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__label__wiki	0.865021	0.865021	02/08/2013 08:07 EST \| Updated 04/10/2013 05:12 EDT CIDA Is Doing More Than You Think The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is an outcomes-driven agency. In an era of challenging economic realities around the world, we want to respect both the generosity of Canadian taxpayers who fund Canada's development work and wish to maximize their value by being doggedly zeroed-in on what really matters: improving the lives of the most vulnerable. Julian Fantino Minister of Veterans Affairs The trouble with Mr. Pearson's discordant lament against CIDA, which is teeming with nameless and uncredited sources, is that it retains echoes of the Liberal Party's -- of which he was a member -- ineffective and inconsistent track record. The previous Liberal Government never tired of making grandiose pronouncements. However, when it was time to count the results they were as far short as their election results. Under our Conservative Government, Canada can be counted on in times of great need. Our principle of "pay what you pledge" is as unwavering as our as our commitment to be focused on results on the ground. We are a paragon when it comes to following through on our promises. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is an outcomes-driven agency. In an era of challenging economic realities around the world, we want to respect both the generosity of Canadian taxpayers who fund Canada's development work and wish to maximize their value by being doggedly zeroed-in on what really matters: improving the lives of the most vulnerable. The Liberal Government failed on multiple occasions to meet their Food Aid Convention (FAC) commitments to provide lifesaving food to those suffering from famines, and assistance to smallholder farmers so they can become more self-sufficient. Our Conservative Government has not only met our FAC commitments every year since taking office, we also have exceeded it every year. We have just ratified the new Food Assistance Convention, which will help address the basic food and nutrition needs of millions of people facing hunger. Canada's broader focus on strengthening food security helps developing countries move beyond basic subsistence toward a self-sustaining future, one which provides the prospect of sustainable economic growth and economic opportunities for the global community. Jim Cornelius, director of the Foodgrains Bank expressed that he is "pleased to see Canada take leadership" in bringing the new FAC to fruition, as a founding member. Just last year, Canada's assistance working with the World Food Programme reached over 102 million people in over 70 countries. In addition, Canada was the first G8 country to meets its L'Aquila commitment to strengthen food security for the world's most vulnerable to food insecurity and malnutrition. Our government also took definitive action and "untied" all food assistance in 2008. We are sourcing critical, lifesaving food from the most cost-effective, and where possible, local sources. This is helping developing countries address immediate needs, feed those who are hungry quicker, and contributes to a solution to help people feed themselves -- now and for the future Canada is a compassionate neighbour and our work in developing countries is an expression of our generosity. Beyond these kind gestures, this work is also contributing to our own security and stability. We know that what happens in other countries, whether its economic instability or political turmoil, has a local impact in our own communities. Our development work is safeguarding Canadian security by addressing the sources of instability and preventing threats before they reach our borders. For example, our humanitarian assistance in Mali continues where our implementing partners can deliver lifesaving provisions and basic services safely. This lifesaving assistance is reaching the most vulnerable Malians and is giving them a viable option so they can reject the violent extremism that currently surrounds them. Over 1.3 million Malians are receiving emergency nutrition assistance and over 200,000 have had access to emergency healthcare. We also continue basic long-term health and education work in the south of that country so that the gains we have made over the years are not lost. The end goal of this work is the return to a stable democracy that can manage its own security challenges as opposed to becoming a safe haven for global terrorism. And it's not just Mali. In South Sudan, situated in a region Mr. Pearson is very familiar with, 1.5 million people throughout that fledgling country receive food assistance through CIDA's efforts. In Syria, in part through Canada's humanitarian assistance, 1.1 million persons inside the country were provided with clean water and 400,000 persons received essential items, such as hygiene kits, blankets, mattresses and kitchen sets. Up to 1.5 million persons inside Syria also receive food assistance every month. Moreover, Canada and other donors are helping meet the basic needs of Syrian refugees who have fled to Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey. For all this and more, Canada is receiving praise from partners and recipient countries. Mr. Pearson would do well in joining in with Canadians all over our country this International Development Week (IDW) as they mark the work that Canadians and our government is doing throughout the developing world. We are working to build a better, more prosperous and secure globe for families, children, and those in need. Canadians have every reason to be proud of the work they and their government is doing both to secure Canada's future and for the most vulnerable. Photo gallery Haiti: Two Years Later See Gallery Haiti: Two Years Later MORE: cida cida julian fantino glean pearson CIDA julian fantino liberal party glen pearson news slideadbigshot	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8583
__label__wiki	0.712763	0.712763	Linda R. Monk, Contributor Constitutional Scholar and Author Did Al Qaeda Trigger the Wall Street Panic? So now Osama Bin Laden is threatening to crash the U.S. economy to prevent global warming. We already knew the man was stuck in the fourteenth century philosophically, but now he enlists the latest science to get the rest of the world to join him there. Like somebody who kills thousands of innocents in the name of jihad really cares about climate change. But apparently he does care about public relations. Bin Laden's rationale is new, but the threat is not. In 2006, Lawrence Wright wrote "The Master Plan," an article for the New Yorker that set forth a detailed outline of al Qaeda's strategic goals. The article was based on a book by Fouad Hussein, a radical Jordanian journalist, who befriended Abu Musab al Zarqawi in jail, before Zarqawi went on to become the leader of Al Qaeda in Iraq. Entitled Al-Zarqawi: The Second Generation of Al Qaeda, Hussein's flattering portrait of the butcher of Baghdad, known for his beheadings, also used numerous high-ranking sources in al Qaeda to lay out a strategic plan for the group that would have been the envy of any corporate consultant. In light of the recently expanded war in Afghanistan and Wall Street's meltdown in 2008, stage four of the six-part plan is especially chilling. According to Wright, "America's power will deteriorate through the constant expansion of the circle of confrontation." Adds Hussein: "By then, Al Qaeda will have completed its electronic capabilities, and it will be time to use them to launch electronic attacks to undermine the U.S. economy." At that point, says Wright, "Islamists will promote the idea of using gold as the international medium of exchange, leading to the collapse of the dollar." It is entirely possible that al Qaeda exploited the financial bubble in the global economy to trigger the catastrophe on Wall Street and the global economy in 2008. Sophisticated trades involving airline stocks accompanied the 9-11 attacks, and al Qaeda has a financial arm that the U.S. government has been trying to shut down. But these days the mere threat of an attack is enough to create a panic in the markets or another liquidity crisis. The complex system of derivatives at the heart of the previous crisis makes it impossible to build a firewall in the economy to contain the damage. That gives President Obama a very persuasive rationale -- national security -- for immediately enacting financial reform. If legislation continues to prove difficult, the president could issue a temporary freeze on derivatives by executive order. For those who still believe that unfettered markets can do no wrong, the unregulated intersection between banks and betting might be seen as too soft a target for terrorists. Economic security and national security are inextricably linked. According to Wright's 2006 article, the leaders of al Qaeda are actually worried about being seen as too savage and wanted to curtail Zarqawi's beheadings. If that is true, then Bin Laden's latest guise of protecting the environment through jihad on the U.S. economy is likely a public relations warning of things to come. Under the current unregulated system, all he has to do is make a threat for the house of cards to tumble. Business Wall Street Breaking Politics News Al Qaeda	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8584
__label__cc	0.671187	0.328813	Arts Theatre announces Wayne Sleep will play one of the ugly sisters in this year’s panto...oh yes he will! Updated: Friday, July 12, 2019 (13:50) Wayne Sleep will play one of the ugly sisters in the Cambridge Arts Theatre panto Cambridge Arts Theatre has announced that the legendary ballet dancer, choreographer and television personality Wayne Sleep will play one of the ugly sisters in this season’s pantomime, Cinderella. Starring alongside Sleep, will be actress Liza Goddard, who takes up the role of the fairy Godmother, following her appearance as the empress in 2018's Aladdin. Returning for his fourteenth Arts Theatre pantomime is the hilarious and much-loved Matt Crosby, who will be teaming up with Sleep to star as the second ugly sister. Crosby is much celebrated for his role as the pantomime dame and starred as Widow Twankey in 2018's Aladdin and Dame Trott in 2017's Jack and the Beanstalk. The annual pantomime at the Cambridge Arts Theatre is a firm fixture in the Christmas calendar in Cambridge, a tradition which dates back more than 80 years. For the 2018 panto, the theatre welcomed more than 34,000 adults and children through the doors, including 48 schools from Cambridge and the surrounding area. This timeless tale is packed with sing-along songs, sensational costumes and hilarious jokes for the whole family to enjoy. Cinderella is directed by Phil Clark and written by Al Morley. Further casting to be announced. Cinderella opens on Thursday, November 28, 2019 and runs until Saturday, January 11, 2020. For full Information and ticket prices visit: www.cambridgeartstheatre.com. Adult tickets: £17- £46, children tickets: £17 - £26, school tickets: £17. Box office: 01223 503333.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8586
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__label__wiki	0.721128	0.721128	Selected Decisions and Selected Documents of the IMF By-Laws Rules and Regulations of the IMF Members' Quotas and Voting Power, and IMF Board of Governors Executive Directors and Voting Power IMF at a Glance — a factsheet Articles of Agreement of the International Monetary Fund Adopted at the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference, Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, July 22, 1944. Entered into force December 27, 1945. Amended effective July 28, 1969, by the modifications approved by the Board of Governors in Resolution No. 23–5, adopted May 31, 1968; amended effective April 1, 1978, by the modifications approved by the Board of Governors in Resolution No. 31–4, adopted April 30, 1976; amended effective November 11, 1992, by the modifications approved by the Board of Governors in Resolution No. 45–3, adopted June 28, 1990; amended effective August 10, 2009, by the modifications approved by the Board of Governors in Resolution No. 52–4, adopted September 23, 1997; amended effective February 18, 2011, by the modifications approved by the Board of Governors in Resolution No. 63–3, adopted May 5, 2008; amended effective March 3, 2011, by the modifications approved by the Board of Governors in Resolution No. 63–2, adopted April 28, 2008; amended effective January 26, 2016 by the modifications approved by the Board of Governors in Resolution No. 66-2, adopted December 15, 2010. Introductory Article (i) The International Monetary Fund is established and shall operate in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement as originally adopted and subsequently amended. (ii) To enable the Fund to conduct its operations and transactions, the Fund shall maintain a General Department and a Special Drawing Rights Department. Membership in the Fund shall give the right to participation in the Special Drawing Rights Department. (iii) Operations and transactions authorized by this Agreement shall be conducted through the General Department, consisting in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement of the General Resources Account, the Special Disbursement Account, and the Investment Account; except that operations and transactions involving special drawing rights shall be conducted through the Special Drawing Rights Department. Article I: Purposes The purposes of the International Monetary Fund are: (i) To promote international monetary cooperation through a permanent institution which provides the machinery for consultation and collaboration on international monetary problems. (ii) To facilitate the expansion and balanced growth of international trade, and to contribute thereby to the promotion and maintenance of high levels of employment and real income and to the development of the productive resources of all members as primary objectives of economic policy. (iii) To promote exchange stability, to maintain orderly exchange arrangements among members, and to avoid competitive exchange depreciation. (iv) To assist in the establishment of a multilateral system of payments in respect of current transactions between members and in the elimination of foreign exchange restrictions which hamper the growth of world trade. (v) To give confidence to members by making the general resources of the Fund temporarily available to them under adequate safeguards, thus providing them with opportunity to correct maladjustments in their balance of payments without resorting to measures destructive of national or international prosperity. (vi) In accordance with the above, to shorten the duration and lessen the degree of disequilibrium in the international balances of payments of members. The Fund shall be guided in all its policies and decisions by the purposes set forth in this Article. Article II: Membership 1. Original members 2. Other members Section 1. Original members The original members of the Fund shall be those of the countries represented at the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference whose governments accept membership before December 31, 1945. Section 2. Other members Membership shall be open to other countries at such times and in accordance with such terms as may be prescribed by the Board of Governors. These terms, including the terms for subscriptions, shall be based on principles consistent with those applied to other countries that are already members. Article III: Quotas and Subscriptions 1. Quotas and payment of subscriptions 2. Adjustment of quotas 3. Payments when quotas are changed 4. Substitution of securities for currency Section 1. Quotas and payment of subscriptions Each member shall be assigned a quota expressed in special drawing rights. The quotas of the members represented at the United Nations Monetary and Financial Conference which accept membership before December 31, 1945 shall be those set forth in Schedule A. The quotas of other members shall be determined by the Board of Governors. The subscription of each member shall be equal to its quota and shall be paid in full to the Fund at the appropriate depository. Section 2. Adjustment of quotas (a) The Board of Governors shall at intervals of not more than five years conduct a general review, and if it deems it appropriate propose an adjustment, of the quotas of the members. It may also, if it thinks fit, consider at any other time the adjustment of any particular quota at the request of the member concerned. (b) The Fund may at any time propose an increase in the quotas of those members of the Fund that were members on August 31, 1975 in proportion to their quotas on that date in a cumulative amount not Art. II, Sec. 1–2 Art. III, Sec. 1–2 II. Membership; III. Quotas and Subscriptions 4 in excess of amounts transferred under Article V, Section 12(f)(i) and (j) from the Special Disbursement Account to the General Resources Account. (c) An eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power shall be required for any change in quotas. (d) The quota of a member shall not be changed until the member has consented and until payment has been made unless payment is deemed to have been made in accordance with Section 3(b) of this Article. Section 3. Payments when quotas are changed (a) Each member which consents to an increase in its quota under Section 2(a) of this Article shall, within a period determined by the Fund, pay to the Fund twenty-five percent of the increase in special drawing rights, but the Board of Governors may prescribe that this payment may be made, on the same basis for all members, in whole or in part in the currencies of other members specified, with their concurrence, by the Fund, or in the member's own currency. A non-participant shall pay in the currencies of other members specified by the Fund, with their concurrence, a proportion of the increase corresponding to the proportion to be paid in special drawing rights by participants. The balance of the increase shall be paid by the member in its own currency. The Fund's holdings of a member's currency shall not be increased above the level at which they would be subject to charges under Article V, Section 8(b)(ii), as a result of payments by other members under this provision. (b) Each member which consents to an increase in its quota under Section 2(b) of this Article shall be deemed to have paid to the Fund an amount of subscription equal to such increase. (c) If a member consents to a reduction in its quota, the Fund shall, within sixty days, pay to the member an amount equal to the reduction. The payment shall be made in the member's currency and in such amount of special drawing rights or the currencies of other members specified, with their concurrence, by the Fund as is necessary to prevent the reduction of the Fund's holdings of the currency below the new quota, provided that in exceptional circumstances the Fund may reduce its holdings of the currency below the new quota by payment to the member in its own currency. (d) A seventy percent majority of the total voting power shall be required for any decision under (a) above, except for the determination of a period and the specification of currencies under that provision. Section 4. Substitution of securities for currency The Fund shall accept from any member, in place of any part of the member's currency in the General Resources Account which in the judgment of the Fund is not needed for its operations and transactions, notes or similar obligations issued by the member or the depository designated by the member under Article XIII, Section 2, which shall be non-negotiable, non-interest bearing and payable at their face value on demand by crediting the account of the Fund in the designated depository. This Section shall apply not only to currency subscribed by members but also to any currency otherwise due to, or acquired by, the Fund and to be placed in the General Resources Account. Article IV: Obligations Regarding Exchange Arrangements 1. General obligations of members 2. General exchange arrangements 3. Surveillance over exchange arrangements 4. Par values 5. Separate currencies within a member's territories Section 1. General obligations of members Recognizing that the essential purpose of the international monetary system is to provide a framework that facilitates the exchange of goods, services, and capital among countries, and that sustains sound economic growth, and that a principal objective is the continuing development of the orderly underlying conditions that are necessary for financial and economic stability, each member undertakes to collaborate with the Fund and other members to assure orderly exchange arrangements and to promote a stable system of exchange rates. In particular, each member shall: (i) endeavor to direct its economic and financial policies toward the objective of fostering orderly economic growth with reasonable price stability, with due regard to its circumstances; (ii) seek to promote stability by fostering orderly underlying economic and financial conditions and a monetary system that does not tend to produce erratic disruptions; (iii) avoid manipulating exchange rates or the international monetary system in order to prevent effective balance of payments adjustment or to gain an unfair competitive advantage over other members; and (iv) follow exchange policies compatible with the undertakings under this Section. Section 2. General exchange arrangements (a) Each member shall notify the Fund, within thirty days after the date of the second amendment of this Agreement, of the exchange arrangements it intends to apply in fulfillment of its obligations under Section 1 of this Article, and shall notify the Fund promptly of any changes in its exchange arrangements. (b) Under an international monetary system of the kind prevailing on January 1, 1976, exchange arrangements may include (i) the maintenance by a member of a value for its currency in terms of the special drawing right or another denominator, other than gold, selected by the member, or (ii) cooperative arrangements by which members maintain the value of their currencies in relation to the value of the currency or currencies of other members, or (iii) other exchange arrangements of a member's choice. (c) To accord with the development of the international monetary system, the Fund, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, may make provision for general exchange arrangements without limiting the right of members to have exchange arrangements of their choice consistent with the purposes of the Fund and the obligations under Section 1 of this Article. Section 3. Surveillance over exchange arrangements (a) The Fund shall oversee the international monetary system in order to ensure its effective operation, and shall oversee the compliance of each member with its obligations under Section 1 of this Article. (b) In order to fulfill its functions under (a) above, the Fund shall exercise firm surveillance over the exchange rate policies of members, and shall adopt specific principles for the guidance of all members with respect to those policies. Each member shall provide the Fund with the information necessary for such surveillance, and, when requested by the Fund, shall consult with it on the member's exchange rate policies. The principles adopted by the Fund shall be consistent with cooperative arrangements by which members maintain the value of their currencies in relation to the value of the currency or currencies of other members, as well as with other exchange arrangements of a member's choice consistent with the purposes of the Fund and Section 1 of this Article. These principles shall respect the domestic social and political policies of members, and in applying these principles the Fund shall pay due regard to the circumstances of members. Section 4. Par values The Fund may determine, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, that international economic conditions permit the introduction of a widespread system of exchange arrangements based on stable but adjustable par values. The Fund shall make the determination on the basis of the underlying stability of the world economy, and for this purpose shall take into account price movements and rates of expansion in the economies of members. The determination shall be made in light of the evolution of the international monetary system, with particular reference to sources of liquidity, and, in order to ensure the effective operation of a system of par values, to arrangements under which both members in surplus and members in deficit in their balances of payments take prompt, effective, and symmetrical action to achieve adjustment, as well as to arrangements for intervention and the treatment of imbalances. Upon making such determination, the Fund shall notify members that the provisions of Schedule C apply. Section 5. Separate currencies within a member’s territories (a) Action by a member with respect to its currency under this Article shall be deemed to apply to the separate currencies of all territories in respect of which the member has accepted this Agreement under Article XXXI, Section 2(g) unless the member declares that its action relates either to the metropolitan currency alone, or only to one or more specified separate currencies, or to the metropolitan currency and one or more specified separate currencies. (b) Action by the Fund under this Article shall be deemed to relate to all currencies of a member referred to in (a) above unless the Fund declares otherwise. Article V: Operations and Transactions of the Fund 1. Agencies dealing with the Fund 2. Limitation on the Fund's operations and transactions 3. Conditions governing use of the Fund's general resources 4. Waiver of conditions 5. Ineligibility to use the Fund's general resources 6. Other purchases and sales of special drawing rights by the Fund 7. Repurchase by a member of its currency held by the Fund 9. Remuneration 10. Computations 11. Maintenance of value 12. Other operations and transactions Section 1. Agencies dealing with the Fund Each member shall deal with the Fund only through its Treasury, central bank, stabilization fund, or other similar fiscal agency, and the Fund shall deal only with or through the same agencies. Section 2. Limitation on the Fund’s operations and transactions (a) Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, transactions on the account of the Fund shall be limited to transactions for the purpose of supplying a member, on the initiative of such member, with special drawing rights or the currencies of other members from the general resources of the Fund, which shall be held in the General Resources Account, in exchange for the currency of the member desiring to make the purchase. (b) If requested, the Fund may decide to perform financial and technical services, including the administration of resources contributed by members, that are consistent with the purposes of the Fund. Operations involved in the performance of such financial services shall not be on the account of the Fund. Services under this subsection shall not impose any obligation on a member without its consent. Section 3. Conditions governing use of the Fund’s general resources (a) The Fund shall adopt policies on the use of its general resources, including policies on stand-by or similar arrangements, and may adopt special policies for special balance of payments problems, that will assist members to solve their balance of payments problems in a manner consistent with the provisions of this Agreement and that will establish adequate safeguards for the temporary use of the general resources of the Fund. (b) A member shall be entitled to purchase the currencies of other members from the Fund in exchange for an equivalent amount of its own currency subject to the following conditions: (i) the member's use of the general resources of the Fund would be in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement and the policies adopted under them; (ii) the member represents that it has a need to make the purchase because of its balance of payments or its reserve position or developments in its reserves; (iii) the proposed purchase would be a reserve tranche purchase, or would not cause the Fund's holdings of the purchasing member's currency to exceed two hundred percent of its quota; (iv) the Fund has not previously declared under Section 5 of this Article, Article VI, Section 1, or Article XXVI, Section 2(a) that the member desiring to purchase is ineligible to use the general resources of the Fund. (c) The Fund shall examine a request for a purchase to determine whether the proposed purchase would be consistent with the provisions of this Agreement and the policies adopted under them, provided that requests for reserve tranche purchases shall not be subject to challenge. (d) The Fund shall adopt policies and procedures on the selection of currencies to be sold that take into account, in consultation with members, the balance of payments and reserve position of members and developments in the exchange markets, as well as the desirability of promoting over time balanced positions in the Fund, provided that if a member represents that it is proposing to purchase the currency of another member because the purchasing member wishes to obtain an equivalent amount of its own currency offered by the other member, it shall be entitled to purchase the currency of the other member unless the Fund has given notice under Article VII, Section 3 that its holdings of the currency have become scarce. (i) Each member shall ensure that balances of its currency purchased from the Fund are balances of a freely usable currency or can be exchanged at the time of purchase for a freely usable currency of its choice at an exchange rate between the two currencies equivalent to the exchange rate between them on the basis of Article XIX, Section 7(a). (ii) Each member whose currency is purchased from the Fund or is obtained in exchange for currency purchased from the Fund shall collaborate with the Fund and other members to enable such balances of its currency to be exchanged, at the time of purchase, for the freely usable currencies of other members. (iii) An exchange under (i) above of a currency that is not freely usable shall be made by the member whose currency is purchased unless that member and the purchasing member agree on another procedure. (iv) A member purchasing from the Fund the freely usable currency of another member and wishing to exchange it at the time of purchase for another freely usable currency shall make the exchange with the other member if requested by that member. The exchange shall be made for a freely usable currency selected by the other member at the rate of exchange referred to in (i) above. (f) Under policies and procedures which it shall adopt, the Fund may agree to provide a participant making a purchase in accordance with this Section with special drawing rights instead of the currencies of other members. Section 4. Waiver of conditions The Fund may in its discretion, and on terms which safeguard its interests, waive any of the conditions prescribed in Section 3(b)(iii) and (iv) of this Article, especially in the case of members with a record of avoiding large or continuous use of the Fund's general resources. In making a waiver it shall take into consideration periodic or exceptional requirements of the member requesting the waiver. The Fund shall also take into consideration a member's willingness to pledge as collateral security acceptable assets having a value sufficient in the opinion of the Fund to protect its interests and may require as a condition of waiver the pledge of such collateral security. Section 5. Ineligibility to use the Fund’s general resources Whenever the Fund is of the opinion that any member is using the general resources of the Fund in a manner contrary to the purposes of the Fund, it shall present to the member a report setting forth the views of the Fund and prescribing a suitable time for reply. After presenting such a report to a member, the Fund may limit the use of its general resources by the member. If no reply to the report is received from the member within the prescribed time, or if the reply received is unsatisfactory, the Fund may continue to limit the member's use of the general resources of the Fund or may, after giving reasonable notice to the member, declare it ineligible to use the general resources of the Fund. Section 6. Other purchases and sales of special drawing rights by the Fund (a) The Fund may accept special drawing rights offered by a participant in exchange for an equivalent amount of the currencies of other members. (b) The Fund may provide a participant, at its request, with special drawing rights for an equivalent amount of the currencies of other members. The Fund's holdings of a member's currency shall not be increased as a result of these transactions above the level at which the holdings would be subject to charges under Section 8(b)(ii) of this Article. (c) The currencies provided or accepted by the Fund under this Section shall be selected in accordance with policies that take into account the principles of Section 3(d) or 7(i) of this Article. The Fund may enter into transactions under this Section only if a member whose currency is provided or accepted by the Fund concurs in that use of its currency. Section 7. Repurchase by a member of its currency held by the Fund (a) A member shall be entitled to repurchase at any time the Fund's holdings of its currency that are subject to charges under Section 8(b) of this Article. (b) A member that has made a purchase under Section 3 of this Article will be expected normally, as its balance of payments and reserve position improves, to repurchase the Fund's holdings of its currency that result from the purchase and are subject to charges under Section 8(b) of this Article. A member shall repurchase these holdings if, in accordance with policies on repurchase that the Fund shall adopt and after consultation with the member, the Fund represents to the member that it should repurchase because of an improvement in its balance of payments and reserve position. (c) A member that has made a purchase under Section 3 of this Article shall repurchase the Fund's holdings of its currency that result from the purchase and are subject to charges under Section 8(b) of this Article not later than five years after the date on which the purchase was made. The Fund may prescribe that repurchase shall be made by a member in installments during the period beginning three years and ending five years after the date of a purchase. The Fund, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, may change the periods for repurchase under this subsection, and any period so adopted shall apply to all members. (d) The Fund, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, may adopt periods other than those that apply in accordance with (c) above, which shall be the same for all members, for the repurchase of holdings of currency acquired by the Fund pursuant to a special policy on the use of its general resources. (e) A member shall repurchase, in accordance with policies that the Fund shall adopt by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, the Fund's holdings of its currency that are not acquired as a result of purchases and are subject to charges under Section 8(b)(ii) of this Article. (f) A decision prescribing that under a policy on the use of the general resources of the Fund the period for repurchase under (c) or (d) above shall be shorter than the one in effect under the policy shall apply only to holdings acquired by the Fund subsequent to the effective date of the decision. (g) The Fund, on the request of a member, may postpone the date of discharge of a repurchase obligation, but not beyond the maximum period under (c) or (d) above or under policies adopted by the Fund under (e) above, unless the Fund determines, by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, that a longer period for repurchase which is consistent with the temporary use of the general resources of the Fund is justified because discharge on the due date would result in exceptional hardship for the member. (h) The Fund's policies under Section 3(d) of this Article may be supplemented by policies under which the Fund may decide after consultation with a member to sell under Section 3(b) of this Article its holdings of the member's currency that have not been repurchased in accordance with this Section 7, without prejudice to any action that the Fund may be authorized to take under any other provision of this Agreement. (i) All repurchases under this Section shall be made with special drawing rights or with the currencies of other members specified by the Fund. The Fund shall adopt policies and procedures with regard to the currencies to be used by members in making repurchases that take into account the principles in Section 3(d) of this Article. The Fund's holdings of a member's currency that is used in repurchase shall not be increased by the repurchase above the level at which they would be subject to charges under Section 8(b)(ii) of this Article. (i) If a member's currency specified by the Fund under (i) above is not a freely usable currency, the member shall ensure that the repurchasing member can obtain it at the time of the repurchase in exchange for a freely usable currency selected by the member whose currency has been specified. An exchange of currency under this provision shall take place at an exchange rate between the two currencies equivalent to the exchange rate between them on the basis of Article XIX, Section 7(a). (ii) Each member whose currency is specified by the Fund for repurchase shall collaborate with the Fund and other members to enable repurchasing members, at the time of the repurchase, to obtain the specified currency in exchange for the freely usable currencies of other members. (iii) An exchange under (j)(i) above shall be made with the member whose currency is specified unless that member and the repurchasing member agree on another procedure. (iv) If a repurchasing member wishes to obtain, at the time of the repurchase, the freely usable currency of another member specified by the Fund under (i) above, it shall, if requested by the other member, obtain the currency from the other member in exchange for a freely usable currency at the rate of exchange referred to in (j)(i) above. The Fund may adopt regulations on the freely usable currency to be provided in an exchange. Section 8. Charges (i) The Fund shall levy a service charge on the purchase by a member of special drawing rights or the currency of another member held in the General Resources Account in exchange for its own currency, provided that the Fund may levy a lower service charge on reserve tranche purchases than on other purchases. The service charge on reserve tranche purchases shall not exceed one-half of one percent. (ii) The Fund may levy a charge for stand-by or similar arrangements. The Fund may decide that the charge for an arrangement shall be offset against the service charge levied under (i) above on purchases under the arrangement. (b) The Fund shall levy charges on its average daily balances of a member's currency held in the General Resources Account to the extent that they (i) have been acquired under a policy that has been the subject of an exclusion under Article XXX(c), or (ii) exceed the amount of the member's quota after excluding any balances referred to in (i) above. The rates of charge normally shall rise at intervals during the period in which the balances are held. (c) If a member fails to make a repurchase required under Section 7 of this Article, the Fund, after consultation with the member on the reduction of the Fund's holdings of its currency, may impose such charges as the Fund deems appropriate on its holdings of the member's currency that should have been repurchased. (d) A seventy percent majority of the total voting power shall be required for the determination of the rates of charge under (a) and (b) above, which shall be uniform for all members, and under (c) above. (e) A member shall pay all charges in special drawing rights, provided that in exceptional circumstances the Fund may permit a member to pay charges in the currencies of other members specified by the Fund, after consultation with them, or in its own currency. The Fund's holdings of a member's currency shall not be increased as a result of payments by other members under this provision above the level at which they would be subject to charges under (b)(ii) above. Section 9. Remuneration (a) The Fund shall pay remuneration on the amount by which the percentage of quota prescribed under (b) or (c) below exceeds the Fund's average daily balances of a member's currency held in the General Resources Account other than balances acquired under a policy that has been the subject of an exclusion under Article XXX(c). The rate of remuneration, which shall be determined by the Fund by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, shall be the same for all members and shall be not more than, nor less than four-fifths of, the rate of interest under Article XX, Section 3. In establishing the rate of remuneration, the Fund shall take into account the rates of charge under Article V, Section 8(b). (b) The percentage of quota applying for the purposes of (a) above shall be: (i) for each member that became a member before the second amendment of this Agreement, a percentage of quota corresponding to seventy-five percent of its quota on the date of the second amendment of this Agreement, and for each member that became a member after the date of the second amendment of this Agreement, a percentage of quota calculated by dividing the total of the amounts corresponding to the percentages of quota that apply to the other members on the date on which the member became a member by the total of the quotas of the other members on the same date; plus (ii) the amounts it has paid to the Fund in currency or special drawing rights under Article III, Section 3(a) since the date applicable under (b)(i) above; and minus (iii) the amounts it has received from the Fund in currency or special drawing rights under Article III, Section 3(c) since the date applicable under (b)(i) above. (c) The Fund, by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, may raise the latest percentage of quota applying for the purposes of (a) above to each member to: (i) a percentage, not in excess of one hundred percent, that shall be determined for each member on the basis of the same criteria for all members, or (ii) one hundred percent for all members. (d) Remuneration shall be paid in special drawing rights, provided that either the Fund or the member may decide that the payment to the member shall be made in its own currency. Section 10. Computations (a) The value of the Fund's assets held in the accounts of the General Department shall be expressed in terms of the special drawing right. (b) All computations relating to currencies of members for the purpose of applying the provisions of this Agreement, except Article IV and Schedule C, shall be at the rates at which the Fund accounts for these currencies in accordance with Section 11 of this Article. (c) Computations for the determination of amounts of currency in relation to quota for the purpose of applying the provisions of this Agreement shall not include currency held in the Special Disbursement Account or in the Investment Account. Section 11. Maintenance of value (a) The value of the currencies of members held in the General Resources Account shall be maintained in terms of the special drawing right in accordance with exchange rates under Article XIX, Section 7(a). (b) An adjustment in the Fund's holdings of a member's currency pursuant to this Section shall be made on the occasion of the use of that currency in an operation or transaction between the Fund and another member and at such other times as the Fund may decide or the member may request. Payments to or by the Fund in respect of an adjustment shall be made within a reasonable time, as determined by the Fund, after the date of adjustment, and at any other time requested by the member. Section 12. Other operations and transactions (a) The Fund shall be guided in all its policies and decisions under this Section by the objectives set forth in Article VIII, Section 7 and by the objective of avoiding the management of the price, or the establishment of a fixed price, in the gold market. (b) Decisions of the Fund to engage in operations or transactions under (c), (d), and (e) below shall be made by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power. (c) The Fund may sell gold for the currency of any member after consulting the member for whose currency the gold is sold, provided that the Fund's holdings of a member's currency held in the General Resources Account shall not be increased by the sale above the level at which they would be subject to charges under Section 8(b)(ii) of this Article without the concurrence of the member, and provided that, at the request of the member, the Fund at the time of sale shall exchange for the currency of another member such part of the currency received as would prevent such an increase. The exchange of a currency for the currency of another member shall be made after consultation with that member, and shall not increase the Fund's holdings of that member's currency above the level at which they would be subject to charges under Section 8(b)(ii) of this Article. The Fund shall adopt policies and procedures with regard to exchanges that take into account the principles applied under Section 7(i) of this Article. Sales under this provision to a member shall be at a price agreed for each transaction on the basis of prices in the market. (d) The Fund may accept payments from a member in gold instead of special drawing rights or currency in any operations or transactions under this Agreement. Payments to the Fund under this provision shall be at a price agreed for each operation or transaction on the basis of prices in the market. (e) The Fund may sell gold held by it on the date of the second amendment of this Agreement to those members that were members on August 31, 1975 and that agree to buy it, in proportion to their quotas on that date. If the Fund intends to sell gold under (c) above for the purpose of (f)(ii) below, it may sell to each developing member that agrees to buy it that portion of the gold which, if sold under (c) above, would have produced the excess that could have been distributed to it under (f)(iii) below. The gold that would be sold under this provision to a member that has been declared ineligible to use the general resources of the Fund under Section 5 of this Article shall be sold to it when the ineligibility ceases, unless the Fund decides to make the sale sooner. The sale of gold to a member under this subsection (e) shall be made in exchange for its currency and at a price equivalent at the time of sale to one special drawing right per 0.888 671 gram of fine gold. (f) Whenever under (c) above the Fund sells gold held by it on the date of the second amendment of this Agreement, an amount of the proceeds equivalent at the time of sale to one special drawing right per 0.888 671 gram of fine gold shall be placed in the General Resources Account and, except as the Fund may decide otherwise under (g) below, any excess shall be held in the Special Disbursement Account. The assets held in the Special Disbursement Account shall be held separately from the other accounts of the General Department, and may be used at any time: (i) to make transfers to the General Resources Account for immediate use in operations and transactions authorized by provisions of this Agreement other than this Section; (ii) for operations and transactions that are not authorized by other provisions of this Agreement but are consistent with the purposes of the Fund. Under this subsection (f) (ii) balance of payments assistance may be made available on special terms to developing members in difficult circumstances, and for this purpose the Fund shall take into account the level of per capita income; (iii) for distribution to those developing members that were members on August 31, 1975, in proportion to their quotas on that date, of such part of the assets that the Fund decides to use for the purposes of (ii) above as corresponds to the proportion of the quotas of these members on the date of distribution to the total of the quotas of all members on the same date, provided that the distribution under this provision to a member that has been declared ineligible to use the general resources of the Fund under Section 5 of this Article shall be made when the ineligibility ceases, unless the Fund decides to make the distribution sooner. Decisions to use assets pursuant to (i) above shall be taken by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, and decisions pursuant to (ii) and (iii) above shall be taken by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power. (g) The Fund may decide, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, to transfer a part of the excess referred to in (f) above to the Investment Account for use pursuant to the provisions of Article XII, Section 6(f). (h) ) Pending uses specified under (f) above, the Fund may use a member's currency held in the Special Disbursement Account for investment as it may determine, in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the Fund by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power. The income of investment and interest received under (f) (ii) above shall be placed in the Special Disbursement Account. (i) The General Resources Account shall be reimbursed from time to time in respect of the expenses of administration of the Special Disbursement Account paid from the General Resources Account by transfers from the Special Disbursement Account on the basis of a reasonable estimate of such expenses. (j) The Special Disbursement Account shall be terminated in the event of the liquidation of the Fund and may be terminated prior to liquidation of the Fund by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power. Upon termination of the account because of the liquidation of the Fund, any assets in this account shall be distributed in accordance with the provisions of Schedule K. Upon termination prior to liquidation of the Fund, any assets in this account shall be transferred to the General Resources Account for immediate use in operations and transactions. The Fund, by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, shall adopt rules and regulations for the administration of the Special Disbursement Account. (k) Whenever under (c) above the Fund sells gold acquired by it after the date of the second amendment of this Agreement, an amount of the proceeds equivalent to the acquisition price of the gold shall be placed in the General Resources Account, and any excess shall be placed in the Investment Account for use pursuant to the provisions of Article XII, Section 6(f). If any gold acquired by the Fund after the date of the second amendment of this Agreement is sold after April 7, 2008 but prior to the date of entry into force of this provision, then, upon the entry into force of this provision, and notwithstanding the limit set forth in Article XII, Section 6(f)(ii), the Fund shall transfer to the Investment Account from the General Resources Account an amount equal to the proceeds of such sale less (i) the acquisition price of the gold sold, and (ii) any amount of such proceeds in excess of the acquisition price that may have already been transferred to the Investment Account prior to the date of entry into force of this provision. Article VI: Capital Transfers 1. Use of the Fund's general resources for capital transfers 2. Special provisions for capital transfers 3. Controls of capital transfers Section 1 Use of the Fund's general resources for capital transfers (a) A member may not use the Fund's general resources to meet a large or sustained outflow of capital except as provided in Section 2 of this Article, and the Fund may request a member to exercise controls to prevent such use of the general resources of the Fund. If, after receiving such a request, a member fails to exercise appropriate controls, the Fund may declare the member ineligible to use the general resources of the Fund. (b) Nothing in this Section shall be deemed: (i) to prevent the use of the general resources of the Fund for capital transactions of reasonable amount required for the expansion of exports or in the ordinary course of trade, banking, or other business; or (ii) to affect capital movements which are met out of a member's own resources, but members undertake that such capital movements will be in accordance with the purposes of the Fund. Section 2 Special provisions for capital transfers A member shall be entitled to make reserve tranche purchases to meet capital transfers. Section 3 Controls of capital transfers Members may exercise such controls as are necessary to regulate international capital movements, but no member may exercise these controls in a manner which will restrict payments for current transactions or which will unduly delay transfers of funds in settlement of commitments, except as provided in Article VII, Section 3(b) and in Article XIV, Section 2. Article VII: Replenishment and Scarce Currencies 1. Measures to replenish the Fund's holdings of currencies 2. General scarcity of currency 3. Scarcity of the Fund's holdings 4. Administration of restrictions 5. Effect of other international agreements on restrictions Section 1. Measures to replenish the Fund's holdings of currencies The Fund may, if it deems such action appropriate to replenish its holdings of any member's currency in the General Resources Account needed in connection with its transactions, take either or both of the following steps: (i) propose to the member that, on terms and conditions agreed between the Fund and the member, the latter lend its currency to the Fund or that, with the concurrence of the member, the Fund borrow such currency from some other source either within or outside the territories of the member, but no member shall be under any obligation to make such loans to the Fund or to concur in the borrowing of its currency by the Fund from any other source; (ii) require the member, if it is a participant, to sell its currency to the Fund for special drawing rights held in the General Resources Account, subject to Article XIX, Section 4. In replenishing with special drawing rights, the Fund shall pay due regard to the principles of designation under Article XIX, Section 5. Section 2. General scarcity of currency If the Fund finds that a general scarcity of a particular currency is developing, the Fund may so inform members and may issue a report setting forth the causes of the scarcity and containing recommendations designed to bring it to an end. A representative of the member whose currency is involved shall participate in the preparation of the report. Section 3. Scarcity of the Fund's holdings (a) If it becomes evident to the Fund that the demand for a member's currency seriously threatens the Fund's ability to supply that currency, the Fund, whether or not it has issued a report under Section 2 of this Article, shall formally declare such currency scarce and shall thenceforth apportion its existing and accruing supply of the scarce currency with due regard to the relative needs of members, the general international economic situation, and any other pertinent considerations. The Fund shall also issue a report concerning its action. (b) A formal declaration under (a) above shall operate as an authorization to any member, after consultation with the Fund, temporarily to impose limitations on the freedom of exchange operations in the scarce currency. Subject to the provisions of Article IV and Schedule C, the member shall have complete jurisdiction in determining the nature of such limitations, but they shall be no more restrictive than is necessary to limit the demand for the scarce currency to the supply held by, or accruing to, the member in question, and they shall be relaxed and removed as rapidly as conditions permit. (c) The authorization under (b) above shall expire whenever the Fund formally declares the currency in question to be no longer scarce. Section 4. Administration of restrictions Any member imposing restrictions in respect of the currency of any other member pursuant to the provisions of Section 3(b) of this Article shall give sympathetic consideration to any representations by the other member regarding the administration of such restrictions. Section 5. Effect of other international agreements on restrictions Members agree not to invoke the obligations of any engagements entered into with other members prior to this Agreement in such manner as will prevent the operation of the provisions of this Article. Article VIII: General Obligations of Members 2. Avoidance of restrictions on current payments 3. Avoidance of discriminatory currency practices 4. Convertibility of foreign-held balances 5. Furnishing of information 6. Consultation between members regarding existing international agreements 7. Obligation to collaborate regarding policies on reserve assets Section 1. Introduction In addition to the obligations assumed under other articles of this Agreement, each member undertakes the obligations set out in this Article. Section 2. Avoidance of restrictions on current payments (a) Subject to the provisions of Article VII, Section 3(b) and Article XIV, Section 2, no member shall, without the approval of the Fund,impose restrictions on the making of payments and transfers for current international transactions. (b) Exchange contracts which involve the currency of any member and which are contrary to the exchange control regulations of that member maintained or imposed consistently with this Agreement shall be unenforceable in the territories of any member. In addition, members may, by mutual accord, cooperate in measures for the purpose of making the exchange control regulations of either member more effective, provided that such measures and regulations are consistent with this Agreement. Section 3. Avoidance of discriminatory currency practices No member shall engage in, or permit any of its fiscal agencies referred to in Article V, Section 1 to engage in, any discriminatory currency arrangements or multiple currency practices, whether within or outside margins under Article IV or prescribed by or under Schedule C, except as authorized under this Agreement or approved by the Fund. If such arrangements and practices are engaged in at the date when this Agreement enters into force, the member concerned shall consult with the Fund as to their progressive removal unless they are maintained or imposed under Article XIV, Section 2, in which case the provisions of Section 3 of that Article shall apply. Section 4. Convertibility of foreign-held balances (a) Each member shall buy balances of its currency held by another member if the latter, in requesting the purchase, represents: (i) that the balances to be bought have been recently acquired as a result of current transactions; or (ii) that their conversion is needed for making payments for current transactions. The buying member shall have the option to pay either in special drawing rights, subject to Article XIX, Section 4, or in the currency of the member making the request. (b) The obligation in (a) above shall not apply when: (i) the convertibility of the balances has been restricted consistently with Section 2 of this Article or Article VI, Section 3; (ii) the balances have accumulated as a result of transactions effected before the removal by a member of restrictions maintained or imposed under Article XIV, Section 2; (iii) the balances have been acquired contrary to the exchange regulations of the member which is asked to buy them; (iv) the currency of the member requesting the purchase has been declared scarce under Article VII, Section 3(a); or (v) the member requested to make the purchase is for any reason not entitled to buy currencies of other members from the Fund for its own currency. Section 5. Furnishing of information (a) The Fund may require members to furnish it with such information as it deems necessary for its activities, including, as the minimum necessary for the effective discharge of the Fund's duties, national data on the following matters: (i) official holdings at home and abroad of (1) gold, (2) foreign exchange; (ii) holdings at home and abroad by banking and financial agencies, other than official agencies, of (1) gold, (2) foreign exchange; (iii) production of gold; (iv) gold exports and imports according to countries of destination and origin; (v) total exports and imports of merchandise, in terms of local currency values, according to countries of destination and origin; (vi) international balance of payments, including (1) trade in goods and services, (2) gold transactions, (3) known capital transactions, and (4) other items; (vii) international investment position, i.e., investments within the territories of the member owned abroad and investments abroad owned by persons in its territories so far as it is possible to furnish this information; (viii) national income; (ix) price indices, i.e., indices of commodity prices in wholesale and retail markets and of export and import prices; (x) buying and selling rates for foreign currencies; (xi) exchange controls, i.e., a comprehensive statement of exchange controls in effect at the time of assuming membership in the Fund and details of subsequent changes as they occur; and (xii) where official clearing arrangements exist, details of amounts awaiting clearance in respect of commercial and financial transactions, and of the length of time during which such arrears have been outstanding. (b) In requesting information the Fund shall take into consideration the varying ability of members to furnish the data requested. Members shall be under no obligation to furnish information in such detail that the affairs of individuals or corporations are disclosed. Members undertake, however, to furnish the desired information in as detailed and accurate a manner as is practicable and, so far as possible, to avoid mere estimates. (c) The Fund may arrange to obtain further information by agreement with members. It shall act as a centre for the collection and exchange of information on monetary and financial problems, thus facilitating the preparation of studies designed to assist members in developing policies which further the purposes of the Fund. Section 6. Consultation between members regarding existing international agreements Where under this Agreement a member is authorized in the special or temporary circumstances specified in the Agreement to maintain or establish restrictions on exchange transactions, and there are other engagements between members entered into prior to this Agreement which conflict with the application of such restrictions, the parties to such engagements shall consult with one another with a view to making such mutually acceptable adjustments as may be necessary. The provisions of this Article shall be without prejudice to the operation of Article VII, Section 5. Section 7. Obligation to collaborate regarding policies on reserve assets Each member undertakes to collaborate with the Fund and with other members in order to ensure that the policies of the member with respect to reserve assets shall be consistent with the objectives of promoting better international surveillance of international liquidity and making the special drawing right the principal reserve asset in the international monetary system. Article IX: Status, Immunities, and Privileges 1. Purposes of Article 2. Status of the Fund 3. Immunity from judicial process 4. Immunity from other action 5. Immunity of archives 6. Freedom of assets from restrictions 7. Privilege for communications 8. Immunities and privileges of officers and employees 9. Immunities from taxation 10. Application of Article Section 1. Purposes of Article To enable the Fund to fulfill the functions with which it is entrusted, the status, immunities, and privileges set forth in this Article shall be accorded to the Fund in the territories of each member. The Fund shall possess full juridical personality, and in particular, the capacity: (i) to contract; (ii) to acquire and dispose of immovable and movable property; and (iii) to institute legal proceedings. Section 3. Immunity from judicial process The Fund, its property and its assets, wherever located and by whomsoever held, shall enjoy immunity from every form of judicial process except to the extent that it expressly waives its immunity for the purpose of any proceedings or by the terms of any contract. Section 4. Immunity from other action Property and assets of the Fund, wherever located and by whomsoever held, shall be immune from search, requisition, confiscation, expropriation, or any other form of seizure by executive or legislative action. Section 5. Immunity of archives The archives of the Fund shall be inviolable. Section 6. Freedom of assets from restrictions To the extent necessary to carry out the activities provided for in this Agreement, all property and assets of the Fund shall be free from restrictions, regulations, controls, and moratoria of any nature. Section 7. Privilege for communications The official communications of the Fund shall be accorded by members the same treatment as the official communications of other members. Section 8. Immunities and privileges of officers and employees All Governors, Executive Directors, Alternates, members of committees, representatives appointed under Article XII, Section 3(j), advisors of any of the foregoing persons, officers, and employees of the Fund: (i) shall be immune from legal process with respect to acts performed by them in their official capacity except when the Fund waives this immunity; (ii) not being local nationals, shall be granted the same immunities from immigration restrictions, alien registration requirements, and national service obligations and the same facilities as regards exchange restrictions as are accorded by members to the representatives, officials, and employees of comparable rank of other members; and (iii) shall be granted the same treatment in respect of traveling facilities as is accorded by members to representatives, officials, and employees of comparable rank of other members. Section 9. Immunities from taxation (a) The Fund, its assets, property, income, and its operations and transactions authorized by this Agreement shall be immune from all taxation and from all customs duties. The Fund shall also be immune from liability for the collection or payment of any tax or duty. (b) No tax shall be levied on or in respect of salaries and emoluments paid by the Fund to Executive Directors, Alternates, officers, or employees of the Fund who are not local citizens, local subjects, or other local nationals. (c) No taxation of any kind shall be levied on any obligation or security issued by the Fund, including any dividend or interest thereon, by whomsoever held: (i) which discriminates against such obligation or security solely because of its origin; or (ii) if the sole jurisdictional basis for such taxation is the place or currency in which it is issued, made payable or paid, or the location of any office or place of business maintained by the Fund. Section 10. Application of Article Each member shall take such action as is necessary in its own territories for the purpose of making effective in terms of its own law the principles set forth in this Article and shall inform the Fund of the detailed action which it has taken. Article X: Relations with Other International Organizations The Fund shall cooperate within the terms of this Agreement with any general international organization and with public international organizations having specialized responsibilities in related fields. Any arrangements for such cooperation which would involve a modification of any provision of this Agreement may be effected only after amendment to this Agreement under Article XXVIII. Article XI: Relations with Non-Member Countries 1. Undertakings regarding relations with non-member countries 2. Restrictions on transactions with non-member countries Section 1. Undertakings regarding relations with non-member countries Each member undertakes: (i) not to engage in, nor to permit any of its fiscal agencies referred to in Article V, Section 1 to engage in, any transactions with a non-member or with persons in a nonmember's territories which would be contrary to the provisions of this Agreement or the purposes of the Fund; (ii) not to cooperate with a non-member or with persons in a non-member's territories in practices which would be contrary to the provisions of this Agreement or the purposes of the Fund; and (iii) to cooperate with the Fund with a view to the application in its territories of appropriate measures to prevent transactions with non-members or with persons in their territories which would be contrary to the provisions of this Agreement or the purposes of the Fund. Section 2. Restrictions on transactions with non-member countries Nothing in this Agreement shall affect the right of any member to impose restrictions on exchange transactions with non-members or with persons in their territories unless the Fund finds that such restrictions prejudice the interests of members and are contrary to the purposes of the Fund. Article XII: Organization and Management 1. Structure of the Fund 2. Board of Governors 3. Executive Board 4. Managing Director and staff 5. Voting 6. Reserves, distribution of net income, and investment 7. Publication of reports 8. Communication of views to members Section 1. Structure of the Fund The Fund shall have a Board of Governors, an Executive Board, a Managing Director, and a staff, and a Council if the Board of Governors decides, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, that the provisions of Schedule D shall be applied. Section 2. Board of Governors (a) All powers under this Agreement not conferred directly on the Board of Governors, the Executive Board, or the Managing Director shall be vested in the Board of Governors. The Board of Governors shall consist of one Governor and one Alternate appointed by each member in such manner as it may determine. Each Governor and each Alternate shall serve until a new appointment is made. No Alternate may vote except in the absence of his principal. The Board of Governors shall select one of the Governors as Chairman. (b) The Board of Governors may delegate to the Executive Board authority to exercise any powers of the Board of Governors, except the powers conferred directly by this Agreement on the Board of Governors. (c) The Board of Governors shall hold such meetings as may be provided for by the Board of Governors or called by the Executive Board. Meetings of the Board of Governors shall be called whenever requested by fifteen members or by members having one-quarter of the total voting power. (d) A quorum for any meeting of the Board of Governors shall be a majority of the Governors having not less than two-thirds of the total voting power. (e) Each Governor shall be entitled to cast the number of votes allotted under Section 5 of this Article to the member appointing him. (f) The Board of Governors may by regulation establish a procedure whereby the Executive Board, when it deems such action to be in the best interests of the Fund, may obtain a vote of the Governors on a specific question without calling a meeting of the Board of Governors. (g) The Board of Governors, and the Executive Board to the extent authorized, may adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to conduct the business of the Fund. (h) Governors and Alternates shall serve as such without compensation from the Fund, but the Fund may pay them reasonable expenses incurred in attending meetings. (i) The Board of Governors shall determine the remuneration to be paid to the Executive Directors and their Alternates and the salary and terms of the contract of service of the Managing Director. (j) The Board of Governors and the Executive Board may appoint such committees as they deem advisable. Membership of committees need not be limited to Governors or Executive Directors or their Alternates. Section 3. Executive Board (a) The Executive Board shall be responsible for conducting the business of the Fund, and for this purpose shall exercise all the powers delegated to it by the Board of Governors. (b) Subject to (c) below, the Executive Board shall consist of twenty Executive Directors elected by the members, with the Managing Director as chairman. (c) For the purpose of each regular election of Executive Directors, the Board of Governors, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, may increase or decrease the number of Executive Directors specified in (b) above. (d) Elections of Executive Directors shall be conducted at intervals of two years in accordance with regulations which shall be adopted by the Board of Governors. Such regulations shall include a limit on the total number of votes that more than one member may cast for the same candidate. (e) Each Executive Director shall appoint an Alternate with full power to act for him when he is not present, provided that the Board of Governors may adopt rules enabling an Executive Director elected by more than a specified number of members to appoint two Alternates. Such rules, if adopted, may only be modified in the context of the regular election of Executive Directors and shall require an Executive Director appointing two Alternates to designate: (i) the Alternate who shall act for the Executive Director when he is not present and both Alternates are present and (ii) the Alternate who shall exercise the powers of the Executive Director under (f) below. When the Executive Directors appointing them are present, Alternates may participate in meetings but may not vote. (f) Executive Directors shall continue in office until their successors are elected. If the office of an Executive Director becomes vacant more than ninety days before the end of his term, another Executive Director shall be elected for the remainder of the term by the members that elected the former Executive Director. A majority of the votes cast shall be required for election. While the office remains vacant, the Alternate of the former Executive Director shall exercise his powers, except that of appointing an Alternate. (g) The Executive Board shall function in continuous session at the principal office of the Fund and shall meet as often as the business of the Fund may require. (h) A quorum for any meeting of the Executive Board shall be a majority of the Executive Directors having not less than one-half of the total voting power. (i) Each Executive Director shall be entitled to cast the number of votes which counted towards his election. (i) When the provisions of Section 5(b) of this Article are applicable, the votes which an Executive Director would otherwise be entitled to cast shall be increased or decreased correspondingly. All the votes which an Executive Director is entitled to cast shall be cast as a unit. (ii) When the suspension of the voting rights of a member is terminated under Article XXVI, Section 2(b), the member may agree with all the members that have elected an Executive Director that the number of votes allotted to that member shall be cast by such Executive Director, provided that, if no regular election of Executive Directors has been conducted during the period of the suspension, the Executive Director in whose election the member had participated prior to the suspension, or his