable and customary.”
Balance billing is a common practice used by hospitals to recoup costs. It happens when the hospital believes the cost for the procedure and services are more than what the insurance company agreed to pay. And the insured is left with the surprise charge.
If you are confused about what’s happening with health insurance, you are not alone.
THE JOURNEY TO REASONABLE & CUSTOMARY
How did we get here in the first place? The state of our current health insurance did not happen overnight. It evolved over the course of more than 80 years. Through depression, war, recession, and innovation, our health insurance practices, policies and systems were shaped by the many events in our country’s history. Here’s a look back.
From Snake Oil to Lipstick. Prior to the 1900s, elixirs and potions promised to cure all. Traveling salesmen used pop-up presentations to pitch its magic. Hospitals were institutions devoted to the poor and doctors made house calls.
In the first part of the 1900s, healthcare began to evolve with better medicine, vaccines and more skilled physicians. The wealthy could afford care and those who could not were allowed to pay using a sliding scale or bartered for services. Many paid into a welfare fund to cover an emergency.
Workplace injuries were common and so were the court cases. Individual states began to develop insurance programs to protect employers and their employees. By 1915, employers in 32 states provided some type of workers’ compensation insurance.
The model seemed fool-proof. The injured employee would visit their family doctor and the family doctor were paid by the workers’ comp insurance. But cost-conscious employers found retaining their own doctor more cost-effective. Physicians began to realize their collective power.
Prepaid Healthcare. In 1929, hospitals, like businesses, were experiencing the economic impact of the Great Depression. During this time, it wasn’t common practice or affordable to have a checkup. An official at Baylor University Hospital, in Dallas, Texas, hoped to change that. He noticed that even during challenging economic times people continued to buy cosmetics. So he created a way to make paying for health care as affordable as say, the price of a lipstick.
The Baylor Plan. Baylor tested the idea and enrolled a group of public school teachers in Dallas. For 50 cents a month, the Baylor Plan provided patients with access to the hospital’s medical services. The prepaid plan idea took off and launched, what historians and experts believe to be, the beginning of health insurance.
Hospital Service Plans. From the beginning, the idea was not about making money. The non-profit plans were about protecting people and the charitable organizations running the hospitals.
As the Baylor Plan was adopted and spread to other markets, similar plans were introduced which featured enhanced services and more hospital options. As a result, hospitals looked for ways to control quality and turned to the American Hospital Association (AHA) for guidance with developing its standards.
Blue Cross Plans. The AHA committee, designated to approve the hospital plans, eventually became the Blue Cross Commission. Established criteria included the ability to improve welfare, cover costs, and the freedom to choose doctors. In addition, each plan was assigned a geographic market. The AHA adopted the Blue Cross symbol as the emblem for meeting these standards and as a way to differentiate itself from other for-profit plans.
In 1933, prepaid, nonprofit hospital service plans, now called Blue Cross plans, were officially classified as insurance and subject to insurance laws. A separate physician’s plan, or Blue Shield, followed five years later. Blue Cross and Blue Shield eventually merged in 1982.
The framework of a health insurance system was now taking form.
THE WAR ECONOMY
Employer-sponsored Health Coverage Becomes a Benefit. World War II, tax code changes, and labor movements were all factors in the rapid growth of employer-sponsored health coverage.
In the 1940s, more women entered the workforce as companies struggled to find labor during the war. A wage freeze prompted employers to look for new ways to attract skilled workers. Health insurance was added as a benefit and became a bargaining tool.
Tax Laws Make Health Insurance More Affordable. In 1943, the IRS made employer-based health care tax free. In addition, new legislation made health insurance a condition of employment which also gave unions more bargaining power. Employees in industries such as mining, steel, and lumber had access to union or on-site employer clinics. In 1954, new laws made the tax advantages even more attractive.
Employers are now the source of health insurance.
(Next in the series: The History of Health Insurance: The Road to Reasonable and Customary. PART II: The Rise of Care and HMOs)
Buying Strategies
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Gender pay gap in Europe ‘equal to women working free for two months’
Simone Rensch
The gender pay gap in Europe is the equivalent of women working for free for two months of the year, according to European Commission figures.
The average hourly pay of women in Europe was 16.3% lower than that of men, which the commission said was “shocking and unacceptable” in the 21st century Europe.
According to the figures from the European Commission, released yesterday, this gap is the same as women working unpaid from 3 November to the end of the year.
Ranking among the fifth worst for gender pay equality, the UK’s gender pay gap increased from 19.7% in 2014 to 20.8% in 2015 – the biggest increase of any of Europe’s main economies.
Germany performed the third worst at 22% in 2015, while the Czech Republic’s gap was about 23% and Estonia’s about 26%.
First vice-president Frans Timmermans, commissioner Marianne Thyssen and commissioner Věra Jourová said: “Gender equality, including equal pay for men and women, is one of the EU’s founding values.
“But it is far from a reality. For the past years, the gender pay gap has basically refused to budge.”
The commission said women performed equally well or better than men in education. In 2016 33% of women in the EU had completed post secondary education, compared to 29% of men.
But this is not reflected on the labour market where women continue to be under-represented at top-level positions with only one in 14 board chairs and one in 20 CEOs are women.
Timmermans, Thyssen and Jourová said: “We urgently need to make progress with this stubborn issue, which affects women and our societies on many other points: Women still tend to work in lesser-paid sectors, get fewer promotions and are underrepresented in management positions.”
The OECD also called for advanced economies to do more to close gender gaps, despite increased focus on getting women into public and private sector leadership.
According to an OECD report published earlier in October, female workers earned almost 15% less than her male counterpart.
Simone Rensch | Reporter | Public Finance International
European Commission latest
Brussels ‘not reporting on sustainability’
Germany’s gender pay gap remains at 21%
Europe headed for ‘road to accruals’, says EPSAS project lead
EU auditors issue warning on procurement failings
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Beyond Chrismukkah: The Christian-Jewish Interfaith Family in the United States
Samira K. Mehta. Univ. of North Carolina, $27.95 (272p) ISBN 978-1-4696-3636-8
Mehta explores how interfaith marriages between Christians and Jews help illuminate “the ways in which Americans navigate the meanings of ‘religion’ and ‘culture’ in their daily lives” in her comprehensive debut. Mehta begins with a 1988 legal case that established the limits of “religious expression” that a divorced parent could show to their children if those children were raised in a different religion. Mehta traces back from this point to explain how interfaith marriage had rapidly changed in the postwar era. Her analysis is thorough and impressive, dipping into how interfaith families navigate holidays and dissecting representations of interfaith marriage within popular culture (her analysis of the reception of the 1972 TV show Bridget Loves Bernie is particularly revealing). Mehta’s exploration of how religions are passed down from generation to generation will help readers understand how recent decreases in religious devotion and increased secularism in America has shifted social norms around marriage. However, stories of actual interfaith couples are largely absent (save a brief use of case studies near the end), which seems like a glaring omission. Mehta’s expansive book will be enlightening for academics interested in the subject of marriage in relation to religion and interfaith dialogue, particularly Jewish-Protestant and Jewish-Catholic dialogue. (Mar.)
Hardcover - 272 pages - 978-1-4696-3635-1
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The Gospel to Muslims
©August 29, 2010 by Asher Intrater
There is a popular teaching in the Muslim world today that Muhammed is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh). Mohammed's appearance in the Tanakh would give authority in their view that he is the final and greatest prophet, superseding Judaism and Christianity. I was interviewed briefly on Al Hayat TV about this issue.
In Song of Solomon 5:16, the Shulamite turns to the daughters of Jerusalem and states that her beloved is "desirable." The word in Hebrew here is "Makhmadhim." The root "khamad" is the same root as the name "Mukhamad." The root means desirable. It is also the root of the word in the Ten Commandments, "Thou shall not covet." In modern Hebrew, the word "Khamud" is a common nickname for friends and lovers, meaning, "sweet-heart."
Muslims claim that the word in Song of Solomon is a plural noun of honor referring to their prophet. The word is indeed a plural noun but it is obviously not referring to anyone; it is describing the character of the beloved in the poem. This word is parallel to the noun that comes before it, saying that the mouth of the beloved is "sweet." The original Hebrew has both in a plural noun form, "sweet things" and "desirable things."
I mentioned that it is good for Muslims, Jews and Christians alike to refer to the text of the Tanakh, since indeed it should be the original source of authority for all three religions. Song of Solomon was written approximately 1,000 years before the time of Yeshua (Jesus), and 1,600 years before the time of Muhammed.
For thirty years I have been involved with reconciliation conferences with Arab Christians. It has been my dream that we would go beyond just reconciliation and begin to cooperate in sharing the gospel and advancing the kingdom together.
About 10 years ago I was scheduled to speak at a reconciliation conference in Jordan. I told the organizers that I wanted to teach in Hebrew. They said that to arrange the translation would be too difficult. However, some Arab Pastors from Iraq heard the conversation and ran up to say that they wanted to hear the gospel in Hebrew.
At that moment a revelation was birthed in my heart. There are many intense feelings among Arabs toward Jewish people. Because of Jihadist indoctrination, much of those feelings are extremely antagonistic. There is an obsession in the Muslim world concerning Israel. I believe that obsession can be used by God for good. For Arab Muslims to hear the gospel preached to them from a Jew, from Israel, in Hebrew (with translation or subtitles) would be a captivating and transforming experience.
We desire to share the gospel with Muslims. Our effort has primarily been to support Arab evangelists who risk their lives to share the good news with their own people. They do more than we could ever do. (We thank God for such partners as Harun, Basaam, Zach, Jack, Samir, Victor, Amir and many others.) The time has come for the message of love and salvation, coupled with racial reconciliation, to go forth from Arabs to Jews, and from Jews to Arabs.
Here is a summary of the second message I recorded last week with our friends at Al Hayat (- we hope this is just the beginning):
"For centuries there has been great enmity between our peoples. There is only one way to escape this cycle of hatred; it comes from Yeshua the Messiah. He taught: "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you" – Matthew 5:44. He is the only person in history to teach this kind of love.
He not only taught this love, He lived it. He gave His life on the cross to forgive us of sins and to break the cycle of hatred. Someone had to take the first step. Yeshua's act of sacrificial love was that first step. It was an intervention of God to stop the cycle of hatred to start the cycle of love. On the cross, Yeshua prayed, "Father, forgive them; they do not know what they are doing" – Luke 23:34.
Those of you from Muslim background might say that it is forbidden for you to believe in Yeshua as the Son of God. But it is also forbidden to us as Jews to believe in Him. Yet today there are thousands of Jews and Muslims who have found salvation and reconciliation through Yeshua the Messiah. Through Him we can become spiritual brothers and sisters in love.
If you want to get out of the cycle of hatred, there is a way. I cannot determine for you what you want. I cannot make you want to escape that hatred. But for those of you who DO want to get out of that hatred, I have good news for you: THERE IS A WAY. Yeshua is that way (John 14:6). Hatred is a form of spiritual darkness. Yeshua is the light of the world (John 1:5, 9).
Everyone says they want peace. But a peace treaty without love will never be successful. Until the hatred is taken out of our hearts, there can never be peace. Only the sacrificial love of Yeshua on the cross can take the hatred out. We must make a distinction between cause and effect. Peace is the effect. Love is the cause. Yeshua is the source of true love from God.
We reach out our hands to you in Yeshua's name. Come to Him to find forgiveness, eternal life, divine love - and even reconciliation between Jew and Arab."
Please pray for all those who are sharing the gospel with Muslims. It is a critical mandate in this generation. Pray for the gospel of salvation and reconciliation to go forth between Jews and Arabs alike.
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First Circuit affirms civil contempt order against reporter
Protecting Sources and Materials
News Media Update FIRST CIRCUIT Confidentiality/Privilege
A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals in Boston upheld a lower court’s contempt finding and $1,000-per-day fine of a TV reporter who has refused to reveal the identity of a confidential source.
June 22, 2004 — A federal appeals court panel in Boston yesterday upheld a civil contempt finding against Jim Taricani, a reporter for WJAR-TV in Providence, R.I., who has refused to obey a court order to reveal the confidential source who gave him a videotape of an undercover FBI investigation.
Taricani appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals in Boston (1st Cir.) after U.S. District Court Judge Ernest C. Torres found Taricani in contempt on March 16 and ordered him to pay a $1,000-per-day fine until he revealed the identity of his source. The circuit court granted a temporary stay of the fine, pending the outcome of the appeal.
The three-judge panel — composed of Chief Judge Michael Boudin, Judge Kermit V. Lipez and Judge Jeffrey R. Howard — found that Taricani’s “First Amendment argument is an uphill one in light of the Supreme Court’s Branzburg decision.”
The 1972 decision Branzburg v. Hayes rejected a constitutionally-based privilege for reporters not to have to testimony before a grand jury investigating criminal charges. The First Circuit rejected Taricani’s argument that Branzburg should not apply outside the grand jury context, finding that “Branzburg governs in this case even though we are dealing with a special prosecutor rather than a grand jury.”
A protective order issued by Senior U.S. Judge Ronald R. Lagueux had barred the attorneys, investigators and defendants involved in the FBI investigation from releasing any of the videotapes. When Taricani received one of the tapes under a confidentiality agreement, and WJAR-TV aired it, a special prosecutor was appointed to investigate the leak.
The videotape, aired by WJAR in February 2001, shows a former Providence City Hall official taking a bribe from an undercover FBI informant in a sting dubbed “Operation Plunder Dome.” Former Providence Mayor Vincent “Buddy” Cianci Jr. was later convicted on corruption charges and is currently serving a five-year, three-month sentence in federal prison.
Turning to First Circuit precedent, the panel found that the leading cases in the circuit require “heightened sensitivity” to First Amendment concerns and invite a “balancing” of considerations.
However, a reporter’s confidential sources may be compelled when directly relevant to a good faith investigation or claim and alternative sources of information are not available, the panel wrote.
“In all events, in this case there is no doubt that the request to Taricani was for information highly relevant to a good faith criminal investigation; and, as already noted, that reasonable efforts were made to obtain the information elsewhere,” the panel held.
Judge Torres, of federal district court, held in an October 2003 decision that the special prosecutor’s need for the name of the source outweighed any harm to the free flow of information that might be caused by compelled disclosure.
According to a story in The Providence Journal today, Clare Eckert, vice president for advertising and promotion for WJAR, said: “We are evaluating our options as to our next step in the process. We maintain our position that if the courts can compel reporters to break their promise of confidentiality, many sources will withhold newsworthy information that is important to share with the public.”
(In re special proceedings; Media Counsel: Jonathan M. Albano, Boston, Mass.) — KM
TV reporter found in contempt for refusing to disclose source (3/17/2004)
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Miniature marvels
Scurrying the earth on filamentary legs, hovering the air with membranous wings while gathering pollen grains or fluttering between flowers and plants collecting food with their mandibles – the Sabi Sabi ecosystem is abuzz with insect life!
Insects make up millions of species on earth, and are the tiniest creatures in the animal kingdom. This diverse group of fascinating (and sometimes frightening!) creatures outnumber all other species, representing more than half of all known living organisms.
Characterised by an exoskeleton, usually 2 pairs of wings and six legs – insects start their life as an egg. Certain species go through a complete metamorphosis, until they have an unmistakable appearance, such as the long, green caterpillars which feed on Acacias, developing into the Lowveld Yellow butterfly that favours riverine vegetation.
These small beings are distinguished by small, divided bodies composed of a head, thorax and abdomen and each of these parts consist of many segments. The Praying Mantis has a triangular head that can turn almost 180 degrees in either direction. Swaying silently in the breeze, this predator patiently waits for its next kill to move closer….
Precisely adapted to the environments in which they live, insects are opportunistic eaters that feed on plants, other animals or decaying organic matter such as dung. Dung beetles are often seen whilst out on safari, rolling fresh Rhinoceros, Elephant or Buffalo dung into a ball. An egg is laid inside the ball, which the beetle may bury underground. They clean up decaying matter and carry nutrients underground, playing a vital role in the ecosystem.
Bees, ants and termites have developed a complex social structure in their colonies. Honey Bees have striking colouration to warn predators of their effective defences, and humans are well aware of their sharp sting. In colonies of up to 50,000, they communicate location of food to one another through a series of “waggle dances”. These figure of 8 movements vary in intensity to show distance, and direction, to the nearest foraging area.
Cacophonous sounds, so characteristic of the African bushveld, are created by various members of the Cicada family. The Cicada female is attracted to the song of the males, a sound produced by the thrumming of a pair of membranes called tymbals, in the base of their abdomens. The sound of the larger Cicadas is reputed to reach up to 120 decibels at close range – the loudest sound on earth for its maker’s size: piercing enough to be painful to the human ear, and strident enough to scare off predatory birds. Although male Cicadas make their shrill, monotonous call in the heat of the day, their perfect camouflage, as they lie up against the trunks of trees, makes sightings very difficult.
Stalking in the shadows or crouched under a rock, the wingless arachnids exist in an intertwined culture with insects. Mainly carnivorous, spiders and scorpions are on certain levels more developed than insects. Fangs that inject venom, abdomens extruding silk and an extra pair of legs have earned them the status of intensely feared animals, but they generally don’t fit the usual criteria as a major threat in the animal kingdom because of their small size.
Feelings of aversion, fear and anxiety are easily evoked when crossing paths with perhaps the scariest being in all of the bushveld…..a spider-like, scorpion-resembling creature that is non-venomous and does not produce silk. It is identified by its large, formidable jaws used for killing prey, and the leg-like appendages in front (called pedipalps) which give it the appearance of having ten legs. This is a solifugae called the Sunspider, aggressively carnivorous or omnivorous…..it comes out after dark…. to hunt and feed on insects, spiders and perhaps the occasional rat or snake.
However fearful we humans may be of these tiny creatures much smaller than ourselves, our world cannot exist without some of them. The role they play in the daily biodiversity of our habitat is to a great degree unknown, but one thing is sure, we need them to stay. So let’s live and let live, swallow our fears and allow them to fulfil their daily tasks knowing that our world is all the better with them.
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August 14, 2013 3:00PM ET
Paul McCartney Producer Previews ‘Revelatory’ New Album
Ethan Johns on working with the Beatle and what’s next for his own solo career
Simon Vozick-Levinson
Deputy Music Editor
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Paul McCartney and Ethan Johns.
Jordi Vidal/Redferns via Getty Images; Tim Mosenfelder/Getty Images
Early last year, Ethan Johns got a special request from Paul McCartney. “I got a call saying, ‘Would you like to go into the studio with Paul?'” recalls the English producer. “And of course I said, ‘I would love to!'”
McCartney was in the process of auditioning producers for his 16th solo studio LP, due out this fall. He called Johns because he liked his work with Kings of Leon. “It was very low-key,” says Johns (whose father is Beatles, Stones and Who producer Glyn Johns). “[The idea was,] ‘Let’s just go and hang out for a few days, play some music, have a bit of fun and see what we come up with.'”
McCartney and Johns hit it off immediately after meeting up at London’s AIR Studios, where they cut a ballad called “Hosannah” to analog tape using vintage instruments. “The first day we had was remarkable,” says Johns. “He walked in with this incredible song, we threw up a couple of microphones and within four hours, we had this great track. I think we did an edit between the first two takes. It had an incredible feel – a really evocative piece of music, a very interesting lyric, and the performance was great. Then we started to experiment with it, and I put a bunch of psychedelic strangeness on it. You have fun. ‘Oh, try this! Do that!’ It’s just very inspiring to be around.”
Johns was impressed by how open McCartney was to collaborating. “The first thing he said was, ‘What do you feel like doing?'” Johns says. “I could have said, ‘Let’s spend the day making percussion loops with drum machines,’ and he would have been, ‘Great! Let’s do that!’ I don’t think he ever said ‘No,’ which is kind of the mark of who he is as an artist, really. He’s always up for trying something new.”
They continued working together one-on-one at Abbey Road Studios, where McCartney laid down guitar, bass, drums and keyboard parts (again recording to tape); Johns contributed guitar, keys and drums. “It was revelatory for me, recording Paul in that space having listened to the sound of those Beatles records,” says the producer. “He plugged in his bass, I put a microphone in front of it, walked upstairs into the control room, pushed the fader up, and [that sound] came out of the speakers immediately. I didn’t have to do anything! It was a pretty major light bulb for me. People get so fixated on the equipment and the gear, and those things are important – but ultimately, the bass sound on Revolver is Paul. Paul could be playing anything and he will get that sound.”
Johns and McCartney recorded a total of four new songs over the three to four weeks they spent in the studio. It remains to be seen how many of those songs will end up on the final album, which has no confirmed title or release date; over the past year-plus, McCartney has also cut potential tracks with producers including Mark Ronson, Adele hitmaker Paul Epworth and Giles Martin (son of Beatles producer George Martin).
Since working with McCartney, Johns has continued to expand his impressive resume, producing Laura Marling’s excellent album Once I Was an Eagle. He’s also stepped in front of the microphone for a solo album of his own, If Not Now Then When? “I would make recordings with my friends, but we were just having fun,” Johns says of how his solo career started. “It’s pretty much all we do, anyway. We just sit around and play music and make recordings of it. But I found after a few sessions that there was something special about these ones.”
After wrapping a short North American tour If Not Now Then When? earlier this month, Johns was off to meet his old friend Ryan Adams at Adams’ Los Angeles studio. Johns has produced several of the singer-songwriter’s albums, including 2000’s Heartbreaker and 2001’s Gold. This time around, they’re switching roles, with Adams producing Johns’ next project – a narrative-based concept LP. “I won’t give you the story exactly, because we’d be here all day,” Johns says with a laugh. “But it follows a pair of brothers that were born on a farm in England, one of whom is quite innocent and the other one is slightly more complex and a darker character. They end up coming out to America around the turn of the century, maybe a little bit before. And the story is of the younger brother trying to find the older brother, who’s becoming more and more famous for his exploits as he travels across the country.”
Adds Johns, “I’m loving writing it. It’s quite a challenge, I have to say! But it’s nearly there.”
In This Article: Paul McCartney, The Beatles
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Los Angeles Is in Crisis. So Why Isn’t It Building More Housing?
A homeless encampment in Los Angeles. Philip Pilosian/Shutterstock
By Reihan Salam,
Executive editor of National Review,
COMMENTARY | Rising rents are feeding a surge in homelessness.
A few short months ago, Eric Garcetti, the mayor of Los Angeles, was giving serious consideration to running for the Democratic presidential nomination. Now he finds himself in the midst of a homelessness crisis that could doom his political future.
If you were to conjure up the ideal California politician, you could do worse than Garcetti, a Jewish-Mexican-American Rhodes Scholar with a gift for gab, in English and Spanish, and a winningly unpretentious style. As if channeling a young Barack Obama, the mayor is fond of invoking storied moments from the American past—the Great Depression, the Second World War, the Civil Rights movement—to suggest that if previous generations were able to turn daunting challenges into historic accomplishments, then we ought to hold ourselves to the same exacting standard, a welcome alternative to the sourness and fatalism of other politicians on the left and right. But when it comes to Los Angeles’s long-running battle with homelessness, the mayor’s rhetoric looks more delusional than inspirational.
A month after Garcetti delivered his rousing State of the City Address, California released its annual homelessness count, revealing that after an encouraging 4 percent drop from 2017 to 2018, Los Angeles’s homeless population grew by 16 percent in 2019, bringing post-2011 growth up to 52 percent. These numbers would be alarming in any city, but in Los Angeles they are especially so because the city is the epicenter of a particularly brutal style of homelessness. Seventy-five percent of the city’s population is unsheltered, typhus and typhoid threaten to create a public health emergency, and a growing number of homeless people are either the perpetrators or the victims of violent crime.
The mayor’s response has been to increase public spending on homelessness sharply, but he’s had frustratingly little to show for it. When the homelessness issue burst onto the front page a few years ago, Garcetti jumped into action with an ambitious plan to build emergency shelters in all 15 districts of the city. But as the mayor soon discovered, the issue with an “emergency” plan oriented around construction is that Los Angeles is a far cry from Bob Moses’s New York. Eighty percent of the shelters have been held up by red tape and community resistance. The short-term measures, then, must take the city’s built environment as a given.
A new sales tax boosted the city’s budget for dealing with homelessness to over $600 million, or $20,000 per homeless person, while a bond issuance brought in $1.2 billion to go toward constructing an estimated 10,000 housing units over the next decade, all of which would be preserved for people transitioning off the street or in danger of ending up there. Los Angeles has taken about 16 percent of the funds from its recent sales tax increase and packaged it as vouchers to offer to a share of its homeless population, allowing them to buy into the rental marketplace with the understanding that their subsidy will fade over the course of the year, shifting the burden onto the new renter.
While Los Angeles is right to want a program that moves people toward self-sufficiency—both for the sake of the homeless themselves and to protect the city’s coffers—the steep monthly increases as the vouchers fade out often outpace the low-wage, part-time work the recipients are able to find. Unsurprisingly, for an alarming share of recipients, the program is more of a one-year reprieve rather than the start of a new, stable life. Short of doing something serious about the underlying cost of housing in Los Angeles, a limited pool of voucher dollars will forever chase rising rents.
Before the city’s new homelessness count was released,the mayor had been touting the 20,000 people the city had moved off the street and into some form of housing. What we now know, however, is that while the Garcetti administration was helping to move 380 people off the street each week, some 480 others were joining the ranks of homeless Angelenos. Put another way, until someone does something about the city’s larger housing crisis, homelessness will be as much a part of the city’s landscape as Runyon Canyon.
Would building more housing bring an end to homelessness in L.A.? That might be too much to ask. As in most U.S. cities, a large share of the city’s homeless are thought to be emotionally or mentally ill. The slice of Los Angeles’ homeless population dealing with mental illness is believed to be about25 percent—relatively modest when compared to San Francisco, where an estimated 35 percent are struggling with mental illness, but still a substantial portion of the total.
Moreover, the city’s mild climate makes living outdoors a more viable option than in colder communities. The notorious encampments at Skid Row and in Venice Beach do not have counterparts in Manhattan, and it is safe to assume that a large number of seriously mentally ill people live in these parallel communities. Los Angeles also attracts an enormous number of homeless young adults from elsewhere in the United States and abroad. Among the18- to 24-year-olds living on L.A.’s streets, whose numbers grew by nearly 25 percent this past year, a disproportionate share are newcomers to the city, who don’t have strong ties to the region.
These populations present knotty issues for city officials. Still, the fact that these populations are a distinct minority ought to give us hope that the majority of the city’s homeless can be reached through conventional public policy—that is, through reforms designed to increase the supply of housing, including low-cost, no-frills housing that can meet the needs of the very poor. If 10 years down the road, Los Angeles’s median rent has been pushed downward as a result of denser building, Skid Row might very well still exist as a home to people facing down hellish battles with mental illness and addiction. But at that point, the city would have the breathing room to focus on helping the hardest cases. Getting there is the hard part.
One of the ironies of this unfolding humanitarian disaster is that homelessness is a problem most pronounced in successful cities, where dynamic economies all too often meet rigidly regulated housing markets. As my Manhattan Institute colleague Stephen Eide observed in National Affairs, homelessness is not the product of poverty per se. Rather, homelessness is no small part an artifact of being poor in a place where ferocious competition for a severely constrained supply of homes drives up rents. To offer one example of this dynamic at work, Detroit’s poverty rate is twice that of New York City’s, but because of its notably inexpensive real estate, it maintains a homelessness rate a third the size.
Los Angeles offers an example of this dynamic in extremis. In his incisiveAmerican Affairs essay on L.A.’s homelessness crisis, Jacob Siegel highlighted a study by Zillow which showed that you start to see a rising rate of homelessness once a city’s average rent reaches 22 percent of median income, and an even more rapid rate of increase once that number hits 32 percent. In Los Angeles, the average rent is 49 percent of median income. Some studies have shown that the city has as many as 600,000 people who regularly put as much as 90 percent of their monthly income toward rent. Simply put, these people need a lucky bounce to not end up homeless.
This lucky bounce might have come from California’s state government, where ambitious fixes to the statewide housing shortage have been in play. Earlier this year, to his credit, Governor Newsom set the goal of building 3.5 million new housing units in California over the next seven years, an implicit acknowledgment that insufficient housing supply was the driving force behind the state’s ruinously high rents.
This was a controversial stance for a progressive politician whose ideological allies often prefer to blame profit-hungry landlords and absentee owners. The substance to make good on Newsom’s promise was to be found in Senate Bill 50, an ambitious proposal from Scott Wiener, a state senator from San Francisco with unimpeachable left-wing credentials. In essence, SB 50 would have preempted local restrictions on density within neighborhoods that are well-served by public transportation or in close proximity to employment centers.
In a nod to political reality, Wiener and his allies softened some of the bill’s more controversial provisions as it made its way through the legislature. Both its supporters and detractors understood the bill would have done a great deal to boost California’s housing stock over time. But the bill died in committee, sunk by anti-growth legislators who denounced it as a threat to local control.
When a bill to help the most vulnerable people in California fails, one can hardly blame Sacramento’s dwindling band of conservative legislators, as they are very much on the margins of the state’s political life. They can hardly muster the votes to name a park bench, let alone decide the fate of the California’s housing regulations. As Michael Hendrix, also of MI, has observed, the real culprits are self-described progressives, such as Paul Koretz, who represents West Hollywood on the Los Angeles City Council, who suggested that SB 50 would take his district’s neighborhoods of single-family homes and make them “look like Dubai in 10 years.” Then, from the other side of town, Damien Goodmon, the president of the Crenshaw Subway Coalition, suggested that the potential gentrification of his neighborhood amounted to a “Twenty-first century Trail of Tears.”
I sympathize with Koretz and Goodmon’s devotion to the built environment they know and cherish. The sprawling single-family neighborhoods of Los Angeles are often quite beautiful. It is hardly surprising that they’d want to fight against what they perceive to be disruptive change. The trouble is that their resistance to one form of disruptive change, as represented by the gradual replacement of single-family homes with higher-density apartment buildings that could house many more families at far lower cost, is contributing to another form of disruptive change—the transformation of large swaths of Los Angeles into unsanitary homeless encampments, where women, men, and children are forced to spend much of their waking hours fending off vermin.
And what did Garcetti have to say about SB 50? Though he refused to sign a Los Angeles City Council resolution denouncing the bill, the mayor didn’t come out in favor of it either, choosing instead to triangulate. In an exchange with Liam Dillon of the Los Angeles Times, Garcetti suggested that while he favored allowing the construction of duplexes and triplexes in keeping with the character of existing single-family neighborhoods, which he claimed had the potential to boost the city’s housing supply by as much as 50 percent, he felt Wiener’s bill went much too far.
It was exactly the sort of statement one would expect from a shrewd politician. By touting the virtues of duplexes and triplexes, Garcetti sounded righteous without committing himself to anything concrete enough to anger the likes of Paul Koretz. Meanwhile, L.A.’s homelessness crisis rages on.
Reihan Salam is the president of the Manhattan Institute and a contributing editor at The Atlantic.
NEXT STORY: Data Highlight State-by-State Benefits of Federal Natural Disaster Mitigation Grants
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Home | About Us
“We take pride in the way we look because we take pride in what we do”
I’ve been a registered nurse for over 25 years and I have worked in everything from cancer research and dermatology to plastic surgery. I found my way into my current field of cosmetic aesthetics simply because I have always had a passion for helping people look and feel their best. About 14 years ago, I made it a personal mission to incorporate art into the science of enhancing outer and inner beauty and I have been doing so ever since.
Today, I spend a great deal of time training other RNs and Doctors around the world in injectable techniques. I work closely with our Medical Director, Dr. Leif Rogers. We have a full staff that shares the same philosophy. You can feel confident that you will receive the best service and advice from all of our RN’s.
The Story Behind Pretty Hurts
I’ve been telling my clients for years that “pretty hurts,” and at RRA, we believe in saying “No” when “Yes” won’t enhance your natural beauty. But when Julie Auerbach from Go Go Luckey Productions approached me about doing a reality show that lets people see how Hollywood stays looking so good, after much thought, I said, “Yes.” That’s how the show Pretty Hurts was born.
Now, everyone can tune in and learn why pretty doesn’t really hurt all that much and hopefully have as much fun watching as we have making the show by doing what
we do for our patients every day.
Lastly, I’d like to send a very special thank you to my family, friends, and clients for their unwavering support over the years. You’ve all helped me make this happen. I’m grateful for you all and for the opportunity to help people look and feel more beautiful every day.
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ACHIEVING LITERACY AND EDUCATION
Answers for Better Education and Literacy
» HOW WE HELP
PROVIDING TOOLS FOR LITERACY AND
LEARNING TO MILLIONS
Applied Scholastics International is a secular nonprofit public benefit corporation that addresses head-on the problem of illiteracy by making broadly available L. Ron Hubbard’s discoveries in the field of education and literacy.
Mr. Hubbard recognized the deep effects on society of lowered education standards and literacy levels, observing that the illiterate or functionally illiterate, denied work and opportunity, often fall prey to criminality, vice or drugs. Thus, he embarked on an examination of the subject of study and isolated the precise causes for the success or failure of any activity or study.
APPLIED SCHOLASTICS addresses head-on the PROBLEM of ILLITERACY by making broadly available L. RON HUBBARD’S EDUCATIONAL BREAKTHROUGHS.
So fundamental were his discoveries to the field of education, he released them for broad use.
Applied Scholastics has been dedicated for more than four decades to making these solutions to learning and literacy available internationally.
Applied Scholastics is a fully independent, nondenominational organization supported by the Church of Scientology and by Scientologists dedicated to raising educational standards throughout the world. Applied Scholastics recognizes that the world will one day rest in the hands of today’s children, and that how well they are equipped to carry this society forward depends on how well they are educated.
Ensuring quality education for today’s students to ensure a brighter future for all is the mission of Applied Scholastics.
HALTING THE DECLINE
OF EDUCATION
Nearly half of all American adults—60 million people—are functionally illiterate. Eight million students have been labeled as “learning disabled,” with prescription drugs too often the “remedy” rather than the three “Rs.”
The United States Department of Education reports that every year, one in three high school students—more than 1.2 million—drop out.
APPLIED SCHOLASTICS GLOBAL CENTER OF
As early as the 1950s, L. Ron Hubbard recognized the failings of the educational system. In answer to this crisis, he began developing an actual “technology” of learning with which to master any subject. These educational breakthroughs are collectively known as Study Technology. They provide students at every age and educational level with the missing ingredient of much of modern education—the ability to learn how to learn.
Applied Scholastics International works with hundreds of affiliated schools and educational programs throughout the world, providing the effective learning tools developed by L. Ron Hubbard.
The Delphi Program is a private school model with its flagship Delphian School in Sheridan, Oregon, and a network of six other schools in major urban centers around the United States.
UNDERPERFORMERS TO ACHIEVERS THROUGH
TUTORING PROGRAMS
In addition to a host of community-based tutoring groups that span the globe, Applied Scholastics Study Technology centers and tutors in the United States provide after-school tutoring in 12 states under the Supplemental Education Services (SES) Program. In just one year, Applied Scholastics SES tutors delivered over 8,500 tutoring hours in 50 schools across 36 school districts, and the program has steadily expanded since its launch.
GRASS-ROOTS MOVEMENT IGNITES CHANGE
WORLD LITERACY CRUSADE
World Literacy Crusade (WLC) is a grass-roots literacy movement founded by an inner-city minister in response to the civil disturbances that shook Los Angeles in 1992.
Recognizing the relationship between illiteracy, drugs and crime, the minister challenged local leaders, parents, youth and educators to change conditions in their neighborhoods.
ADVANCING LITERACY & EDUCATION
ACROSS THE GLOBE
The Applied Scholastics network of educators, tutoring centers and schools reach out to improve literacy and education not only in their own areas but beyond. From seminars and workshops to comprehensive permanent programs, teams of educators take Study Technology to underserved populations.
RESULTS OF IMPLEMENTING
The need to study does not end with formal education. Anyone in the work force, whether on the factory floor or in the executive suite, must have the ability to assimilate, retain and then apply important information. Success in life depends on it.
Applied Scholastics is making it possible for anyone to acquire this skill.
Results of Implementing the Program
Halting the Decline of Education
APPLIED SCHOLASTICS COMMUNITY LEARNING CENTER OF CLEARWATER
Providing Tools for Literacy and Learning to Millions
Applied Scholastics Global Center of Study Technology
Applied Scholastics Affiliated Schools
Underperformers to Achievers Through Tutoring Programs
Grass-Roots Movement Ignites Change World Literacy Crusade
Advancing Literacy & Education Across the Globe
Applied Scholastics Activities Around the World
Achieving literacy & education
Download a free copy of the Barriers to Study booklet.
FREE DOWNLOAD »
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The Alliance Team
Invest Scotland
Smart Cities Scotland
Investment Prospectus
Sectoral Narratives
Upcoming and Past Events
INVEST IN SCOTLAND – MINISTER DEREK MACKAY HOSTS INVESTORS FOR BUSINESS BREAKFAST IN LONDON
Three of Scotland’s biggest commercial real estate propositions for 2018 will be unveiled to investors in London today at a business breakfast hosted by Derek Mackay, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Constitution.
The potential investments include a £137m opportunity in Bothwell Street in Glasgow, the £150m Queen’s Square, Aberdeen proposition and the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland in Renfrewshire which is seeking £250m in investment. These opportunities will be presented to a targeted audience of investors, intermediaries and leading decision makers at Scotland House, the Scottish Government’s headquarters in London.
This event is the second of its kind at Scotland House in a push by Scotland’s economic agencies - Scottish Development International, the international arm of Scotland’s enterprise agencies, and the Scottish Cities Alliance, which is the seven cities and Scottish Government working together to boost economic growth, along with the Scottish Property Federation, the voice of the country’s real estate industry - working together to pool resources and maximise results.
Finance Secretary Mr Mackay said: “With more than 2,300 foreign-owned companies employing a total of 317,000 staff here and realising a combined turnover of £86 billion, foreign direct investment plays a vital role in Scotland’s economy. A recent study reported that for every £1 spent on attracting inward investment, £9 is generated for our economy.
“Attracting inward investment is a key priority for the Scottish Government – something which assumes even more importance in light of Brexit – and is one of the aims of our Trade and Investment Strategy. The events at Scotland House, our innovation and investment hub in London, bring together senior investors, fund managers and decision makers to hear more about the benefits of investing in Scotland.”
The latest EY Scotland Attractiveness Survey (2017) highlighted that Scotland won a record number of investments from overseas in 2016, with 122 foreign direct investment deals done over the course of the year, up from 119 in 2015. EY’s report showed for the fifth year in a row, Scotland was the second most popular part of the UK to invest in behind London.
Events such as this aim to maintain Scotland’s high ranking with the message that Scotland is a low-risk location with a variety of robust, investor ready propositions and a track record of success with international companies such as Spire, Genpact, Corporate Health and Dexcom all setting up operations here.
Neil Francis, interim managing director of Scottish Development International, said: “Much of Scotland’s success in attracting international investment comes from the strength of our connected cities and competitive business environment, and together with the Scottish Cities Alliance, we are actively engaging with target audiences in London and further afield to promote Scotland to international influencers.
“We must continue to build on the international connections that exist across many parts of our economy to attract new investment, and this event at Scotland House is a great example of how we are working closely with partners to combine our voices, networks and resources to secure economic impact for Scotland.”
The propositions on show will demonstrate the strength of Scotland’s investment opportunity across the country with the public sector agencies working closely with the private sector.
Aberdeen’s Queen’s Square project centres on the city living approach in a bid to deliver housing and re-energise the heart of the city.
Chief Officer for City Growth at Aberdeen City Council, Richard Sweetnam, is presenting the city’s Queen’s Square scheme to the invite-only audience. He said: “This is a great opportunity to showcase the major investment potential in Aberdeen directly to London-based investors as well as several international investors. We are the first Scottish city to float a bond on the stock market, we have thriving energy, digital and life science sectors and Aberdeen is soon to be Scotland’s first gigabit-speed fibre broadband city, so we have all the infrastructure in place for investors to make this their destination of choice.
“Queen’s Square offers an excellent opportunity for the right investor – with a residential-led mixed use urban quarter in the heart of Aberdeen, the project has a GDV of £150million and sits next to the new Marischal Square development which brought in £107million to Aberdeen’s economy. Events such as this, working with our partners in the Scottish Cities Alliance along with Scottish Development International, offer a fantastic opportunity to highlight the huge potential of Aberdeen.”
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Copyright © 2016- 2019 Scottish Cities Alliance. All rights reserved.
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Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images
Florida’s Fight Over GM Mosquitoes Going to a Vote
Tuesday's referendum will weigh heavily on whether the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District proceeds with the test.
By Irene Klotz
Scientists say there is strong evidence that the Zika virus can be controlled by releasing genetically modified male mosquitoes into the wild so they can mate with the disease-spreading females to produce sterile offspring.
But plans for a trial run in Key Haven, Fla., an unincorporated community just east of Key West, have been so controversial that officials decided to put it to a public vote.
Tuesday's referendum is non-binding, but will weigh heavily on whether the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District proceeds with the test, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in August.
The genetically modified mosquitoes have been tested in Brazil, Panama and the Caymen Islands, where they reduced the wild population of Zika-bearing Aedes aegypti mosquitoes by more than 90 percent, according to British biotechnology company Oxitec, which developed the engineered strain of mosquitoes.
"In comparison, current technologies such as insecticides are only 30-to 50 percent effective at best," Oxitec spokesman Matthew Warren told Seeker.
In addition to the Zika virus, which can cause birth defects and other disorders, Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are responsible for the spread of dengue and chikungunya. It's the female mosquitoes that do the biting, spreading disease in their wake.
WATCH VIDEO: Why Can't We Get Rid of Mosquitoes?
Oxitec's solution is to engineer a gene in the males, which are then released into the wild so they can mate with the females. Any offspring that result from the union will carry an engineered "kill switch" and die before maturing enough to mate or bite, drastically reducing the population.
"We have now released more than 180 million of our male self-limiting mosquitoes worldwide. And there have been no reports of adverse impacts in any of these releases," Warren said.
The trial in the Florida Keys would be the first in the United States.
"The genetically modified mosquitoes are incredibly promising. They've been incredibly successful in many of the cases where they've been tested for Zika so far. I think that they have tremendous promise in the United States, but there are obviously a lot of fears," ecologist Colin Carlson, with the University of California, Berkeley, told Seeker.
Among those opposed to the Florida trial is a group of physicians, led by Dr. John Norris, who have questions about whether Oxitec's mosquitoes, which are dependent on the antibiotic tetracycline to survive, will end up spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
RELATED: Army of Modified Mosquitoes Set to Fight Zika
"We do not know what to expect when millions of mosquitoes are released on small neighborhoods possibly covered in resistant germs," the doctors wrote in a petition to the Florida Keys Mosquito Control Board.
If the board decides to proceed with the trial, the doctors want to conduct a study to see if residents have altered bacterial resistance patterns.
Whether the referendum passes or not, one thing is certain: the spread of the Zika virus in South Florida is growing.
"We're still trying to figure out how severe it's going to be," Carlson said. "From a public health perspective, it's not a great situation."
Pending approval by the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District, Oxitec's test could begin next year.
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Saracens - Being a Barbarian is like having a clean slate - Casey
Being a Barbarian is like having a clean slate - Casey
Hannah Casey was one of the standout players as the club retained its Tyrrells Premier 15s title.
The hard running centre made an impact in both attack and defence, with her efforts recognised behind the scenes by her fellow players and the coaching staff.
Earlier this month the Ireland international was one of two Saracens Women players, along with Georgie Gulliver, to run out in the famous black and white jersey of the Barbarians against England Women at Twickenham.
She was approached by Fiona Stockley after the TP15s Semi-Final win over Wasps FC Ladies and while she was taken aback by the offer, there was no question in her mind of accepting the opportunity.
“To get to play in the historic double header at Twickenham was just mind-blowing. I was extremely excited but also so nervous as the Barbarians are a team of high calibre players from all over the world and I didn’t want to let anyone down.
“To be included in this set up was a massive honour and to be playing at Twickenham stadium again five years on was just surreal.”
Match weeks with the Barbarians are just as well known for their preparations off the field as on it, and Hannah’s week was no different.
“It lived up to expectations. When we met on the Monday, we had our inductions and then went out as a squad for dinner and possibly a couple (or more) drinks to get to know each other.
“The next day after a double training session we met up with the men’s team for a few pre-drinks before going to dinner. We had to sit at mixed tables so Richard Hibbard and Joe Marler had the pleasure of mine, Nolli (Danielle Waterman) and HK’s (Heather Kerr) company.
“It was amusing getting to know them and them us in return, I don’t think they knew how to take us or our dry cutting humour, but we did have a laugh and more beers!”
The Barbarians team was made up of players from all across the globe including New Zealand, France, Sweden, England, Wales and Ireland.
However, the special nature of the Baabaas means there were no clash of cultures and gave Hannah a unique experience that many players could only dream of.
“The special part was getting to know the other players and stories of their rugby journeys and how they came to be a Barbarian.
“There is so much passion within rugby and at international level it is a roller-coaster of emotions, so to hear about others highlights as well as tribulations was very moving.
“Being a Barbarian is like having a clean slate. Nothing previous matters because you are playing for the pride of the shirt and those players around you.
“Also, special shout out to my fellow black sheep Justine Lavea. Her spirit and energy lifted everyone in camp and I made a friend for life!”
The match itself was a bit of a Saracens affair with six Sarries players in the England Red Roses team. While it can be an odd experience to be in opposition to club teammates, for Hannah it was simply a case of playing them in the same way she would anyone else.
“I have huge respect for my Saracens teammates but at that time they were the opposition and I wouldn’t go easier just because I know them. It was nice at the post match meal as we integrated with the England team and I was back sitting with the Sarries girls having a catch up with Rosie (Galligan) and (Sarah) McKenna.”
The match at Twickenham was the culmination of a season that saw her return to Saracens after a short stint away from the club.
Even with the sense of familiarity though there’s always some trepidation when you come into a playing group. Especially one so used to success.
“At the start of the season it was slightly daunting getting back into the swing of things and learning the way my teammates played. It did make it easier knowing most of them already as it wasn’t a new club just me returning after a break.
“Obviously being Premiership champions the year before there was a slight pressure and determination from everyone to maintain performance and keep building towards something remarkable.
“I was delighted to be a part of that and see the progress everyone made individually and as a team, it was something special and to top it off we did the double! So, to say I enjoyed it is an understatement!”
Sign up for your 2019/20 season tickets and check out our revamped membership benefits: http://bit.ly/2ID4fxT
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The legendary Mavis Staples sings at the Lucas
Doug Wyatt
For more than 40 years, Mavis Staples has been one of America's musical treasures.
When she graduated from high school in 1957, she hit the road with The Staple Singers, led by family patriarch Roebuck "Pops" Staples. Powered by Pops on guitar and daughter Mavis' soul-drenched voice, The Staple Singers became more than a popular gospel group; they were among the most compelling voices of a civil rights movement demanding change.
You can hear Mavis on Saturday night at the Lucas Theatre in a performance sponsored by the theater and Savannah's Department of Cultural Affairs.
"We're delighted to have someone of her stature here," said Ken Carter, the Lucas' executive director. "Mavis has been somebody we've wanted for a long time. She's been an artist who has reached across the racial divide and the generations."
The free tickets for the performance, Carter said, were "gone in a little over 24 hours" after the concert was announced. Those tickets, though, he noted, are "only reservations." Any tickets left unclaimed 10 minutes before the concert will be handed out to people waiting in line outside the theater, he said.
Staples is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, honored with her family in 1999.
In the mid-60s, The Staple Singers moved beyond their gospel roots, covering contemporary rock hits like Bob Dylan's "Masters of War" and "A Hard Rain's Gonna Fall." Dylan and Mavis dated for a time; he even proposed marriage but was turned down. Many years later, she told a reporter for the Washington Post that she eventually regretted her decision. "It was really too bad," she mused. "I often wonder when I see Bobby's son, Jakob, how would our son have looked and how would he have sounded."
The Staples became bona fide pop stars a few years later, hitting the Top 40 charts eight times between 1971 and 1975, including two No. 1 singles, "I'll Take You There" and "Let's Do It Again." Their hit "Who Took the Merry Out of Christmas?" remains a holiday favorite. Their appearance at The Band's "The Last Waltz," filmed by Martin Scorsese, is a highlight of what many critics consider one of the best music documentaries ever made.
As early as 1969, Mavis recorded her first solo album. Several of her solo efforts since have been produced by one of her most ardent fans, superstar Prince. Among the other numerous musicians she has performed and recorded with over the years are Ray Charles, Los Lobos, Dr. John, George Jones, Marty Stuart, Natalie Merchant, and Dylan - her 2003 duet with him on "Gotta Serve Somebody: The Gospel Songs of Bob Dylan" - was nominated for a Grammy.
Her latest album, "We'll Never Turn Back," marks a return to the civil rights movement and its music. Produced by celebrated sideman Ry Cooder, the album features such backing vocalists as the original Freedom Singers and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
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Snailhouse is an ongoing collection of songs by Mike Feuerstack. Obscuring the distinction between a singer-songwriter and a rock band, Snailhouse is always a labour of love. Over the course of three albums, an EP and a host of 7-inches and compilations, Snailhouse has garnered a very loyal following in the underground music world – enough to get him his own tribute record, even (on Sappy Records).
Snailhouse has attracted collaborators as diverse and renowned as Julie Doiron, Dave Draves, Aaron Booth, and members of Arcade Fire, Bell Orchestre, Maritime, and The Acorn. Feuerstack is also a founding member of the Wooden Stars, who besides offering four of their own acclaimed full length CDs since the mid-nineties, were awarded a Juno for best alternative album for their collaboration with Julie Doiron (curiously titled Julie Doiron and the Wooden Stars).
Fans of Snailhouse have come to expect many things - unique song-craft, stunning musicianship, and a lyrical prowess that is deceptive in its simplicity. From the bare acoustic recordings of 1994's Fine to the grandiose pop experiments of The Opposite is Also True (2001) to the subtle, skewed soul of The Silence Show (2005), Snailhouse takes genres both new and old and weaves them into something that can never be listened to the same way twice.
Lies on the Prize, his latest offering of gently enthusiastic pop songs, was produced by Jeremy Gara (Arcade Fire).
Mike Feuerstack lives in Montreal.
Snailhouse – Lies on the Prize
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Is a Destination Wedding Right For Me?
One of these five brides we spoke with might have the answers you're looking for.
By Mekita Rivas
Imagno
Wedding season is in full swing, which means that for those of us who are newly engaged — *raises hand* — now is the time to scope out what everyone else is doing to determine if it will work for your own upcoming nuptials. Destination weddings, in particular, are rapidly becoming more popular. According to The Knot, 25 percent of weddings now take place in some exotic locale or faraway island.
For many brides-to-be, a destination wedding is tempting, especially if you like to travel anyway. I’ve fantasized about saying “I do” in just about every corner of the world — from the picturesque Italian village of Positano (because who doesn’t want to gorge on pasta while overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea?) to the futuristic cityscape of Tokyo (Anthony Bourdain once said that if he could live in one place forever it would be Tokyo and, honestly, same).
But as is so often the case, fantasy rarely equals reality. If the upside to a destination wedding is having a cool story to tell and doing something different, the downsides can range from irritated family members, to stressful travel logistics, to lost-in-translation mishaps.
So how do you know if a destination wedding is really right for you?
“The top thing to think about when considering a destination wedding is cost,” says Janessa White, co-founder of Simply Eloped, which has produced more than 1,000 destination elopements. “Nobody should start a marriage with wedding debt, and it’s easy to rack up unexpected expenses with a destination wedding.”
Not only are destination weddings expensive for you, they can also be pretty pricey for your guests.
“The costs of traveling to a destination wedding, combined with other complications — such as not being able to get time off work and health problems that restrict travel — can mean many of your invited guests may be unable to attend,” White explains.
Of course, money is probably going to be a deciding factor for most people regardless of where you have your wedding, so why not do what you want? Marisela Martínez, weddings and special events manager at the Krystal Grand Punta Cancún Hotel in Cancún, Mexico, advises brides to do the following when thinking about a destination wedding:
Stick with a budget
Identify the exact destination
Anticipate changes in weather and consider plans B and C for venue spaces
Find the perfect hotel or other accommodations for guests
Be OK with not seeing the venue in person before the big day
That last one is a definite hang-up for me. Not having a crystal clear vision of what The Most Important Day Of My Life will look like doesn’t sit well with my need for control. How will I ensure that my destination wedding will A) run smoothly, and B) reflect my personality?
For starters, Martínez says, definitely have someone on the ground who can be a point of contact. In many cases, this means making the investment of hiring a professional if they’re not provided by the venue you select. “The bride should have an idea of what she wants to recreate, but the rest is up to the wedding planner. They will take care of all the details.”
While I’m still not sure if a destination wedding will work out for my fiancé and I, it did for the five women below. I asked them about the highs and lows of the planning process, what made their big day so memorable, and whether they have any regrets.
Nicole Geldart; Destination: Freeport, Bahamas
What she loved: "The planning process was very smooth for the most part. It was easy to set up the block of rooms, secure the wedding date with a deposit, and answer questions from the resort’s guest services and groups manager. The resort provided wedding package options and a spreadsheet to fill out specifics, so it was easy for us make our choices."
What she regrets: "That more people couldn’t come. And some guests could only stay a few days, and I didn't get more one-on-one time with them."
Dr. Love Photography
Her advice: "Make sure you have a wedding dress that travels well because you will be lugging it around the airport and trying to stuff it into overhead bins on the plane. Get there a day earlier than everyone else to check in and meet with your coordinator and photographer. Also, if the venue provides a photographer, set aside time before the wedding to explain the shots you want. Then set aside an hour to go over the photos with your partner in the next day or two after your wedding."
Erica Shaver; Destination: Yosemite National Park
Marji LangGetty Images
What she loved: "Cost. It’s pretty cheap to get married in a national park. Most do not allow decorations, but you don't really want them anyway — the beauty of the park shines on its own. There’s a one-time fee of $150 or less depending on the park. We figured that we would have flown there for our honeymoon anyway, so we just chose to do it the other way around. Plus we got to share Yosemite with our families. None of us had been there before, so it was a very special and memorable experience."
What she regrets: "We wanted a small ceremony with our immediate family members. My best friend was initially disappointed that she would not be there for the ceremony. I couldn’t have invited her and not other friends. It was easier to draw the line at just immediate family. We did not talk for a couple of months, but once we did we were able to explain how we felt, leaving our emotions beside, and things got better."
Dawn Kelly Photography
Her advice: "I would have liked more than six months to work things out in a less rushed fashion. Try to make a contingency plan for everything, and realize that not everything will go as planned. It helped me to focus on my whys and to enjoy the moment. Be as prepared as you can. I bought clear plastic umbrellas as weather in the park can change quickly, but we didn’t need them."
Alycia Washington; Destination: Xunantunich ruins near San Ignacio, Belize
What she loved: "Guests were given time to explore the grounds while we took pictures. Our awesome photographer was really excited about the images he was getting, so we ended staying a little after the park was supposed to close. We were escorted out by armed guards, and our photographer was sure to get a picture of it."
What she regrets: "Some family members could not make the trip. We were corresponding with a wedding planner via email for multiple months. She helped us pick a photographer and other vendors, and then she went MIA. I had to scramble months before the wedding to find another planner. Luckily, I found one who was amazing and helped our wedding day be organized and fun."
Leonardo Melendez
Her advice: "If you can, visit the destination first. The less unknowns, the better. And try to see it through your guests’ eyes so that it’s enjoyable for them, too."
Eva Wasko; Destination: Ravello, Italy
Bildagentur-onlineGetty Images
What she loved: "We wanted a real adventure — traveling somewhere my husband and I have never been, experiencing a new culture and meeting new people, and eating delicious food. It actually began as a desire to elope, but we quickly realized that it wouldn’t be the same without our closest family and friends to celebrate abroad with us."
What she regrets: "The one regret I have is that our immediate families, besides my husband’s brother and sister-in-law, couldn’t be there. Our families aren’t big on flying, so it would’ve been a hard trip for them to make."
Caitlin Marx
Her advice: "I could’ve saved myself a lot of time and headaches by enlisting the help of a wedding planner who was very familiar with the destination. I also wouldn’t have worried so much or spent so much time debating our choices. I would encourage destination brides to leave a buffer day after travel, just in case. My husband and I were delayed in Portugal for a full night due to an airport strike, so we missed one of our own wedding activities. Our friends will never stop hearing me cry about it."
Samantha Woog; Destination: Edinburgh, Scotland
Jeff J MitchellGetty Images
What she loved: "My husband and I are obsessed with history and travel, so it felt right. I knew it was the best decision because I wanted a few days — not a few hours — with my guests. It also boiled down to price. I found a medieval castle in Scotland to get married in for $1,000. I knew our guests would be thankful they traveled all that way to see it."
What she regrets: "I have absolutely no regrets. We spent far less than we would have if we had gotten married in California. And we have a week of memories, not just a day."
Neil Thomas Douglas
Her advice: "It is easier than people make it out to be. We had a Skype conversation with our florist, and they did exactly what we wanted. The hotel we chose sent us pictures of what the dinner tables would look like, and we were even able to try the wine by purchasing a few bottles at a specialty wine shop in our area. We didn’t have a wedding planner, but it didn’t matter because all of our vendors emailed back prompt and thorough responses. One of the coolest things about having a destination wedding is that it bonds your friends and family in a way that a local wedding often doesn’t do. When everyone is in a foreign setting together, it puts everyone on equal ground and provides your guests with a sense of togetherness that lasts well after the wedding."
Mekita Rivas is a fashion news writer for Teen Vogue, whose bylines can be found in The Washington Post, Glamour, The Cut, and Racked. Follow her on Twitter.
Why Isn't My Hookup Invited to Your Wedding?
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The Beginning of Me
You Owe Me an Apology
Valentine's Day Starts With Me
Is 17 Minutes the Right Number?
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Spurs' Gasol, Popovich Comment on Texas Shooting
Spurs' Gasol on Texas shooting: 'It’s a reality that needs to be addressed'
By Scooby Axson
San Antonio Spurs forward Pau Gasol and head coach Gregg Popovich both addressed the shooting that took place in Sutherland Springs, Texas with Gasol saying that America's gun laws need to be addressed.
A gunman fired upon a church on Sunday morning in a town about 30 miles from San Antonio, killing 26 people and injuring up to 20 more.
"It’s anywhere — concerts, schools, churches, kids. I mean, it’s devastating. But it’s a reality that needs to be addressed," Gasol said, according to the San Antonio Express-News. "I’m unaware of how or the powers behind the gun laws and gun organizations in this country, but you need to protect the innocent. It’s happened down the road. It could have happened to any of us. It could happen in the supermarket next time. It could happen anywhere. It’s gotten to a point that it’s really worrisome. Really worrisome.”
Quick Popovich reaction... basketball not important after what occurred today in Texas #Spurs pic.twitter.com/8Iu7iWNJGy
— Jabari Young (@JabariJYoung) November 6, 2017
Gasol said that the gun violence is "too repetitive" and that everyone has to be concerned about their well–being
After the Spurs beat the Phoenix Suns on Sunday, Popovich was in no mood to talk about basketball.
"When you think about the tragedy that those families are suffering, it's just inconceivable and impossible to put your head around," Popovich said. "So I think talking about basketball tonight is probably pretty inappropriate."
texas shooting
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The Southern California Horticultural Society is a forum for the sharing of knowledge and experiences in the areas of gardening and botany. Our monthly meetings usually feature a speaker, the Plant Forum table (where members can bring in specimens to discuss), and plant or book sales. We also organize social gatherings at local private gardens and field trips for more extensive tours.
Members of the Society are gardeners and professional botanists, nurserymen, landscape architects, designers, landscape contractors and consultants. They are just as often enthusiasts with no profession in horticulture. All have the desire to grow new plants and share the experiences of others. The Society does not have a specialty but is composed of people who grow an astounding array of plants and enjoy showing and talking about them with others.
Our Society came into being in 1937 and was composed of nursery professionals who with encouragement from the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce wanted a civic voice. The ranks of members soon swelled to include those with no trade connections. In 1947 the Society was instrumental in the creation of the Los Angeles County Arboretum. 1949 saw the start of the highly successful International Flower Show that ran for many years in spring.
Scholarships/Internships
Scholarships and internships for students in botany and horticulture have long been a feature of our Society’s commitment to the community and the advancement of horticulture in Southern California. We have also supported a wide range of educational endeavors from science fairs for elementary students to greenhouses at community colleges. Here is a list of our Internship awards.
Horticulturist of the Year
Each year we select an outstanding individual to honor as Horticulturist of the Year, and an Award Banquet is held in their honor. Past banquets have been held at Descanso Gardens in La Canada-Flintridge, at the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, and most recently, at the Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden in Arcadia. To read more about the current Horticulturist of the Year, please visit the Awards Banquet page under Events.
A number of publications have been sponsored or published by the Society. Unfortunately, most of them are out of print. But if you are interested in trying to track one down, please see our Publications page.
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NZ Foreign Minister Visits Solomons
"New Zealand is investing in a range of projects in the Solomon Islands to create economic opportunities as we look for drawdown from the RAMSI commitment."
Source: zimbio.com
Wednesday, 11 January 2012 08:01 AM
New Zealand's Foreign Minister Murray McCully will be arriving today to meet with the Prime Minister, Gordon Darcy Lilo, and Cabinet members, and to visit key aid projects.
"This will be my first chance to meet with Gordon Darcy Lilo since he became Prime Minister in November," Mr McCully said in a short interview before his departure from New Zealand.
"As Chair of the Pacific Islands Forum this year, New Zealand is committed to meeting regularly with Pacific leaders."
"Also New Zealand and the Solomon Islands have a close and longstanding relationship. We will be discussing a range of issues including regional matters, New Zealand's development assistance programme and the RAMSI transition," said Mr McCully.
As part of a Joint Commitment for Development signed between New Zealand and Solomon Islands September last year, New Zealand will invest up to $NZ25 million in the redevelopment of key infrastructure in the Western Province including the Munda runway, Noro-Munda road and the runway at Gizo.
It is understood that Mr McCully will be visiting these projects during his trip.
NewsPolitics
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https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Meteorologists-Rain-very-likely-coming-to-12279754.php
Meteorologists: Rain ‘very likely’ coming to Wine Country fire zones
By Jenna Lyons
Updated 8:25 am PDT, Monday, October 16, 2017
The first winter storm of the season is coming from the Gulf of Alaska to the North Bay, right when the region needs it most.
Meteorologists say there’s a very high chance the parched, fire-scorched areas of Napa and Sonoma counties will receive some rainfall on Thursday — more than a week after a series of deadly wildfires killed a combined 28 people in both counties and destroyed thousands of structures.
As for how much rain the region will receive, it’s hard to tell. One computer model shows a 90 percent chance of a tenth of an inch of rain Thursday night into Friday, said Charles Bell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
“The main message here is it’s very likely we’re going to be seeing rainfall. The amount is being looked at closely,” Bell said.
Smoke in the hills east of Sonoma, Calif., on Saturday, October 14, 2017.
Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle
Better weather helps battle against California wildfires
Live updates: 99 still unaccounted for in Sonoma County wildfires; death toll stays 40
Drone footage reveals utter devastation to Santa Rosa neighborhood after fires
The rain comes after four days of Red Flag warnings for the North Bay. The alerts cautioned that a combination of wind gusts, low humidity and dry conditions could aid rapid fire growth.
The poor weather contributed to the devastation wrought by a series of wildfires that broke out in Northern California Oct. 8, killing at least 40 people — the majority in Sonoma County.
But with Thursday’s rain, Bell said, comes higher humidity values — a crucial component to stopping the spread of fires. One percent of relative humidity is exceptionally dry air, similar to what might be found in a desert region, and several areas of the bay measured relative humidity on Sunday from 10 percent to 20 percent, Bell said.
Those numbers should reach between 55 to 75 percent relative humidity by Thursday —numbers generally recorded in tropical areas, Bell said.
“We’ll have much higher humidity values, a lot more moisture in the air,” Bell said. “That part will really be helpful for eliminating any fire starts, the growth of fires, the spread of fires.”
Bell cautioned that motorists should be aware that after a long dry spell water will combine with oil on the roads to produce slick streets. The slippery roads could catch drivers off guard and lead to collisions, so motorists shouldn’t drive fast.
Unfortunately, the storm is an isolated event. The next week was forecast for above average temperatures, Bell said, “warm and dry again.”
Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
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Stockport Air Raid Shelters Chestergate
Stockport, as part of the Manchester conurbation, expected to undergo heavy bombardment during the Second World War, and thus, when the Government tasked local authorities with the preparation of civil defence plans, Stockport’s councillors decided to extend old cellars and mine workings rediscovered a few years earlier during road improvement works, which they had been considering extending to create an underground car park. These cellars and tunnels had been excavated into in the relatively soft sandstone bluffs beside the river Mersey and seemed ideal for enlargement into large public air raid shelters.
Government pre-war policy though favoured dispersal, people sheltering at home or in small shelters if they were out and about or at work, and was strongly against large public shelters except in exceptional cases. Many authorities applied for grant funding for large or deep shelter projects and were refused grant aid, but Stockport opted to ignore this and go ahead anyway, trusting that they would ultimately receive financial support (which they eventually deservedly did).
Experiments with cutting different tunnel sizes led to the ideal size (approx. 2.1m wide x 2.1m high) being determined and several shelters were built in late 1938 and 1939. The largest of these, Chestergate, became the most famous, accommodating originally 3850 people before being enlarged to take 6500. This would come to be known as “the Chestergate Hotel” due to its comparatively dry conditions, good natural ventilation and atypically generous, albeit Spartan, facilities, including chemical toilets, electric lighting, a canteen and later bunk beds. The social life and communal support that existed in larger shelters also provided a greater feeling of security, something the Government had feared. One of their great pre-war concerns was that in larger and more heavily protected shelters a “shelter mentality” would lead to people not wanting to go back to work after a raid was over, with a consequent drain on the war effort. This does not appear to have been a problem at Chestergate although its popularity led to a great demand for places, and while a shelter ticket system was introduced to dampen down demand, shelter marshals were proud of their record of always finding room for whoever turned up and never turning anyone away
After the war the Chestergate tunnels were boarded up and forgotten, only being re-opened in the mid-1990s, when workmen found a network of interconnected vaulted tunnels about a mile long which were in surprisingly sound condition. The lighting and most timber benches had perished, but the steel and zinc bunk beds and 16-seater flushing toilets (which comprised a large brown salt glazed drainpipe with seats fixed on top of it) had survived. An ambitious plan developed to create a visitor attraction, becoming the first purpose-made public air raid shelters in Britain open to the post-war public. The shelter has proved to be popular with the public, attracting 50,000 visitors a year, and is Stockport’s top tourist attraction.
The public part of the shelter, however only uses a relatively small part of the tunnel system, and a plan subsequently emerged to have occasional guided visits into the unlit sections, with hard hats and head torches provided. This allows the more interested visitor to experience the whole of the rest of the system, seeing countless rows of bunk beds, different toilet layouts and degrees of preservation, and a concrete-lined section that had been rebuilt following subsidence during the war.
Visit by kind permission of Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council
More information can be found at Stockport Air Raid Shelters.
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Leaked snaps show a new Kobo e-reader with a familiar aura
By Luke Brown 2013-07-23T21:46:00.203Z Other devices
FCC filings point to 6-inch screen
Kobo knows e-readers, but it doesn't know how to plug a leak
For Kobo, today was the day the Toronto-based company had its latest e-reader leak online with a set of images and an Federal Communications Commission (FCC) filing; for you it was Tuesday.
German site Lesen.net first posted the images of the unnamed device, which has a new look vastly different from that of the Kobo Glo, and more reminiscent of the Kobo Aura HD.
The e-reader shares some of the same contour design with the Aura HD, and even has a similar power switch, though the Kobo device in the images appears to have a more textured case than the Aura HD.
There's also a microSD slot and a microUSB port visible on the bottom of the device, and what could be a separate button for the front-light is visible on the side of the e-reader.
Leaked photos don't tell the entire story though, and the FCC's listing has a bit more to offer in the way of pertinent details.
Reading Kobo
According to the FCC, this latest e-reader will feature a 6-inch screen, which could be identical to the 1024 × 758 HD screen found in the Kobo Glo.
The device will also feature a 1,500mAh battery - which is clearly better suited for on-the-go reading than the 1,000mAh battery in the Glo - and will support Wi-Fi.
There isn't much else to discern from the filing at the moment, as the FCC stated more critical information is under embargo until Aug. 30.
With just a little over a month until that date, it's likely Kobo will make a more formal announcement of its mysterious new e-reader between now and then.
Perhaps there will be a surprise or two in store with an actual reveal, but until that happens, we'll just have to hope this new e-reader has more to offer than a bigger battery.
Which tablet has been the best of 2013? Check out our comparison to see which tablet comes out on top.
Via Engadget
See more Other devices news
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Rugby Union Challenge Cup 2017 Semi-Final Preview
La Rochelle host Gloucester in the first Challenge Cup semi-final this weekend at the Stade Marcel Deflandre, before Stade Francais then meet Bath at the Stade Jean Bouin. These sides are one game away from the final on 12th May in Edinburgh, the day before the Champions Cup final.
The current Top 14 leaders, La Rochelle have won four of their last five, including a 32-22 victory over Edinburgh in the quarter-final. They most recently lost 29-25 away to Lyon in the Top 14, but it was their first league defeat since November and they’re still unbeaten at home this season. Gloucester have had a mixed run recently, picking up three wins but also losing to both Newcastle Falcons and Harlequins in the Aviva Premiership. They made it to the semi-finals after beating Cardiff Blues 46-26 in the previous round.
Stade Francais have won four of their last five, including a 25-21 victory over the Ospreys in the quarter-final at the Principality Stadium. They most recently beat Pau 51-16 in the Top 14, and must start as slight favourites on home turf. As for Bath, defeats to Worcester, Saracens and Wasps in their past five games mean the English outfit don’t go into this semi-final with winning momentum. However, they did beat Brive 34-20 at The Rec to set up this last four tie.
La Rochelle and Gloucester have already faced each other in the Challenge Cup pool stages, with one win apiece. La Rochelle have been one of the surprise packages of the season, and are 9/2 to emerge victorious by 6-10 points. Home advantage could be key in both ties, and the French outfit are 4/7 to score first and are 4/9 to be the first side to reach 10 points.
David Humphreys’ Gloucester have been Challenge Cup winners on two previous occasions, most recently in 2015 with a 19-13 victory over Edinburgh at The Twickenham Stoop, and are priced 16/5 to reach the final again. Grieg Laidlaw is available for selection, but Matt Scott, Andy Symons, Henry Purdy and Gareth Evans are all unavailable. The Cherry and Whites are a tempting 6/1 for Half Time/Full Time and are 11/8 to score the first points of the game.
Stade Francais - 11/4 to win both halves - are without winger Josaia Raisuqe after he was suspended for ten weeks for stamping in the victory over the Ospreys. The Parisian-based side have never won the Challenge Cup, but have been runners-up on two occasions, in 2011 and 2013, and they are priced at 9/2 to score the first try and 6/4 to score the first penalty this weekend.
Bath, Challenge Cup winners on one previous occasion in 2008, have also been runners-up on three occasions in 2003, 2007 and 2014, and will be looking to reach the final with victory in France. Todd Blackadder’s side are 13/2 to emerge victorious by 6-10 points, and are 5/1 to open the scoring with a try.
Sports.net’s Top Tips: Gloucester to win by 6-10 points at 10/1 and Bath/Stade Francais in the Half Time/Full Time market at 11/2
Please note that odds may fluctuate.
Published: Thursday, 20 April 2017 05:00:49+00:00
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U.S. hospitals reporting discretionary compensation for their physicians 2012
Percentage of U.S. hospitals reporting discretionary compensation or incentives for their physicians in 2012
by Statista Research Department, last edited Dec 30, 2012
This statistic shows the results of a survey regarding the percentage of US hospitals reporting discretionary compensation or incentives for their physicians in 2012. In that year, 28 percent of the surveyed U.S. hospitals stated that clinical outcomes are used as a component for discretionary compensation or incentives.
Expand statistic
Percentage of U.S. hospitals
Patient satisfaction 46%
Clinical outcomes 28%
Dept budget/goals 25%
Individual financial goals 20%
HEDIS 20%
Dept RVU goals 20%
Institution financial goals 20%
Peer/chart review 18%
Access 17%
Cost containment 17%
Citizenship 12%
Call coverage 9%
Hospital utilization 9%
Additional responsibilities 8%
Inside referrals 6%
Board certifications 6%
Controlling outside referrals 6%
Market adjustments 6%
Ancillary 5%
Seniority 3%
Other 5%
55,800 physicians
Email survey
Number of active physicians in the U.S. 2019 by specialty area
Time U.S. physicians spent with each patient 2018
Number of patients U.S. physicians saw per day 2012-2018
Total doctors of medicine in the U.S. 1949-2015
Statistics on "Physicians in the U.S."
Other facts
Total number of doctors of medicine in the U.S. from 1949 to 2015*Total doctors of medicine in the U.S. 1949-2015
Total number of active doctors of medicine in the U.S. from 1949 to 2015*Total active doctors of medicine in the U.S. 1949-2015
Inactive and not classified doctors of medicine in the U.S. from 1975 to 2015Inactive doctors of medicine in the U.S. 1975-2015
Active doctors of medicine in patient care in the U.S. from 1975 to 2015*Active doctors of medicine in patient care in the U.S. 1975-2015
Active doctors of medicine in the U.S. from 1985 to 2015, by place of medical education*Active doctors of medicine in the U.S. by place of education 1985-2015
Active physicians per 10,000 civilian population in the U.S. from 1975 to 2015*Active physicians in the U.S. 1975-2015 by age
Physicians in patient care per 10,000 civilian population in the U.S. from 1975 to 2015*Physicians in patient care in the U.S. 1975-2015 by age
Number of active physicians in the U.S. in 2019, by specialty areaNumber of active physicians in the U.S. 2019 by specialty area
Leading 10 U.S. states based on the total number of active physicians as of 2019Leading U.S. states based on the total number of active physicians 2019
Leading 10 U.S. states based on the number of active primary care physicians as of 2019Leading U.S. states based on the number of active primary care physicians 2019
Leading 10 U.S. states based on the number of active specialist physicians as of 2019Leading U.S. states based on the number of active specialist physicians 2019
Top 10 U.S. states by number of active physicians per 10,000 civilian population in 2015*Top U.S. states by number of active physicians 2015
Top 10 U.S. states by number of physicians in patient care per 10,000 civilian population in 2015*Top U.S. states by number of physicians in patient care 2015
Physician and clinical services expenditure in the United States in selected years from 1960 to 2019 (in billion U.S. dollars)U.S. physician and clinical services expenditure 1960-2019
Physician and clinical services spending in the United States from 2011 to 2019, by payerPhysician and clinical services spending in the U.S. by payer 2011-2019
Consumer price index for physician and dental services in the U.S. from 1960 to 2018U.S. consumer price index: physician and dental services 1960-2018
Mean expenses per office-based physician visit in the United States in 2016, by specialtyMean expenses per office-based physician visit U.S. 2016 by specialty
Mean out-of-pocket expenses per office-based physician visit in the United States in 2016, by specialty*Mean out-of-pocket expenses per physician visit in the U.S. 2016 by specialty
Annual compensation earned by U.S. physicians as of 2019, by specialty (in 1,000 U.S. dollars)*Annual compensation earned by U.S. physicians by specialty 2019
Compensation increase in select medical specialties in the U.S. as of 2018*U.S. medical specialties percentage compensation increase 2018
Mean physician compensation by U.S. region as of 2018 (in 1,000 U.S. dollars)Mean physician compensation by U.S. region 2018
Top 10 U.S. states by annual compensation for physicians as of 2019 (in U.S. dollars)Top U.S. states by annual compensation for physicians 2019
Annual compensation earned by male and female U.S. physicians as of 2019 (in U.S. dollars)*Annual compensation earned by U.S. physicians by gender 2019
Opinion of U.S. physicians about being fairly compensated as of 2019, by specialty*U.S. physicians' opinion about their compensation by specialty 2019
Use of signing bonuses as incentive for the recruitment of physicians in the U.S. from 2004/2005 to 2017/2018Use of signing bonuses as incentive for the recruitment of U.S. physicians 2016-2018
Do you have a general practitioner you always go to when you are sick?U.S. adults who visit a general practitioner always when sick 2017
Statements regarding trustworthiness among U.S. adults after receiving a prescribed drug as of 2017U.S. adults that trust their doctor in prescribing appropriate drugs
Do you feel your general practitioner is always up-to-date with regard to new drugs and current pharmaceutical research?U.S. adults about their doctor's up-to-date pharma research knowledge 2017
Number of patients that physicians in the U.S. saw per day from 2012 to 2018Number of patients U.S. physicians saw per day 2012-2018
Amount of time U.S. primary care physicians spent with each patient as of 2018Time U.S. physicians spent with each patient 2018
Projected growth in general physicians and adult patient population in the United States from 2010 to 2025Change in general physicians and adult patient populations in the U.S. 2010-2025
Percentage of physicians in the U.S. that have feelings of professional burnout as of 2018Share of U.S. physicians that have feelings of professional burnout 2018
Burn-out among U.S. physicians from 2013 to 2019, by gender*Burn-out among U.S. physicians 2013-2019, by gender
Percentage of physicians feeling burned out in the U.S. as of 2018, by specialtyPercentage of U.S. physicians feeling burned out by specialty 2018
Major causes for burn-out among U.S. physicians as of 2018*Major causes for burn-out among U.S. physicians 2018
Severity of burn-out among U.S. physicians as of 2017, by specialtySeverity of burn-out among U.S. physicians 2017, by specialty
Characteristics of U.S. physicians in 2018Portrait of a U.S. physician 2018
Distribution of medical society memberships among U.S. physicians from 2012 to 2018Share of U.S. physicians with memberships in medical societies 2012-2018
Distribution of U.S. physicians' opinions on morale and state in medical profession from 2012 to 2018Professional morale and state of medicine among U.S. physicians 2012-2018
Distribution of U.S. physicians' opinions on the future of medical professions from 2012 to 2018Opinion on the future of the medical profession among U.S. physicians 2012-2018
Distribution of U.S. physicians' opinions about most satisfying factors in medical practice from 2008 to 2018Views of U.S. physicians on most satisfying factors in medical practice 2008-2018
Deficit in U.S. number of physicians from 2017 to 2030Estimated U.S. physician deficit 2017-2030
Compensation per RVU of U.S. physicians by specialty 2013
Annual compensation earned by U.S. physicians by employment type 2019
Physicians with large compensation decrease by specialty 2015-2016
View on hospital employment of physicians among U.S. physicians 2012-2018
Average compensation offered to top recruited U.S. physician specialties 2017-2018
Annual salary for U.S. invasive cardiologists 2018, by data source
Annual salary of U.S. emergency medicine practitioners 2018, by data source
Top medical specialties based on compensation after 6 years of practice 2013
Active doctors of medicine - office and hospital 1975-2015
Annual salary of U.S. gastroenterologists as of 2018, by data source
Annual salary of U.S. intensivists 2018, by data source
Change in U.S. hospital admissions and office visits 2014
Physician and clinical services expenditure by age group
Total employee compensation in U.S. hospitals 1998-2017
Number of medical malpractice payments 1991-2015
Compensation for U.S. physicians under Medicare HMOs by method 2015
Hospital and physician revenues threatened by alternative options in the U.S. 2013
Work RVUs of U.S. physicians by specialty 2016
Median gross charges for U.S. physicians by specialty 2013
Key figures regarding economic impact of individual U.S. physicians 2015
Hospitals in Germany
2018 Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives
Physicians Foundation Report: Patient Survey 2017
2018 Canadian Physician Survey
Physicians Foundation Report: Patient Survey - May 2016
Physicians’ opinions about the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its impact on their work
Doctors in Germany
Doctors and medical practitioners in the United Kingdom
Connecting Patients For Better Health: 2018
National Training Survey 2016, Key Findings
National Practitioner Data Bank 2012 Annual Report
General Practice Forward View: April 2016
Workforce Study of Rheumatology Specialists in the United States 2015
Total number of doctors of medicine in the U.S. from 1949 to 2015*
Total number of active doctors of medicine in the U.S. from 1949 to 2015*
Inactive and not classified doctors of medicine in the U.S. from 1975 to 2015
Active doctors of medicine in patient care in the U.S. from 1975 to 2015*
Active doctors of medicine in the U.S. from 1985 to 2015, by place of medical education*
Active physicians per 10,000 civilian population in the U.S. from 1975 to 2015*
Physicians in patient care per 10,000 civilian population in the U.S. from 1975 to 2015*
Number of active physicians in the U.S. in 2019, by specialty area
Leading 10 U.S. states based on the total number of active physicians as of 2019
Leading 10 U.S. states based on the number of active primary care physicians as of 2019
Leading 10 U.S. states based on the number of active specialist physicians as of 2019
Top 10 U.S. states by number of active physicians per 10,000 civilian population in 2015*
Top 10 U.S. states by number of physicians in patient care per 10,000 civilian population in 2015*
Physician and clinical services expenditure in the United States in selected years from 1960 to 2019 (in billion U.S. dollars)
Physician and clinical services spending in the United States from 2011 to 2019, by payer
Consumer price index for physician and dental services in the U.S. from 1960 to 2018
Mean expenses per office-based physician visit in the United States in 2016, by specialty
Mean out-of-pocket expenses per office-based physician visit in the United States in 2016, by specialty*
Annual compensation earned by U.S. physicians as of 2019, by specialty (in 1,000 U.S. dollars)*
Compensation increase in select medical specialties in the U.S. as of 2018*
Mean physician compensation by U.S. region as of 2018 (in 1,000 U.S. dollars)
Top 10 U.S. states by annual compensation for physicians as of 2019 (in U.S. dollars)
Annual compensation earned by male and female U.S. physicians as of 2019 (in U.S. dollars)*
Opinion of U.S. physicians about being fairly compensated as of 2019, by specialty*
Use of signing bonuses as incentive for the recruitment of physicians in the U.S. from 2004/2005 to 2017/2018
Do you have a general practitioner you always go to when you are sick?
Statements regarding trustworthiness among U.S. adults after receiving a prescribed drug as of 2017
Do you feel your general practitioner is always up-to-date with regard to new drugs and current pharmaceutical research?
Number of patients that physicians in the U.S. saw per day from 2012 to 2018
Amount of time U.S. primary care physicians spent with each patient as of 2018
Projected growth in general physicians and adult patient population in the United States from 2010 to 2025
Percentage of physicians in the U.S. that have feelings of professional burnout as of 2018
Burn-out among U.S. physicians from 2013 to 2019, by gender*
Percentage of physicians feeling burned out in the U.S. as of 2018, by specialty
Major causes for burn-out among U.S. physicians as of 2018*
Severity of burn-out among U.S. physicians as of 2017, by specialty
Characteristics of U.S. physicians in 2018
Distribution of medical society memberships among U.S. physicians from 2012 to 2018
Distribution of U.S. physicians' opinions on morale and state in medical profession from 2012 to 2018
Distribution of U.S. physicians' opinions on the future of medical professions from 2012 to 2018
Distribution of U.S. physicians' opinions about most satisfying factors in medical practice from 2008 to 2018
Deficit in U.S. number of physicians from 2017 to 2030
Compensation per work relative value unit (RVU) of U.S. physicians in 2013, by specialty (in U.S. dollars)*
Annual compensation earned by employed and self-employed U.S. physicians as of 2019 (in U.S. dollars)*
Top paid physician specialties in the U.S. with significant compensation decrease between 2015 and 2016*
Distribution of U.S. physicians' opinions on employing physicians in hospitals from 2012 to 2018*
Average compensation offered to select top recruited U.S. physician specialties in 2017-2018 (in U.S. dollars)
Annual compensation of invasive cardiologists in the U.S. as of 2018, by data source
Annual compensation of emergency medicine practitioners in the U.S. as of 2018, by data source
Leading 10 medical specialties in the U.S. based on average compensation after 6 years of national practice in 2013 (in U.S. dollars)
Active doctors of medicine in office- and hospital-based practice in the U.S. from 1975 to 2015*
Annual compensation of gastroenterologists in the U.S. as of 2018, by data source
Annual compensation of intensivists in the U.S. as of 2018, by data source
Percentual change in U.S. hospital admissions and office visits in 2014
Physician and clinical services expenditure in the United States in 1987 and 2004 by age group (in billion U.S. dollars)
Total employee compensation in hospitals in the U.S. from 1998 to 2017 (in million U.S. dollars)
Number of U.S. medical malpractice payments from 1991 to 2015*
Distribution of compensation methods for U.S. physicians under Medicare HMOs in 2015*
Hospital and physician revenues threatened by new entrants in U.S. consumer healthcare as of 2013 (in million U.S. dollars)*
Work relative value units (RVUs) of U.S. physicians as of 2016, by specialty*
Median gross charges for U.S. physicians as of 2013, by specialty (in U.S. dollars)
Key figures regarding the economic impact per individual physician in the United States in 2015*
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Brighton musician sees new musical debut in London
Brighton' Alex James Ellison debuts Fiver at Southwark Playhouse
By Jamie Walker @walker_this_way Entertainment reporter
Alex James Ellison, centre, with the cast of Fiver
A SINGER will see his new musical debut in London.
Alex James Ellison, from Brighton, has written, produced and stars in the show, which he wrote with writing partner Tom Lees.
It is called Fiver and will have its world premiere at the “off West End” Southwark Playhouse next week.
Alex, 27, who grew up in Bonchurch Road is an accomplished guitarist and has performed as a solo musician as well as in multi-act shows.
The show has taken two years to develop.
Alex said: “We have expanded the show, both in terms of length and complexity.
“Fiver now runs 40 minutes longer and we are massively excited to see the changes we have made come to life on stage.”
After studying at Dorothy Stringer High School, in Loder Road, Alex gained a place at the prestigious Brit School.
He then attended Mountview Academy for the Performing Arts in Peckham, graduating with a degree in musical theatre.
An active member of the Brighton Theatre Group, his big break came at the age of 11 when he appeared in the film Miss Potter alongside Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor.
Alex said that his upbringing on the South Coast was a big part of what made him who he is today.
He said: “Brighton is still a huge part of my life.
“All of my family are in Brighton, so I visit a lot and I still do gigs in the city.
“I most recently did a charity gig at the Latest Bar and loved it.
“My family are always pleased when I perform here as it means they don’t have to get on a train to see me.
“Brighton is famous for its music – so many artists perform here. I’m lucky to call such a creative place my hometown.”
Fiver follows the story of a humble £5 note as it passes through the hands and pockets of different people.
A synopsis of the show says: “Often unnoticed and obviously unaware, the fiver is present for significant moments in each person’s life – from an appreciation of their skills as a street performer, the start or end of relationships to the simple realisation that they can afford a bed for the night.”
Fiver opens on Wednesday and runs for three weeks until Saturday, July 20.
Tickets are on sale now.
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Peter Welby
Peter Welby is a consultant on religion and global affairs, specializing in the Arab world. Previously he was the managing editor of a think tank on religious extremism, the Centre on Religion & Geopolitics, and worked in public affairs in the Arabian Gulf. He is based in London, and has lived in Egypt and Yemen. Twitter: @pdcwelby.
Ignore the hype, this video was an admission of abject defeat
As Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi emerged from the shadows for the first time in almost five years, terrorism analysts in the media were busy scanning his video address for any clues they could find.
Rebel with a cause, or religious zealot bent on total victory?
The way the Houthis are viewed in the West never ceases to amaze me. We seem incapable of learning from previous mistakes: Rebels are not good simply because they are apparently the underdog.
Al-Qaradawi: Propagating a dangerous view of Islam
In counter-extremism circles, many prefer to focus on violent extremism: Anything that explicitly calls for or engages in violence on behalf of an extremist ideology.
Ranting ‘manifesto’ exposes the mixed-up mind of a terrorist
It usually takes some time to tease out the precise ideological motivation of attacks such as the mass shooting in Christchurch, New Zealand, as details emerge from police investigations. In this case, the gunman left a 74-page manifesto explaining his philosophy.
Was Amazon’s removal of Robinson’s anti-Islam book a mistake?
In a flurry of activity over the past few weeks, Tommy Robinson — British alt-right provocateur, adviser to the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and convicted fraudster — was banned from Facebook and Instagram.
04 February 2019 10:00 AM
Pope Francis’ UAE visit a positive step
Pope Francis, spiritual leader of the world’s more than 1.2 billion Roman Catholics, was on Sunday night due to land in the UAE — the first Catholic pope to do so.
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LeBron James: Neither the Cavs nor the Warriors want an invite to the White House
Steph Curry agrees
Maddie Meyer
<p>BOSTON, MA - MAY 15: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts in the second half against the Boston Celtics during Game Two of the 2018 NBA Eastern Conference Finals at TD Garden on May 15, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)</p>
No matter who wins the NBA Finals, it's unlikely either team will celebrate their championship at the White House.
In an interview on Tuesday, Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James was asked about President Trump rescinding his invitation to the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
"It's typical of him. I'm not surprised ... I mean, no matter who wins this series, no one wants the invite (to the White House). It won't be Golden State or Cleveland going," James said. "We have a lot of freedom in our country. Guys, male and female, have the right to do what they want to do in a very respectable manner. I think if they decide if they don't want to go, they have the right."