successor elected in accordance with paragraph 3(c)(i) of Schedule L or with (f) above, shall be entitled to cast the number of votes allotted to the member. The member shall be deemed to have participated in the election of the Executive Director entitled to cast the number of votes allotted to the member. (j) The Board of Governors shall adopt regulations under which a member may send a representative to attend any meeting of the Executive Board when a request made by, or a matter particularly affecting, that member is under consideration. Section 4. Managing Director and staff (a) The Executive Board shall select a Managing Director who shall not be a Governor or an Executive Director. The Managing Director shall be chairman of the Executive Board, but shall have no vote except a deciding vote in case of an equal division. He may participate in meetings of the Board of Governors, but shall not vote at such meetings. The Managing Director shall cease to hold office when the Executive Board so decides. (b) The Managing Director shall be chief of the operating staff of the Fund and shall conduct, under the direction of the Executive Board, the ordinary business of the Fund. Subject to the general control of the Executive Board, he shall be responsible for the organization, appointment, and dismissal of the staff of the Fund. (c) The Managing Director and the staff of the Fund, in the discharge of their functions, shall owe their duty entirely to the Fund and to no other authority. Each member of the Fund shall respect the international character of this duty and shall refrain from all attempts to influence any of the staff in the discharge of these functions. (d) In appointing the staff the Managing Director shall, subject to the paramount importance of securing the highest standards of efficiency and of technical competence, pay due regard to the importance of recruiting personnel on as wide a geographical basis as possible. Section 5. Voting (a) The total votes of each member shall be equal to the sum of its basic votes and its quota-based votes. (i) The basic votes of each member shall be the number of votes that results from the equal distribution among all the members of 5.502 percent of the aggregate sum of the total voting power of all the members, provided that there shall be no fractional basic votes. (ii) The quota-based votes of each member shall be the number of votes that results from the allocation of one vote for each part of its quota equivalent to one hundred thousand special drawing rights. (b) Whenever voting is required under Article V, Section 4 or 5, each member shall have the number of votes to which it is entitled under (a) above adjusted (i) by the addition of one vote for the equivalent of each four hundred thousand special drawing rights of net sales of its currency from the general resources of the Fund up to the date when the vote is taken, or (ii) by the subtraction of one vote for the equivalent of each four hundred thousand special drawing rights of its net purchases under Article V, Section 3(b) and (f) up to the date when the vote is taken, provided that neither net purchases nor net sales shall be deemed at any time to exceed an amount equal to the quota of the member involved. (c) Except as otherwise specifically provided, all decisions of the Fund shall be made by a majority of the votes cast. Section 6. Reserves, distribution of net income, and investment (a) The Fund shall determine annually what part of its net income shall be placed to general reserve or special reserve, and what part, if any, shall be distributed. (b) The Fund may use the special reserve for any purpose for which it may use the general reserve, except distribution. (c) If any distribution is made of the net income of any year, it shall be made to all members in proportion to their quotas. (d) The Fund, by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, may decide at any time to distribute any part of the general reserve. Any such distribution shall be made to all members in proportion to their quotas. (e) Payments under (c) and (d) above shall be made in special drawing rights, provided that either the Fund or the member may decide that the payment to the member shall be made in its own currency. (i) The Fund may establish an Investment Account for the purposes of this subsection (f). The assets of the Investment Account shall be held separately from the other accounts of the General Department. (ii) The Fund may decide to transfer to the Investment Account a part of the proceeds of the sale of gold in accordance with Article V, Section 12(g) and, by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, may decide to transfer to the Investment Account, for immediate investment, currencies held in the General Resources Account. The amount of these transfers shall not exceed the total amount of the general reserve and the special reserve at the time of the decision. (iii) The Fund may use a member's currency held in the Investment Account for investment as it may determine, in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the Fund by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power. The rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this provision shall be consistent with (vii), (viii), and (ix) below. (iv) The income of investment may be invested in accordance with the provisions of this subsection (f). Income not invested shall be held in the Investment Account or may be used for meeting the expenses of conducting the business of the Fund. (v) The Fund may use a member's currency held in the Investment Account to obtain the currencies needed to meet the expenses of conducting the business of the Fund. (vi) The Investment Account shall be terminated in the event of liquidation of the Fund and may be terminated, or the amount of the investment may be reduced, prior to liquidation of the Fund by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power. (vii) Upon termination of the Investment Account because of liquidation of the Fund, any assets in this account shall be distributed in accordance with the provisions of Schedule K, provided that a portion of these assets corresponding to the proportion of the assets transferred to this account under Article V, Section 12(g) to the total of the assets transferred to this account shall be deemed to be assets held in the Special Disbursement Account and shall be distributed in accordance with Schedule K, paragraph 2(a)(ii). (viii) Upon termination of the Investment Account prior to liquidation of the Fund, a portion of the assets held in this account corresponding to the proportion of the assets transferred to this account under Article V, Section 12(g) to the total of the assets transferred to the account shall be transferred to the Special Disbursement Account if it has not been terminated, and the balance of the assets held in the Investment Account shall be transferred to the General Resources Account for immediate use in operations and transactions. (ix) On a reduction of the amount of the investment by the Fund, a portion of the reduction corresponding to the proportion of the assets transferred to the Investment Account under Article V, Section 12(g) to the total of the assets transferred to this account shall be transferred to the Special Disbursement Account if it has not been terminated, and the balance of the reduction shall be transferred to the General Resources Account for immediate use in operations and transactions. Section 7. Publication of reports (a) The Fund shall publish an annual report containing an audited statement of its accounts, and shall issue, at intervals of three months or less, a summary statement of its operations and transactions and its holdings of special drawing rights, gold, and currencies of members. (b) The Fund may publish such other reports as it deems desirable for carrying out its purposes. Section 8. Communication of views to members The Fund shall at all times have the right to communicate its views informally to any member on any matter arising under this Agreement. The Fund may, by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, decide to publish a report made to a member regarding its monetary or economic conditions and developments which directly tend to produce a serious disequilibrium in the international balance of payments of members. The relevant member shall be entitled to representation in accordance with Section 3(j) of this Article. The Fund shall not publish a report involving changes in the fundamental structure of the economic organization of members. Article XIII: Offices and Depositories 1. Location of offices 2. Depositories 3. Guarantee of the Fund's assets Section 1. Location of offices The principal office of the Fund shall be located in the territory of the member having the largest quota, and agencies or branch offices may be established in the territories of other members. Section 2. Depositories (a) Each member shall designate its central bank as a depository for all the Fund's holdings of its currency, or if it has no central bank it shall designate such other institution as may be acceptable to the Fund. (b) The Fund may hold other assets, including gold, in the depositories designated by the five members having the largest quotas and in such other designated depositories as the Fund may select. Initially, at least one-half of the holdings of the Fund shall be held in the depository designated by the member in whose territories the Fund has its principal office and at least forty percent shall be held in the depositories designated by the remaining four members referred to above. However, all transfers of gold by the Fund shall be made with due regard to the costs of transport and anticipated requirements of the Fund. In an emergency the Executive Board may transfer all or any part of the Fund's gold holdings to any place where they can be adequately protected. Section 3. Guarantee of the Fund's assets Each member guarantees all assets of the Fund against loss resulting from failure or default on the part of the depository designated by it. Article XIV: Transitional Arrangements 1. Notification to the Fund 2. Exchange restrictions 3. Action of the Fund relating to restrictions Section 1. Notification to the Fund Each member shall notify the Fund whether it intends to avail itself of the transitional arrangements in Section 2 of this Article, or whether it is prepared to accept the obligations of Article VIII, Sections 2, 3, and 4. A member availing itself of the transitional arrangements shall notify the Fund as soon thereafter as it is prepared to accept these obligations. Section 2. Exchange restrictions A member that has notified the Fund that it intends to avail itself of transitional arrangements under this provision may, notwithstanding the provisions of any other articles of this Agreement, maintain and adapt to changing circumstances the restrictions on payments and transfers for current international transactions that were in effect on the date on which it became a member. Members shall, however, have continuous regard in their foreign exchange policies to the purposes of the Fund, and, as soon as conditions permit, they shall take all possible measures to develop such commercial and financial arrangements with other members as will facilitate international payments and the promotion of a stable system of exchange rates. In particular, members shall withdraw restrictions maintained under this Section as soon as they are satisfied that they will be able, in the absence of such restrictions, to settle their balance of payments in a manner which will not unduly encumber their access to the general resources of the Fund. Section 3. Action of the Fund relating to restrictions The Fund shall make annual reports on the restrictions in force under Section 2 of this Article. Any member retaining any restrictions inconsistent with Article VIII, Sections 2, 3, or 4 shall consult the Fund annually as to their further retention. The Fund may, if it deems such action necessary in exceptional circumstances, make representations to any member that conditions are favorable for the withdrawal of any particular restriction, or for the general abandonment of restrictions, inconsistent with the provisions of any other articles of this Agreement. The member shall be given a suitable time to reply to such representations. If the Fund finds that the member persists in maintaining restrictions which are inconsistent with the purposes of the Fund, the member shall be subject to Article XXVI, Section 2(a). Article XV: Special Drawing Rights 1. Authority to allocate special drawing rights 2. Valuation of the special drawing right Section 1. Authority to allocate special drawing rights (a) To meet the need, as and when it arises, for a supplement to existing reserve assets, the Fund is authorized to allocate special drawing rights in accordance with the provisions of Article XVIII to members that are participants in the Special Drawing Rights Department./li> (b) In addition, the Fund shall allocate special drawing rights to members that are participants in the Special Drawing Rights Department in accordance with the provisions of Schedule M. Section 2. Valuation of the special drawing right The method of valuation of the special drawing right shall be determined by the Fund by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, provided, however, that an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power shall be required for a change in the principle of valuation or a fundamental change in the application of the principle in effect. Article XVI: General Department and Special Drawing Rights Department 1. Separation of operations and transactions 2. Separation of assets and property 3. Recording and information Section 1. Separation of operations and transactions All operations and transactions involving special drawing rights shall be conducted through the Special Drawing Rights Department. All other operations and transactions on the account of the Fund authorized by or under this Agreement shall be conducted through the General Department. Operations and transactions pursuant to Article XVII, Section 2 shall be conducted through the General Department as well as the Special Drawing Rights Department. Section 2. Separation of assets and property All assets and property of the Fund, except resources administered under Article V, Section 2(b), shall be held in the General Department, provided that assets and property acquired under Article XX, Section 2 and Articles XXIV and XXV and Schedules H and I shall be held in the Special Drawing Rights Department. Any assets or property held in one Department shall not be available to discharge or meet the liabilities, obligations, or losses of the Fund incurred in the conduct of the operations and transactions of the other Department, except that the expenses of conducting the business of the Special Drawing Rights Department shall be paid by the Fund from the General Department which shall be reimbursed in special drawing rights from time to time by assessments under Article XX, Section 4 made on the basis of a reasonable estimate of such expenses. Section 3. Recording and information All changes in holdings of special drawing rights shall take effect only when recorded by the Fund in the Special Drawing Rights Department. Participants shall notify the Fund of the provisions of this Agreement under which special drawing rights are used. The Fund may require participants to furnish it with such other information as it deems necessary for its functions. Article XVII: Participants and Other Holders of Special Drawing Rights 2. Fund as a holder 3. Other holders Section 1. Participants Each member of the Fund that deposits with the Fund an instrument setting forth that it undertakes all the obligations of a participant in the Special Drawing Rights Department in accordance with its law and that it has taken all steps necessary to enable it to carry out all of these obligations shall become a participant in the Special Drawing Rights Department as of the date the instrument is deposited, except that no member shall become a participant before the provisions of this Agreement pertaining exclusively to the Special Drawing Rights Department have entered into force and instruments have been deposited under this Section by members that have at least seventy-five percent of the total of quotas. Section 2. Fund as a holder The Fund may hold special drawing rights in the General Resources Account and may accept and use them in operations and transactions conducted through the General Resources Account with participants in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement or with prescribed holders in accordance with the terms and conditions prescribed under Section 3 of this Article. Section 3. Other holders The Fund may prescribe: (i) as holders, non-members, members that are non-participants, institutions that perform functions of a central bank for more than one member, and other official entities; (ii) the terms and conditions on which prescribed holders may be permitted to hold special drawing rights and may accept and use them in operations and transactions with participants and other prescribed holders; and (iii) the terms and conditions on which participants and the Fund through the General Resources Account may enter into operations and transactions in special drawing rights with prescribed holders. An eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power shall be required for prescriptions under (i) above. The terms and conditions prescribed by the Fund shall be consistent with the provisions of this Agreement and the effective functioning of the Special Drawing Rights Department. Article XVIII: Allocation and Cancellation of Special Drawing Rights 1. Principles and considerations governing allocation and cancellation 2. Allocation and cancellation 3. Unexpected major developments 4. Decisions on allocations and cancellations Section 1. Principles and considerations governing allocation and cancellation (a) In all its decisions with respect to the allocation and cancellation of special drawing rights the Fund shall seek to meet the long-term global need, as and when it arises, to supplement existing reserve assets in such manner as will promote the attainment of its purposes and will avoid economic stagnation and deflation as well as excess demand and inflation in the world. (b) The first decision to allocate special drawing rights shall take into account, as special considerations, a collective judgment that there is a global need to supplement reserves, and the attainment of a better balance of payments equilibrium, as well as the likelihood of a better working of the adjustment process in the future. Section 2. Allocation and cancellation (a) Decisions of the Fund to allocate or cancel special drawing rights shall be made for basic periods which shall run consecutively and shall be five years in duration. The first basic period shall begin on the date of the first decision to allocate special drawing rights or such later date as may be specified in that decision. Any allocations or cancellations shall take place at yearly intervals. (b) The rates at which allocations are to be made shall be expressed as percentages of quotas on the date of each decision to allocate. The rates at which special drawing rights are to be cancelled shall be expressed as percentages of net cumulative allocations of special drawing rights on the date of each decision to cancel. The percentages shall be the same for all participants. (c) In its decision for any basic period the Fund may provide, notwithstanding (a) and (b) above, that: (i) the duration of the basic period shall be other than five years; or (ii) the allocations or cancellations shall take place at other than yearly intervals; or (iii) the basis for allocations or cancellations shall be the quotas or net cumulative allocations on dates other than the dates of decisions to allocate or cancel. (d) A member that becomes a participant after a basic period starts shall receive allocations beginning with the next basic period in which allocations are made after it becomes a participant unless the Fund decides that the new participant shall start to receive allocations beginning with the next allocation after it becomes a participant. If the Fund decides that a member that becomes a participant during a basic period shall receive allocations during the remainder of that basic period and the participant was not a member on the dates established under (b) or (c) above, the Fund shall determine the basis on which these allocations to the participant shall be made. (e) A participant shall receive allocations of special drawing rights made pursuant to any decision to allocate unless: (i) the Governor for the participant did not vote in favor of the decision; and (ii) the participant has notified the Fund in writing prior to the first allocation of special drawing rights under that decision that it does not wish special drawing rights to be allocated to it under the decision. On the request of a participant, the Fund may decide to terminate the effect of the notice with respect to allocations of special drawing rights subsequent to the termination. (f) If on the effective date of any cancellation the amount of special drawing rights held by a participant is less than its share of the special drawing rights that are to be cancelled, the participant shall eliminate its negative balance as promptly as its gross reserve position permits and shall remain in consultation with the Fund for this purpose. Special drawing rights acquired by the participant after the effective date of the cancellation shall be applied against its negative balance and cancelled. Section 3. Unexpected major developments The Fund may change the rates or intervals of allocation or cancellation during the rest of a basic period or change the length of a basic period or start a new basic period, if at any time the Fund finds it desirable to do so because of unexpected major developments. Section 4. Decisions on allocations and cancellations (a) Decisions under Section 2(a), (b), and (c) or Section 3 of this Article shall be made by the Board of Governors on the basis of proposals of the Managing Director concurred in by the Executive Board. (b) Before making any proposal, the Managing Director, after having satisfied himself that it will be consistent with the provisions of Section 1(a) of this Article, shall conduct such consultations as will enable him to ascertain that there is broad support among participants for the proposal. In addition, before making a proposal for the first allocation, the Managing Director shall satisfy himself that the provisions of Section 1(b) of this Article have been met and that there is broad support among participants to begin allocations; he shall make a proposal for the first allocation as soon after the establishment of the Special Drawing Rights Department as he is so satisfied. (c) The Managing Director shall make proposals: (i) not later than six months before the end of each basic period; (ii) if no decision has been taken with respect to allocation or cancellation for a basic period, whenever he is satisfied that the provisions of (b) above have been met; (iii) when, in accordance with Section 3 of this Article, he considers that it would be desirable to change the rate or intervals of allocation or cancellation or change the length of a basic period or start a new basic period; or (iv) within six months of a request by the Board of Governors or the Executive Board; provided that, if under (i), (iii), or (iv) above the Managing Director ascertains that there is no proposal which he considers to be consistent with the provisions of Section 1 of this Article that has broad support among participants in accordance with (b) above, he shall report to the Board of Governors and to the Executive Board. (d) An eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power shall be required for decisions under Section 2(a), (b), and (c) or Section 3 of this Article except for decisions under Section 3 with respect to a decrease in the rates of allocation. Article XIX: Operations and Transactions in Special Drawing Rights 1. Use of special drawing rights 2. Operations and transactions between participants 3. Requirement of need 4. Obligation to provide currency 5. Designation of participants to provide currency 6. Reconstitution 7. Exchange rates Section 1. Use of special drawing rights Special drawing rights may be used in the operations and transactions authorized by or under this Agreement. Section 2. Operations and transactions between participants (a) A participant shall be entitled to use its special drawing rights to obtain an equivalent amount of currency from a participant designated under Section 5 of this Article. (b) A participant, in agreement with another participant, may use its special drawing rights to obtain an equivalent amount of currency from the other participant. (c) The Fund, by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, may prescribe operations in which a participant is authorized to engage in agreement with another participant on such terms and conditions as the Fund deems appropriate. The terms and conditions shall be consistent with the effective functioning of the Special Drawing Rights Department and the proper use of special drawing rights in accordance with this Agreement. (d) The Fund may make representations to a participant that enters into any operation or transaction under (b) or (c) above that in the judgment of the Fund may be prejudicial to the process of designation according to the principles of Section 5 of this Article or is otherwise inconsistent with Article XXII. A participant that persists in entering into such operations or transactions shall be subject to Article XXIII, Section 2(b). Section 3. Requirement of need (a) In transactions under Section 2(a) of this Article, except as otherwise provided in (c) below, a participant will be expected to use its special drawing rights only if it has a need because of its balance of payments or its reserve position or developments in its reserves, and not for the sole purpose of changing the composition of its reserves. (b) The use of special drawing rights shall not be subject to challenge on the basis of the expectation in (a) above, but the Fund may make representations to a participant that fails to fulfill this expectation. A participant that persists in failing to fulfill this expectation shall be subject to Article XXIII, Section 2(b). (c) The Fund may waive the expectation in (a) above in any transactions in which a participant uses special drawing rights to obtain an equivalent amount of currency from a participant designated under Section 5 of this Article that would promote reconstitution by the other participant under Section 6(a) of this Article; prevent or reduce a negative balance of the other participant; or offset the effect of a failure by the other participant to fulfill the expectation in (a) above. Section 4. Obligation to provide currency (a) A participant designated by the Fund under Section 5 of this Article shall provide on demand a freely usable currency to a participant using special drawing rights under Section 2(a) of this Article. A participant's obligation to provide currency shall not extend beyond the point at which its holdings of special drawing rights in excess of its net cumulative allocation are equal to twice its net cumulative allocation or such higher limit as may be agreed between a participant and the Fund. (b) A participant may provide currency in excess of the obligatory limit or any agreed higher limit. Section 5. Designation of participants to provide currency (a) The Fund shall ensure that a participant will be able to use its special drawing rights by designating participants to provide currency for specified amounts of special drawing rights for the purposes of Sections 2(a) and 4 of this Article. Designations shall be made in accordance with the following general principles supplemented by such other principles as the Fund may adopt from time to time: (i) A participant shall be subject to designation if its balance of payments and gross reserve position is sufficiently strong, but this will not preclude the possibility that a participant with a strong reserve position will be designated even though it has a moderate balance of payments deficit. Participants shall be designated in such manner as will promote over time a balanced distribution of holdings of special drawing rights among them. (ii) Participants shall be subject to designation in order to promote reconstitution under Section 6(a) of this Article, to reduce negative balances in holdings of special drawing rights, or to offset the effect of failures to fulfill the expectation in Section 3(a) of this Article. (iii) In designating participants, the Fund normally shall give priority to those that need to acquire special drawing rights to meet the objectives of designation under (ii) above. (b) In order to promote over time a balanced distribution of holdings of special drawing rights under (a)(i) above, the Fund shall apply the rules for designation in Schedule F or such rules as may be adopted under (c) below. (c) The rules for designation may be reviewed at any time and new rules shall be adopted if necessary. Unless new rules are adopted, the rules in force at the time of the review shall continue to apply. Section 6. Reconstitution (a) Participants that use their special drawing rights shall reconstitute their holdings of them in accordance with the rules for reconstitution in Schedule G or such rules as may be adopted under (b) below. (b) The rules for reconstitution may be reviewed at any time and new rules shall be adopted if necessary. Unless new rules are adopted or a decision is made to abrogate rules for reconstitution, the rules in force at the time of review shall continue to apply. A seventy percent majority of the total voting power shall be required for decisions to adopt, modify, or abrogate the rules for reconstitution. Section 7. Exchange rates (a) Except as otherwise provided in (b) below, the exchange rates for transactions between participants under Section 2(a) and (b) of this Article shall be such that participants using special drawing rights shall receive the same value whatever currencies might be provided and whichever participants provide those currencies, and the Fund shall adopt regulations to give effect to this principle. (b) The Fund, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, may adopt policies under which in exceptional circumstances the Fund, by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, may authorize participants entering into transactions under Section 2(b) of this Article to agree on exchange rates other than those applicable under (a) above. (c) The Fund shall consult a participant on the procedure for determining rates of exchange for its currency. (d) For the purpose of this provision the term participant includes a terminating participant. Article XX: Special Drawing Rights Department Interest and Charges 3. Rate of interest and charges 4. Assessments 5. Payment of interest, charges, and assessments Section 1. Interest Interest at the same rate for all holders shall be paid by the Fund to each holder on the amount of its holdings of special drawing rights. The Fund shall pay the amount due to each holder whether or not sufficient charges are received to meet the payment of interest. Charges at the same rate for all participants shall be paid to the Fund by each participant on the amount of its net cumulative allocation of special drawing rights plus any negative balance of the participant or unpaid charges. Section 3. Rate of interest and charges The Fund shall determine the rate of interest by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power. The rate of charges shall be equal to the rate of interest. Section 4. Assessments When it is decided under Article XVI, Section 2 that reimbursement shall be made, the Fund shall levy assessments for this purpose at the same rate for all participants on their net cumulative allocations. Section 5. Payment of interest, charges, and assessments Interest, charges, and assessments shall be paid in special drawing rights. A participant that needs special drawing rights to pay any charge or assessment shall be obligated and entitled to obtain them, for currency acceptable to the Fund, in a transaction with the Fund conducted through the General Resources Account. If sufficient special drawing rights cannot be obtained in this way, the participant shall be obligated and entitled to obtain them with a freely usable currency from a participant which the Fund shall specify. Special drawing rights acquired by a participant after the date for payment shall be applied against its unpaid charges and cancelled. Article XXI: Administration of the General Department and the Special Drawing Rights Department (a) The General Department and the Special Drawing Rights Department shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of Article XII, subject to the following provisions: (i) For meetings of or decisions by the Board of Governors on matters pertaining exclusively to the Special Drawing Rights Department only requests by, or the presence and the votes of, Governors appointed by members that are participants shall be counted for the purpose of calling meetings and determining whether a quorum exists or whether a decision is made by the required majority. (ii) For decisions by the Executive Board on matters pertaining exclusively to the Special Drawing Rights Department only Executive Directors elected by at least one member that is a participant shall be entitled to vote. Each of these Executive Directors shall be entitled to cast the number of votes allotted to the members that are participants whose votes counted towards his election. Only the presence of Executive Directors elected by members that are participants and the votes allotted to members that are participants shall be counted for the purpose of determining whether a quorum exists or whether a decision is made by the required majority. (iii) Questions of the general administration of the Fund, including reimbursement under Article XVI, Section 2, and any question whether a matter pertains to both Departments or exclusively to the Special Drawing Rights Department shall be decided as if they pertained exclusively to the General Department. Decisions with respect to the method of valuation of the special drawing right, the acceptance and holding of special drawing rights in the General Resources Account of the General Department and the use of them, and other decisions affecting the operations and transactions conducted through both the General Resources Account of the General Department and the Special Drawing Rights Department shall be made by the majorities required for decisions on matters pertaining exclusively to each Department. A decision on a matter pertaining to the Special Drawing Rights Department shall so indicate. (b) In addition to the privileges and immunities that are accorded under Article IX of this Agreement, no tax of any kind shall be levied on special drawing rights or on operations or transactions in special drawing rights. (c) A question of interpretation of the provisions of this Agreement on matters pertaining exclusively to the Special Drawing Rights Department shall be submitted to the Executive Board pursuant to Article XXIX(a) only on the request of a participant. In any case where the Executive Board has given a decision on a question of interpretation pertaining exclusively to the Special Drawing Rights Department only a participant may require that the question be referred to the Board of Governors under Article XXIX(b). The Board of Governors shall decide whether a Governor appointed by a member that is not a participant shall be entitled to vote in the Committee on Interpretation on questions pertaining exclusively to the Special Drawing Rights Department. (d) Whenever a disagreement arises between the Fund and a participant that has terminated its participation in the Special Drawing Rights Department or between the Fund and any participant during the liquidation of the Special Drawing Rights Department with respect to any matter arising exclusively from participation in the Special Drawing Rights Department, the disagreement shall be submitted to arbitration in accordance with the procedures in Article XXIX(c). Article XXII: General Obligations of Participants In addition to the obligations assumed with respect to special drawing rights under other articles of this Agreement, each participant undertakes to collaborate with the Fund and with other participants in order to facilitate the effective functioning of the Special Drawing Rights Department and the proper use of special drawing rights in accordance with this Agreement and with the objective of making the special drawing right the principal reserve asset in the international monetary system. Article XXIII: Suspension of Operations and Transactions in Special Drawing Rights 1. Emergency provisions 2. Failure to fulfill obligations Section 1. Emergency provisions In the event of an emergency or the development of unforeseen circumstances threatening the activities of the Fund with respect to the Special Drawing Rights Department, the Executive Board, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, may suspend for a period of not more than one year the operation of any of the provisions relating to operations and transactions in special drawing rights, and the provisions of Article XXVII, Section l(b), (c), and (d) shall then apply. Section 2. Failure to fulfill obligations (a) If the Fund finds that a participant has failed to fulfill its obligations under Article XIX, Section 4, the right of the participant to use its special drawing rights shall be suspended unless the Fund otherwise decides. (b) If the Fund finds that a participant has failed to fulfill any other obligation with respect to special drawing rights, the Fund may suspend the right of the participant to use special drawing rights it acquires after the suspension. (c) Regulations shall be adopted to ensure that before action is taken against any participant under (a) or (b) above, the participant shall be informed immediately of the complaint against it and given an adequate opportunity for stating its case, both orally and in writing. Whenever the participant is thus informed of a complaint relating to (a) above, it shall not use special drawing rights pending the disposition of the complaint. (d) Suspension under (a) or (b) above or limitation under (c) above shall not affect a participant's obligation to provide currency in accordance with Article XIX, Section 4. (e) The Fund may at any time terminate a suspension under (a) or (b) above, provided that a suspension imposed on a participant under (b) above for failure to fulfill the obligations under Article XIX, Section 6(a) shall not be terminated until one hundred eighty days after the end of the first calendar quarter during which the participant complies with the rules for reconstitution. (f) The right of a participant to use its special drawing rights shall not be suspended because it has become ineligible to use the Fund's general resources under Article V, Section 5, Article VI, Section 1, or Article XXVI, Section 2(a). Article XXVI, Section 2 shall not apply because a participant has failed to fulfill any obligations with respect to special drawing rights. Article XXIV: Termination of Participation 1. Right to terminate participation 2. Settlement on termination 3. Interest and charges 4. Settlement of obligation to the Fund 5. Settlement of obligation to a terminating participant 6. General Resources Account transactions Section 1. Right to terminate participation (a) Any participant may terminate its participation in the Special Drawing Rights Department at any time by transmitting a notice in writing to the Fund at its principal office. Termination shall become effective on the date the notice is received. (b) A participant that withdraws from membership in the Fund shall be deemed to have simultaneously terminated its participation in the Special Drawing Rights Department. Section 2. Settlement on termination (a) When a participant terminates its participation in the Special Drawing Rights Department, all operations and transactions by the terminating participant in special drawing rights shall cease except as otherwise permitted under an agreement made pursuant to (c) below in order to facilitate a settlement or as provided in Sections 3, 5, and 6 of this Article or in Schedule H. Interest and charges that accrued to the date of termination and assessments levied before that date but not paid shall be paid in special drawing rights. (b) The Fund shall be obligated to redeem all special drawing rights held by the terminating participant, and the terminating participant shall be obligated to pay to the Fund an amount equal to its net cumulative allocation and any other amounts that may be due and payable because of its participation in the Special Drawing Rights Department. These obligations shall be set off against each other and the amount of special drawing rights held by the terminating participant that is used in the setoff to extinguish its obligation to the Fund shall be cancelled. (c) A settlement shall be made with reasonable despatch by agreement between the terminating participant and the Fund with respect to any obligation of the terminating participant or the Fund after the setoff in (b) above. If agreement on a settlement is not reached promptly the provisions of Schedule H shall apply. Section 3. Interest and charges After the date of termination the Fund shall pay interest on any outstanding balance of special drawing rights held by a terminating participant and the terminating participant shall pay charges on any outstanding obligation owed to the Fund at the times and rates prescribed under Article XX. Payment shall be made in special drawing rights. A terminating participant shall be entitled to obtain special drawing rights with a freely usable currency to pay charges or assessments in a transaction with a participant specified by the Fund or by agreement from any other holder, or to dispose of special drawing rights received as interest in a transaction with any participant designated under Article XIX, Section 5 or by agreement with any other holder. Section 4. Settlement of obligation to the Fund Currency received by the Fund from a terminating participant shall be used by the Fund to redeem special drawing rights held by participants in proportion to the amount by which each participant's holdings of special drawing rights exceed its net cumulative allocation at the time the currency is received by the Fund. Special drawing rights so redeemed and special drawing rights obtained by a terminating participant under the provisions of this Agreement to meet any installment due under an agreement on settlement or under Schedule H and set off against that installment shall be cancelled. Section 5. Settlement of obligation to a terminating participant Whenever the Fund is required to redeem special drawing rights held by a terminating participant, redemption shall be made with currency provided by participants specified by the Fund. These participants shall be specified in accordance with the principles in Article XIX, Section 5. Each specified participant shall provide at its option the currency of the terminating participant or a freely usable currency to the Fund and shall receive an equivalent amount of special drawing rights. However, a terminating participant may use its special drawing rights to obtain its own currency, a freely usable currency, or any other asset from any holder, if the Fund so permits. Section 6. General Resources Account transactions In order to facilitate settlement with a terminating participant, the Fund may decide that a terminating participant shall: (i) use any special drawing rights held by it after the setoff in Section 2(b) of this Article, when they are to be redeemed, in a transaction with the Fund conducted through the General Resources Account to obtain its own currency or a freely usable currency at the option of the Fund; or (ii) obtain special drawing rights in a transaction with the Fund conducted through the General Resources Account for a currency acceptable to the Fund to meet any charges or installment due under an agreement or the provisions of Schedule H. Article XXV: Liquidation of the Special Drawing Rights Department (a) The Special Drawing Rights Department may not be liquidated except by decision of the Board of Governors. In an emergency, if the Executive Board decides that liquidation of the Special Drawing Rights Department may be necessary, it may temporarily suspend allocations or cancellations and all operations and transactions in special drawing rights pending decision by the Board of Governors. A decision by the Board of Governors to liquidate the Fund shall be a decision to liquidate both the General Department and the Special Drawing Rights Department. (b) If the Board of Governors decides to liquidate the Special Drawing Rights Department, all allocations or cancellations and all operations and transactions in special drawing rights and the activities of the Fund with respect to the Special Drawing Rights Department shall cease except those incidental to the orderly discharge of the obligations of participants and of the Fund with respect to special drawing rights, and all obligations of the Fund and of participants under this Agreement with respect to special drawing rights shall cease except those set out in this Article, Article XX, Article XXI(d), Article XXIV, Article XXIX(c), and Schedule H, or any agreement reached under Article XXIV subject to paragraph 4 of Schedule H, and Schedule I. (c) Upon liquidation of the Special Drawing Rights Department, interest and charges that accrued to the date of liquidation and assessments levied before that date but not paid shall be paid in special drawing rights. The Fund shall be obligated to redeem all special drawing rights held by holders, and each participant shall be obligated to pay the Fund an amount equal to its net cumulative allocation of special drawing rights and such other amounts as may be due and payable because of its participation in the Special Drawing Rights Department. (d) Liquidation of the Special Drawing Rights Department shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of Schedule I. Article XXVI: Withdrawal from Membership 1. Right of members to withdraw 2. Compulsory withdrawal 3. Settlement of accounts with members withdrawing Section 1. Right of members to withdraw Any member may withdraw from the Fund at any time by transmitting a notice in writing to the Fund at its principal office. Withdrawal shall become effective on the date such notice is received. Section 2. Compulsory withdrawal (a) If a member fails to fulfill any of its obligations under this Agreement, the Fund may declare the member ineligible to use the general resources of the Fund. Nothing in this Section shall be deemed to limit the provisions of Article V, Section 5 or Article VI, Section 1. (b) If, after the expiration of a reasonable period following a declaration of ineligibility under (a) above, the member persists in its failure to fulfill any of its obligations under this Agreement, the Fund may, by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, suspend the voting rights of the member. During the period of the suspension, the provisions of Schedule L shall apply. The Fund may, by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, terminate the suspension at any time. (c) If, after the expiration of a reasonable period following a decision of suspension under (b) above, the member persists in its failure to fulfill any of its obligations under this Agreement, that member may be required to withdraw from membership in the Fund by a decision of the Board of Governors carried by a majority of the Governors having eighty-five percent of the total voting power. (d) Regulations shall be adopted to ensure that before action is taken against any member under (a), (b), or (c) above, the member shall be informed in reasonable time of the complaint against it and given an adequate opportunity for stating its case, both orally and in writing. Section 3. Settlement of accounts with members withdrawing When a member withdraws from the Fund, normal operations and transactions of the Fund in its currency shall cease and settlement of all accounts between it and the Fund shall be made with reasonable despatch by agreement between it and the Fund. If agreement is not reached promptly, the provisions of Schedule J shall apply to the settlement of accounts. Article XXVII: Emergency Provisions 1. Temporary suspension 2. Liquidation of the Fund Section 1. Temporary suspension (a) In the event of an emergency or the development of unforeseen circumstances threatening the activities of the Fund, the Executive Board, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, may suspend for a period of not more than one year the operation of any of the following provisions: (i) Article V, Sections 2, 3, 7, 8(a)(i) and (e); (ii) Article VI, Section 2; (iii) Article XI, Section 1; (iv) Schedule C, paragraph 5. (b) A suspension of the operation of a provision under (a) above may not be extended beyond one year except by the Board of Governors which, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, may extend a suspension for an additional period of not more than two years if it finds that the emergency or unforeseen circumstances referred to in (a) above continue to exist. (c) The Executive Board may, by a majority of the total voting power, terminate such suspension at any time. (d) The Fund may adopt rules with respect to the subject matter of a provision during the period in which its operation is suspended. Section 2. Liquidation of the Fund (a) The Fund may not be liquidated except by decision of the Board of Governors. In an emergency, if the Executive Board decides that liquidation of the Fund may be necessary, it may temporarily suspend all operations and transactions, pending decision by the Board of Governors. (b) If the Board of Governors decides to liquidate the Fund, the Fund shall forthwith cease to engage in any activities except those incidental to the orderly collection and liquidation of its assets and the settlement of its liabilities, and all obligations of members under this Agreement shall cease except those set out in this Article, in Article XXIX(c), in Schedule J, paragraph 7, and in Schedule K. (c) Liquidation shall be administered in accordance with the provisions of Schedule K. Article XXVIII: Amendments (a) Any proposal to introduce modifications in this Agreement, whether emanating from a member, a Governor, or the Executive Board, shall be communicated to the chairman of the Board of Governors who shall bring the proposal before the Board of Governors. If the proposed amendment is approved by the Board of Governors, the Fund shall, by circular letter or telegram, ask all members whether they accept the proposed amendment. When three-fifths of the members, having eighty-five percent of the total voting power, have accepted the proposed amendment, the Fund shall certify the fact by a formal communication addressed to all members. (b) Notwithstanding (a) above, acceptance by all members is required in the case of any amendment modifying: (i) the right to withdraw from the Fund (Article XXVI, Section 1); (ii) the provision that no change in a member's quota shall be made without its consent (Article III, Section 2(d)); and (iii) the provision that no change may be made in the par value of a member's currency except on the proposal of that member (Schedule C, paragraph 6). (c) Amendments shall enter into force for all members three months after the date of the formal communication unless a shorter period is specified in the circular letter or telegram. Article XXIX: Interpretation (a) Any question of interpretation of the provisions of this Agreement arising between any member and the Fund or between any members of the Fund shall be submitted to the Executive Board for its decision. If the question particularly affects any member, it shall be entitled to representation in accordance with Article XII, Section 3(j). (b) In any case where the Executive Board has given a decision under (a) above, any member may require, within three months from the date of the decision, that the question be referred to the Board of Governors, whose decision shall be final. Any question referred to the Board of Governors shall be considered by a Committee on Interpretation of the Board of Governors. Each Committee member shall have one vote. The Board of Governors shall establish the membership, procedures, and voting majorities of the Committee. A decision of the Committee shall be the decision of the Board of Governors unless the Board of Governors, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, decides otherwise. Pending the result of the reference to the Board of Governors the Fund may, so far as it deems necessary, act on the basis of the decision of the Executive Board. (c) Whenever a disagreement arises between the Fund and a member which has withdrawn, or between the Fund and any member during liquidation of the Fund, such disagreement shall be submitted to arbitration by a tribunal of three arbitrators, one appointed by the Fund, another by the member or withdrawing member, and an umpire who, unless the parties otherwise agree, shall be appointed by the President of the International Court of Justice or such other authority as may have been prescribed by regulation adopted by the Fund. The umpire shall have full power to settle all questions of procedure in any case where the parties are in disagreement with respect thereto. Article XXX: Explanation of Terms In interpreting the provisions of this Agreement the Fund and its members shall be guided by the following provisions: (a) The Fund's holdings of a member's currency in the General Resources Account shall include any securities accepted by the Fund under Article III, Section 4. (b) Stand-by arrangement means a decision of the Fund by which a member is assured that it will be able to make purchases from the General Resources Account in accordance with the terms of the decision during a specified period and up to a specified amount. (c) Reserve tranche purchase means a purchase by a member of special drawing rights or the currency of another member in exchange for its own currency which does not cause the Fund's holdings of the member's currency in the General Resources Account to exceed its quota, provided that for the purposes of this definition the Fund may exclude purchases and holdings under: (i) policies on the use of its general resources for compensatory financing of export fluctuations; (ii) policies on the use of its general resources in connection with the financing of contributions to international buffer stocks of primary products; and (iii) other policies on the use of its general resources in respect of which the Fund decides, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, that an exclusion shall be made. (d) Payments for current transactions means payments which are not for the purpose of transferring capital, and includes, without limitation: (1) all payments due in connection with foreign trade, other current business, including services, and normal shortterm banking and credit facilities; (2) payments due as interest on loans and as net income from other investments; (3) payments of moderate amount for amortization of loans or for depreciation of direct investments; and (4) moderate remittances for family living expenses. The Fund may, after consultation with the members concerned, determine whether certain specific transactions are to be considered current transactions or capital transactions. (e) Net cumulative allocation of special drawing rights means the total amount of special drawing rights allocated to a participant less its share of special drawing rights that have been cancelled under Article XVIII, Section 2(a). (f) A freely usable currency means a member's currency that the Fund determines (i) is, in fact, widely used to make payments for international transactions, and (ii) is widely traded in the principal exchange markets. (g) Members that were members on August 31, 1975 shall be deemed to include a member that accepted membership after that date pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Governors adopted before that date. (h) Transactions of the Fund means exchanges of monetary assets by the Fund for other monetary assets. Operations of the Fund means other uses or receipts of monetary assets by the Fund. (i) Transactions in special drawing rights means exchanges of special drawing rights for other monetary assets. Operations in special drawing rights means other uses of special drawing rights. Article XXXI: Final Provisions 1. Entry into force 2. Signature Section 1. Entry into force This Agreement shall enter into force when it has been signed on behalf of governments having sixty-five percent of the total of the quotas set forth in Schedule A and when the instruments referred to in Section 2(a) of this Article have been deposited on their behalf, but in no event shall this Agreement enter into force before May 1, 1945. Section 2. Signature (a) Each government on whose behalf this Agreement is signed shall deposit with the Government of the United States of America an instrument setting forth that it has accepted this Agreement in accordance with its law and has taken all steps necessary to enable it to carry out all of its obligations under this Agreement. (b) Each country shall become a member of the Fund as from the date of the deposit on its behalf of the instrument referred to in (a) above, except that no country shall become a member before this Agreement enters into force under Section 1 of this Article. (c) The Government of the United States of America shall inform the governments of all countries whose names are set forth in Schedule A, and the governments of all countries whose membership is approved in accordance with Article II, Section 2, of all signatures of this Agreement and of the deposit of all instruments referred to in (a) above. (d) At the time this Agreement is signed on its behalf, each government shall transmit to the Government of the United States of America one one-hundredth of one percent of its total subscription in gold or United States dollars for the purpose of meeting administrative expenses of the Fund. The Government of the United States of America shall hold such funds in a special deposit account and shall transmit them to the Board of Governors of the Fund when the initial meeting has been called. If this Agreement has not come into force by December 31, 1945, the Government of the United States of America shall return such funds to the governments that transmitted them. (e) This Agreement shall remain open for signature at Washington on behalf of the governments of the countries whose names are set forth in Schedule A until December 31, 1945. (f) After December 31, 1945, this Agreement shall be open for signature on behalf of the government of any country whose membership has been approved in accordance with Article II, Section 2. (g) By their signature of this Agreement, all governments accept it both on their own behalf and in respect of all their colonies, overseas territories, all territories under their protection, suzerainty, or authority, and all territories in respect of which they exercise a mandate. (h) Subsection (d) above shall come into force with regard to each signatory government as from the date of its signature. [The signature and depositary clause reproduced below followed the text of Article XX in the original Articles of Agreement] Done at Washington, in a single copy which shall remain deposited in the archives of the Government of the United States of America, which shall transmit certified copies to all governments whose names are set forth in Schedule A and to all governments whose membership is approved in accordance with Article II, Section 2. Schedule A: Quotas (In millions of United States dollars) Australia 200 India 400 Belgium 225 Iran 25 Bolivia 10 Iraq 8 Brazil 150 Liberia 0.5 Canada 300 Luxembourg 10 Chile 50 Mexico 90 China 550 Netherlands 275 Colombia 50 New Zealand 50 Costa Rica 5 Nicaragua 2 Cuba 50 Norway 50 Czechoslovakia 125 Panama 0.5 Denmark* * Paraguay 2 Dominican Republic 5 Peru 25 Ecuador 5 Philippine Commonwealth 15 Egypt 45 Poland 125 El Salvador 2.5 Union of South Africa 100 Ethiopia 6 Union of Soviet Socialist Republics 1200 France 450 United Kingdom 1300 Greece 40 United States 2750 Guatemala 5 Uruguay 15 Haiti 5 Venezuela 15 Honduras 2.5 Yugoslavia 60 *The quota of Denmark shall be determined by the Fund after the Danish Government has declared its readiness to sign this Agreement but before signature takes place. Schedule B: Transitional Provisions with Respect to Repurchase, Payment of Additional Subscriptions, Gold, and Certain Operational Matters 1. Repurchase obligations that have accrued pursuant to Article V, Section 7(b) before the date of the second amendment of this Agreement and that remain undischarged at that date shall be discharged not later than the date or dates at which the obligations had to be discharged in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement before the second amendment. 2. A member shall discharge with special drawing rights any obligation to pay gold to the Fund in repurchase or as a subscription that is outstanding at the date of the second amendment of this Agreement, but the Fund may prescribe that these payments may be made in whole or in part in the currencies of other members specified by the Fund. A non-participant shall discharge an obligation that must be paid in special drawing rights pursuant to this provision with the currencies of other members specified by the Fund. 3. For the purposes of 2 above 0.888 671 gram of fine gold shall be equivalent to one special drawing right, and the amount of currency payable under 2 above shall be determined on that basis and on the basis of the value of the currency in terms of the special drawing right at the date of discharge. 4. A member's currency held by the Fund in excess of seventy-five percent of the member's quota at the date of the second amendment of this Agreement and not subject to repurchase under 1 above shall be repurchased in accordance with the following rules: (i) Holdings that resulted from a purchase shall be repurchased in accordance with the policy on the use of the Fund's general resources under which the purchase was made. (ii) Other holdings shall be repurchased not later than four years after the date of the second amendment of this Agreement. 5. Repurchases under 1 above that are not subject to 2 above, repurchases under 4 above, and any specification of currencies under 2 above shall be in accordance with Article V, Section 7(i). 6. All rules and regulations, rates, procedures, and decisions in effect at the date of the second amendment of this Agreement shall remain in effect until they are changed in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement. 7. To the extent that arrangements equivalent in effect to (a) and (b) below have not been completed before the date of the second amendment of this Agreement, the Fund shall (a) sell up to 25 million ounces of fine gold held by it on August 31, 1975 to those members that were members on that date and that agree to buy it, in proportion to their quotas on that date. The sale to a member under this subparagraph (a) shall be made in exchange for its currency and at a price equivalent at the time of sale to one special drawing right per 0.888 671 gram of fine gold, and (b) sell up to 25 million ounces of fine gold held by it on August 31, 1975 for the benefit of developing members that were members on that date, provided, however, that the part of any profits or surplus value of the gold that corresponds to the proportion of such a member's quota on August 31, 1975 to the total of the quotas of all members on that date shall be transferred directly to each such member. The requirements under Article V, Section 12(c) that the Fund consult a member, obtain a member's concurrence, or exchange a member's currency for the currencies of other members in certain circumstances shall apply with respect to currency received by the Fund as a result of sales of gold under this provision, other than sales to a member in return for its own currency, and placed in the General Resources Account. Upon the sale of gold under this paragraph 7, an amount of the proceeds in the currencies received equivalent at the time of sale to one special drawing right per 0.888 671 gram of fine gold shall be placed in the General Resources Account and other assets held by the Fund under arrangements pursuant to (b) above shall be held separately from the general resources of the Fund. Assets that remain subject to disposition by the Fund upon termination of arrangements pursuant to (b) above shall be transferred to the Special Disbursement Account. Schedule C: Par Values 1. The Fund shall notify members that par values may be established for the purposes of this Agreement, in accordance with Article IV, Sections 1, 3, 4, and 5 and this Schedule, in terms of the special drawing right, or in terms of such other common denominator as is prescribed by the Fund. The common denominator shall not be gold or a currency. 2. A member that intends to establish a par value for its currency shall propose a par value to the Fund within a reasonable time after notice is given under 1 above. 3. Any member that does not intend to establish a par value for its currency under 1 above shall consult with the Fund and ensure that its exchange arrangements are consistent with the purposes of the Fund and are adequate to fulfill its obligations under Article IV, Section 1. 4. The Fund shall concur in or object to a proposed par value within a reasonable period after receipt of the proposal. A proposed par value shall not take effect for the purposes of this Agreement if the Fund objects to it, and the member shall be subject to 3 above. The Fund shall not object because of the domestic social or political policies of the member proposing the par value. 5. Each member that has a par value for its currency undertakes to apply appropriate measures consistent with this Agreement in order to ensure that the maximum and the minimum rates for spot exchange transactions taking place within its territories between its currency and the currencies of other members maintaining par values shall not differ from parity by more than four and one-half percent or by such other margin or margins as the Fund may adopt by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power. 6. A member shall not propose a change in the par value of its currency except to correct, or prevent the emergence of, a fundamental disequilibrium. A change may be made only on the proposal of the member and only after consultation with the Fund. 7. When a change is proposed, the Fund shall concur in or object to the proposed par value within a reasonable period after receipt of the proposal. The Fund shall concur if it is satisfied that the change is necessary to correct, or prevent the emergence of, a fundamental disequilibrium. The Fund shall not object because of the domestic social or political policies of the member proposing the change. A proposed change in par value shall not take effect for the purposes of this Agreement if the Fund objects to it. If a member changes the par value of its currency despite the objection of the Fund, the member shall be subject to Article XXVI, Section 2. Maintenance of an unrealistic par value by a member shall be discouraged by the Fund. 8. The par value of a member's currency established under this Agreement shall cease to exist for the purposes of this Agreement if the member informs the Fund that it intends to terminate the par value. The Fund may object to the termination of a par value by a decision taken by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power. If a member terminates a par value for its currency despite the objection of the Fund, the member shall be subject to Article XXVI, Section 2. A par value established under this Agreement shall cease to exist for the purposes of this Agreement if the member terminates the par value despite the objection of the Fund, or if the Fund finds that the member does not maintain rates for a substantial volume of exchange transactions in accordance with 5 above, provided that the Fund may not make such finding unless it has consulted the member and given it sixty days notice of the Fund's intention to consider whether to make a finding. 9. If the par value of the currency of a member has ceased to exist under 8 above, the member shall consult with the Fund and ensure that its exchange arrangements are consistent with the purposes of the Fund and are adequate to fulfill its obligations under Article IV, Section 1. 10. A member for whose currency the par value has ceased to exist under 8 above may, at any time, propose a new par value for its currency. 11. Notwithstanding 6 above, the Fund, by a seventy percent majority of the total voting power, may make uniform proportionate changes in all par values if the special drawing right is the common denominator and the changes will not affect the value of the special drawing right. The par value of a member's currency shall, however, not be changed under this provision if, within seven days after the Fund's action, the member informs the Fund that it does not wish the par value of its currency to be changed by such action. Schedule D: Council (a) Each member or group of members that has the number of votes allotted to it or them cast by an Executive Director shall appoint to the Council one Councillor, who shall be a Governor, Minister in the government of a member, or person of comparable rank, and may appoint not more than seven Associates. The Board of Governors may change, by an eighty-five percent majority of the total voting power, the number of Associates who may be appointed. A Councillor or Associate shall serve until a new appointment is made or until the next regular election of Executive Directors, whichever shall occur sooner. (b) Executive Directors, or in their absence their Alternates, and Associates shall be entitled to attend meetings of the Council, unless the Council decides to hold a restricted session. Each member and each group of members that appoints a Councillor shall appoint an Alternate who shall be entitled to attend a meeting of the Council when the Councillor is not present, and shall have full power to act for the Councillor. (a) The Council shall supervise the management and adaptation of the international monetary system, including the continuing operation of the adjustment process and developments in global liquidity, and in this connection shall review developments in the transfer of real resources to developing countries. (b) The Council shall consider proposals pursuant to Article XXVIII(a) to amend the Articles of Agreement. (a) The Board of Governors may delegate to the Council authority to exercise any powers of the Board of Governors except the powers conferred directly by this Agreement on the Board of Governors. (b) Each Councillor shall be entitled to cast the number of votes allotted under Article XII, Section 5 to the member or group of members appointing him. A Councillor appointed by a group of members may cast separately the votes allotted to each member in the group. If the number of votes allotted to a member cannot be cast by an Executive Director, the member may make arrangements with a Councillor for casting the number of votes allotted to the member. (c) The Council shall not take any action pursuant to powers delegated by the Board of Governors that is inconsistent with any action taken by the Board of Governors and the Executive Board shall not take any action pursuant to powers delegated by the Board of Governors that is inconsistent with any action taken by either the Board of Governors or the Council. 4. The Council shall select a Councillor as chairman, shall adopt regulations as may be necessary or appropriate to perform its functions, and shall determine any aspect of its procedure. The Council shall hold such meetings as may be provided for by the Council or called by the Executive Board. (a) The Council shall have powers corresponding to those of the Executive Board under the following provisions: Article XII, Section 2(c), (f), (g), and (j); Article XVIII, Section 4(a) and Section 4(c)(iv); Article XXIII, Section 1; and Article XXVII, Section l(a). (b) For decisions by the Council on matters pertaining exclusively to the Special Drawing Rights Department only Councillors appointed by a member that is a participant or a group of members at least one member of which is a participant shall be entitled to vote. Each of these Councillors shall be entitled to cast the number of votes allotted to the member which is a participant that appointed him or to the members that are participants in the group of members that appointed him, and may cast the votes allotted to a participant with which arrangements have been made pursuant to the last sentence of 3(b) above. (c) The Council may by regulation establish a procedure whereby the Executive Board may obtain a vote of the Councillors on a specific question without a meeting of the Council when in the judgment of the Executive Board an action must be taken by the Council which should not be postponed until the next meeting of the Council and which does not warrant the calling of a special meeting. (d) Article IX, Section 8 shall apply to Councillors, their Alternates, and Associates, and to any other person entitled to attend a meeting of the Council. (e) When an Executive Director is entitled to cast the number of votes allotted to a member pursuant to Article XII, Section 3(i)(iii), the Councillor appointed by the group whose members elected such Executive Director shall be entitled to vote and cast the number of votes allotted to such member. The member shall be deemed to have participated in the appointment of the Councillor entitled to vote and cast the number of votes allotted to the member. 