When asked later about James' comments, Warriors point guard Steph Curry agreed.
"I agree with 'Bron," Curry reportedly said.
The Warriors did not receive an invitation to the White House following their 2017 NBA Finals victory, and many players and head coach Steve Kerr gave statements saying they would not accept such an invitation if it were offered.
Trump rescinded his invitation to the Eagles on Monday, less than a day before the scheduled event in the Rose Garden of the White House. Trump cited ongoing player demonstrations during the national anthem as his reason for canceling the event, though no Eagles players even knelt during the anthem in the 2017 regular season.
Reports indicate Trump canceled the event after White House officials were told only about 10 players would attend the event.
Alex Hider is a writer for the E.W. Scripps National Desk. Follow him on Twitter @alexhider.
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American Pop: The 2nd Dimension at FilmBar
American Pop: The 2nd Dimension
From deep within a rabbit hole at the farthest reaches of the cosmos, where physics are elastic and death is a farce, comes a viewing experience of hallucinatory expanse. Enter The 2nd Dimension - a cinematic exhibition of the most unique films ever to be illustrated by hand. We're not talking mouse ears or bouncing lamps. This is traditional animation at its far-out finest, because 'real' life is a drag, but the weird world of Animation is vast and uninhibited.
The history of Rock 'n' Roll is a dense and sprawling family tree. It's tough to draw a perfectly straight line from its birth to what we recognize as popular music today, but that history runs parallel to our own. The soundtrack of our lives is always playing and with American Pop, that's exactly how visionary director Ralph Bakshi chose to tell a life story across four generations - through the music that scored it. Pulling from his own record collection and influenced by personal encounters, Bakshi and his team created an all-but real family tree of their own. Beginning in Imperial Russia and ending in late-seventies New York City, the "Belinsky" family is brought to life through rotoscoping (the art of animating over live performance) along with water-colors, abstracts and archival footage to create an audio/visual trip unlike your average cartoon fare. So bring your spouse, the kids and even grandma out for a laugh, a gasp, perhaps a sob and of course, a song. This is a story with which we can all sing along.
96 mins | Rated TBC | Animated
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P.E.I. man jailed for shed break-in
Mitch MacDonald (mitchell.macdonald@theguardian.pe.ca)
Published: Mar 25 at 5:08 p.m.
Inside a Provincial Court room in Charlottetown. - File - Contributed
A P.E.I. man who was involved in a break and enter into a shed that saw the thieves take a horse saddle, an old sewing machine and several other items was sentenced recently to 105 days in jail.
John Travis Feehan, 29, appeared before Judge John Douglas in provincial court in Charlottetown where he pleaded guilty to break and enter and commit theft and a separate offence of failing to attend court.
Crown attorney Valerie Moore told the court that on April 24, 2018, the police responded to a call about a break and enter into a shed.
When the police arrived, they found the victim and a friend were using two vehicles to block the one Feehan was in so he and a co-accused couldn’t get away.
Moore said the thieves stole a horse saddle, an old sewing machine, a variety of tools and old Canadian currency of varying denominations.
The victim recovered all of the items at the scene.
Defence lawyer Conor Mullin told the court Feehan was dealing with addiction issues but has since gone on the methadone program and is working as an apprentice plumber.
Along with the jail time, Feehan will be on probation for 18 months.
Ryan.ross@theguardian.pe.ca
Twitter.com/ryanrross
A great day to play in the park on P.E.I.
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Content Issues 14
Alan Dale as
Live Together, Die Alone (1)
After discovering something odd just offshore, Jack and Sayid come up with a plan to confront "The Others" and hopefully get Walt back. At the same time there will be an answer to the question of where Michael has been and resolution of him and Walt. Meanwhile, Eko and Locke come to blows as Locke makes a potentially cataclysmic decision regarding the "button" and the hatch. Lastly, Desmond returns and he sheds some more light on his experience on the island in the three years prior to when Locke came down into that hatch.
Flashes Before Your Eyes
After Desmond rescues Claire from drowning, Charlie gets Hurley to help him find out why Desmond has seemed able to predict the future. Desmond recalls exactly what took place in the moments after he turns the key, where he experienced a strange vision of his life prior to his Army days.
The Constant
Sayid and Desmond hit a bit of turbulence on the way to the freighter, which causes Desmond to experience some unexpected side effects.
Juliet receives an unwelcome visit from someone from her past and is given orders to track down Charlotte and Faraday in order to stop them from completing their mission -- by any means necessary. Meanwhile, Ben offers Locke an enticing deal.
The Shape of Things to Come
Jack tries to discover the identity of a body that has washed ashore. Meanwhile, Locke's camp is attacked by Ben's adversaries.
There's No Place Like Home (1)
Sayid goes back to the island to bring the rest of the people to the freighter. Ben, Locke, and Hurley go to another Dharma station in order to "move the island".
As the face-off between the survivors and the freighter people continues, the Oceanic Six find themselves closer to rescue.
Because You Left
The remaining island survivors start to feel the effects of the aftermath of moving the island, and Jack and Ben begin their quest to reunite the Oceanic 6 in order to return to the island with Locke's body in an attempt to save their former fellow castaways.
Desmond looks for a woman who might be the key to helping Faraday stop the island's unpredictable movements through time; Locke finds out who has been attacking the survivors.
The Life and Death of Jeremy Bentham
Locke's mission off the island as Jeremy is revealed.
Dead Is Dead
To atone for sins of the past, Ben must attempt to summon the smoke monster in order to be judged.
The Variable
On the 100th episode milestone for the series, the time of reckoning has begun when Daniel Faraday comes clean regarding what he knows about the island.
Dr. Linus
Ben deals with the consequences of an uncovered lie.
Locke tasks Sawyer with a mission.
Sun and Jin desperately continue their search for one another, and Locke confronts his enemy.
Desmond wakes up to discover he's back on the island.
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The Duke is dead at 84 | The Olympian
The Duke is dead at 84
McClatchy news services
To his mother, he was Ed. To everyone else, he was "The Duke of Flatbush" - revered by a borough of baseball fans and forever remembered in a song that romanticized a most golden era.
Duke Snider, the Hall of Fame center fielder for the charmed “Boys of Summer” who helped the Dodgers bring their elusive and only World Series crown to Brooklyn, died Sunday. He was 84.
Snider died at the Valle Vista Convalescent Hospital in Escondido, Calif., according to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, which announced the death on behalf of the family. Snider had been ill for months.
Snider hit .295 with 407 career home runs, played in the World Series six times and won two titles.
Snider wore No. 4 in Dodgers blue and was often regarded as the third-best center fielder in New York — behind Willie Mays of the Giants and Mickey Mantle of the Yankees.
“Duke was a fine man, a terrific hitter and a great friend, even though he was a Dodger,” Mays said in a statement.
Mantle died in 1995 at age 63. Mays, now 79, threw out a ceremonial ball last fall before a playoff game in San Francisco.
“Willie, Duke and Mickey. They were great players in one city, one town. Duke never got the credit of being the outfielder that Mays and Mantle were,” former teammate Don Zimmer said. “But Duke was a great outfielder. He was a great player.”
Snider is the Dodgers’ franchise leader in home runs (389) and RBI (1,271). He led all major leaguers in the 1950s with 326 homers and 1,031 RBI.
Indians Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Feller was honored Sunday before the Indians opened their exhibition season with a 7-6 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in Goodyear, Ariz. Feller died in December at the age of 92. Philadelphia Phillies All-Star second baseman Chase Utley has patella tendinitis in his right knee and missed his second straight game Sunday. Cleveland right fielder Shin-Soo Choo sat out the Indians’ spring opener to rest his left elbow, which flared up recently. Miguel Cabrera will be in the Detroit Tigers’ lineup for the first time this spring as a designated hitter in today’s exhibition game against the New York Yankees in Lakeland, Fla.
Greg Goossen, a former catcher who played six seasons in the majors, then dabbled as a boxing trainer and was a stand-in for actor Gene Hackman in more than a dozen films, was found dead Saturday at his home in Los Angeles. He was 65. Goossen batted .309 in 52 games with the Seattle Pilots in 1969. The cause of death has yet to be determined.
Mariners manager Servais on Narvaez’s career day, disappointing 7-4 loss to A’s
Servais on Mariners’ 8-2 win over Royals: ‘Marco pitching well and we’re hitting homers. That’s a good formula for us’
O’s to reimburse Red Sox for up to $2.5M in Cashner bonuses
Baltimore agrees to reimburse Boston for up to $2.5 million of Andrew Cashner's performance bonuses as part of trade that sent 32-year-old right-hander to Red Sox.
MORE BASEBALL
Rangers look to end 3-game slide
Cincinnati to visit Chicago Wednesday
Oakland in action against Seattle following Mengden’s strong performance
Pivetta expected to start as Philadelphia hosts Los Angeles
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Home » Golfer Ashleigh Simon profiled
Golfer Ashleigh Simon profiled
Published by golfadmin On September 3, 2014
Ashleigh Simon is gearing up to compete in the 2014 Cell C South African Women’s Open that will tee off at San Lameer Country Club on the world-renowned KwaZulu-Natal Hibiscus Coast from 16 to 19 October 2014.
South Africa’s oldest women’s professional golf tournament will feature the country’s leading professionals competing against a strong international field representing at least 20 countries for a total purse of €320 000. The tournament will be co-sanctioned by the Ladies European Tour and the Women’s Professional Golf Association of South Africa.
10 Things you didn’t know about ASHLEIGH SIMON
Q: Star sign?
A: Taurus
Q: My nickname is…
A: Smashley or Ashes
Q: My favourite boardgame is?
A: 30 Seconds
Q: If I hadn’t become a pro-golfer, I would probably be…
A: I have absolutely no idea!
Q: Do you have any phobias?
A: Yes, Heights!
A: I have two miniature Maltese Poodles.
Q: Can you multi-task?
A: Yes, just a little though!
Q: Have you ever sung at a Karaoke venue?
Q: Do you prefer texting or calling?
A: Texting
Q: High heels or trainers?
A: Trainers
90 Seconds with ASHLEIGH SIMON
Who/What motivates you?
I motivate myself but also draw motivation from my coach, my boyfriend and family. The desire to perfect my craft also serves as a constant motivator.
What sporting code do you most enjoy watching on telly?
Golf and rugby.
What is your favourite food?
Fillet steak
What is the nicest/best part of being on tour?
Being able to do what I love most for a living and also meeting people of various cultures, backgrounds, nationalities, etc. across the globe.
Which is your best/most successful competition/tournament venue?
It’s really difficult to narrow down but if I had to choose I would say there are four highlights that really stand out – my first SA Amateur win at the Strand when I was 14-years old; winning the World Amateur Team Championships in South Africa and my two LET wins in Spain and Portugal.
Who or what do you miss most while on Tour?
Typical home comforts – my bed, family and my dogs.
Which golfer is the personification of dedication and sacrifice?
Ernie Els
SACRIFICES & DEDICATION IN THE WORLD OF PROFESSIONAL GOLF:
As far back as she can remember, Ashleigh Simon has always wanted become a professional golfer but, unlike many who made the transition from amateur to professional ranks, she was fully prepared to make any sacrifices required to make her dream a reality. Ashleigh Simon shares her journey, that entailed unreserved dedication, unflinching passion and numerous sacrifices, from the time she teed off as an amateur in South Africa to become a leading and successful competitor on the LPGA and Ladies European Tour.
From a young age, Ashleigh Simon stood out among her primary school friends because unlike the many who talked about becoming teachers, doctors, lawyers or astronauts, she had already made up her mind that her future lay in professional golf, travelling extensively and plying her trade on the best courses across the globe. A few years later, she went on to become an amateur golfer and a successful one at that.
“It wasn’t a difficult decision to make because I’ve always wanted to play golf. Luckily I had a wonderful support system, solid support and encouragement from my parents and my younger sister who also had to make many sacrifices to help me achieve my goals and realise my dreams.”
Her love for the sport was clear to see as was her positive attitude combined with her hard-working and determined nature which meant that she never really felt the impact of the sacrifices she has made along the way.
“All I knew was that I wanted to play golf and that I was prepared to give up certain luxuries or basic social activities just so that I could achieve my goals quicker.”
The hard work paid off as “Ashes” took the amateur circuit by storm, en route to becoming the youngest player to win the Ladies’ South African Amateur Stroke Play and Match Play double and the first player in 101 years to win the Ladies South African Open titles three times. And, she flew the South African flag high as an amateur competing in the mostly-professional Women’s World Cup of Golf three times.
Simon celebrated her 18th Birthday the way she had dreamed by officially becoming a Professional Golfer on 11 May 2007.
“That was one of the best moments in my life, a milestone I had dreamed of achieving since I was 11 years old and I made it happen. It was such an awesome feeling.”
One of the keys to her success as an amateur was her ability to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
“When you first start off, it is very much about adjusting your mind-set and focusing on your goals and if you mould yourself in that way then you can have the best of both worlds. Seven years after turning pro I’m happy to say that when I’m on tour I’m completely focused on golf but when I have time off or get some time to go home, then I completely switch off and take a break from ‘work’. I’m also extremely lucky because my boyfriend caddies for me and I have very understanding and supportive friends, which makes life a lot easier especially when you miss out on special occasions and day-to-day events.”
Professional golf is hard work and often tests your mental strength and dedication, which is why “Smashley” says it’s imperative to never give up!
“You have to grind it out, constantly work hard to better yourself and your game and keep at it even when results are not going your way. When I encounter setbacks, I remind myself of all my accomplishments, believe in myself and my talent and then I work on whatever obstacle it is that I’m facing, with my coach.”
Simon lists patience, dedication and self-belief as her best traits and the core ingredients in the recipe of her successful career on the pro circuit.
“It can be quite challenging when you’re facing obstacles or results aren’t going your way but honestly, there’s no better feeling than being rewarded for all your hard work and sacrifices. Looking back, I vividly remember my first professional win on the Ladies European Tour (LET) and when I got my LPGA Tour Card last year through Q’School just months after I had hip surgery.”
SA’s superstar golfer has big plans for the next five years in her professional and personal life.
“I see myself happily married and playing on the LPGA Tour when I turn 30, with a win under my belt.”
The two-time SA Women’s Open champion (2004 and 2007) will be among the headliners at the annual co-sanctioned tournament scheduled to take place at the San Lameer Country Club from 16 to 19 October. “I’m really looking forward to playing on home soil and I would really love to win the Cell C SA Women’s Open.”
San Lameer Country Club:
Have you played at the San Lameer Country Club before?
No I haven’t but I have seen the course and have been made aware of the tricky layout.
What do you feel will be the most challenging part of competing at the San Lameer Country Club?
I think the weather, particularly the wind, could be a factor that would require more patience than usual, but if you go in with a good game plan then you should be able to cope with external elements or factors beyond your control.
What do you like and dislike most about this venue?
I’ve heard nothing but positive reviews and comments about the course so I’m really looking forward to playing at San Lameer as I’m sure all the ladies are!
What are your expectations/targets for the Cell C SA Women’s Open?
To complete a hat trick of wins at the SA Women’s Open.
Categories: News, Profiles
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Repentless - Music Video Premiere
Today, September 11, 2015, Slayer's long-awaited 12th studio album Repentless (Nuclear Blast), is released and available to fans. Bolstered by glowing early reviews - "Metal Album of the Year" (Guitar World), "Slayer continues to reign" (Kerrang!), "as unrelenting as all of their 11 previous" (SPIN), "the sound of Slayer telling you that it still recognizes its essence" (New York Times), the band is showing they are, as the British daily The Guardian put it, is "still the masters of this stuff."
The first music video from Repentless, the title track, also makes its global premiere today at Rolling Stone. The video was shot late last month at the Sybil Brand Institute in East Los Angeles and is a grizzly depiction of what the Kerry King-created word means: to feel no regret or remorse. Slayer performed the song in the prison yard while a riot broke out, blood flowed in abundance, and inmates and prison guards were slaughtered. Directed by BJ McDonnell and produced by Felissa Rose, the video features cameos by actors who have been part of some of the most iconic horror films ever made: Danny Trejo ("Machete," "From Dusk Till Dawn"), Tony Moran ("Halloween's" Michael Myers, "American Poltergeist"), Derek Mears ("Predators," "Friday the 13th") Tyler Mane ("Halloween") Jason Trost ("Hatchet III"), Sean Whalen ("Men In Black," "Halloween II"), and Vernon Wells ("Mad Max 2," "Commando," "Weird Science").
Repentless was produced and mixed by Terry Date and recorded at Henson Studios in Los Angeles. The album is s Slayer's first release since 2009's World Painted Blood, and features band members Tom Araya (vocals/bass), Kerry King (guitars), Paul Bostaph (drums), and Exodus/Slayer touring guitarist Gary Holt.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/slayer/videos/10153548899965390/
Discussing The Track "Cast The First Stone"
Recording drums for SLAYER's eleventh studio album, REPENTLESS.
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GO IN THE NEWS: Tampa Go Club
Saturday June 25, 2011
The Tampa Go Club was included in a May 20 St. Petersburg Times write-up on area gaming clubs:
The board game Go has been around for more than 2,000 years and enjoys widespread popularity in East Asia. But around here, there’s just one game in town. John Russell, a 28-year-old librarian, formed the Tampa Go Club nearly two years ago. The weekly meeting attract upwards of 15 people who play on three board sizes, the largest being the most difficult. Often compared to Chess and Backgammon, Go has simple rules but a high degree of strategy. Two players alternate turns by placing black or white stones on the board to amass the larger territory. The club has a core group of regulars but often gets drop-ins from USF who may have seen the game played in A Beautiful Mind, Pi and other movies. Tampa Go Club meets from 3 to 6 p.m. Sundays at the International Boba House and Internet Cafe, 2764 University Square Drive, Tampa. Click here or email goclubtampa@gmail.com.
– photo courtesy St. Petersburg Times
Categories: U.S./North America
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The Power Report (1): Takao makes good start to Meijin challenge; Ichiriki to challenge for Tengen; Women’s Meijin League; New Star Li wins TV Asia; Honinbo League places
Takao makes good start to Meijin challenge: Takao Shinji 9P has already improved on his performance in his Meijin challenge last year. The first game of the 41st title match was held at its usual venue, the Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, on August 30 and 31. Playing black, Takao showed exemplary shinogi (living with a weak group) skills in weathering a fierce attack by Iyama Yuta Meijin. When the dust settled, he had a lead of about ten points on the board. Iyama missed his best opportunities to complicate the game and resigned after 207 moves. In view of Takao’s past record against Iyama, it’s too soon to say he has an edge, but he has certainly made the series more interesting for fans. The second game will be played on September 14 and 15.
At the party on the eve of the game, the players gave bouquets to Cho Chikun, who was the referee for the game. Having turned 60 on June 20, Cho is now entitled to use his Honorary Meijin title, though there’s a conflict with his title of 25th Honinbo Chikun. Cho said to the audience: “Wouldn’t you like to see a game to decide who’s stronger, the ordinary Meijin or the Honorary Meijin?” The audience cheered, but, needless to say, this game is not happening soon.
Ichiriki to challenge for Tengen: Ichiriki Ryo 7P has become the second teenager to challenge for one of the top seven open titles. The first was the player whom he will be challenging. The play-off to decide the challenger for the 42nd Tengen title was held at the Nihon Ki-in in Tokyo on September 2. Playing white, Ichiriki beat Yamashita Keigo 9P by 4.5 points.
The title match with Iyama Yuta Tengen will start on October 21. Ichiriki will be 19 years four months old when the match starts. The holder of the Tengen and all the other top-seven titles is Iyama Yuta, who challenged for the 33rd Meijin title when he was 19 years three months old. Ichiriki commented: “One of my major goals was to challenge for a title while I was still a teenager, so I’m relieved to have pulled it off.”
There is a group of up-and-coming teenagers at the moment, but Ichiriki was probably the first of them to attract attention when he won a seat in the Kisei League at the age of 16 years nine months (still a record for any league). At 17, he became the youngest player to win the King of the New Stars title and came second in the NHK Cup, and in the same year he also won an international tournament for young players, the Globis Cup. This year he entered the College of Social Studies at Waseda University. A number of university students have turned professional after doing well in university tournaments, but this is the only case I can think of of someone entering university after already establishing himself as a top player. The go writer Akiyama Kenji claimed a while back in his column in “Go Weekly” that Ichiriki was a mathematical prodigy. According to Akiyama, someone had said to Ichiriki that he was barely a quarter of the age of the player he had played that day. Ichiriki asked when the player was born, thought for a couple of seconds and then said he was exactly 24.65% (or whatever) of the player’s age. Akiyama tested him for his article, but didn’t explore the ramifications of this talent.
Women’s Meijin League: One game in the second round of the 29th Women’s Meijin League was played on September 1. Okuda Aya 3P (B) beat Aoki Kikuyo 8P, the previous challenger, by half a point. This is her second win, so Okuda shares the lead with Fujisawa Rina 3P (Aoki is 1-1 and all the other players are 0-1).
Li wins TV Asia: new star for China: The TV Asia Cup is a tournament for the TV go champions of China, Korea, and Japan. This year the 28th Cup was hosted by Japan and held at the New Otani Hotel in Tokyo from September 2 to 4. Unfortunately, for the host country, its representatives were eliminated on the first day, so the tournament became Korea vs. China. Korea probably was the favorite, as it fielded the world’s number, Park Junghwan, and this century’s number one, Lee Sedol (seeded as last year’s winner). However, it was two teenagers who made it to the final: Shin Jinseo 6P of Korea and Li Qincheng 2P of China. The seventeen-year-old Li beat the 16-year-old Shin and became the youngest player to win this title. He also won the junior tournament, the 3rd Globis Cup, this year, so this is his second international title. His win earned him promotion to 9-dan. That may be a new record for the youngest 9-dan (Ke Jie became 9-dan at the age of 18 last year). Results follow:
(Sept. 2) (Round 1) Li (B) beat Cho U 9P (Japan by resig.; Park Junghwan 9P (Korea) (b) beat Terayama Rei 4P (Japan) by resig.; Shin (B) beat Mi Yuting 9P (China) by resig.
(Sept. 3) (Round 2) Li (B) beat Yi Sedol 9P (Korea) by resig.; Shin (W) beat Park by resig.
(Sept. 4) (final) Li (B) beat Shin by resig.
Honinbo League places: We have already reported that Ko Iso and Yuki Satoshi have won places in the upcoming 72nd Honinbo League. They will be joined by Hane Naoki 9P and Mitani Tetsuya 7P. Hane (W) beat Murakawa Daisuke 8P by resig. on September 5; Mitani (B) beat Shibano Toramaru 2P by resig. on September 8. Mitani will be making
his debut in the league. If the 16-year-old Shibano had won their game, he would have set a new record for winning a league place just two years after becoming a professional.
Tomorrow: Cho U wins Kisei A League; Yo to challenge for Oza title; Xie makes good start in Women’s Honinbo defence
Categories: John Power Report
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Astronomers Have Discovered 15 New Planets around a Red Dwarf Star
A research team led by Teruyuki Hirano of Tokyo Institute of Technology's Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences has validated 15 exoplanets orbiting red dwarf systems. One of the brightest red dwarfs, K2-155 that is around 200 light years away from Earth, has three transiting super-Earths. Of those three super-Earths, the outermost planet, K2-155d, with a radius 1.6 times that of Earth, could be within the host star's habitable zone.
The findings, published in the form of two papers in The Astronomical Journal, are based on data from NASA Kepler spacecraft's second mission, K2, and follow-up observations using ground-based telescopes, including the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii and the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT) in Spain.
The researchers found that K2-155d could potentially have liquid water on its surface based on three-dimensional global climate simulations. Hirano says:
“In our simulations, the atmosphere and the composition of the planet were assumed to be Earth-like, and there's no guarantee that this is the case.”
Surface temperatures were plotted as a function of insolation flux (the amount of incoming stellar radiation) estimated at 1.67±0.38. When the insolation exceeds 1.5, a so-called runaway greenhouse effect occurs, signaling a cut-off point for life-friendly temperatures. If the insolation is under 1.5, the surface temperature is more likely to be moderate.
A more precise estimate of the radius and temperature of the K2-155 star would be needed to conclude definitively whether K2-155d is habitable. Achieving such precision would require further studies, for example, using interferometric techniques. A key outcome from the current studies was that planets orbiting red dwarfs may have remarkably similar characteristics to planets orbiting solar-type stars.
“It's important to note that the number of planets around red dwarfs is much smaller than the number around solar-type stars,” says Hirano. “Red dwarf systems, especially coolest red dwarfs, are just beginning to be investigated, so they are very exciting targets for future exoplanet research.”
Histogram of planet radius for the validated and well-characterized transiting planets around red dwarfs: The number counts for mid-to-late red dwarfs (those with a surface temperature of under 3,500 K) are shown above those for early red dwarfs (those with a surface temperature of around 3,500-4,000 K). The results show a "radius gap", or a dip in the number of stars with a radius between 1.5-2.0 times that of Earth.
For example, while the so-called radius gap of planets around solar-type stars has been reported previously, this is the first time that researchers have shown a similar gap in planets around red dwarfs. "This is a unique finding, and many theoretical astronomers are now investigating what causes this gap," says Hirano.
He adds that the most likely explanation for the lack of large planets in the proximity of host stars is photoevaporation, which can strip away the envelope of the planetary atmosphere. The researchers also investigated the relationship between planet radius and metallicity of the host star.
“Large planets are only discovered around metal-rich stars,” Hirano says, “and what we found was consistent with our predictions. The few planets with a radius about three times that of Earth were found orbiting the most metal-rich red dwarfs.”
The studies were conducted as part of the KESPRINT collaboration, a group formed by the merger of KEST (Kepler Exoplanet Science Team) and ESPRINT (Equipo de Seguimiento de Planetas Rocosos Intepretando sus Transitos) in 2016. With the planned launch of NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) in April 2018, Hirano is hopeful that even more planets will be discovered.
“TESS is expected to find many candidate planets around bright stars closer to Earth,” he says. “This will greatly facilitate follow-up observations, including investigation of planetary atmospheres and determining the precise orbit of the planets.”
Astronomy K2-155 Kepler
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https://www.thetelegraph.com/news/article/Black-History-Month-Local-veteran-recalls-war-12644579.php
Black History Month: Local veteran recalls war hero
Published 12:00 am CST, Monday, February 17, 2014
EAST ALTON — The Tuskegee Airmen were told they were nothing. Ben Davis, leader of the all-black World War II squadron, was called some of the most demeaning words imaginable as the first African-American to graduate from the famed West Point military academy.
According to Robert Dillon, who served under him, Davis held up under the insults and proved to be a man of integrity.
“But I say Ben Davis was a far greater man than any of them,” said Dillon, from East Alton.
The Tuskegee Airmen garnered the national spotlight recently when they were featured in the 2012 film “Red Tails.” Academy Award-nominated actor Terrence Howard played the role of Davis.
Dillon, who served under Davis from 1953 to 1954 in the Korean War, said Davis cared about his crew. Dillon was maintaining an airplane in a hangar when they first met. Davis walked up and bent over near Dillon’s right shoulder.
“What are you doing airman?” Dillon recalls Davis saying to him.
Dillon was taken aback and did not know what to say, and looking up, he noticed an eagle on his uniform signifying the man was a full Colonel.
Dillon explained to him that he just wanted to know all he could about the machinery he would have up in the sky.
In some ways race relations have gotten better in society, according to Dillon. He said he sees more opportunities for minorities.
“But there’s still traces of prejudice,” he said. “And some of it borders on just outright hatred.”
According to Dillon, some of the racist attitudes alive in World War II when Davis started the Tuskegee Airmen, are still alive today. He said this is evident in racist subject matter accessible via the Internet regarding President Obama.
Dillon said race relations can be positively impacted through education. But for others, according to Dillon, the “garbage” is fixed in their minds.
William Westmoreland was a General and one of Davis’ superior officers at West Point. They were later colleagues at The Pentagon. Yet even though they worked together, Westmoreland still refused to apologize years after allegedly treating Davis as a lower-class individual.
In fact, none of the other three Generals who discriminated against him at the U.S. Military Academy said they were sorry either, according to Dillon.
And though Dillon said race relations have improved significantly since he has been alive, there were white fighters even in World War II who depended upon the Tuskegee Airmen to escort them to safety.
Dillon sited an excerpt from “Benjamin O. Davis, Jr.: American: An Autobiography.”
He said the Eighth Air Force U.S. Army Air Corps bombers flew out of England during World War II and when a certain fleet of fighter planes were assigned to protect them during their raids over Germany, those fighters ran from the battle.
They left Allied Forces bombers vulnerable to the Luftwaffe, one of the most technologically advanced air forces in the world during the war.
Tuskegee Airmen were then assigned to protect the Eighth Air Force. Davis told his aviators if any of them left the battle they would be court-martialed.
The Tuskegee Airmen protected the bombers from German gunfire. The Eighth Air Force did not find out until much later that the airmen were black, according to Dillon. And they didn’t care.
“They said, ‘We want these Red Tails escorting us,’” Dillon recalls reading, as the back of each plane was painted red. “Because they stayed with them and fought.”
Dillon traveled to Osh Kosh, Wis. to a flight show in 1992, where the Tuskegee Airmen were honored with a large celebration.
“He’s a real tall man,” Dillon said of Davis. “Had hearing aids in both ears.”
Davis looked down on Dillon because of his height, and asked how he was doing.
He told Davis he had been reading his autobiography and Davis told him to send it to him so he could autograph the copy.
But Dillon never did send the book for Davis to sign, something he now wishes he would have done for future generations. Davis died on the Fourth of July in 2002.
“I feel terrible,” Dillon said.
When Dillon looks back, he says Davis inspired him. Dillon said he thinks about the intangible qualities Davis held, such as honesty.
He said Davis was a better man for facing injustice and persevering through it.
“If he told you something, you could believe it,” Dillon said. “The man had integrity.”
Reporter Brett Luster can be reached at 618-463-2570 or on Twitter @bdluster.
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Can Classical Music Help You Write
I was 17 and writing song music and I thought, ‘You know what? I really want your. They don’t want to change anything if.
When classical music composers. specifically in choral music because it’s a very community-oriented art. There is, or at least there used to be, a really great tradition of community choirs around.
Feb 25, 2019 · How to Appreciate Classical Music. The term classical originates from the Latin term classic, which mean of the highest class. After being recognized in France, Germany, and America it took on another definition meaning formal and high of.
The first movement has his characteristic quality of grave propulsion, until some writing for the low brasses. impulsive violence of this first movement, you can hear a kinship with Shostakovich.
Print and download Can’t Help Falling in Love sheet music by Elvis Presley. Sheet music arranged for Piano/Vocal/Guitar in F Major (transposable). SKU: MN0076098
Listen to free classical music online with unlimited skips! Choose from over 30 stations of classical music radio, organized by style, era and composer.
Ask composer Missy Mazzoli about the state of contemporary classical music, and you’ll get an earful. The academia-centered world of composing is “grumpy and dogmatic,” she says, an isolated,
We can help. This is the first in a series of articles in which we aim to give you. writing music for performance continually since then, and new ones are coming along all the time. That’s a lot of.
Forget writing. music by Poul Ruders; a recording of Missy Mazzoli’s new opera Song from the Uproar; and the Kronos Quartet’s latest round of commissions from composers under the age of 30. But.
The above is not quite true – McCartney had help from several ‘classical’ composers in orchestrating Standing Stone and in making sense of the music generated by the computer – because while a computer program can generate a decent approximation of sheet music, it produces clunky, badly-notated music.It’s like the difference between working in Front Page and writing your own HTML.
University of Washington researchers on Wednesday released MusicNet, a large-scale classical music dataset aimed at helping machines. said in a statement. "It can also help enable practical.
Schoenberg flirted with writing film music but never took. and his widow wrote a successful self-help book for spouse caregivers. As the mad mathematician says in A Beautiful Mind: "What’s the use.
Feb 24, 2017 · It is scientifically proven that calm classical music is an effective way to alleviate stress and calm a person down. Listening to soothing and calm music that hypnotizes you has a relaxing effect on the body and mind, particularly if you have a penchant for slow classical music. This type of music.
Ever since my son was born in 2011, it seemed inevitable that I would produce an article on introducing children to music. It’s just what critic parents do. Some of my colleagues have set the bar high.
National Symphony Orchestra: Debussy’s La mer & Ravel’s Shéhérazade Apr 11 – Apr 13, 2019 Acclaimed French conductor Yan Pascal Tortelier returns to lead La mer, Debussy’s beloved masterpiece as mesmerizing as the sea by which it’s inspired.In just three movements, lush melodies roll forth, depicting the dawn’s early light upon the ocean, the frolicsome play of the waves, and the.
Opera St Louis 2019 Complete import/export history of Opera St. Louis. Their February 24, 2019 import from Opera North Ltd in United Kingdom was 4460K of Theatrical Scenery (regalia) Theatrical Scenery, P. The 2019-2020 U.S. Bank Broadway Season is announced! 7-Show Season Tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 8 at 10am. In 2020, it will come to St. Louis
Some big issues — with implications for the prosperity of the performing arts in New York City and the overall health of classical music — hovered. proves me wrong (and all you have to do to see.
I wish this were a relic of the past, something to be chuckled over to demonstrate how far we’ve come, but I can. music’s institutions show themselves to be out of step with the times, the more it.
You can often. experience of music. What also makes this collection so relevant is just how appealing his analysis and commentary are to scholar, performer, and amateur listener alike—a rare.
Classical Music For Singing Apr 4, 2016. Young countertenors are the new superstars of the classical world. are widely celebrated in the classical world, men singing professionally in a. Mehta, a member of India's most famous classical music family (his father is a. She performs live in various venues in West Bengal and teaches vocal music to students all
He has focused on growing the commercial side of the music program, as well as evolving the university’s jazz and classical teachings. class musicians. "You can’t help but just try.
Black Gospel Music On Tv Shows Episode Recap The Ed Sullivan Show on TV.com. Watch The Ed Sullivan Show episodes, get episode information, recaps and more. WASHINGTON — For 25 years, the Finnish Band Horna has played black metal. It’s an extreme subset of heavy metal that the band calls the gospel of the devil. told us the April show listed
Mar 18, 2016 · Below we take a look at ten reasons why you should make classical music a part of your daily routine. Decrease stress levels. Listening to a peace of music can trigger positive chemical reactions in the brain which help reduce stress and depression levels, studies suggest.
Jan 30, 2018 · Video games are designed to get you in the zone, and listening to their soundtracks can help you focus outside the game, too.
“For the five-hour opera, you don’t even dare shift in your seat for fear that it will squeak and people will give you the stink eye,” he said. A longtime announcer for KBYU’s Classical 89.
Oct 08, 2012 · If you’re a student, I am almost willing to bet that you have music playing right now. Maybe it’s Drake, maybe it’s Mumford and Sons, or maybe it’s The Beatles. Whatever your preference, I’m sure you love listening to your
In fairness to potential buyers of Language of the Spirit, Jan Swafford does not reveal why classical music is. things happen when you least expect them.) As Swafford discovered, at a somewhat.
Learn Write Like Mozart: An Introduction to Classical Music Composition from National University of Singapore. This course introduces students to strategies for style writing of common practice European art music. The issues of harmonic.
MOST of the news in classical music. can see that unless you can follow the examples and follow my descriptions of the examples, you will have to skip a lot. Q. What’s next? A. What’s next! Q. Have.
They may learn they actually like classical music. In effect, extra credit can help them discover interests. seeking help.
Oct 30, 2015 · Reporting on what you care about. We hold major institutions accountable and expose wrongdoing. We test and find the best products. No matter your budget, we got you covered.
Given the wide range of styles in European classical music, from Medieval plainchant sung by monks to Classical and Romantic symphonies for orchestra from the 1700s and 1800s to avant-garde atonal compositions for solo piano from the 1900s, it is difficult to list characteristics that can be attributed to all works of that type. However, there are characteristics that classical music contains.
a jubilant self-help manual delivered in danceworthy song form. You can hear it in “Juice,” a bouncy throwback party tune, or.
Maybe we can learn from that on the classical. music, whatever you want to call it. Giving it to Kendrick is saying [he’s that]. Feigenbaum: All the composers that studied at Juilliard and Yale and.
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About Cast & Crew Partners Media Tickets
AboutCast & CrewPartnersMediaTickets
Aileen Kyoko Playwright, Director, Producer
AILEEN KYOKO is a half Japanese and half American actress, playwright and director based in New York City. She was born and raised in Manila, Philippines, and lived in six cities and three countries before settling in NYC.
As a multi-ethnic artist, she wants to tell stories that reflect the diverse world in which we live. She loves exploring the complexities of human beings and the messy and beautiful relationships we create with one another.
In January 2018 Aileen wrote and directed a short play "Going Home" that was featured at the Playwright's Loft. In 2016 Aileen wrote, acted, produced and directed "Hotel Sonder" at the Off-Broadway theatre, The Davenport. In 2015 she acted and co-produced "You Don't Have to Go Home" at The Producer's Club. Aileen was also a contributor to the Project: Girl Series as an actress and writer.
She trained at Maggie Flanigan Studio from 2016-2017 studying the Meisner acting technique and the Williamson Movement technique.
You can often find Aileen drinking kombucha, going on three hour walks around the city and listening to the same songs on repeat. She is incredibly grateful for this wonderful cast and crew who have joined her on this journey. And a huge thank you to Planet Connections for creating these opportunities for artists.
To contact her email theyearofthesolareclipse@gmail.com
Ezra Bynum Producer
Ezra Bynum is excited for his Planet Connections Theatre Festivity debut. Ezra can be seen next in ‘Hot Summer Nights’ in which he appears opposite William Fichtner and Academy Award Nominee Timothee Chalamet. He has appeared on Network TV, and a list of other films. His representative theatre roles include Joseph Asagai in 'A Raisin in the Sun', Chicken in 'Kingdom of Earth' and Eddie in ‘Hurlyburly’ . Prior to moving to New York, Ezra attended UMass Amherst and Monmouth University where he earned a scholarship to play football. Ezra is a graduate of the Maggie Flanigan Studio where he studied under Senior Acting Teacher Charlie Sandlan.
Matthew Tyler Artistic Director
Matthew Tyler is a NY-based screenwriter who has written feature films and TV dramas for the likes of Working Title Films, Universal Studios, Creature Productions, and every size production company in between. When he’s not writing or artistic directing, he pours his creative energy into Change Better, a nonprofit he co-founded in 2015, where he now serves as Creative Director. He received his Masters in Fine Arts from Columbia University.
Lily Guerin Set Designer
Lily Guerin is a set designer currently earning her MFA at the Yale School of Drama. Her work has been seen at The LaMaMa Experimental Theatre Club, The Davenport Theatre and Dreamcatcher Repertory Theater. She was also the production designer of several award winning independent films. She is very excited to be involved in the Planet Connections Theater Festival and work for a third time with Aileen and this collection of artists.
Sea Shimooka Angelina
Sea Shimooka hails from the Bay Area and is an ethnic blend of Japanese, Hawaiian, and European. Shortly after graduating from NYU Tisch, Sea was chosen in a nationwide search for the 2016 ABC Talent Showcase where she received invaluable mentorship from ABC Studios. Typically in front of the camera, Sea has acted in various short films and shot her first television pilot in March. Much love to my family and friends who’ve always supported me.
Ashleen Rowan Elle
A native New Yorker, Ashleen moved back to NY after receiving her B.A. in acting from DeSales University in 2014. Previous credits include Lucetta (Two Gentlemen of Verona, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), Courtesan (A Comedy of Errors, Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival), and Ellie (Ghost Stories, Jenny Wiley Theatre). She would like to thank the Planet Connections team and everyone involved in The Year of the Solar Eclipse for the opportunity to play with this stellar group!
Connie Saltzman Ivy
Connie Saltzman isan actor, director, and singer-songwriter from Bucks County, PA. You can see her on Season 3 of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt on Netflix, opposite Robert DeNiro in "The Comedian", and as the award-winning lead in the independent thriller "Honeybee", out on Amazon & iTunes. Off-Broadway credits: Implications of Cohabitation (Clurman Theater), Hotel Sonder (Davenport Theater), A Touch of Forever (FringeNYC). She is also the director of project:girl, a film series about girlhood that premiered at HBO's ITVFest 2017. In addition to acting & directing, she loves writing songs about overly personal topics and plays her music around New York.
Natasha Hakata Shannon
Natasha Hakata is an NYC-based Texan, whose select credits include: Sophie in RUINED (The Heights Players); Sigmund Freud in LOU (Theatre 4the People); THIS JUST IN! (Crashbox Theater Company); Leela NYC Festival (Dixon Place, QED). She has trained at the Atlantic Acting School, and also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology (UT Austin) and master’s degree in occupational therapy (NYU).
Michael Coppola Jason
Michael Coppola, a rare native New Yorker, and Meisner trained actor, is a ten year veteran of the NY theatre, TV, and film scene. Some of his past credits include Morgan in Ben Holbrook’s play, “Sinners on a Southbound Bus,” which won the FringeFAVE award for best in show for the Kraine Theatre at the 2016 NY Fringe Festival. Austin in Annie R. Such’s play, “Come and Take It,” which won best play at the Nu10 Theatre Festival. Jimmy Provatti in Van Fisher’s play, “Code of Silence,” which bookended the Strawberry Theatre Festival at the St Clements Theatre. As well as, the role of Johnny in “Hotel Sonder: The Knot,” which was previously produced by Aileen Kyoko and co. Michael is extremely excited to be reunited with so many people from the Hotel Sonder cast and production team, and looking forward to making magic with them once again!
Matthew Ramirez Noah
Matthew S. Ramirez just completed the 2 year Professional Acting Training Program at The Maggie Flanigan Studio. Matthew is also bilingual speaking fluently in both English and Spanish.
Cornelius Mcmoyler River & Donald
Cornelius McMoyler moved to New York for rock and roll. He then went screaming back to his first home, acting. He is thrilled to be working with fellow alumni. Cornelius is a graduate of the Maggie Flanigan Meisner Conservatory. Film: Killing McCarren, Cicada. Stage: Out of the Basement (Araca Project).
Ezra Bynum Will
Danielle Boss Stage Manager
Danielle Boss is thrilled to make her debut as Stage Manager for The Year of the Solar Eclipse at the Planet Connections Theatre Festivity. She is currently studying Theatre at the City College of New York. Her stage manager credits include The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Cymbeline, I Don’t Have to Show You No Stinking Badges, and Blood Wedding at CCNY. Danielle is beyond grateful to The Year of the Solar Eclipse team and Planet Connections for giving her this amazing opportunity and for the endless love and support from her friends and family. Danielle is an animal lover who volunteers at the ASPCA when she isn’t doing theater.
Photography by Fred Lam / Design by Matthew Tyler
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Snapchat Is Reportedly Going Ahead with Its Plan to Go Public
Maya Kosoff
Great News, America: Bankers Don’t Have to Worry About Layoffs Anymore
Twitter’s New Anti-Harassment Tools Are Too Little, Too Late
Trump’s Big Interview Ratings Flop Could Mean Danger for His Campaign
Tina Nguyen
Blood Unicorn
Explosive New Details Emerge in $140 Million Lawsuit Against Theranos
More than 1 in 10 test results were allegedly voided. And George P. Shultz's grandson blew the whistle on the company!
By Andrew Burton/Getty Images.
Last week, as the country was preparing to elect Donald Trump to its highest office, Walgreens was filing a lawsuit against Theranos. According to now-available documents, Walgreens is suing the blood-testing start-up for $140 million, alleging that Theranos breached a contract between the two companies when they entered into a partnership that saw Theranos open Wellness Centers at Walgreens across the country, where customers could get their blood tested. Walgreens claims that Theranos misled them about the safety and accuracy of their proprietary blood-testing equipment and “failed to meet the most basic quality standards and legal requirements.” Walgreens, which was previously Theranos’s largest partner, terminated the relationship in June and shuttered 40 more Theranos Wellness Centers after it emerged that Theranos’s technology did not work as advertised.
According to the lawsuit, Walgreens claims to have been consistently misled by the once-vaunted biotech start-up and its charismatic founder, Elizabeth Holmes. Theranos, Walgreens claims, didn’t tell Walgreens until June 11 that 31,000, or 11.3 percent, of its blood test results given to customers were voided. To add insult to injury, Walgreens says it found out about the voided tests the same way the rest of the world did: through media reports first published in The Wall Street Journal. The next day, Walgreens says, it pulled out of its partnership with Theranos. Theranos fired back at Walgreens in a statement last week, accusing the drugstore giant of failing to meet its own commitments. “We are disappointed that Walgreens filed this lawsuit,” a spokesperson told Vanity Fair. “Through its mishandling of our partnership and now this lawsuit, Walgreens has caused Theranos and its investors significant harm. We will respond vigorously to Walgreens’s unfounded allegations, and will seek to hold Walgreens responsible for the damage it has caused to Theranos and its investors.”