6. The first sentence of Article XII, Section 2(a) shall be deemed to include a reference to the Council. Schedule E: Transitional Provisions with Respect to Executive Directors 1. Upon the entry into force of this Schedule: (a) Each Executive Director who was appointed pursuant to former Article XII, Sections 3(b)(i) or 3(c), and was in office immediately prior to the entry into force of this Schedule, shall be deemed to have been elected by the member who appointed him; and (b) Each Executive Director who cast the number of votes of a member pursuant to former Article XII, Section 3(i)(ii) immediately prior to the entry into force of this Schedule, shall be deemed to have been elected by such a member. Schedule F: Designation During the first basic period the rules for designation shall be as follows: (a) Participants subject to designation under Article XIX, Section 5(a)(i) shall be designated for such amounts as will promote over time equality in the ratios of the participants' holdings of special drawing rights in excess of their net cumulative allocations to their official holdings of gold and foreign exchange. (b) The formula to give effect to (a) above shall be such that participants subject to designation shall be designated: (i) in proportion to their official holdings of gold and foreign exchange when the ratios described in (a) above are equal; and (ii) in such manner as gradually to reduce the difference between the ratios described in (a) above that are low and the ratios that are high. Schedule G: Reconstitution 1. During the first basic period the rules for reconstitution shall be as follows: (i) A participant shall so use and reconstitute its holdings of special drawing rights that, five years after the first allocation and at the end of each calendar quarter thereafter, the average of its total daily holdings of special drawing rights over the most recent five-year period will be not less than thirty percent of the average of its daily net cumulative allocation of special drawing rights over the same period. (ii) Two years after the first allocation and at the end of each calendar month thereafter the Fund shall make calculations for each participant so as to ascertain whether and to what extent the participant would need to acquire special drawing rights between the date of the calculation and the end of any five-year period in order to comply with the requirement in (a)(i) above. The Fund shall adopt regulations with respect to the bases on which these calculations shall be made and with respect to the timing of the designation of participants under Article XIX, Section 5(a)(ii), in order to assist them to comply with the requirement in (a)(i) above. (iii) The Fund shall give special notice to a participant when the calculations under (a)(ii) above indicate that it is unlikely that the participant will be able to comply with the requirement in (a)(i) above unless it ceases to use special drawing rights for the rest of the period for which the calculation was made under (a)(ii) above. (iv) A participant that needs to acquire special drawing rights to fulfill this obligation shall be obligated and entitled to obtain them, for currency acceptable to the Fund, in a transaction with the Fund conducted through the General Resources Account. If sufficient special drawing rights to fulfill this obligation cannot be obtained in this way, the participant shall be obligated and entitled to obtain them with a freely usable currency from a participant which the Fund shall specify. (b) Participants shall also pay due regard to the desirability of pursuing over time a balanced relationship between their holdings of special drawing rights and their other reserves. 2. If a participant fails to comply with the rules for reconstitution, the Fund shall determine whether or not the circumstances justify suspension under Article XXIII, Section 2(b). Schedule H: Termination of Participation 1. If the obligation remaining after the setoff under Article XXIV, Section 2(b) is to the terminating participant and agreement on settlement between the Fund and the terminating participant is not reached within six months of the date of termination, the Fund shall redeem this balance of special drawing rights in equal half-yearly installments within a maximum of five years of the date of termination. The Fund shall redeem this balance as it may determine, either (a) by the payment to the terminating participant of the amounts provided by the remaining participants to the Fund in accordance with Article XXIV, Section 5, or (b) by permitting the terminating participant to use its special drawing rights to obtain its own currency or a freely usable currency from a participant specified by the Fund, the General Resources Account, or any other holder. 2. If the obligation remaining after the setoff under Article XXIV, Section 2(b) is to the Fund and agreement on settlement is not reached within six months of the date of termination, the terminating participant shall discharge this obligation in equal half-yearly installments within three years of the date of termination or within such longer period as may be fixed by the Fund. The terminating participant shall discharge this obligation, as the Fund may determine, either (a) by the payment to the Fund of a freely usable currency, or (b) by obtaining special drawing rights, in accordance with Article XXIV, Section 6, from the General Resources Account or in agreement with a participant specified by the Fund or from any other holder, and the setoff of these special drawing rights against the installment due. 3. Installments under either 1 or 2 above shall fall due six months after the date of termination and at intervals of six months thereafter. 4. In the event of the Special Drawing Rights Department going into liquidation under Article XXV within six months of the date a participant terminates its participation, the settlement between the Fund and that government shall be made in accordance with Article XXV and Schedule I. Schedule I: Administration of Liquidation of the Special Drawing Rights Department 1. In the event of liquidation of the Special Drawing Rights Department, participants shall discharge their obligations to the Fund in ten half-yearly installments, or in such longer period as the Fund may decide is needed, in a freely usable currency and the currencies of participants holding special drawing rights to be redeemed in any installment to the extent of such redemption, as determined by the Fund. The first half-yearly payment shall be made six months after the decision to liquidate the Special Drawing Rights Department. 2. If it is decided to liquidate the Fund within six months of the date of the decision to liquidate the Special Drawing Rights Department, the liquidation of the Special Drawing Rights Department shall not proceed until special drawing rights held in the General Resources Account have been distributed in accordance with the following rule: After the distributions made under 2(a) and (b) of Schedule K, the Fund shall apportion its special drawing rights held in the General Resources Account among all members that are participants in proportion to the amounts due to each participant after the distribution under 2(b). To determine the amount due to each member for the purpose of apportioning the remainder of its holdings of each currency under 2(d) of Schedule K, the Fund shall deduct the distribution of special drawing rights made under this rule. 3. With the amounts received under 1 above, the Fund shall redeem special drawing rights held by holders in the following manner and order: (a) Special drawing rights held by governments that have terminated their participation more than six months before the date the Board of Governors decides to liquidate the Special Drawing Rights Department shall be redeemed in accordance with the terms of any agreement under Article XXIV or Schedule H. (b) Special drawing rights held by holders that are not participants shall be redeemed before those held by participants, and shall be redeemed in proportion to the amount held by each holder. (c) The Fund shall determine the proportion of special drawing rights held by each participant in relation to its net cumulative allocation. The Fund shall first redeem special drawing rights from the participants with the highest proportion until this proportion is reduced to that of the second highest proportion; the Fund shall then redeem the special drawing rights held by these participants in accordance with their net cumulative allocations until the proportions are reduced to that of the third highest proportion; and this process shall be continued until the amount available for redemption is exhausted. 4. Any amount that a participant will be entitled to receive in redemption under 3 above shall be set off against any amount to be paid under 1 above. 5. During liquidation the Fund shall pay interest on the amount of special drawing rights held by holders, and each participant shall pay charges on the net cumulative allocation of special drawing rights to it less the amount of any payments made in accordance with 1 above. The rates of interest and charges and the time of payment shall be determined by the Fund. Payments of interest and charges shall be made in special drawing rights to the extent possible. A participant that does not hold sufficient special drawing rights to meet any charges shall make the payment with a currency specified by the Fund. Special drawing rights received as charges in amounts needed for administrative expenses shall not be used for the payment of interest, but shall be transferred to the Fund and shall be redeemed first and with the currencies used by the Fund to meet its expenses. 6. While a participant is in default with respect to any payment required by 1 or 5 above, no amounts shall be paid to it in accordance with 3 or 5 above. 7. If after the final payments have been made to participants each participant not in default does not hold special drawing rights in the same proportion to its net cumulative allocation, those participants holding a lower proportion shall purchase from those holding a higher proportion such amounts in accordance with arrangements made by the Fund as will make the proportion of their holdings of special drawing rights the same. Each participant in default shall pay to the Fund its own currency in an amount equal to its default. The Fund shall apportion this currency and residual claims among participants in proportion to the amount of special drawing rights held by each and these special drawing rights shall be cancelled. The Fund shall then close the books of the Special Drawing Rights Department and all of the Fund's liabilities arising from the allocations of special drawing rights and the administration of the Special Drawing Rights Department shall cease. 8. Each participant whose currency is distributed to other participants under this Schedule guarantees the unrestricted use of such currency at all times for the purchase of goods or for payments of sums due to it or to persons in its territories. Each participant so obligated agrees to compensate other participants for any loss resulting from the difference between the value at which the Fund distributed its currency under this Schedule and the value realized by such participants on disposal of its currency. Schedule J: Settlement of Accounts with Members Withdrawing 1. The settlement of accounts with respect to the General Resources Account shall be made according to 1 to 6 of this Schedule. The Fund shall be obligated to pay to a member withdrawing an amount equal to its quota, plus any other amounts due to it from the Fund, less any amounts due to the Fund, including charges accruing after the date of its withdrawal; but no payment shall be made until six months after the date of withdrawal. Payments shall be made in the currency of the withdrawing member, and for this purpose the Fund may transfer to the General Resources Account holdings of the member's currency in the Special Disbursement Account or in the Investment Account in exchange for an equivalent amount of the currencies of other members in the General Resources Account selected by the Fund with their concurrence. 2. If the Fund's holdings of the currency of the withdrawing member are not sufficient to pay the net amount due from the Fund, the balance shall be paid in a freely usable currency, or in such other manner as may be agreed. If the Fund and the withdrawing member do not reach agreement within six months of the date of withdrawal, the currency in question held by the Fund shall be paid forthwith to the withdrawing member. Any balance due shall be paid in ten halfyearly installments during the ensuing five years. Each such installment shall be paid, at the option of the Fund, either in the currency of the withdrawing member acquired after its withdrawal or in a freely usable currency. 3. If the Fund fails to meet any installment which is due in accordance with the preceding paragraphs, the withdrawing member shall be entitled to require the Fund to pay the installment in any currency held by the Fund with the exception of any currency which has been declared scarce under Article VII, Section 3. 4. If the Fund's holdings of the currency of a withdrawing member exceed the amount due to it, and if agreement on the method of settling accounts is not reached within six months of the date of withdrawal, the former member shall be obligated to redeem such excess currency in a freely usable currency. Redemption shall be made at the rates at which the Fund would sell such currencies at the time of withdrawal from the Fund. The withdrawing member shall complete redemption within five years of the date of withdrawal, or within such longer period as may be fixed by the Fund, but shall not be required to redeem in any half-yearly period more than one-tenth of the Fund's excess holdings of its currency at the date of withdrawal plus further acquisitions of the currency during such half-yearly period. If the withdrawing member does not fulfill this obligation, the Fund may in an orderly manner liquidate in any market the amount of currency which should have been redeemed. 5. Any member desiring to obtain the currency of a member which has withdrawn shall acquire it by purchase from the Fund, to the extent that such member has access to the general resources of the Fund and that such currency is available under 4 above. 6. The withdrawing member guarantees the unrestricted use at all times of the currency disposed of under 4 and 5 above for the purchase of goods or for payment of sums due to it or to persons within its territories. It shall compensate the Fund for any loss resulting from the difference between the value of its currency in terms of the special drawing right on the date of withdrawal and the value realized in terms of the special drawing right by the Fund on disposal under 4 and 5 above. 7. If the withdrawing member is indebted to the Fund as the result of transactions conducted through the Special Disbursement Account under Article V, Section 12(f)(ii), the indebtedness shall be discharged in accordance with the terms of the indebtedness. 8. If the Fund holds the withdrawing member's currency in the Special Disbursement Account or in the Investment Account, the Fund may in an orderly manner exchange in any market for the currencies of members the amount of the currency of the withdrawing member remaining in each account after use under 1 above, and the proceeds of the exchange of the amount in each account shall be kept in that account. Paragraph 5 above and the first sentence of 6 above shall apply to the withdrawing member's currency. 9. If the Fund holds obligations of the withdrawing member in the Special Disbursement Account pursuant to Article V, Section 12(h), or in the Investment Account, the Fund may hold them until the date of maturity or dispose of them sooner. Paragraph 8 above shall apply to the proceeds of such disinvestment. 10. In the event of the Fund going into liquidation under Article XXVII, Section 2 within six months of the date on which the member withdraws, the accounts between the Fund and that government shall be settled in accordance with Article XXVII, Section 2 and Schedule K. Schedule K: Administration of Liquidation 1. In the event of liquidation the liabilities of the Fund other than the repayment of subscriptions shall have priority in the distribution of the assets of the Fund. In meeting each such liability the Fund shall use its assets in the following order: (a) the currency in which the liability is payable; (b) gold; (c) all other currencies in proportion, so far as may be practicable, to the quotas of the members. 2. After the discharge of the Fund's liabilities in accordance with 1 above, the balance of the Fund's assets shall be distributed and apportioned as follows: (i) The Fund shall calculate the value of gold held on August 31, 1975 that it continues to hold on the date of the decision to liquidate. The calculation shall be made in accordance with 9 below and also on the basis of one special drawing right per 0.888 671 gram of fine gold on the date of liquidation. Gold equivalent to the excess of the former value over the latter shall be distributed to those members that were members on August 31, 1975 in proportion to their quotas on that date. (ii) The Fund shall distribute any assets held in the Special Disbursement Account on the date of the decision to liquidate to those members that were members on August 31, 1975 in proportion to their quotas on that date. Each type of asset shall be distributed proportionately to members. (b) The Fund shall distribute its remaining holdings of gold among the members whose currencies are held by the Fund in amounts less than their quotas in the proportions, but not in excess of, the amounts by which their quotas exceed the Fund's holdings of their currencies. (c) The Fund shall distribute to each member one-half the Fund's holdings of its currency but such distribution shall not exceed fifty percent of its quota. (d) The Fund shall apportion the remainder of its holdings of gold and each currency (i) among all members in proportion to, but not in excess of, the amounts due to each member after the distributions under (b) and (c) above, provided that distribution under 2(a) above shall not be taken into account for determining the amounts due, and (ii) any excess holdings of gold and currency among all the members in proportion to their quotas. 3. Each member shall redeem the holdings of its currency apportioned to other members under 2(d) above, and shall agree with the Fund within three months after a decision to liquidate upon an orderly procedure for such redemption. 4. If a member has not reached agreement with the Fund within the three-month period referred to in 3 above, the Fund shall use the currencies of other members apportioned to that member under 2(d) above to redeem the currency of that member apportioned to other members. Each currency apportioned to a member which has not reached agreement shall be used, so far as possible, to redeem its currency apportioned to the members which have made agreements with the Fund under 3 above. 5. If a member has reached agreement with the Fund in accordance with 3 above, the Fund shall use the currencies of other members apportioned to that member under 2(d) above to redeem the currency of that member apportioned to other members which have made agreements with the Fund under 3 above. Each amount so redeemed shall be redeemed in the currency of the member to which it was apportioned. 6. After carrying out the steps in the preceding paragraphs, the Fund shall pay to each member the remaining currencies held for its account. 7. Each member whose currency has been distributed to other members under 6 above shall redeem such currency in the currency of the member requesting redemption, or in such other manner as may be agreed between them. If the members involved do not otherwise agree, the member obligated to redeem shall complete redemption within five years of the date of distribution, but shall not be required to redeem in any half-yearly period more than one-tenth of the amount distributed to each other member. If the member does not fulfill this obligation, the amount of currency which should have been redeemed may be liquidated in an orderly manner in any market. 8. Each member whose currency has been distributed to other members under 6 above guarantees the unrestricted use of such currency at all times for the purchase of goods or for payment of sums due to it or to persons in its territories. Each member so obligated agrees to compensate other members for any loss resulting from the difference between the value of its currency in terms of the special drawing right on the date of the decision to liquidate the Fund and the value in terms of the special drawing right realized by such members on disposal of its currency. 9. The Fund shall determine the value of gold under this Schedule on the basis of prices in the market. 10. For the purposes of this Schedule, quotas shall be deemed to have been increased to the full extent to which they could have been increased in accordance with Article III, Section 2(b) of this Agreement. Schedule L: Suspension of Voting Rights In the case of a suspension of voting rights of a member under Article XXVI, Section 2(b), the following provisions shall apply: 1. The member shall not: (a) participate in the adoption of a proposed amendment of this Agreement, or be counted in the total number of members for that purpose, except in the case of an amendment requiring acceptance by all members under Article XXVIII(b) or pertaining exclusively to the Special Drawing Rights Department; (b) appoint a Governor or Alternate Governor, appoint or participate in the appointment of a Councillor or Alternate Councillor, or elect or participate in the election of an Executive Director. 2. The number of votes allotted to the member shall not be cast in any organ of the Fund. They shall not be included in the calculation of the total voting power, except for purposes of: (a) the acceptance of a proposed amendment pertaining exclusively to the Special Drawing Rights Department and (b) the calculation of basic votes pursuant to Article XII, Section 5(a)(i). (a) The Governor and Alternate Governor appointed by the member shall cease to hold office. (b) The Councillor and Alternate Councillor appointed by the member, or in whose appointment the member has participated, shall cease to hold office, provided that, if such Councillor was entitled to cast the number of votes allotted to other members whose voting rights have not been suspended, another Councillor and Alternate Councillor shall be appointed by such other members under Schedule D, and, pending such appointment, the Councillor and Alternate Councillor shall continue to hold office, but for a maximum of thirty days from the date of suspension. (c) The Executive Director elected by the member, or in whose election the member has participated, shall cease to hold office, unless such Executive Director was entitled to cast the number of votes allotted to other members whose voting rights have not been suspended. In the latter case: (i) if more than ninety days remain before the next regular election of Executive Directors, another Executive Director shall be elected for the remainder of the term by such other members by a majority of the votes cast; pending such election, the Executive Director shall continue to hold office, but for a maximum of thirty days from the date of suspension; (ii) if not more than ninety days remain before the next regular election of Executive Directors, the Executive Director shall continue to hold office for the remainder of the term. 4. The member shall be entitled to send a representative to attend any meeting of the Board of Governors, the Council, or the Executive Board, but not any meeting of their committees, when a request made by, or a matter particularly affecting, the member is under consideration. Schedule M: Special One-Time Allocation of Special Drawing Rights 1. Subject to 4 below, each member that, as of September 19, 1997, is a participant in the Special Drawing Rights Department shall, on the 30th day following the effective date of the fourth amendment of this Agreement, receive an allocation of special drawing rights in an amount that will result in its net cumulative allocation of special drawing rights being equal to 29.315788813 percent of its quota as of September 19, 1997, provided that, for participants whose quotas have not been adjusted as proposed in Resolution No. 45-2 of the Board of Governors, calculations shall be made on the basis of the quotas proposed in that resolution. (a) Subject to 4 below, each country that becomes a participant in the Special Drawing Rights Department after September 19, 1997 but within three months of the date of its membership in the Fund shall receive an allocation of special drawing rights in an amount calculated in accordance with (b) and (c) below on the 30th day following the later of: (i) the date on which the new member becomes a participant in the Special Drawing Rights Department, or (ii) the effective date of the fourth amendment of this Agreement. (b) For the purposes of (a) above, each participant shall receive an amount of special drawing rights that will result in such participant's net cumulative allocation being equal to 29.315788813 percent of its quota as of the date on which the member becomes a participant in the Special Drawing Rights Department, as adjusted: (i) first, by multiplying 29.315788813 percent by the ratio of the total of quotas, as calculated under 1 above, of the participants described in (c) below to the total of quotas of such participants as of the date on which the member became a participant in the Special Drawing Rights Department, and (ii) second, by multiplying the product of (i) above by the ratio of the total of the sum of the net cumulative allocations of special drawing rights received under Article XVIII of the participants described in (c) below as of the date on which the member became a participant in the Special Drawing Rights Department and the allocations received by such participants under 1 above to the total of the sum of the net cumulative allocations of special drawing rights received under Article XVIII of such participants as of September 19, 1997 and the allocations received by such participants under 1 above. (c) For the purposes of the adjustments to be made under (b) above, the participants in the Special Drawing Rights Department shall be members that are participants as of September 19, 1997 and (i) continue to be participants in the Special Drawing Rights Department as of the date on which the member became a participant in the Special Drawing Rights Department, and (ii) have received all allocations made by the Fund after September 19, 1997. (a) Subject to 4 below, if the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro) succeeds to the membership in the Fund and the participation in the Special Drawing Rights Department of the former Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia in accordance with the terms and conditions of Executive Board Decision No. 10237-(92/150), adopted December 14, 1992, it shall receive an allocation of special drawing rights in an amount calculated in accordance with (b) below on the 30th day following the later of: (i) the date on which the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro) succeeds to membership in the Fund and participation in the Special Drawing Rights Department in accordance with the terms and conditions of Executive Board Decision No. 10237-(92/150), or (ii) the effective date of the fourth amendment of this Agreement. (b) For the purposes of (a) above, the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro) shall receive an amount of special drawing rights that will result in its net cumulative allocation being equal to 29.315788813 percent of the quota proposed to it under paragraph 3(c) of Executive Board Decision No. 10237-(92/150), as adjusted in accordance with 2(b)(ii) and (c) above as of the date on which the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro) qualifies for an allocation under (a) above. 4. The Fund shall not allocate special drawing rights under this Schedule to those participants that have notified the Fund in writing prior to the date of the allocation of their desire not to receive the allocation. (a) If, at the time an allocation is made to a participant under 1, 2, or 3 above, the participant has overdue obligations to the Fund, the special drawing rights so allocated shall be deposited and held in an escrow account within the Special Drawing Rights Department and shall be released to the participant upon discharge of all its overdue obligations to the Fund. (b) Special drawing rights being held in an escrow account shall not be available for any use and shall not be included in any calculations of allocations or holdings of special drawing rights for the purposes of the Articles, except for calculations under this Schedule. If special drawing rights allocated to a participant are held in an escrow account when the participant terminates its participation in the Special Drawing Rights Department or when it is decided to liquidate the Special Drawing Rights Department, such special drawing rights shall be canceled. (c) For purposes of this paragraph, overdue obligations to the Fund consist of overdue repurchases and charges in the General Resources Account, overdue principal and interest on loans in the Special Disbursement Account, overdue charges and assessments in the Special Drawing Rights Department, and overdue liabilities to the Fund as trustee. (d) Except for the provisions of this paragraph, the principle of separation between the General Department and the Special Drawing Rights Department and the unconditional character of special drawing rights as reserve assets shall be maintained. Adobe acrobat version only	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8591
__label__wiki	0.827148	0.827148	Pulsating Punjab Birthplace of the Green Revolution and the country's most prosperous state for decades, Punjab faced years of stagnation because of internal strife. How can the state lead the nation again? Ajit Kumar Jha New Delhi February 9, 2019 ISSUE DATE: February 18, 2019 UPDATED: February 9, 2019 16:31 IST Baisakhi celebrations. Credit: Ravinder Ranuguwal Etymologically derived from the Persian words Punj’, meaning five, and Ab’, meaning river, the land of five rivers has always had an iconic status in the history of the country. It was the cradle of one of the world’s oldest civilisations, the Indus Valley Civilisation, and had an illustrious lineage of Sikh rulers who left behind a rich religious and cultural legacy. The state also has a literary tradition dating back to the 12th century AD. It commenced with the spiritual hymns of Baba Farid, later compiled into the Adi Granth by Guru Arjan Dev in 1604. Medieval Punjabi literature reached its zenith with the mystic poetry of Guru Nanak, while Punjabi Sufi verse flourished under Shah Hussain and Bulle Shah. Punjab also bred the romantic tragedy genre of the Qissa, the most famous of them being Waris Shah’s Heer Ranjha. Graphics by Tanmoy Chakraborty Punjab has also produced some of the best sportspersons, businessmen, film stars and singers in the country. Bhangra, of course, remains its gift to the world. The Punjabi spirit of industry and entrepreneurship is legendary, with its diaspora becoming the stuff of success stories wherever they’ve gone. At the same time, Punjab has also had its share of challenges. A vast fertile land that served as the northwestern frontier of the Indian subcontinent, the state has borne the brunt of invasions throughout history. It was brutally partitioned, amidst violence and lawlessness, in 1947, the western half of the province going to Pakistan, the eastern half remaining with India. The further division of the state in 1966, with Haryana and Himachal being carved out of it, did increase the autonomy of the Sikhs as a religious and linguistic minority, but weakened their position in the larger national political scheme of things. Haryana became the bellwether for political competition across the Hindi-speaking belt of the north rather than a sub-region of Punjab, competing for resources and control within the larger state. Punjab saw more upheaval in the 1980s, with the rise of the Khalistan movement, Operation Blue Star, the assassination of Indira Gandhi and the gruesome anti-Sikh riots that followed, and a sustained period of militancy. It has been politically stable in the past few decades, but its economy is yet to recover from the setbacks of the militancy years, and the resultant unemployment and social unrest have exacerbated a drug problem among its youth. What Ails Punjab? From being the fastest growing state of the country between 1966 and 1980, Punjab had slid to the mid ranks by the turn of the century. While other states surged ahead when Manmohan Singh ushered in economic liberalisation in 1991, Punjab started showing the results of the long years of militancy. And so the erstwhile leader of the Green Revolution (1966-1989) saw its agricultural output growth rates fall by half between 1970 and 2010from 5 per cent per annum to about 2.5 per cent. Industrial growth grew marginally from less than 7 per cent to 8 per cent in the same period. The industrial policy resolution the state had laid down in 1978 was completely sidelined by the challenges of insurgency, condemning its economy to remain dependent on agriculture. Nor did the agricultural boom translate into industrial investment. In 1980, Punjab had a 15 per cent investment-to-GDP ratio, the same as for all of India. But by 2010, while the all-India ratio reached 38 per cent, Punjab stayed where it was. From 1990 onwards, the state also started sinking in a sea of debt, something that plagues it to this day. According to the Economic Survey 2016-17, Punjab’s estimated debt of Rs 1,12,366 crore in 2014-15 increased to a provisional Rs 1,29,441 crore by 2015-16 and to Rs 1,38,166 crore as per the 2016-17 budget estimates. Weak institutional arrangements, a dysfunctional fiscal policy and a rising debt burden have continued to characterise the state, say economists Nirvikar Singh of the University of California, Santa Cruz, and Lakhwinder Singh of the University of Patiala. Punjab’s growth has been trailing 11 other states since 2005. But there’s hope yet. Even through all the years of crisis, the state’s GDP has grown by more than 5 per cent per annum decade after decade, barring the slowdown in the 1990s. With 100 per cent irrigation, excellent infrastructure and an industrious and innovative population, the state can still turn its fortunes around and regain its past glory. State of the State Analysis With a firm belief that the country’s future lies in its states and Union territories, india today started its State of the States survey in 2003 to assess the performance of states. The State of the State was the next logical step. Our survey helps states identify their strengths and weaknesses by analysing the performance of each district over a period of time and across categories. In the case of Punjab, all its 22 districts were grouped under three divisions: Majha, Doaba and Malwa. Ruled by separate rulers in the past and their inhabitants speaking different dialects of Punjabi, the regions have different cultures and economies. Sandwiched between the Sutlej and Beas, people in the Doaba region are called Doabias and speak a dialect called Doabi. It is the NRI hub of Punjab, given the large Punjabi diaspora in the UK, US, Canada, Europe, West Asia and Southeast Asia. Majha, meaning the centre’, lies between the Beas and Ravi rivers and lies to the north of the state. Its people speak a dialect called the Majhi. With Amritsar and the Golden Temple situated in the region, it is the hub of religious tourism in the state. Malwa, the southern region, is the largest, occupying 60 per cent of the area of the state (Doaba is 20 per cent and Majha 18) and also the richest. A district-wise analysis of these three regions by our survey has identified the problems in the various sectorsprimarily agriculture, industry & services and education. By recognising these problems and implementing the suggestions to overcome them, Punjab can once again get back on the trajectory of high growth. Here is an overview of the problems endemic to each sector and how they can be rectified. Agriculture: The Price of Too Much Success Its network of sophisticated canal irrigation since colonial times and history of agricultural success led the Indian government to select the state for its new High Yielding Variety (HYV) of wheat seeds, which Punjab’s wheat and rice farmers use till date. From less than half the farmland at Independence, irrigation covered 98 per cent of Punjab by 2010, the highest in the country. Chemical fertiliser use per acre has increased six-fold in the five decades since the Green Revolution; cropping intensity has gone up from 125 per cent in the 1960s to almost 200 per cent today. The share of wheat and rice has grown from half the cropped area to more than three-quarters while yields have more than doubled since the 1970s. By 2000, Punjab’s share in India’s procured wheat and rice was more than half; in 2015-16, it contributed 36.8 per cent of wheat and 27.3 per cent of rice to the central pool. With less than 1.5 per cent of India’s land area, Punjab has long served as India’s granary, ensuring the country’s food security and providing a major impetus to India’s subsequent rapid growth. With help from the central government, Punjab developed a physical and institutional infrastructure that supported private players in realising the full potential of their investments in agriculture. Modern production methods, use of tractors and HYV seeds, supported by effective research and assured markets, allowed the agricultural sector to thrive and prosper. The substantial employment opportunities generated attracted large-scale migration of labourers from the eastern states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to Punjab while the Punjabis outmigrated to Europe, Canada, Australia and the US. Complementary economic activities, such as an agricultural machinery industry, transport and services, also started flourishing. But the massive fuel and other subsidies to wheat and rice also distorted crop choices, making paddy more profitable, and thwarting government efforts to diversify crops. Also, the crop diversification policy, as agricultural economist Sukhpal Singh from IIM Ahmedabad points out, directly and indirectly, [extended] support for farmers with large-sized holdings, but failed to provide recommendations for the crisis-ridden small peasantry of Punjab. The result was agrarian distress, characterised by farmer and agricultural labourer suicides. The share of agriculture in Punjab’s GVA (gross value added), which stood at 31 per cent in 2011-12, has now come down to 26 per cent even as cropping intensity and irrigation potential have been exhausted. Growth in agricultural productivity has also reached saturation point, with very few R&D advances in recent years. What is worse, the depletion of soil, the rapid sinking of the water table, the deteriorating quality of water and environmental degradation have begun to pose an ecological challenge. In a study published in the Arabian Journal of Geosciences in 2018, 76 samples from all 16 districts of Malwa, examined on two international parameters that assess the quality of water for irrigation and drinking purposesthe Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and the Sodium Absorption Ratio (SAR)found the groundwater unsuitable for use. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, sodium, nitrate and fluorine in the water were higher than the permissible limits, leading the researchers to conclude that 80.3 per cent of the water in Malwa was unsuitable for drinking while 70 per cent of it was unfit even for irrigation. And continuous use of low-quality water only reduces the fertility of the soil in the long run. Nirvikar Singh suggests an alternative strategy for developing community-based solutions and farmer cooperative companies for sustainability of the diversification of Punjab agriculture, based on the success stories of farmer companies thriving in other states. He suggests several alternative solutions such as contract farming and environmentally safe crops, but all this will need innovative new institutional arrangements, which the state government may have to provide. Industry & Services: Destiny’s Stepchildren Punjab, a top destination for businesses at one point, eventually lost that slot to Gujarat, Haryana and Maharashtra. Economic liberalisation also changed the character of many of Punjab’s leaders from statesmen-politicians to businessmen-politicians. The state’s political leadership used populist measures to gain political legitimacy on the one hand, and used state power to promote their business interests on the other, via easy government contracts in rent-thick sectors. It led to a neglect of industry and also, as Nirvikar Singh points out, the services sector. The sheltering of the agricultural sector, he says, lulled the economy into a kind of complacency which robbed it of the incentives to develop the services sector where the rest of India has had huge successes. Finally waking up to this reality, the state has in recent years started directing investment towards industry. For one, Punjab is aiming to become an engineering hub, particularly in Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Patiala, Sangrur, Moga, Hoshiarpur and Sas Nagar (Mohali) districts, which are home to many engineering companies. The manufacturing sectors are mainly concentrated in the following sectors: textile and apparel; automobiles and auto components; cycle and cycle parts; light engineering; leather and sports goods; petrochemicals and secondary steel; agri and food processing; electronics; and biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Punjab also plans to construct an industrial hub around the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor (EDFC), which will cover important towns such as Rajpura, Sirhind, Doraha, Sahnewal and Ludhiana. Plans are also afoot to develop Chandigarh-Ludhiana-Amritsar and Chandigarh-Hoshiarpur-Gurdaspur as urban industrial corridors. The state is also planning to set up sector-specific industrial parks, such as an automobile manufacturing park, preferably alongside the dedicated freight corridor; a leather apparel park near the upcoming Footwear Design and Development Institute; a sports goods park at Jalandhar; plastic parks at Bathinda and Ludhiana; an aerospace and defence park; advanced manufacturing parks, especially along the Amritsar Kolkata Industrial Corridor, among other initiatives. Such industrial clusters are expected to transform Punjab into an industrial state that can compete with Gujarat and Maharashtra in the west and Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the south. Mohali, in SAS Nagar district, has been developed as the IT hub of the state. Perhaps smaller compared to Bengaluru, Hyderabad or Gurugram, it still has a sizeable number of small software companies besides Tata Business Support Services, Industrial and Financial Systems, SmartDate, Integrated Data Services and Seasia. Mohali’s strategic location near an international airport is also an advantage. The state has declared SAS Nagar as a brownfield electronic cluster; 40 acres of land has been earmarked for the greenfield ESDM sector. Punjab Chief Minster Captain Amarinder Singh. Photo by Bandeep Singh Education: A Case for Higher Studies Investment in human capital through education is critical to the future of any economy. Punjab, which scores fairly high in infrastructure, was 20th in terms of education, according to the SOTS survey. The Indian School of Business (ISB) campus in Mohali is an example of how things can progress, with specialised institutes for manufacturing, healthcare, infrastructure and public policy, funded by state business interests. But, according to economist Nirvikar Singh, the ISB is an elite private institution that will serve a small minority of the country’s, let alone the state’s, students. At the other end of the spectrum is the Punjab Technical University, with as many as 400,000 students across India. In the middle lie the traditional universities, such as the Panjab University and the Punjabi University, with centres of excellence, but they are hampered by legacy models of education delivery and institutional and financial arrangements. The Golden Temple in Amritsar Achieving the requisite scale, agility and quality in Punjab’s higher education will require importing individual and organisational expertise. National-level liberalisation of entry by foreign education providers should be seized proactively by Punjab’s industry and government. Such providers, with established brands, have an incentive not to behave as fly-by-night operators. Mohali, Punjab’s hill areas and the fading but still palpable grandeur of the former princely states of Patiala and Nabha can be attractive locations for new educational facilities, says Singh. Concentrating educational developments around Chandigarh would be a mistake. Educational centres should spring up in small towns and places like Talwandi Sabo and Tarn Taran, he adds. Meanwhile, the boom in information technology (IT) led to several southern states greatly expanding education in the sector. Emerging from a decade-and-a-half of turmoil, Punjab lagged in training students with the necessary skills for these new jobs, while those with the skills sought the better opportunities of Bengaluru, Hyderabad and the Delhi NCR. Nirvikar Singh, however, believes investments in education required are across a range of sectors, not just engineering and IT. Agricultural science, biological and life sciences, and manufacturing technology are areas where Punjab can build human capital capabilities, by expanding and upgrading higher education in the state. Essentially, human capital investment has to match market needs and therefore needs to be shaped by the strategic vision for the state’s future development, which will determine what kinds of jobs will be available. Furthermore, industry in the state needs to help in formulating a strategy for building human capital. What is the way forward for Punjab? Professor Aradhana Aggarwal of the Copenhagen Business School, Denmark, believes a structural transformation of Punjab’s economy is the key to future growth. Economic growth and manpower planning need to be integrated for solving the unemployment problem, she says. The system of flexibility in the labour market should be combined with the income security of workers, and the state should provide assistance in retraining and relocation of the workers. The state needs a strategic and comprehensive vision for future economic development. It should include an alternative agricultural strategy emphasising crop diversification away from paddy and wheat, a new industrialisation paradigm focusing on the services sector, an environmentally-safe manufacturing sector and an accelerated investment in human capital at several levels, from basic skill acquisition to world-class higher educational institutions. This process requires government and industry to jointly take a proactive role in mapping possible futures. Nothing will then stop Punjab from becoming the crowning glory of Indian states once again. Virasat-e-Khalsa, museum of Sikh heritage at the Anandpur Sahib. Photo: Sandeep Sahdev The India Today State of the State study of Punjab identifies broad trends of economic development and ranks the performance of its 22 districts across 10 categories, each a composite index of parameters for which uniform, continuous data is available. The rankings are based on the Borda method, in which voters rank options/ candidates in order of preference. The evaluation has two segments: best performing district at a particular time and the most improved district over the past decade. The most recent year is used to rank the best district. The difference between the most recent category value and the value 10 years earlier is used to rank the most improved district. A phulkari shop on heritage street near the Golden Temple. Photo: Prabhjot Gill The data was collected and standardised by research agency Nielsen from sources such as the Census, National Sample Survey, RBI, District Information System for Education, National Crime Records Bureau and District Level Health Survey. Posted byKoustav Das Heavy rains hit Delhi-NCR, brings respite after a warm morning Good news: Woman delivers baby on boat in flood-affected Assam Religion vs law: Big religious fight erupts over Ranchi court's order to distribute copies of Quran	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8593
__label__cc	0.508882	0.491118	Winning Performance by Senior Touch Team In an astonishing end to the Senior Touch season, on Saturday, 19 March the King's Touch Rugby team not only qualified for the National Competition in December, but was also crowned Regional Champions. The team was unbeaten throughout the tournament, despite having five unavailable players due to Kapa Haka commitments on the same day. The 6-2 result of the first game with Dilworth School, the Central Auckland winners, was a great start to the competition. The team then went on to beat Pakuranga College with a 6-5 result, followed by Onehunga High School in the last round-robin game and a 7-5 result. King's went through to the semi-final against a well performed St Paul’s College team. Being down by two tries with a few minutes remaining, it was an impressive degree of composure that was shown to somehow claw back three late tries and win 6-5. The final was against the only other unbeaten team, Sacred Heart College. It is hard to conceive how the team won 7-5, with influential player Bailyn Sullivan having to limp off with severe cramp after only one minute, and compounded by Piki Mihinui (only a Year 9) having to leave at half-time to make his bus home to Hamilton. The team held on from leading 4-3 at half-time, changing positions and filling in as needed. This was an impressive win for the team to be very proud of. The squad included Tinirau Rairi, Trent Taiaroa, Meihana Grindlay, Lukas Halls, Moses Puru (c), Isa'ako Enosa, Luke Tuhaka, Piki Mihinui, Oliva Mason, Jamie Spowart, Millenium Sanerivi and Bailyn Sullivan.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8595
__label__wiki	0.594653	0.594653	Saint Pedro Poveda> A relic of Saint Pedro Poveda is placed in the Cathedral of Madrid On Sunday, July 1, in a ceremony presided over by Cardinal Carlos Osoro, a relic of Saint Pedro Poveda was enthroned in the chapel that honors his memory in the Cathedral of Santa María la Real de la Almudena in Madrid. This year this Cathedral celebrates a Marian jubilee since it is the 25th anniversary since St. John Paul II dedicated the temple, which took over a century to be completed. The ceremony was preceded by the Eucharist, celebrated on the altar of Our Lady of la Almudena, with the attendance of members of the Associations of the Teresian Association, of TA Youth, as well as collaborators and friends. Elisa Estévez, on behalf of the Governing Council of the Teresian Association, said at the beginning: "First of all, we thank Cardinal Carlos Osoro who wanted to preside over this Eucharist, under the gaze of the Our Lady of la Almudena, a privileged place for the founder of the Teresian Association, whose love for Mary is an indisputable sign in his life. Today we celebrate in a special way that St. Pedro Poveda is present in this Cathedral, and in the chapel dedicated to his memory we will place, with joy and emotion, a relic of his." She pointed out that "the life of Pedro Poveda is intimately linked to the capital of Spain. The streets that surround this temple are witnesses to the presence of this priest from Linares, who walked through them to do good." She described Saint Pedro Poveda as "a great believer who defended Christian humanism and became a priest. He denounced injustice and stood on the side of the poor. He believed in educational transformation and opened schools, academies, and university residences; he wanted to show that faith and knowledge were not at odds with each other and promoted serious study alongside solid virtue. He trusted in the capacity of women and opened the way for them in society. He believed in the action of the laity in the Church and founded the Teresian Association. He was so passionate about his faith that he gave his life for it. The faith of Pedro Poveda was the guiding light of his life." She also said that Pedro Poveda was "a priest who wanted to live and die in the footsteps of his Master. The liturgy speaks of unconditional adherence to the God of life from whom nothing and no one can separate us. We are invited to be salt of the earth and light of the world, to take our light and raise it over the city, among the people, in the streets and squares. Today we turn to the example of Pedro Poveda, who knew how to open new ways and break boundaries; and work for a more fraternal society, always being full of God and close to people." Cardinal Carlos Osoro said that "the relic (of St. Pedro Poveda) is placed to be a reference for all those who pass through this Cathedral and realize that in the twentieth century, here in Madrid, there was a prophet that was ahead of his time. He was one of the first to discover that the laity was something essential in the Church and in society, that lay leadership has to be big and strong. This aspect was recognized by Vatican Council II in a special way, and Pope Francis highlights it in many ways." "We are living a special year, a Marian year. In a special way we want the laity to learn from the Our Lady to be disciples and missionaries. You are here, members of the Primary Association who live a singular commitment, and ACIT members, all called to live with evangelical courage in today’s world," he stressed. He also made a call to spread and make better known the charism of Pedro Poveda because of its relevance in our time, "which is almost more relevant than in his time," said the Cardinal. "It is essential that the values of the Gospel be present in all educational systems because they are universal values that make possible a new humanity centered on the humanism that Pedro Poveda so well preached. This humanism is to be new in its actions, projects, and directions.” "The Teresian Association are those of you who have followed the legacy of this saint who gave his life for the gospel and you have brought it to so many places in the world, with the certainty that it is God who has chosen you, has consecrated you, given you a name and he has sent you to promote an educational style that is born of the strength of the Gospel with the capacity to welcome everyone. You are all relics of St Pedro Poveda because you are his witnesses." Then, Cardinal Osoro said that "the Lord asks us to be glorified in the cross of Christ. He cited the text on the crucifix by St. Pedro Poveda, in which he recommends that we become “living crucifixes." He said that he reread it many times because we are at a time when we do not all look at each other as brothers and sisters, we do not all understand each other, and coexistence becomes difficult. "Pedro Poveda tells us that you are the crucifix, with your surrender, with your forgiveness, with your love for all. The crucifix makes us meet all people. This is very important, particularly for young people. We have to be able to get excited like Pedro Poveda," he stressed. The Archbishop of Madrid exhorted everyone to "feel like living relics, be a living Christ to make the world flavorful and with light, fruit from a deep communion with Christ; to give and be salt through our way of being and of going out to other people. Jesus did not relegate anyone, he went out to everyone, especially where there was a need, wherever there was no flavor or light." He asked "that this experience may help us feel the call to holiness, with a strong call in this world, at this time in history, a call to incarnate in history, culture and education the flavor and light of the gospel. Let us take the risk, let us be courageous ... always looking to the Gospel, because it is not the courage of our triumph, it is the courage of the triumph of Christ that Pedro Poveda followed to the point of giving his life." Enthronement of the relic In procession, Maite Uribe took the relic (ex ossibus) of St. Pedro Poveda from the altar to the Almudena chapel dedicated to his memory and placed it in a specially prepared tabernacle, while those present sang "I believed, therefore I spoke." At the end we prayed with Poveda's words: "Lord, may I think what You want me to think; that I may act as You want me to act; that I may want what You want me to want. This is my only desire." The chapel in his memory, renovated by Pedro Poveda Secretariat, now looks brighter. The relic is a sign of holiness, a presence of God through the work of those who gave their lives for the Gospel. It is an invitation to those who come with faith, far from all superstition, to ask for a grace through the intercession of Pedro Poveda. It is also a call to live the joy of the gospel on a daily basis. Vídeo (duration 2',39") Relic of St Pedro Poveda from Institución Teresiana on Vimeo. The news in Alfa y Omega In the website of the Archdiocese of Madrid Published in Saint Pedro Poveda Restricted Zone	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8598
__label__wiki	0.517091	0.517091	Graphics Interface 84 http://www.graphicsinterface.org/ GI - Graphics Interface Graphics Interface is the Canadian annual conference devoted to computer graphics and interactive techniques." The first GI conference was held in 1982. Together with its precursor, the biennial Canadian Man-Computer Communications Conference (CMCCC), which was first held in 1969, "it is the oldest regularly-scheduled computer graphics and human-computer interaction conference. Magnenat-Thalmann, Nadia, Thalmann, Daniel (1984): Director--oriented 3D shaded computer animation. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 1-7. Evans, K. B. (1984): An approximate method for anti--aliasing using a random access z--buffer. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 109. Cardinal, Douglas J. (1984): Computers in architectural design. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 111. Woodbury, Robert F., Carrega, Dominique J., Deogirikar, Arvind D. (1984): Extending geometric modelling systems for design. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 113-116. Andonian, K. S. (1984): Architectural modelling: Transformations in perspective space. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 117. Badler, Norman (1984): What is required for effective human figure animation. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 119. Dodds, David R. (1984): Spatial planning geometric modelling and fuzzy production rules in robotics systems. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 121-129. Murthy, Hema A., Asthana, R. G. S. (1984): Interactive graphics simulation system (IGSS) for the assembly of mechanical parts. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 131-135. Eastman, Caroline M. (1984): Abstractions: A conceptual approach for structuring interaction with integrated CAD system. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 137-147. Hoskins, J. A., King, M. W. (1984): Interactive graphics and the representation of non--Cartesian woven textile structures. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 149-154. McKelvey, Roy D., Woodbury, Robert F. (1984): A drawing based surface modeler. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 155-159. Bartels, Richard H., Beatty, John C., Booth, Kellogg S., Hardtke, Ines (1984): 2--D and 3--D interactive computer modelling systems. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 161-165. Wyvill, Brian, Liblong, Breen, Hutchinson, Norman (1984): Using recursion to describe polygonal surfaces. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 167-171. Marion, Ann, Fleischer, Kurt, Vickers, Mark (1984): Towards expressive animation for interactive characters. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 17-20. Evans, K. B. (1984): Realtime lighting manipulation in color via lookup tables. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 173-177. Leitner, Gerald (1984): Exploiting parallelism in image synthesis applications. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 179-180. Fishkin, Kenneth P., Barsky, Brian A. (1984): A family of new algorithms for soft filling. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 181-185. Schwarz, Michael W., Beatty, John C., Cowan, William B., Gentleman, Jane F. (1984): Towards an effective user interface for interactive colour manipulation. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 187-196. Kwan, Camellia Y. K., Sorenson, Paul G. (1984): Office information system integration through a high--level user interface prototype. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 197-206. Gratton, M. (1984): A review of facilities required for computer graphics in an information oriented environme. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 207-212. Whalen, Thomas (1984): Design for Telidon based business graphics processor. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 21-28. Arnold, David B. (1984): Towards automating the production of soil survey maps. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 213-219. Pike, Rob (1984): The blit and the user's perception of the computer. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 221-222. Lewis, John, Purcell, Patrick (1984): Softmachine: A personable interface. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 223-226. Myers, Brad A. (1984): Strategies for creating an easy to use window manager with icons. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 227-233. Douglas, David H. (1984): Experiments with a ridge and channel digital elevation model. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 235-237. Ferch, Howard J. (1984): Microprocessor support for urban street navigation. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 239-246. Siekierska, Eva (1984): Enlarging rules and generalization methods in an electronic atlas. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 247-248. Matwin, Stanislaw, Pietrzykowski, Tomasz (1984): Motion--picture debugging in a dataflow language. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 249-250. Fiume, Eugene, Fournier, Alain (1984): A programme for the development of a mathematical theory of interactive computer graphics. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 251-256. Martindale, David (1984): The design of a trackball controller. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 257-264. Huang, Kuan-Tsae, Zloof, Moshe (1984): Business graphics interfaces to databases. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 29-33. Sturman, David (1984): Interactive keyframe animation of 3--D articulated models. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 35-40. Kochanek, Doris H. U., Bartels, Richard H. (1984): Interpolating splines for keyframe animation. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 41-42. Malowany, A. S., Kashef, B. (1984): A color real--time animation system. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 43-50. Fournier, Alain (1984): Primitives in computer graphics. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 51-52. Weiler, Kevin (1984): Topology as a framework for solid modelling. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 53-56. DeRose, Tony D., Barsky, Brian A. (1984): Geometric continuity and shape parameters for Catmull--ROM splines. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 57-64. Beach, Richard J. (1984): Experience with Cedar programming environment for computer graphics research. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 65-74. Pavlidis, Theo (1984): PED: A 'distributed' graphics editor. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 75-79. Rudalics, M. (1984): Dynamic attributes handling in a GKS workstation. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 81-86. Field, Dan (1984): Two algorithms for drawing anti--aliased lines. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 87-95. Fishkin, Kenneth P., Barsky, Brian A. (1984): Algorithms for brush movement in paint systems. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 9-16. Amanitides, John (1984): Ray tracing with cones. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 97-98. Naiman, Avi (1984): Some new ingredients for the cook book approach to anti--aliased text. In: Graphics Interface 84 May 28 - June 1, 1984, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. pp. 99-108.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8602
__label__wiki	0.798024	0.798024	Why can the villas donate the villas by the rich? The villagers are afraid of not being able to live. 2018-04-27 03:32:14 category:Global The 52 year old Guan Hu Villages villager and billionaire Chen Sheng plan to invest 200 million yuan for the village villagers to build 258 sets of villas, free of charge; when the first 158 sets of villas have been set up, the villagers put forward several sets, a set of inadequate housing, if the demolition of the old house needs compensation and other requirements. The villagers in Guan Hu village were accused of Diao Min and were criticized for their donation. Surging news visited Guan Hu Village, and interviewed Chen Shengs neighbors, trying to restore the original appearance of the donation villa incident. Exploring new and old village fields with different styles It is only a quarter of a clock drive from the county town of Suixi. It travels about 7 kilometers along the attempted Road, and comes to a magnificent village card, which is heaven bless officials lake, our generation endeavors, that is, the entrance to the southernmost end of the village. The village of Guan Hu village has a high village level. Under the village card, only three beautiful buildings can be seen, along the road down the village road, the face of the old village begins to appear. Entrance of Guan Hu Village The two to three floors are the houses of the village quality and appearance, and more of the villagers live in red brick houses and even the old houses of soil construction. Some of these houses are regular, low, crowded, but quite living. There are villagers near the road to take out their own buildings to open the sales department, to meet the needs of villagers, and often gather villagers to chat and even debate together, such as how the donated villa is distributed. Of course, after the village boy bought a cold drink or snack in a small shop, he sang a Cantonese song of Wong Ka Kui. After all, a few young people are more concerned about life. The roadside is basking in the dry tree branches of firewood, and to prevent rain from coming, some clay houses are covered with linoleum and contrasted with the red brick houses in the surrounding area. Like the usual rural villages in China, the women were gathered outside the houses with different structures, the neighbors greeted, the chickens and ducks ran, and the children were scattered to chase and fight. On both sides of the village, outside the house, and the idle low house shed, these old houses are no longer living, but only for farming tools, or cattle, chickens, and ducks. From the south to the north, the village road, which has a strong atmosphere of life and about 1000 meters long in the old village, goes over the dirt roads full of floating dust and old village fields, that is, the villa area. Unlike the clutter and crowding in the old village, there are three rows of villas arranged in neat rows. The white walls are very clean, with brick red roofs. There are parking spaces in front of each house, and there are green vegetation and flower beds around it. The middle part of the villa area is planned for landscape lake, extending to the north and south of the villa area, possibly because of the new construction, and the stone at the bottom of the lake is clearly visible. On the west side of the scenic Lake, there are basketball courts and villagers activities square. There are few signs of villagers activities. This is the villas planned by Chen Sheng for the villager group one period, a total of 158 sets, the two phase of the original planning of the original residence of the villagers, in order to build the two period, the villagers need to remove the original old house, which is the main contradiction of the villagers to become Diao Min. The village of Guan Hu is the village of Chen Shengs birth and growth. Chen Sheng, 18, was admitted to Peking University in 1980. Because of the poor family conditions, the cost of going to university in Beijing was also accompanied by the help of the villagers, which made Chen Sheng grateful to the villagers and was considered one of the important reasons for Chen Sheng to return home and help. In 2011, Chen Shengs return to the village gave him the idea of a complete transformation of the village. Chen Shengs assistant to the surging news introduction, this year, the hometown of Chen Sheng found that the villagers living environment is not as satisfactory, the germination of villager building villas to improve the villager living conditions. Thus, a program called urban and rural common prosperity experiment began to take shape and gradually entered into practice. According to the plan, Chen Sheng will invest 200 million yuan, build 129 258 sets of villas and 2 rural apartments on the village land, which is also the most important part of Chen Sheng s co - prosperity experiment. The plan is divided into two parts, one is the blood transfusion part of improving the living conditions, and the other is the hematopoiesis part that leads the villagers to get rich together. In the plan of Chen Sheng, the village will be completely modernized to build a villa area with a complete residence and a complete condition. In addition, the modern primary school, kindergarten, nursing home, village committee office building, farmers market and other public facilities and places will be planned and built. In 2014, the report of the Yangcheng Evening News showed that Chen Sheng looked back on his own idea. The blood transfusion way directly to the money cant solve the problem of getting rich in his hometown. It must have hematopoietic mechanism. At present, the 69 138 villas that have been built and are waiting for distribution are the first phase. The two stage needs to be demolished before the old village yard is built. With the villa blood transfusion plan, Chen Sheng hematopoietic plan also started. In 2011, Chen Sheng spent 150 million yuan to build a breeding base for about 80 thousand pigs in the village, and the villagers could go to work in the breeding base. And in 2012, the village in the village for raising money to build a bridge and rent out of the mountain to rented 250 yuan per mu price high rent back to the original 25 yuan per mu rent out of the mountain, the unified planting of litchi forest, distribution of villagers, each household five mu. In 2014, the Southern Daily reported Chen Shengs outlook on the village of Guan Hu: each household sent a villa of 280 square meters and five mu of litchi forest. Each household had 500 to 1000 pigs in the farm according to the labor force, and the pig, feed and vaccine were provided by the company by the company, and unified purchase according to the standard. The village cadres calculated a simple account for the reporters. According to a pigs six year column, each pig could increase the income of 150 to 200 yuan, while the number of pigs in Guan Hu village was about 70 thousand to 80 thousand, which could increase the income of 10 million 500 thousand to 16 million, which was almost equal to 10 thousand yuan per capita in the village for a year. It is close to twenty thousand yuan, which is considerable for a poor county in Guangdong province. People close to Chen Sheng told the news that some people had earned 700 thousand in the last few years by pig raising, and there were Land Rover cars because of pig raising. In the past, people in the village were not able to imagine. As Chen Sheng helped him behind his hometown, he was listed as the construction project of the famous village of Guangdong Province in 2011, and the hat Guan Lake Village of the provincial poor village became a sample of the new agriculture construction. Faced with the question of building a villa, Chen Shengs assistant Lin Xiuhua told the news that if he really wanted to do real estate, it could completely put the money in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, and now it has made a lot of money. How can I take the land in the village? Chen Sheng, responsible for the construction of villa projects, officials and village cadres and other relevant personnel to the surging news expressed that the land is the village collective, the house is always the villagers, Chen Sheng is only the builder of capital contribution. After the demolition of the old village site, it is also planned to be the two phase of the villa project, which has nothing to do with Chen Sheng and his company. An inseparable old village The contrast between the new and old village fields is clear. In the face of the donated villas, why would the villagers prefer to be scolded as greedy Diao people, unwilling to move their homes in neat and spacious villas? The surging news reporter found that the gift from the villa was not simply given away, but by the additional conditions - the old house was demolished. This also makes the villagers misgivings. Zhang Xiuhua, the villager, married to the village of Guan Hu for more than 10 years, there is a son who has read the four grade, and the family is not rich. In order to take care of his son, she can only choose to work in the village and do odd jobs to the surrounding villages and towns in order to subsidize the household. The Zhang Xiuhua family and the two grandparents lived in a courtyard. According to some distribution plan, Zhang Xiuhua family three, can get a villa, obviously more than the present living space. However, because the two young brother-in-law also married relatives, but no household, they and their parents in law can only have one set, generally speaking, housing seems to be stretched. But in the face of how to look at the villa distribution plan to ask, direct not willing to go down (editors note: referring to the villa area, because villas are lower than the original village, villagers said to the villa down), that our account is divided into two sets, if not demolished the old house, we can not live in the future we can dismantle ourselves Rebuild or build on the first floor. Zhang Xiuhua, who looks like greedy, tells the reasons and concerns of his opposition. In fact, we feel that a set is good and we are happy. When can we build a villa by working in the field? But we have nearly 10 people, in fact, four families, but only our account is divided out, and the two small uncle or a household account, also can only be divided into a set of houses, the old house has been dismantled, it is not enough to live. The demolition of the old house has become the crux of Zhang Xiuhuas familys reluctance to move, and there are many such cases. Like the Zhang Xiuhua family, there are also Wang Meilis family because they need to demolished the old house, the family is large, and the villa is not enough to live in. Wang Meili was a capable woman. When she saw her, she looked at her young daughter and did some housework. She told reporters that she had just returned the pig. Unlike most of the low brick walls in the village, three brothers of Wang Meilis family, his husband Chen Shui is the old man, and the other two brothers have been married and born, and Chens family built three buildings in his own yard to marry his sons. The old house of the villagers house During the old house of the villagers house and the reporters speech, the children of Wang Meilis daughter and his brothers family were chasing and playing in the yard. You see a lot of our yard, children can play in it. In the face of relocation, Wang Meili did not object or disapprove of it. He said, if we live enough, we will be willing to move. It turned out that Wang Meili and Chen Shuilai had been married early because of their early marriage, while the two younger brothers who married later were together with the public. According to the original distribution standard, Chens family could only allocate two sets of villas. The villagers who have just built a new house are more reluctant to move. The family has three sons, because the building of a building owes 20 thousand yuan debt Lin Suyun is hoping to dismantle his old house can give a certain compensation, such as can not compensate for the pig can be negotiated. There are also old people who do not want to change their lives. In front of a two - story building in the village, Chen Maogen, a six - day old man, saw a stranger who came in front of him. He directly judged the identity of the reporter and dropped a sentence. I will not go to the old house. Subsequently, he refused to speak more with his understanding of Putonghua. The villagers told the reporters that the old man and his wife lived in the 2 storey buildings, and the children had been separated from the house. The old house had a large courtyard, the old man had been living in the first floor and the yard, and some chickens and ducks had been raised. The elderly do not think the villa is better than their own house, preferring to live in a habitual old place. Some villagers took the initiative to bring up the outside world and question the greed of the masses. It is unreasonable to say that many sets of villas are too outspoken. Lin Suyun said, some people say that the price of the villa is a little expensive, but it is not valuable for us to value money. It is convenient for you to see my own house. It is also a new one. There is a big yard that can be put in a car and a chicken, and everything is spacious. The villagers who do not want to relocate basically reflect that they are not enough to live, or that it is not fair to change the villas like a building and a clay house, but all say, if they do not demolished the old house, they will all be willing to move into the new house. The villagers who are willing to relocate are mostly poor living environment or brothers, and there will be no family concerned. As of now, the distribution of the villa has not been finalized, and the latest news from www.thepaper.cn shows that the village committee has given a distribution scheme and the boss (especially Chen Sheng) is very satisfied. Officials from Guan Hu village also told reporters that I didnt say how to divide the villa. Today I just started to register the account and explain whether I agree to demolished the old house. From the news of the incumbent village committee and the staff close to Chen Sheng, it is sure that the village will set up a piece of land to be reserved for reserve, and the villagers will be allocated to the housing needs in the future, considering the living habits of the rural areas, and the village will also open up centralized chicken houses and cowshed. The official responds to the rich to donate 258 villas to cold: strive for a 1 month plan. South Internet news in March 26th, the reporter previously reported that Zhanjiang rich people returned home to contribute to villas to build villas, but the problem of the villas can not be divided, the matter caused Zhanjiang and Suixi County high attention. In the morning of March 27th, the two level government of Suixi county and attempted town sent a coordination group to the village of Guan Hu village to hold a village representative meeting to listen to villagers opinions on the distribution of villas. Officials say that the town government has set up a special working group to coordinate the distribution of villas in Guan Hu village. In the coming month, the working group will collect views from every village in Guan Hu Village by way of visits.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8603
__label__cc	0.700898	0.299102	13 Reasons Why: Beneficial or Disturbing? SPOILERS SPOILERS SPOILERS This Netflix show has recently dominated the conversations of people of all ages. However, I'm uncertain on whether this is a good thing or not. 13 Reasons Why, in my opinion, has the ability to be destructive for those who are easily impressionable. Over the years, I have built up a sort of resistance to things that would have used to make me feel a lot worse than they do now but this isn't the case for everyone... It's not until I sat and thought about this show properly that I realised that it does have destructive qualities and there are some scenes which are just not ok. However, I am not dismissing the show completely and I 10/10 appreciate their trigger warnings at the beginning of the episodes. I do believe that certain aspects are definitely beneficial in order to spread awareness within society of the implications of bullying and how mental health and deterioration isn't always obvious, you may feel as though you know somebody but really, you have no idea what they are actually thinking. The show is useful in the sense that it is able to convey a powerful message that people may actually internalise and apply to their own lives. Although, this is where the problem lies; how much of this show are people going to internalise? My point is that(without giving away too much of the story), Hannah is focused on other people and how other people treat her that she forgets to look after herself. Without the reassurance and company of other people, she begins to feel worthless and empty. Admittedly, this is also due to the incessant bullying and other dreadful events that she faces but it is the idea that you can't fix yourself, you have to let others fix you. If you've been here for a while, you know I completely oppose this. You can fix yourself. At the end of the day, the world has the ability to be a God awful lonely place for some people and so, you've just got to learn to be ok with yourself. I'm not saying this is easy but it makes me uncomfortable that the show displays Hannah as reliant on other people and dependent on the love that Clay gives/doesn't give her. Something that particularly disturbs me is the way that Hannah's death was so graphically shown and I think that this has the ability to be incredibly detrimental. For example, if someone who was feeling these type of suicidal emotions was watching the show and then, they get to about 10 minutes of watching somebody kill themselves, there is no way that's going to have a positive effect on them. Actually, it's not going to have a positive effect on anyone. I also think that Hannah's death is glamorised in a way. When she dies, she lives through the tapes and so, it does not portray the situation realistically; the viewers and the characters within the show become consumed and obsessed by the drama and what caused Hannah to commit suicide that they are not acknowledging that she is gone and it is final, they aren't thinking why she is gone, they are thinking "what's the next reason?". These tapes bother me because somebody who commits suicide doesn't leave 13 tapes and sometimes, there is no closure for the family and friends, they don't know what caused their loved one to do this. I've also heard that there is going to be season 2 made which I don't think is right at all because it's acting as though suicide can be fixed for someone who is already gone. They should be leaving it at season 1 with unanswered questions because that's the reality of this. However, there's some parts of the show that are particularly intriguing to me and highlight that there are problems in the education system and how people react to mental health and suicide. If you've watched the show, you'll know I'm talking about Mr Porter. When Hannah confesses her suicidal thoughts to him and at this point, we think that she might actually be getting help, he simply gives her a box of tissues like that's going to fix all of her problems. He's supposed to be a counsellor. Essentially, Hannah is told to get on with it. This portrays how teenagers are reacted to when they talk about their mental health, they are dismissed because they are "just that age", it's "just hormones" and really, the proffesional doesn't notice until it's too late. So, although the character of Mr Porter does completely dismiss Hannah, this has the potential to be beneficial in society as people may realise hidden signs. One can hope anyway. Overall, whether the show meant to glamorize suicide or not, it has done. It is good at showing what bullying can do to a person but I do believe that it is too graphic and it doesn't cover some aspects correctly which could be dangerous and this concerns me a lot. (I hate Bryce Walker and I could talk about him but he makes me TOO angry) Before we start this post, let's just get a couple of things straight. Do not pretend to be one of those people that doesn't stigmatise against mental health if when this week is over, you are going to go back to making general assumptions about mental health disorders. Secondly, why isn't it Mental Health Awareness Week every week of the year? When discussing disorders, I think it is important to remember that no two people have the same difficulties and if you know one person with say anxiety then you meet another person with anxiety, do not expect them to find the same things stressful and uncomfortable because everyone has different triggers. Mental health disorders aren't sharing Tumblr quotes about loneliness, it isn't feeling sad occasionally, it isn't feeling nervous before a test. It's brutal, devastating and destroying lives daily and you can not pretend that it isn't. Also, can we please get rid of the idea that talking about mental health makes you 'attention seeking'? The commonly used example of if you had a broken leg, you wouldn't be fearful to talk about it so why should you be if you have a mental health disorder is the best way to realise how senseless it is to treat mental health as though it isn't something that is making millions of peoples day to day lives incredibly difficult. There is nothing attention seeking about asking for help, yet society has somehow decided that asking for help is unacceptable and God forbid people need a little helping hand. Suicide is the number one killer of men under 45 in the U.K yet people still act as though males are not allowed to have emotions and oh, they are definitely not allowed to express them. While I am writing this, I keep thinking 'how stupid is this? How stupid is it that mental health has been gendered?'. This expectation of men to constantly be strong is not only incredibly demeaning for women as its though we are expected to need the strength of a male for protection but is also ridiculously pressurising for men who, if they do show a slight sign of struggle, are thought to be stupid. It's ok to need help. It's also so extremely offensive to those who do struggle with mental health disorders when people use a disorder as a way to describe everyday problems. For example, 'She's so OCD because she always keeps her room clean' or 'They are sooo bipolar, they always have mood swings'. Look up the definitions of these disorders, educate yourself a little bit then realise that your friend who changed their mood from happy to irritated is probably irritated because of your ignorance (lol throwing shade) Basically, talk to people about how you feel. Break the stigma surrounding mental health and always let your friends know you are there for them. Don't be afraid to talk to me if you need a friend, we all need a friend.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8604
__label__cc	0.64317	0.35683	Diagnostics and Self Assessments Behavioral and Technical Development Professional Learning Academies Sales Leadership Training Our Clients and Partners It’s All in the Game Home \| Resources \| It’s All in the Game Dr. Ian Stewart Head of Leadership and Organizational Practice It was a big successful organization. One in which everything ran like clockwork – everyone knew their job and when an instruction was issued from the top, it made its way through the various layers of leadership to action at the front line. It was effective. It dominated its environment sweeping aside all competition. That was until the day it faced a different sort of rival – ones that were agile, fast-moving and innovative. This new rival didn’t wait for orders from the top; those at the front line took responsibility themselves, seized the initiative and created a decisive and winning advantage. You’d be forgiven for thinking that this sounds like a tale of our times – high street stores fighting online retailers for customers or newspapers battling bloggers to be first with the news. In fact, it was the Prussian army of the 1806 battle of Jena. And their rival? The army of Napoleon I. The key lesson for the Prussians, and as it turns out for many big organizations since, was simple: decision-making authority had to be devolved to the lowest position possible. This meant that their soldiers had to be trained, empowered and schooled in the environment they were expected to make those decisions. And so the Prussian Military School created the ‘War Game’ – a means to simulate the speed, complexity, and ambiguity of the environment their people would operate in practice what it took to succeed. This is the essence of the ‘serious game’ – using role play, simulation to provide a challenging environment that stretches and develops decision makers. Serious about playing Today, major corporations around the world are using serious games — the more common term today is gamification — to develop the talent and skills of their employees in areas as diverse as customer service, innovation, and lean manufacturing. Hilton uses a game called Ultimate Team Play to teach customer service skills, for example. IBM developed INNOV8, a simulation game in which players design or modify business models to satisfy customers or optimize supply chains (among other goals). Our simulation – The Kaplan Business Challenge – has been used in over 25 countries to train our client’s staff from graduates up to board members. Simulation games are particularly powerful developmental tools. They create the unfamiliar and challenging environment that is essential in triggering personal and professional development. The research supports this. A study by the Federation of American Scientists showed that participants remembered 10% of what they read, 20% of what they heard, 30% of what they were taught if visuals were also included, and 50% of what they were taught if they also saw someone performing the tasks. However, they remembered 90% of what they learned if they did the task themselves — even in simulated conditions. Gamification: competitive game, collaborative learning The goal of gamification is to leverage the informality and fun of games to break the psychological and cognitive boundaries that, often unwittingly, restrict the potential of traditional brainstorming or reflection. In a presentation at the second annual Gamification in HR Summit in Vienna, Anthony Scarpino, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at Sodexo, highlighted five components of good gaming solutions Challenge: empowers participants to solve problems and think creatively, thus completing the mission Fun: satisfies the need for novelty Social: requires collaboration toward team goals Meaning: engages employees through goals with meaning Achievement: creates a virtuous challenge, win, euphoria loop in the minds of participants The Summit highlighted research by Gartner, Inc., which concluded that 70% of Global 2000 organizations will have at least one gamified application by the end of 2015, and 40% of Global 1000 organizations “will use gamification as the primary mechanism to transform business operations.” Whether gamification is as central to operational transformation as touted by Gartner, there is no doubt that it has revolutionized organizational learning and strategic thinking. Apparently, when faced with intractable problems or challenges, there is, in fact, no better time for fun and games. Making decisions in a volatile and complex marketplace Business life has always featured the unpredictable, the surprising, and the unexpected. But it is also dealing with a new level of complexity – a complexity that affects the products we design, the jobs we do every day, and the organizations we manage. Elements of business and social life that used to be separate are now interconnected and interdependent, making them, by definition, more complex. Complex markets are far more difficult to manage than merely complicated ones. It’s harder to make sense of things. It’s harder to predict what will happen – the past behavior of a complex system may not predict its future behavior. The new version of the Kaplan Business Challenge (KBC) gamifies the complexity of a crowded, competitive marketplace – participants develop interests, create businesses, interact and create new businesses, shape or be shaped by their environment. Organizations need to be able to flex, and change, adapt and respond to the environment – the new KBC model presents this challenge to its player. And – like Napoleon’s foot soldiers – these players have to take responsibility, appreciate the wider ramifications of their actions, mindful of the impact of their actions on their colleagues, their partners and on their rivals. Simulations and games are more effective at transferring learning to students than case studies. Dr. Ian Stewart, Head of Leadership and Organizational Practice, has over 25 years’ experience of leadership development in the public and private sector. Prior to joining Kaplan, Ian ran the Behavioural Science department at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst. Kaplan sites Kaplan Inc. (Global) Kaplan Professional (Americas) Kaplan Financial (UK/Europe) Kaplan Genesis (Middle East/Africa) Copyright © 2019 Kaplan, Inc. This website uses cookies to ensure the best experience possible. If you want to learn more about how we use cookies, see our Privacy Policy » This page is intended for the Americas audience. Would you like to switch to the ABC version?	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8605
__label__wiki	0.787987	0.787987	Review: The Muppets are still Kermie after all these years Damond Fudge Walt Disney Pictures SOURCE: Walt Disney Pictures If there's one constant in this universe it's that it isn't easy being green. That's especially true if you've got an evil doppelganger bent on taking over your identity in order to pull off several heists across Europe. That's exactly the problem facing our beloved Kermit the Frog in "Muppets Most Wanted."Coming, quite literally, directly off the success of their previous movie, the Muppets have to manage their revitalized careers carefully. Enter talent manager Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais). He promises to help keep the Muppet star shining bright, which entails going on a tour across Europe. While everyone else in the troupe thinks this sounds great, Kermit is hesitant. Turns out, he has every right to be, since Dominic is working with Constantine, the most dangerous frog in the world and recent escapee from a Russian gulag.Constantine looks exactly like Kermit, save for a mole on his upper… is lip the right word? I'll just go with lip. Constantine accosts Kermit in Berlin, super gluing a mole on him and shipping him back to Russia in his place. After using green makeup to conceal his own mole, Constantine leads the Muppets across the continent so he and Dominic can steal artifacts from various museums that will eventually help them heist the Crown Jewels."Muppets Most Wanted" is a fun Muppet movie, despite the fact that it sometimes feels like they're trying too hard. In addition to the many expected celebrity cameos, the Muppets are joined by Tina Fey as Nadya, the gulag's warden, and Ty Burrell as Jean Pierre Napoleon, a French Interpol agent who investigates the crimes alongside Sam the Eagle, who works for the CIA. Fey is delightful, as usual, but Burrell ends up being one of the bigger drags on the proceedings, as he tries to be a sort of snooty version of Inspector Clouseau.Still, there are plenty of gems in this film. The songs are once again handled by Bret McKenzie, one half of the duo Flight of the Conchords. He gives us a wide range of musical styles, from a song that mimics the opening to "The Great Muppet Caper," to one that sounds like something straight from "Rocky Horror," as well as another that is exactly the style Flight uses in some of their songs. He even cleverly revisits a song from another of the past Muppet films.The jokes are a touch hit and miss, but there is definitely more hit than miss. Some of the best stuff is during the gulag scenes, especially one inspired bit where the inmates perform the opening scene from "A Chorus Line." One of the movie's biggest faults is too many Muppets. As blasphemous as that might sound, I would have preferred if they trimmed down the Muppet cast somehow, giving us more of the better known, and thus better overall, characters instead of trying to show that everyone from "The Muppet Show" had returned."Muppets Most Wanted" may not be one of the stronger entries in this venerable franchise, but it's still worth the time, since the Muppets are still far from overstaying their welcome. If there's one constant in this universe it's that it isn't easy being green. That's especially true if you've got an evil doppelganger bent on taking over your identity in order to pull off several heists across Europe. That's exactly the problem facing our beloved Kermit the Frog in "Muppets Most Wanted." Coming, quite literally, directly off the success of their previous movie, the Muppets have to manage their revitalized careers carefully. Enter talent manager Dominic Badguy (Ricky Gervais). He promises to help keep the Muppet star shining bright, which entails going on a tour across Europe. While everyone else in the troupe thinks this sounds great, Kermit is hesitant. Turns out, he has every right to be, since Dominic is working with Constantine, the most dangerous frog in the world and recent escapee from a Russian gulag. Review: H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S spells 'Bad Words' Review: 'Veronica Mars' makes a welcome return Constantine looks exactly like Kermit, save for a mole on his upper… is lip the right word? I'll just go with lip. Constantine accosts Kermit in Berlin, super gluing a mole on him and shipping him back to Russia in his place. After using green makeup to conceal his own mole, Constantine leads the Muppets across the continent so he and Dominic can steal artifacts from various museums that will eventually help them heist the Crown Jewels. "Muppets Most Wanted" is a fun Muppet movie, despite the fact that it sometimes feels like they're trying too hard. In addition to the many expected celebrity cameos, the Muppets are joined by Tina Fey as Nadya, the gulag's warden, and Ty Burrell as Jean Pierre Napoleon, a French Interpol agent who investigates the crimes alongside Sam the Eagle, who works for the CIA. Fey is delightful, as usual, but Burrell ends up being one of the bigger drags on the proceedings, as he tries to be a sort of snooty version of Inspector Clouseau. Still, there are plenty of gems in this film. The songs are once again handled by Bret McKenzie, one half of the duo Flight of the Conchords. He gives us a wide range of musical styles, from a song that mimics the opening to "The Great Muppet Caper," to one that sounds like something straight from "Rocky Horror," as well as another that is exactly the style Flight uses in some of their songs. He even cleverly revisits a song from another of the past Muppet films. The jokes are a touch hit and miss, but there is definitely more hit than miss. Some of the best stuff is during the gulag scenes, especially one inspired bit where the inmates perform the opening scene from "A Chorus Line." One of the movie's biggest faults is too many Muppets. As blasphemous as that might sound, I would have preferred if they trimmed down the Muppet cast somehow, giving us more of the better known, and thus better overall, characters instead of trying to show that everyone from "The Muppet Show" had returned. "Muppets Most Wanted" may not be one of the stronger entries in this venerable franchise, but it's still worth the time, since the Muppets are still far from overstaying their welcome.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8609
__label__wiki	0.603031	0.603031	Home \| Signature Event Archive \| Signature Event Archive: Audio Signature Event Archive: Audio Search the Signature Event Archive to discover past Library events. Watch videos, hear speaker interviews, and listen to audio recordings of previous presentations. Search by keyword (event title, subject, or presenter name), location or by date range. Video Audio Interviews E.g., 2019/07/18 Remembering Emmett Till Drive through the Mississippi Delta today, and you’ll find it dotted with memorials to major figures and events from the civil rights movement. Most chilling, perhaps, are those recalling the 1955 murder of Emmett Till, a tragedy of hate and injustice that became a milestone in the fight for racial equality. RSVP NOW Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet Writer Claire L. Evans, a contributor to Vice, The Guardian, and Wired and former editor of the multiplatform Motherboard, spotlights the unsung female visionaries who’ve helped write the story of the internet and related technology in a discussion of her book Broad Band: The Untold Story of the Women Who Made the Internet. George H.W. Bush: Life to the Fullest As chief of staff to former President George H.W. Bush for 25 years, Jean Becker oversaw everything from the opening of his presidential library to the commissioning of the Navy aircraft carrier named for him. Mainly, she tried to keep up. Ten Caesars: Roman Emperors from Augustus to Constantine Barry Strauss stands as one of today’s foremost classicists, his exhaustively researched and accessibly written books opening window after window into the history and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. Tom Stoppard in Love (With Shakespeare) As the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival settles into its summer production of Shakespeare in Love, let us reappreciate the genius of Tom Stoppard. Decision 2019: KC's Next Mayor Less than a week before the June 18 general election, the two candidates to succeed outgoing Kansas City Mayor Sly James face off on the issues and concerns confronting the city. Can we curb violent crime? How, and to what degree, should tax incentives be employed? What’s the route to more affordable housing? Human Trafficking: Today's Slavery Slavery isn’t just a sin of the past. Today, the United Nations’ International Labour Organization estimates that more than 40 million victims of human trafficking are forced to engage in commercial sex or labor under the threat of physical and/or financial harm. The number in the U.S. reaches into the hundreds of thousands. Scenes From the Heartland In her new book Scenes from the Heartland: Stories Based on Lithographs by Thomas Hart Benton, award-winning novelist, short story writer, and poet Donna Baier Stein picks up in prose where the iconic Kansas City artist left off in his studio more than half a century ago. She imagines the stories and lives of the subjects of nine of Benton’s lithographs—fiddlers and farm wives, preachers and soldiers, folks gathering in dance halls and tent meetings. A River in the City of Fountains Missouri Valley Sundays Founded as a port at the confluence of two great rivers, Kansas City has the waters of the Missouri running through its bloodstream—threading expressways, delivering drinking water, carrying traffic and sewage, and emerging most visibly in the city’s celebrated fountains. Kickoff: 2019 Art in the Loop Project As the 2019 Art in the Loop Project: Make/Believe begins its nearly five-month run in and around downtown Kansas City, meet its lineup of artists and performers and get a peek at their featured works. Signature Events Newsletter Get the Library's weekly signature programming email. Check out video, audio and photos of previous Library events. Visit the full Event Archive > View Meet the Past programs > Fri, July 19, 8:00 pm Mars Attacks! (1996) Fri, August 16, 8:00 pm Fri, September 20, 8:00 pm Wed, July 31, 6:30 pm Sun, July 21, 2:00 pm	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8610
__label__cc	0.709571	0.290429	Hergott: Moral obligations and your will Lawyer Paul Hergott discusses wills and moral obligation Jun. 25, 2019 4:11 p.m. A recent court decision lists factors a judge considers when determining whether or not you have met your moral obligations to each of your children in your will. The court decision, Trudeau v. Turpin Estate, 2019 BCSC 150 , deals with an attack of a mother’s will by two of four daughters who were left shares of only 5 per cent each. All four daughters were independent, ranging in age from 56 to 68. As a society, we long ago passed a law requiring the court to vary a will if the testator has failed to meet their legal or moral obligations. That law is now found in section 60 of the Wills, Estates and Succession Act [SBC 2009] Ch. 13 . The judge in the Trudeau decision provided a list of six factors considered by the court when evaluating the strength of a testator’s moral duty to independent children. You should carefully consider these factors when making your own will. I explained the first, “Contribution and Expectation”, in my last column. The second is listed as “Misconduct/Poor character”. Section 63(b) of the Wills, Estates and Succession Act, allows the court to refuse to vary a will in favour of a person on the basis of their character or conduct. A previous case, McBride v. Voth, 2010 BCSC 443, explains that only misconduct up to the date of death (not after death) is considered, that the misconduct must be directed at the testator and also that it must be quite severe in order to justify disinheritance. The court gave examples of cases where disinheritance was not justified. One was where a child was described as a disappointment overall. In another, the child was referred to as an “incompetent weakling”. And in another, the child had been unsuccessful in multiple business ventures and had been referred to as having difficulty “fighting the battle of life”. A third factor considered by the court when evaluating the strength of your moral duty to a spouse or child is listed as “Estrangement/Neglect”. The law has changed over time on this point. Historically, a long period of separation, abandonment or estrangement frequently reduced a parent’s moral duty to a child. More recently, the court has been inquiring into and considering the role the parent played in the estrangement or relationship breakdown. If the relationship breakdown has been largely the fault of the parent, their moral duty to an estranged child might even increase, rather than decrease. And childhood neglect can also serve to increase the parent’s moral duty to provide for that child in their will. Family dynamics that lead to estranged relationships between parents and children are deeply painful and deeply personal. A lifetime of attempts to reach out to a child who consistently responds with abuse might be something you keep close to your heart and not share with anyone. If you leave that child little or nothing and he challenges your will after you have died, how can the court fairly evaluate whether you have met your moral obligations if all they have is that child’s side of the story? Even if you have journaled that history, and that journaling is something the court would consider, there’s bound to be a “he said she said” fight about that long and painful family history. How do you win such a fight if you’re not here? And can you imagine all of that deeply personal and painful family history aired in a public trial? Next week I will conclude this series with the remaining factors considered by the court when evaluating your moral obligations. This area of the law is complex and I am able to provide only a very minimal glossing over of the subject matter in my column. Please obtain legal advice specific to your particular circumstances to ensure your testamentary intentions will best survive an attack, or to consider attacking a will where you have been unfairly dealt with. Missed last week’s column? Hergott: Contribution and Expectation of a will COLUMN: Clearcutting B.C.’s last old-growth leaves all of us poorer, forever COLUMN: Imagine the possibilities at the library	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8612
__label__wiki	0.733935	0.733935	The Politics of Star Trek Timothy Sandefur joins us for a discussion on political philosophy in the Star Trek science fiction franchise. The Legacy of Roy A. Childs, Jr. The celebrated science fiction franchise Star Trek is well known for incorporating broad discussions of philosophy and ethical conundrums into its episodes and movies. Timothy Sandefur joins us to talk about how the series deals with some of these big questions. How does Star Trek: The Original Series reflect the way people thought about politics, justice, and human rights in the wake of the second World War? How does the series change over time? The Prime Directive: is it moral? What was its purpose in the original series if Captain Kirk violated it half the time? Sandefur’s original article “The Politics of Star Trek” appeared in the Summer 2015 issue of the Claremont Review of Books. Star Trek: The Original Series episodes referenced in this podcast episode: “The Way to Eden” “The Conscience of the King” “Spock’s Brain” “Plato’s Stepchildren” “Space Seed” Aaron Ross Powell: Welcome to Free Thoughts from Libertarianism.org and the Cato Institute. I’m Aaron Powell. Trevor Burrus: And I’m Trevor Burrus. Aaron Ross Powell: And joining us today is Tim Sandefur. He’s a principal attorney at the Pacific Legal Foundation and heads the foundation’s Economic Liberty Project, which protects entrepreneurs against intrusive government regulation. He’s also a Cato Institute adjunct scholar. Today though, we’re going to be talking about the politics of America’s second best sci-fi media franchise namely Star Trek. In a recent article on this topic that you wrote in the Claremont Review of Books, you make the provocative claim that “The development of Star Trek’s moral and political tone over 50 years traces the strange decline of American liberalism since the Kennedy era.” So I guess let’s begin at the beginning. The original Star Trek was a product of Cold War America. So did that or how did that influence its political outlook? Tim Sandefur: Well, I think it wasn’t just a product of Cold War America. It was also the product of World War Two. World War Two obviously was the worst catastrophe that the human race has ever experienced and it dramatically affected the way that people thought about politics and about justice and those thoughts I think are found throughout Star Trek in The Original Series, which of course began – in 1966, the brainchild of a World War Two veteran Gene Roddenberry and many of the stars themselves and the writers were veterans. Jimmy Doohan who played Scotty was himself a decorated war veteran. So what you see throughout the show are discussions of ideas about human liberty, about justice and freedom that are rooted in what I think that the liberal West thought was the post-war consensus about justice, about human rights, about the role of the state, about technological progress and reason. I think what you see during the three years of the show, the rise of the new left, that rejected that consensus in large part and you can see that permeating some of the episodes. The example I give in my article is in the episode The Way to Eden, which is an episode in which the Starship Enterprise encounters a group of space age hippies who are looking for some paradise planet of their own without any technology and it’s obviously the satire of the hippie phenomenon that was going on at the time the episode aired. You can see the writers and the producers of the show who are from that World War Two generation really struggling with how to deal with this new wave of thought that rejected the idea of technological progress, universal human rights, of basic liberalism that the older generation thought was well-founded at the end of World War Two. I mean here’s the end of this war. They thought that the idea that all human beings have rights, that no government may justly interfere with it. The United Nations was going to lead a – to a worldwide liberalism rooted in technology and humanist values and here comes this wave of opponents and they really didn’t know how to deal with that, I think. Trevor Burrus: So is it accurate to say – sort of to boil it down to say that absolutism was something that kind of animated earlier Star Trek, that there were principles about freedom and rights, that after confronting the Nazis who had been very bad, that these were principles that were not relative and so they were fighting for something in a way that was somewhat influenced by World War Two? Tim Sandefur: Yes, that’s right. I think a good example of that is one of the better episodes The Conscience of the King, which is an episode that’s sort of a play on Nazi hunting because throughout the 1960s, you saw these prosecutions of former Nazi war criminals, most notably Adolf Eichmann, but actually quite a few. Some of them were going on while this series was on the air and this is an episode in which Captain Kirk encounters a character who’s basically like a Nazi war criminal and he’s asked to track him down and punish him for his crimes. The whole point of this episode if who are you to judge and a character actually asked Captain Kirk, “Who are you to judge?” and Kirk responds, “Who do I have to be?” And that’s the theme of the episode is that everybody is subject to judgment. Nobody can escape by saying, “Well, it’s just my culture. It’s my society. It’s a different time. It’s a different place. You can’t judge me.” I think the post World War Two generation that had seen the Nuremberg Trials and so forth were very committed to the idea that all human beings have inalienable rights and that no power including religion has any legitimate basis for trampling those rights or ignoring them. That idea permeates the original Star Trek. Aaron Ross Powell: Was that idea at the time unique to Star Trek and science fiction or was this something that was just generally going on in the genre? Tim Sandefur: I think it was going on throughout television at the time. You see it in more sometimes cloying ways and some of the more tedious television shows of the time. Trevor Burrus: Like Leave it to Beaver. Tim Sandefur: Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking is – shows like Mayberry and so forth, they all have these very obvious morals but the morals to them were things like everybody deserves a fair trial when they’re accused of wrongdoing and that sort of – the very ordinary by our standards principles but nevertheless they were very committed to them. Star Trek tried to take those principles and twist them a little bit and Gene Roddenberry actually consciously modeled Star Trek on Gulliver’s Travels which obviously was written as a way of talking about contemporary society and satirizing it or indicting it in different guise. Star Trek did the same thing. Trevor Burrus: And the hopefulness too, that’s another big element that Star Trek sort of – that permeates Star Trek I would say even currently that there’s a lot of hope in the future and possibly in that post-war period the hope – as opposed to any sort of dystopian type of future, like the idea that a bunch of people working together can fight for what’s right and win. Tim Sandefur: That’s right. It was very much an optimistic sort of welfare status, humanist broadly speaking liberal perspective. My favorite Gene Roddenberry quote, I remember he said in an interview ones, “Aliens in space didn’t build the pyramids. Human beings built the pyramids because they’re smart and they work hard.” That was his perspective. He thought human beings really could get past all the bad things in the world and could accomplish great things. Now sometimes, I think that has sabotaged some of the dramatic possibilities of Star Trek. The writers of The Next Generation often found themselves having a lot of difficulty coming up with good scripts because Roddenberry kept vetoing ideas saying, “No, no, human beings won’t have conflicts among themselves in the future utopia,” and that made it very hard to come up with good stories for television. So Roddenberry at times went too far in his – yeah, he often went too far in his utopianism. But when it was sprinkled in there, it gave it a real positive cast that I think contemporary Star Trek and a lot of contemporary science fiction is lacking. Trevor Burrus: Now there’s an episode that you talk about in your essay called The Apple, which you think is the quintessential episode of the original Star Trek. Can you tell us about that episode and why it is quintessential? Tim Sandefur: Yes. So the episode concerns – the Enterprise crew encounters a planet in which the people on this planet live in a sort of tropical paradise but they’re also deeply ignorant. They’ve never heard of farming. They don’t know anything about technology. They don’t even have sex because it turns out that the planet is ruled over by this god called Vaal who controls everything that the people do. There was a sort of totalitarian mind control system and he requires every day to be fed and the people of Vaal have to gather food and bring it to him. He controls all of their thoughts and has reduced them to a complete lack of individual initiative. The idea is, well, they don’t have any kind of conflicts among themselves. Everybody gets the law and everybody is placid and peaceful. So isn’t this a good thing? Captain Kirk says, “No, this is a bad thing because it deprives the people of the capacity for thinking for themselves, living on their own, for their own ideals,” and yeah, the idea of freedom leads to conflict. You aren’t going to have that placid quality of peace as a result of freedom. You are going to have bustling conflict, disagreement, dynamism, creative destruction. That’s going to be part – that’s going to be what freedom is like, but that is what every sentient being in the universe deserves is the right to try their hands at freedom. So he orders the Enterprise to destroy Vaal, which is in fact a sort of super computer that has been controlling all these people, and he leads them to their freedom. Now, this episode seems to me the quintessential episode of Star Trek because the whole point of this series was about freedom and individualism and liberating ourselves from the dead traditions of the past and recognizing that that means we will have – there’s a downside to that. We will have conflict. We will have trouble and strife amongst us. But the rewards of that freedom are worth the struggle. I think a lot of people criticize that episode because Kirk blatantly violates the so-called prime directive which is the rule that in Star Trek, the Enterprise crew, is never supposed to interfere with the native culture. But in fact, the point of Star Trek is that the prime directive is wrong and that a native culture that oppresses its own people has no rights to do so and that liberty takes precedence over these antique traditions. Aaron Ross Powell: So does that set up then – if the prime directive is, call it, the core values of Starfleet … Trevor Burrus: The prime … Aaron Ross Powell: Yes, and it’s wrong. Does that make Starfleet the kind of organization that Star Trek the show is antagonistic towards? Tim Sandefur: Well, no. I think what happened is if you watch The Original Series episodes in order, you see that the prime directive was kind of introduced subtly in a couple of episodes. It was introduced as a foil. It’s introduced for the dramatic purpose of breaking it in these original screenplays. The idea being that to sort of satirize or criticize the idea of cultural relativism or the hands-off who-are-we-to-judge kind of attitude, that is introduced purely for the purpose of criticizing it in the original Star Trek. Now it grows in importance as the franchise continued its life in the 80s and the 90s. It grew in importance in the episodes until a point where in The Next Generation it becomes this mindless dogma where we’re never supposed to interfere. In a section of my essay that was actualy cut out before it was published, I criticized an episode of The Next Generation in which Captain Picard encounters a race of aliens who have been kept in a drug-induced stupor by another group of aliens. They’ve actually kept this one race addicted to a drug in order to keep them as servants, as slaves. When the doctor on the ship, Dr. Crusher, when she discovers this, she’s horrified by it and says, “Well, surely you’re going to do something to put a stop to it.” In one of the low points of the entire show, Captain Picard refuses to do so. He says, “No. Who are we to judge? It’s the prime directive. I had no right to interfere.” He gives this ridiculous speech in which he says that in the past, anytime that we’ve interfered with an alien culture, it has ended up badly for everybody. Well, that’s completely false. In fact, it’s contrary to the entire basis of The Original Series, which was rooted again in this United Nations effort to bring freedom and modernism and liberalism and technology advancement to the people of the world. Now here’s Picard saying, “No, no. If one man wishes to enslave another, no third man should object,” to quote Lincoln on – that’s Picard’s attitude, hands-off. Aaron Ross Powell: How does that play in – I’m curious in the – the original Star Trek is exceedingly episodic. There are not a lot of these – so one of the things that tends to turn me off a bit about Star Trek in terms of the world-building aspect of it is that it always – it doesn’t feel to me like a universe that people live in and has a continuity. It’s instead – you know, each episode is we’re going to visit this thought experiment and then the next week, we’re going to go to another thought experiment. So do we have evidence that like the interventions that say Kirk did turned out well or does he intervene, smashed the computer and then we never go back to that planet again? Tim Sandefur: Well, you’re right. It’s that way and remember, Star Trek was the first science fiction series that was not an anthology. That’s one of the reasons why it was such a world-changing thing when it comes to television drama. It was the first time that a science fiction show had ever been put on television that was not an – every episode is different. But it did still have – because it was the first one, it still had a lot of the qualities of like The Twilight Zone or X Minus One about it because that was what the writers were familiar with from their past. So each episode does have this sort of standalone quality. But again, I think that the show was conscious in trying to be like Gulliver’s Travels or something where every episode was making a statement more than trying to create an alternative world. So they weren’t really particularly concerned with that. Now, as the show went on, of course it developed certain back story and certain story arcs. But that’s true even of a show like I Love Lucy has story arcs to it. We don’t remember that now, but it does. So they introduced Spock’s father and we get this idea that he’s half-human, half-Vulcan, all that and yeah, that stuff is there. But really the show is – the writers were more interested in every episode standing on its own. It’s Next Generation and that series in – the shows that followed it, that tried to get into universe building. I would actually argue that that was one of the things that ruined Star Trek was that it lost that surrealist quality that was key to the original show’s longevity. The reason that people still watch and enjoy The Original Series and don’t so much see The Next Generation as iconic in the same way, that it’s familiar to them because they grew up with it, but it doesn’t stand out 50 years from now the way the original Star Trek does, the reason why is because Next Generation was more interested in its own authenticity whereas The Original Series was more interested in discussing important timeless questions of philosophy. Trevor Burrus: Now, I’m not sure I will grant you your premise that – as I had mentioned before we started recording that your preference for the old Star Trek is merely a product of when you grew up with that and I grow more with Next Generation and I think that that’s pretty timeless too. But I want to get back to as opposed to like the world building aspects and that kind of thing, that the problem with Next Generation is the relativism of the prime directive, the kind of relativism that that engenders. Is that basically what the prime directive is? It’s a sort of a statement of relativism? Tim Sandefur: Definitely. I think what happened was by the time the 80s and 90s came along, we had gone through the Vietnam experience and Vietnam in many ways was the direct opposite of World War Two. In World War Two, we went out and literally saved the world and in Vietnam, there was a lot more self-criticism going along and it ended up with ignominy instead of America setting the terms for a new wave of worldwide liberal freedom and human rights, the way that World War Two had. So even though Next Generation was still overseen by Gene Roddenberry in its initial stages, it was a lot more of the relativist style of a liberalism, particularly post-1968 liberalism. To me, it symbolizes – very well by the 1968 Democratic Convention. You had the Lyndon Johnson generation of democrats who were this Gene Roddenberry post World War Two anti-totalitarian liberalism and on the other hand, you had this rising generation, the new left, that was fundamentally anti-technology, fundamentally anti-capitalist, deeply relativists, tune in, tune out – turn on, tune out liberalism and the clash between those two occurred during the hiatus after the original show and before the Next Generation came on. So then by the time Next Generation comes up, you have this more relativist version of liberalism. Aaron Ross Powell: But does this – this starts showing up in the Star Trek movies before Next Generation comes on the air, right? Tim Sandefur: Yeah, I guess a little bit. The Star Trek movies are very – in one way, they’re fundamentally different from The Original Series in that The Original Series was always about going out there and discovering. The movies are much less about that, especially the Trilogy 2, 3 and 4 are really centered about these main characters. It still has the same spirit of the original Star Trek I think, but there’s a lot less of the inquiry into universal morality than you see in The Original Series. On that point, I will say another deeply important point of Star Trek, one of the crucially important points of Star Trek that everybody seems to miss is that the point of Star Trek is that Spock is wrong. Spock is wrong! He’s always wrong! The reason is because Roddenberry introduced Spock as a way – as sort of a foil to humans. He was supposed to be standing outside of humanity, sort of criticizing humanity, trying to understand humanity. He was this other character who was pointing fingers at humanity and commenting on humanity. Roddenberry loved humanity. He didn’t love the Vulcans. He was interested in talking about why human beings are special. So throughout the original series, the Vulcans are very admirable for all sorts of reasons, but basically the humans are the good guys and the reason why is because they had this special quality of curiosity and innovation and commitment that Vulcans don’t really have. I think that shows up in the episode The Apple when Spock is perfectly willing to let the people of Vaal remain enslaved on the planet, whereas Kirk says, “No, these human values are universal of the ability to think for yourself and so forth.” When you get to Star Trek 2, Spock is sacrificing his life for the ship because the needs of the many outweigh the good of the few. Everybody thinks that line is so noble and great, but the point of that line is that Spock is wrong. That’s why in Star Trek 3, he gets corrected and when he asks at the end, “Why did you give up everything to come rescue me?” Kirk answers, “Because the needs of the one outweigh the needs of the many.” The climax I think of all of Star Trek is actually in Star Trek 4. Trevor Burrus: Is that with the whales? Tim Sandefur: Spock – the one with the whales when Spock says – they have to go rescue Chekov. Chekov has been injured in his effort to restore the power to the spaceship so that they can escape Earth. He’s now in a hospital in San Francisco and they have to go liberate him and Kirk turns to them and says, “Is that the logical thing to do?” and Spock says, “No, but it is the human thing to do.” At that moment, Spock becomes human and really the curtain on Star Trek, I think the original vision of Star Trek, the curtain falls there because that is when we see the culmination of everything Spock has learned up to this point. He has died and been reborn and discovers human values are his values. Trevor Burrus: Now I would say that a lot of people would think that – you mentioned something about the morality of The Next Generation. But it strikes us as a deeply moral show for most people. It’s almost proselytizing to the point of Picard’s nobility and you do have things like – there’s an episode in The Next Generation – his name escapes me. Something about drum. It’s about criminal procedure. So they accused this guy of a crime … Tim Sandefur: Yeah. Trevor Burrus: Of being a terrorist and he – we’re going to get a bunch of tweets telling me what the name of it is I’m sure. But accusing him of being a terrorist and they want to torture him and give him guilt by association and Picard gives a speech about how this is not what we do. We’re better than this. Tim Sandefur: Right. Trevor Burrus: That’s pretty common. It’s not an immoral or definitely not an amoral show. Tim Sandefur: That’s right and the evolution of Star Trek is very gradual. The first seasons of The Next Generation on many of the episodes actually were written for the original Star Trek crew and were kept on hand for many years and then recycled into Next Generation episodes. So the evolution of the show is very gradual. Roddenberry oversaw it and he got older and he died while the show was on the air and his successors very gradually I think moved away from what he was trying to do until you have shows like Deep Space Nine that are really not the original Star Trek. Now, some of them are great. I think Deep Space Nine has some of the best episodes in the history of Star Trek and Next Generation has some great episodes. I mean, oh gosh, the episode The Nth Degree for instance is one of my favorites or – what’s the episode where Worf kills Duras? An excellent episode directed by Jonathan Frakes. So there are some really good shows there. But I think what you see is Next Generation gradually turns away from commentary on universal themes and becomes much more distinctly political. A lot of the episodes are centered on specific issues, specific political issues of the day and they have to send a message about environmentalism or send a message about some other current controversy. It gets a lot less literary and a lot more propagandistic. I think that the growth of relativism is gradual also until the show really ends on relativistic notes where it did not start out that way. Remember, one of the first episodes is one where they have to prove that Data is human. I mean that’s a classic episode. That could have been an Original Series episode. So I don’t mean that there’s a point where you can just draw a line and say, “After this, everything is bad.” But I do think that you saw that distinct change during Next Generation, so that by the time that show went off the air, Star Trek had become something that it was very much not at the offset. Trevor Burrus: I just looked it up. The name of that episode is The Drumhead. That’s the name of the episode. Aaron Ross Powell: Does that trend of relativism continue into the post Next Generation series? I mean I – I haven’t watched Deep Space Nine since it was on the air but my recollection of it was not that it was relativistic, but that it was more morally murky. Tim Sandefur: Yeah. That’s true. I think it gets a lot more into the gray areas and I think it’s – some of it is really good drama, very tightly written, but it’s a different universe really. I think it’s not the mission of the original show and honestly, I like Deep Space Nine better when it was called Babylon 5. But that show and some of the other shows I think – they just had drifted so much, which is fine. That’s what happens over time. It’s just – I think it’s a different show. There’s an episode here – I don’t remember the title of the episode. But there’s an episode where Sisko explains to the camera how it was that he got the Romulans into – to enter the war that’s going on. I mean that’s crackerjack episode but it’s not. It’s not Star Trek. Trevor Burrus: So how would you describe – we kind of touched on it a little bit. But if you were to sort of overview the morality, the liberal morality – and I’m not sure if you’re using that entirely for the left or just general bigger liberalism, but from the post-war period to now and how that morality has changed. Tim Sandefur: I am using that word in the broadest sense. I mean liberal in the sense of broad liberal values, because obviously Roddenberry himself was some variety of socialist and the show at many times strikes certain socialist notes, which I find it amusing. They were unable to sustain the idea of a world where there was no really capitalist exchange going on. By the time Deep Space Nine comes along, the writers have given up on even trying to write drama in that world because it’s so absurd and they end up in an ordinary trading post sort of society. But anyway, I think what you see is the show – Star Trek begins with a commitment to universal liberal values. All human beings have certain rights. All human beings should use their reason, should not be devoted to blind faith, should not be devoted to mindless tradition and the answers are out there, but they will raise more questions and that’s a good thing. That sort of commitment to what Virginia Postrel has called dynamism over stasis, that’s the core of the original show. By the time you get to the – well, the end of the first line, by which I mean the end of next – The Next Generation feature films, by the end of that, what you have is a complete reversal, a gradual but completer reversal of those priorities. So that by the end of The Next Generation films, Picard is content to no longer be exploring and seeks instead – instead he is satisfied with the idea of a rural village that lacks technology. What I mean by that is the Ba’ku people in the Star Trek Next Generation film Insurrection who are presented to the audience as being this idealic people who know about technology but have consciously rejected technology because they say technology takes something important away from them and that it’s better to garden by hand and be satisfied with looking down at the dirt instead of up at the stars. Well, I think Roddenberry would have been horrified by this notion but that is the Star Trek that we’re left with at the end and it’s really – it’s like it’s going gently into that good night. It’s what that is. Aaron Ross Powell: I was curious about that criticism because you – I mean it’s pretty clear that – at least I think that you think that Star Trek Insurrection is the low point, that that’s – like your heaviest criticism comes for when you’re discussing that movie and so tell me if I’m getting the plot points wrong. But my sense from your description of it was yes, these people want to farm and want to live this simple agrarian life. But it’s not that they lack technology entirely. It’s like a background thing that they have access to. So they’re not – it’s not like they’re living in poverty as we would think about it. They have – they’re not sick. They’re not really wanting or destitute. They’re more just living say the ideal life of a Williamsburg, Brooklyn resident. Tim Sandefur: Yeah, well, that’s – yeah, that’s a good way of putting it because the film never bothers to explain to us how it is that they don’t have sickness because according to the film, this race of aliens knows about things like warp technology and so forth, but have chosen not to take advantage of it because they prefer to live like the Amish. This is presented to us as a good thing. Now, the morality, the moral, liberal, universal perspective of the original Star Trek was exactly the reverse of that. It was the idea that for all of its frailties and all of its sins, humanity will triumph in the end by the application of reason and by discovery and by science and progress. This is a fundamentally anti-progress movie. Now I do think it’s the low point of Star Trek before the JJ Abrams films which are an awfulness all of their own. But it’s the low point in the sense that – not in the sense of badly written or anything. I mean there are some really lousy – just in terms of production moments in Star Trek. I mean Spock’s Brain of The Original Series is typically pointed to as one of the worst episodes of all time. I don’t disagree with that. Trevor Burrus: What’s the green guy that Kirk fights in the very famous … Tim Sandefur: Oh, the Gorn. Yeah, in the episode Arena which is – and see the episode Arena is a good example of sort of the pattern of Star Trek. It’s not a particularly good episode but it’s a good illustration of what Star Trek does a lot of the time. So Kirk is kidnapped and put on this planet with this hostile alien creature and is forced to fight against him, against his will, by some alien being. Kirk using his reason, puts together a cannon – he finds sulfur and saltpeter and he makes gunpowder and builds a cannon with which he defeats the Gorn. But he chooses not to kill the Gorn. He refuses to kill the Gorn when he can and the reason is because that’s not what humanity stands for. When he makes that choice, the alien beings reveal themselves and say, “Surprise! It was all just a test. We were just doing all this to determine whether you people are worthy of surviving and prevailing in the universe and because you have these commitments to these liberal values, you are worthy of surviving.” Now, it’s a silly episode. But the moral themes are quintessentially The Original Series Star Trek. Now, an interesting contrast to that is the second generation version of Battlestar Galactica. The revived Battlestar Galactica was put together by a former Star Trek writer who consciously sought a way of creating an anti-Star Trek. The second version of Battlestar Galactica was created purposely as an anti-Star Trek and the first episode of it, Adama is confronted with this question. He says at the memorial service, he says, “Are human beings worthy of surviving against the Cylon onslaught?” and that’s the theme of the series. The theme of the second generation Battlestar Galactica is, “Is humanity worthy of survival?” to which the series answers a resounding no. Humanity is so awful for so many reasons that the Cylons are actually the good guys and humanity deserves to suffer and die. The series is extremely dark for that reason. It gets most of the questions wrong that it presents to the audience and it’s relentlessly naturalistic. So it’s sort of a complete opposite of the original Star Trek series. Trevor Burrus: Now I derailed you for a second because you’re talking about Insurrection as being the low point. We talked about the Gorn and this idea of these people, these – you said naturalistic. On that point, I mean you mentioned the Amish. Do you think that we should be really critical of the Amish as being anti-progress and they shouldn’t be living the lives the way they should and we should violate our version of a prime directive and go into Amish villages and teach them the ways of liberal values and rights and rationality? Aaron Ross Powell: And Snapchat and Instagram. Trevor Burrus: And Snapchat and Instagram, yeah. Tim Sandefur: Yeah. To some degree, my answer is yes. As a libertarian, of course I believe they have the right to make whatever conscious decision they choose about how they live their lives and if they do choose to live a primitive existence, then that’s their choice and they have that right. But I think it’s immoral and wrong and I think incidentally that Americans have this sense of the Amish as being quaint, harmless, little people who are cute and wonderful tourist attractions and so forth. But in fact, they are a radical cult that is devoted to the opposite of technological progress and devoted to conscious ignorance. There’s no surprise that if you scan the newspapers, you find lots of incidents of horrific exploitation, sexual exploitation and so forth that goes on in the Amish community. A lot of people don’t pay much attention to it because they think of the Amish as being cute when in fact, as I said, they’re a radical religious cult. Trevor Burrus: But we have – on some level, we have a prime directive in this. I mean there’s some sort of non-interference that we practice. Trevor Burrus: I mean I don’t go … Tim Sandefur: That’s right, but that non-interference is still cabined by universal liberal values so that if an Amish person is discovered sexually exploiting a child for example, that they are brought up on charges in an ordinary civil criminal court and tried for violations of laws that are rooted in every human being’s right to be free from those kinds of violations. That’s rightly so. So I think a Captain Kirk in today’s society would say, “Yes, the Amish, of course, they have the right to live their lives as they please within the limits of the rights that universal liberalism recognizes on behalf of every other individual.” Aaron Ross Powell: I’m curious about where we draw lines specifically in your criticism of Star Trek Insurrection. It seemed that – so let’s accept that like they didn’t have sickness. However, they managed to not have sickness and they weren’t – they didn’t appear to be exploiting the rights of their fellow members. This was simply a choice that they made to not embrace certain levels of technology, to not fly off to the stars or have computers or whatever else and it seemed it wasn’t – they were capable of thinking about the alternative and simply rejected it for their way of life. You were extremely critical of that on principle. You called that lifestyle immoral and I’m wondering how we decide where that line is. So we talked about – we kind of make fun of wealthy people today who are wealthy enough to live like they’re poor. So they – it takes a lot of money in order to be able to just grow your own food and super reduce your carbon footprint and all of that sort of stuff. But there doesn’t seem to be anything – I mean if wealth and technology are there to ultimately enable us to live the kinds of lives that we want to, then what’s wrong with living the kind of life that we want to? I mean is it bad to go camping? Tim Sandefur: Oh, yeah, of course not and of course Kirk would not have had any objection to that sort of thing. But see here, we – to answer that question, I think you have to – Aaron Ross Powell: Well, he goes camping, doesn’t he? Tim Sandefur: That’s right. He does in Star Trek 5. I think you would have to take a step back though and think in meta terms about how the show was written to answer that question. That is in The Original Series, whenever you encounter an alien race that’s anything like the Ba’ku people, in The Original Series, there’s always something wrong beneath the surface. So a good episode – a good illustration, that is the episode Plato’s Stepchildren. The crew encounters this race of godlike beings who live in a very sort of Greco-Roman society and they all have these super telekinetic powers and everything. They are all happy of course. They don’t suffer any illness or anything, right? Except it turns out that they abuse and mistreat one of the characters who’s a dwarf and in order to demonstrate their strength, they come to later abuse and mistreat the Enterprise crew. In fact, the episode is most famous for having television’s first interracial kiss between Captain Kirk and Lieutenant Uhura. Now, that is a good example of how in The Original Series, whenever you encountered an alien race that lived in what appeared to be a technology-free ideal in a sort of a quaint village setting, there’s always something bad beneath the scenes or behind the scenes. In The Next Generation though, The Next Generation writers are content to present us with this cartoonish utopia that doesn’t answer questions like, “How do these people avoid getting sick?” and so forth. I mean that would have been the first question Captain Kirk would have asked if he had beamed into a planet populated by the Ba’ku people. How is it that you people manage to feed each other if you don’t use modern agricultural technologies for instance? The Next Generation authors were content to present us with this kind of silly cartoonish situation that would not have withstood any kind of probing or anything and the reason why is because The Next Generation writers were themselves wedded to this notion of idealic, technology-free, somehow or another organic kale is going to make us all healthy stuff. I mean that’s the attitude behind the writing of the show. So I don’t think that the show can withstand the kind of question you ask precisely because it’s written in a way that represents a silly commitment to an idea that you can have a society without technology and still feed everybody and still not get sick and so forth. So I think the original series was fundamentally anti-utopian and by the end of Next Generation, it’s fundamentally utopian. Trevor Burrus: That’s a fascinating thing because the – they may encounter utopias that have some sort of fatal flaw behind them in The Original Series. But the people themselves on the Enterprise are living in a pretty god utopia without capitalism and all this kind of things that Roddenberry is – from a socialist sort of leanings that they themselves are living in a utopia. Trevor Burrus: That itself is socialist in its own way. Tim Sandefur: That’s a good point and I think it’s a solid criticism of Star Trek that almost all of the conflict takes place outside of the bounds of the Starship Enterprise. As I said before the original – the Next Generation writers often found themselves handicapped by the fact that Roddenberry would not let them have conflict between the characters who are members of the crew and the Enterprise. Roddenberry always wanted the crew of the Enterprise to get along and not have conflict amongst themselves and it made it difficult to write good drama. Now, for The Original Series, I think it kind of works because if what you’re trying to do is comment on issues or broad themes, it’s helpful for the drama that the crew all get a long. But even so, there is a little bit of tension now and then. I mean McCoy and Spock have this sort of funny relationship where they tease each other a lot but in – you know, sometimes it’s not funny. Sometimes McCoy really appears not to like Spock and Spock appears really not to like McCoy. Trevor Burrus: Are you out of your Vulcan mind? Yeah, exactly. Trevor Burrus: So the prime directive though, it’s interesting. I’m still not sure I’m totally on with your thesis to some extent. But I also think that some of that relativism, what we’re kind of calling relativism, that the Next Generation kind of exhibits. Some of it would be a backlash to I think let’s say 19th century anthropology kind of thing, the sort of, well, we met some savage racists out there in the boondocks and then – so very, very paternalistic without any sort of understanding of different ways people can do things that are still acceptable under certain circumstances. But also the prime directive seems pretty useful for non-interferences of principle is something I might prefer because – I don’t know if I can endorse that as a principle of power because there might be people who want to interfere with me or with my people who think we’re not doing things correctly. So I’m thinking of for example international human rights lawyers who would love to violate the prime directive to put labor laws, who think that it’s a right to a vacation, a right to healthcare, a right to all these things that are the things that they would like to use, forced to put on to us. So maybe the best sort of compromise is something where you say, “I’m not going to get involved in your affairs. I’m not going to force things on you if you don’t force things on me,” and that creates a more livable situation. Tim Sandefur: Maybe. And I think these – some of this is stuff that’s too complicated to have presented in a television drama of one hour a week in the 60s. So at some point, the show is too broad to get into some of that depth. But I would say the point that The Original Series is making in criticizing the prime directive is precisely the fact that there are certain universal human truths and that the idea that culture – or a hands-off practicality shouldn’t trump those truths is expressly rejected in The Original Series. So that in today’s parlance, people often bring up the example of female – genital circumcision as being a cultural practice. Should the West just look the other way about genital circumcision of little girls in the Third World? And I think the original Star Trek writers would emphatically say, “No, we should not look the other way,” that all human beings have certain rights and no society can legitimately violate those rights and that we are in the right to go into another country and say, “No, you may not mistreat people in this way.” I think that is what The Original Series is saying. Personally, I’m on board with that. But the – you are right to say that one of the reasons why Next Generation pushes that away is because of sort of the anti-colonialism movement that was just getting underway while The Original Series was on the air. So you don’t see a lot of it in The Original Series just because it really wasn’t a cultural – as big a cultural phenomenon as it became in the years after the show went off the air. But the sort of anti-colonialism notion that a society has a right to govern itself without entering interference from outside gradually takes root and is a real infection in the side of the Next Generation. It makes it very hard for the Next Generation to stay true to those principles of universal human rights while simultaneously believing that a society has the right to govern itself however it wants. If that includes violating individual freedom, then that’s OK. That’s why you have such awful episodes as when the card says yes, if there – these people are being kept in a drug-induced slavery, then that’s OK with me. Trevor Burrus: But would you rather live in a world where interference was generally OK or people who believed themselves to be – sort of the – think about the religious wars of the 15th – you know, the 16th and 17th century where everyone sort of thought they could interfere in everyone’s lives. That created a really bad 30-year war, that they kind of decided with the [Indiscernible] compromise that we’re just going to let – that we’re not going to interfere because a bunch of people are thinking that they have principles that are universal, who think they have the right to interfere in people’s lives. It’s actually fundamentally dangerous. Aaron Ross Powell: Well, this is excellent, I mean the fact – and quickly interject that as we’re discussing this and as we’re discussing the notion of – the original Star Trek is very much this post-war notion of liberalism plus moral absolutism and a strong sense of who the good guys and bad guys are that – and then that we should intervene to stop people who were doing things that