The news is just the latest in a series of unflattering media reports for Theranos, which was once valued at as much as $9 billion. Last year, The Wall Street Journal published a series of critical reports questioning the legitimacy of Theranos’s technology. Holmes, who dropped out of Stanford to found Theranos at the age of 19, raised more than $686 million from investors since launching the company in 2003. She won over the tech press with claims she would revolutionize the blood-testing industry with her patented Edison machine, a device that she said could conduct diagnostic tests with a single pinprick (as opposed to traditional intravenous blood extraction). In light of last year’s reports, Theranos has shut down its blood-testing facilities and laid off 340 people, or about 40 percent of its workforce, in Pennsylvania, California, and Arizona.
Meanwhile, Journal investigative reporter John Carreyrou, who has broken much of the news on the scandal, published a devastating piece on Wednesday night. The story noted that a chief whistleblower within the company was a young man named Tyler Shultz, who just happened to be the grandson of distinguished public servant, former Secretary of Defense, and Theranos counselor George P. Shultz. (Shultz was a board member before Theranos, in the wake of its scandal, cleaved its board in two.) The younger Shultz suggested that he acted, in part, to preserve his grandfather's legacy. But he recently did not attend the elder Shultz's 95th birthday. The complex dynamic between Holmes and her board was captured cogently in my colleague Nick Bilton's exposé on the company in the September issue of Vanity Fair.
Still, Holmes does have at least one vocal investor in her corner. Tim Draper, the founding partner of Draper Associates and Draper Fisher Jurvetson, appeared on television on Tuesday—not for the first time—to defend Holmes and Theranos. In an interview on Closing Bell, the world’s most loyal V.C. said Holmes has been “totally attacked,” and that she is “a great example of maybe why the women are so frustrated.” Draper’s unyielding ability to give Holmes the benefit of the doubt is, if nothing else, an inspiration for the rest of the nation in these dark post-election days.
[This post has been updated to account for The Journal's report.]
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Crime surges in New Zealand; vapor ban and rising tobacco taxes to blame
The New Zealand government is keeping quit on whether it intends to honor its promise to legalize e-cigarettes and vapor products after renewed calls for a law change as aggravated retail robberies increase and fewer people quit smoking.
Tax hikes on cigarettes have prompted just 10 percent of New Zealand’s smoking population- about 550,000- to quit. Retailers are bearing the brunt of the consequences, however, as retail robberies increase, according to the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union.
The group is calling for the legalization of e-cigarettes, which are illegal to sell, supply or give away, but the new Labour-led Government isn’t committing to a previous National vow to regulate their use, according to a story in the Otago Daily Times.
The union released a report on the social effects of the tax hike, Up In Smoke: The Social Cost of Tobacco Excise, ahead of a Jan. 5, 10 percent tax increase on cigarettes, and accused the Government of being more interested in revenue gathering than reducing harm, according to the article.
In contrast, aggravated robberies are on the rise with police intelligence documents revealing cigarette retailers were targeted 490 times in a 13-month period, according to the story. Union director Jordan Williams says the tax hike regime in a bid to have a smokefree country by 2025 is a “complete failure”.
Households had less money and people were more likely to buy black market tobacco, fueling further robberies, he said, according to the Times story. “The Government’s foot dragging suggests that the higher taxes were not about health, but about the money all along. The Government should halt increases to tobacco taxes, at least until the sale of e-cigarettes containing nicotine are fully legalized.”
Police intelligence documents attributed the cost of tobacco as a likely contributing factor on robberies because of the high returns on black market tobacco, thought to be as high as a $10 profit on a $20 pack of cigarettes.
Dairy robberies are so frequent this year police launched a $1.8m anti-robbery scheme so vulnerable small businesses could apply for funding to beef up security.
See article here: https://www.odt.co.nz/news/national/calls-legalisation-e-cigarettes-after-crime-surge
« Singapore out on a limb
Graphic HNB warnings? »
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Ubisoft’s Got You Covered With This Division 2 Video Guide
Division Agent 101
It’s Division 2 eve, which means prospective agents may want to brush up on all the basic. Today, Ubisoft has published a deep dive into the open city of Washington D.C. The video comes with some story background, gameplay exposition and tips for navigating the besieged Capitol.
The newest trailer, titled ‘What is The Division 2?’ attempts to cover all the bases players need to know. Part of what makes this installment unique over the first is the feel of a living, breathing world. Everywhere you go, the objective is to save Washington D.C. Side quests, random encounters, and Control Points lead to engagements all over the city. To help you get started, Ubisoft has enclosed a guide on the cover system, weapons, and the many, many aspects of progression.
In the days leading up to release, Ubisoft has implemented a full-scale marketing push. We’ve seen everything from previews of the Dark Zone to a parody of US-Mexico border control. Now’s a great time to pre-load the game since the day-one patch stacks to a whopping 90 GB of space. If you’re looking for more in-depth coverage, you’re invited to check out the cut-scenes in our 51-minute gameplay preview.
The Division 2 hits PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on March 15, 2019, or March 14 9 PM PST. This is the last day for PC players to pre-order the game on other digital storefronts before it becomes an Epic Games Store exclusive. Anyone who pre-orders the Ultimate Edition has received 3-day early access, which would explain why the game is all over streaming channels.
Are you sold on The Division 2 yet? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Ubisoft’s Got You Covered With This Division 2 Video Guide appeared first on COGconnected.
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Novel Type of Immunotherapy Helps Man Fight Brain Cancer
Killer T cells surround a cancer cell. (NIH)
A man with deadly brain cancer that had spread to his spine saw his tumors shrink and, for a time, vanish after a novel treatment to help his immune system attack his disease — another first in this promising field.
The type of immunotherapy that Richard Grady, 50, received already has helped some people with blood cancers such as leukemia. But the way he was given it is new, and may allow its use not just for brain tumors but also other cancers that can spread, such as breast and lung.
Grady was the first person to get the treatment dripped through a tube into a space in the brain where spinal fluid is made, sending it down the path the cancer traveled to his spine.
He had "a remarkable response" that opens the door to wider testing, said Dr. Behnam Badie, neurosurgery chief at City of Hope, a cancer center in Duarte, California, where Grady was treated.
The case is reported in this week's New England Journal of Medicine.
Each year in the United States, about 20,000 people are diagnosed with a type of brain tumor called glioblastoma. Grady, who lives in Seattle, had the usual surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, but the cancer came back.
T cells modified
He enrolled in a clinical trial at City of Hope and had some of his own blood cells, called T cells, removed and genetically modified in the lab to turn them into specialized soldiers to seek and destroy cancer.
The treatment, called CAR-T cell therapy, has been used for blood cancers, but its value for solid tumors is unknown. City of Hope has been conducting tests in which the cells are injected directly into the brain.
The logo of City of Hope, a cancer center in Duart
The logo of City of Hope, a cancer center in Duarte, Calif.
First, Grady had more surgery to remove three of his largest tumors. Then he got six weekly infusions of the cells through a tube into his brain, where the biggest one had been. No cancer recurred there, but the remaining tumors continued to grow, new ones appeared, and cancer spread to his spine.
Doctors decided on a bold step: placing a second tube in his brain, into a cavity where spinal fluid is made, and putting the cells there.
"The idea was to have the flow of the spinal fluid carry the T cells to different locations,'' along the route the cancer had taken, Badie said.
After three treatments, all tumors had shrunk dramatically. After the 10th treatment, "we saw all the tumors disappear," and Grady was able to cut back on other medicines and return to work, Badie said.
More treatment
New tumors, though, have now emerged in different spots in his brain and spine, and he is getting radiation treatment. But his response to immunotherapy lasted more than seven months, and "for him to live more than a year and half" after starting it is amazing for a situation where survival often is measured in weeks, Badie said.
Side effects of the treatment were manageable, including headaches, fatigue and muscle aches, and some may have resulted from other medicines Grady needed, doctors reported.
It's early research, but it's an advance for the field "that they showed this is safe, at least in this patient," said Dr. Donald O'Rourke, a neurosurgeon heading a similar study at the University of Pennsylvania.
O'Rourke treated 10 brain tumor patients with CAR-T cells but used a single IV dose. A paper detailing results is in the works, but "it's pretty striking what we've found," he said.
At City of Hope, nine patients have been treated so far, but only three with infusions into the spinal fluid brain cavity. Two of the nine have not responded to treatment, Badie said.
His study is supported by the nonprofit Gateway for Cancer Research, the Food and Drug Administration, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Some authors get royalties from pending patents or money from Mustang Bio Inc., which has licensed some of the technology.
Researchers Use Light to Treat Early-stage Prostate Cancer
New research shows that light and a bacterium from the bottom of the ocean may provide success in treating men with early-stage prostate cancer. The standard of care for most early, localized prostate cancers is to take a watch-and-wait approach, forgoing treatment unless the disease worsens. But there may soon be another option. Researchers in Britain are experimenting with a form of light therapy, using a laser beam that targets cancer cells and destroys…
Studies: Cancer Can Spread Undetected, Before Tumor Develops
Research has found that cancer cells can spread unseen, before a tumor develops, and leave a ticking time bomb in the body. But the scientists who made the discovery say it soon may be possible for doctors to target these "silent" cancer cells and kill them before they can kill the patient. The researchers said the ability of these early cancer cells to spread while…
Obama Signs Bill to Fund Cancer Research, Drug Treatment
U.S. President Barack Obama has signed a $6.3 billion bill to fund cancer research, drug addiction recovery and mental health services, in what likely will be his final law signed as president."Like many of you, I believe the United States of America should be the country that ends cancer once and for all. We are already closer than a lot of folks think," Obama said.In an emotional ceremony, the president signed the 21st Century Cures Act in a White House auditorium. He…
Study: There’s No Safe Level of Smoking
There is no safe level of smoking, according to a new study. Even one cigarette a day can shorten your life, while quitting later in life can add years. We all know smoking cigarettes is harmful. But some people think if they only have one cigarette per day, or 10 or fewer, they are in the clear for smoking-related diseases including lung cancer and heart disease. Not so fast, say researchers at the U.S. National Cancer Institute. The…
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Raising an intersex child: 'This is your body. ... There's nothing to be ashamed of'
The Lohmans' daughter, Rosie, was born with DSD. While some parents choose surgery for children born with abnormal genitalia, the Lohmans are opting to let Rosie decide.
Posted: Apr 15, 2019 11:30 AM
Updated: Apr 15, 2019 11:30 AM
Posted By: By Daniella Emanuel, CNN
When Stephani Lohman got her first look at her newborn in the delivery room, she playfully hit her husband, Eric, on the arm. She made a flustered comment about how ultrasounds could get the sex of the child wrong.
The doctors in the Ontario hospital were silent. Eric knew that the situation was more serious than a mixup.
"I sort of looked around at that moment, and I saw what I would describe as panic on all of the medical staff's faces," Eric said.
They had expected their baby, Rosie, to be a girl, but her parents saw what seemed to be a penis. Eric remembered learning when he was getting his doctorate about babies born with genitalia that wasn't typically male or female. He realized right away that Rosie was like those babies.
"I wanted the baby to be put on my chest right away, because I just had her, and I worked really hard for that moment, and they didn't," Stephani said, recalling that day in 2012. "And I was scared."
The doctors covered Rosie with a blanket and took her across the room for what seemed like a long time, Eric said. When they returned, they offered what they knew: Rosie had atypical genitalia, and more tests were needed to determine whether she was genetically a girl or a boy and if she had a serious medical condition, Eric said the doctors told them.
"It basically went from very celebratory, very exciting, to very scary," Eric said.
The next few days were filled with extensive tests and examinations until the doctors were finally able to make a diagnosis. Rosie had two X chromosomes, and so was considered to be female, they said, but she had salt-wasting congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a severe form of a condition called CAH for short. People with CAH are missing an enzyme that the adrenal glands need to produce cortisol. Rosie's body is unable to retain enough sodium.
The adrenal glands also produce the initial ingredients of sex hormones, so when the brain gets signals that cortisol levels are low, it demands that the adrenal glands work harder. That leads to a higher production of sex hormone ingredients, which results in an excess of male hormones. Those hormones are what cause the formation of atypical genitalia in fetuses with two X chromosomes while they're in utero.
Rosie's condition is classified as a DSD, or differences or disorders of sex development, by many physicians. Some patients and parents of patients -- including Eric and Stephani -- dislike this classification. They prefer the term intersex.
Many conditions under the DSD/intersex umbrella could result in a variety of different physical sex characteristics on individuals, such as an enlarged clitoris or a micropenis.
Atypical genitalia does not always occur in patients with CAH, but when it does, doctors sometimes encourage plastic surgery.
Eric remembered learning about these operations as a student, and he was skeptical.
Stephani stayed in the hospital with Rosie, who was still being monitored, and began to research the surgeries. At home, Eric did the same. They familiarized themselves with the list of potential long-term risks, such as chronic pain, an inability to orgasm or eventual rejection of gender assignment. If the doctors proposed surgery, Eric wanted to say no. Stephani didn't even anticipate that it would come up.
"My idea, because I was very naive about it, was that they would never recommend anything that wasn't necessary right now," Stephani said. "Like, they wouldn't put a tiny baby under the knife for no reason. Can you imagine a world in which they're just doing cosmetic surgeries on babies? I couldn't even imagine that existed."
An 'easy' fix
The surgical approach to CAH and other DSD/intersex conditions began in the 1960s, when doctors found ways to perform surgeries that reduced some of parents' anxieties about their babies. The surgeries were intended to help patients conform more with the mainstream characteristics of one sex or the other. But sometimes, the outcomes of these surgeries didn't align with patients' eventual gender identities.
Over the years, some who had these surgeries grew to feel a misalignment between their sex and their gender, or felt that surgery had left them mutilated because their genitals lacked sexual sensation. This led to a wave of activism referred to as the intersex rights movement, with people speaking out and protesting medically unnecessary surgeries on children.
Today, these surgeries are starting to be viewed more as cosmetic procedures instead of emergency treatments, but they are still performed.
There's legislative pushback from the intersex community too, most recently seen through a California bill, SB 201.
The bill would prohibit doctors from performing surgeries on minors with atypical genitalia unless the procedures are determined to be "medically necessary" or the child can provide informed consent beforehand. It is sponsored by Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener of San Francisco.
The California Medical Association has formally opposed the bill and wrote a letter of opposition to the state Senate Committee on Business, Professions, and Economic Development.
"The bill makes an exception for any procedure or treatment that is deemed medically necessary, which is defined in such a way that cannot properly address the complexity of DSD cases and potentially endangers the physical and emotional health and future of the patient," the letter stated.
In 2017, Human Rights Watch released a report on infant genital surgeries that are performed on babies with atypical genitalia, declaring it cruel and unnecessary. It provided detailed testimonials from individuals who had the surgeries and felt violated and damaged.
About 1 in 2,000 babies is born with genitalia different enough that doctors might recommend surgery, according to the report.
Tiger Devore, a Las Vegas-based clinical psychologist and advocate for people considered to be sexually different, said the rate of surgeries hasn't really changed since the 1960s. A 2016 study in the Journal of Pediatric Urology found that of 37 babies with what researchers called "moderate-to-severe genital atypia" who were born after 2011, 35 were subject to genital surgery.
Devore was born in 1958 with hypospadias, a condition in which the urinary opening is on the underside of the penis instead of the tip. He had over 25 surgeries, many of them when he was a child. He describes them as painful and unnecessary.
"There are people who have grown up having these surgeries very early on in life. They're making it very clear to the medical society that these surgeries don't work, we don't like the outcomes, this shouldn't have been done to us as children," Devore said. "It's our genitalia, and we want to grow up with our own genitalia. Not the genitalia that our doctors thought was right, not the genitalia our parents thought was right. It's our body."
Surgeries are typically performed to treat the anxiety of the parents, which is not fair to the infant, he said.
The notion is that kids will have a better life because their genitals will look normal, but often that's not the case, he said.
"If you do plastic surgery on the genitalia, you do not magically get normal male or female genitalia. We get intersex genitalia that has had plastic surgery done to it," he said.
The parents' decision to consent rests heavily on their education on the subject, he said.
"If they take a moment to do a little research, it can make a huge difference for the future of the child," he said.
Feeling the pressure
Three days after Rosie was born, Eric and Stephani were invited to a meeting with specialists to discuss steps. They recall walking into a room with more than a dozen medical staff: pediatric gynecologists, geneticists, pediatric urologists, endocrinologists and a social worker.
"It was probably the most intimidating room I've ever been in," Eric said.
Rosie's parents said a pediatric urologist presented them with two options only: They could reduce the size of Rosie's clitoris and create a vaginal canal, or solely do the vaginal canal surgery.
He recommended that Rosie have both procedures done simultaneously at about 6 months old, and preferably not much later than that. The argument was that the younger Rosie was, the faster she would heal, and she wouldn't have to experience looking physically different from other children.
After thorough research, Rosie's parents knew that they didn't want either procedure.
To their dismay, not having any surgery was never presented to them as a possibility, Eric said. And when he brought it up, the doctor said that was a choice he wouldn't recommend, due to the risk that Rosie might eventually experience psychological trauma from not looking like other girls.
The rest of the staff stayed silent, Stephani said.
"It would have been nice to think that we had one ally in there, but we didn't," Stephani said.
The doctor's sentiment was that if Rosie looked normal, she would feel better about herself. Eric and Stephani felt there was nothing wrong with appearing different, and if there was going to be a surgery, Rosie deserved a choice in the matter. They remained adamant about not consenting to the surgeries.
Meanwhile, the couple was advised by the social worker to be careful when explaining Rosie's condition to other people, including her older brother and sister.
David Sandberg, a psychologist at University of Michigan who provides clinical services to children with DSD/intersex conditions and their families, said his first step when dealing with families who have a newborn with one of these conditions is to help them figure out the best way to share the information with people they trust.
"The story doesn't have to be all the details. But there should be nothing that would be considered a lie in retrospect," said Sandberg, who was not involved in Rosie's care. "It could be a partial story. It could be less technical. But it has to be based in truth. Because once you go down the road of telling a non-truth, then it's very difficult to extricate yourself from that."
The Lohmans continued to feel pressured by their pediatric urologist to consider surgery, even as Rosie approached her first birthday. After putting their foot down and saying they wouldn't consent, the same pediatric urologist waved them away, Eric said, as if to say they would be back within a few years. (The pediatric urologist declined to comment for this story.)
It's been years since that appointment, and they still haven't returned.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, its guidelines about atypical genitalia are being reviewed.
"The American Academy of Pediatrics agrees it's important that a child's medical team and parents engage in open, transparent conversations so that parents fully understand their child's condition and the risks and benefits of any proposed treatment, as well as alternatives, such as delaying surgery," the organization said in a statement.
Dr. Veronica Gomez-Lobo, director of pediatric and adolescent gynecology at Children's National Medical Center in Washington, said she agrees with the American Academy of Pediatrics' statement and the further goals it states of "helping children to have a happy and healthy life."
Gomez-Lobo has worked with many families at the PROUD Clinic, which provides specialized diagnostic, evaluation and treatment services for children with complex diseases, including those that result in atypical genitalia. When an infant is born with one of these conditions, the first priority at the clinic is allowing parents to form a relationship with their child, she said.
"We don't even need to see these children until they've bonded with the parents, and so we don't even see them for an evaluation until about a month after they're born," she said.
For patients with CAH, clinic workers first make sure that all of the medical needs are being addressed and treated, Gomez-Lobo said. After that is taken care of, they inform parents of the benefits and risks of genital surgeries, and they now mention the Human Rights Watch report, she said.
"We don't know whether making a clitoris smaller has any benefit," she said. "Whether that's going to make the child grow up with a better self-image or something like that, nobody has evaluated that. But there is some literature that supports that maybe doing clitoral surgery may reduce the sensation, and it depends on how it's done and a lot of different reasons."
Out in the open
After Rosie's diagnosis, the Lohmans spent a lot of time at home and were open about Rosie's condition only to family.
"Pretty soon, I started to feel like that was wrong," Stephani said.
When they began to feel nervous about hiring babysitters who would have to change Rosie's diapers, they decided to share the secret.
"I was like, 'this is ridiculous. This is just making it shameful. Sometimes, I don't feel like we're doing her a favor,' " Stephani said. "We had the thought that we are contributing to this culture of shame. We're perpetuating what exactly it is we're trying to avoid."
Rosie was 18 months old when they stopped hiding her condition and were frank about it with friends and others outside the family, Stephani said. At age 4, Rosie was featured in the documentary "Gender Revolution: A Journey with Katie Couric," now available on Netflix.
The family now lives in Milwaukee. Eric is on the board of directors of interACT, an organization dedicated to raising the visibility of intersex children and fighting for laws protecting intersex youth against surgeries.
Recently, they brought Rosie to a protest at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, where they called on the facility to end the practice of medically unnecessary infant genital surgeries. In July, Eric and Stephani released a book about their experience raising an intersex child, "Raising Rosie."
And in August, Eric flew to California to testify before the state's Committee on Health in favor of a resolution that condemned unnecessary surgery on children with intersex conditions. Weeks later, the resolution passed, making California the first state to denounce such surgeries. The resolution was introduced by Wiener, who sponsored the bill that would prohibit some of these surgeries.
Outing Rosie as intersex to the public has been the most troubling decision for the Lohmans, Eric said. Eric and Stephani have written a letter for Rosie to read when she is old enough, explaining how they came to the decision to speak out about her condition. They hope she'll understand. Until then, they are focused on making her as comfortable with her body as possible. As she gets older, they plan to prepare her for how to deal with addressing her condition in front of her peers and choosing when to be private.
"If the time comes and we're like, 'OK, now she's gonna have a sleepover,' we'll say, 'well, we want you to know that this is your body, and you should feel comfortable talking about it, and you don't have to show anybody your body, but there's nothing to be ashamed of,' " Eric said.
The risks of surgery on a child with differences of sexual development are well-known, the University of Michigan's Sandberg said, but the risks of avoiding surgery -- which is still rare -- are not clear. When he faces a family who wants to operate on their newborn with atypical genitalia or a family who is adamantly against it, he makes sure to warn them of the risks that could result from either decision. Because there's very little published evidence on how the children who don't have surgery do growing up, all he can do is speculate.
"Being different in some way doesn't necessarily hurt you, but it is not an advantage," Sandberg said. "And so one has to know something about the factors that make a child more vulnerable for being rejected or neglected by peers. And those would be things that in a gradual, developmentally appropriate way that I would tell some families. But I would sort of telegraph that early on. If I have any value at all to the family, it's engaging them in a discussion that continues over time, as the child gets older. And then, over time, engaging the child in these conversations."
On the other hand, Devore, the Las Vegas clinical psychologist, said he thinks there should be only one approach toward helping parents who have a child with one of these conditions.
"We feel strongly that people who are ob-gyns and other people who deliver babies need to be taught to say, 'you have given birth to a healthy intersex child. Not just a male child. Not just a female child. Or a child that has problems. You have given birth to a healthy intersex child,' " he said. " 'Someday, that child may choose to have surgery or not. But the hospital will provide genetic counseling, neurologic counseling and psychological counseling so that your family can face this challenge in a healthy way and so that your child can be given the guidance to understand their difference.' "
Devore expects younger generations, as well as younger physicians, to be more open-minded about intersex conditions and variability of expression. The changing environment can be seen on college campuses, in the media and on Facebook, he said.
Intersex is a viable identity that shouldn't be seen as unhealthy, he said. But it is just as important for individuals born with atypical genitalia to have the right to not be defined by that, either.
"If people have a sense of themselves as male or have a sense of themselves as female, no matter what their genitals look like, they get to identify that way," he said. "And that's the most basic point that we could have emphasized. It is the right of the individual to determine how they choose to identify. It is not the right of the parent. It is not the right of the physician or surgeon."
Nothing out of the ordinary
Rosie is now 6 years old and has never had genital surgery. She has big green eyes and blonde hair that she prefers be kept short. Dresses are among her favorite things to wear. Her parents describe her as "intrepid" and "brave."
"She wants a mohawk," Eric said. "We try to tell her that having a mohawk is unpractical in Wisconsin because you have to wear a winter hat. But she wants short hair, so that's what she has."
"Rosie's awesome. She's a firecracker," Stephani said.
They have told Rosie that her body is different from other people's but that many people have differences in their bodies. "And that's OK," Eric said.
If Rosie ever expressed a desire to have a clitoral reduction, Eric said, they would begin the process by having her speak to a therapist, an intersex person who had surgery and an intersex person who has not had surgery.
"If that happens in a year, then we'll start it in a year, and if it happens when she's 16, then we'll do it then," he said.
They would urge her to wait until she's a teen, at least, and until she has experienced sexual pleasure, because of the procedure's potential effect on sexual sensations.
Rosie's been taking medication for CAH since she was a baby. She now takes three pills a day to keep her cortisol and electrolyte levels balanced. Pills swallowed at 7:30 a.m., 3:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. prevent her from going into adrenal crisis.
With this medical routine, Rosie's health is stabilized. She's beginning to learn how to take care of her condition independently and carries around a rescue kit in case she goes into adrenal crisis. But her parents are still concerned about what the future holds. Sicknesses and hospitalizations are inevitable with her condition, Eric said, and he's nervous about the quality of her health care when she's older -- as well as the possibility of schools and jobs being unforgiving about her having to take time off.
Even though Rosie has been raised as a girl, it's important to her parents to refer to her as intersex and to encourage gender fluidity. In other words, they don't confine her gender expression to that of a boy or a girl.
Since Rosie identifies as a girl, her parents check off "female" under the sex category when filling out forms. She's in first grade this year and has developed a group of core friends. She uses the girls' bathroom and has yet to be confronted by other students about her body. But they are confident that with her type of personality, she'll either not care or laugh about it, if anyone were to point out her differences.
Her teachers are aware of her condition and have been compassionate, he said. Parents in their community have also been accepting.
"As of right now, she's very stable, and we have a very supportive network," Eric said. "It's almost as if nobody cares about the intersex part of her."
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Tyra Banks is now 'BanX'
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News & Insights | Newsletters
Policy Provides Coverage for Claim Made During Extended Reporting Period
A federal district court, applying New York law, has held that an extended reporting period endorsement to a claims-made policy extended the time period during which a claim could be made against the insured and still be subject to coverage. Liberty Surplus Ins. Corp. v. Segal Co., 2004 WL 2102090 (S.D.N.Y. Sept. 21, 2004). The court also held, however, that the policyholder was not entitled to attorneys' fees incurred in defending itself against the insurer's declaratory action.
An insurer issued a claims-made excess insurance policy to a company. The insurer subsequently issued an extended reporting period (ERP) endorsement to the company. The first paragraph of the ERP endorsement provided that the excess policy "is hereby extended to apply to Claims first made against the Insured during thirty-six (36) calendar months immediately following…the effective date of nonrenewal of this Policy." The second paragraph provided that the ERP applied "only to Claims which arise out of any act, error or omission of the Insured prior to [the effective date of nonrenewal] and which would otherwise be covered hereunder."
During the extended reporting period, a municipality filed suit against the insured company based on the company's actions prior to the nonrenewal date. The insurer instituted this declaratory action to determine whether the policy covered claims first made during the extended reporting period. The insurer argued that because the endorsement applied only to claims "which would otherwise be covered hereunder," the policy provided coverage only for claims first made against the insured company during the original policy period. The ERP endorsement, the insurer argued, merely expanded the period during which the company could report such claims to its insurer.
The court ruled in favor of the company, holding that the ERP endorsement extended the policy to claims first made against the company during the ERP and that arose out of alleged acts, errors or omissions of the company occurring prior to the nonrenewal date. The court reasoned that the ERP endorsement was unambiguous and clearly stated that the endorsement applied to claims brought against the company during the ERP. The court found that the plain meaning of the phrase "which would otherwise be covered hereunder" in the second paragraph simply limited coverage to those claims that exhausted the company's underlying insurance. The court concluded that the insurer's interpretation of the ERP would eviscerate the first paragraph and granted judgment in favor of the company.
The court also determined that its grant of declaratory judgment to the insured company on the ERP endorsement did not entitle the company to recover attorneys' fees from the insurer. Under New York law, a court may impose extracontractual liability for attorneys' fees on an insurer 1) upon a showing of "such bad faith in…denying coverage that no reasonable carrier would, under the given facts, be expected to assert it" or 2) where an insured "has been cast in a defense posture by the legal steps an insurer takes in an effort to free itself from its policy obligations." The court rejected the first theory of liability because the company's counterclaim alleged no facts to support a finding of bad faith. The court observed that the second theory, if taken out of context, "would seem to state a broad proposition requiring the award of such fees in every action for declaratory judgment in which the insured prevails." The court explained that the second theory was potentially applicable only where the insurer's duty to defend its insured was implicated. Because the excess policy issued by the insurer did not impose a duty to defend the company, the court concluded that an award of attorneys' fees would be inappropriate.
The court also concluded that the insurer's filing of this declaratory judgment did not constitute an anticipatory breach of the ERP endorsement because contract "is not breached until the time set for performance has expired." The court noted that the company had presented no evidence to establish that the event triggering the insurer's performance—the exhaustion of the company's underlying insurance—had occurred. Furthermore, the insurer had not indicated that it would refuse to provide coverage should it be found liable to indemnify the company in this action.
Finally, the court rejected the company's argument that the insurer had acted fraudulently by not disclosing its interpretation of the ERP endorsement at the time of contracting. The court explained that the company had not alleged that the insurer had intended to "defraud" the company, as opposed to intending to limit coverage. The court also expressed its agreement with the holding by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in Hartford Accident & Indemnity Co. v. J.L.R.A. Compliance, Inc., 1990 WL74859 at 6 (9th Cir. June 5, 1990), that "the failure to disclose these varying interpretations at the beginning of a contractual relationship does not provide a predicate for a later fraud action."
For more information, please contact us at 202.719.7130.
Antonio, a former Assistant U.S. Attorney with extensive experience in financial services enforcement matters, has joined the firm as a partner in the Telecom, Media & Technology Practice.
Antonio J. Reynolds
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FIREWORKS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
House Bill 542 was signed into law on October 30, 2017. Under the new law, the Fireworks Act of 1939 was repealed and replaced in its entirety. The complete version of the new law can be viewed here. However, the questions and answers below highlight the most noteworthy changes.
Q: Which fireworks are Pennsylvania residents now allowed to purchase and use?
Consumers can now purchase and use “Class C” or “consumer-grade” fireworks that include firecrackers, Roman Candles, bottle rockets, and similar fireworks that contain a maximum of 50 milligrams of explosive material. The expansion includes those fireworks that were previously only available to out-of-state residents.
“Display fireworks,” which are classified as including salutes that contain more than two grains or 130 milligrams of explosive materials, and professional-grade aerial shells containing more than 60 grams of pyrotechnic compositions, are still only to be used by professionals with a permit from the municipality where the display will take place.
Q: Who can purchase fireworks?
Anyone 18 years of age or older can purchase them.
Q: What are the restrictions on where they can be used?
They cannot be ignited or discharged on a public or private property without express permission of the property owner.
They cannot be discharged from or within a motor vehicle or building.
They cannot be discharged toward a motor vehicle or building.
They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of an occupied structure.
They cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance, or another drug.
Also, it is recommended that you check with your local municipality, as you may also be subject to applicable local ordinances.
Q: Where can the fireworks be purchased?
They can be purchased at any licensed facility, including temporary ones. The licenses are issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Examples of temporary facilities include tents or other structures found in parking lots. These temporary structures can sell fireworks between the dates of June 15-July 8, and December 21-January 2 each year. Click here for more information on Department of Agriculture licensing.
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Kipling Apparel Corp v. Adelere Aodu
The Complainant is Kipling Apparel Corp of Wilmington, Delaware, United States of America ("United States"), represented by Dumont (DBB), Mexico.
The Respondent is Adelere Aodu of London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland ("United Kingdom"), self-represented.
2. The Domain Name and Registrar
The disputed domain name <kipling.net> is registered with Pheenix, Inc. (the "Registrar").
The Complaint was filed with the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center (the "Center") on March 29, 2018. On April 3, 2018, the Center transmitted by email to the Registrar a request for registrar verification in connection with the disputed domain name. On April 5, 2018, the Registrar transmitted by email to the Center its verification response confirming that the Respondent is listed as the registrant and providing the contact details.
The Complaint was submitted in the Spanish language. The language of the Registration Agreement for the disputed domain names is English. On April 6, 2018, the Center sent a language of proceeding communication in both Spanish and English to the Parties. On April 6, 2018, the Complainant requested that Spanish be the language of proceeding. On April 9, 2018, the Respondent requested that English be the language of proceeding. On April 16, 2018, the Complainant submitted a copy of the Complaint in English.
The Center verified that the Complaint satisfied the formal requirements of the Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (the "Policy" or "UDRP"), the Rules for Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (the "Rules"), and the WIPO Supplemental Rules for Uniform Domain Name Dispute Resolution Policy (the "Supplemental Rules").
In accordance with the Rules, paragraphs 2 and 4, the Center formally notified the Respondent of the Complaint, and the proceedings commenced on April 18, 2018. In accordance with the Rules, paragraph 5, the due date for Response was May 8, 2018. On May 7, 2018, the Respondent requested an automatic four-day extension of the deadline to file the Response. The Center granted the requested extension and confirmed that the new due date for Response was May 12, 2018. The Response was filed with the Center on May 12, 2018.
The Center appointed Warwick A. Rothnie as the sole panelist in this matter on May 25, 2018. The Panel finds that it was properly constituted. The Panel has submitted the Statement of Acceptance and Declaration of Impartiality and Independence, as required by the Center to ensure compliance with the Rules, paragraph 7.
The Complainant makes, or at least offers for sale and sells, a range of bags, backpacks and related items in Mexico and, according to the Complaint, worldwide.
The Complainant has provided evidence of numerous trademarks registered in Mexico for KIPLING or KIPLING and a device. The earliest registration for KIPLING and a device was registered in June 1995 in respect of bags and other goods in International Class 18. Subsequent registrations in International Classes 9, 14, 25 and 28 followed in 2000. Also from 2000, the Complainant secured registrations for KIPLING alone in relation to those classes.
The disputed domain name was first registered on December 14, 2000.
According to the Respondent, he bought it at public auction in July 2016.
The Respondent also says he conducts a business of investing in premium domain names with the primary purpose of selling them or developing them if opportunity arises. He says he has about 5000 such domain names, giving as examples <goldsmith.org>, <ezekiel.net>, <marigold.org>, <annamarie.uk>, <applegate.net>, <sergeant.net>, <carsoncity.net>, <fulham.net>, <custart.net>, <goldbar.uk>.
It is not in dispute between the parties that, since the Respondent acquired the disputed domain name, it resolves to a "parking page" which includes in the header a banner "Inquire About this Domain Name". The object of course being to solicit inquiries from potential buyers.
When the Complaint was filed, the webpage also featured five pay-per-click ("PPC") links.
The nature of those links and the circumstances by which they came about is a matter of some dispute and is best discussed below in context. The website also includes a "disclaimer":
"The Sponsored Listings displayed above are served automatically by a third party. Neither the service provider nor the domain owner maintain any relationship with the advertisers. In case of trademark issues please contact the domain owner directly (contact information can be found in Whois)."
Paragraph 4(a) of the Policy provides that in order to divest the Respondent of the disputed domain name, the Complainant must demonstrate each of the following:
(i) the disputed domain name is identical or confusingly similar to a trademark or service mark in which the Complainant has rights; and
(ii) the Respondent has no rights or legitimate interests in respect of the disputed domain name; and
(iii) the disputed domain name has been registered and is being used in bad faith.
Paragraph 15(a) of the Rules directs the Panel to decide the complaint on the basis of the statements and documents submitted and in accordance with the Policy, these Rules and any rules and principles of law that it deems applicable.
A. Language of the Proceeding
The Complainant has requested that the proceeding be conducted in Spanish. The Respondent opposes that request.
The Registrar has confirmed that the language of the registration agreement is English. Under the Rules therefore, paragraph 11 provides that English is the default language unless the parties otherwise agree or there is some other good reason to use a different language. See also WIPO Overview of WIPO Panel Views on Selected UDRP Questions, Third Edition ("WIPO Overview 3.0"), section 4.5.
The Complaint includes materials showing that the website to which the disputed domain name resolves includes links to retailers offering goods for sale in Mexico in the Spanish language. It is often a strong reason for using a different language to the default language of the registration agreement where the Respondent's website in that different language.
The Respondent, however, is based in the United Kingdom. He says he does not speak or read Spanish and has never been to Mexico. Moreover, he has provided evidence showing that the links viewable by a user in Mexico (as submitted by the Complainant) are different to the links which a user in another part of the world, such as the United Kingdom where the Respondent is based, are not in Spanish. As one might expect, the links viewable from the United Kingdom are in English.
The Panel notes that the Complainant is itself based in the United States and, while its representatives are based in Mexico, it has been able to submit a translated Complaint in reasonably clear English. It does not appear, therefore, that the Complainant is or will be unduly inconvenienced by the proceeding continuing in English. On the other hand, it does appear that the Respondent will be significantly disadvantaged.
In all the circumstances, therefore, the Panel declines the request for the language of the proceeding to be Spanish.
B. Identical or Confusingly Similar
The first element that the Complainant must establish is that the disputed domain name is identical with, or confusingly similar to, the Complainant's trademark rights.
There are two parts to this inquiry: the Complainant must demonstrate that it has rights in a trademark and, if so, the disputed domain name must be shown to be identical or confusingly similar to the trademark.
The Complainant has proven ownership of numerous registered trademarks in Mexico for KIPLING alone and also with figurative elements.
The disputed domain name, disregarding the generic Top-Level Domain ("gTLD"), ".net", is identical to the registrations for KIPLING alone. KIPLING is also the significant, verbal element of the Complainant's other registrations.
The Respondent argues that the word KIPLING is a common English name, not owned by any single person. The Respondent also points out that the Complainant's trademarks are limited to the specific goods covered in the registrations and do not give the Complainant exclusive rights over all possible uses of the name KIPLING.
This misunderstands the nature of the inquiry at this stage. All the inquiry involves at this stage is simply a visual and aural comparison of the disputed domain name to the proven trademarks. In undertaking that comparison, it is permissible in the present circumstances to disregard the gTLD component as a functional aspect of the domain name system: WIPO Overview 3.0, section 1.7. Questions such as the scope of the trademark rights, the geographical location of the respective parties and other considerations that may be relevant to an assessment of infringement under trademark law are not relevant at this stage. Such matters, if relevant, may fall for consideration under the other elements of the Policy.
Accordingly, the Panel finds that the Complainant has established that the disputed domain name is identical with the Complainant's trademarks for KIPLING and confusingly similar to those with figurative elements. The requirement under the first limb of the Policy is satisfied.
In the present case, it is appropriate to consider the requirement that the disputed domain name be registered and used in bad faith next.
Under the third requirement of the Policy, the Complainant must establish that the disputed domain name has been both registered and used in bad faith by the Respondent. These are conjunctive requirements; both must be satisfied for a successful complaint: see, e.g., Burn World-Wide, Ltd. d/b/a BGT Partners v. Banta Global Turnkey Ltd, WIPO Case No. D2010-0470.
Generally speaking, a finding that a domain name has been registered and is being used in bad faith requires an inference to be drawn that the respondent in question has registered and is using the disputed domain name to take advantage of its significance as a trademark owned by (usually) the complainant.
The Complainant points to its long ownership and use of its trademarks in Mexico and the use of the disputed domain name to resolve to a website with PPC links to retailers of bags from competing brands. It contends these establish that the Respondent registered the disputed domain name to divert traffic from the Complainant.
The Panel finds that the use of the disputed domain name to resolve to a website with PPC links to goods falling within the Complainant's trademark rights, but not sourced from the Complainant, constitutes use in bad faith under the Policy. See, e.g., Hobbex AB v. Vertical Axis Inc., Domain Administrator / Whois Privacy Services Pty Ltd, WIPO Case No. D2013-2111. In that connection, the Panel notes that it does appear to be the case that such "competitive" links feature on the "Mexican" version of the Respondent's website.
The Respondent does say that he was unaware that such links were being included on the website until receipt of the Complaint in this proceeding. As the Hobbex case, above, shows, however, it has long been established under the Policy that a responsibility to avoid trading on the trademark significance of a term included in a domain name falls on the registrant. It is not clear from a review of the website of the service provider, ParkingCrew.com, whether and to what extent the Respondent could control what links are included on the website. The Response appears to suggest that the Respondent may have had that possibility. In any event, a registrant of a domain name cannot avoid the consequences under the Policy of use which takes advantage of the trademark significance of a domain name by choosing a service provider who does not allow such control. Having made such a choice, the registrant must bear the consequences.
For these reasons also, the "disclaimer" included on the Respondent's website does not excuse the conduct.
It is also necessary for the Complainant to show that the registration of the disputed domain name was in bad faith. As the Panel explained in the Hobbex case, above, that will require careful consideration of the facts of the particular case.
In the present case, the Respondent denies knowledge of the Complainant when he acquired the disputed domain name. As noted above, the Respondent points out that it is a common or well-known English name; there being, according to the Respondent, hundreds of company names in the United Kingdom using it. He says he acquired it as part of his business of buying and selling domain names which reflect common words or phrases. He disclaims any intention to trade on the Complainant's trademark or reputation.
The Respondent says anyone doing a Google search on "kipling" will not receive a listing showing the disputed domain name. That appears to be correct, at least for the first two pages of search results.
The Respondent also provides evidence that the disputed domain name resolved to a website which was just a parking page with a statement that "This domain name is for sale" and a "contact us" form. That is, there were no PPC links on the webpage. He says this was the case until December 2017 when he "was having issues" with the then registrar and moved the registration to the current registrar. When moving the registration, the Respondent says he did not change the default setting which points to the current form of website with PPC links.
A review of the websites archived in the Wayback Machine at "www.archive.org" supports the Respondent's contentions. The version of the website with PPC links, therefore, appears to have emerged shortly after March 23, 2018.
In the particular circumstances of this case, the Panel does not think it can be concluded that the disputed domain name was registered in bad faith. Bearing in mind the Respondent's express denial of knowledge of the Complainant's trademark, the fact that the disputed domain name resolved to a website which did not include PPC links for almost 17 months after the Respondent acquired the disputed domain name is not suggestive of a registration of the disputed domain name to take advantage of its significance as the Complainant's trademark.
The Complainant does assert its trademark has acquired a reputation over the years for high quality and prestige. The Panel's own Internet searches indicate that the Complainant operates on a larger scale than just Mexico. The evidence included in the Complaint to support the claim of the worldwide reputation falls well short of what would be required to override the Respondent's express denial, given the nature of "Kipling" as a name and the way the Respondent "parked" the disputed domain name for 17 months.
As the Complainant has not established that the disputed domain name was registered in bad faith, the Complaint must fail. Given that, no good purpose would be served by considering whether the second requirement under the policy – whether the Respondent has rights or a legitimate interest in the disputed domain name – has been satisfied.
For the foregoing reasons, the Complaint is denied.
Warwick A. Rothnie
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The V&A's insect-inspired pavilion is shaped by crowds
By Kathryn Nave
Moritz Doerstelman
This article was first published in the June 2016 issue of WIRED magazine. Be the first to read WIRED's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by subscribing online.
They may look like spiders' webs, but the inspiration for architect Achim Menges' composite-fibre constructions is more insect than arachnid.
"We copied the intricate micro-structure of the elytron, an extremely lightweight shell that protects the wings of flying beetles," explains the 40-year-old founding director of the University of Stuttgart's Institute for Computational Design. "These are made from continuous composite fibres, twisted into a double-layered structure."
This bio-composite fibre, called chitin, is also found in lobsters' exoskeletons, another inspiration for Menges' work. "Their claws are very stiff while their tails are very flexible, but
it's all made of the same material," he explains. As well as being light and workable, this technique has another advantage: "We use a robotic process, with an incremental build-up of free-standing fibres, so we don't need a mould."
Gallery: The V&A's insect-inspired pavilion is shaped by crowds
From May 18 to November 6, Menges's robots will weave a 200m2 pavilion in the courtyard of London's V&A Museum. "Four sensors will monitor the behaviour of the people inside the courtyard and the structure will adapt to that," explains Menges.
Menges's methods reflect his belief that looking to the natural world for inspiration has more fundamental benefits than mere process improvement. "Nature behaves in a very counter-intuitive way to how we would solve problems as architects," he explains. "It forces us to question really deeply held principles of construction."
This article was first published in the June 2016 issue of WIRED magazine
Achin Menges
Silicon Valley power is the focus of the V&A's major new exhibition
By Liat Clark
This building is inspired by pianos
The new V&A museum in Dundee is a radical shape-shifter
By Clare Dowdy
This 40 million year-old insect eye is inspiring today's robots
By Eleanor Peake
WIRED Photo
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Definition of Potato weevil. Meaning of Potato weevil. Synonyms of Potato weevil
Here you will find one or more explanations in English for the word Potato weevil. Also in the bottom left of the page several parts of wikipedia pages related to the word Potato weevil and, of course, Potato weevil synonyms and on the right images related to the word Potato weevil.
Definition of Potato weevil
Potato weevil
Potato Po*ta"to, n.; pl. Potatoes. [Sp. patata potato, batata sweet potato, from the native American name (probably batata) in Hayti.] (Bot.) (a) A plant (Solanum tuberosum) of the Nightshade family, and its esculent farinaceous tuber, of which there are numerous varieties used for food. It is native of South America, but a form of the species is found native as far north as New Mexico. (b) The sweet potato (see below). Potato beetle, Potato bug. (Zo["o]l.) (a) A beetle (Doryphora decemlineata) which feeds, both in the larval and adult stages, upon the leaves of the potato, often doing great damage. Called also Colorado potato beetle, and Doryphora. See Colorado beetle. (b) The Lema trilineata, a smaller and more slender striped beetle which feeds upon the potato plant, bur does less injury than the preceding species. Potato fly (Zo["o]l.), any one of several species of blister beetles infesting the potato vine. The black species (Lytta atrata), the striped (L. vittata), and the gray (L. cinerea, or Fabricii) are the most common. See Blister beetle, under Blister. Potato rot, a disease of the tubers of the potato, supposed to be caused by a kind of mold (Peronospora infestans), which is first seen upon the leaves and stems. Potato weevil (Zo["o]l.), an American weevil (Baridius trinotatus) whose larva lives in and kills the stalks of potato vines, often causing serious damage to the crop. Potato whisky, a strong, fiery liquor, having a hot, smoky taste, and rich in amyl alcohol (fusel oil); it is made from potatoes or potato starch. Potato worm (Zo["o]l.), the large green larva of a sphinx, or hawk moth (Macrosila quinquemaculata); -- called also tomato worm. See Illust. under Tomato. Seaside potato (Bot.), Ipom[oe]a Pes-Capr[ae], a kind of morning-glory with rounded and emarginate or bilobed leaves. [West Indies] Sweet potato (Bot.), a climbing plant (Ipom[oe]a Balatas) allied to the morning-glory. Its farinaceous tubers have a sweetish taste, and are used, when cooked, for food. It is probably a native of Brazil, but is cultivated extensively in the warmer parts of every continent, and even as far north as New Jersey. The name potato was applied to this plant before it was to the Solanum tuberosum, and this is the ``potato' of the Southern United States. Wild potato. (Bot.) (a) A vine (Ipom[oe]a pandurata) having a pale purplish flower and an enormous root. It is common in sandy places in the United States. (b) A similar tropical American plant (I. fastigiata) which it is thought may have been the original stock of the sweet potato.
Meaning of Potato weevil from wikipedia
- Cylas formicarius, the sweet potato weevil, is a species of sweet potato weevil in the family of beetles known as Brentidae. It is found in Africa, Australia...
- the sweet potato weevil. It has been shown that storage of the potatoes in temperatures under 20 °C (68 °F) can kill up to 89.5% of weevils in an infected...
- sweet potato crops have long been suggested." When sweet potatoes and rice crops were planted in fields adjacent to each other, the sweet potato weevil infestation...
- Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), also known as the Colorado beetle, the ten-striped spearman, the ten-lined potato beetle or the potato bug...
- known as the "potato stalk borer", is a species of weevil in the family Curculionidae. It is found in North America where it is a pest of potato plants, the...
- is also constrained by the Andean potato weevil (Premnotrypes spp), ulluco weevil (Cylydrorhinus spp), and oca weevil, the identification of which remains...
- Cylas is a genus of sweet potato weevils in the family of beetles known as Brentidae. There are at least 20 described species in Cylas. These 24 species...
- potatoes, and ornamental plants. Common names for the insect include diaprepes root weevil, citrus root weevil and sugarcane rootstock borer weevil....
- Anthonomus nigrinus, the potato bud weevil, is a species of true weevil in the beetle family Curculionidae. It is found in North America. "Anthonomus nigrinus...
- [70] Crepidula onyx (onyx slippersnail) [71] Cylas formicarius (sweet potato weevil) [72] Delta pyriforme [73] Drosophila suzukii (spotted wing drosophila)...
Birch partridgebird liceBirdlikeBirkenBirthwortBisetousBitangentBittersweetBivalveBlabbingblack bassBlack Hamburg grapeBlack manganeseBlack salts
Related images to Potato weevil
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Anhui Conch plans Uzbekistan plant
World Cement, Tuesday, 28 March 2017 10:01
Anhui Conch Cement Co. is planning to build a cement plant in Uzbekistan, according to news agency reports, with representatives from the Chinese cement giant recently visiting the country to discuss cooperation with ocal construction company, Umar Corp.
“We are aware of the investment climate created in Uzbekistan for foreign companies,” a senior official of the Chinese company is quoted as saying. “We have the intention to build here a cement plants with annual production capacity of 2 million tpy.”
Anhui Conch has already built a number of cement plants outside of China, including in Russia and Indonesia. Last year, the company said it would build a US$500 million cement plant in the Ulyanovsk region of Russia.
On the recent visit to Uzbekistan, company officials visited the site of the planned plant with Umar Rahjabov, head of Umar Corp. Following the visit, Anhui Conch officials said the company would now prepare a protocol of intent to be signed by Radjabov on a visit to China in April.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/asia-pacific-rim/28032017/anhui-conch-plans-uzbekistan-plant/
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Freightliner honours those who lost their lives in WW1
World Cement, Thursday, 10 November 2016 11:36
On 11 November, Armistice Day, Freightliner will be naming one of its Class 66 locomotives in honour of those who lost their lives during WW1, including 20 000 railway workers.
Following the private naming ceremony the newly named locomotive will be available to the media at Crew Station.
Freightliner is partnering with model railway manufacturer Dapol to produce a detailed scale model of the same locomotive and, for every model sold, a donation will be made to ABF the Soldiers’ Charity.
ABF the Soldiers’ Charity (formerly the Army Benevolent Fund) is the national charity of the British Army and provides financial and practical support to soldiers, veterans and their immediate families in times of need.
The private naming ceremony will take place at Freightliner’s new maintenance facility in Crewe, which provides cost effective, bespoke rolling stock maintenance solutions for their fleet of locomotives.
Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/10112016/freightliner-honours-those-who-lost-their-lives-in-ww1/
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Going rogue; how we found SFY
July 15, 2014 by Mary1991
Beginning …..January 2011
The end of May, we decided not to replace the Dynavox. It was temperamental and their updated version was more difficult to program. To top it off, we could not afford to support it when Jess aged out of school. We could not afford to buy a $9,000 device every four years either. Because the Dynavox wasn’t user-friendly, Jess realized it was easier for her to use gestures. For us, the underlining problem with the Dynavox was when Jess had more to say, she had to navigate through too many layers, it got complicated. She lost interest.
The Dynavox. This was taken when she first got the device. Notice hand over hand, this is so wrong
Back in January, Jess had been evaluated for other AAC devices. They said no to PQ2G and I don’t recall what they suggested, but they definitely did not recommend using an iPad due to her poor fine motor skills, and her distractibility. Even so, the only thing I had seen at this point was Proloquo2go. Something about it seemed not appropriate for Jess who was now 20.
We decided to leave the structure of school and have Jess attend an occupational training center (OTC). This is where Jess spent her last year of “school”. She was under the tutelage of a para who was overseen by a teacher that technically only had to visit once every eight days. We were so exasperated with our situation; the para was not well supported and was given little guidance from her teacher.
The only communication Jess could do was gesture. She understood some sign (using the sign for no is still very convenient), but Jess could only approximate signs. Most people do not know sign, much less her modified sign language.
School gave her a piece of paper that said: “Yes, No and I don’t know”. It would be an understatement to say that frustrations ran high for everyone involved.
After many meetings, our school decided that they wanted to bring her back to the beginning. Even though she had an augmentative device for ten years, they came to the conclusion that it wasn’t successful because Jess had gaps in her education. They decided that she would have a PECS system (picture exchange cards). They chose this method because they felt they had to deal with her behavioral issues and that this method could help her through her behaviors. I did not agree. I was of the opinion that Jess needed a speech system, however, having a 20-year-old use a velcro picture card system was not appropriate and that they were underestimating her. That this wasn’t something we could use in the real world. You see, this is Jess’s last year of “school”. We were all scrambling to figure out what to do.
Unfortunately, in my opinion, the PECS system was not efficient. The school insisted that this was the path to take. I kept asking for a speech therapist to work with Jess. They said that their behavioralist was a speech therapist and that she was certified in PECS. (later at an IEP meeting when I asked for documentation, I was told that “I misunderstood…that she was only certified in PECS). Jess was given a red PECS book. That had a dozen cards. The book had “another child’s name on it”. This system didn’t give Jess enough language and she was still frustrated. When I researched the system, I found that it takes an average of 246 trials for users to master the six phases. This would require working with the child five times a week. That equates to some 40 weeks and we didn’t have that kind of time. Progress was slow. Jess was not excited about this. Probably, because she had been there, done that.
PEC’s book
They started her out with a dozen words and eventually grew to 20. The problem was, Jess had too much language, more than could be supported by PECs.
Out of sheer frustration, I made a pointing book. It was easier to use because the words stayed in one place. With the PECs, the pictures have no such order. When Jess couldn’t find the word in her PEC book, she would use the book that I made. School HATED this. We fought. It got ugly.
Pointing book
When Thanksgiving rolled around, we planned a trip to Florida to be with family. There was no way Jess was going to travel with her PECs book. This is when I made her a communication necklace using word symbols,
PEC’s necklace
This necklace had six cards using the front and back to say: My name is Jessie/ I use symbols to communicate, Hello/goodbye, Yes/no, I’m thirsty/I’m hungry, Leave me alone/bathroom and help. How cool it was for Jess to be on the plane and be able to request a drink when the stewardess came by. If school hated my pointing book, they HATED this necklace more.
Upon our return from our trip, I had a two-hour phone conversation with Jess’s case manager. Finally, I said, “okay, I give up, I will agree to fully support the PEC system, but you have to make all the words that Jess is using in her pointing book”. They agreed and asked me to make a list. I stopped counting when I got to 200 words. The school never made the PECs. We were at a stalemate.
From our experience, schools really don’t like parents talking to other parents. They don’t want you to learn about other services that are available, such as home support. Services cost money. If you don’t know how to ask, you don’t get, thus you don’t cost your district $$. It took me till Jess was nearly aging out of school to realize that “unless it is put into writing, it doesn’t exist”. Put every request in writing!
So, as my relationship with our school deteriorated, I realized I needed to network with families in our own community. Families that had experience dealing with our school system. The county school Jess had been attending was 25 minutes away. It was difficult to connect with other parents. Let me digress. There was a core group of parents that were involved with the PTA, but when it came to our individual class, the parents typically did not get involved. For example, in the six years, my daughter was in the county Jr./Sr. high school, only one other couple attended Parent’s Night. The only people we knew in our hometown were either people from church or people that we had grown up with. We’d been living in a bubble.
In early December, I did indeed meet two Moms. Through them, I found much-needed support. They both had fought the school. They both understood what was at stake. One of the Mom’s told her therapist our story and she, in turn, said: “I know this great SLP who is a whiz with AAC, I’m sure she can help you”. This was when we met Heidi. Our world changed when she introduced us to Speak for Yourself (SFY).
We had our first meeting with Heidi before Christmas break. I nearly canceled this appointment. Jess just had her wisdom teeth removed and was home recuperating. The night before the meeting, I looked at the lite version of SFY. It gives a very basic idea as to how the program is set up, but since it is unlike anything else, it’s hard to appreciate how powerful it is. At first glance, the buttons appear small and Jess couldn’t isolate a finger, why would I think she could do this? Then I read about the two SLP’s that created SFY. Previously, they worked as AAC evaluators which meant they were well versed in all that was available. When the iPad became available, they knew that they could make something better. They knew what didn’t work with other programs, as well as what was needed. Thank goodness, curiosity kept me from canceling our appointment.
Heidi came on time, bounding in the house with an armful of iPads. We sat at the kitchen table. Jess immediately grabbed an iPad and began exploring while Heidi showed me how the program worked. There was a lot to take in but was not complex to navigate or program.
While Heidi was giving me her overview, Jess found the word “exceptional”. I turned to her and said, “yes you are exceptional”. Jess then proceeded to find this word several more times during this session.
What makes this fascinating is that there are 4,000 words Jess could have found. She got a reaction out of me by saying “exceptional” and this motivated her to find the word again. Finding a word that doesn’t exactly have a picture icon that everyone knows means “exceptional” is pretty impressive to repeat. Heidi knew right off that SFY would be a good match for Jess, but I was too uneducated to understand what I just witnessed. However, suddenly this all made sense. Jess had access to words that no one would think to program for her. For Jess to have the ability to find the words she wants makes communication that much stronger and encourages her to connect. Up until now, her world was silent. Now, she would have a voice.
Because of Jess’s interest, I immediately called our school and started the process. By the time they saw the program (early January 2012), it took them to the middle of February to get the iPad in Jess’s hands. School had to approve the program as well as get an iTunes account. They would provide the iPad, but only till she aged out of school, then it had to be returned.
As of this moment…July 2014
July 22, 2014, Jessie waiting for her ride to work.
In my opinion, communication is the foundation to learning. Without the sharing of ideas, one is left isolated. Within three weeks of having SFY, Jess said: “Mom, I love you”. In these last 18-months, Jess she has experienced phenomenal growth. When she realized she had a voice, the behaviors faded away, her attention span grew, her fine motor improved.
We went from using a full-sized iPad with a homemade keyguard (my husband is an engineer and made a prototype. Unfortunately, the shop that he found to make this did not have the proper machines to reproduce more). This screen guard made the iPad less sensitive. At the time, Jess did not isolate her pointing finger well. It had been our hope to make this available to other families, but we couldn’t get past the prototype with the vendor.
Homemade keyguard
Presently, Jess is now using the mini iPad without a keyguard. We had been hesitant to send the mini out into the community for reasons I won’t go into now. Mini-me is less bulky and doesn’t make her look like Flavor Flav
We are witnessing Jess achieve milestones on a weekly basis. She is becoming more independent and her world has grown. Thanks to a sophisticated AAC/SFY, Jessie’s future is bright.
Jessie ordering out
Filed Under: Back story, Now we are talking
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A timeline of future foods that weren’t
Cricket (istock/istock)
By Rachel Kaufman
Rachel Kaufman is a freelance writer based in Washington, D.C.
Science fiction isn’t the only source of comically weird predictions about what we’ll be eating in the future. Great (and not-so-great) minds in journalism and science have also spent a century forecasting the demise of meat and vegetables and the rise of foods in a pill — which always seem to be 50 to 100 years away. And then there were all those technological advances that were supposed to free women from the drudgery of cooking (never mind that men could pick up a spatula, too). Here’s a look back at the future.
1894 Pills for meals
For McClure’s Magazine, writer Henry Dam interviews one Professor Berthelot, who claims that in the year 2000, “the epicure of the future is to dine upon artificial meat, artificial flour, and artificial vegetables; drink artificial wines and liquors, and round off his repast with an artificial tobacco.” But, the professor says, “I do not say that we shall give you artificial beefsteaks at once, nor do I say that we shall ever give you the beefsteak as we now obtain and cook it. We shall give you the same identical food, however, chemically, digestively, and nutritively speaking. Its form will differ, because it will probably be a tablet.” Scholars and sci-fi writers have been predicting meals-in-a-pill ever since, but we’re no closer to this vision, thank goodness.
1900 Super-size strawberries
Ladies’ Home Journal publishes a now-famous article predicting that farmers will cultivate giant produce: strawberries the size of apples and “cantaloups” that can feed an entire family. They will also electrify soil to “make valuable plants grow larger and faster, and . . . kill troublesome weeds.” In addition, cows and sheep won’t have horns as a result of being bred solely for meat. The article correctly predicts the use of grow lights, and while our livestock did not shed their horns, our breeding of turkeys since the 1950s has, in fact, resulted in birds with oversized breasts.
1949 New protein sources
The science-fiction writer Robert Heinlein pens a piece (published three years later in Galaxy magazine) saying that “fish and yeast will become our principal sources of proteins” as beef and lamb become scarce.
1950 Panty candy
Popular Mechanics publishes a story about the “miracles” of the year 2000 by Waldemar Kaempffert, the New York Times’ science editor. By that year, he says, food will be made from sawdust and wood pulp, and used underwear will be recycled into candy through the magic of chemistry.
1956 Colossal carrots
According to Southland magazine, radioactive fallout from the inevitable atomic war will lead to giant vegetables (carrots three feet long! tomatoes the size of basketballs!) that will be cleaned with a “radiation trap” before going to market.
1966 Space cakes
The Long Beach, Calif., Independent Press-Telegram predicts that the future pantry will be stocked solely with freeze-dried everything and that housewives will simply rehydrate meat, scrambled eggs and brownies. Another advantage of bringing astronaut food to Earth: “A woman could carry in her purse all the food both astronauts would require for a week.”
1967 Sea gunk
According to U.S. News & World Report, by 1990 we’ll all be eating “seaweed, ocean algae [and] synthetic protein.” The article also predicts that we’ll have milk that can be kept at room temperature, which wasn’t too far off — ultra-high-temperature pasteurized milk, which is shelf-stable until opened, hit the market in the 1970s, though it is much more popular in Europe, where refrigerators are generally smaller and unopened milk more often lives in the cabinet.
1978 A bug’s life
In “Future Food,” Barbara Ford, a former science editor, imagines that in the not-so-distant future, we’ll eat insects for their high protein value and low cost. Insects are already widely eaten in other cultures, but they’ve been a tough sell in the United States. A Brooklyn start-up did begin selling cricket-flour protein bars in 2013; flavors include apple cinnamon, blueberry vanilla, cacao nut and peanut butter and jelly. While beef prices are rising, they’re not yet high enough to direct consumers en masse to cricket burgers.
1987 Dots, not scoops
Curt Jones, a microbiologist by training, invents Dippin’ Dots, which eventually sport the tagline: “The ice cream of the future.” An article on the satirical news site the Onion a few years ago envisioned a 22nd-century time traveler visiting our present and verifying that, yes, Dippin’ Dots are the only type of ice cream our descendants eat.
Twitter: @rkaufman
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Jewish group sues AmeriCorps
By - The Washington Times - Saturday, October 5, 2002
A Jewish group is suing the independent federal agency that oversees AmeriCorps and other programs, accusing it of crossing the line between church and state by sponsoring religious teaching in some schools.
The American Jewish Congress filed the lawsuit Thursday in federal court against the Corporation for National and Community Service, which oversees AmeriCorps.
The Jewish group asked the court to stop AmeriCorps from funding programs that teach religion, saying government support for religious instruction in sectarian schools is a violation of the Constitution.
The lawsuit was filed the same day that the Bush administration announced it was awarding $25 million in federal grants to 21 groups, several of them religious.
President Bush also has been pushing a "faith-based initiative" to award more money to religious organizations, but the initiative has stalled in Congress because of debate over how religious programs can be given government money without violating the separation of church and state.
The American Jewish Congress charges that the Corporation for National and Community Service provides grants to parochial institutions, including the Alliance for Catholic Education. This allows such institutions to teach Christian values to AmeriCorps participants and to hold daily Mass and prayer services, the complaint said.
AmeriCorps members, who help more than 2,100 charities and religious groups with community-improvement projects, are barred by their contract from participating in religious activities, the suit said.
The lawsuit was prompted by comments made by corporation officials in a television debate over a year ago, said Marc Stern, a lawyer for the American Jewish Congress.
Mr. Stern, who participated in the debate, recalled corporation officials conceding they had been sending people into Catholic schools for years.
The American Jewish Congress investigated and attempted to negotiate with the corporation, but filed the lawsuit when no action was taken, Mr. Stern said.
"We think some parts of this [case] are open and shut," he said. "We're not trying to put the national service corporation out of business. We're seeking to prohibit people from teaching religion or living in a religious community under the auspices of the government."
Mr. Stern said the lawsuit doesn't have anything to do with the Bush administration's initiative.
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Concrete lesson of the snipers
By - The Washington Times - Thursday, October 2, 2003
Former Montgomery County, Md., police chief Charles Moose’s book on last year’s sniper shootings has hit the bookstands. Moose’s tears and tirades moved many Americans during the round-the-clock coverage of the killings. “Three Weeks in October” reveals little or nothing about the investigation that resulted in the capture of the two sniper suspects.
But Moose’s book — and this week’s anniversary of the sniper shootings — is a good prompt to recall the lessons of the brutal killings. The sniper rampage was one of the clearest tests of the ability of the new, “improved” post-September 11, 2001, law enforcement to respond to a perceived terrorist attack. President Bush announced on Oct. 14, 2002:
“We’re lending all the resources of the federal government, all that have been required, to do everything we can to assist the local law authorities to find this — whoever it is.” Mr. Bush declared the attacks were “a form of terrorism.” More than 700 FBI agents were involved in the case.
Despite the high priority Mr. Bush gave the case, the FBI’s response showed the same allergy to modern technology which, according to the congressional Joint Intelligence Committee report, contributed to the FBI’s failure to detect the September 11 hijack conspiracy.
After panic erupted over the first shootings, FBI trainees were brought in to staff the telephone tip lines at the Montgomery County, Md., police headquarters. The FBI, scorning the technological revolutions of the last half-century, relied on the same tried-and-true methods the bureau used to catch targets like John Dillinger in the 1930s.
The Washington Post reported: “Authorities said information is taken down by hand on forms that make multiple carbon copies. Copies are sorted and marked ‘immediate,’ ‘priority’ or ‘routine.’ Tips that concern Montgomery County are put in one pile, Fairfax in another, Richmond in a third. FBI employees then drive the paperwork out to police in those locations.” The Post noted complaints by numerous lawmen that “the FBI’s problems handling thousands of phone tips are slowing and hampering the probe.”
When the FBI trainees were not laboriously scrawling down the latest tip, they were busy hanging up on the snipers. In a note attached to a tree after the ninth shooting, the snipers complained that tip line operators had hung up on them five times. The note denounced police “incompitence” [sic] and declared: “We have tried to contact you to start negotiation. These people took [our] calls for a hoax or a joke, so your failure to respond has cost you five lives.”
Shortly after the arrest of the two suspects, D.C. Police Chief Charles Ramsey publicly confessed: “We were looking for a white van with white people, and we ended up with a blue car with black people.”
The only “evidence” the killers were white was the dogma of FBI and other serial killer profilers. The fixation on white killers spurred police to disregard several witness reports about darker-skinned murder suspects.
Several eyewitnesses reported to police they had seen an old Chevrolet Caprice at the scenes of shootings, but police scorned their reports. Police spotted the snipers’ ratty blue car and recorded its out-of-state license plates at least 10 different times during the month of the killings; the vehicle was reportedly stopped or seen five times at roadblocks established immediately after shootings. But the police ignored the suspects.
Months before the sniper rampage began, five different people in Washington state contacted the FBI to report their suspicions about alleged sniper John Allen Muhammad’s comments about killing police, his interest in buying silencers for his rifle, and his visit to a gunsmith to inquire about modifying a rifle to make it more easily concealed. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms was also contacted repeatedly. The FBI and ATF disregarded all the warnings.
The feds and local police, instead of using common sense and analyzing excellent leads, brought in Pentagon spy planes to canvas the entire Washington area. The use of the RC-7 planes may have been a breach of the Posse Comitatus Act (which prohibits using the military for domestic law enforcement) but all that mattered was assuring frightened people the government cared and was taking action. The planes provided no information that aided the apprehension of the suspects.
Federal agents and Montgomery County Police Chief Charles Moose sought to keep a tight grip on key information regarding the case. But it was a cable television leak regarding the license plate and car description that directly led to the apprehension of the suspects.
The bungling response to the snipers is a reminder that nothing happened on September 11, 2001, to make the government more competent. Neither of the two sniper suspects would have qualified for admission to med school to become brain surgeons. Far more damage could have done by a clique of savvy, well-trained foreigner snipers.
James Bovard is the author of the newly published “Terrorism & Tyranny: Trampling Freedom, Justice & Peace to Rid the World of Evil” (Palgrave MacMillan).
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SNYDER: All-natural Semenya asked to pay, despite doing nothing wrong
Latest Cartoon
International Association Of Athletics Federations
Court Of Arbitration For Sport
In this Tuesday, April 10, 2018 file photo South Africa’s Caster Semenya runs to the finish line to win the women’s 1500m final at Carrara Stadium during the 2018 Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coast, Australia. Caster Semenya lost her ... more >
By Deron Snyder - - Wednesday, May 1, 2019
ANALYSIS/OPINION:
Substances and athletic competition go back a long way. For all we know, the ancient Greeks cultivated a mix of “special” olives to help Olympic runners go faster. If nothing else, doping was evident in the 1964 Tokyo Games, when East Germany’s national program began to bear fruit.
Since then, the use of assorted supplements and steroids have occurred in baseball, cycling, football and weightlifting, among other sports. Athletes turn to such regimens because they deliver results in many cases, the same reason governing bodies forbid certain substances.
But Wednesday’s ruling by the Court of Arbitration for Sport could be unprecedented.
CAS didn’t announce a new ban on performance-enhancing drugs. Instead, it issued a mandate for the use of performance-DIMINISHING drugs.
In support of rules imposed by the International Association of Athletics Federations, CAS says South African track star Caster Semenya has done nothing wrong. She just has to lessen her natural state.
Semenya is believed to have an intersex condition, giving her levels of testosterone that are substantially higher than most women. Now, the three-time world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist must take medication to suppress her testosterone in order to compete.
Eat right and train hard. Work on your form and get proper rest. Develop the single-minded focus and determination of a champion.
And, oh yeah: Ingest these hormones to decrease your edge.
“The majority of the Panel found that, on the basis of evidence submitted by the parties, such discrimination is a necessary, reasonable and proportionate means of achieving the IAAF’s aim of preserving the integrity of female athletics,” CAS said in a news release.
That’s just what we need, more men arguing about the integrity of women’s bodies.
Separating the sexes in athletic competition makes perfect sense due to men’s typical biological advantage in size and strength. But creating sub-categories for women — because some have an edge over others — seems paternalistic and unduly protective.
“Ms. Semenya believes that women like her should be respected and treated as any other athlete,” her lawyers said in a statement. “As is typically the case across sport, her unique genetic gift should be celebrated, not regulated.”
Indeed, CAS and the IAAF have embarked on a slippery slope. And not just because the rule only applies to the 400-, 800- and 1,500-meter runs, Semenya’s main events.
To comply, athletes must lower their testosterone levels to below 5 nmol/L and maintain that reduced level continuously for at least six months before a competition. I’m sure there’s some science behind it, but why that level and that length of time?
Does it really “level the playing field,” or does it give Semenya’s competitors an unfair advantage? What about potential side effects of hormone treatment that might prove ineffective, anyway?
There’s no dispute that female athletes with higher levels of testosterone can improve their performances. The IAAF claims the difference can be 5 percent or more. There’s obviously reason for concern if a female athlete artificially boosts her testosterone.
But Semenya’s level is a winning lottery ticket.
“Ms. Semenya (or any other female athletes in the same position) hasn’t done anything wrong,” CAS said. “This is not a case about cheating or wrongdoing of any sort. Ms. Semenya is not accused of breaching any rule. Her participation and success in elite female athletics is entirely beyond reproach and she (doesn’t) warrant any personal criticism.”
It’s not her fault. But she’s asked to compensate nonetheless, while others simply enjoy their physical blessings.
Long arms can help a swimmer, but 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps wasn’t forced to clip his wingspan. Towering height can help a basketball player, but Central Florida’s 7-foot-6 center Tacko Fall wasn’t required to stunt his growth. Long legs can help a sprinter, but 11-time world champion Usain Bolt wasn’t asked to shorten his stride.
Besides, testosterone alone doesn’t guarantee success.
India’s Dutee Chand was barred from competing in 2014 due to the IAAF’s “eligibility rules for females with hyperandrogenism.” She reportedly was over the limit but she won a legal challenge in a CAS case that preceded Wednesday’s ruling. The victory allowed her to race in the Rio Games … where she finished 59th out of 64 runners in the 100 meters.
I suppose no would care about Semenya if she consistently brought up the rear.
“I know that the IAAF’s regulations have always targeted me specifically,” she said in a statement. “For a decade, the IAAF has tried to slow me down, but this has actually made me stronger. The decision of the CAS will not hold me back. I will once again rise above and continue to inspire young women and athletes in South Africa and around the world.”
But CAS says she can’t do that naturally. Only artificially.
Next up: Holograms cleared to compete against humans!
⦁ Deron Snyder writes his award-winning column for The Washington Times on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Follow him on Twitter @DeronSnyder.
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Subscribe to this topic via RSS or ATOM Topic - Evangelical Lutheran Church In America
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is a mainline Protestant denomination headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The ELCA officially came into existence on January 1, 1988, by the merging of three churches and currently has about 4,633,887 baptized members. It is the seventh-largest religious body and the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States. The next two largest Lutheran denominations are the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod (with approximately 2.41 million members) and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (with approximately 390,000 members). There are also many smaller Lutheran church bodies in the United States. - Source: Wikipedia
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'Doing a tremendous job': Trump hosts far-right leader shunned by predecessors
Trump diplomacy
By Matthew Knott
New York: US President Donald Trump has lavished praise on Hungary's far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orban during a visit to the White House, saying the controversial leader is doing a "tremendous job".
US President Donald Trump, left, and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban at the White House. Credit:Bloomberg
Trump's two immediate predecessors, Barack Obama and George W Bush, both declined to meet with Orban in Washington because of his increasingly authoritarian tendencies.
Orban has overseen the re-writing of Hungary's constitution to strengthen his control over parliament and an extensive re-design of the country's electoral map to favour his conservative Fidesz party. He has also weakened the country's independent judiciary and its free press, drawing criticism from human rights groups.
He has also advocated restricting immigration to ensure Hungary remains a racially and culturally homogenous society.
"We must state that we do not want to be diverse," he said in a 2018 speech. "We do not want our own colour, traditions and national culture to be mixed with those of others."
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, left, and US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House. Credit:Bloomberg
Orban was the first European leader to endorse Trump in the 2016 presidential election.
"Viktor Orban has done a tremendous job in so many different ways," Trump said during a photo opportunity at the start of his talks with Orban on Monday, local time. "Highly respected, respected all over Europe.
"I know he's a tough man but he's a respected man.
"Probably, like me, a little bit controversial, but that's OK, that's OK."
A billboard from a campaign of the Hungarian government showing EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and Hungarian-American financier George Soros with the caption "You, too, have a right to know what Brussels is preparing to do." Credit:AP
Trump said it was a "great honour" to host Orban in the White House and praised him for keeping Hungary safe.
Amnesty International has condemned Hungary for its "systematic crackdown on the rights of refugees and migrants" in recent years.
While Trump has clashed with traditional US allies like Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, he has shown a notable affinity for "strongman" leaders including Russia's Vladimir Putin, Rodrigo Duterte in the Philippines, North Korea's Kim Jong-un and China's Xi Jinping.
Trump plans to meet with Putin and Xi on the sidelines of the G20 meeting in Japan in June.
Trump had already attracted significant criticism - including from Republicans in Congress - for his decision to meet with Orban.
"In recent years, democracy in Hungary has significantly eroded," Republican Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Jim Risch and Bob Menendez, the panel’s top Democrat, said in a letter to Trump before the meeting.
"Under Orban, the election process has become less competitive and the judiciary is increasingly controlled by the state."
James Kirchick, a visiting police fellow at the Brookings Institution, said Orban had succeeded in his bid to create an "illiberal democracy" in Hungary.
"Under such conditions, the United States should be isolating the Hungarian Prime Minister, not embracing him," he wrote on Monday.
"Trump’s meeting with Orban will also have the effect of boosting the illiberal, pro-Russian European far right over the mainstream, pro-American centre-right."
At the photo opportunity Trump also pledged pledging not to use any information stolen by foreign adversaries in his 2020 reelection campaign.
"I don't need it," he told reporters. "All I need is the opponents that I'm looking at."
Matthew Knott
Matthew Knott a reporter for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age based in the United States.
Most Viewed in World
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WAUS 90.7 FM
Your 24-Hour Classical Connection
>Home >About Us
WAUS-FM broadcasts from the John and Dede Howard Studios on the campus of Andrews University. We depend upon partnerships with its listeners (memberships) and area businesses (underwriting) to stay on the air. Our format is Classical Music with inspirational programming and news updates from National Public Radio (NPR). WAUS is one of Andrews University's services to the community, and because of our dedication to education, we hire and train university students in various aspects of the radio business.
WAUS is proud to be a part of Andrews University, which is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist church. We broadcast the church service from Pioneer Memorial Church every Saturday at 11:30am. Our church is located on the campus of Andrews University.
WAUS is located on the campus of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI. We consider it a big part of our mission to train students in the field of broadcasting and communication, although we do hire students from all disciplines. Many of our students are talented musicians and singers and are members of the orchestra, bands and choirs.
1920--John Fetzer established amateur radio equipment at his home in Lafayette, Indiana.
1921--Fetzer was invited by Emmanuel Missionary College (now Andrews University) to transfer his wireless equipment to Berrien Springs, MI, where he went on the air with the call sign 8AZ, which eventually became WEMC.
1921-1929--For eight years, the station was known in Michiana and beyond as “The Radio Lighthouse.” According to publications at the time, it was once listed as one of the ten best radio stations in the U.S. It was heard frequently in Europe, as well as in Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand.
1930--During the financial difficulties of the Great Depression, the school sold WEMC to John Fetzer, who transferred it to Kalamazoo. Broadcasting at the college didn’t stop, however. On and off for over 30 years students operated localized stations to serve the campus and the local community.
1967--Andrews University began planning for a new non-commercial FM station. Robert E. Upton of the Whirlpool Corporation headed up a capital campaign.
1971--Built with money raised from the community and a substantial amount provided by John Fetzer, radio station WAUS signed on in January 1971!
Time in Berrien Springs:
Berrien Springs, MI 49104
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Twitter Expands Ad Functionality to Just About Everywhere
Social media is a powerful tool that marketers can use to connect with customers, fans and target audiences. Social media has become so big in America it’s easy to see how useful it is for reaching local audiences. However, it’s sometimes easy to underestimate the power of social media networks, like Twitter, for reaching international audiences. Twitter has expanded its ad network, and now its ads are available pretty much anywhere in the world.
In the time since it became a publicly traded company, Twitter has struggled to show how the revenue potential of the platform. Twitter recently released data that made it easy to see just how much the company’s ad network had grown in just a short period of time.
Twitter announced that it has approximately 100,000 advertisers, up from the 60,000 it reported last November. The company has expanded availability of its self-service ad dashboard to more than 200 countries and territories. This is the lion’s share of the countries on Earth and greatly expands the number of markets that can use these features past the 33 that originally had the updated dashboard.
This expansion essentially means that upgraded ad functionality is available in every market Twitter serves. And while one might think this the growth in advertisers is driven by large companies, Twitter says there is a fair number of small to medium sized businesses (SMBs) who are taking advantage of social media ads.
“Since we launched Twitter Ads for SMBs over two years ago, we’ve heard from our clients about how they’ve used our creative, measurement, and targeting tools to drive website clicks or conversions, leads, and app installs or re-engagements,” said Richard Alfonsin in a blog post announcing the expansion. “And, with objective-based campaigns, reports, and pricing, it’s easier than ever for SMBs to drive results on Twitter while only paying for the actions that align with their marketing objectives.”
This news is more than just Twitter patting itself on the back. In an increasingly global marketplace, giving marketers the ability to target promoted tweets by country to nearly the entire world, in the 15 languages the platform supports, is a tremendous value. It increases the options for non-profit and government organizations trying to get information out to harder-to-access areas. Similarly, businesses that want to market their online products to certain countries can use Twitter to reach their target audience.
There may be even more changes on the way. In a discussion with MarketingLand, Twitter told the writer that “that targeting by state, province and ZIP code will soon be available globally, in the countries large enough to need the feature” was a feature on the way. Much like the Local Awareness Ads on Facebook, this kind of targeting on Twitter is currently is limited to 18 larger markets, including the US, UK, Indonesia, Australia, Italy and Japan.
These improvements to the Twitter ad platform notwithstanding, there are still tremendous challenges that Twitter must face going forward to increase revenues and make stockholders happy. Even now, this announcement comes in the midst of a time for change at Twitter when the company doesn’t even have a permanent CEO. Other platforms like Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram continue to grow in fan base and advertising capabilities, so their competition is increasing faster than ever.
For more news about Twitter, read this article about
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Grundy re-signs
Dean Lucente
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 15: Heath Grundy of the Swans kicks the ball during the round 13 AFL match between the Sydney Swans and the West Coast Eagles at Sydney Cricket Ground on June 15, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brett Hemmings/Getty Images)
2012 premiership player Heath Grundy has decided to play on after penciling a new one-year deal with the Swans.
The veteran’s future was uncertain after he was dropped for the first time in years during the season.
But the 32-year-old will go on to play in his 15th season next year with the Swans confirming the news on Friday.
Grundy is known for being one of the most reliable key defenders over the past decade for the Swans, especially the last three years as he has been the only tall defender in the squad.
The 254-gamer was taken in the 2004 rookie draft and has won a premiership and finished a career-high third in the Swans 2016 Best and Fairest count.
Sydney’s Head of Football Tom Harley told the club’s website he was pleased to lock down Grundy for another season.
“We’re rapt to have Heath continue his outstanding playing career at the Swans for another season,” Harley told sydneyswans.com.au.
“Heath has been such a reliable and valuable member of our team for a long time now and it’s great he’ll be playing on again in 2019.
“He’s an outstanding clubman, a premiership player and a key member of our backline, and we look forward to him continuing his career into a 15th year.”
Heath Grundy
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Category Archives: “The Singer Sang His Song”
“The Singer Sang His Song”: Leave Them Wanting More
Posted on May 24, 2014 by Zeroto180
In 1969 Columbia Special Products teamed up with the United Nations in order to help save the world’s refugee population using the proceeds from sales of star-studded hits collection, World Star Festival. Interestingly, this musical arts venture in humanitarianism predates by nearly two years George Harrison’s groundbreaking benefit concert for the refugees from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in August 1971.
And whereas most of the money from Harrison’s Concert for Bangladesh was tied up for years in litigation, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, however, optimistically projected in his January 1970 report to the UN General Assembly:
“Although the final results of the sales of the new long-playing record World Star Festival were not yet available since sales were still continuing, it was already clear that this record would yield substantial profits for refugee assistance. In this connexion, the High Commissioner emphasized the importance of Governments waiving taxes and duties on the record. A full report on the subject would be submitted to the Committee at its next session.”
One of the top tunes on World Star Festival, “The Singer Sang His Song,” is a Bee Gees contribution that was part of a ‘double A-side’ – paired with “Jumbo” – that was originally released March 1968 (and available only on vinyl until 1990):
The Singer Sang His Song – Bee Gees
[Pssst: Click the triangle above to play “The Singer Sang His Song” by The Bee Gees.]
Only in the UK,curiously, was this song listed as the A-side — otherwise, in the US, Canada, Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria, Singapore & Japan, “Jumbo” was the A-side.
Each artist’s recording on World Star Festival (it later became clear to me) was shortened or altered in some way – presumably as a precondition for release in order to help facilitate participation among these top pop artists. This realization really hit home once I had become intimately familiar with the World Star Festival version of “The Singer Sang His Song” – and then happened to hear the song’s original full-length mix on YouTube:
World Star Festival‘s short version brilliantly leaves the listener wanting more, while the full-length version with the additional minute of extended coda overstays its welcome, one could argue.
Afterword – from the Executive Committee of the High Commissioner’s Programme
The Executive Committee,
(1) Noted with satisfaction that considerable progress had been made in the sale of the new long-playing record World Star Festival and that representatives of other United Nations agencies and of non-governmental organizations had contributed to these results;
(2) Expressed appreciation for the fact that a number of Governments had seen fit to waive taxes and import duties on the new record, or had agreed to the remission of such impositions, as recommended by the Committee in its earlier decision on the subject;
(3) Urged Governments which had not yet done so, to consider favourably the remission or refund of duties and taxes collected on the dale of World Star Festival.
Posted in "The Singer Sang His Song", Columbia Special Products, Musical Fights, The Bee Gees | Leave a reply
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HomepageIsraelNews
CBNNews.com
Palm Sunday Bombings Rock Two Egyptian Churches
Chris Mitchell
DF_EgyptBombing_HD1080_0_37.867
EgyptChurch
The Power of the Cross Will Triumph Over Evil
On Sunday morning Coptic Christians gathered at St. Mary's Church in Tanta, Egypt, to celebrate Palm Sunday, one of the holiest days of the year for Christians.
During their worship service, a terrorist bomb ripped through the church, killing at least 27 and wounding more than 70. A few hours later, a car blew up outside St. Mark's Cathedral in Alexandria killing at least 16 and wounding 41.
ISIS has claimed responsbility for the attacks.
Pope Tawadros II had just finished services and was inside the cathedral, but his aides confirm that he escaped unharmed. A high-ranking Egyptian police officer intercepted the bomber outside the cathedral and prevented him from entering the building. He died in the blast.
There are concerns that Pope Tawdros, leader of one the world's oldest Christian communities, was the target of the attack.
CBN News producer Steve Little talks with Middle East Bureau Chief Chris Mitchell about why ISIS is targeting Egypt's churches and how Christians there are responding.
World Leaders Respond
Pope Francis, who is scheduled to visit Egypt later this month, decried the bombings and expressed "deep condolences to my brother, Pope Tawadros II, the Coptic church and all of the dear Egyptian nation."
Bishop Angaelos, the General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom, expressed his condolences in a statement.
"While it is still too early to determine responsibility, what is undeniable is the senseless and heartless brutality that can lead a person or people to indiscriminately take innocent lives, especially at the most vulnerable hour of prayer," he wrote in a statement.
"Today we suffer with our sisters and brothers who have experienced losses in London, in Stockholm, and as well as those who continue to suffer on a daily basis across the Middle East. We pray for them and their families as well as their suffering and struggling communities," Bishop Angaelos said.
President Donald Trump condemned the bombing. He tweeted that he is "so sad to hear of the terrorist attack" against the U.S. ally but added that he has "great confidence" that Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, "will handle the situation properly." The two leaders met at the White House earlier this week.
Oklahoma Senator James Lankford drew attention to the Christians and other religious minority groups that have faced persecution in the recent years.
"Today's Palm Sunday attack in Egypt on peaceful worshippers in their church is a horrible act of terrorism. Anti-religious and anti-Christian violence is alive and well throughout the Middle East, and the World," he wrote in a statement.
"Radical Islamists kill Christians because they are Christians; Yezidis because they are Yezidis; and different Muslim sects because they believe in a different brand of Islam than them. The right to practice any faith, or have no faith, should be a fundamental human right of all people," he continued. The United States of America will always stand with people around the World who seek freedom of conscience and assembly."
Egypt Declares State of Emergency
Meanwhile, Egyptian President el-Sisi has called for a state of emergency for three months. He also ordered military hospitals to open to help treat the wounded.
Egypt's Interior Ministry says the blast at the cathedral in Alexandria was caused by a suicide bomber who tried to storm the entrance before being stopped by police.
The ministry said three policemen were among those killed in Sunday's attack, without providing an overall toll.
The bombing in Tanta, more than 50 miles north of Cairo, follows another terror attack last December at St. Peter's church in Egypt's capital. That terror attack killed 25, many of them women and children.
The Islamic State group has also claimed responsibility for the bombing at St. Mary's, earlier this year ISIS released a video and called Egyptian Christians both "infidels" and their "favorite prey." One ISIS member said in the video, "God gave orders to kill every infidel," and another declared, "Oh worshippers of the cross … the soldiers of the state are watching you."
In February, hundreds of Christians fled Egypt's Sinai Peninsula after Islamic terrorists gunned down three Christians in the town of el-Arish.
Christians represent about 10 percent of Egypt's population and have been increasingly the target of radical Muslims. Coptic Christians are one of the oldest Christian sects in the world and existed long before the Islamic conquest of most of the Middle East that began in the 7th century.
El Sisi has repeatedly assured the country's Christians of his goodwill, but it has been difficult to stop these terror attacks. This is especially true in rural areas where Muslim radicals often use land disputes, accusations of sexual affairs and church construction as a pretext to attack Christians. In August of 2013, Muslim mobs burned dozens of Christian churches, businesses and even an orphanage in Minya, Egypt.
Palm Sunday marks the day Jesus Christ rode into Jerusalem as told in the Gospel of Mark.