run counter to this, that you end up seeing a possible like mere image of the original series of Star Trek and say The Day the Earth Stood Still which is the enlightened aliens coming in and saying, “Look, this America of the post-war moral consensus of absolutism is actually going to destroy …” whatever. I don’t know … Trevor Burrus: The world … Aaron Ross Powell: The world, yeah, that this is really bad and unless you knock it off and get past this kind of moral belief, we’re going to destroy you. Tim Sandefur: Yeah. No, it’s a good point and I think that the question about – well, the earlier question about, “Would you rather live in a world where …” The difference between the religious wars of the 15th century and what we’re talking about here is that religion is nonsense. I mean that’s the fundamental difference between the two and something very important to Roddenberry who is deeply anti-religion and the show shows that repeatedly in the episode The Apple and in many other episodes – the one episode in particular in which they – the god Apollo appears to the Enterprise and in this case, it actually is the god Apollo. It’s not some fake and the Enterprise makes it impossible – ends up basically destroying his power source and Kirk gives a speech saying, “We have outgrown the need for gods.” So the show is fundamentally humanist in that sense. But the difference between the liberals that I’m talking about and the religious wars of the 15th century is that the principles of universal human rights are true and the proposition that three gods and one god are the same thing is simply an arbitrary nonsense and that’s the most important point. If one disagrees with that, that’s fine but that’s not what the original Star Trek was committed to. The original Star Trek was committed to this idea of universal human rights being true and the reason why this sort of rings all our libertarian bells is because the original – because libertarianism is a species of liberals, that’s why, and because the universal human rights that we’re talking about are basically a right to be let alone. It’s basically a right to be free from interference from others. Now, in today’s political culture, you very often hear people say, “Who are we to impose democracy on other countries?” to which the right answer is democracy is not imposed. Tyranny is imposed. Democracy or universal human freedom is the natural state of man because mankind is born free. It’s tyranny that’s imposed. So if one person comes and tries to enslave another person and I pull out a gun and I stop him from doing that, I’m not interfering with his rights. A slave owner can’t complain when I liberate his slaves because he had no right to enslave the man to begin with. That’s the perspective of The Original Series Star Trek and it’s a perspective within libertarianism that within libertarianism you also have this hands-off non-interference notion and a lot of libertarians or – so they call themselves, believe that non-interference trumps the principles of human rights because the principles of human rights are just our own cultural myth and that’s interchangeable with the cultural myths of the other societies. Therefore the clash between libertarian freedom and authoritarianism is no more universally valid than the religious wars of the 15th and 16th centuries because we’re all just basically making it up. That’s a proposition that I and The Original Series emphatically reject. Trevor Burrus: Again, the other alternative – I mean aside from practicality concerns is the fear that if you do preach intervention – if I were to live in a world and I could get them to believe in the prime directive and follow it religiously, which of course half of Star Trek is about them breaking it constantly, I probably would prefer that overall as a way of maintaining freedom because I think that generally the violations of the prime directive are going to be done by people who do not agree with universal values that are true throughout because the violation of the prime directive was to be based off of those who have power. Sort of like I say that I don’t want to do a lot of international interference in human rights stuff because a lot of times I will do – agree with it for egregious circumstances but a lot of times it’s going to be taken over by international law professors who want to intervene for decidedly non-liberal reasons such as to make better labor laws or have universal healthcare or right to abortion or things like this. So there’s a practicality to this. Trevor Burrus: And that doesn’t concern you – Tim Sandefur: Yeah, I agree. That is – and what’s interesting here is there’s an episode of The Original Series Star Trek that kind of touches on these things and it doesn’t go too deeply into it. But you can see in there and that is the episode Space Seed where we first are introduced to Khan who later comes back in Star Trek 2 and then later in one of the JJ Abrams films. What makes Khan particularly interesting is that he actualy is a superior being and … Trevor Burrus: Yeah, he’s genetically superior, right? Tim Sandefur: That’s right. A lot of Star Trek – the crew encounters allegedly superior beings and it turns out that they’re not actually superior, that they have some sort of trick up their sleeve. But here you have a guy who actually is superior and all the crew acknowledges it. So this is a real challenge to the principle of fundamental equality that is the basis of all human rights theories. I mean the declaration of independence starts with equality, not with liberty and that’s realistic because it is because we are all equal that we are all free. It is because you have no right to – it is because you are the same essentially as I am. That means you have no inherent right to control my life and therefore you have to ask permission from me if you propose to control my life and that’s what we call the “social compact”. We have government by consent. But here you have Khan who actually is a superior being. He stands in a position relative to the crew of the Enterprise in the same way that I stand to my pet dog. I don’t have to ask my dog’s consent when I tell him to get off the couch. He is an inferior being and I tell him to get off the couch and that – it’s as simple as that. So what does the crew do when they encounter Khan? Khan tries to take over the Enterprise and kill the crew in order to become the ruler of the Starship Enterprise. The crew defeats his plans but they don’t kill him. They put him on trial but they don’t convict him. What Captain Kirk does is he says, “Look, you have all the strength. You really are a powerful, unique creature with special gifts. So what we’re going to do is we’re going to put on an unpopulated planet and give you the chance to create a society and make you a pioneer to put your great energies to work in a constructive way that’s a good thing.” Now of course 20 years later, it turns out that that experiment failed and that’s why we have Star Trek 2. But at the time the episode was filmed, nobody knew that that was coming. So you have to take it on its own terms. Here you have libertarianism in the broad sense I think. Libertarianism’s answer to that question, which is within the boundaries of respecting individual rights, yes, you can do what you like hands-off. We are non-negotiable on the principle that every being has the right to live their lives on their own terms. But within those boundaries, yeah, you can have all sorts of cultural variation and different practices and so forth. But we’re not going to erase those boundaries. Once you do, once you get into a completely relativistic sense, where every society has the right to govern itself – or even to depict the idea of human rights in a different way, which means overriding it and saying, well, in our society – like in Borat when he says, “She has no name because she has girl.” We’re not going to go that far. We’re not going to take our relativism to that extent. Aaron Ross Powell: So speaking of Khan, I want to turn the new movies which – I mean you are on record as being let’s say not a fan of JJ Abrams’ work on Star Trek and I’m not terribly either, but it largely has to do with concern about why anyone would ever let Damon Lindelof write a script. But those … Tim Sandefur: Wait a minute. There were scripts to those … Aaron Ross Powell: Questionably. But – so what’s outside of problems with characterization or problems with enormous plot holes and nonsensical decision-making? From the political standpoint, what’s wrong with the new Star Trek movies? Tim Sandefur: Oh, I don’t think we have enough time for all of it. So the problem is – begins basically with JJ Abrams acknowledging that he’s neither a fan of Star Trek nor has he actually watched Star Trek. He acknowledged in an interview that he found Star Trek boring and really wasn’t a fan of it. Well, if you don’t like your material, you have no business making the movie. Contrast that for example with the director of the recent film of Les Miserables that won so many Oscars and deservedly so. It’s an amazing masterpiece of film. He in an interview about the same time said that he basically ate, breathed and slept Victor Hugo for years before making that film. So you have a – if you don’t like your material, you shouldn’t be making the movie. That’s the basic problem. Now what Abrams’ films come out doing is being basically just sort of a pastiche and a really bad pastiche of the original Star Trek where Kirk is all about having sex with the girls and he’s all about emotional impulses and so forth and he has no reasoning. Now the original Captain Kirk is a very intelligent guy. He’s a competent scientist for one thing. He was modeled on Captain James Cook, the great 18th century explorer who was – who rose from – he was not a nobleman. He was an average commoner and he rose to become a fellow of the Royal Society and the greatest explorer in the history of the earth. So he was modeled on that and he’s a very intelligent, thoughtful leader. Yeah, he’s a ladies’ man but he respects women in a way that the new Kirk does not. What you end up with when you have a drama that’s centered around these emotional impulses and things is they have no real reason for respecting Captain Kirk. Why should Kirk be captain of the Enterprise instead of say Spock? The answers were given in a weird sort of deus ex machina way when Leonard Nimoy appears as Spock from another dimension to tell them that Captain Kirk should be captain of the Enterprise just because. And that’s it! He just says that’s the one rule you must not break. Why? I don’t know. It’s just because. Even though in one of the Abrams’ movies, Captain Kirk has this monologue where he explains it. He has no idea what he’s doing. He doesn’t know why he’s captain of the Enterprise and he shouldn’t be running things. I mean it’s truly a chaos that does not withstand any kind of intellectual scrutiny. It’s presented as this – and the problem with that is if that is correct, if Kirk should be the ruler just because, well, then why shouldn’t Khan be the ruler? If Khan is a superior being, genetically-engineered Superman as we’re told, then why shouldn’t he be the captain of the Enterprise? And we’re never given an answer to that. The only time that they even approached giving an answer to that in Star Trek Into Darkness is in the very last moment when Captain Kirk gives this speech at Starfleet Academy and he says, “You know, there are these bad guys out there, but we’re not like them because that’s not who we are.” That’s it! The phrase, “That’s not who we are,” is invoked as a cover, as an explanation for the entire movie. We’re never told why that’s not how we are or why it shouldn’t be. I mean it makes no sense and in order to cover up the fact that it makes no sense, JJ Abrams’ films long for a strong man to come and impose his will because he’s stronger, which again is the opposite of what the original Star Trek stood for. Trevor Burrus: So now to the most important final question from someone who’s qualified to talk about Star Trek as you is, “What is the correct solution to the Kobayashi Maru test?” Tim Sandefur: So the Kobayashi Maru test is an unwinnable test in which – it’s to evaluate Starfleet candidates for command and test their command abilities before they go out into space and actually run a Starship. It’s unwinnable. So the idea behind it is to – just to see what you would do if you were in a situation where there is no escape. It’s revealed in Star Trek 2 that Kirk took the test three times and failed and finally just figured out a way to reprogram the computer so that the test could be won. He got a commendation for original thinking in doing so and that’s the right answer is to reprogram the simulation. That I think is what Roddenberry would say. Roddenberry would say life is a no-win scenario. Everybody is doing to die and if you’re looking for some utopian fairy tale solution to that conundrum, you’re not going to find one. So the solution is to reprogram the scenario. The solution is to think about what it is that you want from life. You’re here on earth and you have all these great potentials because you’re a human being. So find a way to do some good with it. Find a way to pursue happiness, to make some great scientific discovery, to become the best writer or thinker that you can be or to be the best marathon runner or even – or to be the best parent you can be or some way to use the special fire that you have as a human being to light up the world because otherwise, the world is just darkness. There’s a line in Edmond Rostand’s play Chantecler, which is about a rooster who is persuaded that his crowing causes the sun to rise and all the other animals make fun of him for it. Until one moment when he says, “The reason I knew that my crowing caused the sun to rise is that the darkness celebrated my silence.” That’s what the universe is going to do if we don’t devote ourselves to the principles of civilization and progress that the original Star Trek stood for. So I think that’s the solution to the Kobayashi Maru scenario is to reject the premise that life is a no-win scenario. That’s why Captain Kirk is a hero because he does that and that’s why he says in Star Trek 2, “I don’t believe in the no-win scenario,” and he’s right. Aaron Ross Powell: Free Thoughts is produced by Evan Banks and Mark McDaniel. To learn more about libertarianism and the ideas that influence it, visit us on the web at www.Libertarianism.org. Timothy Sandefur Timothy Sandefur is Vice President for Litigation at the Goldwater Institute. Sandefur has litigated several cases involving property rights, eminent domain, and regulatory takings. Sandefur is a graduate of Chapman University School of Law and Hillsdale College.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8615
__label__wiki	0.922597	0.922597	LUKE PELL When Luke Pell shipped out for Afghanistan during his five years of service in the army, there was one thing he learned that he couldn’t live without: His guitar. “I had my roommate at the time mail it to me,” he laughs. Country music and love of country have long been important to Luke, who grew up on his family’s ranch in the tiny town of Burnet, Texas. When he wasn’t breaking horses or making plays on the football field in Friday Night Lights fashion, he was stalwartly studying Garth Brooks. “He was a country artist, but he had this live show where he was flying around on wires like a rock show,” says Luke. “He was the cowboy I could relate to, but he was also a rock star. Seeing that as a kid, that’s something you never forget.” His passion for music grew as he took solace in that trusty guitar while serving in the military. In fact, when he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point—which he attended on a full scholarship, thanks to those early football days in Texas—he was given his choice of army bases. He picked Fort Campbell in Kentucky because of its proximity to Nashville. “I would drive down on weekends or after work, just trying to get my feet in the songwriting world and meet people in the music industry,” he says. It was on one of those trips down that he discovered another musical muse: Eric Church. “He came out with his sunglasses on and his ball cap pulled down and he just sang. There was so much energy in the room that the hair stood up on the back of my neck. The way he bridged country and rock, it was just an inspiration.” When Luke left the military as a captain after five years of service, he tried his hand at a corporate job (working as an engineer for an oil company), but music was still calling. “It kept eating away at me, and I thought, ‘Man, I wouldn’t be honest with myself if I didn’t say Nashville is where my heart is.’” He officially made the move to Music City and holed up with songwriting buddy (and future collaborator) Brandon Kinney (“Boots On,” “Beer in the Headlights”) in a Dickson, Tennessee bunk house. A couple years later, Hollywood came calling. Luke appeared on The Bachelorette's 12th season and was rumored to be in line to become the 21st bachelor. Most recently, he appeared on The Bachelor Winter Games on ABC. But while America may recognize his face from reality TV, it’s his voice that commands attention. On his debut self-titled EP, Luke shows off some of that anthemic Garth Brooks country with a distinct dash of Eric Church cool. It’s a style that has amassed him nearly two million streams on Spotify. The singer-songwriter is no stranger to the road, either, having played 90 live shows in 2017 as well as a successful cross-country “Hometowns and Highways Tour” with Logan Mize in 2018, selling out several shows in Chicago, Des Moines and more. With new music on the way this fall, he’s excited for what’s to come and continues to embrace his roots. He knows getting here was no accident. “If you do what makes you happy you’ll never work a day in your life. If you're a person that has faith in who you are and what your values are, and you're honest with yourself and the rest of the world, then whatever your dream is, you'll end up where you’re supposed to be,” he says. “When I was working those corporate jobs, I wasn't being honest with myself. I had to make the move. I’m the driver in my own journey, and I have to stay true to myself. And I hope that authenticity comes across in my music, as well.” Ny Country Swag on Luke's newest single "Radio" August 24th, 2018 - NY Country Swag reviews their favorite moments working with Luke Pell and details his newest single, "Radio," written by Pell, Brock Berryhill, Jay Brunswick and Taylor Phillips." Design: Anthony Stone Photo: Sam Carbine Chicago Sun Times: Country Music's Luke Pell... April 9th, 2018, "Because anyone who has taken the time to listen to the gritty, Eric Church-esque voice on the West Point graduate and former U.S. Army Captain quickly realizes that there is much more to this Texas native than just movie star looks and gossip-filled storylines." - the Chicago Sun Times B Chord: Luke Pell talks about his new ep, tour and thriving career. March 14th, 2018, BChord interviews Luke Pell following his show in Annapolis, MD at the Rams Head OnStage. Luke talks about his time in the military, his passion for music in his early life and the writing process for his EP. Nashville Scene: Here for the right reasons Feb 8th, 2018, “I was a songwriter and an artist long before the TV show ever happened,” Pell tells the Scene. “We just didn’t talk about the music piece on the show. [The show] kinda always captured me being a military guy that was from a small town in Texas.” -Luke Pell in an interview with the Nashville Scene Luke Pell and Logan Mize: Hometowns and highways tour Jan. 19th, 2018, "Logan Mize and Luke Pell will be hitting the road this spring for their co-headlining Hometowns and Highways Tour. The tour kicks off in Waterloo, N.Y., and will visit cities across the country including Chicago, Dallas, Minneapolis, Austin, and Oklahoma City...The tour also launches on the heels of Luke Pell’s debut EP release." - Music Row Magazine	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8619
__label__wiki	0.895168	0.895168	GOP congressman from New York charged with insider trading Rep. Chris Collins (R-N.Y.) talks to reporters at the National Republican Club of Capitol Hill on April 21, 2016. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images) Reporting from New York — U.S. Rep. Christopher Collins (R-N.Y.) has been indicted on charges that he used inside information about a biotechnology company to make illicit stock trades. The charges were announced and the indictment unsealed in New York City on Wednesday. The indictment charges Collins, the congressman’s son and the father of the son’s fiance, with conspiracy, wire fraud and other counts. Prosecutors say the charges relate to a scheme to gain insider information about Innate Immunotherapeutics Limited, a biotechnology company headquartered in Sydney, with offices in Auckland, New Zealand. According to the indictment, the defendants tried to get early word on the results of the trial of a drug the company developed to treat multiple sclerosis. Collins, whose district covers parts of western New York between Buffalo and Rochester, has denied any wrongdoing. When the House Ethics Committee began investigating the stock trades a year ago, his spokeswoman called it a “partisan witch hunt.” “We will answer the charges filed against Congressman Collins in court and will mount a vigorous defense to clear his good name,” his attorneys, Jonathan Barr and Jonathan New, said in a statement Wednesday. “It is notable that even the government does not allege that Congressman Collins traded a single share of Innate Therapeutics stock. We are confident he will be completely vindicated and exonerated.” All three defendants were in federal custody Wednesday and were expected to make their initial court appearance in the afternoon. Collins was a member of Innate’s board of directors and held nearly 17% of the stock. When the drug trials failed, the public announcement caused the stock price of Innate to plunge 92%. Prosecutors allege that Collins passed along secrets to his son, Cameron, in June 2017. They say the son traded on the inside information and passed it to a third defendant, Stephen Zarsky. They say Zarsky traded on it and tipped off at least three others. Prosecutors say the three avoided over $768,000 in losses by trading ahead of the public announcement of the failed drug trials. The advocacy group Public Citizen filed a request for an investigation of Collins’ stock dealings with the Office of Congressional Ethics and the Securities and Exchange Commission in January 2017. U.S. suspects Iran seized UAE-based tanker in Strait of Hormuz A small oil tanker from the United Arab Emirates traveling through the Strait of Hormuz entered Iranian waters and turned off its tracker three days ago. Attack in restaurant in northern Iraq kills Turkish diplomat A gunman opened fire inside a restaurant in the northern Iraqi city of Irbil on Wednesday, killing at least one Turkish diplomat working at Ankara’s consulate, Turkey’s state-run news agency and Iraqi media said. Newsletter: Today: The R-Word The House voted to condemn President Trump’s tweets directed at four congresswomen, but the divisiveness hasn’t stopped there. Latest World-Nation Column: Biden bets he’ll find voters closer to the center Joe Biden is going on the offensive, hoping that establishing his center-left credentials will win over primary voters. Texas Democrat introduces articles of impeachment Rep. Al Green is seeking to capitalize on a growing sentiment for impeachment in the wake of Trump’s racist tweets over the weekend. North Korea suggested it might call off its 20-month suspension of nuclear and missile tests because of summertime U.S.-South Korean military drills that the North calls preparation for an eventual invasion. ACLU sues to stop new policy blocking asylum seekers at U.S.-Mexico border The Trump administration said it would deny asylum to migrants who failed to apply for protection in at least one country they crossed on their journey north.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8620
__label__wiki	0.658578	0.658578	Much depends on Ginsburg President Obama greets Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before his State of the Union address in January. (Michael Reynolds / EPA) By Erwin Chemerinsky Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg should retire from the Supreme Court after the completion of the current term in June. She turned 81 on Saturday and by all accounts she is healthy and physically and mentally able to continue. But only by resigning this summer can she ensure that a Democratic president will be able to choose a successor who shares her views and values. A great deal turns on who picks Ginsburg’s successor. There are, for example, four likely votes to overturn Roe vs. Wade on the current court: Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr. and Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel A. Alito Jr. If a Republican president selects Ginsburg’s replacement, that justice easily could be the fifth vote needed to allow the government to prohibit all abortions. On many cases — including ones involving environmental law, healthcare, gay marriage, the death penalty and the rights of those in Guantanamo — the four liberal justices have joined with Justice Anthony M. Kennedy for a progressive result. But if a conservative had been occupying Ginsburg’s seat when the court heard those cases, the rulings might well have been very different, and if a conservative takes her seat when she leaves, they might not survive. There likely will be many calls, publicly and privately, for Justice Ginsburg to resign before President Obama leaves the White House to prevent the risk of a Republican being able to appoint her successor. But simply leaving before the next election isn’t enough. If Ginsburg waits until 2016 to announce her retirement, there is a real chance that Republicans would delay the confirmation process to block an outgoing president from being able to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court. In fact, the process for confirming nominees for judicial vacancies usually largely shuts down the summer before a presidential election. Moreover, there is a distinct possibility that Democrats will not keep the Senate in the November 2014 elections. The current Senate has 53 Democrats, two independents who vote with the Democrats and 45 Republicans. But in the November 2014 elections, Republicans have a far greater likelihood of gaining seats in the Senate than the Democrats. One recent study identified nine seats held by Democrats that could be won by Republicans, but only two seats occupied by Republicans that might be taken by Democrats. So long as the Democrats control the Senate, President Obama can have virtually anyone he wants confirmed for the Supreme Court. There has been only one filibuster against a Supreme Court nominee, and that was to block Justice Abe Fortas’ elevation to chief justice, not to block his initial appointment. There were 48 votes against Thomas and 42 against Alito, but Democrats filibustered neither. Besides, if Democrats have control of the Senate, they could change the rules to eliminate the filibuster for Supreme Court nominees, just as they did for lower federal court judges and presidential appointments to executive positions. In the end, the only way to ensure that President Obama can pick someone who will carry on in Justice Ginsburg’s tradition is for the vacancy to occur this summer. Indeed, Justice Stephen G. Breyer, who will turn 76 this summer, should also carefully consider the possibility of stepping down this year. Some might question whether a justice should be so calculating in choosing when to retire. But not doing so ignores the reality that ideology matters enormously in Supreme Court decision-making. This is nothing new; ideology always has mattered, and which president fills vacancies on the court can have an impact for decades. If, for example, Al Gore or John Kerry rather than President George W. Bush had replaced William Rehnquist and Sandra Day O’Connor in 2005, a liberal majority would likely have endured on the court for the next few decades. Conversely, if John McCain had replaced David Souter and John Paul Stevens, there would be a solid conservative majority and Roe vs. Wade surely would have been overruled already. I do not minimize how hard it will be for Justice Ginsburg to step down from a job that she loves and has done so well since 1993. But the best way for her to advance all the things she has spent her life working for is to ensure that a Democratic president picks her successor. The way to facilitate that is for her to resign this summer. Erwin Chemerinsky is dean of the UC Irvine School of Law. OpinionOp-Ed Op-Ed: Building more permanent housing alone won’t solve homelessness in California Homeless people should have a legal right to shelter and a legal obligation to utilize it. Editorial: Yet again, Trump ignores the law to impose his will on America’s neighbors To deal with a surge in asylum seekers, Trump is trying to rewrite federal law and impose terms unilaterally on Mexico and Guatemala. The asylum system does have problems, but that’s not the solution. Op-Ed: Los Angeles should look to New York for answers to its homeless problem Whereas L.A. has focused (unsuccessfully) on trying to create long-term affordable housing, New York has focused on creating temporary shelters. Letters to the Editor: Lady Liberty never lifted her lamp at the southern border The welcoming words at the foot of the Statue of Liberty are just a myth, and the recent immigration raids prove it. Letters to the Editor: Joe Biden isn’t a racist for having fought busing in the 1970s In a way, Joe Biden resembles America: racially problematic half a century ago, but now tolerant and trying to right past wrongs. Column: A century of surviving crises left democracy overconfident and vulnerable David Runciman, a politics and history professor at Cambridge University, talks about his book “How Democracy Ends”. Trump’s asylum ban will only worsen problems at the border Trump’s latest asylum ban will make problems at the border worse and encourage people entering the country illegally to hide. Letters to the Editor: The worst thing about Trump’s racism? Republicans’ silence President Trump tweeted racist attacks that ought to spur universal condemnation. Instead, Republicans are staying largely silent. Women were brutally strip-searched in L.A. County jails. Now we have to pay for it The women were ordered to line up outdoors, strip, and toss their clothes onto the concrete in front of them.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8621
__label__wiki	0.947831	0.947831	Dodgers’ Clayton Kershaw will not pitch on opening day Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw signs autographs at Camelback Ranch before a game against the San Francisco Giants on March 11. (Norm Hall / Getty Images) Clayton Kershaw will not start for the Dodgers on opening day, manager Dave Roberts announced Monday, confirming what has been obvious for weeks and effectively ending Kershaw’s franchise-record streak of consecutive opening-day starts at eight. “When he’s ready to pitch for us is when he’ll pitch for us,” Roberts said. A decision on who will start opening day hasn’t been made. Ross Stripling will replace Kershaw in the rotation, Roberts announced late Monday night, after the right-hander was dominant over four shutout innings against Texas. Shoulder inflammation sabotaged Kershaw’s spring days after Roberts had named him the club’s opening-day starter for the ninth straight year. He went four days without throwing after logging a bullpen session Feb. 20. He didn’t pitch off a mound again until March 11, nearly three weeks later. Kershaw threw only fastballs in the first session and again in the second bullpen. He used his entire arsenal off a mound for the first time in his third session Sunday. Kershaw, who turns 31 on Tuesday, will next throw in a live batting practice session on Wednesday. If he emerges healthy, he’d ideally throw again on Saturday. Roberts, however, said he isn’t sure whether that is the plan. Roberts said Kershaw will travel with the team to Los Angeles when the Dodgers break camp and not stay behind in Arizona to pitch in minor league games, and Monday night confirmed he won’t start the season on the roster. How long Stripling stays in the rotation depends, for now, on how Kershaw progresses, Roberts said. Teams can backdate stints on the 10-day injured list up to three days before opening day as long as the player does not play in an official exhibition game. That includes Cactus League and Freeway Series games. The last Dodger not named Kershaw to start on opening day was Vicente Padilla in 2010. That was also the last time the Dodgers finished under .500. Kershaw seized the title the next year on his way to winning the first of his three National League Cy Young awards. “It’s a definite feather in Clayton’s cap, but it’s not just about making the opening-day start to add to your streak,” Roberts said. “It’s about being healthy and giving your team a chance to win. So he’s in support of it and we are as well because we do have to take the long view and do what’s best for the player.” Roberts ruled out Walker Buehler as opening-day starter Monday night, citing a lack of time to get him properly prepared. Buehler is scheduled to log three innings in his debut Tuesday against the Cleveland Indians at Camelback Ranch. If that goes well, he’ll make a four-inning start before the beginning of the season. Rich Hill is another option. The 39-year-old left-hander has been stretched out to five innings and has enjoyed a better spring training than he’s accustomed to, an improvement he attributed to starting an intense offseason throwing program earlier than usual. “Now it’s more of a process of elimination,” Roberts said. “So we’re not prepared to say who it is but we’re getting pretty close, yeah.” Seager to play in Cactus League Shortstop Corey Seager will make his Cactus League debut Wednesday against the Chicago Cubs, Roberts said. It will be Seager’s first game with the Dodgers since April 29, before he had elbow ligament-replacement surgery the next week and arthroscopic surgery on his left hip in August. Roberts said Sunday that Seager would be ready for the season’s start. Seager said he became confident he would be ready over the past week. Seager began playing the field in minor league games last week, progressing from three to five to seven innings on Monday. “Once you start playing and recover and see how you feel, that’s when you really know where things are at,” Seager said. Seager wasn’t tested much in the field. He had to wait until the seventh inning Monday to see a groundball in a game. Seager quipped that it caught him off-guard. “For us, it’s more of him to play on the other side, and to stand out there in the field and get his legs under him,” Roberts said. “Obviously, to see him make plays is a bonus, but in his work on the backfields, he’s getting plenty of groundballs.” Schultz is optioned Jaime Schultz was sent to minor league camp, leaving the Dodgers with 37 players, including 20 pitchers. The Dodgers acquired Schultz from Tampa Bay in January. Schultz gave up five runs (four earned) on four hits and four walks in 71/3 innings this spring.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8622
__label__wiki	0.757232	0.757232	Manny Pacquiao’s basketball team drafts Pacquiao Boxing star Manny Pacquiao takes part in a Philippine Basketball Assn. practice session on Friday. (Jay Directo / AFP/Getty Images) By Lance Pugmire Manny Pacquiao is a boxing champion, Philippines congressman and a professional basketball coach. So forgive him if he lacks time to research. Named the coach of Kia Motors’ team in the Philippine Basketball Assn. in June, Pacquiao might not have been able to scour the country for talent in preparation for the league’s draft two months later. No need to worry. Turns out the best player available when Kia Motors’ selection rolled around during Sunday’s draft was right under the team’s nose. Manny Pacquiao. That’s right. With the 10th overall pick in the 2014 Philippine Basketball Assn. rookie draft, Kia Motors selected its coach. Apparently, the plan all along was for Pacquiao to serve as a player-coach, but he needed to go through the draft in order to make that happen. Think how awkward it would have been if another team had selected him before his own had a chance. Continuing to focus on the familiar, Kia Motors went on to select its coach’s cousin, Rene Pacquiao, in the third round. Rene played at Southwestern University of Cebu and spent time in the Philippines’ D-League. Pacquiao, however, didn’t make the actual picks. He was promoting his Nov. 22 title fight against Chris Algieri. Heavyweight fight postponed Wladimir Klitschko’s Sept. 6 heavyweight title fight against IBF mandatory challenger Kubrat Pulev was postponed after Klitschko suffered a torn biceps muscle during a sparring session. Klitschko’s management said the champion would miss four weeks of training. A new date for the fight has not been announced. It will probably take place in Hamburg, Germany, the original venue. Klitschko was injured at his training camp in Austria. The fight is likely to be held before the end of the year, according to Klitschko’s management. In a statement, Klitschko said he was “very disappointed” by the postponement because he was “absolutely in top form” and had a “great training camp.” He also apologized to Pulev for the delay. Johnny Ortiz service A funeral service for boxer Johnny Ortiz will be held Sept. 3 at 11:30 a.m. at the All Souls Cemetery and Mausoleum, 4400 Cherry Ave., in Long Beach. A wake will follow at Phil Trani’s restaurant in Long Beach. Ortiz, a fighter, training, manager and boxing historian, died Aug. 9 after a long battle with cancer. He was 79. Lance Pugmire Lance Pugmire is the Los Angeles Times’ former boxing/MMA/Ducks beat writer. Angels veteran Albert Pujols an asset on the bases despite lacking speed Angels veteran Albert Pujols ran through a stop sign and scored an insurance run Monday, another example of his ability to make a differences on the bases at 39. Arsenal and Bayern Munich meet at Dignity Health Sports Park in preseason tuneup The match between Bayern Munich and Arsenal is part of the seventh International Champions Cup, a nationwide series of 11 preseason friendlies featuring seven iconic European teams.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8623
__label__wiki	0.529638	0.529638	Michael K. Williams Reportedly Cut from Han Solo Film by Laughing Place Disney Newsdesk \| Aug 22, 2017 11:27 AM Pacific Time Tags: Han Solo, Star Wars As you probably know by now, the Han Solo spinoff project has gone through a few changes. Back in June, the entertainment world was shocked when it was announced that directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller were leaving the film mid-shoot, with it later being revealed that Ron Howard would take over. Well, now Deadline reports that, as a result of the reshoots needed for the film, Michael K. Williams will no longer appear. Unfortunately, the new production schedule conflicted with The Red Sea Diving Resort, which Williams is currently working on in Africa. The actor, perhaps best known for his role on The Wire, told Deadline, “I felt great about what I created with the directors that I worked with. It is what it is.” However, he did add that he’d like to work in the Star Wars universe again, saying, “I don’t think that me not being in the Star Wars family is final. I left with a very good taste in my mouth about the whole family, and I hope that I left a good taste in their mouth. They’re a great group of people, the Lucas family.” Ron Howard Taking Over Han Solo Spinoff Film Michael Kenneth Williams Joins Han Solo Movie Woody Harrelson Talks About the Young Han Solo Film Previously Untitled Han Solo Film is Now Officially…	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8624
__label__cc	0.534037	0.465963	Learning and Writing Irlen Syndrome Symbolism in James Joyce's 'The Dead' and Mary Lavin's 'A Wet Day' I've just recently completed a short essay on the use of symbolism in 'The Dead' and 'A Wet Day,' and out of interest spent some time googling the two. There seems to be an unfortunate lack of interest in these stories, at least in terms of blog posts, so I thought I'd share some of my thoughts. Please note that these stories are full of symbolism, and I've only focused very briefly on a few examples. If you have any specific requests, questions or suggestions, feel free to contact us. Joyce uses symbolism throughout his short story ‘The Dead’ to highlight the dichotomous themes of Ireland’s loss of cultural influence and her loss of cultural independence. Joyce uses music to symbolise a state of cultural paralysis that exists as a result of a combination of the oppression of the individual at the hands of Western civilisation,[1] the Irish Catholic Church[2] and Ireland’s own inflexibility. The discussion of Julia’s losing her place on the choir highlights these separate yet interlinked concerns by introducing the idea that Julia[3] is being silenced or stifled by Irish society and the Irish Catholic religion. Gabriel has a clear superiority complex; he sees himself as more intelligent than everyone else and can’t handle being made fun of. Part of his superiority is his belief in his ‘higher culture.’ This is evident in his condescending manner at the party, his obsession with galoshes (which are worn by “everyone… on the continent”) and his attempt to distance his wife Gretta from her background when asked if she was from Connacht (“her people are”). Most interesting to me here is the treatment of galoshes. The galoshes can be seen as symbolic of the dichotomy of continent versus/against Ireland; we learn that Gabriel wears galoshes and attempts to get his wife to do so. His argument that “…everyone wears them on the continent” is significant in that it highlights his own motivations and his abandonment of the Irish identity (probably as a result of his belief in its inferior nature). That Gretta refuses to wear them at the start of the story reveals that Joyce has used characterisation to further explore this dichotomy; Gabriel represents the position of the continent in many respects, whereas Gretta represents Ireland. Gretta makes a joke to the others about Gabriel’s insistence upon wearing galoshes; he responds with a retort designed to remind her of her ignorance and thus put her in her place. The intention is to place Gabriel back in a position of power and affirm his sense of superiority. Gabriel sees himself (and apparently Western culture outside of Ireland) as superior, yet somehow feels as though he needs to defend his place among the inferior partygoers by belittling his wife. There is one evident flaw on both sides of this dichotomy: inflexibility and the inability to really engage and interact in an authentic way. Gabriel’s interaction with his wife symbolises the disconnect between Ireland and the continent, and the alienation that was taking place as a result of the refusal to allow the cultures to interact unhindered (i.e. without argument as to who was superior).[4] Similarly, Mary Lavin uses symbolism in her characterisation of the narrator, her aunt and the priest in ‘A Wet Day’ to draw the reader to consider the oppressive, stifling nature of Irish Catholic religion in Irish society. The narrator is educated, but unlike Joyce’s Gabriel she is motivated by a belief in reason rather than a false sense of superiority. She does not appear to be bigoted against the church, as her aunt blindly believes (“cheap anticlericalism”), but rather respects men based on their personal worth: (“in my estimate of a man’s worth I did not allow credit for round collars and tussore. I had met some fine men who were in clerical clothes but my respect for them had nothing to do with their dress”). Her aunt, on the other hand, trusts and respects the priest unquestioningly, no matter how critical or miserable he is. The contrast in beliefs could be seen as symbolic of the two separate yet co-existent mentalities present in Ireland at the time; that of ‘old’ Ireland in its unquestioning submission to the oppression of the Church (symbolised in the character of the aunt and the priest) and that of ‘new’ Ireland, represented as being more liberating, which were indicative of the views of many in the literary circles (represented by the character of the niece). Like Gretta in ‘The Dead,’ the priest also symbolises an inability to let go of the past. He is “always” telling stories of his “healthy youth,” and these images are clearly juxtaposed with his present infirmities. His dwelling on his past makes him less tolerant of his present condition, and this influences his ungenerous behaviour and false sense of entitlement. In this way, the character of the priest represents the idea that a refusal to change and adapt in a new world is a force for evil for both individuals and Ireland as a larger social, cultural and political body. Along with his personality and attitude towards his parishioners, the priest’s walking stick also symbolises the oppressive role of the Irish Catholic Church in the lives of individuals and Irish society. As he is walking through their garden, the priest “shook the bush with… his walking stick.” This presents an act of domination and symbolises the priest’s perceived right to control the lives and property of his parishioners. Pairing this action with the preceding description of the bushes as “unpretentious” increases the symbolic meaning of this act; the bush is honest, fulfilling its natural role with beauty and integrity, whereas the priest is seen to manipulate his surroundings and his parishioners for his own personal benefit (to get vegetables and sympathy). Similarly, “the perfect machinery of his sentences” that “ran smoothly in the tracks they had cut out for themselves through dogma and doctrine” symbolises the lack of integrity and spirituality in Irish Catholic religion and this, combined with the priest’s attitude in general, symbolises the repressive nature of religion in Irish society. The priest is “careful” rather than “spiritual,” and this causes the narrator to view him with a level of distrust. That the narrator’s distrust of the clergyman proved reasonable is designed to raise questions about society’s blind, unquestioning faith and trust in the oppressive Irish Catholic Church and its members. The priest in this story is portrayed as uncharitable and utterly selfish, to the extent that he is willing to allow a man to die, believing the man’s condition to be “worse than she thought it was,” because he didn’t want the trouble of having to care for a sick man overnight or longer. The aunt’s disillusionment provides a hopeful symbol of the coming of a new age for Ireland – one free of the oppression and repression that Lavin saw as being a destructive, stifling force in Ireland. [1] Western influences external to Ireland. [2] It was the decision of the Church to replace the women [3] Symbolic of the individual in society and, particularly, Irish women [4] Joyce lived away from Ireland for a number of years and seemed to have a respect for both Ireland and England. He seemed to be happy with the idea of two cultures blending (or at least sharing aspects of each others’ cultures). Gabriel and his wife are unable to properly engage and interact with one another authentically as a result of his refusal to give up his sense of superiority and a failure on Gretta’s part to move on from the past and live fully in the present. This is symbolic, perhaps, of Ireland’s refusal to give up their past and deal with their present situation within the modern Western world in which interaction and negotiation with England and other Western countries would be necessary (and perhaps also symbolic of the role that either or each country’s false or unhelpful beliefs/attitudes/sense of superiority played in this state of political (and cultural) paralysis. Brunello Filippo I don't know Mary Lavin's story, but I am a fan of Dubliners, and I have been recently wondering about how much autobiographical material can be found in The Dead. What is puzzling is where the author/narrator stands. I found quite plausible the answer you give in note 4, which considers Gabriel a western intellectual snob, though quite sensitive and self-reflecting, and Gretta incapable to forget the past and paralysed by an image of Ireland crystallized in its tradition. Surely Joyce would have opted for a refoundation of the idea of Irishness, more open to European cultures, literatures, and languages and politically autonomous from England's imperial dominion and influence. From this point of view, one could read Gabriel's dissolution and melting in the last scene as the disappearance of barriers, of any kind, to convey an idea of complete openness which does not reject tradition but welcomes otherness. Of course, the snow falling down throughout the story, as well as the ideas linked to darkness and cold, to the repetition of rituals, to stifling old fashioned music, to cliches and "true" Irish roots, are presented as paralyzing mental traps conducive to death. Joyce, as a modern artist, is neither Gabriel Conroy nor Molly Ivors, nor Micael Furey (though we feel the narrator sympathizes with his romantic "fury"). He simply feels his role is to get free from any paralyzing force, prejudice and influence, though the material he will use in his works will contain plenty of the subject matter he deliberately has chosen to reject. Elissa link Thanks for your added insight, Brunello. There's so much in Joyce's writing that it warrants a few more posts one of these days, without the comparison with other writers. Mary Lavin's work is worth a read sometime, too. - Elissa Our primary contributor is Elissa, who is a qualified high school teacher and Irlen Screener. To follow Elissa on twitter use the handle: @msmillresources	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8627
__label__wiki	0.572986	0.572986	Library of Congress > Digital Collections > Today in History > March > 11 Today in History - March 11 Fayetteville Captured by Union Troops During March and April of 1865, troops under command of Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston fought General William T. Sherman’s 60,000-man force as it marched north through the Carolinas during the final weeks of the Civil War. On March 11, Sherman captured the town of Fayetteville, North Carolina, and promptly destroyed the Fayetteville arsenal. Portrait of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston, Officer of the Confederate Army. Brady National Photographic Art Gallery (Washington, DC), [between 1860 and 1865]. Civil War Glass Negatives and Related Prints. Prints & Photographs Division Prior to Sherman’s arrival many Southern women worked at the Fayetteville Arsenal, turning out the .58 caliber lead ball cartridges called “minnies” as well as rockets and shells. Approximately 900,000 rounds of small arms munitions were manufactured at the Fayetteville Arsenal over a seven-month period in 1864. Much of the arsenal’s machinery was manufactured at Harper’s Ferry prior to the war. During the Civil War, women were active on both home fronts. In Fayetteville, women formed groups like the Soldier’s Aid Society, the Sick Soldier’s Relief Society, and the North Carolina Soldier’s Benevolent Society. In Richmond, Mrs. Robert E. Lee and others made bandages for the wounded. Women North and South scraped cotton to make lint for packing wounds, and knit socks to keep their soldier’s feet warm and dry. A few, Louisa May Alcott among them, braved the battlefront as nurses. In a 1939 interview, Moina Belle Michael placed her grandmother’s story within the context of a popular new novel: Oh, what a time people had in those days, I think it was remarkable how my grandmother carried on after her father died…she was only eighteen…she took the plantation over and managed it successfully. He was a large land owner and had many slaves. But Sherman’s March…changed all that. I think that the things in Margaret Mitchell’s book ‘Gone With The Wind’ were true…When I was a child and saw those stately men and women so noble and fine it never occurred to me a bad person ever lived. [“The Poppy Lady”]. Moina Belle Michael, interviewee; Athens, Georgia, February 8-9, 1939. American Life Histories: Manuscripts from the Federal Writers’ Project, 1936 to 1940. Manuscript Division Fredericksburg, Va. Nurses and Officers of the U.S. Sanitary Commission. James Gardner, photographer, May 1864. Civil War Glass Negatives and Related Prints. Prints & Photographs Division Search The Spanish-American War in Motion Pictures on the term nurse to view two films featuring Red Cross nurses. Search across the pictorial collections on nurse to find WWI era images including Officers, Nurses and Hospital Corps,Camp MacArthur,Texas, June 4, 1918 and Woman in Red Cross Nurse’s Uniform. Search on women in Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Black-and-White Negatives and Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Color Photographs to view photographs of female war workers in WWII. For more images of WWII-era women, see It’s A Women’s War Too!, part of the National Archives online exhibition Powers of Persuasion: Poster Art from WWII. To read about the transformation of Margaret Mitchell’s novel into film, visit the online exhibition Producing Gone With The Wind External, presented by the Harry Ransom Center External at the University of Texas at Austin.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8630
__label__wiki	0.787406	0.787406	Robert J. Durant Jr. - Overview Robert J. Durant Jr. robert.durant@lockelord.com Bob Durant has tried numerous jury trials in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, including medical malpractice actions, personal injury actions and criminal matters. He presently serves on the National Litigation Management Team for a Fortune 20 pharmacy chain. He has represented the client before judges and juries in the states where he is admitted and has conducted mediations and arbitrations throughout the country. In his role, he has reduced the costs incurred for legal fees of the corporation while ensuring consistency in legal services. He has worked with the client to identify litigation trends while also identifying areas where the client can reduce costs while not sacrificing quality. Bob has embraced the new developments in how legal services are provided and have established metrics for monitoring their success in that regard. Bob has also represented clients in employment litigation. Bob began his career as a prosecutor with the RI Department of Attorney General. In that position he tried hundreds of bench and jury trials ranging from misdemeanors and narcotics cases to homicides. He also directed Grand Jury investigations and served as Chief of the Newport County office of the Department. Bob then joined Wistow and Barylick, a prominent plaintiff’s litigation firm where he litigated and tried medical malpractice, commercial, criminal and employment matters. He later directed the litigation department of a more general firm, Calenda and Iacoi, where he handled malpractice, employment, probate and general negligence matters. As an advocate for both defendants and plaintiffs, Bob has participated in over three hundred mediations over the past twenty-two years. He now applies that experience acting as a mediator for cases involving professional malpractice, general negligence and employment. Bob performed the Risk Analysis as part of our client’s acquisition of a chain of medical clinics. In doing so, he performed a top to bottom investigation of the target company’s business model and worked with experts and practitioners to identify areas of exposure and how to improve policies and procedures to improve patient safety. Bob served as trial counsel on employment matters for a regional bank handling Title VII and ADA cases as well as FNRA arbitrations. Bob served on the Judicial Performance Evaluation Committee of the Rhode Island Supreme Court. Bob is an Approved Arbitrator for the Superior Court of Rhode Island. The Superior Court of Rhode Island has also accepted him as an authority in the area of case and law firm valuations. Member, Massachusetts Bar Association Member, District of Columbia Bar Association Member, R.I. Mediator’s Association Board Member, Ronald McDonald House of Providence, 2013-present (Secretary, 2015 to present) Member, East Greenwich (R.I.) School Committee, 2008-2012 (Vice Chairman, 2010-2102) Member, East Greenwich (R.I.) Zoning Board. 2006-2008 All Types Notable Matters News News Publications Pro Bono Representation of Ronald McDonald House of Providence in Merger Creating Ronald McDonald House of New England Doug Gray, Bob Durant, Sue Kiernan and Baker Coon (all of Providence) provided pro bono assistance to Ronald McDonald House of Providence in its merger with Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern New England. Edwards Wildman’s Bob Durant Named to the Board of Directors of the Ronald McDonald House of Rhode Island Locke Lord QuickStudy: First Circuit Invalidates Foreclosure for Paragraph 19 Non-Compliance in Pre-Foreclosure Cure Notice Despite Notice’s Factual Accuracy Locke Lord Publications Co-Author Locke Lord LLP February 22, 2019 Current Trends in Electronic Discovery Speaking Engagement Speaker Practicing Law Institute June 2009 J.D., Emory University School of Law, 1989 B.S./B.A., Georgetown University, 1986 Rhode Island, 1990 Massachusetts, 1998 District of Columbia, 2004 U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8632
__label__wiki	0.915523	0.915523	Car theft ringleader caught at Pontin’s The ringleader of a gang of car crooks was jailed for nine-and-a-half years, just hours after being caught by police at a holiday park while on the run. Former Poynton resident Michael O’Donnell, 29, was on remand awaiting sentencing when he took a razor to his ear in his cell at Forest Bank Prison in the early hours of May 2. An ambulance was called to take him from the Salford jail to hospital but it was ambushed on the way. Four masked men pulled up in a stolen BMW and smashed its windows, freeing O’Donnell, of Matley Green, Stockport. He was recaptured last week at Pontin’s in Southport ahead of his sentencing date at Manchester’s Minshull Street Crown Court. O’Donnell and his accomplices made £350,000 from the two-year operation, in which more than 70 cars were stolen. Five other men were jailed after pleading guilty to conspiracy to convert criminal property. Daniel O’Donnell, 18, of Warren Road, Stockport, was jailed for three years. Colin Mangan, 35, of Daresbury Close, Bridgehall, was jailed for four and a half years. James Pearson, 55, of Chinley Avenue, Moston, was jailed for two and a half years. Allan Rowland, 57, of Robinson Street, Stockport, was jailed for four years. Daniel Fawley, 22, of Knypersley Avenue, Offerton, was jailed for three years. Aqeel Ashraf, 19, of Goyt Crescent, Brinnington, was jailed for three years for robbery after he was found guilty following a trial. A prison investigation has been launched into his escape. It was the third in five years form the privately-run Forest Bank. Poynton Cheshire Fire and Rescue ServiceBosley mill tragedy is the worst incident in ten years, say rescue teamEmergency crews are painstakingly picking through tonnes of metal, concrete and brickwork at the site of Wood Flour Mill Local NewsHundreds pay tribute to 'beautiful' Sophie SpencerMourners have paid their last respects to talented actress who tragically died in a car accident MacclesfieldWar-themed gala organised in aid of animal charityThe glitzy event will take place at Shrigley Hall Hotel and Spar	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8634
__label__wiki	0.713082	0.713082	Essay on German Expressionist Movement Submitted By Karen-Flynn Words: 1543 German Expressionism began in the 1920's prior to the First World War. The movement reached it's peak in the mid 1920's and only lasted until the end of the decade. The Expressionist movement in Germany was part of a larger movement which was taking part across Europe, including countries such as France and Spain. The movement had a large effect within the art world which then influenced fashion, décor and film. In 1927, Fritz Lang released upon the world of cinema, his terrifying vision of the future, “Metropolis.” This was one of the very last German Expressionist films of its time. Director Fritz Lang and his film titled “Metropolis” are both included in the canon of the German Expressionism Movement. This style of film making was developed in Weimer, Germany. However, the German Expressionist directors departed Germany for Hollywood in the late 1920's, taking with them inspiration from the Expressionist movement, which had now ended. In Thomas Elsaesser's, “Weimer Cinema and after Germany's Historical Imaginary” he mentions that directors in Germany, “had to compete with other, more established arts and their social institutions, and internationally with the permanent threat of Hollywood hegemony.”1 The German Expressionist movement may have ended, but it's influence be easily recognised in many Hollywood productions long after it's time. For example, echoes of Lang's depiction of darkness within the city can be noted in the film, “Blade Runner” as well the fictional “Gotham City” from “Batman.” Upon it's release, Metropolis was both praised and criticized. Fritz Lang himself later expressed his own unhappiness with the film. He said, “Anyway, I didn't like the picture, I thought it was silly and stupid.”2 However, in my opinion, the visual effects are extremely impressive. Metropolis is considered to be one of the very first Science Fiction films of it's time. Therefore, the set was designed to depict Fritz Lang's visionary idea of the future. It was one of the most expensive films to be produced during the Silent Era, because a vast amount of equipment and extras were required to create Lang's vision of two worlds. It can be argued that Metropolis belongs outside of the German Expressionist movement, because it was released towards the very end. However, in my opinion, the style in which Metropolis was filmed is incredibly expressionist. Expressionism is to take reality and transform it into something abstract. According to Kracauer, “'Expressionism' in Weimar cinema has determinate modernising or constructivist functions, creating for the cinema a space not only among the arts but making it a vehicle also of the emergent life-style technologies and leisure industries, such as fashion, décor and display. That Expressionism also served internationally as a brand-name recognition for the 'better' Germany.” 3 In my opinion, Metropolis is an expression of it's time. It reflects the art and fashion of the 1920s, with were both forward thinking branches of the arts. When studying the mise en scene, it is essential to consider individual shots within the film, rather than each shot coming together as a whole. Lang composed Metropolis in such a way that each scene stands alone and can be analysed thoroughly by itself. It is important to consider the visual effects used in a film belonging to the Silent Era, rather than the narrative between the characters. In my opinion, Lang has produced an expressionist work of art. His collection of visual imagery is now iconic, and I find it difficult to understand his own dissatisfaction with the film itself because I can only praise the attention to detail found in each shot. Furthermore, the staging for each shot can be considered as expressionist. Lang's clever use of lighting and stylized visuals can create contrasting worlds for the differing social classes. For example, the workers live underneath the earth in a colourless city and there is little or… Related Documents: Essay on German Expressionist Movement German Expressionism Essay examples is German Expressionism evident in Nosferatu and The Cabinet of Dr Caligari? What “values” do these expose? German Expressionism is evident in both Nosferatu and The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, although each in different forms. After the First World War Germany was blamed for the outbreak of war and as the defeated, Germany was forced to pay reparations to the allied nations, not only did they suffer a physical defeat, they also suffered a moral one. Reality was very intolerable for these German people;… German Notes Essay History before Hitler * In 0009, Arminius defeated the Romans in the Teutoburg forest. Back then, Germany was a conglomeration of tribes. * Franconian duke Conrad I, first German king(Frankish king, Roman king) * Henri I establishes castles * Otto I, holy Roman emperor * Henry III started the reform movement of Cluny, new chastity of monks (they are not allowed to have kids, therefore their properties to go to the government when they die) * The first crusade started in 1096 with… German Big Buisness Essay German Big Buisness The Aryanization of the German businesses was discussed through Pater Hayes’s article “Profits and Persucution: Corporate Involvement in the Holocaust”. Hayes looked into why German businessmen were initially skeptical of Hitler and what factors played into the role of overcoming these suspicions. Hayes also looked into why German the initial attitude of the German business community changed toward the anti-Sematic campaigns. Neil Gregor through his article, “Big Business and… Romanticism Movement Essay Romanticism Movement In my essay I have chosen to discuss the romanticism movement within social and its artistic context. Romanticism is described as being an artistic, literary and intellectual movement that came to its peak from 1800-1840 and was also a revolt against the aristocratic social and political behaviour that was expected by all. The movement Justifies heavy emotion as an authentic source of aesthetic experiences which then put emphasis on emotions such as terror, horror and apprehension… German Guard Essay s. Spiegelman uses cats and mice as representations of the Germans and Jews during the Holocaust in order to assist the reader in understanding their mentalities and personality traits. The Germans were portrayed as cats because they are powerful, malicious, and are prone to manipulate their prey or in this case, the Jews. For example, when the German guard was toying with Mandelbaum. Mandelbaum is on the walk to work when a German guard grabs his cap away and tells him to go and get it. When he then runs to go pick it up… German Vs Irish Immigrants Essay German vs. Irish Immigrants By: Katlyn, Ariana, and Elijah Irish and German Immigration to America • In the late 1700’s to the mid 1800’s more than one- half of Irish the population and an equal amount of Germans immigrated to America. • Greater than seven and a half million immigrants came to America between 1820 and 1870. About two- thirds of those immigrants were either German or Irish. • These immigrants mainly worked on building canals and constructing railroads. They played a major role in… Essay on English-Only Movement An Argumentation on the Bilingual education and English-only Movement The question of whether the U.S should have an official language and whether bilingual language education can be accepted is highly controversial. Hispanic concentrated areas like California, the Southwest and Florida are especially troubled by the proposed English-only movements. People stands for English-only movement claims that linguistic divisions is harmful to political unity, while single official language can provide… German Unification Essay the two Germany’s and a certain revival of a sense of German national identity preceded reunification during the 1980s. With the decline of the USSR and the end of the cold war and the fall of the Berlin wall allowed for German unification in 1990s. When? How? On October 3rd 1990 GDR and FRG were formally united. German reunification posed the challenge of introducing new markets to an economy with none. The formerly communist German Democratic Republic (East Germany) joined the Federal… Words 2800 - Pages 12 German Cuisine and Oktoberfest Essay Oktoberfest. A particular type is called Märzen and contains up to 6% alcohol. It is bottom-fermented and lagered for at least 30 days. Other beer is also available – “Agustiner, Hacker-Pschorr, Hofbraü Löwenbräu, Paulaner and Spaten are the traditional German brewers of Oktoberfest, since all brew or bottle beer within the city limits of Munich” (Saunders, 2007). Each beer costs about 7.50 euros and traditionally is served by a one-liter mug called a Maß. Servers at Oktoberfest must be able to carry 10…	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8638
__label__wiki	0.959894	0.959894	Encephalitis from lychees kills 31 children in India, says official Published 1 month ago on 12 June 2019 The outbreaks of the disease happen annually in lychee growing regions. — AFP pic PATNA (India), June 12 — At least 31 children have died in northern India in the last 10 days from a deadly brain disease believed linked to a toxic substance found in lychee fruit, health officials said today. The deaths were reported from two hospitals in Bihar state’s Muzaffarpur district, famed for it lush lychee orchards, officials said. The children all showed symptoms of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), senior health official Ashok Kumar Singh told AFP, adding most had suffered a sudden loss of glucose in their blood. “The health department has already issued an advisory for people to take care of their children during the hot summer when day temperature is above 40 degreed Celsius (104 Fahrenheit),” Singh said. At least 40 other children complaining of similar symptoms were being treated at intensive care units. “We are trying our best to save them,” said S.P. Singh, the chief medical officer of Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital. The outbreaks of the disease have happened annually during summer months in Muzaffarpur and neighbouring districts since 1995, typically coinciding with the litchi season. Known locally as Chamki Bukhar, the disease had claimed a record 150 lives in 2014. In 2015, US researchers had said the brain disease could be linked to a toxic substance found in the exotic fruit. They also said more study was needed to uncover the cause of the illness, which leads to seizures, altered mental state and death in more than a third of cases. Outbreaks of neurological illness have also been observed in lychee-growing regions of Bangladesh and Vietnam. — AFP Reducing arterial stiffness could reduce the risk of dementia suggests new study Newly discovered protein could help diagnose chronic brain disease A rare brain defect is linked to gut bacteria, scientists say In World	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8639
__label__wiki	0.767256	0.767256	Attempts To Stop Scottish Runner From Taking Victory Lap Fail In Perfect Video by Mandatory Editors Mar 7th, 2017 Photo: YouTube Anytime I get more than six hours of sleep I want to take a victory lap, so this runner deserved her moment in the sun. Winning a race isn’t easy. Just ask the dude who was prevented from winning a race thanks to an elastic pole vault. Or ask the race walker who chose to poop his pants rather than stop speed walking. So of course, when 23-year-old Scottish runner Laura Muir not only won a race at the European Indoor Athletics Championships, but broke a 32-year-old European Indoor Championship record in the 1,500-meter race, she was pretty damn happy. Muir was so damn happy she wanted to take a victory lap. But one race official tried with all her might to stop Muir from doing that, simply because they were behind schedule. Well, that wasn’t Muir’s problem, so take a look at what occurred. Well deserved. Here’s what Muir had to say after her victory lap. “I had to fight for that didn’t I? They said: “We don’t have time.” I thought, “It’s my first medal. I’m not going to lose out on my lap of honor. I’m going.” Andy, my coach, was saying: “Do it,” so I got there in the end. I couldn’t really believe what she was saying. But I thought, “At the end of the day, she won’t be able to catch me.” “She won’t be able to catch me.” What a boss. Enjoy that gold medal, Muir. h/t Someecards From the race track to a diss track: This Hilarious Diss Track By Mike Tyson At Least As A Music Video Featuring Hot Gals runnersportstrackvideoVideos	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8640
__label__wiki	0.737065	0.737065	An important three points - Rhead Forward Matt Rhead believes we picked up a ‘very important three points’ in this afternoon’s 1-0 victory over Fleetwood Town. Rhead’s header on the half-hour mark proved to be the decisive goal as our team picked up their second win in a row at One Call Stadium. As a result, we have risen to 17th position in the Sky Bet League Two table, four points below Newport County who occupy eighth spot, and nine points above the relegation zone. The 29-year-old was delighted to get on the score sheet, but is already fully focused on Tuesday night’s game at home to Bury. “With the results elsewhere, it was important that we got the three points today,” said the burly frontman. “It was very windy out there. To be honest it always is when we play at home, but we combated the conditions well and got the result which was important. “It’s disappointing that in the last few games we haven’t got more goals, but today luckily the one goal was enough. Thankfully, I got it, but now we move on to the next game against Bury.” He added: “We are pushing on and competing in every game that we play. To be honest, I think we should have got something out of last week’s game as well, which was disappointing. “However, we have bounced back and got a very important three points today.” Meanwhile, our Rhead also praised our players’ robust defensive display, which kept veteran forward Jon Parkin and his Fleetwood team-mates quiet. He continued: “Parkin has played at a high level. He played for the team I support, Stoke City, and was there for a long time. He’s a good player and we’ve done well to keep him off the score-sheet. “We’re a strong outfit now and we don’t concede sloppy goals like we did at their place last time. “Keeping a clean-sheet is massive for the defence and now hopefully we can take that into the next game. All of the lads chipped in with the defensive work, which has resulted in a good clean-sheet.” An Evening with John Dempster & Lee Glover An Evening with John Dempster & Lee Glover' - the manager and his assistant - will take place at One Call Stadium later this month, in conjunction with the Stags Supporters Association. Squad numbers for 2019-20 season revealed We can now reveal our confirmed squad numbers for the upcoming 2019-20 season. Special edition programme available before pre-season friendlies A special poster edition of our matchday programme, The Stag, will be available to purchase for just £1.50 prior to our three home pre-season friendlies against Blackburn Rovers, Hull City and... Your weekly guide to Sandy's Bar & Kitchen Here is what's happening in the new Sandy's Bar & Kitchen this week...	