"As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethpage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples, saying to them, 'Go to the village ahead of you, and just as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, Why are you doing this? say, The Lord needs it and will send it back here shortly.'" They went and found a colt outside in the street, tied at a doorway. As they untied it, some people standing there asked, 'What are you doing, untying that colt?' They answered as Jesus had told them to, and the people let them go. When they brought the colt to Jesus and threw their cloaks over it, he sat on it. Many people spread their cloaks on the road, while others spread branches they had cut in the fields. Those who went ahead and those who followed shouted, 'Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!'"
The Case for Christ: Story of Atheist-Turned-Christian Hits Big Screen»
«How a Passover Seder Became the Last Supper
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THE RTI ACT COMPLETES A DECADE BUT YET TO BE STRENGTHENED
October 11, 2015 October 11, 2015 airesrodrigues
The Right to Information Act which came into force on October 12th 2005 is now a decade old. The Right to Information Act was enacted to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. But the manner in which the government is subtly subverting the Right to Information Act is a matter of concern.
A well informed citizenry, transparency, and free flow of information are the very foundations of any successful democratic society. India may be publicly acclaimed as the world’s largest democracy but the ground reality is that we are now ebbing away as Democracy and non-transparency in the functioning of the Government cannot co-exist.
Besides freedom of speech without access to information is meaningless. Narendra Modi rode to power on his vow of ‘Acche din’ for the Aam Aadmi and Good governance. But it’s almost 17 months in power and the Prime Minister has not uttered a word on the RTI Act, leave alone on strengthening it. His then enthusiasm for freedom has been waning away and we now have an emerging culture of surveillance and secrecy.
As part of the ploy to subvert the RTI Act many of the Information Commissions across the country have been kept dysfunctional. Even those Information Commissioners appointed are ‘pliable’ retired government officials who have spent their entire career hiding information from public domain and cannot now be expected to bat for transparency in their post-retirement avatar.
For the common man, getting correct and accurate information under the Right to Information Act is today becoming a far cry. It is no surprise that the Gujarat government recently even denied information sought by Narendra Modi’s estranged wife Jasodhaben who was only seeking details of the police security provided to her.
As the Right to Information Act requires that the Information Commissioners have to be persons of Eminence in public life, Independent minded persons who do not succumb to political pulls and pressures need to be appointed as Information Commissioners to ensure the proper implementation of the Right to Information Act. If Yes-men manage to creep into as Information Commissioners it would be an exercise in futility ending up as white elephants that we would rather be better off without.
Under Section 4 of the RTI Act all public authorities are duty bound to regularly display on their website a wide range of information, including all relevant facts while formulating important policies or announcing the decisions which affect the public. This proviso in the law was enacted to reduce the need for filing individual RTI applications. But this mandatory duty has been blatantly flouted by the authorities with most government websites themselves dysfunctional or not updated. What is the use of right to freedom of speech when the people do not have their rightful access to information?
The Judiciary needs to step in to ensure that the Government complies with the mandate of the Right to Information Act. But with the Courts themselves also averse to parting with information and with its functioning largely under a veil of secrecy, we are stonewalled.
But we need to battle it out and cannot allow the RTI Act to be choked by the government to a slow death. Steps need to be taken to strengthen the transparency regime that was sought to be established as envisaged by the RTI Act. Effective implementation of the RTI Act requires political commitment from the very top. Officials denying information or giving misleading and distorted information need to be severely penalized.
Governance by cloak of secrecy and opaqueness needs to be strongly resisted. It cannot be a hush-hush regime. We need to dismantle those walls of secrecy that continue to hound transparency and good governance despite the Right to Information Act now being in place for a decade. In those very words of Narendra Modi ‘Sabko sanmati de bhagwan’ (Let good sense prevail).
BAKERY AND NOT POLITICS MAY NOW BE THE WAY AHEAD FOR MICKKY PACHECO
BJP LOYALIST SATISH SHETYE TO BE REWARDED WITH TWO YEAR EXTENSION AS GOA UNIVERSITY VC
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The Hamptons Union, October 26, 1922
The B. and M. R.R. is building a new water tank at the depot to replace the old one, which is nearly worn out.
Mrs. E. E. Mason is soon to move her dry goods store from Lane's block to Cogger's building, into the store which was formerly Carberry's market and later fitted up by Dr. Charles as a dentist parlor. The doctor has decided not to locate here.
Mrs. William Fowler of Little Boar's Head and Boston, bought for her own use six dining room chairs from Mrs. J. M. Pearl, paying the sum of $200.
A Halloween Supper will be given by the Busy Bee Class of the Congregational Sunday School in the vestry Saturday, October 28, from 5:30 to 7:30. An oyster stew and many other good things will be served. There will be a social hour following the supper in the chapel. Price 35c.
An entertainment will be held in the Baptist vestry on Monday evening, Oct. 30, at 7:30. It is under the auspices of the committee who gave out pasteboard bricks to be filled with dimes. They will now be returned and those presenting them will be entitled to admission. The entertainment will consist of solos, a trio, male quartette, readings by Mrs. Merrill and an illustrated lecture on China's Great Day. Ice cream and cake will be on sale. Everyone is invited and the admission is 15c for adults for those not having the "bricks".
On Tuesday evening, Oct. 31st, Winnicummett Rebekah Lodge will hold a Halloween supper and party at I. O. O. F. banquet hall. The supper will be served from 5:30 to 7:00. Admission, 25c. The party will be at 8 o'clock and will consist of a Nigger Wedding, the contracting parties being Jasper Jones and Cecil Johnson. There will also be other features appropriate to Halloween. The public is cordially invited to both supper and party. All who can are requested to come in costume. Admission to party 15c.
The appearance of the square is very much improved by the new coat of paint which Lane's block is receiving.
Joseph B. Brown is putting in a concrete foundation for a tie-up on the east side of his barn.
The Currier Studio will soon be closed for the winter. Anyone wishing photographic work for Christmas will do well to place their orders at once.
A. W. Gookin has purchased the North School House and will move it to the lot he recently purchased of Thomas Cogger, opposite the Centre School building.
Robert Brown will occupy the new Mason house on High Street as soon as it is completed. Abbott L. Joplin is finishing the interior and the painting will be done by William Blake.
The Ford divorce case is to occupy the Superior Court at Portsmouth this week. It is an action brought by Mrs. Frances Ford against her husband, Charles Lester Ford for divorce. Mr. Ford is the son of Henry Ford, proprietor of the Pelham. At the conclusion of the testimony the judge took the case under consideration and will render his decree later.
The residence of Capt. Smart, opposite the Life Saving Station, North Beach, was totally destroyed by fire early Tuesday morning. Capt. and Mrs. Smart have recently gone to California and had closed their house for the winter. It is thought that the fire was caused by lightning during the thunder shower Monday evening, which smoldered during the night. The blaze was first discovered by Alzina Leavitt, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ervin Leavitt. Miss Leavitt was up about 5 o'clock and saw the Smart house in flames. She telephoned the Beach and village fire departments and others but by the time help arrived the house was practically destroyed. Nothing, of course, was saved. The sympathy of the community is extended to Mr. and Mrs. Smart for the irreparable loss they have sustained.
The West End Club met with the president, Mrs. Addie P. James, Thursday, October 19th, and a chicken dinner was served to the members who won the contest last season. The meeting opened at 3 o'clock by singing one of the songs and then repeating the quotation. The minutes of the last meeting were read and the treasurer's report given. The literary program was in charge of Mrs. Delano and Mrs. Yeaton and as it was the last meeting before Halloween and the time of spooks, the program was in keeping with such events. Mrs. Yeaton read the history of the General Moulton House and spoke of Goody Cole. There is a Tavern in the Town was sung. A reading by Miss Blanche Williams followed. The Old Wife and the New was her selection. Pictures were taken from magazines, representing different advertisements. Mrs. Ethel Greely guessed the most. All participated in the contest of eating a yard of string with a kiss on the end. Mrs. Bowley won the prize. A party is to be held in the schoolhouse Halloween. A vote of thanks was given the hostess and others who served the dinner. The members departed for their homes about five o'clock thanking their hostess for the pleasant afternoon. Next meeting to be held with Mrs. Jessie R. Towle Nov. 2nd.
Mr. and Mrs. Percy B. Brown were serenaded in fine style on Tuesday evening of this week at the home of Mrs. Brown's parents on Highland Avenue. A large party of their friends burst in on them, in the early part of the evening, with a crash and a bang and a shower of rice. They brought with them a heterogeneous collection of boxes, bags and packages, depositing them in a heap on the floor. A very pleasant evening of games, music and singing was passed in which all present participated. Then came the opening of the "mystery" gifts! Mr. and Mrs. Brown, seated in the center of a circle formed by those present, unwrapped innumerable folds of paper, disclosing gifts that we hope they will use time and again in the years to come. A great deal of amusement was afforded the guests by the opening of these packages, especially a large wooden box that Charles Green brought with him in the latter part of the evening. After refreshments, at a late hour, the party adjourned to their various homes, wishing their host and hostess many years of happiness to come.
The auction at Parker Blake's brought quite a crowd from far and near. The articles sold high mostly.
Ervin Drake will join the Florida Colony next week.
Some teeter boards for the children of the Centre School will be put in place this week. The work is in charge of the School Improvement Committee of the Parent-Teacher Association, headed by David Hamilton. The latter, with the assistance of Elroy Hamilton, and Principal John Donald have been long at work on these boards, giving their time free for the good of the community, and they would have had them in operation some time ago but for the non-arrival of the irons necessary in the construction. Camp Fire Notes
A large supper was enjoyed on Tuesday evening by all members present.
A new member, Gertrude Lorenze, was with us.
The yearly dues of $1.00 are being earned by each member, which makes it much more interesting.
The Virginia Reel seems to be very popular and we all enjoy it.
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The Chemical Brothers will release their eighth studio album 'Born in the Echoes' on 17 July 2015
Win a pair of 3-day tickets for Lowlands 2015
The 23rd edition of one of the biggest and longest standing European festivals is well underway. This year's Lowlands festival takes place from the 21st to 23rd August at its usual home of Biddinghuizen, The Netherlands.
Interpol, Tame Impala, The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Passenger, Bastille, Ben Howard, FFS (Franz Ferdinand & Sparks), José González, Caribou, Django Django, Allah-Las, Father John Misty, Major Lazer, Four Tet, MØ, Marcel Dettmann, SBTRKT, Roots Manuva, Years & Years and Mark Ronson (DJ Set) are amongst the acts confirmed to be performing at the event.
Lowlands takes place in Biddinghuizen, an hour drive from Amsterdam. The nearest airport is Amsterdam's Schipol, but both Rotterdam and Eindhoven are within reasonable reach. There are regular direct trains from Schipol airport to Dronten, the nearer train station, from which the festival provides free direct shuttle buses to the site to ticket holders.
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For your chance to win a pair of 3-day tickets simply answer the questions below and send it to:
admteam@anydecentmusic.com
1: Name the two members of The Chemical Brothers?
2: Who is the singer of Interpol?
3: What was the title of Tame Impala's 2010 debut album?
The closing date is 31 May 2015.
Read more about Lowlands and the full list of artists here
About Lowlands 2015
Festival: Lowlands (http://lowlands.nl/en/)
Dates: August 21st - 23rd 2015
Where: Biddinghuizen (an hour from Amsterdam)
Line up so far: Interpol, Tame Impala, The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Passenger, Bastille, José González, Caribou, Django Django, Mark Ronson (DJ Set), Ben Howard, Paolo Nutini, FFS (Franz Ferdinand & Sparks), Limp Bizkit, The Maccabees, Major Lazer, Joey Bada$$, Boys Noize B2B Baauer, Rudimental, La Roux, Allah-Las, Imelda May, Father John Misty, Four Tet, MØ, Enter Shikari, Marcel Dettmann, SBTRKT, Kodaline, Roots Manuva, Years & Years, Todd Terje & Olson Band, Ought, Viet Cong, Concertgebouworkest, Twenty One Pilots, Hudson Mohawke (live), Benjamin Clementine, Courtney Barnett, Tove Lo, Patrick Watson, Shamir, Howling (live), The Antlers, Låpsley, Thomston, Eaves, DakhaBrakha, Dollkraut (live), Ho99o9, Herman Brock Jr., iLLBiLLY HiTEC, Jeugd van Tegenwoordig, Afterpartees, Bleachers, Fuzz, La Sra Tomasa, Mini Mansions, Mr Žarko & Band, Vaults, Max Cooper presents Emergence, All Time Low, Echosmith, Seinabo Sey, What So Not, Shura, Bad Breeding, Slaves, Curtis Harding, Skinny Lister, POND, JP Cooper, The Bohicas, While She Sleeps, The Districts, Bear's Den, Mighty Oaks and Alestorm.
3-Day Ticket: £136 (including shuttle, camping and service charges) available on Ticketmaster UK
A number of low cost airlines operate daily flights from most UK airports to Amsterdam (Schipol). Dronten, an hour train ride from Amsterdam, is the nearest train stations to the site, from which it is possible to take free direct shuttle bus.
*Tickets exclude travel costs but do include camping, shuttle and service charges
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The moment for me when the idea of dropping TV service became a long term prospect rather than just a short term experiment so I could write this article, was when I plugged in the antenna. The fact that I can get such high quality output, for network and PBS channels I had been paying for makes it hard for me to envision going back to a cable TV subscription. In addition, I have to sit through far fewer commercials (though I suspect that may change over time). Watching Netflix movies on the TV is much more satisfying than on the smaller computer screen and of course the freedom to watch current TV programs on my own schedule is a huge benefit when juggling the demands of work and family. I know there will be times during the year when a sports event I want to watch will be unavailable. But there's just no arguing with the dramatic cost savings. Pay TV is undeniably a richer experience, but is it worth a 330% premium? Not for me.
The reason? The recent emergence of new streaming services like Dish Network’s Sling TV, which includes a sampling of the most popular “basic” cable channels, and HBO Now, the only streaming service to include HBO shows, has coincided with Amazon and Netflix coming into their own as producers of serious television. The result is that virtually every class of TV watcher can find most of what they need without paying a cable bill.
A Nielsen report showed that during the fourth quarter of 2011, the number of people paying for television had dropped by 15 million people (a rate of 1.5 percent), and the number of cable subscribers dropped by 2.9 million.[11] A 2012 Deloitte report said 9% of television households dropped cable service during 2011 and an additional 11% planned to cancel their service.[12] Sanford Bernstein estimates 400,000 dropped pay video services during the second quarter of 2012, up from 340,000 in 2011. One reason for the drop was college students' returning home for the summer, while the companies made up for the loss in other quarters. However, the number of new homes paying for television service is less than the total number of new homes.[5] Another possible reason is services, such as time shifting and live recording capabilities, that were once exclusive to pay television services, are now being offered to cord cutters.[13] Although the number of subscribers usually increases in the third quarter, in 2012 only 30,000 people added pay television service, according to a study by the International Strategy & Investment Group. Cable lost 340,000 subscribers (with Time Warner Cable accounting for 140,000 of that number) and satellite gained only 50,000; telephone companies added 320 subscribers.[14] Throughout 2012, pay television added only 46,000 new subscribers, out of 974,000 new households overall, according to SNL Kagan. 84.7 percent of households subscribed, compared to 87.3 percent in early 2010.[15]
These antennas are compatible with all televisions made since 2007 (when built-in digital tuners became a federal requirement) and they plug directly into the coaxial port in back of your TV. Once plugged in, you simply have your TV scan for available digital signals. Most TVs have a signal meter display that shows just how well each channel's signal is being received.
If you had to pick a character, who would you rather be? The corrupt senator played so skillfully by G.D. Spradlin? Or are you the Godfather? Spradlin’s character sure reminds me of my old cable company. I think we’d all like to believe we’re Al Pacino’s character. Confident. Taking no bullshit whatsoever. Do you really act that way when you’re on the phone with your customer service rep from Comcast? Nah, I don’t think so. I’m sticking with some tough love here. You really don’t.
For example, imagine what the science fiction fan of 2019 will need to do to keep up with the genre’s most prominent franchise content. Star Wars will live on Disney’s new proprietary service, but new episodes of Star Trek (both Star Trek: Discovery and the upcoming Next Generation sequel) are only available on CBS All Access. Meanwhile, The Expanse is exclusive to Amazon Prime. If fans want to watch DC’s superhero shows, as well, that’ll require a DC Universe subscription — although the CW shows featuring DC characters will only be available via the CW app — or, for patient fans who want a commercial-free option, Netflix. If they want to catch up on classic Doctor Who, they’d better have a Britbox membership.
One of the toughest things for cord-cutters to give up is sports content, since cable and satellite TV give access not only to home games, but also to matches from all around the world. An HD antenna will keep you covered for local games. Otherwise, you have two options: a cable-replacement service, or a streaming sports service. Every major sports organization offers some kind of streaming package, from MLB.TV to NFL Live to NBA League Pass. These services are expensive compared to streaming subscriptions, and can cost between $100 and $200 per year.
Cable TV is widely available to U.S. residents, so it's a very popular option. This connection transmits information via an electric current that travels through copper cables buried underground. If cable TV is available in your area, the installation process should be pretty painless, as the infrastructure is already in place. Cable television is a great option for those that don't want to commit to long-term contracts. Some providers like Spectrum offer “no contract” options, but when a contract is required, it's typically shorter than those required for satellite TV. Cable TV plans tend to be more expensive than satellite, and the HD quality isn't as good. However, many providers let you bundle TV with high-speed cable internet to save on your monthly bill!
NOTE: There is no such thing as a "digital" or "HD" TV antenna. Those terms refer to the fact that the over-the-air broadcast signal is digital/HD (since 2009), not the antenna itself. No matter what you may read about "advanced technology" TV antennas, the actual reception technology has not changed in decades. Sure, antennas come in all different shapes and sizes today, even sci-fi-like designs, but those are physical changes not technical advancements. If you buy an older home and discover a TV antenna in your attic or on your roof, it's going to receive the same pristine digital broadcast signals as anything you would buy today.
Bear in mind that, if you’re on the ball, there’s also plenty you can watch for free — with no need to subscribe to anything. This may change in the future as major media companies put more of their products behind a paywall, but for now, some major channels (like ABC, Fox, the CW and PBS) make select episodes of their shows available online for nothing, for a limited time after their original broadcasts. You can watch them through a web browser or through an app on your set-top box.
Lots of satellite TV plans include a DVR or HD DVR which allows you to easily record shows, set parental controls, watch shows from any room, and access On Demand programs and movies. Cable companies may also offer you a free DVR when you buy a TV service plan. With both satellite and cable TV service providers, you will usually have to pay a monthly fee for the DVR even though the DVR itself is included at no extra cost. Service for a DVR costs around $10+/month with either cable or satellite service.
PlayStation Vue streams with 720p resolution. I use an Amazon Fire TV, but with an Ethernet connection to get a nice picture. Right now, if you look at PS Vue, Sling TV and DirecTV Now and fuboTV, they all stream at about the same quality. I can tell you that when I have family or friends over, they think the TV is showing cable. (I don’t have a 4K TV.) Check out a video of my TV streaming PS Vue on Amazon Fire TV: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RabL1GGhA6Y
Although HBO and Showtime are perhaps better-known these days for original programming, they still show recent theatrical releases, and they make them available through their subscription services. Starz is also excellent for anyone seeking current blockbusters. Consider tacking on a subscription to one, two or all three of these to an Amazon Prime Video account. Video-on-demand rentals are also an option, facilitated by multiple retailers. And if you’re interested in owning digital copies of your movies, the service Movies Anywhere is a helpful way to manage and view your library.
It’s not just the price of the DVR that bums us out—the total price of Cox’s TV service is higher than other cable TV providers. By the time we got to check out, we were looking at monthly DVR service fees and receiver fees, as well as an installation fee.. And that did NOT include the broadcast surcharge, regional sports surcharge, or “other fees.” We didn’t even get any of the add-ons (“paks”), which range from $10.00 a month to $15.99 a month.
You don't need a lot of streaming services to satisfy your TV needs. Most cord cutters use two, sometimes three services and there are specific benefits to each one. We recommend the following services because they provide the most value to cord cutters and they are readily available nationwide. Here are the main services you will likely want and why:
Req. compatible device and Fios TV. Content restrictions may apply. Out-of-Home Use: Fios Multi-Room DVR Enhanced or Premium Service required to stream DVR recordings. Four DVR same-recording stream at a time. Verizon Wireless Data-Free Streaming: Req. postpay 4G LTE service. Non-streaming activity (e.g., app downloads, starting/restarting the app, going off airplane mode and transitioning from Wi-Fi to 4G LTE) will incur data charges (approx. 1-5 MB per instance). For Verizon Unlimited customers, app data usage will be counted, not billed.
Vue is the most comprehensive offering by far and with its price drop to $29.99 it’s now started to finally differentiate itself from other offers. Sling TV is a smaller offering for only $10, so it really comes down to what channels you use and how many channels you want access to. Since Vue is so similar to Sling TV, you really can’t go wrong, though.
TV providers are stepping up the game when it comes to DVR and television equipment capabilities. Scroll through thousands of on demand titles, record all of your favorite shows, and watch your stored recordings on multiple TV's at once: all from a single box. Specific recording features will vary by provider and receiver. The DIRECTV Genie is the premier HD DVR on the market. With Genie you can connect up to 8 TV's to a single DVR, record up to 5 HD programs at once, and browse through over 10,000 On Demand titles. Got home too late to catch that new episode of your favorite show that you've been waiting all week to see? No problem. You can rewind live TV up to 72 hours with Genie, so you'll never miss a premiere ever again. Control what your children can watch. Schedule or watch recordings from your laptop, tablet, or phone. Discover new programs that you'll love with Genie's personalized recommendation feature. The possibilities are endless! Make sure to check the fine print when it comes to equipment fees. Some providers include the DVR for free, while others charge a monthly fee.
Satellite TV and internet work by transmitting data over radio waves. TV and internet broadcasters transmit radio waves to satellites and then, the satellite transmits the signal back to your receiving satellite dish. The dish passes the signal onto your TV and internet receiver, which processes the signal and passes it to your TV or computer for enjoyment.
Even if you get your local CBS station with an antenna, it’s still a good service to plumb the huge on-demand library. That’s especially true if you’re a diehard Star Trek fan. You may already know that Star Trek: Discovery is exclusively produced for CBS All Access. But the streaming service also has 79 epsiodes of the original series, Deep Space Nine, Star Trek Enterprise, The Next Generation, Voyager and Star Trek: The Animated Series.
So for part of the year, Dick and Jane might subscribe to Sling TV because Dick wants to watch baseball on his regional sports network. Jane may want to check out Viceland on the weekend because she’s a huge fan of “Huang’s World”. Later in the year, Hulu with Live TV makes more sense because Jane wants Smithsonian Channel and Dick wants to catch up on episodes of “Atlanta” and “Baskets”.
Not all media streamers offer the same channels: Smart TVs and Blu-ray players, as well as standalone media streamers, don't all offer the same selection of channels and services. Roku devices are the most comprehensive with up to 4,500 possibilities, but there are other media streamers available (such as Amazon Fire TV, Google Chromecast, and others) that may not have the channels and services you desire.
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Haunted Flower reviews Apatow-spoof comedy, 41 Year Old Virgin
Posted on June 5, 2010 by hauntedflower
The 41-Year-Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall And Felt Superbad About It
1 Disc Widescreen being released June 8, 2010
“The 41-Year-Old Virgin Who Knocked Up Sarah Marshall And Felt Superbad About It” was written and directed by Craig Moss. It stars Bryan Callen, formerly of MADtv as Andy who is a virgin and goes through elements of the plot lines from “40 Year Old Virgin”, “Superbad”, “Forgetting Sarah Marshall”, “Knocked Up”, and even a bit from “Funny People.”
Andy after being accosted by his friends and after a date falls through with a girl he connected with named Kim (Noureen DeWulf) repeatedly meets up with Sarah (Mircea Monroe) at a bar where she gets really drunk celebrating and comes home with him after much projectile vomit. Sarah comes back the next day pregnant, but it isn’t Andy’s baby. Also a Jonah Hill look-alike (Steven Sims) is running around and McAnalovin (Austin Michael Scott) is stuck with a couple of crazy cops.
Besides Judd Apatow flicks, some other movies alluded to in this spoof are “Slumdog Millionaire” (McAnalovin has to jump into poo and the film finishes up with a “She’s a Ho” instead of “Jai Ho” dance number), “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, Verizon Wireless (“Can you hear me now?”), and the Most Interesting Man Beer commercials.
As far as spoof comedy goes, at least the story flows ok. Sometimes spoofs are just stories and sometimes they are just minor skits loosely stuck together and this one does blend both of those formats well to incorporate outside the genre jokes as well as this tribute to Judd Apatow’s brand of romantic comedy. Everything about it is extreme and gross-out humor, swearing, and sexual humor abounds. Very silly, but better than some of the stretched out spoof films out there like “Date Movie” or any “Scary Movie” after the first one. Some of the humor is REALLY nasty, but there is an audience out there for it that would like it. It went a little too far for me at times, but overall I find a lot of it to be funny.
There is a fourteen minute long making of the movie where they talk about getting a choreographer for the Ballywood sequence and that the director’s wife is one of the Kr
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On your e-bike
Source: HM Government | | 11/06/2019
The Cycling Minister, Michael Ellis, has announced a number of changes to the Cycle to Work scheme in an announcement that was timed to coincide with Bike week. Bike week is an annual celebration to showcase cycling across the UK and runs from 8 – 16 June.
The Cycle to Work scheme was introduced almost 20 years ago to help promote the use of healthy ways to commute to work using an environmentally friendly and more active mode of transport. This can also speed up commuting time and cut travel costs for many employees.
The changes to the scheme will encourage the use of electronic bikes known as e-bikes. E-bikes have an integrated motor that helps a cyclist pedal, allowing them to reach speeds of up to 15.5 mph in the UK. The use of these bikes widens the appeal of biking to a wider demographic including those that are older or less fit and encourages a new way to commute to work. The use of e-bikes is increasingly popular and 70,000 were sold in the UK last year.
New government guidance will also make it easier for employers to provide cycles and equipment including e-bikes worth over £1,000 by making it clear that FCA authorised third party providers are able to run the scheme.
Planning note
Employers of all sizes across the public, private and voluntary sectors are eligible to take part in the scheme to provide (technically loan) bicycles and cyclists’ safety equipment to employees as a tax-free benefit. Where the scheme conditions are satisfied, employees can benefit from a tax and National Insurance Contributions (NICs) reduction of between 32% and 42% through a salary sacrifice scheme. In addition, there is no employer liability to NICs.
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classic rock rock singer-songwriter british pop Add to favorites
John Winston Ono Lennon, MBE (born John Winston Lennon; 9 October 1940 – 8 December 1980) was an English singer, songwriter, musician, and activist who co-founded The Beatles, the most commercially successful and musically influential band in the history of popular music. He and fellow member Paul McCartney formed a much-celebrated songwriting partnership.
Born and raised in Liverpool, Lennon became involved in the skiffle craze as a teenager. He formed his first band, the Quarrymen, in 1957 which evolved into the Beatles in 1960. When the group disbanded in 1970, Lennon embarked on a sporadic solo career that produced albums including John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band and Imagine, and songs such as "Give Peace a Chance", "Working Class Hero", and "Imagine". After he married Yoko Ono in 1969, he added "Ono" as one of his middle names. Lennon disengaged himself from the music business in 1975 to raise his infant son Sean, but re-emerged with Ono in 1980 with the new album Double Fantasy. He was shot and killed in front of his Manhattan apartment three weeks after its release.
Lennon revealed a rebellious nature and acerbic wit in his music, writing, drawings, on film and in interviews. Controversial through his political and peace activism, he moved from London to Manhattan in 1971, where his criticism of the Vietnam War resulted in a lengthy attempt by the Nixon administration to deport him. Some of his songs were adopted as anthems by the anti-war movement and the larger counterculture.
By 2012 (thirty-two years after his death), Lennon's solo album sales in the United States had exceeded 14 million units. He is responsible for 25 number-one singles on the US Hot 100 chart as a writer, co-writer, or performer. In 2002, Lennon was voted eighth in a BBC poll of the 100 Greatest Britons and in 2008, Rolling Stone ranked him the fifth-greatest singer of all time. In 1987, he was posthumously inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Lennon was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—first in 1988 as a member of the Beatles and again in 1994 as a solo artist.
John Lennon & Yoko Ono
1) Imagine
2) Woman
3) Jealous Guy
4) Watching the Wheels
5) Working Class Hero
6) Stand by Me
7) Love
8) Happy Xmas (War Is Over)
9) Instant Karma
10) (Just Like) Starting Over
11) Give Peace a Chance
12) Mind Games
13) #9 Dream
14) Oh My Love
15) Mother
16) Power to the People
17) Imagine - 2010 - Remaster
18) Well Well Well
19) Gimme Some Truth
20) Oh Yoko!
21) God
22) My Mummy's Dead
23) Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)
24) Happy Christmas (War Is Over)
25) Cold Turkey
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Climate & Temperature > India > Belgaum (Sambre) Climate > April
Weather in April in Belgaum (Sambre)
< April >
Normal Max/ High Temperature 36°C (97°F)
Average Temperature 28°C (83°F)
Min/ Low Temperature 21°C (69°F)
Normal Precipitation 47mm (1.9in)
Average Daylight per day 12:28
Sun altitude at solar noon on the 21st day.
The average temperature in Belgaum (Sambre) in April is very hot at 28.3 °C (82.94 °F).
Afternoons can be severely hot with average high temperatures reaching 36 °C (96.8 °F).
Overnight temperatures are generally warm with an average low of 20.5 °C (68.9 °F).
The variation/ range of daily average temperatures in April is 15.5 °C (27.9 °F).
The weather in April is a little parched. A mere 47mm (1.9in) of water tumbles.
The shortest day is 12:15 long and the longest day is 12:40 long with an average length of 12:28.
Check the distance to and compare the Belgaum (Sambre) April averages with somewhere beginning with:
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z | All
Weather Trend Graph for April in Belgaum (Sambre), India
Navigate to April Weather in Locations Surrounding Belgaum (Sambre):
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Saudi Arabia: The king is (not) dead; Long live the (new) king
In an extremely busy twenty-four hours in Saudi Arabia this past weekend, a series of moves by the palace sought to consolidate the power of the crown prince, Muhammad bin Salman – who already effectively runs the kingdom, centre all power in his office, and pave the way for his accession to the throne – even before his father, King Salman, dies. In the process, the power grab upends the slower, more consensual decision-making processes in the royal family, and establishes MbS, as the crown prince is known, as a more authoritarian ruler concentrating power in his person rather than in the family that has ruled the country since the 1930s. The moves this weekend (and earlier) achieve four major objectives for Muhammad: granting him control over a vast pool of assets around the world; putting him in charge of the Saudi voice outside the country through media networks owned by Saudis he has arrested; consolidating his power over the three main branches of Saudi military and security services; and removing (if temporarily) any voices of dissent to his father’s abdication and his becoming king.
The past weekend saw Lebanon’s prime minister, Saad Hariri, announcing his resignation in Riyadh, at the instruction of MbS; the arrests of eleven members of the royal family (including two sons of the former king, Abdullah – Mut'ib and Turki), four ministers and dozens of former ministers, government officials and businesspeople, the disappearance of Abdulaziz bin Fahd (the son of another former king; while some reports say he was killed while trying to escape arrest, others suggest he was renditioned to Abu Dhabi where he is incarcerated and tortured); the death in suspicious circumstances of Mansour bin Muqrin (the son of a former crown prince, who perished in a helicopter crash close to the Yemeni border); the warning that assets of hundreds of other Saudis will soon be seized; and the dramatic ramping up of rhetoric against Iran and Lebanon. All of this threatens serious long-term consequences for Saudi Arabia and the Middle East more generally.
The arrests and freezing of assets of the detainees were conducted ostensibly as part of an anti-corruption drive under the auspices of a newly-formed anti-corruption committee (headed by MbS), but it is clear that the reasons are much more comprehensive, and the move was planned before the committee was even inaugurated.
The arrests are part of an MbS pattern, with Salman’s acquiescence, of consolidating control over the levers of the country’s power, particularly the political, security, economic and media sectors. He has already centralised political power in his office – despite concern among many royals. Indeed, some sources claim that Mansour bin Muqrin, who died in the helicopter crash on Saturday night, had sent a letter to some 1 000 princes urging them not to support MbS’s accession to the throne. These same sources also claim that Mansour’s helicopter was deliberately targeted by state forces under instruction from MbS.
With the latest arrests, the crown prince has now taken over the military and security structures of the kingdom. In June, then-crown prince Muhammad bin Nayef, who was also interior minister, was fired (and has been under house arrest since), and a month later the interior ministry was stripped of many powers, which were given to a new homeland security agency headed by the king, thus giving MbS control of the country’s internal security and large amounts of security personnel and military materiel. As defence minister, MbS also controls the country’s defence forces. With this weekend’s arrest of Mut'ib bin Abdullah, MbS now also controls the third important security-military department, the National Guard. The Guard is an important arm of the Shammar branch of the royal family, and is a conglomeration of the tribal forces in the kingdom; the Shammar effectively control the various tribes through their control of the National Guard. By removing Mut'ib, MbS not only completes his control of the security and military forces, he also is attempting to take control of the kingdom’s tribal confederations. The influence of the National Guard is indicated by the fact that it was responsible for coercingKing Saud to hand over power to his brother Faisal in 1964, following a power struggle between the brothers over the division of political power. By surrounding Saud’s palace in early 1964, the Guard rendered it impossible for Saud to rule.
The arrests of the heads of the Middle East Broadcasting Centre (MBC), Rotana Media and ART – Walid bin al-Ibrahim, Walid bin Talal and Salih Kaamil respectively – gives the Saudi regime effective control of Saudi media that broadcast outside the kingdom. (The palace already tightly controls the media internally.) This will ensure a common narrative on issues such as foreign policy, MbS’s accession to the throne, and the demonisation of dissent.
Furthermore, dozens of clerics, scholars and academics, who might have been opposed to or critical of Salman’s abdication in favour of his son, were jailed in September for no apparent reason. This move also signalled to the clerical establishment, whose influence MbS wants to curtail, that only supportive voices from its ranks will be tolerated. The clergy will be a concern for MbS, who has been talking of Saudi Arabia as a ‘secular’ state, and about diminishing the role of religion and the clergy, which would upset a compact between the royal family and the clergy about them supporting each other. Like the National Guard, the clergy too had a hand in the abdication of Saud in 1964. It took only twelve senior clerics’ support, including that of the grand mufti, to legitimise Saud’s ouster.
The latest arrests also help shore up MbS’s economic control in the kingdom, and are, at least in part, related to the need for him to mobilise funds to drive his ambitious Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to move the country away from its dependence on oil, and improve an economy that is worse than it has been in decades. Saudi Arabia’s budget deficit stands at ten per cent of GDP; unemployment has increased to twelve per cent; and popular discontent has forced him to drop plans to reduce state subsidies (which he hoped would free up funds for Vision 2030). The need for extra funding is exacerbated by his plan to construct a 500 billion dollar megacity (dubbed Neom), which has attracted substantial interest from Israeli businesses. Moreover, the Yemeni war, ongoing for two years and with no end in sight, is draining the kingdom’s coffers by between 100 and 500 million dollars daily. It has been estimated that the seizing of the wealth of the businesspeople arrested thus far will add around 33 billion dollars (half the 2017-18 budget deficit) to Saudi state coffers, a substantial contribution to the 2030 and Neom projects. With hundreds more people on the list for their assets to be seized, that figure could increase dramatically. Furthermore, MbS’s plan to list the oil company Aramco on the New York Stick exchange was not universally supported in Saudi Arabia; nor were his plans for Neom. The dissenting voices on these matters have now largely been neutralised through their detention.
It is suspected by many that Hariri’s forced resignation is partly also part of the effort to bolster Saudi state finances. Hariri’s assets are worth more than a billion dollars, and his business interests are mainly based in Saudi Arabia. Since the economic downturn that hit the Saudi construction industry, Hariri has been unable to pay his debts to the kingdom. His stake in Saudi Oger is worth just under a billion dollars, a reasonable contribution to MbS’s coffers. Interestingly, the disappeared Abdulaziz bin Fahd was the Saudi point person in charge of Saudi Oger, and, thus, Hariri’s partner. Hariri has, since his ‘resignation’, been rumoured to be interned in Riyadh’s Ritz Carlton Hotel, along with others arrested on Saturday. However, Hariri’s removal also has political objectives. MbS, with the support of the USA and Israel, hopes to increase the pressure on Iran through its proxies and associated groups. Thus the removal of Hariri can be read as part of the effort to escalate tensions in Lebanon, and to begin an offensive against Hizbullah.
He identified Iran’s role in Lebanon and the region, and his dissatisfaction with Hizbullah as reasons for the resignation. Yet, shortly before he left for Saudi Arabia, he met with Ali Akbar Velayati, senior advisor on international relations to Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei; and Hariri’s party’s relations with Hizbullah have not been any rockier than usual.
MbS’s power grab has already caused much disquiet within the house of Saud, which previously divided government portfolios between the different family branches to prevent fractious succession battles, and to ensure continuity. Saturday’s moves have upended this policy, centralising immense power in MbS’s office. It is likely that the families of Nayef, Abdullah and Muqrin will join forces, especially if Salman abdicates power in favour of his son in the next weeks. Abdulaziz’s disappearance and Abdullah’s death will aggravate this urge. Any rumblings of protest from within the National Guard at the firing of its former boss, Mut'ib, to whom the Guard had been fiercely loyal, would be an indicator in this regard.
Further, despite earlier expressions of enthusiasm for MbS’s ‘modernisation’ proposals – especially from Saudi youth, it is uncertain whether the majority of Saudi citizens will accept MbS’s plans, even though Saudi Arabia has a bulging youth population, especially after the recent crackdown. He has already alienated many critical clerics who had previously called for such modernisation, and who enjoy much popular support, as well as created fear in the business community, and anger in many sections of the royal family.
Additionally, the arrests of young reformers such as Abdullah al-Malki and Mustafa al-Hassan, together with the arrests of cleric Salman al-Awda in September, suggest two faces of MbS’s ‘reform’ initiative. Despite, for example, voicing support for increased freedoms, relaxing conditions on Saudi women’s restrictions to drive, and advocating (rhetorically) a ‘moderate’ form of Islam, MbS instituted two committees (the Union of Electronic and Software Security, and the National Authority for Cyber Security) in October to monitor and control social media, and curtail freedoms. Already, the head of the Union of Electronic and Software Security, Saud al-Qahtani, called on Saudi tweeps to report citizens sympathising with Qatar in the issue of the blockade on that country. Another example of MbS’s two-faced policies is his commitment to ‘privatise’ Saudi assets such as Aramco, while the recent crackdown shows that he is just as happy ‘nationalising’ private assets of those he dislikes.
The increasingly gung-ho attitude from the Saudi palace will also have serious regional consequences. MbS and his deputies have hardened the kingdom’s stance toward Iran, used war-like rhetoric in reference to Iran and Lebanon, further threatened the Houthi in Yemen, and instituted a full blockade on Yemeni ports. While a war with Iran is unlikely, Riyadh’s moves threaten to destabilise Lebanon’s complex, sectarian consociational political system in a manner that could have disastrous consequences; some Lebanese are talking about the possibility of another civil war.
While there is concern in the Middle East about where this will lead to, MbS and his authoritarianism have won unqualified support from the USA and Israel. Both the US president, Donald Trump, and his son-in-law and advisor Jared Kushner enjoy a close relationship and mutual admiration with the crown prince. Kushner returned to the USA from a personal visit to Saudi Arabia just a week before the recent arrests, sparking speculation that MbS briefed him about his plans for the arrests and for Lebanon. After the arrests, Trump tweeted that he had ‘great confidence in King Salman and the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, they know exactly what they are doing’. Israel, which MbS reportedly visited in September, has also been jubilant about the new crown prince and his keenness to normalise relations with the Zionist state. The events of the past weekend have been pounced upon by Israel, with its envoys around the world being instructed to use the Hariri ‘resignation’ to attack Hizbullah and Iran. Whether this was coordinated with Saudi Arabia or not, events in the kingdom are proving useful to Israel in its battle with Iran, and, ultimately with the Palestinians.
Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, thirty-two-year old Muhammad bin Salman, has thus cast his country and the Middle East region into a period of great uncertainty. From the time he was appointed deputy crown prince by his father in April 2015, he began to present himself as the face of the kingdom’s future, and many of his actions – domestically, regionally and globally – have been crafted to concentrate power in himself, show Saudis and the world that he is tough, willing to deal decisively with his enemies, fully in league with the United States, and to prepare for his coronation. This year, the blockade against Qatar, increased sabre-rattling on Iran, normalising relations with Israel, developing intimate relations with the the US Trump administration, and the events of the past weekend have all had a singular motive: strengthening MbS’s hand in preparation for his being handed the throne by his father. The latest arrests and firings are an attempt to silence criticism of his ascension to the throne, and to shore up his military, economic and media power.
Furthermore, MbS is transforming Saudi Arabia into a strong regional client that will help the USA maintain global ascendency, and serve, together with Israel, as a US proxy in the Middle East. MbS has set himself up as the new regional strongman whose role has been rubberstamped by Trump. The US administration has given him wide permission to consolidate his position in a way that will allow him to become an effective instrument of the USA in the region. The focus and escalating rhetoric on Iran (and its proxies) helps consolidate this position by ensuring that Saudi Arabia, the USA and Israel will be on the same page, with a common enemy that they each can rally their constituencies against.
The siege of Qatar, rebellious black sheep of the GCC
Published in Qatar
By Zeenat Adam
The May 2017 Riyadh Summit marked the first international tour of the new US president, Donald Trump. Three meetings in Riyadh – a bilateral with Saudi Arabia (KSA), a USA-Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) meeting and the US-Arab-Islamic Summit – collectively supposedly focussed on unity in the fight against terrorism. The Summit culminated in a declaration – crafted unilaterally by KSA – that proposed, among others, the establishment of an ‘Arab Alliance’ and an ‘Islamic Military Coalition’ to combat terrorism; the establishment of a counter-terrorism centre based in KSA; and a condemnation of Iran as a regional destabiliser. Contrary to the show of unity, Qatar’s emir, Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, expressed reservations about signing a declaration that had not been discussed, in clear defiance of his hosts. It is unclear whether he ultimately did sign the document.
A day later, statements attributed to Tamim – supposedly uttered at a military graduation ceremony – appeared on the website of Qatar News Agency. He was quoted praising Iran and the Lebanese resistance organisation Hizbullah, mentioning Qatar’s close ties with Israel and the USA, and proclaiming his country’s unwavering support for the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas. Additionally, tweets posted in the name of Qatar’s foreign minister declared that Qatar would withdraw its ambassadors from Bahrain, Egypt, Kuwait, KSA and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because of a ‘plot’ against Qatar. The Qatari government vehemently rejected these statements, claiming the news agency website had hacked. By this time, however, the reaction from KSA, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt was becoming frenzied. Within an hour of the hacking, Saudi, Emirati and Egyptian media began a media campaign to discredit and demonise Qatar. The seemingly-orchestrated onslaught maligning Qatar as a cancer in the GCC persisted despite Kuwaiti attempts to intervene and restore calm. Tamim’s visit to Kuwait to quell the tensions was in vain, as KSA and the UAE refused to entertain any explanations, leading to a shock announcement on 5 June 2017 that both states had severed ties with Qatar. They were followed by Egypt, Bahrain and, later, other Arab states or non-state actors aligned to KSA or the UAE, in what became one of the greatest spats in the GCC’s history.
A series of leaked emails revealing the extent of the lobbying by the UAE ambassador to Washington, Yousef Al Otaiba, added to suspicions that the GCC fallout was not as sudden and reactive as the Saudis and Emiratis portrayed it. The emails uncover the key contentious issues according to Qatar’s neighbours: the presence of US CENTCOM in Qatar, the Al Jazeera network, and support for Hamas. Otaiba’s courting of Washington neo-conservatives adds to the suspicion that the Saudis and Emiratis seek to seize the opportunity of Trump’s presidency to reconfigure the US agenda in the Middle East. The carefully orchestrated plan to isolate Qatar appears to be aimed at reinforcing Saudi hegemony in the region and cultivating a new power dynamic with the Trump administration. The renewed courtship with America is led on the Saudi side by the deputy crown prince and defence minister, Mohammed bin Salman, who has been at the forefront of decision-making since his aged father, King Salman ascended the throne in January 2015. His ambitious vision for Saudi Arabia and his aggressive, impulsive resort to military action against perceived rivals is setting the scene for regional upheaval. The Emiratis have also been flexing their petrodollar muscles to exert influence in the region, led primarily by Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Muhammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan who has been aggressively building up an arsenal of weaponry to support his interventionist motives.