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8641
__label__wiki	0.500192	0.500192	"Mansion in Heaven" website Board index Prophecy Prophecy Newsletter: "The Hal Lindsey Report" Newsletter: Persecution of Christians, Islamic Influence in Congress, Muslim Migration, Climate Change (May 3, 2019) News from Hal Lindsey Media Ministries (copied from e-mails that I receive each week) Linda O'Donnell Joined: Fri, Mar 06, 2015, 3:48 am Post by Linda O'Donnell » Mon, May 06, 2019, 12:40 pm News from Hal Lindsey Media Ministries (This was copied from an email that I received on May 3rd) There are major prophetic signs unfolding across the world that we do not hear about in the mainstream media. One of the most important is the rapid and dramatic increase in the persecution of Christians. Recently, in Sri Lanka and Nigeria, hundreds of Christians were brutally murdered while attending church services. In Burkina Faso last week, jihadists entered an Assemblies of God church during the service and executed the pastor and five men, including his son. Few prominent leaders on the Left will even acknowledge that these are Christians being murdered and persecuted. They refer to them as "Easter worshipers." And after the recent fire destroyed the Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, the world press and globalist governments have worked tirelessly to convince us that it was an accident that caused the blaze, even though strong evidence suggests otherwise. Even some influential conservative media-types refuse to allow any discussion of other possibilities on their programs. They fail to mention that in 2017, more than 800 churches and synagogues were destroyed or defaced in France alone! Hundreds, maybe thousands, of incidents of persecution against Christians and Jews happen every year across Europe and Africa. Almost none of which even receive mention in the Western media. And almost every instance involves Muslims. We are now beginning to see Islamic influence being exerted in the halls of Congress. Shocking, heretofore intolerable, examples of anti-Semitism and anti-Christian attitudes are being articulated by prominent leaders. Most importantly, though, they are not being challenged by the leaders on the Left. Instead, those attitudes are being defended, and thus seconded, by the nation's most senior and prominent Democrat leaders -- and wannabes. But you shouldn't be surprised that this day would come. I, and others, have been sounding this warning for years. But few people in leadership seem to be listening. (To be fair, I thank God that we currently have an administration that is taking these issues much more seriously and is quietly -- and sometimes publicly -- exerting pressure on other nations to actively defend their Christian and Jewish communities against these Islamic forces. It is critical that we daily pray for courage, encouragement, and inspiration for our leaders.) In view of these developments, I have chosen to present an "Encore Presentation" of a show that I produced on September 25, 2015. It directly deals with these issues. It is eerie how so many of the stories I discussed on that program are figuring prominently in what is happening across the world now. And it explains how we reached the crises points we face today. Here is the description of that program that I shared with you on September 25: 2015: The refugee crisis in Europe grows uglier by the day. Mobs of angry migrants, many of whom are fleeing the Syrian civil war, are encountering resistance from the European nations they are seeking to enter. The influx of refugees and migrants, most of whom are Muslim, threatens to overwhelm existing European abilities to cope with the human tsunami. Peter Szijjarto, Hungary's Foreign Minister, recently said that it is not an exaggeration that there might be as many as 35 million migrants flooding Europe and the West. The image of 35 million angry, rioting migrants, shouting "Allahu Akbar!" and demanding free entry raises an awful question that leaders in Europe and the United States do not seem ready to address: When does a migration become an invasion? "Hijrah" means "jihad by emigration." The Koran teaches immigration as a way to spread Islam. Already, the imam at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Temple Mount in Jerusalem is threatening Europe. Imam Sheikh Muhammad Ayed recently admonished his congregation, "Europe has become old and decrepit and needs human reinforcement... Soon, we will trample them underfoot... we shall conquer their countries!" In February, ISIS threatened to send 500,000 migrants into Europe. They even published a booklet for potential jihadists with information on how to move to Libya, then from there emigrate more easily into Europe. But now, they are passing directly into Europe via Turkey. Even though some writers have criticized European nations for resisting this flood of Muslim refugees by comparing them to the Jewish refugees prior to World War Two, the analogy is flawed. The Jews in the 1930s were fleeing those who were murdering them because they were Jews. Most of today's refugees from Syria and other Middle Eastern nations are running from the results of Islam. But they're not running from Islam itself. Instead, they're carrying the destructive religion of Mohammed with them. They're bringing with them the very thing that made their lives miserable in the first place - the false religion of Islam! In 1478, Spanish monarchs Ferdinand II and Isabella I established a tribunal now commonly known as "The Spanish Inquisition." It was a futile attempt to maintain Catholic orthodoxy by intimidation and torture. Historians now see The Inquisition as one of the darkest chapters in human history. Well, there's a new religion on the scene and a new inquisition on the horizon. And it's not happening in Europe, but right here in the United States. The religion is Scientism, especially as it relates to man-made climate change. And the tribunal may well be a collaboration between insecure (and dishonest?) climate change scientists and power-hungry politicians. Do you think I'm just being an alarmist? Consider this. Recently, 20 prominent climate change scientists and professionals wrote a letter to President Obama and U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch. They asked the President to utilize RICO laws to find, prosecute, and punish other scientists and organizations who do not believe as they do. RICO stands for "Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act." This is the law that Congress passed many years ago to fight organized crime. In other words, these scientists are asking the government of the United States of America to launch a New Inquisition. And you just thought we lived in an "enlightened" age! Obviously, human nature remains the same. But even more frightening is the fact that these scientists were not the first to think of this cowardly and unconstitutional ploy. A sitting U.S. Senator, Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, beat them to the sucker punch. In a Washington Post editorial, Senator Whitehouse accused the fossil fuel industry of funding research that directly contradicts conventional climate science. Hey, forget about free speech or freedom of opinion. He thinks that anyone who doesn't see things his way is only in it for the money. Never mind that the climate scientists who toe the elitist line clean up with grants, university tenure, publishing contracts, plum teaching positions, and mega-dollar research projects. Peer pressure in the academic community is almost unbearable. That's why even though huge numbers of reputable scientists do not believe in man-made climate change, you seldom hear about them. They fear for their jobs. And they fear condemnation and ostracization by the complicit mainstream media. Ironically, even Pope Francis, who is currently pushing man-made climate change right here in the United States, is contributing to the New Inquisition. By joining with the world's elitists to promote this bogus catastrophe, the pope is contributing forcefully to changing world opinion on this trumped-up power grab. The upcoming United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris on November 30, may turn out to be a major milestone on the road to one-world government. Remember, this is not just about climate. This is ultimately about control. If enough people buy into the false premise, they will relinquish control to international governing bodies who will then control the world's corporations and countries through taxation and regulatory mechanisms. Did you ever think that one-world government might actually come into existence by virtue of its ability to tax you for exhaling or drinking water? The Apostle Paul warned that in the last days, "perilous times will come." He could have also added "bizarre," and "strange" to that description! These are those times! But, do not fear. God Himself, in one of the strongest promises given in the Bible declared that man cannot and will not change the climate on earth. He said, "While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, And cold and heat, And summer and winter, And day and night SHALL NOT CEASE!" Personally, I choose to stand on the promises of the Architect of the Universe, the Creator of the earth and the heavens. If He says that man cannot change the order of things, including the climate, then I believe Him. Don't miss this week's Report on Daystar, CPM Network, various local stations, www.hallindsey.com or www.hischannel.com. Check your local listings. mail: HLMM, P.O. Box 470470, Tulsa, OK 74147 email: comments@hallindsey.com web: http://www.hallindsey.com Return to “Prophecy Newsletter: "The Hal Lindsey Report"”	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8642
__label__cc	0.622643	0.377357	Holiday Island Holdings to Purchase Shopping Center Land for $120,000 Published: Feb 11, 2019 10:51 a.m. ET HOLIDAY ISLAND, Ark., Feb 11, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE via COMTEX) -- HOLIDAY ISLAND, Ark., Feb. 11, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Holiday Island Holdings, Inc. (otcpink:HIHI) - a development stage company operating in the land development sector of the market - released the news today that it has executed an Option to Buy Agreement with the owner to buy an approximate 1.5-acre tract of land in the Park located in the Holiday Island Shopping Center. The property is strategically located for a number of commercial and or residential developments. Nearby amenities include a Children's Park, Recreational Pavilion, Veterans' Memorial, and Amphitheatre. Also, Holiday Island's new and exclusive Wolf Wellness Center and 24/7 Fitness center is just down the street. Medical Clinics, 24/7 Air Evac, Wellness Center and 24/7 Fitness, Grocery Store, Hardware Store, Pharmacy, about 50 retail commerce businesses are within walking distance of the property. One property utilization option being discussed is to develop a Tiny Home Community of say, 20 units, landscaped, and with a community garden. The Company is also in talks with nearby Tiny Home Community developer that is selling units from $35,000 and up. The tract consists of approximately 2 acres, and it has frontage on Highway 23 - one of the State's most heavily traveled Scenic Highways. Acquisition funds are planned to be raised in an unregistered offering in the 1 [st] quarter of this year. Gene Thompson - CEO and Chief Strategist of Holiday Island Holdings said, "We are pleased to make this announcement, as it is our first opportunity to put a significant asset on the books. And, to be involved in the Tiny Home movement sweeping the country. "The Company's main goals for 2019 are to finalize a multi-million-dollar fund raise and become a significant player in local commercial and residential markets at Holiday Island, Arkansas." Holiday Island Holdings, Inc. will keep both its shareholders and public completely informed of the entire process as the details continue to develop. Please watch for regular press releases about the Company's progress. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.holidayislandholdings.com. About Holiday Island Holdings, Inc. (otcpink:HIHI): Holiday Island Holdings, Inc. is operating its core business in land development in a continued effort to acquire and further develop income producing commercial and residential real estate located in Holiday Island, Arkansas. The company is in the process of further developing a town poised to become the largest community between Northwest Arkansas Metroplex and Branson, Missouri, and prosper in its participation in the local retail, commercial, and residential markets. Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainty and other factors that may cause our results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. This press release should be considered in light of all filings of the Company that are contained in the Edgar Archives of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. HIHI Contact: Gene Thompson, CEO & Chairman Email: Gene@holidayislandholdings.com Website: www.holidayislandholdings.com	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8643
__label__cc	0.565909	0.434091	Great Place to Work® FORTUNE 100 Best Companies Award Great Place to Work® Awards MARS RECOGNIZED AS A Great Place to Work® A COMMITMENT TO EXCELLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE Everywhere we do business, we’re committed to creating an excellent culture. Our operations all over the world have won Great Place to Work® awards for being committed to success and providing a great work environment for our Associates. ABOUT GREAT PLACE TO WORK Our friends at Great Place to Work® are the global authorities on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through special assessment tools, advisory services and employer branding programs, Great Place to Work® provides the tools that help us keep our culture at its best. MARS RANKED #12 BEST MULTINATIONAL WORKPLACE IN 2016 Congrats to all of our Mars Associates, who help make us one of the World’s Best Multinational Workplaces. Though we’re far from perfect and always trying to improve, we are excited to be honored by Great Place to Work® The organization put us at #12 on their list in 2016, our sixth year on the largest annual global study of workplace excellence. Our number-one asset is our people. Mars Associates enjoy a range of unique benefits every day, including open offices, “treadmill” meetings, pets at work and, of course, free candy! Great Place to Work has also commended our health and wellness programs, as well as our local and global volunteering opportunities. “People at Mars are so passionate and committed,” said Chase Ubernosky, Process Engineer at Mars Chocolate, North America. “The fact that Associates stay with the business for so long — many for ten years or more — shows that we feel empowered and that there are incredible opportunities open to us. Mars is a terrific place to build a career.” OTHER GREAT PLACE TO WORK AWARDS FOR MARS Our ongoing investment in our people and culture has given us many reasons to celebrate this year. Mars also has been recognized as “a great place to work” in many markets around the world, including: #1 in 2016 Europe's Best Multinational Workplaces #8 in 2016 Asia’s Best Multinational Workplaces #1 in 2016 Brazil’s Você SA Best Place to Start a Career #11 in 2016 Brazil’s Época Best Company to Work For — Large #2 in 2016 France’s Best Workplaces: More Than 500 Employees #2 in 2016 Germany’s Best Workplaces: 2,001 – 5,000 Employees #3 in 2016 Germany’s Best Workplaces: Lower Saxony-Bremen (More Than 50 Employees) #5 in 2016 Germany’s Best Workplaces: Fewer Than 500 Employees #1 in 2016 Greece’s Best Workplaces: 50 – 250 Employees #3 in 2016 Italy’s Best Medium Workplaces #8 in 2016 Japan’s Best Workplaces: 100 – 999 Employees #2 in 2016 Ireland’s Best Medium Workplaces #2 in 2015 Mexico’s Super Companies: 501 to 3,000 Employees #8 in 2016 Norway’s Best Workplaces: 20 – 49 Employees #5 in 2016 Portugal’s Best Workplaces: 100 to 250 Employees #1 in 2016 Spain’s Best Workplaces: 500 – 1000 Employees #13 in 2016 the UK’s Best Workplaces: Large Category United States 2016 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For United States 2016 Best Manufacturing & Production Companies (Two Consecutive Years) United States 2016 Gallup Great Workplace Award Winner (Seven-time Winner) United States 2016 Fortune’s 30 Best Workplaces to Retire From United States 2016 Fortune’s 100 Best Workplaces for Millennials VICTORIA MARS’ APPEARANCE AT THE 2014 GREAT PLACE TO WORK® CONFERENCE Mars is honored to be recognized by Great Place to Work® Best Multinationals List, our sixth time being recognized. Opportunities Await Search All Open Positions	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8644
__label__wiki	0.789994	0.789994	Between Gestures Sun, Oct 27, 2019 DanceLive ArtsMCA Stage Kovler Atrium Images of Macijewska’s Work Ola Maciejewska, LOIE FULLER: Research. Photo: Martin Argyroglo. Images of Tajal Harrell’s Work Trajal Harrell, Okidoki, Centre National de la Danse, Paris. Photo: Marc-Domage. Two solo pieces, by choreographers Trajal Harrell and Ola Maciejewska, unfold over an afternoon in the museum’s public spaces. Each artist approaches performances of the past through their own physical practices and philosophical perspectives in the present, to intervene into dance history—and into the white walls of the museum itself. These performances are part of Between Gestures, a one-week festival connecting Chicago to international contemporary performance and dance through performances, workshops, conversations, and screenings, proposed by the Cultural Service of the Consulate of France in Chicago and the Goethe Institut Chicago. Ola Maciejewska’s LOIE FULLER: Research considers the agency of objects and actions, and reflects on the relationship between sculptor and sculpture. Human movement sculpts matter into form in this sparse performance based on the works of Loïe Fuller, often regarded to be a precursor to American modern dance. Trajal Harrell’s Okidoki is the latest solo in his series of works made for gallery spaces that interrogate the cracks and fissures of history. It emerges from his research into runway movement as a dance vocabulary that proposes a theoretical conversation between postmodern dance, voguing, and Japanese butoh. “Through Maciejewska’s eyes we see a wickedly beautiful future, a dark, precise, and sensory post-humanism in which a networked sociality and energetics move vitally between organisms of all sorts.” Tanzbüro Berlin “Mr. Harrell [is] a choreographer with enough design sensibility to breathe new life into history.” Born in Poland and currently based in Paris, Ola Maciejewska is a choreographer and performer. In 2012 she obtained her MA in contemporary theatre and dance studies at the University of Utrecht. While still in school, Maciejewska created LOIE FULLER: Research (2011) which has since been presented for the opening of the Centre National de la Danse in Pantin, France in 2015, as well as in Switzerland, Spain, Canada, Poland, Portugal and several venues in Holland. In fall of 2015, Maciejewska premiered BOMBYX MORI in Paris at Ménagerie de Verre as a part of the Festival Les Inaccoutumés. It toured abroad to venues including Kaaitheater, Theater Rotterdam Schouwburg, Veem House for Performance, Serralves Museum, ImPulsTanz in Vienna. BOMBYX MORI is supported by the Fondation d’entreprise Hermès as a part of their New Settings programme. Between 2016 and 2018, Maciejewska was the associated artist of centre chorégraphique national de Caen en Normandie. In fall of 2017, her solo work LOIE FULLER: Research and dance film, COSMOPOL, were presented at la Lyon Biennial. Her latest work DANCE CONCERT premiered at the National Taichung Theater in Taiwan and was later presented at the Festival d’Automne à Paris in France. Trajal Harrell came to visibility with the Twenty Looks or Paris is Burning at The Judson Church series of works, which theoretically juxtaposes voguing with early postmodern dance traditions. He is now considered one of the most important choreographers of his generation, and his work has been presented in many US and international venues. In 2016, Harrell completed a two-year Annenberg Residency at MoMA during which he turned his attention to the work of the Japanese founder of butoh dance, Tatsumi Hijikata. By looking at butoh through voguing's theoretical lens of "realness" and modern dance through the theoretical lens of butoh, Harrell is creating a number of works that combine a speculative view of history and the archive with contemporary dance practice and composition. He has created Used Abused and Hung Out to Dry, premiered and commissioned by MoMA in February 2013; The Ghost of Montpellier Meets the Samurai, premiered at Montpellier Danse Festival 2015; The Return of La Argentina, premiered at the Paris Centre National de la Danse and commissioned by MoMA; In the Mood for Frankie, premiered in May 2016 at MoMA; Caen Amour, premiered at Festival Avignon 2016; and Juliet and Romeo, produced by Munich Kammerspiele. Hoochie Koochie is Harrell’s first survey (1999–2016) and performance exhibition presented by the Barbican Centre Art Gallery in London, July–August 2017. Between Gestures is a program supported by the Cultural services of the French Embassy in the US, the Goethe Institut, the Franco-German Cultural Fund, FACE in Chicago and the Friends of the Goethe.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8645
__label__wiki	0.905744	0.905744	Josh Rogin: The biggest winner of the Trump-Kim summit is China Jun 12, 2018 \| 12:04 PM A giant TV screen in Beijing shows President Donald Trump and North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un shake hands Tuesday following a signing ceremony during their historic summit in Singapore. (JOHANNES EISELE/AFP/Getty Images) In Chinese President Xi Jingping's wildest dreams, he could not have envisioned a better outcome of President Trump 's summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un — at least as it concerns Beijing's interests. After one day of meetings, Trump agreed to halt U.S.-South Korea military exercises, doing exactly what the Chinese government proposed ahead of the summit. Trump publicly stated he wants to remove all U.S. troops from South Korea, which would be a huge strategic windfall for China. Trump acknowledged that China is busting sanctions on North Korea, but indicated there's nothing he can do about it. And Trump legitimized the North Korean regime, beginning a long process that will keep Beijing as a key player with huge leverage on both sides. "Trump loves to characterize things as winners and losers, and Xi Jinping appears to be the biggest winner of all after the historic Trump-Kim summit," said Theresa Fallon, director of the Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies. Only a few months ago, the Beijing-Pyongyang relationship was on the rocks. But Xi and Kim have patched things up, coordinated their strategy and now — thanks to Trump — achieved their desired summit outcome. Meanwhile, Trump's concessions risk alienating allies, undermining the U.S. strategic posture in East Asia and endorsing China's preferred frame for the diplomacy. In fact, the "deal" that Trump and Kim agreed to in Singapore is essentially the "freeze-for-freeze" arrangement that was originally put forth by Beijing. "Eroding trust in U.S. alliances is a key win for Xi Jinping," Fallon said. "Beijing wanted 'freeze for freeze' and no joint exercises, which is exactly what Trump delivered for apparently no trade-off whatsoever. So much for art of the deal." [More Opinion] Readers React: Trump’s tweets set a new low in political discussion » Trump didn't just pause U.S.-South Korean military exercises. He used China and North Korea's own rhetoric to criticize the exercises, which previously the United States has defended as necessary for military readiness and deterrence. "We will be stopping the war games," Trump said at his Tuesday news conference. "We'll be saving a tremendous amount of money. Plus, it is very provocative." In that same news conference, Trump publicly admitted he still wants to remove all U.S. troops from South Korea. Trump has been talking about that privately for years. But on Tuesday, he said he aspired to include U.S. troop reductions in future negotiations with Pyongyang. "I want to get our soldiers out. I want to bring our soldiers back home. We have right now 32,000 soldiers in South Korea," Trump said. "That's not part of the [North Korea] equation right now. At some point, I hope it will be." [More Opinion] Readers React: Grace Kagan » Trump also handed Beijing a win in its drive to undermine the "maximum pressure" campaign led by the United States, South Korea and Japan. Trump not only said he would hold off imposing new sanctions on North Korea but he also admitted that China was not enforcing sanctions strictly and then shrugged it off. "President Xi of China ... has really closed up that border, maybe a little less so over the last couple of months, but that's OK," Trump said. "I think over the last two months, the border is more open than it was when we first started. But that is what it is." The Chinese Foreign Ministry Tuesday upped the ante by calling for sanctions relief for North Korea, to build off the goodwill from the Trump-Kim meeting. Beijing is happy to agree with Trump that the summit was a success just because it happened. "The fact that leaders from both countries can sit together and have an equal conversation already has significant meaning. This is creating a new history, and Beijing welcomes and supports such outcome," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a statement. [More Opinion] Readers React: Thanks to Allentown officials, IronPigs for basketball equipment » Former CIA director Michael Hayden told me that having a good meeting with Kim that opens up a process for future talks is a positive thing. But we should not think North Korea has agreed to anything new, and we must realize we paid a high price. "We paid for it by giving both the appearance and the reality — through the president's words — a sense of equivalency to one of the world's worst dictators," he said. "And all we got out of it was an agreement to think about agreeing sometime in the future." As an additional bonus for China, Trump has thrown confusion into America's alliances with South Korea and Japan. Seoul's Blue House spokesman said Tuesday: "At this moment, the meaning and intention of President Trump's remarks requires more clear understanding." The Japanese government, which has been urging Trump not to make concessions to Kim without real complete, verifiable, irreversible dismantlement of their nuclear and missile programs, must be mortified. Trump said he is relying on instinct and he believes Kim is serious about denuclearization, wants the economic development assistance Trump is offering and is being honest about his intention to follow through. [More Opinion] Readers React: Cartoon about Colin Kaepernick is offensive » "I think he's going to do these things. I may be wrong. I mean, I may stand before you in six months and say, hey, I was wrong," Trump said. "I don't know that I'll ever admit that, but I'll find some kind of an excuse." Blind faith in the sincerity of a North Korean dictator is not a valid basis for gutting the U.S. strategic posture in Asia, calling alliance relationships into question and lifting the pressure on North Korea. If Beijing's strategic aim is to weaken America's standing in its region, Trump just did a good bit of their work for them. Josh Rogin is a columnist for the Global Opinions section of The Washington Post. Most Read • Opinion Paul Muschick on speeders: Hey leadfoot! Don’t whine about signs that take your photo	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8646
__label__wiki	0.690953	0.690953	back to products / Books & Stationery / Biography Item:9781681771250 My Life with Wagner: Fairies, Rings, and Redemption: Exploring Opera`s Most Enigmatic Composer (Hardcover) One of today`s most outstanding conductors, Christian Thielemann, composes a brilliant account of the great and controversial Richard Wagner. Over a distinguished career conducting some of the world`s finest orchestras, Christian Thielemann has earned a reputation as the leading modern interpreter of Richard Wagner. My Life with Wagner chronicles his ardent personal and professional engagement with the great composer, whose work has shaped his thinking and feeling from early childhood. Thielemann retraces his journey around the world with Wagner. From Berlin to Bayreuth via Venice, Hamburg, and Chicago and combines his analysis with revealing insights drawn from his many years of experience as a Wagner conductor. Thielemann discusses each of Wagner`s operas in turn, and his appraisal is illuminated by a deep affinity for the music, an intimate knowledge of the scores, and the inside perspective of a world-class practitioner. And yet for all the adulation Wagner`s art inspires, Thielemann does not shy away from unpalatable truths about the man himself, explaining why today Wagner is venerated and reviled in equal measure. My Life with Wagner is a richly rewarding read for admirers of a composer who continues to fascinate long after his death. Publisher: Pegasus Books; 1 edition (May 3, 2016) Richard Wagner’s Der Ring des Nibelungen Conceived and written over a period of more than 25 years, Wagner’s Ring cycle is an epic musical journey of four operas: Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried, and Götterdämmerung. Its story of gods, dwarves, and men and the quest for an all-powerful ring was inspired by many sources, including 13th-century Icelandic writings and the medieval German Nibelungenlied. The complete cycle was first seen at the inaugural Bayreuth Festival in 1876. The Met’s landmark production, directed by Robert Lepage, premiered over the course of the 2010–11 and 2011–12 seasons. The DVD release of its Live in HD presentation won the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Opera Recording.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8648
__label__wiki	0.967101	0.967101	College Football Nation: Defenseless Badgers, Sooners were doomed to fail Eric Avidon/Daily News staff You give yourself to a team, believe it can be brilliant, and then it breaks your heart. That was the case last weekend for fans of Oklahoma and Wisconsin, teams that teased just enough to make people think a perfect season was possible. But it wasn't. In hindsight, the telltale sign was there that neither was truly good enough, not compared to some others that are out there. You give yourself to a team, believe it can be brilliant, and then it breaks your heart. That was the case last weekend for fans of Oklahoma and Wisconsin, teams that teased just enough to make people think a perfect season was possible. But it wasn't. In hindsight, the telltale sign was there that neither was truly good enough, not compared to some others that are out there. It's possible to become champion without a superb defense. But it's not probable. And both the Sooners and Badgers have holes on defense. A dominant defense doesn't slump. It doesn't rely on the arm of one still extremely young quarterback to perform at peak level in the face of the enormous pressure of expectations. It doesn't turn the ball over at the worst possible time. Instead it can overwhelm even the most seemingly unstoppable offenses, make what looks like a machine against mediocrity look mediocre. It can increase the pressure on that still extremely young quarterback, to the point where uncharacteristic mistakes happen with surprising frequency. And most importantly, it can make up for a subpar game from the mercurial beast that is an offense. It's why the national champion will likely be the winner of next Saturday night's momentous matchup between LSU and Alabama. And it's why Oklahoma and Wisconsin, upset losers last Saturday night, were really just pretenders. The Sooners were the preseason favorites to win it all this fall, to break the stranglehold the SEC has had on the crystal football for five seasons running. But while the Oklahoma offense showed it could score with anyone through six games, its defense wasn't the kind that can hold down everyone. The Sooners allowed 28 points at home to Missouri on Sept. 24, and perhaps got a bit lucky the week before that Florida State quarterback E.J. Manuel got hurt and freshman Clint Trickett was the signal-caller for the Seminoles in a game that was tied 13-13 early in the fourth quarter. Allowing 17 points to Texas and Kansas doesn't seem like much, not when the offense scores 55 and 47, but an elite defense barely allows anything to average offenses like the ones the Longhorns and Jayhawks have. The lack of a shutdown defense cost the Sooners Saturday night at home against Texas Tech in a game the Sooners were favored to win by three touchdowns. Quarterback Landry Jones and the offense couldn't steadily produce, needing 21 fourth-quarter points to even make the score close. He threw an interception in the third quarter with the Sooners trailing 31-14. Wide receiver Ryan Broyles lost a fumble in the second quarter with Oklahoma down 14-7. Kicker Mike Hunnicutt missed a 28-yard attempt late in the fourth quarter with the Sooners trailing 41-34, and a 38-yarder in the first quarter as well. All those mistakes wouldn't have made much difference had Oklahoma's defense locked down the Texas Tech. But with the Red Raiders gaining 536 total yards and scoring 24 unanswered points during the second and third quarters - turning a 7-7 tie into a 31-7 lead - they were too much to overcome. "I told the players that anyone who we'll play the rest of the year will whoop us if we don't play better than we did today," Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said after the loss. "They just flat out beat us." Wisconsin was an outsider which became an insider when Russell Wilson transferred from North Carolina State and gave the Badgers the kind of quarterback they've never had. But what they really needed was the return of J.J. Watt - the defensive lineman who left early for the NFL after last year - or some other difference maker on defense. At no point did Wisconsin allow a bunch of points to an opponent, but right in the very first game of the season there should have been alarm bells. UNLV - which is 1-5 and ranks 116th in scoring offense - managed 17 points against the Badgers. It spoke to vulnerability that was finally exposed by Michigan State, which scored 37 points. Throw in the first mediocre game by Wilson, who threw two interceptions - including one in the fourth quarter when the Badgers trailed 31-24 - and the defense's porous play was too much to overcome. "We needed all three phases for us to win today," Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema said in his postgame press conference, "and it just didn't happen at times." And then there are Alabama and LSU. The Tide has not allowed more than 14 points all season, and that was against Arkansas, which is now ranked 10th. The Tigers, meanwhile, gave up 27 to the scary Oregon offense, which has the Ducks currently ranked sixth in the BCS, and they allowed 21 at 25th-ranked West Virginia, but beyond that they've held everyone to 10 or less. Those are the kind of defenses that can overcome a bad game by usually flawless players on offense, like the ones had by Jones and Wilson. Those are the kind of defenses that make upsets unlikely. It's not impossible to win with an average defense and a superb offense. Auburn did it just last year. But it's a lot more rare than winning with an average offense and superb defense. In truth, a team that wins with average defense is just a tease, destined to break your heart. The BCS got lucky last weekend. A nightmare scenario was in the works, and still could be, but now looks less likely. Before Wisconsin and Oklahoma lost, the possibility lurked that there would be five unbeaten teams from the six major conferences when the regular season ended. The winner of the LSU-Alabama game likely would have played the winner of the Oklahoma-Oklahoma State game for the national title, but only because a computer selected those two teams over three equally deserving ones. Meanwhile, undefeated Stanford would have run through Pac-12 without a loss and played undefeated Wisconsin, which would have run the Big Ten gauntlet flawlessly, in the Rose Bowl. And down in the Orange Bowl, unbeaten Clemson, which would have run the ACC without a loss, would have gone after its first perfect season since 1981. It's possible there would have been three teams with flawless records when the dust settled after the January bowls, yet two would not be national champions despite doing everything right. And therein lies the continued problem. There should never be a scenario where teams go through conferences like the Pac-12, Big Ten and ACC - or the SEC and Big 12, for that matter - and not only don't win the national championship, but don't even get a shot at it. There has been outcry over the unfairness of the BCS in the past, and plenty of calls for a playoff, but nothing previous measures up to what might have happened had there been five undefeated teams from five major conferences. In a way, it's a shame Oklahoma and Wisconsin lost. The more ridiculous the scenario that keeps deserving teams from a chance at playing in New Orleans on Jan. 9, the more obvious the need for change. The simple truth is that the BCS only truly works when there are just two teams with perfect records (or one loss). Any other time, there's at least one team with a legitimate complaint, while fans of the game at large always have a complaint. Fortunately, while Wisconsin's loss means the Big Ten won't produce an undefeated team, there's still the chance for four teams from major conferences to stay perfect through the end of the regular season. If chaos is what it takes for change to take place, root for Oklahoma State, Stanford and Clemson to run the table, and for the winner in next Saturday night's clash between Alabama and LSU to stay strong the rest of the way. The BCS got lucky last weekend, but it's not off the hook yet. Two of the teams still perfect face their biggest tests to date, both on the road. As the sun descends on another college football Saturday, fifth-ranked Clemson will take on Georgia Tech and its maddening triple option in Atlanta. Meanwhile, in the ancient L.A. Coliseum, USC's men of Troy await sixth-ranked Stanford. If the Tigers and Cardinal are to live their BCS dreams, they must overcome this weekend's traps. Clemson, like Wisconsin and Oklahoma before, has run to its 8-0 record on the strength of an explosive offense led by the arm of quarterback Tajh Boyd and the fabulously talented hands of freshman wide receiver Sammy Watkins. The Tigers are averaging 40.6 points per game, and have wins over Auburn, Florida State and Virginia Tech. But they allow 25 per game, and gave up 45 to Maryland two weeks ago and 38 to North Carolina last week. Georgia Tech poses problems for any defense, but especially for undisciplined ones. Its rushing attack, based on the combination of power and confusion, makes teams look foolish. Though it stalled last week against Miami, it averages more than 320 yards per game on the ground and gained an astonishing 604 in crushing Kansas. "Just a tough Georgia Tech team that we see every year and it's another big challenge for us, especially to have to go down there on the road," said Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on Wednesday. "Great environment to play in. Always a challenge when you're facing those guys and what they do on offense. They put a ton of pressure on you every single snap and make you play with a lot of discipline. And if you don't, it's a big play." Stanford doesn't face the kind of scary attack that could expose its weakness, but instead plays a USC team that's having a surprisingly strong season, and only seems to be getting better. The Cardinal are everything a team making a run at perfection should be, second in the nation in scoring with Heisman favorite Andrew Luck leading the way and fourth in scoring defense, allowing just 12.6 points per game. But Stanford hasn't had to play any top teams yet, and while the Trojans are a far cry from the USC teams that won national titles in 2003 and 2004, they are a step up in talent for the Cardinal. Quarterback Matt Barkley alone represents a threat for the Stanford defense, but he's merely part of what figures to the best offense the Cardinal has faced. And while the USC defense is merely average, it too is better than anything Stanford has faced. Road tests await. My Top 10 1A. Alabama (8-0): A week off to prep for LSU. 1B. LSU (8-0): A week off to prep for Alabama. 3. Clemson (8-0): The defense makes the Tigers vulnerable tomorrow night. 4. Oklahoma State (8-0): Baylor's offense could be problematic. 5. Stanford (7-0): USC is the biggest test to date. 6. Boise State (7-0): That performance against Air Force was pretty weak. 7. Oregon (6-1): Rollin' right along ever since that loss to LSU. 8. Kansas State (7-0): The 'Cats could make a statement with a win over Oklahoma. 9. Oklahoma (6-1): Given this week's trip to Manhattan, this is no time for a hangover. 10. Michigan State (7-1): Beating Michigan, Wisconsin and Nebraska in succession would be a statement. (Eric Avidon is a Daily News staff writer. He can be reached at 508-616-3809 or eavidon@wickedlocal.com.)	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8649
__label__wiki	0.932746	0.932746	Adobe launches free, online version of Photoshop Amanda Fehd/Associated Press Mar 27, 2008 at 12:01 AM Mar 27, 2008 at 9:14 PM The maker of the popular photo-editing software Photoshop on Thursday launched a basic version available for free online. San Jose, Calif.-based Adobe Systems Inc. says it hopes to boost its name recognition among a new generation of consumers who edit, store and share photos online. While Photoshop is designed for trained professionals, Adobe says Photoshop Express, which it launched in a "beta" test version, is easier to learn. User comments will be taken into account for future upgrades. Photoshop Express will be completely Web-based so consumers can use it with any type of computer, operating system and browser. And, once they register, users can get to their accounts from different computers. Web-based software is increasingly popular, and Adobe knows it's got to get on that train, said Kathleen Maher, an analyst at Jon Peddie Research. Many kinds of software are available for use online in a trend known as "software as a service," or "cloud computing." The earliest were e-mail programs, but they now include services to create and manage content and even whole operating systems. And they don't require time-consuming upgrades because they're maintained by the service provider. Google Inc. provides a host of such services, as do Microsoft Corp. and others. "This is the battlefield where Adobe and Microsoft and Google are going to fight some pretty big battles," Maher said. Photoshop enters the online photo-management arena many years after such services first appeared. Some companies have already made a big name for themselves, like 9-year-old storage solution Shutterfly Inc., photo-editing service Picnik or image-sharing site Photobucket Inc. Adobe says providing Photoshop Express for free is part marketing and part a strategy to create up-sell opportunities. It hopes some customers will move from it to boxed software like its $99 Photoshop Elements or to a subscription-based version of Express that's in the works. Ron Glaz, a research analyst at IDC, says the move was necessary for Adobe to keep pace. Users are less likely to switch to a software they aren't familiar with, he said. "They have a whole market that they are missing out on, and they need to make sure that the market is aware there is a Photoshop solution for them. As that market grows and becomes more sophisticated, hopefully it will generate money," Glaz said. "It's one of those things, if you can't beat them, join them," Glaz said. "If they don't join them, the long run could be really painful." On the Web: www.photoshop.com/express	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8650
__label__wiki	0.765137	0.765137	Schram: A new remake of Tip and the Gipper? Martin Schram/Syndicated columnist Jan 27, 2011 at 12:01 AM Jan 27, 2011 at 9:50 PM So here we are, feeling like we've seen this movie before. But wondering whether we can finally get smart enough to change the ending. We're watching yet another "State of the Union Week" movie about the promise and perils of divided government: one party controlling the White House, the other the House of Representatives. We've just seen today's Democratic and Republican stars extolling bipartisan service as the key to fixing America's ongoing budget crisis. But we know a plot twist is coming. After all, those noble promises about bipartisanship weren't really about public service. Just lip service. Is this a rerun of that 1995 flick about the headstrong Republican-run House that shut down government rather than compromise with a Democratic president? That GOP plot, co-starring Bill Clinton and then-Speaker Newt Gingrich, backfired, big-time. Or could this be a new-generation remake of the 1982 classic that starred two famously friendly foes of the golden age of Hollywood on the Potomac? "What Ronald Reagan and Tip O'Neill could teach Washington today" - last week's Washington Post headline jogged my memory in a way it never was intended to do. It was atop a commentary by television news-talk host Chris Matthews, who wrote in the wake of the tragedy in Tucson about how hatefully partisan our democracy has become. Matthews recalled how his old boss, former Speaker Thomas "Tip" O'Neill, and the Republican president remained pals even as they fought over issues. But it reminded me of the day in 1982 when they did more than spar as friends - the day they convened a budget summit that collapsed due to excessive political and policy game-playing. It seems clear that if the 2011 "State of the Union Week" movie is really a remake, there is an important lesson that today's superstars - President Barack Obama, Speaker John Boehner - can learn from the little-remembered tale of what really transpired behind closed doors at that budget summit. The Lesson: Even two friends will doom their negotiations to failure if they remain determined to gain political advantage at a budget policy summit. That's the lesson I discovered in May 1982 when, as a national correspondent for The Washington Post, I pieced together a detailed account of direct quotes from both sides at the Capitol budget summit of Reagan, O'Neill and their advisers. After a harangue about which advisers would be allowed inside and who would sit where, Reagan began by telling an off-color joke, followed by a plea for compromise by both sides. O'Neill said Reagan's 1981 tax cuts and budget cuts had done serious damage to many social programs. Reagan lectured O'Neill that "our defense spending as a percentage of the budget is much lower than in John F. Kennedy's day." O'Neill said "the times are not the same now," and Reagan was advocating "trickle-down economics" with an "unfair" budget. "I've heard all that crap," Reagan replied, and his defense of his 1981 budget impressed Democrats. Then things got worse. A Reagan-team worksheet made it seem that only Democrats raised the possibility of cuts and delays in Social Security cost-of-living increases. Democrats fumed. "We've got to get away from playing games on Social Security," said Reagan, adding that his side urged only a one-time cost-of-living delay, not three delays. But David Stockman, who was director of the Office of Management and Budget, admitted that Reagan's side also proposed the three COLA delays. During a recess, O'Neill learned that White House reporters had just been told by a Reagan aide that the only Social Security COLA cuts on the table were proposed by Democrats. O'Neill was furious when the summit resumed. The House Democratic leader, Jim Wright, proposed trimming defense spending and adding a surtax. Reagan rejected that with the unmistakable phrasing of a great communicator: "Well, you may make me crap a pineapple, but you won't make me crap a cactus." The summit had collapsed, yet no one stood to leave. Neither side wanted to be cited in news reports as being the first to leave. So they sat in silence. Finally, Reagan chief of staff James Baker suggested: "Let's all get up at the same time." And that is how it ended. Fast forward to today. We do not yet know whether we are watching a mere remake of that 1982 classic with a younger cast. Or whether this might be a low-budget indie flick - an independent film gem with a smart, savvy ending that could shake up Hollywood on the Potomac. Martin Schram writes political analysis for Scripps Howard News Service. E-mail him at martin.schram@gmail.com.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8651
__label__wiki	0.99542	0.99542	NRA chooses Oliver North as its new president By Emily C. Singer The National Rifle Association announced Monday that Oliver North, a retired Marine sentenced to prison in 1989 after being accused of illegally supplying weapons to Iran as part of the Iran-Contra scandal, will become the new president of the organization. “This is the most exciting news for our members since Charlton Heston became President of our Association,” NRA CEO Wayne LaPierre said in a statement. “Oliver North is a legendary warrior for American freedom, a gifted communicator and skilled leader. In these times, I can think of no one better suited to serve as our President.” North’s history, however, could cause even more controversy for the NRA, which is already under siege following a spate of deadly mass shootings that’s led to backlash against the organization. North was given a three-year suspended prison sentence after he was convicted of three felony counts in the Iran-Contra scandal: accepting an illegal gratuity, obstructing a congressional inquiry and destroying documents. The convictions were later vacated and the charges were dismissed in 1991. The scandal led to North’s resignation from former President Ronald Reagan’s administration. Afterward, North became a conservative radio show host and Fox News personality. He still regularly appears on Sean Hannity’s Fox program and has been an active member of the NRA. North will replace Pete Brownell, who currently serves as the NRA’s president.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8653
__label__wiki	0.896025	0.896025	Inside Jordan Protests in Jordan: All you need to know The largest protests in Jordan in recent years began last week over a new tax law amid price rises and funding cuts Protesters shout slogans during a protest in Amman, Jordan, June 3, 2018 (Reuters) Nadine Dahan Published date: 4 June 2018 11:43 UTC \| Last update: 1 year 1 month ago For five days, Jordanians have taken to the streets in the country’s largest protests in recent years. In the wake of the demonstrations, Hani al-Mulki resigned as prime minister on Monday, but the head of trade unions in the kingdom said protests would continue. Here is a guide to understanding the unrest - and what happens next: Why are they protesting? Jordan's economy has struggled to grow in the past few years in the face of chronic deficits, as private foreign investment and aid has declined. In 2016, Jordan secured a $723m, three-year credit line from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Since then, austerity measures agreed with the IMF have caused the price of basic goods and services to rise steadily. Last Wednesday, demonstrations began when thousands held strike action against proposed income tax rises at a time when ordinary Jordanians were already struggling with inflation. On Thursday, the government decreed a 5.5 percent rise on fuel and a 19 percent increase in electricity prices. This would have an immediate knock-on effect on transport and food costs, among other things. “The strikes and protests are the latest expression of long-running public frustrations against financial austerity that began a few years ago,” said Sean Yom, an associate professor of Political Science at Temple University and senior fellow in the Middle East Programme at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. Jordanians strike against tax rises in largest protest for years He added that they began “with the rising cost of electricity, earlier gas price increase, bread, and now the tax reform". Following demonstrations last week, King Abdullah II ordered the government to shelve the fuel and electricity rises. The proposed income tax law will still need to go before Jordan's two houses of parliament to pass. What would the new law mean? The proposed income tax law would significantly lower the tax threshold and would apply to those whose yearly salaries are 8,000 Jordanian dinars, or roughly $11,000. The government says it needs the taxes to finance public services and that the tax reforms would reduce social disparities by placing a heavier burden on high earners and have left lower paid workers relatively unscathed. But protesters say the measures will hurt the poor and accuse politicians of squandering public funds and corruption. Yom said: “At heart, the symbolic aspect is that this is an unelected government, stocked with technocratic elites, who are making rapid and costly changes to the overall political economy without real public consultation.” According to official estimates, 18.5 percent of Jordan's population are unemployed, while 20 percent are on the brink of poverty. The Economist Intelligence Unit earlier this year ranked Jordan's capital as one of the most expensive in the Arab world. Mulki's replacement, Omar Razzaz, will be under pressure to meet the concerns of protesters and stabilise the kingdom's economy. Razzaz, who was officially appointed on Tuesday to form a new government, had been serving as Jordan's education minister. Previously, he was an economist for the World Bank. Mohammad Ayesh, a Jordanian analyst who writes for Middle East Eye, said Razzaz' appointment it could go either way on Amman's streets. "Today is really critical in Jordan. I expect protests will continue because Razzaz is a member of cabinet, so he is part of the crisis not part of the solution. But at the same time he is respected figure in Jordan." Mulki was appointed in May 2016 to revive the kingdom's sluggish economy and business sentiment hit by regional turmoil. The tax increases caused his popularity to drop. In recent days, Jordanians shared a cartoon of Mulki saying: "We could not fight poverty, so we will fight poor people." Unions representing tens of thousands of employees in both the public and private sectors have also called for another general strike on Wednesday after their demands for the bill to be scrapped were rejected by the government. Ayesh said: "General debt in Jordan today is $35bn... that is a huge number, more than three times the annual budget." Ayesh said the solution to this today was international aid. "Usually Saudi Arabia pays for Jordan, but they haven't paid anything paid for long time. UNRWA has cut the cash flow to support Palestinian refugees in Jordan. Now they have to find out countries to give financial aid. Could be Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar or maybe Iran." He added that price risis were a demand from the IMF and therefore must be enforced, however in order to pull itself out of recession, Jordan would need more foreign aid. Agencies contributed to this report Jordanians and Palestinians rally in Amman against Trump's 'deal of the century' Notorious Jordanian corruption case involving king's uncle takes new turn Jordan's prime minister asks cabinet to resign with Ramadan protests on the horizon Jordan's message to the world: Don't cut our aid Mohammad Ayesh Jordan's prime minister quits - but the protests continue Jordan struggles for survival strategy in shadow of US-Israeli-Saudi axis Sean Yom	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8655
__label__wiki	0.574147	0.574147	Earl Raymond (Ray) Huber Historic Photos Walter Leroy Huber, 1883-1960 Walter Leroy Huber, the son of Millard Fillmore and Celia (Dill) Huber and brother to Earl Raymond Huber, was born in San Francisco, California, on January 4, 1883. He attended the public schools of Yolo County, California, and after graduating from Woodland High School, entered the University of California (Berkeley), from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, in 1905. Mr. Huber obtained his early professional experience in structural design as an Assistant Engineer with John D. Galloway. In 1908, he was appointed Chief Engineer of the University of California's building program by Supervising Architect John Galen Howard. Because of his knowledge of hydroelectric design and his familiarity with the mountains (he led parties which were some of the first to climb the Sierra peaks), in 1910 he represented Galloway and Markwart in surveying for a possible hydroelectric project on the Calaveras River. Also in 1910, he was appointed District Engineer for the United States Forest Service, District no. 5, comprising all of the land area in California and southwestern Nevada which was subject to the jurisdiction of the Forest Service. Huber's contact with the Sierra Club, John Muir, and his love of the mountains made him an ardent conservationist. Thus, when the Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls region was threatened because of an application for the construction of a dam and hydroelectric power development on the San Joaquin River, Huber called the Sierra Club to help prevent the possible desecration which would result. He arranged for a meeting between Club representatives and Henry S. Graves, Chief Forester, and as Forest Service Engineer, Huber surveyed the area to be preserved. As a result of Huber's foresight, President Taft signed the Proclamation creating the Devils Postpile National Monument on July 6, 1911. In March 1913, Huber opened his own engineering office in San Francisco. For the next twenty-eight years, Huber operated as sole principal. In 1941, he chose as his partner, Edward M. Knapik, another University of California graduate. The partnership of Huber and Knapik did extensive work for the University of California at Berkeley, Davis, and San Francisco. Although most active in the structural, hydroelectric, and irrigation areas, Huber undertook special studies in flood control and municipal water supply. He was an authority on earthquake resistance and published works concerning his studies on seismic forces. Concerned also with the utilization of mountain water, Huber acted as consultant for the Nevada-California Power Company and the Southern Sierras Power Company. During WWI he explored and surveyed the Little Colorado River and Service with the State Engineer's Committee preparing the original report for the Central Valley Project. He was consultant for the California Department of Water Resources on the State Water Plan and for the War Department; he was employed by the City of San Francisco in connection with its Cherry Valley Dam and Hetch Hetchy power development; and was consultant on the Sacramento Municipal Utility District's American River power development. On November 11, 1941, Huber was married to Alberta Mann Reed in Los Angeles. In 1954, President Eisenhower named him Advisor to the President on a controversial study of the Arkansas-White-Red River Basins. He also served on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of the California Academy of Sciences. For his professional accomplishments, Huber received the Honor Award of the Building Industry Conference Board in 1953. Walter L. Huber died on May 30, 1960, in San Francisco. Auburn California 1942	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8657
__label__wiki	0.642164	0.642164	Property Developments Jim Boult Our Chairman Jim is a man of many hats, which makes him invaluable in governance. He has extensive business interests in many fields, including aviation, tourism, financial services, property, automotive, publishing and hospitality. His experience and reputation is outstanding. He was a crown appointee to the CIAL (Christchurch International Airport Limited) board for six years, and was the Chief Executive of Christchurch International Airport for over 4 years. In 2011, CIAL Jim was awarded the Jim Collins Award for an Outstanding Contribution to Aviation Safety, recognising CIAL’s actions before and after the Canterbury earthquakes. And not surprisingly, in 2010 and 2013, he was named ‘Airport Personality of the Year’ by the NZ Airports Association. Jim is a former Director and Deputy Chairman of Tourism New Zealand and has been Director, Managing Director and Chairman of several substantial public and private companies. For 16 years, he was the Managing Director of Shotover Jet. He was made a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Management in 2012. In his home town of Queenstown, he has chaired several charities, council-sponsored working parties, and community endeavours. “When you love what you do, and you know it matters, you put everything you have into doing it right.” © COPYRIGHT MCCONNELL PROPERTY 2014. SITE MAP \| PRIVACY POLICY \| CONTACT US Find us on Linked In	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8661
__label__cc	0.57359	0.42641	Ventures West Capital Ltd Ventures West is one of Canada’s oldest, largest and most established venture capital firms and is a recognized market leader in innovative early-stage technology investing with an established geographic and market presence across Canada. Since its founding in 1973, the Firm has operated eight venture capital funds, with total committed capital of over $700 million. Source: Ventures West Capital Ltd Ventures West Capital Ltd. is a venture capital, private equity firm specializing in seed, series A, growth capital, mezzanine, and early stage investments. The firm typically invests in biotechnology with a focus on therapeutics, medical devices, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and technologies involved in drug discovery and delivery; communications with a focus on next generation networks, network security, video, network software, networking services, applications and sub-systems, wireless networks like location based systems and mobile TV applications; emerging consumer applications and their supporting infrastructure, semiconductors, computer hardware, components, and communications software; clean tech with a focus on clean energy, air, water technology, energy technology, materials, solar power, solid-state lighting, geothermal, clean coal, and technologies; and information technology with a focus on vertical market enterprise and real-time applications and Internet infrastructure sectors, electrical equipment, electronic equipment, and instruments, and wireless access. Ventures West mainly invests in companies based in Canada with a focus on Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan and, for the biotech sector, companies based in North America. The firm prefers to invest between $0.1 million and $15 million Cdn per company, in multiple rounds. The firm prefers to have board representation in its portfolio companies. 999 West Hastings Street Vancouver, BC V6C 2W2 David Berkowitz - General Partner Howard Riback - General Partner and CFO Kenneth Galbraith - General Partner	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8662
__label__wiki	0.863586	0.863586	Canadian artist John Marston in his Ladysmith studio with some of his artistic creations. Don Denton photography Inspired Artist John Marston Ladysmith artist creates a variety of art and brings Indigenous culture to students -Story by Sean McIntyre It’s no understatement when Stz’uminus artist John Marston says he’s been living in the age of the eagle. Last year, BC Ferries announced that John’s design would adorn the side of one of the company’s new Salish-class vessels. And now, a larger-than-life eagle motif transits daily through the southern Gulf Islands. Closer to home in Ladysmith, visitors to John’s studio are greeted by an eagle welcome statue carved from an imposing 14-foot-long piece of old-growth Vancouver Island red cedar. The carving is part of a multi-year project John and students have been working on to give the local high school a refreshing new look that acknowledges the region’s roots. Both projects are a significant coup, not merely for John’s exemplary career as an artist, but also for the important societal shift to incorporate and recognize the significance of Vancouver Island’s rich and varied Indigenous cultures. “To see it in the school system is really inspiring because that’s making the educators and the people that are part of these organizations aware that these are issues that we have to look at, talk about and teach our children,” he says. “That real history that hasn’t been taught, but there’s more awareness, and the artwork is one of the things that helps people open up conversations about cultural practices and what was here before first contact.” That important conversation about cultural identity and reconciliation has been part of John’s career as an artist. At eight years of age, he was in the habit of watching and learning from his elders. He gleaned the techniques of his craft from his parents, Jane and David Marston — both accomplished carvers — as well as from Cowichan Tribes’ master carver Simon Charlie. John soaked in the rich talent that surrounded him. As he emulated the techniques of his masters, he saw Indigenous carving take an entirely new shape around him. Duncan’s City of Totems project, for example, placed Vancouver Island’s carving heritage at the forefront of the public eye. The Indigenous traditions of Vancouver Island were experiencing a resurgence that empowered local First Nations and promoted a deeper understanding of the region’s past. As John gained experience, his confidence grew. By the time he was a young man, John was carving alongside artists from across British Columbia at Thunderbird Park next to Victoria’s Royal BC Museum, where he spent four years, the last of which as an artist in residence. It was soon after that formative stage that John’s work took on a much more personal tone, he says. Though firmly based in the teachings and techniques of his elders, the young carver gave his imagination free reign. Eventually, he began to experiment, leaving the old ways and branching off into new areas. Exploring. Experimenting. And learning. The result, he says, is a carving style that straddles old-world legends and modern-day spiritual expression. “I could keep doing one-layered work until I grow old, or I can push my own abilities and carry on forward,” he says. “It’s always good to understand that there’s a modern-day movement of artists. We are artists of today who are part of old communities.” Artist John Marston carves a mask in his studio. Don Denton photography John’s creative potential is well represented by his current workspace. For the past three years, he’s been based in a 1930s-era shipping warehouse that also houses the Ladysmith Waterfront Gallery. The additional space means more of John’s works in progress can see the light of day. During a visit to the studio earlier this spring, I found John putting the final touches on a sun mask, hewn from a piece of second-growth red cedar. Cradling the mask at his workbench while shaping it with the surgical precision of one of his finishing blades, John explains how it isn’t unusual for a piece like this to take up to four or five years to complete. Inspiration can be fleeting. John routinely switches between pieces depending on his perspective. “To have a consistent body of work in progress, you need to have things progressing all the time,” he says. “Every piece that I do is very well thought out and well planned out. It’s never just quickly done. Even if it’s totally different than what I normally do, I always give 100 per cent and my best ability.” Whereas many of John’s projects were previously stashed away out of sight due to space constraints, his cavernous new space means he can have several projects on the go all at once, freely shifting between pieces depending on timelines. Alongside the sun mask and the giant eagle welcome pole, John has ceremonial cedar boxes, impressive wall hangings, abstract canvas watercolours, weavings and at least two traditional harbour-style canoes. “I always wanted to carve canoes, so I decided to start with these,” he says. “These would have once been seen everywhere on the south coast.” In between the works in progress are the raw materials that will fuel countless projects to come. Antlers, shells, cedar bark, kelp and raw lumber await their transformation. John collects the materials from his traditional territory in the hills and shoreline that surround Ladysmith. He can spend days out in the wild in a search that brings him closer to the natural world. “It’s a big part of who I am as an artist. Taking the time out to collect the material and having that connection to the natural world is really important to me,” he says. “Imagination and inspiration for the work has to evolve and come from somewhere. Our culture teaches us that so much of who we are is based on the natural world. That’s where I find my inspiration.” The works of John Marston will be exhibited at the Ladysmith Art Gallery in September. Home Sweet Home for Technical Writer At Home with Hamish Crawford 15-year-old with imitation gun caused ‘dynamic’ scene at Nanaimo mall last night Nanaimo Marine Festival honouring tubbing’s ‘mom’ Longtime volunteer Margaret Johnson depicted on souvenir coins and named parade marshal Three blocks of Bruce Avenue will be closed until fall Work will include utility upgrades, new curbs and sidewalks and new on-street bike lanes	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8663
__label__cc	0.656105	0.343895	Updated: 27-Mar-2000 NATO Press Releases (2000) 031 Senior Bosnian officials to visit NATO At the invitation of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Senior Bosnian officials from the Ministries of Defence, Military Staff and Standing Committee on Military Matters (SCMM) will visit NATO and SHAPE Headquarters from Monday, 27 March till Thursday, 30 March 2000. This visit is taking place in the framework of NATO's security cooperation programme with Bosnia and Herzegovina. The purpose of the visit is to brief these officials about NATO activities and to exchange views on the current status of peace implementation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The programme will also include a visit to the United Kingdom. +32 (0)2 707 50 57 B-1110 Brussels/Bruxelles http://www.nato.int press@hq.nato.int	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8665
__label__wiki	0.977162	0.977162	Marion "Suge" Knight Investigation Coverage of the hit-and-run case involving the Death Row Records co-founder "Suge" Knight Released From Hospital, Now in Custody He was taken back into custody at around 9 p.m, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed. By Michael Larkin Published Feb 5, 2015 at 2:06 AM Rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight, who is accused of murder, was released from hospital and taken back into custody on the night of Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 Rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight has been released from the hospital and is back in jail. The 49-year-old was taken back into custody at around 9 p.m, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed. He was processed at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility at 1:49 a.m. Armed guards had previously been watching Knight after he was hospitalized after suffering an "anxiety attack" at court Tuesday, where he pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in a hit-and-run case The medical emergency happened about an hour after he made his plea, officials previously said. Suge Knight Remains Hospitalized Marion "Suge" Knight remained hospitalized, a day after he was taken by ambulance out of court where he had just pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in a hit-and-run. Patrick Healy reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015. (Published Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015) Knight said he did "not feel well," said Brett Greenfield, an attorney, adding that no one at his law firm is being told what Knight's health condition is at a South Los Angeles County area hospital. Attorneys say they aren't being allowed to see him. Knight has had a series of health issues over the years, some related to the gunshot wounds he's suffered at least three times. Knight was shot most recently last August in an incident at a Sunset Strip nightclub. In the fall, after he was arrested in Las Vegas for an alleged robbery, Knight complained of dizziness and chest pains, and fell while he was being examined. He was diagnosed with blood clots. Knight is accused of running down and killing his friend Terry Carter, 55, and attempting to kill Cle "Bone" Sloan, 51, in a burger stand parking lot on Thursday after an argument on the set of "Straight Outta Compton," a movie about the rise of the rap group N.W.A. He is due back in Compton Superior Court for a bail review hearing on Monday, during which his defense attorney is expected to ask a judge to review the revocation of the $2 million bail initially granted in the case. "Suge" Knight Pleads Not Guilty to Murder Charge Marion "Suge" Knight was hospitalized for an "anxiety attack" after pleading not guilty to murder and other charges in a hit-and-run. Patrick Healy reports for the NBC4 News at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015. Knight founded Death Row Records, which once featured Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Tupac Shakur as its top artists. Jason Kandel contributed to this report Follow NBCLA for the latest LA news, events and entertainment:iPhone/iPad App \| Facebook\| Twitter \| Google+ \| Instagram \| RSS \| Email Alerts	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8667
__label__cc	0.732873	0.267127	CIMA: Ageing Skeletal Muscles Date: Tuesday 5th November 2013 Time: 12.30-1.30 Venue: Changing Age Opportunity Room, Newcastle Biomedical Research Building (NBRB), Institute for Ageing and Health, Campus for Ageing and Vitality Speaker: Prof Francesco Falciani, University of Liverpool Title: A Network Biology Approach Reveals Novel Regulators of Energy Metabolism in Ageing Skeletal Muscles. Falciani is Professor in integrative Systems Biology at the University of Liverpool and holds an honorary Chair in Systems Biology at the University of Birmingham. He is the Director of the new Centre of Computational Biology and Modelling (CCBM) at Liverpool University, which has a focus in large-scale data integration across different disciplines. He leads an interdisciplinary group in Systems Biology with nine researchers with backgrounds ranging from physics, computer science and experimental biology. His current research strategy, which integrates both experimental and computational biology, has two main streams. The first is the development of novel computational methods to address the most important challenges in the emerging discipline of systems biology. These include network biology, reverse engineering and network modularization methods. The second is the application of these methods to understand complex biological systems, such as muscle degeneration in chronic inflammatory diseases. Francesco is also a member of the Centre for Integrated research into Musculoskeletal Ageing (CIMA), a collaboration between the universities of Liverpool, Newcastle and Sheffield. If you would like to speak to Francesco after the seminar, please contact Carole (carole.proctor@ncl.ac.uk). Posted by Dennis Lendrem at 16:23 Meeting Report: NIHR BRC Ageing Research Frontiers of Ageing Osteoarthritis Research Day New centre to speed up development of arthritis dr... Extra Immunology	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8670
__label__cc	0.735239	0.264761	Read Articles in blog format below. Callie Cooke Cover Story: Sweat Together, Stay Together “Our mission at Crossfit 11:24 is to create a culture that sees every moment as an opportunity to serve, and to make sure each member feels as though he/she has everything they need to become successful in their fitness journey.” IT DOESN’T TAKE LONG FOR traditional exercise to feel fruitless and repetitive. Without support or seeing results, it’s easy to lose sight of why you’re doing it in the first place. For different reasons than most gym owners in Marietta, those at CrossFit 11:24 trains all levels of athletes– from beginners to Olympians– to help them achieve their fitness goals in sustainable yet challenging ways. Callie and Tyler Cooke are natural-born entrepreneurs who opened their gorgeous 14,000 square-foot facility in 2018 after discovering a common passion (fitness), getting married and having a beautiful daughter, Cora. They are very involved in their church, which has been and continues to be one of the driving forces in their business. Their mission at CrossFit 11:24 is “create a culture that sees every moment as an opportunity to serve and to make sure each of [their] members feels as though he/she has everything they need to become successful in their fitness journey.” Callie has always had a “knack” for teaching, and it wasn’t long before she became a certified coach in 2017 after getting involved with CrossFit in 2016. Tyler has always had a passion for sports and fitness, and has been involved in CrossFit since 2013 and a certified coach since 2018. In the fall of 2018, they spent months deciding on a name for their affiliate until one Sunday in church, they were struck by one Bible verse in particular – Proverbs 11:24 (MSG), which states, “The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.” Up to that point, Tyler and his father had owned a successful construction company together, which provided the means to open up a business of their own. With this unmistakable blessing from God, opening a CrossFit facility in His name felt like a calling. After planting their family roots in Marietta, planting a “second family” through this new endeavor required no deliberation. World-class coaches design programs to establish effective workout habits that match one’s physical limitations, but strive to exceed them. Whether you’re a beginner or an elite athlete, the programs at CrossFit 11:24 are tailored specifically to your needs. Programs can be modified to suit any fitness level and any age, scaled by load and intensity. “The needs of Olympic athletes and grandparents differ by degree, not kind.” Don’t be mistaken – these classes are never “easy,” but always fun. The idea is to be challenged in a realistic and fruitful way. Members are embraced by a community of like-minded individuals with similar goals. Their programs aim “to forge a broad, general and inclusive fitness supported by measurable, observable and repeatable results.” At CrossFit 11:24, everyone knows each other’s names and there is a profound sense of camaraderie. Callie and Tyler believe everyone can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around them. Their training programs are one of the best ways to sweat while having a good time, infused with team spirit and motivation. Upon joining, you’ll be greeted by a coach, given a tour of the facility and have access to a heart-pumping workout session after your current fitness level is assessed. There are several class options to choose from, ranging from 5:30 AM to 7:15 PM. The fundamentals classes provide instruction on the basic movements of CrossFit to all new CrossFit participants. Two to three days per week is required for the Integrated On-Ramp training, which includes a private session with a movement assessment and a personalized checklist for the future. The Workouts of the Day (WODs) are adjusted to your checklist in order for you to successfully complete each movement and ultimately achieve your long-term fitness goals. CrossFit 11:24 also offers personal training sessions in which world-class coaches will conduct a comprehensive assessment of your fitness level, help you define your goals and design a program specific to your needs. After all, friends who sweat together, stay together. www.crossfit1124.com 225 Crescent Circle, Marietta FB & IG @crossfit1124 Tagged: Crossfit 11:24, Callie Cooke, Tyler Cooke, Fitness	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8674
__label__wiki	0.963219	0.963219	https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/article/Race-becomes-new-flashpoint-with-Pelosi-14089665.php Race becomes new flashpoint with Pelosi, Ocasio-Cortez Lisa Mascaro, Ap Congressional Correspondent Updated 9:46 pm CDT, Friday, July 12, 2019 Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., listens as Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell testifies before the House Financial Services Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Wednesday, July 10, 2019. Photo: Susan Walsh, AP WASHINGTON (AP) — The debate between Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and other House Democrats over migrant children in detention at the border was wrenching enough. Then it became about race. First, the freshman's chief of staff compared more centrist Democrats to 1940s segregationists. Then Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY., accused Speaker Nancy Pelosi of "singling out" her and fellow newcomers, all women of color. By Thursday, the rhetoric escalated, overshadowing the agenda and pushing House Democrats way off message with the most divisive upheaval since they took control of the chamber this year. Longtime lawmakers were stunned. "How dare they try to play the race card at this point," said Rep. William Lacy Clay, an African-American Democrat from Missouri who faces a primary challenge backed by allies of Ocasio-Cortez. He called those making the claims "ignorant" of racial history. "It shows the weakness of their argument. It's damaging to this party and the internal workings of the Democratic party." Rep. John Lewis, the Civil Rights icon, shared his view. Lewis said it was "a little too far" for the staff member to compare lawmakers to segregationists. "We all must work together, pull together for the country's good," the Georgia Democrat said in an interview. "The great majority of the caucus membership tends to work together and get along. We need to go forward, not backward." The problems have been developing for weeks, mounting as Congress struggled to pass a border funding package, but now may force a reckoning among Democrats that spills beyond Capitol Hill and into the 2020 campaigns. Late last month, tensions grew between liberals, including Ocasio-Cortez and the "squad" of three other freshmen, and centrists from the Problem Solvers, Blue Dog and New Democratic caucuses over protections for migrant children and families in detention. With time ticking before funding ran out — and lawmakers set to leave town for the July 4th holiday — centrists revolted, forcing Pelosi to drop liberal demands and approve a more modest Senate version of the bill. And then the fallout began. "Didn't realize this needed to be said, but: you can be someone who does not personally harbor ill will towards a race, but through your actions still enable a racist system. And a lot of New Democrats and Blue Dogs did that today," tweeted Saikat Chakrabarti, the chief of staff for Ocasio-Cortez. It was an extraordinary attack by a staff member on elected officials. "This is in reference to my comparing Blue Dogs and New Democrats to 1940s Southern Democrats," he wrote in another. "Southern Democrats enabled a racist system too. I have no idea how personally racist they all were. And we're seeing the same dynamic play out now." That weekend, in trying to tamp down the divisions, Pelosi dismissed the influence Ocasio-Cortez and the squad — Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Ayanna Pressley, D-Mass., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich. — in a Sunday newspaper column. But it seems to have only enhanced their stature. Allies of the foursome swiftly came to their defense, suggesting Pelosi was marginalizing the women of color who are the new face of the party. Chakrabarti tweeted his own critique of Pelosi. Ocasio-Cortez told The Washington Post on Wednesday that "the persistent singling out ... it got to a point where it was just outright disrespectful ... the explicit singling out of newly elected women of color." In a fundraising email Thursday, Justice Democrats, the progressive group that recruited Ocasio-Cortez to run for office, criticized Pelosi for "singling out four new leaders who are progressive women of color." The group is backing a handful of primary challengers to congressional Democrats, aiming for 25. On Capitol Hill, the centrists got to work. Aides were quick to point out the co-chairwoman of the Blue Dog Coalition, Rep. Stephanie Murphy, is a refugee and the first Vietnamese-American woman elected to Congress. Two members of the coalition are African American lawmakers who lived through segregation. One of the members of the New Democratic Coalition, Rep. Terri Sewell, who is African-American, represents her hometown, Selma, Ala., as well as Montgomery and Birmingham, Alabama, and had reached out multiple times to Ocasio-Cortez after the tweets, to no response. "I personally experienced Dixiecrats' bigoted policies growing up," Sewell said in a statement. "So, to even insinuate that I, or any other member of the New Dems, would promote policies that are racist and hateful or ones that would negatively impact communities of color is deeply offensive and couldn't be further from the truth." Rep. Lou Correa, D-Calif., another co-chairman of the Blue Dogs and member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, said he has warned his staff off such actions. "It's sad, it's very sad." One freshman, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, who won what had been a Republican-held seat in New Jersey, said the centrist lawmakers "work really hard to build broad coalitions. When people in the progressive wing of the party disagree, I do feel like they're not kind of lining up their sights on the right target." Progressives and those allied with the Ocasio-Cortez and the squad wanted to shift the debate. "Can we just talk about the issues we're dealing with? We have kids in cages," said Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, who said she was frustrated by the ongoing situation. "It's not about AOC. ... It's about progressives and our relationship to the Democratic caucus and our priorities." Pelosi said she had been unaware of the tweet it until lawmakers brought it to her attention "some almost crying, some very upset and angry." She spoke at length on the turmoil during a private meeting of House Democrats this week and on Thursday said she was done talking about her relations with Ocasio-Cortez and the others. "They took offense because I addressed, at the bequest of my members, an offensive tweet," she said. "How they're interpreting and carrying it to another place is up to them, but I'm not going to be discussing it any further." Associated Press writer Alan Fram contributed to this report.