As tensions between Qatar and its neighbours heighten, more questions arise as to the future of the GCC and the expected result of the dramatic siege of the tiny peninsula state. Without providing evidence, the anti-Qatar alliance led by KSA and UAE accuses Qatar of supporting terror organisations. The list of individuals on their ‘terror list’ appears to be a regurgitated post-9/11 CIA list that was laid to rest over a decade ago, and which has been dug out of some dusty archive for lack of any other credible evidence against Qatar. Organisations on the list appear to mainly be humanitarian and charity groups that have been active in war-torn regions. Qatar, KSA and UAE have all been deeply involved in Middle East conflicts, with proxy wars playing out in Syria, Libya and Yemen in particular. None of the three have been neutral in supporting factions that may have committed war crimes and atrocities and / or have been accused of being terror organisations. Thus, the KSA-UAE accusation against Qatar is a case of ‘the camel never seeing its own hump, but only those of others’. The allegations of Qatari terror funding and destabilisation of the region through its policy of engagement with Iran, support for Al Jazeera, and support for the Muslim Brotherhood are bones of contention but it is unclear how much the anti-Qatar alliance expects Doha to concede on these issues, especially since it would encroach on its sovereignty and independence.
Perhaps the alliance, and KSA in particular, cares little about sovereign rights of states like Qatar, which it has long treated as an extension of its eastern province. It has even been suggested that the anti-Qatar alliance is plotting for regime change in Qatar; unsubstantiated rumours surfaced in Egyptian and Emirati media weeks before the Riyadh Summit that the Tamim’s father was planning to support one of his other sons, the current deputy emir and Tamim’s half-brother, Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani in a coup against his brother. These rumours are likely unfounded and generated outside Qatar among those who believe the real power in Qatar is with Tamim’s mother, Sheikha Mozah bint Nasser Al Misned, a prominent figure who has been repeatedly disparaged by Qatar’s patriarchal neighbours. She has been at the forefront of social and educational transformation in Qatar, and served as a UNESCO Special Envoy for basic education. Her children were groomed for leadership and she has stood as a model for women’s empowerment in the Gulf.
Further whisperings of regime change, also emanating from Egypt, attempted to open old wounds in Qatar’s history by goading Tamim’s distant cousin, Saud bin Nasser Al Thani, into making a claim for the position of emir. These attempts fail to consider that Qatar is a constitutional monarchy, and Qataris talk of a ruling family as opposed to a royal family. Its historical succession has not traditionally been one of primogeniture, but of regency and consensus within the ruling family. Furthermore, the split between the two wings of the ruling family dates to a 1940s succession debate when then-emir, Abdullah, intended for his son Hamad to succeed him. Unfortunately, Hamad died prematurely, but an agreement was reached within the ruling family that Abdullah’s other son, Ali, would assume the helm until Hamad’s son Khalifa would be able to rule. Ali, however, handed over the affairs of state to his son Ahmad in 1960, contrary to the agreement, and in opposition to the Hamad faction of the Al Thani family. In 1972 Khalifa, the rightful heir, deposed Ahmad. Any claim by Ahmad’s heirs would be contrary to the historical agreement, and would require consensus from the entire Al Thani clan, numbering more than 20 000 in Qatar alone. In addition, Tamim’s father, the former emir, Hamad, focussed, during his rule, on bringing the Ahmad faction back to Qatar from self-imposed exile and reunifying the factions, though there may still be some within the clan who feel disgruntled and entitled to power. To ensure that the matter would be laid to rest, the constitution stipulated that the succession of the rule of state would be hereditary in the male lineage of Hamad bin Khalifa bin Hamad bin Abdullah bin Jassim Al Thani.
There is no inclination to effect regime change by installing a ruler from outside the Al Thani clan, but any such attempt would fail, first of the constitution, and second because the Al Thani family has led the Qatari tribes with little opposition since the British Empire entered the territory in the 1800s.
Most analysts trace the current tensions between Qatar and its neighbours to the Middle East and North Africa uprisings, when Qatar positioned itself apart from the rest of the GCC in supporting the uprisings in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya and Syria. In the cases of Tunisia and Egypt, events unfolded sporadically and the momentum was organic. In both countries, parties linked to the Muslim Brotherhood rose to power through the popular vote, to the dismay of other Arab dictators. Qatar’s role was minimal but for extensive coverage on Al Jazeera, which became the people’s channel – broadcasting their revolution live from Tahrir Square to the world. Once the governments in these two countries were democratically elected, Qatar provided keen support – financially and politically. The uprisings also presented Qatar with an opportunity to exert influence and affect the outcomes in other areas where similar uprisings were simmering, but where the leadership was militarily more equipped to suppress the people. In Libya, Qatar was instrumental in lobbying for international intervention, which subsequently set the country on a debilitating course of war. Similarly, in Syria, Qatar was one of the first countries to openly support the Free Syrian Army and is also alleged to have supported al-Qa'ida-linked Nusra Front. Qatar’s stance in Bahrain, however, was far more ambiguous as it joined the GCC coalition in support of the Bahraini monarchy; but coverage by Al Jazeera left its Gulf neighbours wondering if its allegiance to the coalition was genuine. Similarly, in Yemen, whilst Qatar contributed troops to the Saudi coalition forces, it strongly expressed the view that the Houthi should be engaged as a legitimate party; Saudi Arabia considers the Houthi terrorists.
KSA and Qatar now find themselves at opposites, though not for the first time. The polarisation during the MENA uprisings boiled down to the views of each country on the Muslim Brotherhood. In the late 1950s the Gulf states served as a haven for Brotherhood activists escaping persecution from Egypt and Syria. During the 1970s a Saudi society (Al-Sahwa al-Islamiya – the Islamic Awakening) was formed, inspired by the Brotherhood. KSA rendered support to the Brotherhood until the 1991 Gulf War when Al-Sahwa opposed the kingdom’s position of inviting US intervention in Iraq, and began to mobilise for democratic and political reform. Similarly, in the UAE, an organisation with roots in the Brotherhood, Al-Islah wa al-Tojihi al-Ijtima (The Reform and Social Guidance Association) was established in Dubai in the early 1980s. During the MENA uprisings, Al-Islah began to call for democratic reforms, and was subsequently banned as a terror organisation, along with the Brotherhood. With its prominence in uprisings, the Brotherhood suddenly became an existential threat to the monarchies. Qatar provided a haven to Brotherhood clerics and Al Jazeera stood as the driving force of popular revolution. This prompted GCC members in 2013 to secure themselves against one of their own by ensuring that Qatar committed to ‘principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of other GCC countries and not support anyone who threatens the security and stability of other GCC countries, including organisations…and not supporting the antagonistic media’. However, a few months later three countries recalled their ambassadors from Qatar citing non-compliance with the pact. Qatar was forced to make some concessions eight months later, ahead of the next GCC summit, including the closure of the live Al Jazeera channel, Al Mubasher Misr in Egypt and requesting some members of the Muslim Brotherhood to leave Qatar. Exiled members sought refuge in Istanbul.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has viewed the tiny territory of Qatar as an irritant that should be dispensable due to its diminutive size, but which always tried to play in the big leagues. Until the early 1990s, KSA dominated the GCC, which had been established in response to the security concerns from the 1980s Iran-Iraq war. As a miniscule state, Qatar had always relied on alliances with mightier external actors to ensure its security, notably the Ottomans, British Empire, and the Saudis. The 1995 coup by Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani against his father Khalifa, a staunch Saudi ally, irked the Saudis who supported the former emir in a failed counter-coup attempt in 1996. Most of Qatar’s nuanced policies were developed during Hamad’s reign from 1995 until his abdication to Tamim in 2013. Credit is also due to the then foreign minister and later prime minister, Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabr Al Thani, as the architect of Qatar’s enigmatic foreign policy. By the end of the first Gulf War in 1991, whilst Hamad bin Khalifa was heir Apparent, Qatar began to woo the Americans, who soon established US CENTCOM (Central Command) at Qatar’s Al Udeid military base. Having the military might of the world’s superpower just a few dunes away from the regional big brother emboldened Qatar to embark on its ambitious plans for development. The second major development was the founding of the Al Jazeera News Network, and the third was its embarking on economic investments through its sovereign wealth fund aimed at diversifying its gas-based economy. This allowed Qatar to position itself at the centre of numerous international political dialogues, as it did not shy away from criticising the US interventions in the Middle East, whilst concurrently expressing a willingness to engage adversaries and position itself as a peace broker. No doubt Qatar’s financial clout greatly contributed to its political ambitions; often leaving its neighbours feeling slighted by its brazen actions. Often, Qatar would be reminded of Saudi’s seniority, particularly when it tried to influence the outcomes of GCC and Arab League summits. This would frequently occur when Qatar tried to present a conciliatory tone in discussions regarding Iran – a sensitive matter for the region and a view which KSA is not tolerant of. Qatar has maintained cordial, yet cautious, relations with Iran due to the proximity of the two countries and the fact that they share the North Dome / South Pars gas field. The wars in Yemen and Syria found Qatar and Iran on opposing sides, but Qatar has consistently held that diplomatic engagement would be more beneficial than hostility and military aggression, a position its GCC partners do not agree with. Iran has exploited the rising tensions between Qatar and its neighbours by extending a hand to Qatar; Doha has, however, been cautious not to be over-eager to befriend Iran in this sensitive time.
The smear campaign against Qatar has isolated geographically and politically. The economic impact of the siege will likely be severe, considering that air traffic has been affected, impacting on the successful Qatar Airways, and hindering importation. Ground transport across the border with KSA has been completely shut off. Sea ports are limited, and access to the UAE port of Jebel Ali has been restricted, making the movement of aluminium and LNG challenging. Qatar has begun using Omani ports, and has been offered the use of three Iranian ports. Food imports have been seriously affected, but Iran and Turkey have become new sources of fresh produce, and a ‘buy local’ campaign has been launched, enhancing growth in the local market. Moody’s had downgraded Qatar’s status prior to the siege, and other ratings’ agencies did so since. Fitch dropped Qatar’s credit rating from AA to negative, noting that a prolonged siege may affect its credit outlook. The stock market has been significantly affected, but indications are that Qatar has sufficient investments abroad to ensure its survival should further economic sanctions be applied. Stress on gas production has been evident with the shutdown of two helium production plants, impacting on 32% of the global market. This is an early warning of what could potentially happen should the blockade affect Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) and gas-to-liquids (GTL) plants. World powers would be wary of allowing the anti-Qatar alliance to push Doha to the extent that it begins to flex its energy producing muscles and threatens a world energy crisis. Gas production is not governed by OPEC, and therefore Qatar is not regulated in its production or price settings. It would have the potential to cripple Asian giants like Japan and South Korea but the real question is whether it would consider retaliation against the UAE by cutting off the Dolphin Energy gas pipeline to the Emirates. Thus far, Qatar seems to have adopted measured responses, and emphasised the need to enter into dialogue to resolve differences, but the anti-Qatar alliance appears determined to force its way irrespective of the consequences.
The push for US sanctions on Qatar through the Congressional Bill HR 2712 (Palestinian International Terrorism Support Prevention Act of 2017) bolsters the suspicion that the action against Qatar was not sudden, but was part of a broader plan for reconfiguring the Middle East. The bi-partisan sponsored bill already appears to be gaining momentum in Washington DC, and clearly targets Qatar (and Iran), without specifically mentioning its name, by its allusion to the sponsors of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. It proposes economic and military sanctions against individuals, entities, organisations and organs of state. The banking sector is specifically mentioned. Were this bill to pass, it will have far-reaching consequences in the further isolation of Qatar, and in the ability of Qatar to do business with the rest of the world. The bill and the actions against Qatar are likely to have devastating effects on Hamas, possibly constraining the capacity of the movement to continue to resist Israeli occupation, or forcing it to make unimaginable compromises that could be devastating for the Palestinian cause.
There are strong indications that Israel- and KSA-funded lobbyists had pushed for the bill to be tabled, and it is no mere coincidence that its timing corresponds with the siege on Qatar. Israel expressed strong support of the anti-Qatar alliance, with Israel’s Deputy Minister for Diplomacy tweeting: ‘No longer Israel against Arabs but Israel and Arabs against Qatar-financed terror’. The Saudi and UAE insistence for Qatar to break links with Hamas, and their promoting the notion that Qatar undermines Palestinian-Israeli peace beg the question whether their new-found friendship with Israel and the relationship with Egyptian president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi have any bearing on these demands. There are strong indications that Israel has been cooperating covertly for some time with both KSA and UAE. In recent years the GCC had been increasingly muted in addressing the flagrant disregard of international resolutions by Israel. Qatar expressed extreme frustration with the GCC in 2008 when the GCC refused to hold an emergency session on the margins of its Summit in Kuwait to condemn the Israeli onslaught on Gaza. Qatar has financially supported Gaza with humanitarian and reconstruction aid after both the 2008 and 2014 Israeli attacks. It has been instrumental in mediating between the Palestinian factions to bring about unity, and supported the Saudi-led Arab Peace Initiative of 2002, proposing a normalisation of relations with Israel, which the Saudis tried to reignite earlier this year, against the backdrop of their own warming relations with Tel Aviv.
It remains unclear what tangible outcome the anti-Qatar alliance seeks to achieve from the current escalation other than battering what they see as a delinquent into submission. Any suggestions of regime change will not be welcomed by Qataris who hugely support Tamim, and have a strong sense of national pride. The siege has sent Qatar’s patriotism to an all-time high, even amongst non-Qatari residents. An expression of allegiance to Tamim by the Bani Hajer and Al Murrah tribes, which span the Arabian Peninsula, has caused concern in Saudi Arabia, which fears other tribes, including the Bani Tamim, whom the Al Thani family derives its lineage from, will follow suit. The siege has already had a negative impact on the lives of Gulf nationals who are married across state lines or whose families and tribes were divided by national borders, but who, until two weeks ago, had ease of movement between Gulf states. Any coup or transfer of power will not significantly alter Qatar’s policies, and will, instead, leave the country more vulnerable to internal strife, as it would be seen to lack integrity, pride and independence. Qatar is unlikely to accede to the shutting down of Al Jazeera, a demand (sometimes threatening) of several Arab states over the years that it has withstood.
Kuwait’s attempts to negotiate a de-escalation may yet succeed, but an escalation, including the option of military intervention (though minimal at this stage) cannot be completely ruled out. Any such move would be catastrophic for the region, polarising the Muslim and Arab world and drawing other regional powers into the conflict. KSA is clearly lobbying other countries to join its alliance against Qatar, with a growing number of countries seemingly willing to do so. Saudi Arabia appears to be courting several African states for support with either offers of millions of investment dollars or threats of divestment. Pledges of support by these client states is indicative not only of the immediate isolation of Qatar, which has massive huge investments in Africa and membership of La Francophonie, but possibly of a potential plan to table motions against Qatar at the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Arab League, and perhaps even the United Nations.
Qatar would not be able to withstand a military incursion without outside support, even though it has pulled back its troops from Yemen and the border region between Djibouti and Eritrea. Turkey has strongly supported Qatar and has begun to fast-track the deployment of about 3 000 troops to Qatar based on a pre-existing military cooperation agreement. Iran is keen to align with Qatar, as demonstrated by its immediate deployment of foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to Ankara on 7 June to engage his Turkish counterpart on collaborative means to support Doha. It is, however, unlikely that Qatar will choose to align itself too closely with the GCC’s antagonist while facing the prospect of sanctions or expulsion from the council. Qatar’s options may appear limited but the anti-Qatar alliance has drawn itself into a quagmire that would be difficult to withdraw from. Other world leaders have been weighing in on the crisis. US President Donald Trump initially expressed glee at the siege, taking credit for the notion. Washington has sent conflicting signals to Qatar since the blockade, as the White House has aligned itself with Saudi Arabia and the UAE in accusing Qatar of support for and funding of terrorists, whilst the Pentagon continues to engage Qatar more constructively, including through a new arms sale and joint military and naval exercises. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged dialogue, whilst Russian President Vladimir Putin joined Erdogan in calling on all parties to ‘develop compromise solutions in the interest of preserving peace and stability in the Persian Gulf region’.
The siege will undoubtedly have far-reaching ramifications for GCC. The values upon which the GCC was formed may still be important for its member states, but culture, language and familial ties cannot be the sole basis for unity when political ideology and military ambitions undermine the prospects of shared values. Unification of the states and integration will not be possible in a climate of mistrust. Threats to regional security in the form of wars in Yemen, Iraq, and Syria require a unified vision that will not be possible if GCC members have different views on the root causes of these conflicts, and view each other as enemies. The absence of trust between member states, together with the lack of transparency, accountability and an archaic notion that the public must remain submissive to a ruling elite, does not augur well for the GCC’s future, and may even lead to renewed popular mobilisation for democratic change in the Gulf. This is already indicated by a petition by GCC nationals calling for citizen participation in political decision-making, noting that ‘arbitrary and extreme actions’ such as the blockade would not have happened in a democratic environment. With Qatar not willing to concede, and the anti-Qatar alliance not backing down, the dissolution of the GCC in its current form is likely.
* Zeenat Adam served as South Africa’s deputy ambassador to Qatar between 2005 and 2009, and is currently an independent international relations strategist
Will Qatar-Saudi Arabia-UAE diplomatic crisis reconfigure Gulf politics?
The 5 June decision by Saudi Arabia (KSA) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and their allies and proxies – Egypt, Bahrain, the Maldives, Mauritania and rival governments in Libya and Yemen – to sever diplomatic and other links with Qatar is payback for Qatar’s support of the wave of uprisings in the Middle East and North Africa in 2010-2011. It represents, for KSA and UAE, another phase in their process since 2011 to reverse the changes brought about by the uprisings.
The sanctions on Qatar aim to force the government of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to alter its foreign policy – particularly regarding its warming relations with Iran, and to end its financial and political support for Islamist dissidents in the region such as the Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas.
The Saudi-led move followed and was encouraged by US President Donald Trump’s visit to KSA in May, and his 21 May speech in Riyadh where he supported stronger action against Iran, and spoke out against terrorism – including Hamas in his list of terrorist groups.
Saudi and Emirati claims
The main reason advanced by KSA and UAE for harsh measures such as the land-sea-air embargo and travel prohibition for citizens of these countries, was a statement attributed to Al Thani, in which he allegedly praised Iran’s regional role and criticised states seeking to declare the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) a terrorist organisation. The 23 May statement, published on the website of the state-owned Qatari News Agency, is likely a hack, as the Qatari foreign ministry has claimed. No audio or video footage exists of the emir’s speech, purportedly presented at a graduation ceremony for National Guard officers at the Al Udeid base. Although the alleged statement may reflect the broad trajectory of Qatari foreign policy, Al Thani is unlikely to have expressed such sentiments publicly. Moreover, statements praising Hizbullah and criticising the US are at odds with Qatar’s policy and national interest, especially considering that Qatar supports forces opposing Hizbullah in Syria, while the US troops stationed at Al Udeid are critical to Qatar’s security.
Nevertheless, there are indications of a warming of relations between Qatar and Iran, as evidenced by Al Thani’s 27 May congratulatory phone call to Iran’s re-elected president, Hassan Rouhani, during which he proposed enhancing Qatari-Iranian ties. Further, reports that Qatar paid a $1 billion ransom for Qatari royals kidnapped in Iraq, and that about $700 million ended up with Iran and Iranian-backed Iraqi militias, also enraged the KSA and UAE. KSA viewed these moves as compromising its battle with Iran for regional hegemony. For the Saudis, this is the main reason for its action against Qatar.
The UAE, on the other hand, used the KSA action to pursue its agenda of trying to force Qatar to cease support for the MB and other such groups. Since 2011, it has worked strenuously to undermine and destroy the MB-aligned organisations throughout the region through attempting to finance parties such as Nidaa Tounes in Tunisia (against the Islamist Ennahda), by militarily supporting the campaigns of Khalifa Haftar in Libya, and by supporting the 2013 coup in Egypt which overthrew the MB’s Mohammed Morsi.
Both KSA and UAE regarded Qatar’s support for civil society action during the 2011 uprisings as incompatible with their regional aims, upsetting the regional balance, and potentially ultimately threatening their own monarchies.
The sanctions, however, did not happen entirely suddenly and without careful consideration. In 2014, the KSA and UAE, together with Bahrain, recalled their ambassadors from Doha in a successful attempt to weaken Qatari ties with the Muslim Brotherhood. The current sanctions follow a campaign by, mainly, the UAE to demonise Qatar, particularly in the USA where, in the run-up to the breaking of ties, fourteen op-eds in US media attacked Qatar and called for the USA to downgrade relations with that country. And, at the end of May, Saudi media alleged Qatar’s foreign minister, Mohammad bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, secretly met with Qasim Sulaimani and discussed enhanced intelligence cooperation between the two countries.The cutting of ties by Egypt, Yemen, the Maldives, Mauritania, the House of Representatives in eastern Libya, and the Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi government in Yemen was primarily in support of the Saudi and Emirati benefactors of these actors. There has been some suspicion in the region that KSA and UAE would act against Qatar, but the suddenness (and severity) took everyone by surprise. It is possible that the suddenness is related to recently leaked email correspondence of UAE ambassador to Washington, Yousef al-Otaiba, which reveal his country’s disdain for US-Qatari relations, anger at the US military base in Qatar, and envy about Qatar’s hosting of the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The emails hint at Otaiba’s role in the anti-Qatar campaign in Washington over the past few weeks.
To justify the action, the two countries have accused Doha of threatening the region’s stability, ‘adopting’ terrorist organisations – including the Islamic State group, and supporting opposition Shi'a groups in Bahrain and eastern Saudi Arabia. Much of this is untrue. What is true, however, is that the UAE-KSA and Qatar also support different (even opposing) sides in Egypt, Libya and Syria, and both countries regard Qatar as an obstacle to their agenda for the region.
Saudi and Emirati objectives
Following the conclusion of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Saudi Arabia has attempted to contain Iran’s growing influence in the region. The kingdom has sought to enhance this containment strategy by advocating unity among ‘Sunni’ states, and by tolerating (and even sponsoring) Islamists linked to the MB, such as Yemen’s Islah movement. Trump’s singling out Iran as the greatest regional threat emboldened KSA, and especially its inexperienced deputy crown prince Mohammad bin Salman. The Riyadh declaration, which KSA issued after Trump’s visit, vociferously admonished Iran’s regional role and advocated a coordinated containment strategy. However, Qatar was regarded as not being entirely compliant with KSA’s wish to isolate Iran.
The UAE focused mainly on Qatari support for Islamists such as Hamas and the MB, which the Emiratis believes pose a greater threat to them than Iran. This conformed to Cairo’s position on the MB, and Egypt thus fell in line with the UAE, already a major financial backer of the Egyptian state under Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Abu Dhabi also used the situation to reduce tension between forces it supports in Yemen and those supported by KSA. Pressure had been building since June 2016, when the UAE redeployed its frontline forces to southern Yemen, to consolidate the gains of the secessionist Southern Movement (Al-Hirak), in opposition to Saudi interests. Worsening the situation, in February 2017, forces loyal to the UAE prevented Hadi, heavily supported by KSA, from landing at Aden’s airport, forcing Riyadh to mediate in an attempt to enforce Hadi’s ‘prerogative’. There was likelihood of even further deterioration when the UAE-supported forces routed those of Hadi, and consolidated control over the Aden airport. At the heart of these differences is UAE opposition to Saudi support for Yemen’s MB-aligned Islah movement.
The UAE thus expertly exploited the inexperience of Saudi Arabia’s thirty-one-year-old deputy crown prince to create a false consensus around Qatar. Significantly, the suspension of Qatari troops from Yemen as part of KSA-UAE sanctions will empower UAE-supported groups, at the expense of Saudi-supported Hadi. Although Qatar’s troop contingent was small, Doha and Riyadh have comparable interests in Yemen – which are not the same as the UAE’s.
Other actors
In what is definitely a major diplomatic crisis for the Gulf, other countries are also becoming engaged. Apart from KSA and UAE allies that also cut ties with Qatar, Jordan has downgraded its links. On the other hand, Iran offered to export food to Qatar from Iranian ports – which are around 200 nautical miles from Doha, and Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erodgan, defended Qatar, opposing the sanctions. Furthermore, on Monday, less than a day after the sanctions were implemented, Turkey exported planeloads of food to Doha to replace food that had previously been imported from KSA. The USA, which has its largest Middle East military base, and 11 000 troops, in Qatar, has issued contradictory messages. While Trump tweeted support for the sanctions, claiming responsibility for its success, the Pentagon praised Doha for hosting US troops and for its ‘enduring commitment to regional security’, and US secretary of state Rex Tillerson offered to mediate. The USA will likely attempt to ensure the smooth continuation of relations with both Doha and Riyadh, and will seek to maintain the unity of the Gulf Cooperation Council.
As in 2014, Kuwait and Oman will attempt to mediate a resolution to the crisis. Neither has severed ties with Qatar, and Kuwait’s emir has been shuttling around the Gulf to seekagreement on a mediation process. Both states maintain good ties with Iran, and Oman was involved in preliminary negotiations for the nuclear dealin March 2013, helping to ensure face-to-face talks between Iranian and American officials prior to the commencement of public negotiations. However, resolving the dispute this time will be more challenging, especially since the demands on Qatar are multifaceted, and because the measures instituted are more wide-ranging than in 2014.
Qatar faces three possible options. First is the unlikely possibility of it aligning with Iran. Second, it could buckle under the pressure and give in to KSA-UAE demands, especially since it depends on Gulf transit routes for its food security, and because of its strong economic links with Saudi Arabia. Such a capitulation could mean that members of Hamas and the MB residing in Doha will be expelled (possibly to Turkey and Lebanon). Further, Qatari media activities will be severely curtailed, and the AlJazeera network, in particular, will have its wings clipped and will begin resembling other Gulf media outlets, in addition to the likely shutting down of Britain-based Al-Arabi al-Jadid as well as other websites financed by Qatar. Palestinian exile and intellectual Azmi Bishara will likely be expelled as per the demand of the KSA-UAE alliance. Qatar’s links with Iran will also have to be firmly cut. The third option is that Qatar remains defiant, and joins with Turkey to informally form a third axis – which could include Oman and Kuwait, and could see some involvement of Iran. With countries such as Turkey and Pakistan seeking to balance relations with Saudi Arabia and Iran, albeit unconvincingly at times, this third axis is already slowly emerging. Heavy-handed measures such as the current siege on Qatar are increasingly forcing smaller states to unhappily choose sides, accelerating the development of a third path, even if informally. The possibility of the emergence of such a third axis (and the possibility of Qatar refusing to give in) increased dramatically Wednesday night when the Turkish parliament passed legislation to facilitate the posting of as many as 3 000 troops in the Turkish military base in Qatar. Qatar might have momentarily been on the ropes, but its allies (and hopeful allies, such as Iran) have come out swinging. David Hearst argues that, in fact, the action against Qatar is doomed to fail, and Doha's two Gulf antagonists had bitten off more than they can chew.
The increasing tension also indicates a weakening of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which was established in 1981 to ensure unity and coordination among Gulf countries, as a response to the 1979 Iranian revolution. Although GCC countries have been coordinating on regional policing, established the Peninsula Shield Force military arm, and signed agreements on economic and taxation matters, the organisation has been increasingly fragmented by different stances of individual states. In 2013, for example, Oman was widely criticised for hosting secret negotiations between Iran and the USA, prior to the nuclear deal; in 2014, Oman and Kuwait refused to recall their ambassadors from Qatar; and in 2016, when KSA severed ties with Iran, Bahrain was the only GCC member to follow suit. No matter how the current crisis ends, the GCC will emerge weaker. If Qatar refuses to capitulate, that could spell the beginning of the end of the council.
Saudi foreign policy under Salman: same goal, different threat perceptions
By Ebrahim Deen
The rise of the Islamic State Group (IS) and resurgence of Iran is now perceived as posing a more acute threat to the regime than that of participatory Islamists such as the Muslim Brotherhood. Salman has thus sought to include these groups in a coalition with likeminded regional states to counter balance Iran and IS. Relations with Turkey and Qatar have consequently improved. However, the evolving nature of regional coalitions which are looser and more issue specific in contemporary times, and the drop in the oil price will limit the kingdom’s ability to influence the foreign policy decisions of other regional states. Moreover, domestic matters such as youth unemployment will in the short to medium term force the regime to look inward in the struggle for its survival.
Saudi foreign policy has historically been governed by four main principles. These include territorial integrity, regime protection, economic prosperity, and the promotion and preservation of its form of monarchical Islamic governance. However, because the kingdom possessed little influence and military strength during its initial stages, protection from a global power was usually sought. This took the form of partnerships with the British post World War I until the founding of the Saudi state in 1932, and with the U.S post World War II up to today. The Kingdom’s vast oil resources –it is currently the largest oil producer and possesses the largest amount of reserves– enabled it to gain influence and acquire strategic partner status with the U.S during the Cold War.
Domestic matters will force the regime to look inward in the struggle for its survival
Its aversion to communism and ability to cultivate coalitions with other Gulf States aided in this regard. The kingdom, in contemporary times, is now an aspiring regional hegemon; it has largely ensured its territorial integrity, possesses large cash reserves and military hardware, and as will be observed below, is willing to act financially and militarily to fulfil its national interests.
Although foreign policy and national interests in the Kingdom are an elite driven process, because the country is a monarchy, the king possesses a disproportional influence in shaping the state’s path. Noteworthy is the observation that domestic regime protection is the most significant thrust informing Saudi foreign policy.
Regarded by western commentators as a ‘reformer’, foreign policy under Abdullah sought to diversify bilateral Saudi relations. Visits to China, Russia, India, and Pakistan in 2006 and 2007 were noteworthy in this regard. These were mainly a consequence of Saudi Arabia’s opposition to the U.S’s 2003 invasion of Iraq and overthrow of the Saddam regime. The Kingdom viewed Iraq under Saddam as a bulwark against Iran, which it views as a regional competitor. It perceives Iran as posing a threat to it domestically in terms of inspiring its minority Shia population, who face much state sponsored discrimination.
The Kingdom also views itself as the protector of ‘Sunnis’ and ‘Arabs’ from what it believes is ‘Shia’ and ‘Persian’ Iran
Regionally it worries that Iran’s military and economic power, if allowed to flourish, will dilute the Kingdom’s regional influence, especially amongst the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). It thus supported Saddam during the eight year long Iraq-Iran war, and was opposed to the 2003 invasion. The Kingdom also views itself as the protector of ‘Sunnis’ and ‘Arabs’ from what it believes is ‘Shia’ and ‘Persian’ Iran, but this is of less importance in its calculations than the Islamic republic’s potential to undermine its domestic and regional interests.
The Arab Spring
However, the Kingdom still maintained warm relations with the U.S, and would confer with it before adopting decisions, even when it emerged that the removal of Saddam enabled the Iranian regime to gain influence in Iraq. A key factor informing this was the U.S’s then opposition to Iran’s nuclear programme and the administration’s implementation of strict sanctions on the Islamic republic. This changed after the ‘Arab spring’ uprisings.
Three issues were critical in shaping this evolution. First, the Kingdom was opposed to the forced resignation of Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak in February 2011 and the U.S’s role in enabling this. Abdullah and Mubarak were close allies and Egypt, during the latter end of Mubarak’s term, largely followed Saudi Arabia’s lead in responding to regional issues. The Kingdom thus felt that the U.S, which had been a close Mubarak ally, had betrayed him, and would adopt a similar position were the regime in Saudi Arabia threatened. This was especially critical in light of the fact that, at the time, the main actors to gain from the uprisings were participatory Islamists such as the Muslim Brotherhood. Saudi Arabia views the Brotherhood as posing a normative threat to its monarchical form of Islam and still bemoans the fact that senior Brotherhood figures refused to support its role during the 1990-91 Gulf War.
Second, Riyadh felt let down over the Obama administration’s failure to intervene in Syria in September 2013. This was especially true since the Assad regime had at the time been accused of using chemical weapons, flouting one of the Obama administration’s ‘red lines’. Last, the kingdom is opposed to the Iranian nuclear deal, fearing that the deal will allow Iran to increase support to proxy groups such as Hezbollah. The Kingdom is of the perception that Iran seeks regional hegemony, and that its rise will blunt Saudi Arabia’s relatively strong regional influence. This is especially true since the Islamic republic shares economic and energy interests with many Gulf States including Qatar and the UAE, is influential in Lebanon and Syria through its alliances with Hezbollah and the Assad regime, and has more popular legitimacy in light of holding elections.
The Kingdom sought to reverse the successes gained by participatory Islamists in countries such as Egypt
The Kingdom was especially angered for not being informed about the initial U.S-Iranian negotiations, which paved the way for the November 2013 interim agreement. It thus has become wary of future U.S support, believing that in a situation where the regime is threatened the U.S will not offer its full support and prefer to instead call for negotiations and compromise.
Riyadh thus responded by adopting a more assertive foreign policy. First it adopted a policy of containment. Through the use of its vast cash reserves (over 700 billion dollars in 2011) it sought to stifle protest movements from spreading to Gulf and Arab monarchs. Morocco and Jordan were invited to join the GCC and provided funding to withstand protests. The funding was used to quell protests through increases in public sector spending, especially in Jordan where they allowed the Abdullah II regime to stave off the need for subsidy removal.
The Kingdom also attempted to contain the uprisings through strengthening GCC cooperation and increasing the council’s capacity. GCC forces were deployed to Bahrain in 2011 and successfully supported and protected the Al Khalifa regime, while in December 2013 the GCC concluded an agreement to establish a unified command with a proposed hundred thousand strong deployable force. Agreements on a shared GCC police force and the opening of a centre (the Gulf Centre for Strategic Studies) to promote GCC security coordination were also signed.
Second, the Kingdom sought to reverse the successes gained by participatory Islamists in countries such as Egypt. Through financing remnants to the tune of between twenty-five and forty billion dollars, together with the UAE and Kuwait, the Mursi regime was overthrown and replaced by a former military head Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi. Riyadh supported the Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi administration in Yemen in its attempts to confront the Yemeni Islah party, and Saudi-Emirati relations strengthened, partly as a result of the UAE’s actions in Tunisia and Libya, which were targeted at undermining participatory Islamists (the Justice and Construction party, Libya Dawn forces in Libya, and Ennahdha in Tunisia).
This culminated in the March 2014 decision declaring the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist organisation adopted by Gulf states, and the withdrawal of the Kuwaiti, Saudi, and Emirati ambassadors from Qatar in protest over Qatar’s support for the group. It is noteworthy that even though Riyadh supported opposition groups in Syria, this was more because it saw an opportunity to weaken Iran through removing an ally. Moreover, Saudi assistance to Syrian opposition sought to distinguish between participatory Islamists such as the Syrian Brotherhood and more Salafi groupings such as Jaish Al-Islam and Ahrar Al-Shaam, supporting the latter.
Following King Abdullah’s death in January 2015 and the ascension to the thrown of Salman bin Abdul-Aziz, Saudi foreign policy priorities have been reformulated. These have resulted from both domestic and regional factors. Immediately following Salman’s accession, rhetoric toward the brotherhood changed, and kingdom officials stated that the group as a whole wasn’t viewed as a terrorist organisation. Further, relations between Qatar and Turkey dramatically improved at the expense of those with Egypt and the UAE –Sisi and Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan (crown prince of Abu Dhabi) were requested not to attend Abdullah’s funeral. Moreover, the Kingdom has severely reduced its aid to Egypt, providing long term loans and fuel grants instead. Since November 2016 it has even halted oil shipments to Cairo as a result of Egypt’s opposition to a UNSC resolution criticising the Iranian supported Syrian regime, and because it believes that Cairo had become increasingly dependent on its largess and was failing to restart its economy.
Key in influencing these decisions has been the Iranian nuclear deal and rise of the Islamic state group (IS). The Kingdom views these as greater threats than participatory Islamists. It fears an Iranian resurgence after the nuclear deal, especially as this may diminish its regional influence. This is particularly true since the Assad regime has consolidated its control in Syria, and with Michel Aoun, Hezbollah’s supported candidate, became Lebanese president.
IS, on the other hand, has been active in the country, claiming bombings on Mosques frequented by Shia and Special Forces, and its leadership has been critical of the Saudi regime. In May 2015 for example, the group undertook attacks on Shia sites of worship in Katif and Damam killing around twenty nine people, while an attack on a Mosque in Asir in August that year killed fifteen Saudi security personnel.
Salman has thus moved to adopt a policy of tolerance toward participatory Islamists.
Moreover, the group has been critical of the Kingdom’s leadership of the Sunni world, advocating internal rebellion and censuring its relative lack of support for Palestinian independence. This is aside from the normative threat that the group poses to the regime as a result of its use of religious texts legitimising its form of governance. It is noteworthy that some within the Saudi clerical establishment are partially sympathetic to IS’s ideology, that Saudi citizens have been involved in the financing of militant groups in Syria, and that they comprise a sizable portion of IS’s international recruits.
Salman has thus moved to adopt a policy of tolerance toward participatory Islamists. Ennahdha’s Rached Ghannouchi, the Jordanian Brotherhood’s Hamam Saeed, and Hamas’s Khaled Mishaal had all visited the kingdom in 2015. Further, it has re-established ties with the Yemeni Islah party and financed and armed it in its attempt to reassert influence in Yemen.
The kingdom has sought to form a coalition to confront Iran and IS. It stepped up coordination with Turkey and other countries to support and arm Syrian opposition in Syria, while in December 2016 it spearheaded the creation of an ‘anti-terrorism’ coalition together with thirty-four other, mainly Sunni countries. The coalition excluded Iraq and Syria in light of their governments’ close ties to the Islamic republic, even though Iraq and Syria were designated as two of the coalition’s main areas of focus and Iran is currently the only Gulf state with ground troups fighting IS.
In addition, in January 2016 the Kingdom severed diplomatic and trade ties with Iran following the storming of the Saudi embassy by Iranian protesters angered by the execution of influential Saudi Shia cleric Nimr Al Nimr. Nimr’s execution seemed calculated to coincide with the unfreezing of Iranian sanctions and was an attempt in foreign policy terms to both stall the improving relations between the Islamic Republic and the west, and to ensure that Gulf allies followed suit.
Yemen has provided the best example of Salman’s re-prioritised foreign policy. Being paranoid over Iran’s support for Houthi (Ansarullah) rebels, and fearing that the Islamic republic would now be in control of four Arab capitals, in March 2015 Saudi Arabia commenced airstrikes on Houthi positions. The strikes were a part of a ten member coalition which the Kingdom headed, and were without initial U.S endorsement.
The Yemeni Islah party (Yemen’s main participatory Islamist faction) has been empowered, especially in its attempts to consolidate control of the city of Taiz, and a coalition ground troupe component, consisting of around 50000 forces has since been implemented. Thus far the effort has had some successes, the Hadi administration has re-established control over Taiz and much of the country’s south. However Houthi fighters, in coalition with military units loyal to Yemen’s former president, Ali Abdallah Saleh, remain in Sana’a and many Northern regions. Moreover, it is unlikely that these will be dislodged easily as Houthi influence in Yemen is largely a result of disillusionment with Yemeni politics and opposition to Saudi meddling in the country; the Houthis have strong institutional bases and grassroot support in Northern provinces such as Sada.
It is noteworthy that Salman’s renewed relations with participatory Islamists constitutes tolerance and not necessarily rapprochement. Although Salman has had warm relations with Erdogan and the previous Emir of Qatar (Hamed bin Khalifa Al-Thani), the decision is more a result of the kingdom’s belief that the group has been weakened and now poses no real threat to the regime. Moreover, the regime has concluded that these participatory Islamists possess some influence regionally and that this influence will be useful in combating Iran and IS.
US-Saudi relations have however largely remained apprehensive since Salman’s accession.
The regime’s lingering long-term fears of participatory Islamists can be observed in its treatment of Sisi’s Egypt. Despite Salman’s dislike for Sisi –it is reliably reported that Sisi sought to ensure that Salman was bypassed and power transferred to Muqrin after Abdullah’s death, even endorsing the use of Egyptian forces if necessary. Although Sisi has been dismissive of Gulf regimes and their willingness to fund the coup, the Kingdom still maintains relations with Sisi and has not sought to engage closely with the Muslim Brotherhood. Last, it is notable that Salman has utilised similar means to that of Abdullah in implementing Saudi regional aspirations. Financial and military assistance has been provided to sympathetic parties and Salman has not held back from endorsing direct military action such as what occurred in Yemen.
Further, US-Saudi relations have however largely remained apprehensive since Salman’s accession. The administration was likely given little warning about the then impending Saudi intervention in Yemen in March 2015 and was likewise not informed about Nimr’s execution. The US had however retroactively supported the Yemen intervention, providing logistical and armament support to Saudi coalition forces, and securing a United Nations Security Council resolution (2216) endorsing the intervention.
However, during Obama’s term, this was informed more by the US’s need to placate the Kingdom in light of the Iranian nuclear deal. President Trump seems to signal a change, reinforcing support to Saudi forces in Yemen, and vowing to implement tougher measures against Iran. Further, the administration’s proposed ban on citizens travelling to the country does not include Saudi Arabia, but encompasses Iranians. although these moves can be seen as a convergence, US and Saudi regional interests still deviate, especially in light of Trump’s intent to provide priority to East Asia, specifically China, and his stance on shrinking the US’s military.
Regionally the main consequences of the shifts in foreign policy under Abdullah and re-prioritisation under Salman will see an intensification of regional conflicts, especially those involving Iran or its proxies. Finding political solutions to the Syrian and especially Yemeni conflicts will thus become exceedingly difficult. Yemen ceasefires throughout 2016 had largely failed, and a political solution is currently not on the horizon. In Syria, the only reason the December 2016 ceasefire has largely held is because Saudi Arabia had been sidelined ,while Turkey, a fellow regional heavyweight with a direct presence on the ground, is a guarantor together with Russia. Political talks to negotiate a transitional agreement are however proving more difficult, owing to the Assad regime’s strengthened position and increased demands from Iran.
Yemen ceasefires throughout 2016 had largely failed, and a political solution is currently not on the horizon.
This will ensure that the Kingdom continues its support to rebel groups, especially if Hezbollah and Shia militia groups are permitted to continue operating in the country. This will result in the worsening of conditions for civilians trapped in the middle of this battle, which is increasingly resembling a regional Cold War. Already in Yemen for example, since the Saudi intervention, over eighty percent of the population is now in need of humanitarian assistance, up from sixty per cent prior to the intervention; fifteen million people don’t have access to healthcare and twenty-one million don’t access to clean water, up fifty-two percent from before the intervention; and ten governorates are on the verge of experiencing famine.
Salman’s ambitions will however be constrained by various factors. First, coalition formation in the region is notoriously difficult. Balancing is more informed by domestic factors than states’ hard power resources, making coalition formation improbable and short term in nature. The UAE for example is more fearful of domestic participatory Islamists than it is of Iran, making it unlikely that the country will defer totally in a coalition with the Saudis. This is currently being observed in Yemen, wherein the Emirates is sceptical of Islah and has blamed it for much of the country’s problems, refusing to finance and arm it and preferring to make use of Emirati troupes and private contractors instead.
Moreover, economic ties are likely to ensure that coalition formation is loose and more issue specific. Dubai and Oman have important economic ties with the Islamic republic, while Qatar and Iran jointly share the South Pars/North Dome GAS field. All three of these refused to fully follow the Saudi lead and sever diplomatic relations after the Saudi embassy attack. Qatar and Oman maintained the same level of diplomatic engagement with the Islamic republic while the UAE downgraded relations but did not fully sever diplomatic ties. Further, Turkey is dependent on Iranian gas, and thus offered to play a mediating role between Iran and Saudi Arabia, despite the Erdogan regime’s continued opposition to the Islamic republic’s interests in Syria.
Second, the drop in oil and Liquefied Natural Gas prices will impede the Kingdom’s attempts to use its vast oil wealth to influence other, poorer regional states. 2015 saw the oil price drop by over thirty-five per cent from its 2014 level, and this trend has to date continued in 2016 despite the strong Saudi-Iranian tensions. The Kingdom, which relies on oil income for between seventy-seven and eighty-eight per cent of government revenue has thus been forced to utilise its cash reserves to fund domestic social programmes. This has caused its reserves to drop from around 735 billion dollars in 2014 to around 623 billion by the end of 2015, and the budget deficit for 2016 stood at seventy-nine billion, ensuring that the kingdom will need to make use of more of its reserves.
The drop in oil and Liquefied Natural Gas prices will impede the Kingdom’s attempts to use its vast oil wealth to influence other, poorer regional states.
Levies on petrol and gas have increased by fifty per cent and sixty-six per cent respectively and the GCC is mulling the introduction of a form of value added tax with income tax soon to follow by 2018. The funding it was able to provide to regional states in 2011 to stall protests and ensure state alliances will thus be curtailed. Some have argued that this is one of the reasons informing the Kingdom’s provision of loans instead of grants to the Sisi regime in Egypt.