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8675
__label__wiki	0.943406	0.943406	Screen Wars August 28, 2017 Issue The Fight Over Free Speech Online When private companies take down Web pages, it isn’t a First Amendment violation, but it does enrage many on the right. By Andrew Marantz Generally speaking, anyone can say anything online. But, lately, things have started to get complicated. Last week, after neo-Nazis and white supremacists descended on Charlottesville, the neo-Nazi blog the Daily Stormer disappeared from the Internet. GoDaddy, the registrar of the site’s domain, had discontinued its service. The Daily Stormer switched its domain to Google, which promptly shut it down as well. The site is now back up, on the dark Web, with its publisher pleading victimhood on social media. (“I am being unpersoned.”) What happened to the Daily Stormer wasn’t a violation of the First Amendment—private companies are allowed to stifle speech—but it enraged people on the right, many of whom were already deeply skeptical of the puppet masters in Silicon Valley. Before any of this happened, a pro-Trump activist named Jack Posobiec was organizing a multicity “March on Google,” calling the company “an anti-free-speech monopoly.” (Last week, Posobiec announced that the march had been postponed, citing threats from the “alt-left.”) Jack Conte is not an alt-right activist—he’s a bald, bearded musician from San Francisco—but he, too, once resented the titans of Silicon Valley. A few years ago, Conte was trying to make a living on YouTube. His music videos—funk covers of pop songs, homemade robots playing percussion pads—often went viral. “I made a video that took many, many hours and cost me thousands of dollars,” Conte said. “My fans loved it. It got more than a million views. And I made a hundred and fifty bucks from it. I realized, Clearly, there is a problem with how stuff on the Internet—what we now call ‘content,’ what used to be called ‘art’—gets monetized.” Conte co-founded his own tech company, Patreon, a Web site that allows artists and activists to get paid directly by fans and supporters. A creator posts a description of what she intends to make—a comic strip, a podcast—and patrons sign up to fund it, each chipping in a few dollars a month. Patreon takes a five-per-cent cut. The company now has about eighty employees and a hundred-and-fifty-million-dollar valuation—big enough that many Web denizens consider Conte a new kind of puppet master. Last month, Lauren Southern, a right-wing activist and pundit who was earning a few thousand dollars a month on Patreon, received an e-mail from the company’s Trust and Safety team. “Here at Patreon we believe in freedom of speech,” it read. “When ideas cross into action, though, we sometimes must take a closer look.” Southern, a videogenic Canadian in her early twenties, whose book was blurbed by Ann Coulter, was known for videos like “White Privilege Is a Dangerous Myth.” Her Patreon page now reads “This page has been removed.” Southern had participated in an anti-immigration action in the Mediterranean Sea, in which a motorboat tried to prevent a ship from bringing refugees to Europe. In an apologetic YouTube video, Conte insisted that Southern had been banned not for her politics but for her risky behavior. “I didn’t expect to convince everyone, and that’s O.K.,” he said. Predictably, Southern’s fans were not pleased. “You’re an idiot and a beta cuck,” one commented. Some called for lawsuits. Others linked to a copycat site called Hatreon. (Motto: “A platform for creators, absent thought policing.”) Southern set up her own site, patreonsucks.com. “Big liberal silicon valley companies want me to become a friendly little vlogger that spouts all the right lines,” she wrote. “I won’t let that happen.” She made a YouTube video directing followers to her new site, adding, “As for Patreon, you guys can suck my balls.” Then came Charlottesville. Jason Kessler, the organizer of the “Unite the Right” rally, had a Patreon page (three backers, generating thirty-three dollars a month). It was swiftly removed for violating Patreon’s rule against “affiliations with known hate groups.” Meanwhile, another Patreon user, the progressive activist Logan Smith, began sharing photos of the torch-wielding mob on his Twitter handle @YesYoureRacist. He urged people to help him identify the participants: “I’ll make them famous.” Online vigilantes complied, and several marchers lost their jobs. A few people were incorrectly identified, causing nonparticipants to receive death threats. Doxing—publishing someone’s private information online—is against Patreon’s rules. Smith claims that his activism wasn’t doxing. “If these people are so proud of their beliefs, then they shouldn’t have a problem with their communities knowing their names,” he said last week. Patreon disagreed, and Smith’s page was removed. “It doesn’t matter who the victim is,” Conte said. “It could be a convicted murderer. If someone is releasing private information that an individual doesn’t want to be made public, then that’s doxing. And we don’t allow it.” (One person tweeted at Patreon, “He is identifying nazis and you are stopping him at the request of nazis.”) Conte went on, “We’ve been getting it from all sides—of course. I get it. Taking away someone’s income is a hugely onerous thing, and we don’t take it lightly.” He sighed. “We’ve dealt with a huge range of stuff in the past few years, a wider variety than I ever would have imagined. But the fact that we’re talking about swastika flags right now? It just makes me sad.” ♦ This article appears in the print edition of the August 28, 2017, issue, with the headline “Gatekeepers.” Andrew Marantz, a staff writer, has contributed to The New Yorker since 2011. His first book, “Antisocial: Online Extremists, Techno-Utopians, and the Hijacking of the American Conversation,” will be published in the fall. Why Racially Offensive Trademarks Are Now Legally Protected The Court’s unanimous decision assumed that, though words may hurt, the harm to our polity is far greater when the government gets to suppress expression. By Jeannie Suk Gersen How “Silicon Valley” Nails Silicon Valley The absurdly deep research underlying HBO’s satire.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8676
__label__cc	0.618319	0.381681	Article Categories > Consider The Military > What To Expect At A Military College What to expect at a military college Military colleges build leadership, character and knowledge Federal military colleges, such as the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis and similar academies for the Air Force, Coast Guard and Merchant Marine, are widely known. Perhaps somewhat less well known, but also offering outstanding opportunities for personal development, intellectual achievement, and leadership experiences are a range of other military colleges and universities, some private, others state sponsored. Students in military colleges typically have access to the normal full range of collegiate activities—academics, sports, social programs and other extracurricular programs. But in addition, they have a valuable opportunity to learn and practice leadership. They do so in what is probably the most difficult environment of all: leading peers. Those who succeed at this have gained useful—and salable—skills applicable in virtually all fields. Leadership training begins, of course, with learning to be a good follower. That can involve some stressful testing of your motivation, physical fitness and skills such as time management. All this takes time and extra effort, meaning that students in military colleges probably have somewhat less disposable time than their counterparts in other types of colleges. But the rewards for those who succeed are significant, typically increased self-confidence, self-reliance and ambition result from working in the military environment. While those who choose to do so can look forward to a commission in the military services, by no means all who choose a military college have that as their goal. The range of studies offered and leadership development prepare students to do well in almost any profession. Being your best self For many years, the United States Army used as its recruiting slogan “Be all you can be.” Military colleges take much the same approach in seeking to develop their students. They challenge you not to compete primarily with your peers (although there is plenty of good competition in everything from drill and marksmanship teams to orienteering and military stakes), but rather to compete with your own best potential self. In such a competition, everybody wins. Today’s military colleges offer many attractive choices in location, size of student body, course offerings, ROTC enrollment and service orientation. Two schools, Massachusetts Maritime Academy and New York Maritime College, offer military programs oriented to the sea services. Massachusetts Maritime offers commissioning programs in the Navy, Coast Guard, Marine Corps and Army and also in the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Its program includes a popular semester at sea. History of military colleges Norwich University in Northfield, Vt., was founded in 1819 as the first private military college in America. Virginia Military Institute in Lexington is the oldest state-sponsored military college in the United States. All students are enrolled in an ROTC program of one of the services, and some 45 percent accept commissions upon graduation. The Citadel is the military college of South Carolina. Nearby is North Georgia College and State University. Two schools that include corps of cadets within their larger student bodies are Virginia Tech and Texas A&M University, both of which offer a wide range of educational opportunities combined with the benefits of the military collegiate lifestyle. A unique program is the Virginia Women’s Institute for Leadership at Mary Baldwin College. This women-only program constitutes the only all-female cadet corps in the world. Students in the corps participate in leadership laboratories, minor in leadership studies and maintain high levels of physical fitness as part of their collegiate life. About 40 percent of graduates achieve a commission in one of the military services. Wentworth Military Academy and Junior College in Missouri, the oldest military academy west of the Mississippi, is one of a number of two-year military schools. This is an excellent way for you to get a taste of military schooling and, if you find it agreeable, prepare to continue at a four-year college. New Mexico Military Institute, another junior college, also serves as a preparatory school for the federal service academies. Other excellent institutions in this category include Marion Military Institute in Alabama and Valley Forge Military Academy and College in Pennsylvania. Dr. Sorley is executive director of the Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States. By Lewis Sorley; NextStepU 2019	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8677
__label__wiki	0.588961	0.588961	The Five Players' Associations Thank Senator Bobby Joe Champion Senator Bobby Joe Champion 3207 Minnesota Senate Office Building St. Paul, Minnesota 55155 Dear Senator Champion: On behalf of the members of five of the leading professional sports players’ associations in America: the Major League Baseball Players Association, the National Basketball Players Association, the National Football League Players Association, the National Hockey League Players’ Association, and the Major League Soccer Players Union - we want to thank you for your efforts to clarify the right of publicity in Minnesota. We support the objective of SF 3609, the PRINCE Act – to protect the ability of Minnesotans to have some control over the use of their name, voice, signature and likeness for commercial profit, without their permission. Unfortunately, the current draft of the legislation, with all the commercial exemptions it provides, may end up swallowing the very right the bill wants to create. Specifically, the exemption for “other audiovisual works” is being used to try to abrogate existing protections that athletes, musicians and other celebrities currently have. Today, in Minnesota and around the country, when alleged free speech interests collide with other protected interests – like the state law right of publicity – the courts require a balancing test and it’s the job of the courts to strike the legally required balance, based on the unique facts presented. This happens in other First Amendment cases. Take, for example, a lawsuit involving libel. The injured party files suit. The defendant says he or she has a First Amendment protection. The court then has to balance a person’s state law right not to be libeled with someone else’s First Amendment right to speak – whether that speech occurred on television, or in a movie, or on a poster, or in a video game. The most current version of SF 3609 would eliminate this balancing test for an array of commercial interests. It would deny individual Minnesotans their day in court. Under current law, they may not win but at least they have an opportunity to make their case that their identity is being used by another, without permission, to make money. For example, today, in Minnesota, if a concert promoter would like to stage a concert using the digitized likeness of a popular rock musician artist, it would need that artist’s permission. If the revised draft of the bill is enacted, it would not. Similarly, if a multinational entertainment company wants to make a video game depicting Kevin Garnett playing basketball, Zach Parise playing hockey, a Minnesota Viking playing football, a Minnesota Twin playing baseball, or a Minnesota United FC member playing soccer, it would need their permission. If the revised bill is enacted, it would not. Today, gaming companies pay for the right to use the names, likenesses, mannerisms and voices of professional athletes, musicians and other celebrities in their video games. These same companies have argued in other states, when comparable legislation was being considered, that including the phrase “audiovisual works” in the list of exemptions will end their need to continue paying for this use. The bill being considered in Minnesota contemplates this very language--granting exceptions for other audiovisual work--that according to the video game makers would obviate their responsibility to seek consent from these celebrities for use of their likenesses and erase the first amendment protective rights of these celebrities as previously interpreted by the courts. Reliance on a balancing test is well established in the courts. In the now famous human cannon ball case, Zacchini v. Scripps Howard Broadcasting Co., 433 U.S. 562 (1977), the Supreme Court of the United States was asked to address whether a television station broadcast of Mr. Zacchini’s 15 seconds-long human cannonball act on the evening news violated his right of publicity. The Court ruled that the First and Fourteenth Amendments to the Constitution did not provide the television station with blanket immunity to violate Mr. Zacchini’s right of publicity. The court noted that the primary purpose of the right of publicity is to prevent unjust enrichment. Because Mr. Zacchini had expended time and energy to cultivate this skill, the value of which is derived from the entertainer’s exclusive control, the Court held that appropriating the act in full took away Mr. Zacchini’s opportunity to charge an admission fee and violated his right to protect his name and image. In No Doubt v. Activision Publ’g, Inc., 192 Cal. App. 4th 1018 (Cal. App. 2011), the court rejected the video game manufacturer’s First Amendment argument. Similarly, in Keller v. Electronic Arts, Inc., 2010 WL 530108 (N.D. Cal., Feb. 6, 2010), a video game’s use of a former college athlete’s identity was held not to be protected by the First Amendment. Other recent cases holding that the right of publicity protects the unauthorized commercial exploitation of student athletes’ and professional athletes’ likenesses against First Amendment challenge include Hart v. Electronic Arts, Inc., 717 F.3d 141 (3d Cir. 2013), and Davis v. Electronic Arts, Inc., 775 F.3d 1172 (9th Cir. 2015), cert. denied, 136 S.Ct. 1448 (2016), in which the U.S. Supreme Court denied review just a few months ago. The Supreme Court case of Brown v. E ntertainment Merchants Ass’n, 131 S. Ct. 2729 (2011), also did not support the kind of broad exemption found in the bill. The issue before the Court in Brown was whether the state of California could regulate the sale of video games to children if the games depicted killing, maiming, dismembering, or sexual assault. That decision does not stand for the proposition that all video games are completely protected by the First Amendment from otherwise applicable state laws, as some have argued. This issue has been considered in other states and similar attempts to legislate exemptions to the right of publicity have failed in Michigan, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maryland and Georgia, to name only a few. They understood that the real consequence of such exemptions was not to give individual citizens more control over how their names and identities are used but instead allowed them to be exploited for financial gain without their permission. We appreciate your interest in this issue and the thoughtful consideration the Senate Judiciary Committee is giving this legislation. This is a subject that deserves serious discussion about all potential consequences to determine the best way to protect the publicity rights of Minnesotans. We look forward to working with you to find an equitable solution and hope you will agree that the cost of codifying a state right of publicity law should not be that some Minnesotans will have less protection than they currently enjoy. Tags One Team {{card.Categories[0].Title}} {{card.Title}} {{card.Summary}}	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8678
__label__wiki	0.950495	0.950495	Rebuilding Halifax Mooseheads trade goalie Zach Fucale to Quebec Remparts NHL.com @NHLdotcom HALIFAX - Zach Fucale will get to take another run at the MasterCard Memorial Cup, but it won't be with the Halifax Mooseheads. Halifax traded the 2013 Memorial Cup-winning goaltender to the Quebec Remparts along with defenceman Matt Murphy and a 2015 fifth-round draft pick in exchange for goalie Eric Brassard, first- and third-round picks in 2016 and first- and second-round picks in 2018. "This was obviously a difficult decision to make for myself and the franchise but we are happy that Zach and Matt will get the opportunity to play for the Memorial Cup once again," Mooseheads general manager Cam Russell said Friday in a release. The Remparts are in second place in the East Division, while the rebuilding Mooseheads are third in the Maritimes Division. Fucale, one of Canada's goaltenders at the world junior championship, was 13-9-1-1 this season with a 3.20 goals-against average and .890 save percentage. Canadian world junior coach Benoit Groulx, whose regular job is head coach of the Gatineau Olympiques, excused Fucale's bad numbers in the QMJHL. "They had a very bad start. They were missing many players. They were hit by a lot of injuries," Groulx said this week. "When it's your fourth year in the league and you've been playing with three solid teams and then you've to come back for a fourth one, sometimes it's tough to start the engine. But I thought he got better in November." Rumours of the trade began to surface Wednesday as Fucale practised with his world junior teammates in St. Catharines, Ont. The 19-year-old from Rosemere, Que., said it would be tough to leave Halifax but brushed off concern about it. "I'm not focused on that," Fucale said. "I can't control what goes on over there. I'm just concentrating on helping (Canada) win."	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8679
__label__cc	0.586401	0.413599	Back to Neurology Awareness in vegetative patients "A man who was presumed to be in a vegetative state for five years has answered questions using his thoughts alone", reported The Times . It said the research could allow some patients who are “locked in” by brain injuries to communicate. The news is based on a three-year study in 54 patients in a vegetative or minimally conscious state. The patients’ brains were scanned with a technique called functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to detect signs of awareness. In one man, previously thought to be in a persistent vegetative state, the researchers were able to elicit the correct responses to five out of six questions. These results confirm that some patients who meet the current criteria for being in a vegetative state are diagnosed incorrectly and retain thinking and awareness. It should be highlighted that this occurred in only one of the patients tested, and it is unknown how many people are likely to be in the same state. The researchers say there is a high rate of error (approximately 40%) in diagnosing this group of patients. It appears the use of fMRI scanning may add another layer of safety in the diagnosis of consciousness following brain injury. However, the potential that the technique will lead to better care for patients in vegetative states, for example by allowing them to communicate their wishes, will need further research. This study was carried out by Dr Martin Monti and colleagues from the Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit, the Impaired Consciousness Study Group and the Division of Academic Neurosurgery, all in Cambridge, along with international colleagues from the University of Liege and University Hospital of Liege in Belgium. The study was supported by several organisations and received grants from the Medical Research Council and the European Commission. The study was published in the peer-reviewed New England Journal of Medicine . Some newspapers have incorrectly used the terms ‘coma’, ‘vegetative state’ and ‘locked in’ outside their technical definitions. For example, it is wrong to say that the study shows that “patients in 'vegetative' state can think and communicate” or “that one-in-five patients in a persistent vegetative state may be able to communicate,” as The Daily Telegraph does. The number of people who may be able to communicate usefully may be quite small. The newspapers reported that there are normally fewer than 100 patients in the UK in a permanent vegetative state (PVS) at any time. The aim of this study was to investigate ways of improving diagnostic testing for vegetative and minimally conscious states. This built on the researchers’ previous research and has shown it is possible for someone tested using conventional movement responses, and who meets the clinical criteria for being in a vegetative state, to have intact awareness when tested with fMRI. The researchers wanted to investigate how many patients in a vegetative or minimally conscious state could reliably and repeatedly modulate (alter) their brain activity as shown by their fMRI responses. The researchers say the ability to do this suggests awareness. They also wanted to test if these patients could communicate yes or no responses by modulating their brain activity without training and without the need for movement. The researchers say that awareness distinguishes minimally conscious patients from those in a vegetative state and has important healthcare, ethical and legal implications. The usual tests to distinguish between these conditions involves movement responses. However, these methods face several problems, such as muscle weakness, inconsistent responses and a difficulty distinguishing between automatic reflexes and voluntary movement. They say there is a high rate of error (approximately 40%) in the diagnosis in this group of patients. This was an experimental study with cross-sectional analysis in 23 patients in a vegetative state (patients are ‘awake’ in the sense they have sleep-wake cycles, but without detectable awareness) and 31 patients in a minimally conscious state (where patients show inconsistent but reproducible signs of awareness, tested by behavioural responses to stimuli, including the ability to follow commands. However, they remain unable to communicate). The patients had all been referred to two hospitals that are major referral centres for this type of brain injury. These hospitals already routinely evaluate brain injury patients with fMRI to assess their performance on motor and spatial imagery tasks. In this research, two imagery tasks were first tested in 16 healthy control subjects (nine men and seven women) with no history of neurologic disorders. In the motor imagery task, participants were asked to imagine they were playing tennis. In the spatial imagery task, they were asked to imagine walking from room to room in their home and to visualise all that they would ‘see’ if they were there. Carrying out these tasks stimulates different areas of the brain that can be viewed using an fMRI scanner. For example, the motor cortex area of the brain is responsible for movement, and when a person thinks about movement this will show up on the scan. These tasks were also performed on all of the patients referred. In a communication task, the control subjects were asked to try to answer questions by thinking about the two tasks. They were asked to think about tennis (motor imagery) for each time they wanted to say yes and about checking the rooms in the house (spatial imagery) if they wanted to say no. The communication test was given to all healthy controls. It was also given to the one patient who had been able to modulate his brain activity in the first two imagery tasks. Of the 54 patients enrolled in the study, five were able to wilfully modulate their brain activity. Three of these patients demonstrated some sign of awareness in bedside testing, but the other two showed no voluntary behaviour such as movement that could be detected by means of clinical assessment. One of the patients who was able to wilfully modulate his brain activity was given the communication task. The fMRI scans showed brain activity giving the correct answer to five out of six yes- or no-type questions. The researchers say that it still remained impossible to establish any form of communication with this man. Among the 23 patients who had been given a diagnosis of being in a vegetative state on admission, four exhibited awareness in the mental imagery tests, suggesting that they had been misdiagnosed. The researchers say their results show movement can be so impaired that bedside tests based on the presence or absence of a behavioural response may not reveal awareness, regardless of how thoroughly and carefully they are administered. They say that in these patients functional MRI complements existing diagnostic tools by providing a method for detecting covert signs of residual thinking and awareness. These results suggest that some patients, who meet the current criteria for being in a vegetative state, are diagnosed incorrectly and retain thinking and awareness. False-negative (misdiagnoses due to a test being negative when someone has a condition) and false-positive results (misdiagnoses due to a test being positive when someone does not have a condition) are possible with any test. Combining tests can improve their accuracy and it is possible that the combination of bedside tests and fMRI scans would provide improved diagnostic accuracy. There are some points to note: As only one patient in a vegetative state was tested for his communication ability, this will need to be repeated in others to find how many false negatives and false positives this test has. The researchers say that even in healthy volunteers, false negatives when using fMRI imaging are common, and therefore negative findings cannot be used as evidence for a lack of awareness. In this study, negative responses were shown by 49 of the 54 patients and it is not clear if this is due to low sensitivity of the test in detecting awareness, or if the patients were sometimes unconscious during scanning. Only five of the six questions elicited a correct response from the patient in a vegetative state, the last question was not answered. The researchers say that they cannot tell from the lack of brain activity if the patient fell asleep, did not hear the question, elected not to answer it or lost consciousness. The patient in this study and another woman described by the same researchers in 2006, suggest that, though rare, there are cases where people thought to be in a vegetative state are aware to some degree. This study suggests a method by which some of these non-communicative patients, including those diagnosed as vegetative, minimally conscious, or locked in, may in the future be able to use their residual cognitive capabilities to communicate their thoughts to those around them. Coma victim talks via brain scanner. Financial Times, 4 February 2010 Patient in a vegetative state 'talks' to scientists. Daily Mail, 4 February 2010 Think tennis for yes, home for no: how doctors helped man in vegetative state. The Guardian, 4 February 2010 Patients in 'vegetative' state can think and communicate. The Daily Telegraph, 4 February 2010 Patient 'locked in' by brain injury answers question using thoughts alone. The Times, 4 February 2010 Brain scan shows awareness in vegetative patients. BBC News, 4 February 2010 Scientist on 'brain scan breakthrough'. I think..I'm alive. The Sun, 4 February 2010 Mont MM, Vanhaudenhuyse A, Coleman MR, et al. Willful Modulation of Brain Activity in Disorders of Consciousness. New England Journal of Medicine, February 3 2010	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8680
__label__wiki	0.507338	0.507338	Major Brazilian Electric Company, Eletrobras completes a number of projects utilising NOJA Power’s Automatic Circuit Reclosers (ACRs) Eletrobras completes a number of projects utilising NOJA Power’s Automatic Circuit Reclosers (ACRs) to increase reliability for distribution and reduce power outages NOJA Power’s recloser installation at an Eletrobras substation Brisbane, Qld, Australia – Eletrobras, a major Brazilian Electric Utilities Company is completing major projects throughout Brazil which includes the purchase and installation of NOJA Power’s Automatic Circuit Reclosers (ACRs) Eletrobras Distribution Piauí, a subsidiary of Eletrobras, concluded another phase of a project that aims to increase the reliability of Teresina’s (Piauí’s capital) power distribution networks. The utility reached 100 installed Automatic Circuit Reclosers (ACRs). NOJA Power’s ACRs provide a number of benefits but foremost they can reduce the occurrence of power outages. “The recloser is a protective equipment that, when it detects faults (short circuit) on the network, cuts off the network in seconds and then makes repeated attempts to re-energize the line, in order to avoid long periods of power failure,” explains Maintenance Manager from MV and LV, Abraão Galeno. "Statistics show that 70-90% of faults in the electricity distribution system are temporary, so stopping the effect a few milliseconds after the occurrence, the recloser then acts to restore the electrical system automatically, without any operator assistance," explains further Abrãao. Electrobras Distribution Piauí is extending this action to all Piauí, in order to reduce complaints by costumers regarding power outages. Eletrobras Acre Utility, another subsidiary of Eletrobras, is investing about R$ 10 million (U$ 2.89 million) in the purchase and installation of 212 new NOJA Power’s ACRs on the electrical distribution networks of the state of Acre in Brazil, to improve the energy supply. The project is being carried out by the Distributor’s expansion board with resources provided by the World Bank. NOJA Power’s control system allows the recloser to perform automatic trips to open and close circuits in order to protect the electrical system. The device minimizes the affected area during interruptions, ensures a higher fault interruption capacity (usually an overload caused by short circuits) and provides increased security and safety for installations and people. The first step of the project will begin in July with the installation of the ACRs. The second step includes configuring the automation process. "With these measures, the prospects for improving the quality of supply of energy for the state of Acre are greatly increased, especially in the winter period, because we are tripling the number of these devices on our distribution network, greatly increasing the automation process," argues Joaquim Rolim, Operations Director of Eletroabras Acre Utility. Rolim points out that this is an important project, along with the other actions taken by the utility, such as daily assessment of events and execution of recurring actions; pruning program of trees; a range of cleaning, preventive and predictive maintenance activities; mobile dispatch program of vehicles; new commercial technical integration contract; operation improvement and expansion plan; control of critical materials; and the Integrated Operations Center (IOC) project will contribute to improving the results of quality indicators Equivalent Duration of Interruptions per Consumer (DEC) / Equivalent Frequency of Interruptions per Consumer (FEC) / Mean Time to Service (TMA) and in particular the perception of quality for customers throughout the state of Acre. Eletrobras Distribution Amazonas also a subsidiary of Eletrobras, installed four new NOJA Power’s OSM reclosers in June 2016 in Humaitá’s substation, strengthening the overall primary protection of the 13.8 kV equipment. NOJA’s ACRs replaced old oil circuit breakers, which are already out of date and have been in use for over 25 years. This new equipment increases the reliability of protection of the distribution system and generation at Humaitá. NOJA Power’s OSM series ACRs benefit from the use of vacuum interrupters and solid dielectric insulation instead of the environmentally unfriendly oil or sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) gas used in sectionalizers and older recloser products. Another key feature of the OSM series is its stainless steel enclosure that forms the only solid dielectric unit with controlled internal arc fault venting on the market. The OSM series has been fully type-tested by independent laboratory KEMA in the Netherlands to ensure long life and reliability under the harshest environmental conditions. Since their introduction, the OSM series ACRs have been installed by utilities in over 84 countries around the world. (See “About the NOJA Power OSM range” below.) According to the José Francisco Albuquerque da Rocha, Operation Director Eletrobras Distribution Amazonas, these four reclosers installed in Humaitá are part of a package of 120 reclosers acquired by the Eletrobras Utility. “All new equipment will be installed in our substations throughout the first half of 2016. It is a major breakthrough in the security of our energy system network and I must highlight the importance of the support received from the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the commitment of the minister, Mr Eduardo Braga,” stressed the director. Eletrobras Amazonas Utility is also preparing another large group of power generators to be replaced in the thermal power plant Humaitá. The equipment, with capacity to generate 2000 kW, is under technical evaluations in Manaus. Internal inspections include the evaluation of machine components with installation forecast in Humaitá plant in May 2016. About Eletrobras Eletrobras is an electric power holding company. It is the largest generation and transmission company in Brazil. Through its subsidiaries it owns about 40% of Brazil's generation capacities and controls 69% of the National Interconnected System. Eletrobras Automatic Circuit Recloser Eletrobras Acre Utility Eletrobras Distribution Amazonas	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8683
__label__wiki	0.82465	0.82465	NCRI Statements on Human Rights in Iran Khamenei Appoints Ebrahim Raisi, Member of Death Committee in Massacre of Political Prisoners, as Head of Regimes' Judiciary Published on 08 March 2019 . Today, Ali Khamenei, leader of Iran’s religious dictatorship, appointed Ebrahim Raisi, a member of the Death Committee in the massacre of 30,000 political prisoners in 1988, and a devoted supporter of the supreme leader, as head of Iran’s judiciary. Raisi should be subject to international prosecution for committing crimes against humanity in the massacre of political prisoners in 1988, and tried for genocide of PMOI members. His appointment as the highest judicial authority of the clerical regime signals a hard turn to even more repression by the clerical regime against the Iranian people and resistance. Khamenei described his appointment as a "new era" and the “second stage” of the regime’s so-called revolution, and ordered Raisi not “to pay heed to outsiders when dealing with judicial matters.” In 1988, Grand Ayatollah Hossein-Ali Montazeri, Khomeini’s successor at the time, and a higher-ranking cleric than Khamenei and his minions, summoned members of the Death Committee including Raisi. Montazeri addressed them in a meeting that was recorded and later published, stating, “The greatest crime committed under the Islamic Republic, for which history will condemn us, has been committed by you. Your (names) will in the future be etched in the annals of history as criminals.” In addition to committing a major crime in the 1988 massacre, Raisi is a low ranking cleric without adequate religious credentials. He is under the control of Khamenei and has been serving in the regime's repressive agencies since the age of twenty. Appointing him as the head of the regime's judiciary will prove unacceptable for many government-affiliated clerics. During the sham presidential elections in May 2017, the regime’s rank-and-file clerics refused to support Raisi despite coercive pressure by Khamenei. Rouhani, who competed against Raisi during the sham elections, said of Raisi that he was one of those who “only knew execution and prisons for 38 years." Khamenei, who was deeply concerned about the public reception of Raisi’s appointment, prepared the grounds by disseminating rumors for a while. Despite negative domestic and international reactions, however, he ordered the appointment of Raisi as the head of the regime's judiciary. Raisi’s appointment by Khamenei proves once again that as the head of the crisis-stricken theocratic regime, he finds no other solution than a hard turn towards further repression in order to contain the crisis of the coming new Iranian year (staring March 21, 2019). Khamenei thus wants to barricade his clerical regime against the uprising of the Iranian people and their organized resistance for justice and freedom in Iran. Secretariat of the National Council of Resistance of Iran	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8685
__label__wiki	0.65926	0.65926	Main Blog > Domain Squatting as an Art Form Domain Squatting as an Art Form Miss Cellania • Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 7:00 AM The Charlotte Bobcats don't win many basketball games, and they didn't get much attention nationally until they won the first round draft pick in the NBA lottery. Now a lot of people are looking to find out more about the team, and it's paying off for Austin Saya and Rickey Kim, the absurdist comedy video team that runs the website CharlotteBobcats.com. Back in 2003, Saya and his father guessed which name the city's basketball team (formed to replace the Hornets) would select, and registered the domain. It took eight years for Saya to do something with the domain. And it has nothing whatsoever to do with basketball. In 2011, after finishing his master's at the Savannah College of Art and Design, Saya and Kim finally met in downtown Los Angeles. They shared an experimental approach toward art and a love for pranks and absurdity. By April, they began making films together. Saya had already flirted with the idea of putting content on CharlotteBobcats.com; he saw the amount of traffic it received, even in its neglected state, and began to consider the possibilities. In early 2011, he filmed a man in an empty room attempting to open a suitcase. There was just one camera angle, and no dialogue, and it lasted 25 minutes. "We put that video on loop on the website, and it got like 15,000 hits in a few days," he said. "And later on we discovered on a bunch of sports blogs that people were talking about it, and they were wondering, 'What's going on with the Charlotte Bobcats website?' And it was awesome, because eventually as you went down on the message boards, you'd see they were actually talking about the video, and some of the people would watch it all the way through. All 25 minutes. And the guy doesn't do anything!" As Rickey and Austin began making experimental films, they put them on the site. They even designed a logo, a white windowless monolith in a black box. There was an appealing practical aspect to using the site, which was the instant, unwitting audience that came to the site every day in large numbers. But Saya and Kim are pranksters at heart, and they delighted in the artistic absurdity of the situation. CharlotteBobcats.com is getting a lot of recognition, but the site still makes no money. Saya and Kim are happy with the exposure. Read the rest of the story at Grantland. Link -via Metafilter Tags: Video, Comedy, Domain, Charlotte Bobcats BLACKLISTED: Cory 3 • 05Jun12 6:16pm • 0 SCAD students for the win! That's awesome! Birthday Girl Orders Moana Cake But Receives A Marijuana-Themed Cake "Domain Squatting as an Art Form"	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8687
__label__wiki	0.976019	0.976019	Air India Sale: How To Systematically Kill A Public-Sector Company After facing the brunt of deliberately destructive decisions by the Congress-led UPA for years — but still managing to keep up its head and health — Air India is being sold off by the BJP-led NDA. Meanwhile, its employees say they will keep fighting. Praneta Jha Newsclick Image by Nitesh The story of Air India (AI) — India’s 65-year-old “national carrier” — is a demonstration of how to first sink and then sell off a Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE). But the employees of the airline — which was nationalised in 1953 — are continuing to oppose the privatisation. On 28 March, the BJP-led NDA government announced sale of 76% equity share capital of AI held by the Government of India, along with sale of 100% equity stake in AI’s subsidiary Air India Express Limited as well as the 50% equity stake in joint venture AISATS that Air India has. The offer obviously includes the transfer of management control as well. The ostensible reason cited is that the huge debt burden of around Rs 52,000 crore and heavy net losses (after tax) — even though Air India has been making increasing operational profits for the past three years (Rs 298 crore in 2016-17) and has never defaulted in its loan repayment. Around Rs 22,000 crore of this debt is due to the excess aircrafts that were unnecessarily bought under civil aviation minister Praful Patel during the UPA-I regime, while a number of clearly fatal policy decisions under the same government are responsible for the accumulated losses — none of which is the fault of the company’s management. But more on that later. Meanwhile, the BJP-led NDA is sweetening the deal for the private buyer — Indian or foreign (CPSEs or Central Government Owned Cooperative Societies are barred from bidding) — with the government vowing to bear 50% of the debt burden. The government is hiving off non-core real estate assets and other business, not integral to the core airline business, into a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV). These other entities are Air India Engineering Services, Air India Air Transport Services, Airline Allied Services, and Hotel Corporation of India, which will be transferred to the SPV, owned by the Government of India. In fact, according to this report, AI is likely to be sold for a song. The report estimates the Enterprise Value (EV) of AI at Rs 45,000 crore, most of that will be offset by debt and the capitalised value of lease rentals, which ends up leaving it with an EV of a mere Rs 5,000 crore. The eligibility criteria for the interested bidders is a minimum net worth of Rs 5,000 crore and net profit for three preceding years. However, the rules have been relaxed for Indian companies that can bid either solo or form a consortium. In fact, it is reported IndiGo airlines — in which Praful Patel is said to have a share — will be eligible to bid solo, and indeed it has publicly expressed interest in buying AI’s airline operations in the past as well. The government has uploaded a Preliminary Information Memorandum on its website, inviting Expression of Interest from interested bidders. AI has been getting through with Rs 30,000-crore — Rs 3,000 crore annually — bailout package that was offered by the UPA government in 2012. And yet, AI has been registering operational profits and “consistently improving its overall financial and operational performance”, as admitted by current civil aviation minister Jayant Sinha in the Lok Sabha in February this year. But what went wrong with Air India? By now, it is widely acknowledged that Praful Patel is the man responsible for bringing the national airline to its knees — though, of course, the rest of the Congress-led UPA government that acquiesced to these disastrous moves cannot be excused. A leader of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and currently president of the All India Football Federation, Patel first took over as Minister of State for Civil Aviation in 2004. “…the Government is very supportive of AI's plans to acquire aircraft. It wants AI to grow. I have directions to this effect from the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Prime Minister,” said V Thulasidas, then chairman and managing director of AI in 2005 in an interview. “As per the earlier plan, we were to acquire 28 aircraft 18 small capacity and 10 wide-body. This is no longer valid. Our current plan is to acquire 68 aircraft, 50 of which will be wide-body for AI and 18 smaller aircraft for Air-India Express,” Thulasidas had said. Thulasidas talked about how AI needed to expand and become competitive, even saying that — “It has no right to continue in this business, if it cannot take on the competition.” In fact, the government was not only “supportive” but pretty much forced AI to place orders for 68 aircrafts at a cost of Rs 50,000 crore, at a time when the company’s annual turnover was Rs 7,000 crore. This was later pointed out and criticised by a report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India in 2011. Even now, IA has an yearly interest burden of around Rs 4,000 crore — and it is worth reiterating that AI has never defaulted on the interest payment. Then in 2006, the government began the process of merging the two state-run airlines, both of which were making profits — AI and the domestic carrier Indian Airlines (IA) — despite opposition from both. In fact, the Indian Airlines was a market leader at the time with a 42% share. The mega merger deal in 2007 led to a loss of Rs 10,000 crore to begin with. “The merger of Indian Airlines and Air India was the last nail in the coffin for AI,” said JB Kadian, general secretary of the Air Corporation Employees Union (a registered union more than 8,000 AI employees), while speaking to Newsclick. “Indian Airlines was very strong. But the government did not want a domestically strong government airline. Otherwise how would private airlines make profits? The only way to promote private players was to make sure that the very name of Indian Airlines disappear from the map of Indian skies,” Kadian said. Around the same time (2004-2005), the government was going ahead with giving away the most lucrative international routes and slots — particularly the Gulf routes — to private and foreign airlines in the name of liberalisaing “bilaterals” (commercial air travel agreements between two countries that give both the same right to operate a certain number of flights). “Indian Airlines used to get 40% of its revenues from the Gulf routes. This was reduced to 10%,” said Kadian. And then, the “bilaterals” were stopped, said Kadian. “Because Air India could not afford to operate flights at such high frequency, while there were conditions on private airlines to operate internationally that they did not meet at that time.” “As a result, foreign airlines like the Emirates and even private Indian companies like Jet Airways began eating into the routes and even to dominate,” he said. This was also pointed out in 2011 CAG report. “So you see, with all these added aircrafts which had already heavily indebted IA, and then by the cutting of the lucrative routes by allowing private airlines to operate on those routes, IA was saddled with overcapacity. It had no utilisation for these aircrafts, even as its most profitable routes were taken away.” Indeed, there were reasons why — in 2013 — a book titled “The Descent of Air India” was withdrawn following a defamation suit filed by Patel against its author, and former Air India executive director, Jitender Bhargava. In May last year, based on Supreme Court directions following a petition filed by activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed three FIRs against unknown officials of the civil aviation ministry and private persons for alleged irregularities in the UPA government’s purchase of the excess number of aircrafts, leasing of aircrafts, and surrendering of profit-making routes. It also began a preliminary enquiry into the 2007 merger of IA and AI. In May last year as well, the NITI Aayog prepared a report recommending complete privatisation of Air India, while in June last year the NDA gave its “in-principle approval” to the strategic disinvestment of the airlines. But the employees of AI are going to keep fighting. JB Kadian told Newsclick that the Air Corporation Employees Union as well as other unions would continue to oppose the decision to privatise AI. “The employees have a major stake in the company. But through all these years, the employees’ unions have not been consulted even once while all these disastrous decisions were being taken,” he said. “A private company will have no obligations towards its workers, not even social obligations like reservations. But we are not going to give up, we will intensify our struggle.” On 29 March 2018, the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) issued a statement condemning the move and — importantly — pointing out that “the prospective buyers of Air India entities will have the obligation to retain the existing employees for only one year.” “Never before the workers and employees who actually run the organization, are dealt with such contempt,” CITU said. It said the BJP was putting AI on sale “by cutting the same in pieces to facilitate easy sell out”, and that the privatisation move was “anti-national”. “The national carrier is being sold in pieces viz., Air India, AI-Sat, AI-Express, etc. and around 50 per cent of the debt burden would remain with a Special Purpose Vehicle-AI Asset Holding, keeping noncore real estate with it. This SPV along with substantial debt burden will remain with the government,” said CITU general secretary Tapan Sen in the press statement. While AI would be taken over by private players likely in partnership with foreign aviation majors, “AI Sat, the Engineering Service and Ground handling entity, AI Express, Alliance Air, etc which are all consistently earning comfortable margin/profit will become profit-making private entities and major debt burden and liabilities will remain with Govt through SPV,” CITU said. “The national exchequer is going to be put on heavier loss.” Also, “unlike many major private corporate majors who are going to be the prospective buyers of dismantled Air India,” the company had never defaulted in loan repayments, it said. Calling upon the workers and all people to oppose the “disastrous” move of privatisation of AI through a united struggle, CITU said that “the ongoing policy of privatization is nothing but a mechanism to sell out national assets and operational entities on a platter to the detriment of national interests.” Air India Sale Praful Patel Disinvestment of Salem Steel Plant: Workers Accuse SAIL for Loss of Profit Indian Railways Enroute to Total Privatisation? ISL, I-League, or Bust. Who Cares About the Football? (420 Grams S-1, Ep.36) I-League Gets Relegated, AIFF Requests Asian Body to Grant ISL Indian Top League Status Tejas Express to be India’s First ‘Private’ Train Despite Strong Opposition from the Unions Centre Reaffirms Disinvestment of Profit-making BEML Vishweshwaraya Iron and Steel Ltd to be Privatised, Workers Protest Budget Seeks Bigger Role for Private Players in Rail Infrastructure Development I-League vs ISL: Clubs Meet Praful Patel for a 'No Result' (420 Grams Shorts) Govt Committed to Disinvestment of Air India: Minister Air India Incurred Rs 430 Crore Loss Due to Pak Air Space Closure New Delhi: Air India suffered a loss of Rs 430 crore in the four-month period when air space was restricted by Pakistan after the 10 More CPSEs Enlisted for Strategic Disinvestment Aiming at the ambitious target of Rs 1.05 lakh crore in the current fiscal, the central government is planning to add 10 more Central Public Sector Water: a Right or a Commodity? India is experiencing water scarcity like it has never encountered before and according to reports, the future is looking no better. Worldview with Aijaz Ahmad: A Peace of the Gun in Afghanistan? Supreme Court Order on Karnataka: Some Solutions, Some Controversies The Curious Case of Adrift Fund Daily Round-up: Karnataka Political Crisis, ABVP’s Hooliganism, Puerto Rico Protests and More	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8689
__label__wiki	0.687863	0.687863	Home \| Newsfront Tags: Supreme Court \| ruth bader ginsburg \| supreme court \| arguments \| miss Ginsburg Missing Supreme Court Arguments for 1st Time MARK SHERMAN Monday, 07 January 2019 10:48 AM Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is missing arguments for the first time in more than 25 years as she recuperates from cancer surgery last month, the Supreme Court said. Ginsburg was not on the bench as the court met Monday to hear arguments. It was not clear when she would return to the court, which will hear more cases on Tuesday and Wednesday, and again next week. Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg said the 85-year-old justice is continuing to recuperate and work from home after doctors removed two cancerous growths from her left lung on Dec. 21. Ginsburg was discharged from a New York hospital on Dec. 25. Chief Justice John Roberts said in the courtroom Monday that Ginsburg would participate in deciding the argued cases "on the basis of the briefs and transcripts of oral arguments." Ginsburg had two earlier cancer surgeries in 1999 and 2009 that did not cause her to miss court sessions. She also has broken ribs on at least two occasions. The court said doctors found the growths on Ginsburg's lung when she was being treated for fractured ribs she suffered in a fall at her office on Nov. 7. After past health scares, Ginsburg has come back to work relatively quickly. In 2009, she was at the court for arguments on Feb. 23, 18 days after surgery for pancreatic cancer. Weeks after her fall in November, Ginsburg was asking questions at high court arguments, speaking at a naturalization ceremony for new citizens and being interviewed at screenings of the new movie about her, "On the Basis of Sex." Her latest surgery was a procedure called a pulmonary lobectomy at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. The court said in a release issued the day of the surgery that doctors found "no evidence of any remaining disease" and scans taken before the surgery showed no cancerous growths elsewhere in her body. No additional treatment is currently planned, the court said. Appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, Ginsburg rebuffed suggestions from some liberals that she should step down in the first two years of President Barack Obama's second term, when Democrats controlled the Senate and would have been likely to confirm her successor. She already has hired clerks for the term that extends into 2020, indicating she has no plans to retire. If she did step down, President Donald Trump would have another opportunity to move a conservative court even more to the right. On the day she had surgery, Trump tweeted his wishes for Ginsburg's "full and speedy recovery!" Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is missing arguments for the first time in more than 25 years as she recuperates from cancer surgery last month, the Supreme Court said.Ginsburg was not on the bench as the court met Monday to hear arguments. It was not clear when she would... ruth bader ginsburg, supreme court, arguments, miss Monday, 07 January 2019 10:48 AM 1950s Pinup Tells All About Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe Wednesday, 17 Jul 2019 12:29 PM Kathleen Hughes shot to fame in the1950s as the blonde bombshell appearing in the sci-fi cult classic "It Came From Oute . . . Rep. Lieu Blasts Trump for ‘Repulsive’ Remarks Rep. Ted Lieu, D-Calif., ripped into President Donald Trump for telling four Democratic members of the House to “go back . . . Alan Dershowitz: J'accuse - The New Yorker Is Trying to Silence Me I recently learned, from a source close to The New Yorker magazine, that its editor, David Remnick, has commissioned a h . . .	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8690
__label__wiki	0.791952	0.791952	BJP condemns abduction of Orissa MLA, calls on govt. to wage war against Maoists New Delhi, Sat, 24 Mar 2012 ANI New Delhi, Mar.24 (ANI): Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Balbir Punj condemned the abduction of an Orissa MLA by Maoists, and called on the federal government to wage a full-fledged war against the rebels. A large group of armed men stopped legislator Jinha Hikaka, 37, while he was being driven through a hilly area 500 km from the provincial capital of Bhubaneswar. Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Punj said the government is too confused about the Maoist issue, which poses the biggest threat to the integrity of the country. "The chart of incident is a very sad incident and it is also reflection on the working of both, the state government headed by Naveen Patnaik, who has been trying to handle the situation with cricket gloves and also the central government which has been very confused on the Naxalite (Maoists) issue right from the beginning. Infact, those who tried to describe it as a socio-economic problem, they want to hide the real threat, which this movement poses to the integrity of the country and to the democratic fabric of the country. And it is really very sad and both the central government and Orissa government, they should rage a full-fledged war against naxalites in the state of Orissa," said Punj. Italian tourists, Paolo Bosusco and Claudio Colangelo were abducted on March 17 by the guerrillas after they were spotted taking photographs of women from an indigenous tribe who were bathing in a river in Orissa. Maoist guerrillas responsible for kidnapping two Italians in a remote region of Orissa repeated their demand for troops to halt counter-insurgency operations against them as authorities said they wanted to negotiate the men's release. The Maoists have been waging a decades-long conflict against the central authorities. They say they are fighting for the rights of the poor and landless, and stage ambushes in eastern and central parts of India where they have a strong presence. They are not known to have kidnapped foreigners before, but tensions over what the Maoists view as voyeuristic tourism in the area appear to have boiled over. Only a few weeks ago, a scandal erupted over what the guerrillas regard as "human safaris" and the practice of taking tourists to see naked tribes people on India's Andaman Islands and in Orissa. There have been far fewer clashes with Maoists in recent years due to increased activity by security forces, but the government still considers the rebels to be India's main threat to domestic security. The Italian Foreign Ministry said it was in contact with Indian police through its embassy. The Maoists abducted two officials last year, but released them a week later after the government agreed to meet their demands. Meanwhile, reacting on the Anna Hazare undertaking a one-day fast on Sunday (March 25), Punj said this would definitely raise awareness among public. "Because of the massive corruption under the UPA-2 particularly and the way the government has handled it, people seem to be losing faith in this system. And when social reformers like Anan Hazare or Baba Ramdev, they take cudgels on this issue, naturally they enjoy public support and if Anna Hazare ji undertakes a fast, it will definitely help to raise public awareness on this issue," said Punj. Noted social activist and veteran anti-graft crusader Anna Hazare is undertaking a one-day fast in New Delhi, demanding the inclusion of a strong whistleblower law as part of the Lokpal. The Lok Pal Bill, which was passed by the Lok Sabha (lower house of Indian parliament), was taken up for a discussion and vote in the Rajya Sabha (upper house) on December 29 last year, which was also the last day of the winter session. Multi-billion dollar corruption scandals have added to middle class frustration with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's government's record on corruption. Recently the federal audit body, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) observed in its report that the country lost up to $210 billion in revenue by selling coal deposits for a song. However, the CAG had later said the parts of report, which surfaced in national daily, were misleading. (ANI) Read More: Falkland Islands \| Cayman Islands \| Cocos (Keeling) Islands \| Cook Islands \| Anna Hazare \| Baba Ramdev \| Maoist \| Delhi \| Andaman \| Andaman Nicobar Islands \| Balbir Nagar \| A P Sabha Po \| Sabha Lilwahi \| Anna \| Anna Road Hpo \| Anna Nagar \| Arignar Anna Nagar \| Anna Nagar Western Extn \| Anna Nagar East \| Cbe Mpl.central Busstand \| Multi \| BJP	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8691
__label__wiki	0.85945	0.85945	Home/Products/History of Vatican II Volume 1 History of Vatican II Volume 1 "Extraordinarily well-done, from every point of view."