Last, the country will increasingly be required to focus internally. Following the uprisings it sought to stymie domestic rumblings through increased social spending and utilised over a hundred billion of its reserves for this purpose in 2011 alone. However issues still remain, especially within the country’s restive youth population. Unemployment amongst the 15-24 year old group stands at over thirty per cent and around two-thirds of the country is aged under thirty.
Opposition to Salman’s policies from within the royal family is manifest
The 2016 budget allocated around twenty-three billion to education and a significant amount to other social services, however much more will need to be implemented, including finding employment and a sense of purpose for qualified graduates. It is argued that this is one of the reasons accounting for Salman’s appointment of his youngest son Mohammed (thirty-one) and the relatively young Mohammed bin Nayef (fifty-seven) as deputy crown prince and crown prince respectively. The Kingdom is seeking to reconnect with its youth population in an attempt to quell descent and ensure its perpetuation. This will be increasingly difficult especially in light of its lifting of subsidies and implementation of taxes. David Hurst thus argues that the other fourty-five executed with Nimr in January 2016 was a sign aimed at domestic dissenters. Most of these comprised Al-Qaida linked militants, some of whom had been on death row since 2004. Executing them at this juncture when levies and taxes are increasing is meant to illustrate that rebellion against the monarch would not be tolerated.
Things however can change quickly. The region is currently in flux, the chances for miscalculations are abound, especially in terms of further regional upheaval. The increasing regional interference of Russia is worrisome in this regard, especially as the country moves to fill the gap in Egypt and more overtly supports Khalifa Haftar in Libya.
Moreover, opposition to Salman’s policies from within the royal family is manifest; the appointment of Mohammed bin Salman as Deputy Crown Prince was not unanimously endorsed by the allegiance council. This may pose problems, especially were the king to suddenly be unable to govern. Mohammed bin Salman, who currently acts as a de-facto prime minister and is largely in charge of the countries defence policy, is viewed as lacking the capacity and credentials for such a high office by some within the royal family. His appointment was seen as risky and informed more by his proximity to his father than his ability to govern.
Furthermore, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Nayef, who is seen by most in the royal family as legitimate, does not fully agree with some of the policies adopted by the deputy Crown Prince, especially those concerning Yemen, and may thus act to freeze him out of political office once he ascends to the helm. This would most likely lead to a rethink in Saudi foreign policy and the means best suited for its achievement. However for the time being, while Salman is still at the helm, Riyadh’s foreign policy will mainly be concerned with confronting Iran and IS. Relations with democratic Islamists will improve as the regime seeks to create a bloc to balance Iran, consequently intensifying conflicts in Syria and Yemen and inflaming sectarian tensions in the process.
* Ebrahim Deen is a senior researcher at the Afro-Middle East Centre.
* This article was first published by Open Democracy on 20 February 2017.
Islands for aid: A deal between Cairo, Riyadh, Tel Aviv and Washington
Published in Egypt
The recent handing over of two islands – Tiran and Sanafir – to Saudi Arabia by the Egyptian government emphasises that the Sisi regime remains so in need of external support to buttress its domestic control that it is willing to anger significant sections of the population. The islands’ importance to Israel and the fact that Israel agreed to the handover also point to strengthening cooperation between Tel Aviv, Riyadh and Cairo in an effort to contain Iran’s resurgence.
The announcement about the islands was made as the Saudi king, Salman bin Abdul Aziz, undertook his first official trip to Egypt since acceding to the thrown in January 2015. Other deals signed during his visit included a twenty-two billion dollar agreement for Saudi Arabia to supply Egypt with energy, and the establishment of a sixteen billion dollar joint Saudi-Egyptian investment fund. Recent tensions between the two regional powers had heightened after Egypt’s refusal to commit troops to the Saudi war in Yemen, and because of Egypt’s support for Russia's Syrian intervention. Egypt is also critical about strengthening ties between Riyadh and Ankara, and because of the Kingdom’s support for Yemen’s Muslim Brotherhood Islah party. Tensions had been simmering since Salman became king, however, with his suspicion that Egypt’s military ruler, Abdel Fatah el-Sisi, had plotted against his acceding to the throne.
Riyadh nevertheless views Egypt as an important ally in its attempt to counter growing Iranian influence in the region, and sees its large and well-equipped military as a critical deterrent to Iran’s regional forays. Moreover, Egypt’s Sidi Kerir port and SUMED oil storage terminal can be used by Saudi Arabia to slow down and disrupt Iranian oil exports. Before 2011 Iran had dispatched over 200 000 barrels of oil per day from the port, has used the storage terminal for oil shipped to Europe since diverting shipments through its own Kharg Island port causes a month delay. With this agenda, Salman has reduced his criticism of Egypt – and especially of Sisi – and continued to buttress it. Significantly, however, recent assistance packages to Egypt have been more as loans and investments than aid; only around two billion of the sixty billion in recent deals is aid.
But there is also a third player involved; for the transfer to have occurred Israel’s approval was required in terms of the 1979 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt. The two islands essentially block access to the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aqaba, thus blocking access to the critical Israeli port of Eilat. Israel thus regards control of the Tiran Straits and the waters around both islands as critical since much of its maritime trade passes through en route to Eilat. A perception that this access would be disrupted was a major factor informing Israel’s involvement in the 1956 Suez crisis and 1967 six day war. They were twice captured by Israel, which controlled them from 1967 to 1982. Guarantees over waterway access were thus key stipulations in the Camp David agreement. The transfer of the islands means Israeli vessels will now traverse Saudi waters to reach Eilat.
Tel Aviv’s acquiescence and statements by Israeli and Saudi officials indicate that firm guarantees had been provided by Saudi Arabia regarding Israel’s freedom of navigation through the Strait of Tiran. Israel has been informed about the secret negotiations regarding the islands from the beginning, and written guarantees that Riyadh would abide by the terms stipulated at Camp David were given in talks that involved Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Israel and the USA. (Although Israel and Saudi Arabia are officially in a state of war, they have collaborated on a number of issues recently, and Riyadh had informed Israel about then-secretive nuclear negotiations between the USA and Iran.)
For Egypt, transferring the islands to Saudi Arabia has little negative strategic implication. The islands are uninhabited, have few resources, and technically belonged to Saudi Arabia though administered on its behalf by Egypt since 1950, when Saudi Arabia requested Egypt to play this role, believing that Egypt could protect them from Israel. Returning the islands was thus an opportunity to renew Egypt’s relationship with Saudi Arabia, and to continue receiving assistance for Egypt’s stalling economy and Sisi’s power base.
The move has elicited much criticism from Egyptians, especially since Sisi had inserted a stipulation in Article 151 of the 2014 Egyptian Constitution prohibiting territorial transfers. The clause was intended to augment Sisi’s nationalist credentials, and because the army garnered support for its 2013 coup by arguing that the former president, Mohamed Morsi, was ceding parts of Sinai to Hamas, and endangering Egyptian sovereignty through his alliance with Qatar.
Sisi thus argued that the island transfer restores sovereignty to Saudi Arabia, which owns the islands, and was not a ceding of Egyptian territory. But prominent political figures such as Hamdeen Sabahi, Khaled Ali, Ayman Nour and the Muslim Brotherhood criticise this reasoning, and Ali has lodged court papers to halt the deal. Although this sees some fissures in the regime’s support base, it is unlikely to pose a significant threat.
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Her ser du listen med Perfex modeller. Vælg en model for at se alle årgangene.
Finsterwalder Perfex
The Finsterwalder Perfex is a German high-wing, single-place, hang glider, designed and produced by Finsterwalder.
Perfectionism may refer to:
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Perfect Strangers (TV series)
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Perfectionism (psychology)
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Perfect season
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Perfect Dark is a first-person shooter developed by Rare and released for the Nintendo 64 video game console in 2000. It is the first title of the Perfect Dark series and follows the story of Carrington Institute agent Joanna Dark as she attempts to stop an extraterrestrial conspiracy by rival corporation dataDyne.
Perfect Day (Lou Reed song)
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Perfect number
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Züst
Her ser du listen med Züst modeller. Vælg en model for at se alle årgangene.
Zust
Zust (originally Züst) was an Italian car manufacturing company operating from 1905 to 1917.
Zuster Theresia
Zuster Theresia (English: Sister Theresia) is a 1932 film from the Dutch East Indies (modern-day Indonesia) directed by M. H.
Zuster Bertken
Zuster Bertken ('Sister Bertken') (1426-1514) was a Dutch anchorite.
It Will Stay Between Us
It Will Stay Between Us (Slovak: Zostane to medzi nami) is a 2003 Slovak-Czech movie, directed by Miroslav Šindelka.
Sister Brown
Sister Brown (Dutch: Zuster Brown) is a 1921 Dutch silent film directed by Maurits Binger.
At the Strasbourg
At the Strasbourg (German: Zu Straßburg auf der Schanz) is a 1934 German comedy film directed by Franz Osten and starring Hans Stüwe, Ursula Grabley and Anna von Palen.The film's sets were designed by the art directors Kurt Dürnhöfer and Max Knaake.
Zoster vaccine
Zoster vaccines are two vaccines that have been shown to reduce the rates of herpes zoster (also known as shingles).
Zastava Automobiles
Zastava Automobiles (Serbian: Застава Аутомобили / Zastava Automobili) was a Serbian car manufacturer, a subsidiary of Group Zastava Vehicles which went bankrupt in May 2017.
Zastava M70
The Zastava M70 (Serbian Cyrillic: Застава М70) is an assault rifle developed and produced by Zastava Arms in Serbia (formerly Yugoslavia).
The Zastava M55, also designated 20/3-mm-M55, is a Yugoslavian/Serbian 20mm triple-barreled automatic anti-aircraft gun developed in 1955 and produced by Crvena Zastava (now Zastava Arms company) in Kragujevac, Serbia, for Yugoslav People's Army use and also for the export market.
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Henryville Tornado Recovery Update – Almost four months ago …
The following was posted in an email by Fr. Steve Schaftlein, pastor of St. Francis Xavier in Henryville
Thursday – June 28 – An Update – Identity & Mission – A Partnership of Hares and Tortises
The weeks following the March 2 tornado were marked by two counter balancing experiences. First there was the overwhelming sense of loss. Two thousand families suffered total loss or severe damage to their homes. We dwelt in the midst of a shattered community without heat, light, or electricity. All around us were the physical signs of desolation. Yet in the midst of this were spiritual signs of hope. Thousands of volunteers from the outside began to arrive within hours of the tragedy. They brought helping hands and a spirit of hope. They brought financial and material resources to address the immediate needs. Our sense of loss was balanced by an overwhelming experience of the God-given goodness of humanity.
During this first stage of the disaster response we had a very clear mission. We literally followed the Gospel mandate. Matthew 25:35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, 25:36 naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’ I don’t think I’ve ever experienced so profoundly both the depth and the clarity of the Gospel mission. In a sense it was an addictive experience as everyone pitched in to help. There was a sense of community and togetherness that we long for from the depths of our souls. A group of volunteers who had spent the first 9 days with the effort returned for a visit. They had been touched and changed by the experience. They couldn’t let go of it. They had to stop by one more time before making closure.
As we moved into April and May , the more subtle and less clear long term reality set in. Carpet baggers made visits to the area trying to take advantage of the people. The professional “knights of the road” became a larger part of the people asking for help. These professionals went from church to church trying to milk the system of everything they could. Some tried to come back on daily basis to fill up their cars with material goods that they would later sell in yard sales. They were a distraction from addressing the real needs of those who had truly suffered from the tornado.
Bureaucratic red tape became an obstacle to repairing and building homes. The insurance companies quickly approved a few percentage points of the damaged homes for repairs. Then the approvals ground to a halt. It became almost impossible to find a house to work on. Legal hassles presented themselves – flood plains, septic and sewage issues made it difficult to get rebuilding permits. Our mission morphed from feeding the hungry and clothing the naked to helping people fill out forms. Having helped people rediscovery hope after the initial tragedy, we now needed to help people maintain hope for the long haul.
During the first month after the tornado, all of the churches and organizations came together and worked seamlessly to answer the immediate needs. Goods and volunteers were freely shared back and forth for we shared a common vision and mission. This became more difficult as we moved into the second phase. Some groups were better at rolling up their sleeves and using a hammer. Some churches had facilities that could more readily handle the long term needs. Some stepped back a bit to reflect on their role. During this period of re-evaluation there was some loss of connectedness as each group sought to clarify its sense of mission and identity.
During this period of searching, I found it difficult to pray about and report on where we were going. In many ways I wasn’t sure. We didn’t have any quick fixes or solutions. I only knew that our role was definitely not that of the hare. In the race to recovery, we were better equipped to be the turtle. And, hopefully this would be a race where both the turtle and the hare will arrive at the finish line together. The real struggle was with our own sense of identity and mission.
The last 3 weeks have been a time of rediscovering and clarifying our mission and sense of identity as a turtle. Slowly but surely we are laying a firm foundation to address the fundamental long term needs of both our parish and community. Landlocked with only one acre of land, we didn’t have facilities or space to take on a larger share of the recovery effort. Towards the end of May, our neighbors gave us the first opportunity to buy the two pieces of property immediate adjacent to St. Francis. The family had survived a great loss. Their home which had been in the family for decades was shattered and broken. Their once meticulous park like yard was a bramble of broken branches and stumps. Only their garage had survived the tornado. Their rental property on the other side of St. Francis was shattered but structurally sound. Together these two properties would give us the ability make a significant contribution to the recovery effort. At the same time we could for the first time have a separate room for each of our faith formation classes.
A few years back we had started a future growth and expansion fund. Over the years we had accumulated enough funds to meet the purchase price of these properties. With the permission of the archdiocese, we closed on these properties on May 11. Since then we’ve demolished the shattered home, landscaped the yard, and created two graveled parking lots. Both the garage and the rental were gutted and now have new roofs. The rental will be ready for occupancy by the 4th of July. In addition to religious ed classes, it will house offices for the March 2 Recovery efforts. The Administrative Office will be located here. Also, the Case Management Offices run by Catholic Charities will be housed here. The garage with about 1,600 sq feet will be a “Work & Repair Center”, it will house building materials and tools for the cooperative efforts of Catholic Charities, St. Francis and St. Michael to repair and build houses. We will work together with the other churches and groups in the area.
It is important to note that except for the landscaping all of the work has been done by volunteers. Since the end of school we have hosted or worked with about a dozen volunteer groups including Fr. Rick Ginther and his parishioners from Terre Haute, New Albany Deanery Youth Ministry, Archdiocesan Youth Ministry, Catholic Work Camp, and a Presbyterian adult group from Baltimore. They have worked through the hot days without complaints – including today’s 100+ temperatures.
On Saturday we will have the pleasure of the Archdiocesan seminarians and friends helping out. They will join our parishioners who come every Saturday. We have established Saturday as “volunteer day” for both St. Michael and St. Francis. Participating in this day are the Latino parishioners of St. Michael.
On May 19 a contract was signed with AACI of Indianapolis to repair the damage to St. Francis. This week they’ve begun to bring in materials to start the process. After mass on Sunday we will remove the Eucharist from the tabernacle and relocate our “church” to the basement.
Approximately 2,000 structures were severely damaged or destroyed in Indiana. If two of these structures are repaired or rebuilt every day, it will take approximately 3 years to complete the repairs. Three months into this effort perhaps a little more than 12% of the homes have been repaired or rebuilt.
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Homily for the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time, In the “Fortnight for Freedom”
We have gathered here in this cathedral on the 13th Sunday in Ordinary Time in the midst of the national “Fortnight for Freedom.” Over the course of these 14 days beginning a week ago Thursday and ending this Wednesday the Fourth of July, we have been asked as a Catholic community to pray in thanksgiving for the religious freedom we know in this country and to pray that it will continue to be a free and unimpeded right for all citizens. What has provoked these fourteen days of prayer is an intentional effort on the part of the government to limit this expression of religious freedom by the imposition of the HHS mandate on Catholic institutions.
Let me be clear here that the issue for us as a Church is not so much the specifics of the mandate, namely what is or what is not to be covered under our employee health care policies, but the greater fact that Catholic Institutions like hospitals and universities are now being defined by the government as not Catholic enough to be exempt as religious institutions.
Now there are parts of the HHS mandate where the government does get it right. They do allow religious organizations to claim exemption from having to provide coverage of any medical practice, drug, or procedure that would be deemed immoral by that religion. So, for example, the Archdiocese of Indianapolis and its parishes are exempt. That is a good thing. We should be allowed to do this. But the government does not take this allowance far enough. The major problem is that the present administration has decided to define what is a Catholic institution so narrowly that many Catholic institutions cannot claim to be exempt from mandated health coverages under the conscience clause.
The government asserts that a religious organization can only claim to be a religious enough, and therefore exempt under the conscience clause, if it primarily serves and employees members of that religion and its primary action is specifically “religious.” So, the argument goes, because Catholic hospitals and universities have too many employees that are not Catholic and serve too many people that are not Catholic, and their core work is not “religious,” these institutions are not Catholic enough and therefore not exempt.
Let us be clear about where this logic takes us. If we, as Catholics, decided to open a hospital right now, in order for us, under the present government definition of a religious institution, to remain Catholic enough to be a Catholic Institution, we would have to limit how many non-Catholics we admit and treat and how many non-Catholics we hire. Think about that. We would be forced to say to people “We can’t help you because we have already hit our “Catholic quota.” You have to go somewhere else.” We would also have to say, “We can’t hire that doctor even though she is the best out there because she is not Catholic.” Isn’t that absurd! But that is just what we are facing.
Another part of the equation is that the government policy is limited by how it understands what we do within our institutions. It sees the product or mission of a Catholic University to be simply education. It sees the product or mission of a Catholic hospital to be only medical. But the Catholic identity of our institution is not just a matter of numbers. It is a matter of mission and here is where today’s Gospel gives us some real insight into that reality. The gospel comes from Mark, chapter 5 and presents two healing stories, that of Jarius daughter and the woman with the hemorrhages. Prior to this in Mark’s gospel are two other miracles: Jesus calming of the sea, and the curing of the man among the tombs in the land of the Gerasenes. In each of these miracle stories, Jesus uses the miraculous to provoke faith. Constantly he talks of “not being afraid,” but of “having faith.” The miracle is not an end in itself. It is an opportunity to manifest his power as the Son of God, which Jesus then uses to call forth faith in those who receive or witness the miracle. The miracle or the healing is to lead to a deeper awareness of the reality of God present in the world and to lead to conversion. Some come to believe, some do not. Indeed, the Gerasenes beg him to leave. But to others he says, “Your faith has saved you.”
The ongoing mission begun by Christ continues in the Church today through her many institutions. Through them the Church manifests the corporal works of mercy to all in need. But these actions are never just ends in themselves. They are part of the proclamation of the good news of Jesus Christ that is intended to lead others to faith in Him. This truth is what is being overlooked in the present day discussion of what is and is not a Catholic institution. Catholic hospitals do not simply serve to bring about healing and health. They are a means by which we help others, yes, but they are also a means of evangelization. We offer healing as a Catholic community in our hospitals hoping that people will respond positively to what we’ve done and become part of our Catholic Church. There is an evangelical component in what we do. We are proclaiming the “good news” in our hospitals. We educate within Catholic universities not only to serve the greater good but with the hope that we will instill deeper Catholic values in Catholic students and evangelize and convert others to our faith. There is an evangelical component in what we do. We are proclaiming the “good news” in our universities.
The mission of our Catholic institutions is not simply medical care or education or the providing of food and shelter to the needy and homeless or the many other works we do. The mission of our Catholic institutions is also evangelical. They concretely manifest the proclamation of the good news of the kingdom of Jesus Christ in and through the Church. Perhaps part of the problem we face as Catholics is that we have not been as careful to maintain that evangelical notion within Catholic institutions like our universities and hospitals. We have become very polite, gone out of our way to not be “too Catholic.” And so the crosses come down from the classrooms and chapels become “interfaith,” and we dare not talk too much about who we are and what we believe so as not to offend. And here is where we find ourselves. With the government telling us we are, in fact, not Catholic enough.
I think this is a wake up call for us. As Catholics, we have to ask ourselves why do we do what we do? Why do we run hospitals and universities and soup kitchens and homeless shelters and the like? Is it just to provide these services or is it more? If it is just to provide services, then maybe the government has got it right. Maybe we aren’t religious enough. Or do we do what we do to continue Jesus call to the kingdom, to answer his demand that we heal the sick, comfort the dying, cloth the naked, shelter the homeless, welcome the stranger, and stand for life so as to proclaim the “good news” and so bring others to belief in Him. If that is so, then the government has got it wrong because we are religious enough.
So where does this leave us this morning? What do we take from this place as we leave at the end of this Mass to live our lives in the midst of the day to day graces God bestows on us? How about with a renewed effort to do everything that we can to promote and protect religious freedom here in the United States and abroad? How about with a determination to do what we can by our letters, phone calls, and emails to our government representatives informing them about our concerns about the shift in government policies regarding the HHS mandate and the definition of religious institutions? How about a renewed commitment to be authentic people of Catholic faith who each in our own way proclaim the good news that Jesus is Lord? But most especially we take from this place, the Body of Christ we have received in the hope that we become more completely each day Him who is our life and our hope.
badmclin
thank you for these inspiring words. Fr Michael O’Mara at St Mary also gave an inspiring sermon on Sunday. I know this subject has caused conflict and distress among our faith communities. Unfortunately due to partisan politics, many of us have decided that it’s a case of Republican vs Democrat, NOT a challenge to our Catholic faith. The thought of our Catholic Social Service agencies being unable to serve people according to need is abhorrent. Our Catholic Hospitals and Catholic Social Services agencies across the country have served as beacons of hope for all. This cannot be the end of their mission.
Bless you and all of the Priests and Bishops for speaking out, and for reminding all of us who we are and what our mission truly is.
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Google uses IQ to hire
Google is famous for hiring people based on IQ tests, but they sure don't like to admit it. NY Times columnist Tom Friedman writes:
LAST June, in an interview with Adam Bryant of The Times, Laszlo Bock, the senior vice president of people operations for Google — i.e., the guy in charge of hiring for one of the world’s most successful companies — noted that Google had determined that “G.P.A.’s are worthless as a criteria for hiring, and test scores are worthless. ... We found that they don’t predict anything.” ...
“There are five hiring attributes we have across the company,” explained Bock.
“If it’s a technical role, we assess your coding ability, and half the roles in the company are technical roles. For every job, though, the No. 1 thing we look for is general cognitive ability, and it’s not I.Q. It’s learning ability. It’s the ability to process on the fly. It’s the ability to pull together disparate bits of information."
In other words, they hire based on IQ, as Sailer explains at the above link.
It is not only fashionable to deny IQ, people also human rationality. Paul Bloom writes The War on Reason
Scientists and philosophers argue that human beings are little more than puppets of their biochemistry. Here's why they're wrong.
Aristotle’s definition of man as a rational animal has recently taken quite a beating.
Part of the attack comes from neuroscience. Pretty, multicolored fMRI maps ...
Another attack on rationality comes from social psychology. Hundreds of studies now show that factors we’re unaware of influence how we think and act. ...
Some of those factors are genetic, and all human behavioral traits are heritable.
The New Atheists have have own attack on rationality. For the most part, they deny free will, claim that religious people are brainwashed, and assert all sorts of leftist political positions without any reasoned argument.
Update: A new book, The Son Also Rises: Surnames and the History of Social Mobility, by Gregory Clark, argues:
How much of our fate is tied to the status of our parents and grandparents? How much does this influence our children? More than we wish to believe. While it has been argued that rigid class structures have eroded in favor of greater social equality, The Son Also Rises proves that movement on the social ladder has changed little over eight centuries. ... The bad news is that much of our fate is predictable from lineage.
This has already generated controversy, with the Economist magazine saying it "may not be a racist book, but it certainly traffics in genetic determinism."
Update: Other employers are interested in IQ also. The WSJ now reports:
Stephen Robert Morse was a candidate for a communications job when the recruiter told him to be ready to discuss his SAT score in a coming interview.
Mr. Morse, 28 years old, said he was "shocked" that a potential boss would be interested in the results of a test he took more than a decade earlier. He passed on the opportunity.
Proving the adage that all of life is like high school, plenty of employers still care about a job candidate's SAT score. Consulting firms such as Bain & Co. and McKinsey & Co. and banks like Goldman Sachs Group Inc. ask new college recruits for their scores, while other companies request them even for senior sales and management hires, eliciting scores from job candidates in their 40s and 50s.
The SAT test used to be more of an IQ test, but it was changed out of fear that it was being used as an IQ test.
Update: An LA Times op-ed explains:
First, decades of quantitative research in the field of personnel psychology have shown that across fields of employment, measurements of "general cognitive ability" — which is another way of referring to the old-fashioned concept of intelligence or IQ — are consistently the best tools employers have to predict which new employees will wind up with the highest performance evaluations or the best career paths. We shouldn't rush to assume that Google, with its private data, has suddenly refuted all that work.
How could Google be seeing no correlation between IQ and performance in their company? For the same reason that, say, there is no correlation between height and scoring in pro basketball. The average NBA player is almost 6 feet 7 inches tall, which is taller than 99% of the U.S. adult male population. The NBA selects its players based on height already, and it selects people who are outliers. Those NBA players facing one another are almost all extremely tall, which means factors other than height explain scoring. But put a team of NBA players up against a random bunch of guys, and height will make all the difference.
In the social sciences, this is known as the problem of "range restriction."
Labels: IQ
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Loss-making firms to get R&D refunds in proportion
July 12, 2019Article
July 12 (BusinessDesk) – Loss-making companies that invest in eligible research and development will be able to claim cash refunds in proportion to their payroll figures from the 2020/21 tax year.Loss-making firms to get R&D refunds in proportion to payroll
July 12 (BusinessDesk) – Loss-making companies that invest in eligible research and development will be able to claim cash refunds in proportion to their payroll figures from the 2020/21 tax year.
The policy, hidden in an omnibus tax bill tabled in Parliament in late June, represents an important last step in the government’s decision to stop relying on direct grants from Callaghan Innovation and allow individual firms to claim the cost of research against their payroll tax liability instead.
The policy answers the major flaw in the current policy: that many firms investing in R&D are at an early stage of development and plan to make losses while they pursue growth and eventual profitability. That prevents them taking advantage of tax rebates on R&D until they turn a profit at some time in the future.
That excluded many start-up and fast-growing, innovating companies from the policy, despite being one type of firm that the government wants to encourage to undertake research and development to deliver eventual profitability.
New Zealand’s most prominent example is the software accounting firm Xero, which has racked up losses totalling $343.9 million since 2006, according to its 2019 annual report, as it has pursued profitability only since achieving sufficient global scale. The company is close to declaring a maiden profit and has begun reporting positive cashflow.
Science and Innovation Minister Megan Woods today drew public attention to the changes, which are tucked away in the Taxation (KiwiSaver, Student Loans and Remedial Matters) Bill, which has yet to have its first reading in Parliament.
The extension to allow refunds for loss-making companies will allow companies engaged in eligible R&D to claim a refund of 15 percent of those costs, limited only by the size of the firm’s payroll.
In other words, a firm with a $100,000 payroll that undertook $100,000 of R&D could claim a $15,000 refund, but no more.
The 15 percent refund rate is the same as the rebate offered to profitable firms claiming for deductible R&D expenses, which currently allows rebates up to a total of $255,000, equal to $1.7 million of eligible R&D expenditure. However, the new bill proposes “that the existing corporate eligibility criteria, wage intensity test, and $255,000 cap be removed and replaced with a payroll-tax based cap”, according to explanatory notes from the Inland Revenue Department.
“What they are concerned about is fiscal risk” and the possibility of fraudulent claims, Deloitte tax partner Patrick McCalman told BusinessDesk.
“Your PAYE bill tells me (the tax department) you’re real,” he said.
However, tax practitioners are waiting for further detail on whether refunds will be possible where a firm contracts with an external provider to conduct R&D rather than employing its own staff to undertake research.
The latest changes also come with a sting in the tail for tax-exempt entities, such as charitable research institutions and companies that trade commercially, but have charitable status, such as Sanitarium.
“It is also proposed that entities that derive tax-exempt income (other than levy bodies, and claimants that only receive exempt income from certain inter-company and foreign dividends) be ineligible for the R&D tax credit,” the IRD notes say.
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To look at ceramic artist Meryl Ruth’s current work, you may assume that she has been blessed with a life of ease and bountiful happiness. In fact, her award‐winning, highly whimsical series of teapots is inspired by her sister, who recently died of breast cancer. The 57‐year‐old artist explains, “In my family, we use humor in the face of adversity.” (June – October 2010)
Animal Control Officer Garth Russell is far from the dogcatcher stereotype frequently portrayed in cartoons and movies. Garth is fast moving, focused, and fearless. In addition to hands-on contact with animals that may be frightened or injured, the job also requires frequent contact with a broad spectrum of people, many who are less than happy to see him. To be effective as an Animal Control Officer (ACO), Garth must balance his obvious concern for animals with methodical record keeping and deliberate professional detachment. According to Garth, “It takes a special breed of crazy to do this job.” (November 2009 – July 2010)
S till Listening
Fleurette Bannon is full of life and comfortable with death. A volunteer for Hospice of Southern Maine for 9 years, she has been matched with 20 patients during that time. Fleurette approaches each volunteer assignment with an open mind and the belief that “there is always a lesson.” Since no two cases have been the same, she knows that a hospice volunteer must be willing to do whatever is needed in the situation, from praying to washing dishes. (June – September 2009)
Officer Kevin Webster of the South Portland Police Department says that he spends more time with his K-9 partner Baron than he does with his wife and kids. Together 24/7, Kevin and Baron know each other so well that much of their communication – a look, body language, or tone of voice (bark) – is subtle and easy to miss. Retired military and a police officer for 20 years, Kevin believes that on numerous occasions Baron’s mere presence has resulted in suspects handing over drugs/weapons or surrendering without a fight. However, a K-9 unit represents a major liability risk for the police department should the dog attack the wrong person. Thus, constant training is a way of life for Kevin and Baron. As a State Certified K-9 Trainer, Kevin has been bitten dozens of times. He shrugs off the bites as just part of the job. (March – May 2009, Courtesy of Salt Institute for Documentary Studies)
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Slogan Text
The British Journal of Renal Medicine Editorial Board welcomes submissions that describe original research, present clinical observations accompanied by analysis and discussion, provide critical reviews of clinical, ethical, social or economic aspects of nephrology, or describe and discuss case reports. Before submitting a full article, you may first wish to submit a brief outline to the Editor.
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This time last week, I was running a free promotion on my science fiction romance series, Desert Flower and Kingdom of the Shades, as reported in “Ballet Shoes (on Sale).”
As noted in various places, this was my first-ever free promotion. I ran a countdown deal in December 2014, also on these two books (the only ones enrolled in KDP Select, the exclusive-to-Amazon distribution program), with dismal results. And back in 2012, I ran a straight half-price reduction sale on my then two books, The Not Exactly Scarlet Pimpernel and The Golden Lynx, with a slightly better outcome. But I had never tried free, in part because the deluge of free content available on the Internet worries me. Art of all sorts takes time and effort and training to produce, then edit into something worthwhile. Creators deserve recompense for that investment of passion and attention.
Still, I was curious what would happen, and a week later I can report three findings.
1. People still download free books. This point seems obvious, but I wasn’t sure it would pan out. First, modern users are saturated with free content. Second, these books have been free to Kindle users for a while, through the Prime and Unlimited subscriptions; they do get borrowed, but not so often that I felt certain that people would download them. But they did: 71 copies of Desert Flower and 67 of Kingdom of the Shades during the 48 hours of the sale. How many people will read the books, never mind pay for other books that are not free, remains unknown. Still, almost 70 people now have access to my books who did not before. That is good news. You could argue that I lost about $400 in royalties, but I suspect that’s not so. Most likely, these readers would not have paid the $3.99 that the books cost when not on sale, so in that sense I lost nothing that I ever really had. It was an experiment, so I’m fine with that.
2. Facebook ads work. Although Bookbub is the current go-to source for advertising e-book promotions, I decided not to apply there. Listings are expensive, starting at $150 for a free book, depending on the category. Instead, I paid Facebook $35 over two days to boost my post. At the end of the second day, almost 4,300 people had seen the ad, and 2% clicked through to find out more. That may not sound like much, but for advertising, it’s a typical response rate.
The one thing I would change (if I can figure out how it’s calculated) is my relevance score. At 4/10, each click cost me 76¢. When we boosted the announcement for Some Rise by Sin, the results were similar, but the clicks cost 22¢ apiece, because the Facebook computers considered the targeting “more relevant.” But what made those categories more relevant I have yet to discover.
3. It doesn’t take much to raise Amazon bestseller rankings significantly. At the height of the promotion near the end of the first day, with 55 downloads of Desert Flower and 53 of Kingdom of the Shades, the two books had risen from ranges of 12,400 and 18,600, respectively, to about 3,500 among all free books. Desert Flower hit no. 43 in Kindle eBooks > Romance > Science Fiction; Kingdom peaked at no. 49 on the same list. If I had managed to give away twice as many copies in the same time frame, I probably could have cracked the top ten, albeit in this relatively unpopulated list. Although I don’t control how many people download my books, it’s useful to have a better sense of what those rankings mean. A good advertising plan could raise the profile of my books significantly—at least until the algorithms change.
Any benefit is, however, brief. By the morning after the promotion ended, the sales ranks had plunged again, because the books were now competing with the much larger number of paid titles: both novels dropped below 1,000,000, although they remained much higher than they had been before the promotion began. Since then, I have sold no books at all, either print or Kindle. Even borrowings have flattened out.
Will I try it again? “Never say never,” as the adage goes. I would need a good reason to go against the grain a second time, and so far the results seem rather mixed. But then, that’s the point of an experiment.
Image: Clipart.com no. 20574032.
Ways with Words
The Romance of the Spy
Ballet Shoes (on Sale)
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Walt Disney Classified: WEFT and the 3-Point Identification Systems
Toons Abhor a Vacuum – Part 2
ANIMATION SPIN
July 9, 2019 posted by Greg Ehrbar
The Disneyland Castle (1955) & “The Sand Castle” (1961) on Records
Sleeping Beauty Castle is the gateway to a Disney musical treasury, plus a renowned composer’s score to a film featuring surreal animation, both spinning on the Columbia label.
SONGS FROM WALT DISNEY’S MAGIC KINGDOM
Dottie Evans, Johnny Anderson and The Merrymakers
Columbia Records (!2” 33 1/3 RPM LP / Mono)
Released in 1955. Producer: Hecky Krasnow. Musical Director: Ray Carter. Running Time: 31 minutes.
Songs: “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Hi-Diddle-Dee-Dee” (from Pinocchio) by Ned Washington, Leigh Harline; “Heigh-Ho,” “Whistle While You Work,” “Bluddle-Uddle-Um-Dum,” “The Dwarfs’ Yodel Song” (from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs) by Larry Morey, Frank Churchill; “The Unbirthday Song” (From Alice in Wonderland); “Who’s Afraid of the Big, Bad Wolf?” (from Three Little Pigs) by Frank Churchill; “Little Toot” (from Melody Time) by Allie Wrubel; “When I See An Elephant Fly” (from Dumbo) by Ned Washington, Oliver Wallace; “The Ballad of Davy Crockett” by George Bruns, Tom Blackburn; “Mickey Mouse’s Birthday Party” by Charles Tobias, Bob Rothberg, Joseph Meyer.
Dottie Evans (credited as “Dotty” on this album) is one of those studio singers that millions heard on records in the ‘50s and ‘60s and deserves more notice. On Golden Records, she was often in the Golden Chorus (post-Sandpipers). She played Clara in Captain Kangaroo’s Child’s Introduction to The Nutcracker Suite. For RCA records, she was one of “The Tootlepipers” on the “B” sides of the Shirley Temple-narrated Dumbo and Bambi story albums.
On a small label called Motivation Records, she sang with folk music and children’s record legend Frank Luther (of the historic 1933 record, “Mickey Mouse and Minnie’s in Town”. Evans also recorded with Luther for a series called “Ballads for the Age of Science,” the first of which, 1959’s Space Songs, was recently reissued as a vinyl collectible.
Musical director Ray Carter’s work appeared on radio and recordings in New York, and notably in early television, for which he wrote and conducted music for the children’s series Birthday House and Mr. I Magination with actor/writer Paul Tripp (The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Christmas That Almost Wasn’t).
The album’s producer–and the producer of almost every vintage Columbia children’s record–was Hecky Krasnow, an unsung hero who convinced Gene Autry to record “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and produced the first versions of such classic records as “Frosty the Snowman,” “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” Krasnow also produced the Colpix soundtrack albums with the Hanna-Barbera and Screen Gems characters. His daughter Gail wrote a highly recommended book about his life and the music business in that era called Rudolph, Frosty and Captain Kangaroo.
These Disney songs, which also features studio singer Johnny Anderson and vocal group The Merrymakers, were released a number of times on single 78- and 45-RPM discs as well as LP reissues. When they were collected on this LP, Disneyland was a brand-new phenomenon, both as a Theme Park in California and a weekly ABC TV series.
Disneyland Park has had a dual identifier as “Walt Disney’s Magic Kingdom” for years, but when Walt Disney World Resort opened in Florida in 1971 that began to change. When there was only one theme park in Florida, it was called “the Magic Kingdom” even though many considered that specific park to be (and even called it) “Disney World.” With the addition of three additional theme parks on the Florida property, it’s become more common to consider the east coast version of “the park with the castle” to be the Magic Kingdom Park (which is its copyrighted name). But when this record was made, there was one Sleeping Beauty Castle and one Disneyland Park and it was also called the “Magic Kingdom.”
GIVE A LITTLE LISTEN
“Mickey Mouse’s Birthday Party”
This is the only song on the album that does not come from a movie or TV show, but instead is one of many popular songs about Mickey. My colleague James Parten has more about this 1936 song in his Cartoon Research post here. [https://cartoonresearch.com/index.php/sing-me-a-cartoon-21-even-more-mickey-melodies/] For some reason, this song was also performed on The Hudson Brothers Comedy Hour in the early seventies.
THE SAND CASTLE
Music from the Motion Picture
Composed and Orchestrated by Alec Wilder
Columbia Records CS-8249 (Stereo) CL-1456 (12” 33 1/3 RPM LP / Mono)
Released in 1961. Conductor: Samuel Baron. Film Producer/Director: Jerome Hill. Running Time: 29 minutes.
Music: “Prelude,” “Variations,” “Facing East,” “Swing Music,” “Incantation,” “Golden Knight,” “Lonely Seascape,” “Ragtime Music,” “Lullaby,” “Finale” by Alec Wilder.
In the wake of Morris Engel’s charming film The Little Fugitive (1953), a number of charming slice-of-life films were produced in and around New York, with low budgets and a blend of professional and amateur actors. At the same time, there was a community of artists, musicians and writers who surely knew each other at least in passing, as their names appeared often on books, records and other projects that constantly overlapped one another. One of these artists was Alec Wilder, a highly celebrated composer whose works fall into modern classical, jazz and—to those of us who cherish Golden Records of the Little and LP variety—children’s records created during their peak of popularity.
Arranger Jimmy Carroll, who moved from Golden to Columbia as well, bringing a similar “Sandpiper” sound to Mitch Miller’s best-selling “Sing-Along” series, worked with Wilder many times at Golden, including writing the Little Golden Record, “What’s Up Doc?” sung by Gil Mack and The Sandpipers, which appeared on the Bugs Bunny Songfest LP we explored here. (Wilder wrote this song with Marshall Barer, who co-wrote the “Mighty Mouse Theme.”)
Frank Sinatra recorded an entire album of his Wilder’s music. Sinatra did not sing on the disc, but he conducted these pieces, a few of them from the landmark Golden album A Child’s Introduction to Orchestra. The Sinatra album featured oboe solos by Mitch Miller, who had worked for Golden before he become an artist and executive at Columbia Records. Even Golden Records founder, Arthur Shimkin, eventually moved to Columbia to handle their children’s record division in the early seventies, so it all fits together.
Oscar winner Jerome Hill wrote and directed for The Sand Castle for producer Louis de Rochemont (Halas and Batchelor’s Animal Farm). Despite its low-key style and limited release, the film received the full Columbia Records treatment with its soundtrack album, almost as if it were An Affair to Remember or Love Me or Leave Me.
Twelve of The Sand Castle’s 64 minutes are animated. The overall film is a leisurely, easygoing portrait of a day at the beach and its various characters, including a fisherman (played by Wilder), a painter, a woman who brings most of her home furnishings with her and group of baseball-playing nuns. (As is frequent in productions of this nature, the filming was done without sound and the dialogue was added later to keep costs down.) Amid the little vignettes, a boy builds a sand castle with his little sister.
The Sand Castle is a black-and-white feature, but there is brief dissolve to color in one scene and a twelve-minute animated dream sequence. The boy’s imagination sees all the characters that appeared that day on the beach juxtaposed within a strange storybook kingdom. The animation is created with two dimensional cutouts, propped up on magnets and manipulated through elaborate settings. The flatness of the figures is emphasized rather than concealed. The overall effect is that of a Caldecott medal-worthy children’s picture book, illustrated in pen-and-ink with watercolors.
This is the complete film, from the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA). The dream sequence begins at about 47:00.
Those familiar with either Wilder’s compositions for Golden, the Cyril Ritchard Alice in Wonderland recordings, or simply modern classic/jazz combo music, should find something to enjoy in this eclectic score.
Alec WilderDisneyland RecordsHecky Krasnow
Steve Dworkin
Great stuff, Greg. One question. On the Little Golden Bugs Bunny record, how were they able to write “The voice of Bugs Bunny”, if it wasn’t Mel Blanc?
Greg Ehrbar
That is a question for which there may never be a answer, just conjecture. Nothing about Golden Records founder/producer Arthur Shimkin seems to indicate the kind of deception that sometimes occurred on Golden licensed packaging. It may have been a sales and marketing call, since “the voice of Bugs Bunny” isn’t accompanied by the word “original.” There’s a My Favorite Martian record that says “starring Ray Walston” but Walston is not on the record, just on the cover. If I really wanted to give them the benefit of the doubt, maybe the covers were printed before the contracts were agreed upon, and perhaps Mel Blanc was going to do the records and bowed out. Using studio cover artists to play well-known characters was common at every record company, including Disney. Only Golden had those occasional issues with confusing cover copy. Yet Golden was such a reputable and celebrated label, and Shimkin had no reason to be deceptive, the question remains unclear on my end.
M. Kirby
“Mickey Mouse’s Birthday Party” was also sung by unidentified voices on the TV special “Mickey’s 50” (1978), with visuals provided by a primary school children’s art class of drawings.
ABOUT GREG EHRBAR
GREG EHRBAR is a freelance writer/producer for television, advertising, books, theme parks and stage. Greg has worked on content for such studios as Disney, Warner and Universal, with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. His numerous books include Mouse Tracks: The Story of Walt Disney Records (with Tim Hollis). Visit gregehrbar.com for more.
MORE ANIMATION SPIN
Recent NEEDLE DROP NOTES
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Euthanasia not on the 2018 agenda: Palaszczuk
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has insisted the issue of euthanasia will not be on the political agenda during the first year of her new government. Source: The Australian.
Former Brisbane Lord Mayor Clem Jones left $5 million in his will to support euthanasia law reform in Australia, and Clem Jones Trust chair and solicitor David Muir says some of that money will be used to press for change in Queensland.
The trust helped to fund Go Gentle Australia, which successfully advocated for the legalisation of voluntary assisted dying in Victoria. That state’s law will come into effect in 2019, after an 18-month implementation period.
Mr Muir said he had written to every Queensland MP and wanted a parliamentary inquiry into euthanasia reform established this year, as well as for the Labor government to adopt the Queensland ALP’s position on euthanasia.
But Ms Palaszczuk said she wanted to see how the Victorian legislation operated before taking any other steps.
“Maybe down the track (a parliamentary inquiry into euthanasia could occur), but it’s not on our agenda for the first year of government,” she said.
She said she had not made up her mind yet whether she was for or against the legalisation of euthanasia.
“I’ve witnessed my grandfather who suffered terribly from cancer in the final stages of his life; I think that anyone who watches such a tragedy unfold, especially someone so close and such a loved one, is of course going to be moved by that,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“However, I’d have to have a lot of detailed discussions with the medical profession as well to get a clear understanding of what’s involved.”
Queensland Opposition leader Deb Frecklington said she did not think the current laws should be changed.
“It’s a very emotive issue, and my position is personally … that the laws don’t need to change,” Ms Frecklington said.
Annastacia Palaszczuk rails against Queensland euthanasia push (The Australian)
Qld govt won't discuss euthanasia in 2018 (SBS News)
Clem Jones’s legacy bankrolls euthanasia law push (Courier Mail)
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