--Msgr. George Higgins The first of five volumes featuring the work of dozens of scholars who provide the definitive history of the single most important event in the Roman Catholic Church in the 20th century. Preface: 1965-1995: Thirty Years after Vatican II I. The Announcement of the Council: From the Security of the Fortress to the Lure of the Quest II. The Antepreparatory Phase: The Slow Emergence from Inertia (January 1959 - October 1962) III. The Struggle for the Council during the Preparation of Vatican II (1960-62) IV. The External Climate V. On the Eve of the Second Vatican Council (July 1 - October 10, 1962) Conclusion: Preparing for What Kind of Council? Name and Subject Indexes Giuseppe Alberigo (1926-2007) taught church history and served as director of the Institute for Religious Studies in Bologna, Italy. Joseph A. Komonchak holds the John C. and Gertrude P. Hubbard Chair in Religious Studies at The Catholic University of America, Washington, DC. He is renowned for his work in ecclesiology, twentieth century theology, and the history and theology of Vatican II. History of Vatican II, Vol. 1 Vol I: Announcement and Preparation Giuseppe Alberigo Co-Author: Joseph A. Komonchak Name Index, Subject Index, notes A Brief History of Vatican II	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8692
__label__cc	0.601445	0.398555	Week Ending Friday, July 15, 2005 Contents: Remarks Upon Signing the Book of Condolence at the Embassy of the United Kingdom, July 8, 2005 The President’s Radio Address, July 9, 2005 Remarks at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, July 11, 2005 Message on the Observance of the 10th Anniversary of the Massacre in Srebrenica, June 11, 2005 Remarks Following Discussions With Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore and an Exchange With Reporters, July 12, 2005 Joint Statement by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong of Singapore, July 12, 2005 Remarks Honoring Ncaa Championship Teams, July 12, 2005 Memorandum Regarding Drawdown Under Section 506(A)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act 1961, as Amended, to Furnish Anti-Terrorism Assistance to the Philippines, July 12, 2005 Memorandum on Delegation of Functions Under Section 9 of the Agoa Acceleration Act of 2004, July 12, 2005 Remarks Following a Cabinet Meeting and an Exchange With Reporters, July 13, 2005 Remarks at the Indiana Black Expo Corporate Luncheon in Indianapolis, Indiana, July 14, 2005 Memorandum on Waiver of Restrictions on Providing Funds to the Palestinian Authority, July 14, 2005 Letter to the Speaker of the House of Representatives Transmitting Budget Amendment for the Department of Veterans Affairs, July 14, 2005 Message to the Congress Transmitting a Report on Reform of the Palestinian Security Services and Palestinian Authority, July 14, 2005 Remarks on Central American-Dominican Republic Free Trade Agreement in Dallas, North Carolina, July 15, 2005 Digest of Other White House Announcements, Week Ending Friday, July 15, 2005 Nominations Submitted to the Senate, Week Ending Friday, July 15, 2005 Checklist of White House Press Releases, Week Ending Friday, July 15, 2005 Acts Approved by the President, Week Ending Friday, July 15, 2005 Author: George W. Bush \| Date: July 14, 2005 Memorandum on Waiver of Restrictions on Providing Funds to the Palestinian Authority, Presidential Determination No. 2005-29 Memorandum for the Secretary of State Subject: Waiver of Restrictions on Providing Funds to the Palestinian Authority Pursuant to the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States, including section 550(b) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2005 (Div. D, Public Law 108-447) (the "Act"), I hereby certify that it is important to the national security interests of the United States to waive the provisions of section 550(a) of the Act, in order to provide funds appropriated to carry out chapter 4 of part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to the Ministry of Finance of the Palestinian Authority in direct assistance for use on new projects in Gaza. You are authorized and directed to transmit this determination to the Congress, accompanied by a report in accordance withsection 550(d) of the Act, and to publish the determination in the Federal Register. Title: Week Ending Friday, July 15, 2005 Chicago: George W. Bush, "Memorandum on Waiver of Restrictions on Providing Funds to the Palestinian Authority, July 14, 2005," Week Ending Friday, July 15, 2005 in United States. Executive Office of the President, Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Week Ending Friday, July 15, 2005 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2005), 41:1163-1164 Original Sources, accessed July 17, 2019, http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=PJ8M3MFXCUK4EWD. MLA: Bush, George W. "Memorandum on Waiver of Restrictions on Providing Funds to the Palestinian Authority, July 14, 2005." Week Ending Friday, July 15, 2005, in United States. Executive Office of the President, Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Week Ending Friday, July 15, 2005 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2005), 41:1163-1164, Original Sources. 17 Jul. 2019. www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=PJ8M3MFXCUK4EWD. Harvard: Bush, GW, 'Memorandum on Waiver of Restrictions on Providing Funds to the Palestinian Authority, July 14, 2005' in Week Ending Friday, July 15, 2005. cited in , United States. Executive Office of the President, Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents, Week Ending Friday, July 15, 2005 (Washington, D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 2005), 41:1163-1164. Original Sources, retrieved 17 July 2019, from http://www.originalsources.com/Document.aspx?DocID=PJ8M3MFXCUK4EWD.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8694
__label__wiki	0.516407	0.516407	A great Mother's Day present! Order mom her copy of "Apollo 50," our hardcover book about the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. Save $10 today off the retail price. IRAN MIGHT BE MAKING MISSILES, POWELL SAYS Paul Richter, Los Angeles TimesTHE ORLANDO SENTINEL SANTIAGO, Chile -- As he prepares to meet with Iranian officials at an international conference next week in Egypt, Secretary of State Colin Powell said Wednesday that he had seen information suggesting Iran had been studying ways to adapt nuclear weapons for use on missiles. Speaking to reporters en route to Chile, Powell said the information suggested the Iranians were "interested in nuclear weapons they could deliver . . . not just something that sits there." Powell said that although he could not verify the accuracy of the reports, they were consistent with claims of Iranian dissidents and "should be of concern" to other nations. Powell, who will leave his government post soon, said the information suggested that the Iranians "were working actively on missile systems. You don't have a weapon until you can put it in something that can deliver a weapon. . . . We are talking about information that says they not only have missiles but information that suggests they are working hard about how to put the two together." The Iranian government already has missiles, and U.S. officials think it has been trying to enrich uranium for use in nuclear bombs. Powell's comments apparently marked the first time U.S. officials had suggested the Iranians might be developing a way to place nuclear weapons on their missiles. According to some estimates, Iran might be able to complete a nuclear weapon within two years. Officials of Britain, France and Germany said this week that they had secured a commitment from Iran to freeze its uranium-enrichment program. In addition, the U.N. nuclear-watchdog agency said this week that inspectors had found no new evidence of concealed nuclear activities or an atomic-weapons program in Iran, while cautioning that it could not rule out covert activities. Video shows SpaceX Starhopper engulfed in fireball during test With nearly 10,000 new homes in pipeline, development in south Lake County is ‘exploding’ Copyright © 2019, Orlando Sentinel	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8695
__label__cc	0.609047	0.390953	Unpracticed Faith is Functional Atheism June 30, 2018 July 2, 2018 by Orthodox Editors by Regis Nicoll – Unpracticed faith—that is, faith without works—St. James writes, is dead. It has no transformative or sanctifying power; it is intellectual assent that descends into paralyzing doubt (or worse), which is no faith at all. That’s because faith is revealed, confirmed, and made perfect by our actions not affirmations (for by their fruits you will know them). Consider a child, standing nervously at the edge of the pool, coaxed by his father to dive into the water. He has a choice: plunge headlong into the pool where the able arms of dad are ready to receive him, or remain at water’s edge frozen in fear, dithering in doubt. He may sincerely believe that his father won’t let harm come to him, but until he jumps, fear holds him captive in functional unbelief, revealing that his faith is in a danger that his father cannot save him from. When the “rubber” of belief meets the “road” of decision, a choice has to be made. There is no middle road other than doubt, which defaults to unbelief and tosses us to and fro on the agnostic waves of uncertainty. [Read more…] Categories Christianity, Culture war, Moral issues, Philosophy, Popular culture, Religion in America, Roman Catholic, Sanctity of LifeLeave a comment Christian Pastors Must Stand for Truth, Righteousness, and Morality in the Public Arena January 17, 2017 February 16, 2018 by Orthodox Editors by Fr. Josiah Trenham – You’d be right to ask, I think, what’s a pastor doing at this conservative political conference. I certainly know some of my clerical colleagues are asking what I’m doing here. Some of my own parishioners are probably asking—if they even know—are asking what I’m doing here. The IRS is certainly asking what I’m doing here. That unbiased and non-partisan government agency has been telling lies to clergy for 50 years to keep our mouths shut and to steal freedom of speech in the pulpit. So let me answer that question, what’s a pastor doing here at this conservative political conference. It is perfectly natural for me to be here. Absolutely natural. Pastors and politics are intimately connected and have always been intimately connected in God’s design, from the beginning, in the old and the new covenant, from Israel right through two millennia of Christian history. Where you have politics, you have pastors. It’s only the Johnny-come-lately secularists who would like us to think and act differently. [Read more…] Categories Anti-Abortion, Christianity, Conservatives, Gay marriage, Leftist Tyranny, Moral issues, Orthodox Christianity, Orthodox Church, Sanctity of Life, VideosLeave a comment Orthodox Truth in an Age of Relativism August 7, 2014 April 21, 2017 by Orthodox Editors by Gabe Martini – It is not loving to affirm a person in their sin. It is not loving to affirm a person in their rebellion against both God and His created, natural order—not “supernatural,” or “unnatural,” but the way nature was always intended to be, revealed most perfectly in Jesus Christ and the Mother of God and all the Saints. It is not loving to affirm a person in their beliefs or perspectives that run contrary to the blessings offered us in both Christ and His one, holy Church. It is not compassionate to ignore truth in order to affirm a person in lies. It is not compassionate to let people live a life contrary to the author of Life. It is not compassionate to revise, ignore, or trample under foot the essential truths of our Church in order to curry favor with public opinion, the winds and waves of doctrine, cultural trends, the fools—for the wisdom of this world is foolishness to God—of the Academy, and those with the largest checkbooks. [Read more…] Categories Christianity, Conservatives, Moral issues, Orthodox Christianity, Orthodox Church, Sanctity of Life, Wisdom The Weeping Baby Elephant and The Silent Scream September 13, 2013 September 16, 2013 by Orthodox Editors by Fr. Ben Johnson – For a few hours on Thursday, the all-seeing eyes of the world’s media were fixed on the eyes of a pachyderm. In a story that tugged at heartstrings around the globe, the media reported that a baby elephant named Zhuangzhuang, born in a Chinese zoo on August 30, cried for five hours after being rejected by his mother. When zoo trainers saw her trying to stomp the newborn to death in her cage, they thought it was an accident. But after the mother tried to kill her child a second time, personnel had to remove the calf for his own safety. By nature’s design, a child loves his parent, even a murderous one, and the tears began to flow until his eyes turned red. “He couldn’t bear to be parted from his mother and it was his mother who was trying to kill him,” a spokesman from the Shendiaoshan Wild Animal Natural Reserve Area said. [Read more…] Categories Anti-Abortion, Defense of Innocence, Leftism, Moral issues, Sanctity of Life Abortion and the Mother’s Life and Safety July 23, 2013 August 1, 2013 by Orthodox Editors by Fr. Patrick Henry Reardon – Inasmuch as abortion is the willful taking of the life of the unborn, we are not permitted to do it even to save the life of the mother. Indeed, we are never permitted to commit any sin, for whatever praiseworthy motive. In addition, it is hard to imagine any case in which the death of an unborn child, considered in itself, would save the life of the mother. A few years ago I was shocked to read in an Orthodox publication that the Orthodox Church condemns abortion “in all cases, except to save the life of the mother.” It was the sort of theological slipup anyone might have made, I suppose, but it was nonetheless a seriously defective statement of the teaching of the Orthodox Church. A friend just sent me a statement from a rather famous conservative Episcopalian, a man of considerable learning and culture, who began by remarking on “the unholy alliance of abortion-on-demand and the feminization of God,” but continued in the very next sentence to announce that “No one, except fanatics and mechanists, would argue that abortion is in every case and without exception evil.” [Read more…] Categories Anti-Abortion, Defense of Innocence, Moral issues, Orthodox Christianity, Sanctity of Life We Applaud the Republican Platform: No ‘Abortion Rights’, Only a Right to Life by Deacon Keith Fournier – To the consternation of those who oppose the Right to Life the Republican Party passed a Pro-Life Plank in Tampa, Florida on Tuesday, August 21, 2012. The platform will come before the delegates next Monday for a vote. The platform committee is chaired by the Pro-Life Governor of Virginia, Bob McDonnell. The language of the Republican Platform is refreshingly clear: “Faithful to the ‘self-evident’ truths enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, we assert the sanctity of human life and affirm that the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed. We support a human life amendment to the Constitution and endorse legislation to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protections apply to unborn children.” Sadly, the opponents of the fundamental Human Right to Life of our youngest neighbors in the first home of the human race control much of the media. [Read more…] Categories Anti-Abortion, Conservatives, Moral issues, Sanctity of Life3 Comments Believing Christians are the True Progressives of this Age May 29, 2012 June 2, 2012 by Orthodox Editors The agenda calling itself progressive is not progressive – it is regressive. What is happening in our Nation and the West constitutes a clash of worldviews, personal and corporate, which involve competing definitions of human freedom, human flourishing and human progress. The positions being espoused and lifestyles being affirmed as “progressive” by those currently using the term as a political label are anything but. They turn the clock back on true human progress. We are not even at the beginning of the fall 2012 Presidential campaign and commercials are everywhere. The Obama reelection campaign has chosen the word “Forward” as their theme. They claim the President will move us toward a future of “progress”. Mitt Romney, though not yet the official nominee of his Party, seeks a similar slogan or word to characterize his claim that he will lead us toward a better future. [Read more…] Categories Christianity, Moral issues, Roman Catholic, Sanctity of Life Declaring War on Newborns March 24, 2012 March 26, 2012 by Orthodox Editors by Andrew Ferguson – The disgrace of medical ethics. On the list of the world’s most unnecessary occupations—aromatherapist, golf pro, journalism professor, vice president of the United States—that of medical ethicist ranks very high. They are happily employed by pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and other outposts of the vast medical-industrial combine, where their job is to advise the boss to go ahead and do what he was going to do anyway (“Put it on the market!” “Pull the plug on the geezer!”). They also attend conferences where they take turns sitting on panels talking with one another and then sitting in the audience watching panels of other medical ethicists talking with one another. Their professional specialty is the “thought experiment,” which is the best kind of experiment because you don’t have to buy test tubes or leave the office. And sometimes they get jobs at universities, teaching other people to become ethicists. It is a cozy, happy world they live in. But it was painfully roiled last month, when a pair of medical ethicists took to their profession’s bible, the Journal of Medical Ethics, and published an essay with a misleadingly inconclusive title: “After-birth Abortion: Why should the baby live?” It was a misleading title because the authors believe the answer to the question is: “Beats me.” [Read more…] Categories Defense of Innocence, Moral issues, Sanctity of Life1 Comment The New Scar on My Soul March 5, 2012 March 5, 2012 by Orthodox Editors by anonymous – Abortion is not an excision of a featureless bunch of cells; it is infanticide. It is not painless for the child, and anyone who says otherwise is a liar. We have revived the practice of child sacrifice to the new deities of casual sex and convenience. We rationalize the reality of murder by altering our perspective of the nascent life through euphemisms like “fetus” or descriptions of “a clump of cells”…just like the Nazis convinced themselves that the people screaming as they were shot or gassed were “Untermenchen,” subhuman, and therefore guiltlessly exterminated. … My soul carries a new scar. The pain is fresh and keen, and I know that while time might see the pain fade, I will never fully recover from what I’ve seen, and done. For I have failed, intentionally and knowingly, in the first duty of a parent: protecting the lives of two of my children. My wife and I wanted children; alas, we needed IVF treatment to realize this dream. Several cycles and multiple embryo implantations later, we welcomed our blessing from G-d, who is the light of our lives. [Read more…] Categories Anti-Abortion, Moral issues, Sanctity of Life Obama “Compromise”: Force Insurance Companies to Pay for Abortions February 10, 2012 February 10, 2012 by Orthodox Editors by Kathleen Gilbert – The White House announced today that, instead of forcing religious employers to pay for birth control, it will force insurance companies to offer the drugs free of charge to all women, no matter where they work. The plan, touted as a concession to freedom of religion and conscience, was immediately denounced by pro-life Rep. Chris Smith. “The so-called new policy is the discredited old policy, dressed up to look like something else, said Smith. It remains a serious violation of religious freedom. Only the most naive or gullible would accept this as a change in policy.” “The White House Fact Sheet is riddled with doublespeak and contradiction,” Smith continued. “It states, for example, that religious employers ‘will not’ have to pay for abortion pills, sterilization and contraception, but their ‘insurance companies’ will. Who pays for the insurance policy? The religious employer.” [Read more…] Categories Anti-Abortion, Leftist Hypocrisy, Leftist Tyranny, Sanctity of Life1 Comment Evangelical Leader: Jail Over Obamacare Mandate by Ben Johnson – One of the most influential evangelical leaders in the United States says Christians should go to jail rather than comply with the Obama administration’s mandate to provide all contraception, including abortion-inducing drugs, in their health care plans. Dr. Richard Land, president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC), told LifeSiteNews.com “we will not comply” with the Dept. of Health and Human Services’ mandate requiring religious institutions to cover abortifacient products such as Plan B, Ella, and the IUD. “We want the law changed, or else we’re going to write our letters from the Nashville jail, just like Dr. King wrote his from the Birmingham jail,” Dr. Land said. [Read more…] Categories Anti-Abortion, Christian Persecution, Moral issues, Sanctity of Life2 Comments 65 Orthodox Church Bishops Call on Obama to ‘Rescind’ the ‘Unjust’ Contraception Mandate February 7, 2012 August 21, 2012 by Orthodox Editors The 65 canonical bishops of the Orthodox Church have asked President Barack Obama and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius to repeal the mandate that religious institutions provide birth control, sterilization, and Plan B abortion drugs in their health care coverage. The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America – which represents 12 Orthodox jurisdictions and three million Orthodox Christians in the United States – issued a press release last Thursday calling the HHS ruling a violation of religious conscience. [Read more…] Categories Anti-Abortion, Christian Persecution, Leftist Tyranny, Moral issues, Orthodox Church, Sanctity of Life3 Comments Orthodox Bishops Protest Government Healthcare Mandate February 2, 2012 February 2, 2012 by Orthodox Editors Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops – The Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America, which is comprised of the 65 canonical Orthodox bishops in the United States, Canada and Mexico, join their voices with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and all those who adamantly protest the recent decision by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and call upon all the Orthodox Christian faithful to contact their elected representatives today to voice their concern in the face of this threat to the sanctity of the Church’s conscience. [Read more…] Categories Anti-Abortion, Moral issues, Orthodox Christianity, Orthodox Church, Sanctity of Life6 Comments Obama to Catholics: ‘To Hell With You!’ January 28, 2012 February 1, 2012 by Orthodox Editors Bishop David Zubik Saying it’s “really hard to believe that it happened,” the bishop of Pittsburgh has taken aim at the Obama administration’s birth control mandate. “It comes like a slap in the face. The Obama administration has just told the Catholics of the United States, ‘To Hell with you!’” wrote Bishop David Zubik in a hard-hitting column appearing on the diocese’s website. “There is no other way to put it.” Catholic bishops have been up in arms ever since the administration indicated it would force virtually all employers to cover all birth control, including drugs that can cause early abortions, like Plan B and ella. Last week, Catholic Church leaders were aghast to hear that, upon further consideration, the administration had refused to back down, instead simply giving outraged faith-based groups another year to comply with the mandate. [Read more…] Categories Anti-Abortion, Leftist Tyranny, Moral issues, Roman Catholic, Sanctity of Life1 Comment Metropolitan Jonah’s Prayer on March for Life 2012 January 26, 2012 July 11, 2012 by Orthodox Editors Metropolitan Jonah and Archbishop Timothy Dolan Metropolitan Jonah – As reported earlier on oca.org, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah offered the opening prayer during the program that preceded the March for Life here on Monday, January 23, 2012. “Roman Catholic Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, who is in charge of pro-life activities, invited the Orthodox bishops to stand together with the Roman Bishops, as we are of one mind in regards to Life, and for us to begin to alternate giving the opening prayer for the March,” Metropolitan Jonah said, reflecting on the March. “This year, they gave the honor to me to bless the opening of the March for Life on their behalf, as well as on behalf of the Orthodox. With me at that podium, at my request, was Cardinal-elect Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York. “This is a significant ecumenical event, a strong gesture of unity, and a great symbol of the respect of the Roman Catholic Church for the Orthodox Church in America,” Metropolitan Jonah continued. “We are of one mind in opposition to abortion as a fundamental doctrinal and moral position, in accordance with the ancient Tradition of the undivided orthodox catholic Church.” [Read more…] Categories Anti-Abortion, Moral issues, Orthodox Christianity, Orthodox Church, Sanctity of Life	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8696
__label__wiki	0.662275	0.662275	Canals & Rivers, Street Scene, Transport The Site of the Former Oxford Canal Basin. Oxford Canal Basin. Will boats ever navigate here again? It is hard to believe that this site was once the scene of bustling activity. Boats being loaded and unloaded at Oxford Canal Basin. Nowadays, the canal simply fizzles out. A stump going nowhere. Whereas originally, it came under the road (Hythe Bridge Street) where this photograph was taken, and terminated where the building with the spire is now. There was a turning basin and goods wharf where the car park is now, continuing under Worcester Street and terminating in a coal wharf. As was so often the case, the railways took away the freight, and during the 1930s this site had been sold to Lord Nuffield. The waterway was filled in, and the Hythe Bridge Street bridge filled in. Nuffield College was built on the site of the former coal wharf. Initially, all of this area was to have been part of the college. However, plans had to be scaled down due to budget and material shortages. The part of Oxford Canal Basin between the two roads became a “temporary” car park – a function that it still serves today. With canals and boating becoming more and more popular, Oxford does not have the facilities. It is not making the most of its historical asset. It is difficult to comprehend that the canal into the City remains a stub that boaters tend to avoid. One wonders why there is no investment to bring a new Oxford Canal Basin back to the City as a thriving focal point. Taken: 25 Sep 2017 oxford canal basin PreviousPrevious post: The Sheepwash Channel from the Thames. NextNext post:The Jericho District of Oxford.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8699
__label__cc	0.546586	0.453414	Staff Choice Awards 2018/19 > Emerging Talent Award (Clinical) > Fran Niall Fran Niall Abbeygate Ward, Wedgewood House Fran has been a true marvel since she started working with our team almost two years ago. By her own admission she had a lot to learn, but her potential has been clear from the start. She has consistently and successfully engaged in her work with fervour and has shown that she has a tremendous respect for every patient she meets and has displayed a high level of empathy, which is a key part of nursing. Fran has successfully taken the new skills she has learned and put them to use day-in and day-out, making the lives of all of those she cares about better. This extends to carers that regularly feedback to the ward that she has been particularly helpful to them. Fran also supports staff in many ways. There is no job that she will not happily carry out and somehow manages to turn every experience into a positive one through her approach, her empathy, her desire to keep getting better and, above all, her commitment to improving the lives of the patients we work with. Within her role she has not been asked to lead on specific projects. This is a positive thing as it has allowed Fran to fully commit to her existing role and learn as much as she can, which has been considerable. It has also given Fran the freedom to consider how she would like to develop and the best way in which she can do this. By not rushing, Fran has made a strong foundation of knowledge and experience from which to build a very promising future. With the full support of our team, Fran has successfully gained a place on the Assistant Practitioner Course and will be fully supported during her studies. Fran has made it clear that she has her sights (and standards) set high and if you meet her you cannot help but have faith that she will achieve them and then some. While Fran may not have had a nominated lead in any particular project she has had a really positive impact on our team with her fresh approach and her overwhelming desire to bring about the most positive outcomes for patients and their families. Fran’s ethos has rubbed off on some and completely re-invigorated others altogether. We have good reason to expect great things from Fran. She is truly inspirational, and she’s only just begun. We can’t wait to see what happens after the Assistant Practitioner Course! When Fran engages with patients and their families she is genuine. The care she gives, the interest she shows, and often the pain she shares with them is all real. This cannot be underestimated in our line of work. Fran very clearly wants to understand as much as she can. She asks questions that often go unasked, and she follows up answers given with insight and application. What really sets her apart is that when she acquires new knowledge or skills, she immediately finds ways to use them, and in the most positive way she can. However, the quest for knowledge is something she never allows to get in the way of the job itself. Her priority is always the patient, their comfort, and their experience. This is truly what sets Fran apart and gives hope to our team for the future of nursing. Importantly, Fran also picks up quickly when something is not going well for a patient and ensures that this is managed, dealt with and improved as quickly as possible. If every nurse of the future has the qualities Fran has then we know the patients of tomorrow will be in excellent hands. When Fran is able to initiate new projects on her own she will be phenomenal. We think Fran should receive this award as she endlessly gives her very best to the patients in her care. Her impact on them has been nothing short of spectacular. She really makes our team a happier place to be. It may seem obvious to say but the way she conducts herself provides inspiration for our whole team. Qualified staff who work with her find their own approach renewed, and for the better. Other disciplines are likewise affected and the quality of Fran’s work is never in question. Her documentation is equal to her approach in every other area and she is almost the living embodiment of all the best realisations of the Trust values. Fran is deserving of this award as our team feels that in the future she will have fantastic success and this will be shared with every patient, and every part of our Trust. In her way of working, Fran may never be able to enjoy individual success because every success she has will be to the benefit of her patients and her team. As stated earlier, we just can’t wait to see what will happen.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8703
__label__cc	0.673252	0.326748	Inventing God's Law: How the Covenant Code of the Bible Used and Revised the Laws of Hammurabi David P. Wright Abbreviations and Special Terminology 1 Introduction: The Basic Thesis and Background PART I PRIMARY EVIDENCE FOR DEPENDENCE: SEQUENTIAL CORRESPONDENCES AND DATE 2 The Casuistic Laws 3 The Apodictic Laws 4 Opportunity and Date for the Use of Hammurabi’s and Other Cuneiform Laws PART II THE COMPOSITIONAL LOGIC OF THE COVENANT CODE 5 Debt-Slavery and the Seduction of a Maiden (Exodus 21:2–11; 22:15–16) 6 Homicide, Injury, Miscarriage, and Talion (Exodus 21:12–14, 18–27) 7 Child Rebellion, Kidnapping, Sorcery, Bestiality, and Illicit Sacrifice (Exodus 21:15–17; 22:17–19) 8 The Goring Ox and Negligence (Exodus 21:28–36) 9 Animal Theft, Crop Destruction, Deposit, and Burglary (Exodus 21:37–22:8) 10 Animal Injury, Death, and Rental (Exodus 22:9–14) 11 The Themes and Ideology of the Apodictic Laws (Exodus 20:23–26; 21:1; 22:20–23:19) 12 Redactional Growth in the Apodictic Laws and the Covenant Code’s Relationship to the Exodus Narrative Text Reference Index Syllabic Cuneiform (Akkadian, Sumerian, Hittite) Texts Northwest Semitic Texts Egyptian, Classical, Post-Biblical, and Rabbinic Texts Child Rebellion, Kidnapping, Sorcery, Bestiality, and Illicit Sacrifice (Exodus 21:15–17; 22:17–19) (p.192) 7 Child Rebellion, Kidnapping, Sorcery, Bestiality, and Illicit Sacrifice (Exodus 21:15–17; 22:17–19) Inventing God's Law David P. Wright (Contributor Webpage) This chapter, with Chapter 6, show that besides using the Laws of Hammurabi as a source, the Covenant Code also apparently used a brief native (Israelite/Judean) source (oral or written) with law formulated in participial form, often with the penalty "one shall be put to death." This source was probably brought into the Covenant Code because it contained a law against cursing parents which the Covenant Code used to "translate" laws on denouncing parents from Hammurabi's text. This opened the door to using the participial form for other capital laws in 21:12, 15–17 as well as in 22:17–19, which is an appendix of miscellaneous behavioral taboos (sorcery, bestiality, idolatrous sacrifice) derived from or inspired by the participial source. Keywords: forms of law, Casuistic versus apodictic law, children and parents, kidnapping, sorcery, idolatry, bestiality	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8706
__label__wiki	0.657131	0.657131	Uploaded: Thu, Jan 22, 2015, 3:40 pm Worth a Look: comedian Maria Bamford and more This week's A&E highlights by Renee Batti and Elizabeth Schwyzer / Palo Alto Weekly Comedian Maria Bamford will speak at Stanford on Monday, Jan. 26. Image courtesy of Maria Bamford. This week, catch comedian Maria Bamford at Stanford, enjoy a musical tribute to MLK Jr. and check out Ballet San Jose's new Palo Alto kids' program. From "Benched" to "BoJack Horseman," "Arrested Development" to "Louie," Maria Bamford has a way of repeatedly landing roles on some of television's funniest sitcoms and series. The actress, comedian, writer and star of her own web series, "The Maria Bamford Show," will make an appearance at Stanford University on Monday, Jan. 26, at 8 p.m. to talk about her life and career. Though she's adept at taking on other comic characters and delivering laugh-out-loud voice-overs, Bamford's arguably at her best when she's doing autobiographical stand-up. Among her recurring themes are depression, anxiety and the challenges of growing up in a dysfunctional family. Bamford's talk is sponsored by the Stanford Storytelling Project and the Immersion in the Arts: Living in Culture (ITALIC) program, and will take place at the Cemex Auditorium of the Stanford Graduate School of Business (655 Knight Way). Admission is free; early arrival is recommended. To learn more, go to events.stanford.edu or call 650-736-7298. 'Walk Together' Two concerts featuring music inspired by and dedicated to Martin Luther King Jr. and performed by a bevy of accomplished Bay Area and New York musicians are scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24 and 25, at Eastside College Preparatory School (1041 Myrtle St.) in East Palo Alto. The event, which is in its sixth year, is a benefit for the school, and is titled "Walk Together -- a Musical Tribute to Martin Luther King Jr. and the 50th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act." The program includes spirituals, freedom songs and instrumental music in traditional and jazz styles. Among the many performers in the line-up are soprano Yolanda Rhodes, pianists Josephine Gandolfi and LaDoris Cordell and New York jazz artists Dr. Valerie Capers, piano, and John Robinson, bass and cello. The Eastside Preparatory School Choir will also perform. Alongside jazz classics by the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Fats Waller will be several original compositions. Valerie Capers' multi-movement work, "In Praise of Freedom," is based on Dr. King's March on Washington speech. Her arrangement of "Hold On: Keep your Eyes on the Prize" is a new version of a spiritual frequently sung by freedom singers of the 1960s. Concert tickets are $20 general and $5 for students and seniors. For tickets or more information, go to aacinitiative.org or call 650-688-0850. Ballet open house Know any little ones who love to dance? Ballet San Jose will hold a free open house for families of young children at the Cubberley Community Center dance studio (4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto) on Friday, Jan. 23, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The event marks the launch of the company's new Palo Alto program for young dancers, which will run through May 22. From 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., families with children age 3 to 4 will get an introduction to the creative movement program; the session for 5- to 7-year-olds runs from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. All classes offered at Cubberley will feature the American Ballet Theatre's National Training Curriculum, and are designed to foster strong technique, creativity and self-confidence. The event includes fun activities for kids including face painting, a dance-along class and a photo opportunity from Cinderella, the star of Ballet San Jose's upcoming spring production. To learn more about the company's new Palo Alto children's program, go to balletsj.org, email school@balletsj.org or call 408-288-2820, ext. 223.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8709
__label__wiki	0.78763	0.78763	Uploaded: Thu, Jan 21, 2016, 10:24 am by My Nguyen / Palo Alto Weekly Lin Fischer's paintings will be on display at the Bryant Street Gallery through Jan. 31. The solo exhibit titled, "Landscapes and Figures," features several pieces including "Boy Reading." 'Landscapes and Figures' Artist Lin Fischer's paintings will be on display at Palo Alto's Bryant Street Gallery, 532 Bryant St., through Jan. 31. The solo exhibit titled, "Landscapes and Figures," features Fischer's hallmark style of bold brushwork and rich palette of color. Go to Bryant Street Gallery. 'The Mountaintop' The last night of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s life in Memphis in 1968 will be highlighted in the two-person Olivier Award-winning play "The Mountaintop" at Mountain View's Pear Theatre, 1110 La Avenida St. Michael Wayne Rice and Nathalie Autumn Bennett star in the production, which runs through Jan. 31, Thursday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m. $10-$35. Go to Pear Theatre. Jeff Chang in conversation with Adam Mansbach How do Americans see race? How has that changed -- or not changed -- over the last half-century? These questions and more will be discussed at a talk with journalist, music critic, and executive director of the Institute for Diversity in the Arts at Stanford University, Jeff Chang, at Kepler's, 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, on Tuesday, Jan. 26. Chang with be interviewed by Adam Mansbach, author of "Go the F**k to Sleep" and the newly released "Who We Be." The free -- and timely -- discussion starts at 7:30 p.m. Go to Kepler's. Opening jubliee To celebrate the opening of the Palo Alto Art Center's "Bird in the Hand" exhibit, the art center, at 1313 Newell Road, is hosting a free event on Friday, Jan. 22, with hands-on art activities, food trucks, a photo opp with feathered friends from the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo and a cash bar by the Palo Alto Art Center Foundation. The event starts at 7 p.m. "Bird in the Hand" showcases the colorful and fascinating world of birds. The free exhibition, which includes installation, sculpture, photography, painting, drawing, and video by more than 45 Bay Area and international artists, runs through April 10. Go to Palo Alto Art Center. Real-deal bluegrass Bluegrass artists Laurie Lewis and Kathy Kallick will perform traditional bluegrass songs by their highly esteemed California predecessors, Vern Williams and Ray Park, during a performance at the Mountain View Masonic Lodge, 890 Church St. on Saturday, Jan. 23. Lewis and Kallick have won a Grammy and two International Bluegrass Music Association awards and have released 20 albums. Go to Redwood Bluegrass Association. World Harmony Chorus Explore music from around the world, including Africa, Latin America and Europe, with the World Harmony Chorus on Monday, Jan. 25. The eclectic chorus will sing a repertoire of worldly music under the direction of musician Daniel Steinberg at the Community School of Music and Arts, 230 San Antonio Circle, Mountain View. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Doors open 30 minutes prior to start. Seating is limited to 200 on a first-come, first-served basis. Go to CSMA.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8710
__label__wiki	0.611815	0.611815	Does marijuana hurt or help your brain? Scientists rush to study the drug’s impact Miles O'Brien Miles O'Brien https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/does-marijuana-hurt-or-help-your-brain-scientists-rush-to-study-the-drugs-impact Transcript Audio Watch Part 3 Marijuana has become big business. So why are small growers struggling to survive? As national attitudes and laws around cannabis use have evolved, so have the commercially grown strains of the plant. Some marijuana varieties today contain levels of THC, the drug’s psychoactive compound, as high as 50 percent, compared to around 5 percent a generation ago. But as science correspondent Miles O'Brien reports, the effects of cannabis on the human brain are still relatively unknown. Read the Full Transcript Judy Woodruff: All this week, we're looking at the impact of the wave of marijuana legalization. One of the key questions is whether marijuana is generally more potent now and whether that poses an increased health risk for some people. It's also coming amid debates surrounding the larger benefits and risks of marijuana. For our Leading Edge segment, Miles O'Brien sifts through the science around what's known and not known about these claims. It's part of a close look at The Green Rush around the country. Miles O’Brien: For connoisseurs of cannabis, these are heady times indeed. Man: It's pretty much like Toys 'R' Us for adults now. We caught up with Levon at a jammed dispensary in Leicester, Massachusetts. He had just bought some cannabis oil and a pre-rolled joint. No one really gets in trouble with this. So, it's nice not being hassled and things like that just for smoking weed. The state is among 11 and the District of Columbia that have legalized recreational use of marijuana for those 21 and older. Can't complain there one bit. Looking forward to enjoying this when I get home. Massachusetts is among 47 states that have sanctioned cannabis for medical purposes as well. It's a stark contrast from the days of reefer madness, the war on drugs and the vilification of a plant that humans have used for more than 2500 years, precious little of it informed by research. Ronald Reagan: What an insult it will be to what we are and whence we came if we do not rise up together in defiance against this cancer of drugs. Dr. Staci Gruber: It was much more motivated by sociopolitical pressures, if you will, not a ton of real scientific data. A lot of assumptions were made. Neuroscientist Staci Gruber is an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and director of the Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery Program at McLean Hospital. She has been studying how cannabis affects the human brain for more than two decades. We're still playing catchup in terms of trying to understand what we really need to understand about cannabis and cannabinoids and how they work. She's doing her best to fill the gaps of understanding by imaging the brains of teens and emerging adults, some heavy cannabis users who started very young, and others who are weed-free. When they conduct cognitive tests, their brains look very different. They use different regions to get the job done. These patterns of activations suggest there is really something different in the way they're processing the information. The data suggests that heavy recreational use of cannabis during adolescence and emerging adulthood inhibits the development of the prefrontal cortex, the decision-making center of the brain. And Gruber also reports evidence of changes in the white matter, which connects various regions of the brain. The white matter in pot users is less organized and coherent. These individuals also self-report more impulsive behavior. We know some things, for sure. We know that there are likely negative effects if cannabis becomes a regular part of one's routine when we're neurodevelopmentally vulnerable. That is, we're just still growing up, we're under construction, or half-baked, better way to put it. And the pot is much stronger than it was a generation ago, when it contained, on average, about 5 percent THC, the psychoactive main ingredient in marijuana. Today, the plants themselves have been bred to be much more potent, 12 percent THC on average. Strains over 20 percent are widely available. But that is still not enough for Dario and his friends. They frequently use highly concentrated cannabis products known as shatter, oil and wax with average THC levels of more than 50 percent, up to 80 percent and even higher. They prefer the concentrates in part because they get more buzz for their buck. The high is a little different, I would say. And you definitely get, like, higher off of the oil, which is enjoyable, for sure. But what are the consequences of this high-test high? The data is scant. Do they simply use less of a more potent product to get the same effect? And some studies have actually reported that, and some others have reported not so much. So, I think that's a type of investigation I would very much like to see done. Important, but right now impossible. Despite the trend toward legalization by the states, marijuana is still classified by the federal government as a Schedule 1 drug, meaning it supposedly has no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This makes it very difficult for researchers to do their work legally. Cannabis used in scientific studies must be acquired from a government-sanctioned grow site at the University of Mississippi. And it only produces flower, not the high-concentrate products. There is an urgent need to do this science. Dost Ongur is chief of the Psychotic Disorders Division at McLean Hospital. Dr. Dost Ongur: Research is showing that if you're smoking weed that is high in THC, the odds of developing a psychotic disorder are higher than if you're smoking weed that's low in THC. There is a lot of compelling evidence, but it's not necessarily final. They're seeking clues by studying the way our nervous system interacts with cannabis. The internal wiring that regulates our perceptions and thoughts is not continuous. The nerve ends are called neurons, the gaps synapses. The electrical current is transmitted across the synapses by chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. Our bodies naturally produce cannabinoids to help regulate the flow of these neurotransmitters. So, when somebody smokes cannabis, you are actually introducing chemicals that can hijack that system that's controlling brain chemistry. It appears that, during some critical period in brain development, cannabis has this effect on the brain that actually disrupts normal functioning and predisposes people to a psychotic disorder, whereas, in your 30s, it doesn't have the same effect. In all of this research, it's difficult, if not impossible, to tease apart cause and effect. Does cannabis trigger these disorders, or do people with these problems gravitate toward the drug? And no one has taken a look at the implications of long-term recreational cannabis use on the fully formed adult brain. But, recently, Staci Gruber has taken a look at medical marijuana among adults. And she has some surprising conclusions. We're seeing improvements in cognitive performance, specifically on tasks requiring executive function. We're also seeing improvements in clinical state, so significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms after only three months. And, really important, we have seen some very striking decreases in the use of conventional medications. Benefits, as opposed to the detriments she has documented in young people using pot heavily to just get high. Steve Mandile is a regular medical marijuana user. Steve Mandile: Much better. In 2004, while serving in the Army in Iraq, he got in an accident that left him with an excruciating back injury and a long list of prescription painkillers. Over a 10-year period, I had taken 57 different medications, nine different opioids. I believe, in 2009, I was just getting on to fentanyl. I did six years on fentanyl, oxycodone for my chronic pain and then breakthrough pain. It was a struggle, but he finally weaned himself off of opioids, and now relies mostly on medical marijuana, which, unlike those prescription painkillers, has never caused an overdose death. But government studies show 9 percent of those who use marijuana will become dependent on the drug, much better than alcohol, at about 23 percent, or cocaine, 21 percent. But it is not risk-free. Steve Mandile is well aware of all of this, but remains convinced cannabis has made nearly every aspect of his life better. Every person suffering deserves a choice. And let's stop looking at this as the initial idea back in the '30s, where this is something that's terrible, it's going to ruin the world. Let's get past all the stigma. Let's focus on the facts. Once vilified, but now moving into the mainstream, cannabis is neither totally bad, nor completely benign. It turns out weed is as much about shades of gray as it is green. For the "PBS NewsHour," I'm Miles O'Brien in Boston. Listen to this Segment Watch the Full Episode PBS NewsHour from Jul 10, 2019 Awash in marijuana, Oregon takes steps to curb production By Andrew Selsky, Associated Press Why so many Americans now support legalizing marijuana, in 4 charts By Amy Adamczyk, Christopher Thomas, Jacob Felson, The Conversation Consumption of marijuana edibles rises amidst scarce research into their health impact By Lori Jane Gliha, Rocky Mountain PBS Miles O’Brien is veteran, independent journalist who focuses on science, technology and aerospace. @milesobrien NewsHour iPhone App PBS iPhone App PBS iPad App	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8711
__label__wiki	0.529217	0.529217	Books > Our Lists > The Final Frontier Elevate your imagination to the stars… and beyond. Echoes of William Shatner’s Star Trek ‘Space: the final frontier…’ opening sequence still resound some 40 years later. Yes, humans have walked on the moon, launched satellites and sent rovers and telescopes to far-flung parts of our own solar system. We may even be on the cusp of space tourism. But for most of us, occurrences beyond the earth’s atmosphere remain the stuff of science-fiction and the imagination. Here are some books to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Ask an Astronaut The awe-inspiring Sunday Times Bestseller from astronaut Tim Peake A Galaxy of Her Own Libby Jackson Want to be an astronaut or a rocket scientist? - 50 brilliant stories of women who have blazed the way for space travel. Hello, is this planet Earth? THE NUMBER ONE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER The first book by astronaut Tim Peake - a mesmerising collection of over 150 of Tim's stunning photographs that he took on board the International Space Station, many of which have not been seen before. Includes a personal commentary from Tim. Tim’s proceeds received from the book will be donated to The Prince’s Trust. Amazing Stories Of The Space Age ROD PYLE From the Nasa astronaut who spent a record-breaking year aboard the International Space Station – what it’s like out there and what it’s like now, back here. Enter Scott Kelly's fascinating world and dare to think of your own a little differently. Rowland White A spellbinding account of the first flight of the Space Shuttle, one of the great technological developments of the late 20th century More Book Lists Stranger Days Get to the bottom of the Upside Down and all the other Stranger Things. Multimedia Mashups Where podcasts, interviews, documentaries and books collide. Read Your Way to the Moon Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing with books that are out of this world. 14 Science Books for Kids Including action-packed projects, awe-inspiring images and fascinating facts! Books that celebrate the benefits of walking, wheeling and running. Chernobyl Files The Ukrainian town that became emblematic of humanity’s worst collective nightmares. Want more recommendations like this? Subscribe for all the latest book lists.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8712
__label__wiki	0.638874	0.638874	Stem-Cell-Treatment-for-Cerebral-Palsy, Stem-Cell-Therapy medical packages in Marbella, India Stem Cell Treatment for Cerebral Palsy, Stem Cell Therapy, Marbella, India Top Stem Cell Treatment for Cerebral Palsy procedures in Marbella Stem Cell Therapy in Marbella, India Top Stem Cell Therapy Cities in India Stem Cell Therapy in India Asian Health Care Best Treatment Packages for Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy in India Are you searching for the most affordable Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy? The package available in India can be the one that you are looking for. For the best care, access the best. PlacidWay India Medical Tourism offers medical care options in foreign destinations, including world-class surgeons and physicians, state-of-the-art facilities and up-to-date technologies, treatments and procedures for individuals seeking health and wellness abroad. How much will I pay for Stem Cell Treatment for Hair Loss in New Delhi, India? What is the price of Stem Cell Treatment for Cancer in New Delhi, India? How much does PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma Cell Therapy cost in New Delhi, India? Stem Cell Therapy for Multiple Sclerosis in Mumbai India for 10000.0 The Best Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy in Noida, India Now at $8,500 for 8500.0 The Most Affordable Stem Cell Therapy for Autism in Noida, India for 8500.0 Top Stem Cell Therapy for ALS in Mumbai India for 10000.0 The Most Affordable Stem Cell Therapy for MND in Noida, India for 8500.0 Best Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy in New Delhi, India Now at $10,250 Are you searching for the most affordable stem cell therapy for Cerebral palsy? The package available in New Delhi, India can be the one that you are looking for. The Best Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy in Noida, India Now at $8,500 Are you searching for the most affordable stem cell therapy for Cerebral palsy? The package available in Noida, India can be the one that you are looking for. Renovation Stem Cell Institute, Tijuana, Mexico A specialized Stem Cell Therapy and Cancer Treatment clinic in Tijuana, Mexico which have been successfully treating patients for the last 3 decades. The clinic is headed by Dr. Rivkah Lopez who believes in offering a targeted and customized treatment plan to her patients as well as a supportive after-care program. GIOSTAR Mexico, Los Algodones, Mexico GIOSTAR Mexico is the result of these efforts and is now available for people looking for alternative solutions in Center and North America, offering autologous and allogenic stem cell therapy for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases currently known as incurable. GARM Clinic, Roatan, Caribbean Islands GARM Clinic in Roatan, Caribbean Islands combines conventional medicine practices with the wisdom of the body’s healing capabilities using stem cell therapy. Dr. Siegfried Block Stem Cell Therapy, Lenggries, Germany Dr Siegfried Block specializes in Stem Cell Therapy. This clinic offers treatment for diseases such as Spinocerebral ataxia, ALS and even infertility! Learn what six decades of Stem Cell Research and ultra modern technology can do for your health! The Most Affordable Stem Cell Therapy for Autism in Noida, India for $8500 Are you searching for the most affordable stem cell therapy for Autism? The package available in Noida, India can be the one that you are looking for. The Best Stem Cell Therapy for Cerebral Palsy in Noida, India Now at $8,500 for $8500 Popular Treatment Package for Stem Cell Treatment for Autism in India for $8500 Are you searching for the most affordable stem cell therapy for Autism? The package available in India can be the one that you are looking for. Effective Treatment Package for Stem Cell Treatment for ALS in India for $11160 Are you searching for the most affordable stem cell therapy for ALS? The package available in India can be the one that you are looking for. Defy Your Age with Top Anti-aging Treatments in Asia for $1028 Anti-aging treatments in Asian medical facilities provides effective results to men and women who desire to look and feel good despite their age. Anti-aging treatments in Asia can help you improve your posture, mental alertness and memory, improve skin elasticity and sleep. A mixture of anti-aging procedures and rejuvenation treatments are available in cosmetic and wellness centres in Asia. Top Packages for Stem-Cell-Treatment-for-Cerebral-Palsy, Stem-Cell-Therapy in Marbella, India Find the best packages for Stem-Cell-Treatment-for-Cerebral-Palsy, Stem-Cell-Therapy in Marbella, India. PlacidWay is helping patients reach best treatment possible.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8713
__label__cc	0.5298	0.4702	Child Sponsorship: Story and Sharing Frontline Story: Ex-Beneficiary Serves the Community for Over a Decade to Give Back Shreeram KC, the Communication Manager of Plan Nepal, joined Plan in 2004 and has been serving the local community since then. His association with Plan started 20 years ago when the young Shreeram and his family received help from Plan… Q: How Plan helped you and your family? A: My family was poor and the 11 of us used to live in a cramped house with no toilet and a roof made of straw. My father worked at a factory and was the breadwinner of the family while my mother took care of the family, but sometimes she had to work to make extra money. One day, a staff of Plan came to our house and asked about our family situation minutely. Later, we were informed that my 7-year-old brother was enrolled as a sponsored child of Plan. After becoming a sponsored family, my brother and I were able to go to school. Our living environment had improved too. Plan helped us build toilet and replace the roof with solid materials. We also received financial aid from Plan and we could raise goat to become self-sufficient. Q: Why you decided to work at Plan? A: I had some free time after graduating from high school so I volunteered for Plan. I was responsible for taking pictures and writing letters on behalf of sponsored children. I also helped form a child club in my community and organized different activities for children to participate in after school. From then on, my interest towards development work slowly grew and I decided to join Plan after finishing my master degree. Q: What’s your favourite part about working at Plan? Have you learnt anything from your work? A: I love to talk to children and listen to their stories. Then, I can present their stories in various forms such as words, photos and videos to various audiences. Meanwhile, I love to arrange visits for people from different walks of life. I have learnt a lot from the visitors as they come from different countries and cultural backgrounds. Shreeram loves to talk to children about their future and hope. Q: What is your most memorable experience while working at Plan? A: Very often I have to arrange media visits so that the outside world can know more about our work. I recalled that I once brought some TV crews from South Korea to the Nepal-India border to take a look. As the crews were carrying cameras, the India police suspected us of taking pictures of the border activities. I tried to explain to the police that we were not intended to breach any regulations. We were detained for 2 hours before we could leave! The lesson I learned is to spend more time on preparation before organising visits. Q: What makes you continue the journey with Plan for 13 years? A: I want to fight for the rights of children, especially girls. Girls are often the most vulnerable in impoverished regions. I want to amplify the voices of girls and let more people know about the dire situations of girls. Shreeram has been serving the community for more than a decade by communicating the needs of children and families to the outside world. Q: Nepal was stuck by an earthquake in 2015. How are the affected? A: The affected I met during my visits are eager to rebuild their lives. They have learnt how to build houses and schools and are actively involved in the rehabilitation. They have proved that even after the toughest time, long term and positive changes can be brought to the community if there are help and support. Working for the Nepalese community at Plan is a dream come true for Shreeram. As a passionate development worker, Shreeram will continue to help underprivileged children and their families in Nepal by spreading the stories of Nepalese so that more people will know their situation and lend them a helping hand! Mother’s Day Special: 22 Daughters Raised By a Loving “Mother” Joyful Days of Sponsoring a Child Together	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8714
__label__cc	0.551825	0.448175	Planet Digital features the same material as in the print magazine, plus multimedia features - exclusively available to subscribers You can buy subscriptions, supporter subscriptions and single issues & find special offers here! You can follow us on Twitter at @Planet_TWI and on Facebook at Planetmagazine CylchgrawnPlanet for news about the latest articles, news, special offers and much more! Planet Extra is our platform of free, shorter online articles + podcasts and videos If you would like to be notified about new Planet Extra articles, the latest issues of Planet, special offers & other news, please sign up to our e-newsletter "Time and again Planet has taken me upwards and outwards from the fulcrum of Wales to the furthest reaches of discussion and discovery" ... - Jan Morris Here are a selection of excerpts from the current issue. You can see more in the current issue page here Planet magazine has been offering a radical approach to the culture and politics of Wales and the world for nearly half a century. You can read a little more about our history here Beyond Great Powers and Big Labels: Soundtracks to Independence Deian Timms celebrates how small-label indie music can be a powerful channel for popularising independence for small nations such as Wales and Scotland. He argues that in a long tradition dating from the balladeers of the 1848 revolutions, this is part of a deeper yearning for an alternative reality in a dysfunctional world. Windrush and Other Immigrants: A Tale of Connections Mike Joseph recounts an uncanny chain of coincidences, drawing on his experience as the child of German Jewish refugees in Cardiff and his career in journalism, which led him to reflect on the histories of Jewish and Black people in Britain, and the racist violence faced by both communities. When Wales Wrapped Herself Around Me Writer Meltem Arıkan recounts how she fled to Wales in fear of her life following persecution in Turkey over her play, which was accused of being a dress rehearsal for the Gezi Park protests. She reflects on how walking across Wales has transformed her, and the new play this has inspired. Field Notes: A process and a poem Damian Gorman draws on his own experience of the ‘Troubles’ to share the story of how he came to be involved in a project marking fifty years since the start of the conflict. He describes how the project engaged with people on both sides of the divide who were profoundly affected by violence, followed by the poem he wrote which emerged from these dialogues Planet is hosted in the Old College at Aberystwyth University. For more information about the New Life for the Old College project see https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/oldcollege/ Planet receives financial support from the Welsh Books Council and is sponsored by The School of English, Communication and Philosophy and The School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies at Cardiff University. For more information about how you or your organisation can support us please contact us here.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8715
__label__wiki	0.617149	0.617149	Egypt says seeks ‘non-fragile’ deal on Ethiopia dam Staff Writer \| November 8, 2018 Africa Negotiations regarding the dam are continuing Egypt is seeking to reach a "non-fragile" agreement regarding Ethiopia’s multi-billion-dollar dam on the Nile, Egyptian Irrigation Minister Mohamed Abdel-Ati said Wednesday. “Negotiations regarding the dam are continuing until reaching an agreement that fulfills Egypt’s demands,” he said in remarks carried by the state-run Akbar al-Youm newspaper. Describing the negotiations with Ethiopia as “not easy”, the minister said experts from Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan are working to make a breakthrough in the talks regarding the dam. “The negotiations are not easy and Egypt would continue the talks until reaching a non-fragile deal,” he said. Late in September, trilateral negotiation between the water ministers of the three countries over the dam project failed to reach an agreement. In 2011, Ethiopia began the construction of a massive hydroelectric dam on the Blue Nile, a tributary of the Nile River, near the border with Sudan, which Egypt fears would reduce its Nile water share. In the seven years since, Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan have held several rounds of talks to discuss the dam’s anticipated impact on Nile water resources. Addis Ababa says electricity generated by the dam, which was originally slated for completion this year, will help the country meet its development goals. ■ President Sisi calls for Egyptian industrial zones in Ethiopia Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia agree to establish railways, roads Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia sign deal on Nile dam	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8717
__label__wiki	0.8999	0.8999	Sweden struggles over child marriage Critics say government is treading too softly to avoid accusations of cultural insensitivity. By Nathalie Rothschild Archive image of an actress appearing in an Amnesty International event to denounce child marriage \| Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images STOCKHOLM — A row over how to deal with child marriage among immigrants has inflamed political debate ahead of a general election in Sweden, where migration continues to divide public opinion and the far right is riding high in the polls. A tug-of-war between the ruling Social Democrat-Green Party coalition and the opposition over the government's role in managing or eradicating the practice — which predominantly affects young girls, and in some cases boys, from immigrant backgrounds — is emblematic of a broader struggle to find a balance between efforts to integrate a large number of new immigrants and preserve a Swedish way of life. “Sweden has been bad at providing people who come here with clear information about how our system works, about this society’s views on children’s rights, gender equality, family policies, and parents’ and guardians’ responsibilities,” said Juno Blom, who is running for parliament on behalf of the opposition Liberal Party. “While we insist that Sweden protects children’s rights and that we promote a child-centered approach to children’s welfare, we have allowed children of foreign backgrounds to live as married women with older men,” said Blom, who also acts as Sweden’s national coordinator to counter honor-based violence and oppression. “I don’t know what there is to think about. It is, frankly, totally sick that one can’t just simply say no to something as bizarre as grown men having the right to marry children” — Jimmie Åkesson, Sweden Democrats leader Although Sweden is known for its commitment to child welfare, it is failing to extend those same protections to its immigrant population, activists and lawmakers say. Opponents accuse the government of being overly cautious in order to avoid being seen as culturally insensitive. Official data suggests child marriages are relatively rare among Sweden’s newly arrived immigrant population. A 2016 report by the Swedish Migration Agency only identified 132 underage asylum seekers who stated they were married when they arrived in Sweden. Most came from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq and applied for asylum in Sweden after August 1, 2015, at the height of the refugee crisis that brought 163,000 asylum seekers to Sweden in just a year. But the real number is probably higher, authorities caution, as many cases likely go unreported. Sweden’s violent reality is undoing a peaceful self-image Under threat, Sweden rediscovers its Viking spirit Charlie Duxbury Pamphlet panned Although Sweden in 1973 banned marriages in which one or both parties is underage, it was possible under some circumstances to get special dispensation. The previous center-right government tightened the law in 2014, amid growing awareness of the prevalence of so-called honor-related oppression — including forced marriage — among some immigrant communities. Still, marriages between underaged partners are recognized — and not annulled — if carried out abroad. The government has come under pressure to close that legal loophole and invalidate all marriages that involve minors. But it declined to vote for a proposal — put forward by parliament’s committee on civil affairs this spring — that would do so, saying it was formulating its own plan to tighten existing laws. Shoes and makeup belonging to a child bride on her wedding day \| Allison Joyce/Getty Images The government’s proposal — which it finally put forward in May — would mean Sweden does not recognize marriages carried out abroad where one or both parties were under 18. It would also require spouses who are over 18 when they arrive in Sweden (but married when they were underage) to renew their vows in order to be legally recognized as married. However, critics say it is unclear how authorities would enforce the rule in practice. A government pamphlet issued by its National Board of Health and Welfare and targeted at adults with underage spouses also drew fierce criticism, including from Cabinet ministers, for treating the issue too lightly and not clearly communicating that child marriage is against both Swedish law and cultural norms. The government says it now has a clear and firm position. “There is no retroactivity in Swedish legislation but our stance is that we should not recognize marriages where either of the parties is a child or was a child when he or she got married,” said the minister for children, Lena Hallengren, a Social Democrat. “That would run counter to the international commitments Sweden has made to ensure that children are entitled to their childhood." But for some, such statements are too little, too late. “People see young girls as their sons’ tickets to Europe” — Zubeyde Demirörs, a social worker The far-right Sweden Democrats, who have been climbing steadily in the polls in recent months, have seized on the issue. In a video posted on the party's Facebook page, leader Jimmie Åkesson hit out at the government, saying: “I don’t know what there is to think about. It is, frankly, totally sick that one can’t just simply say no to something as bizarre as grown men having the right to marry children.” Åkesson held up the much-maligned pamphlet and called on those responsible for producing it to be fired or resign. “There’s an election on September 9,” Åkesson reminded viewers. Opposition's opportunity In June, three weeks after the government finally presented its proposed legal amendment, the Liberal Party presented its own list of proposed measures to tackle honor-based oppression, which party leader Jan Björklund called “the greatest challenge to equality” in Sweden. The proposals included travel bans for families suspected of planning to bring their daughters abroad to marry them off or to have them undergo female genital mutilation. Under the Liberals’ proposal, authorities would also be able to confiscate families’ passports and make parents attend meetings with social services. They also proposed tougher punishments for those found guilty of forced marriage, as well as the extradition of foreigners convicted of crimes with honor motives. “What irks me is that we treat young people and children with foreign backgrounds differently from those with roots in Sweden,” Blom said, recalling a case in which a 19-year-old Afghan girl was allegedly murdered by a much older husband less than a year after she arrived in Sweden from Iran in September 2015. Her husband was eventually found in Iran in May and extradited to Sweden in June. Actors recreate a wedding scene at an Amnesty International event denouncing child marriage \| Gabriel Bouys/AFP via Getty Images The case, Blom said, got “relatively little attention in the media” and did not spark much political reaction. “If a Swedish teenager had been found murdered and buried, my guess is it would have caused outrage.” The phenomenon of underage marriages predates the major influx of asylum seekers in 2015, but has become harder to ignore as a result of the higher numbers of new arrivals, according to Blom. “We saw an upswing in calls to our national support hotline, which professionals like social workers can dial to get advice on how to deal with honor-based oppression,” Blom said, referring to the 2015 influx. “The social workers who called us had met girls who were married to men and who were placed in their municipalities. They didn’t know what to do with them.” Legal loopholes A number of young women born and raised in Sweden are also at risk of being exploited as a result of the legal loophole that allows underage marriages carried out abroad to be recognized in Sweden. The national unit against honor crimes, headed by Blom, last year launched a campaign to encourage young people to contact Swedish authorities after it found that girls were being sent to their parents’ home countries over their summer holidays to be married to older men. “People see young girls as their sons’ tickets to Europe,” said Zubeyde Demirörs, a 45-year-old social worker who runs a shelter for victims of honor-based violence and oppression. Demirörs has personal experience of the issues she works on. She was 15 years old and had just finished ninth grade — the last year of compulsory schooling in Sweden — when her parents took her to their hometown in Turkey to marry a man 22 years her senior with whom she would have three children. “We had a large extended family in Stockholm but unlike them my parents, siblings and I did not live in an immigrant-dense area and so my parents were concerned that my sisters and I would become assimilated,” Demirörs said. “The idea was that if we got engaged, we would be somehow tied to our roots and could also avoid suspicious looks from the rest of the community.” Sweden needs to take proper responsibility for the immigrants it takes in. That involves extending the same protection and rights to all children, regardless of whether they are ethnically Swedish or not. It took her 16 years to leave her husband, she said. “When I left him, I was alone,” she recalled. “Practically the whole family turned against me and there was little support to seek from Swedish society at the time.” Demirörs’ case is far from unique, she said: “In my work, I hear similar stories every day." When it comes to forced marriage, the summer is the worst period of the year, said Demirörs. “This time of year my phone just doesn’t stop ringing. May, June, July — that’s when many girls are taken back to their parents’ home countries, mostly to rural parts of the Middle East and Africa.” Demirörs fears the government’s proposed new law would not make much difference. “Over the years, I’ve seen legal amendments, I’ve seen campaigns … And still, we keep coming back to square one. Now we have new challenges, with a large number of people coming to Sweden from societies where honor culture is the norm.” Sweden, she said, needs to take proper responsibility for the immigrants it takes in. That involves extending the same protection and rights to all children, regardless of whether they are ethnically Swedish or not. “But our politicians are cowardly,” she said. “They are afraid of taking a principled stance on these issues for fear of being labeled culturally insensitive.” “It’s different in our neighboring countries. In Denmark and Norway, they’re not afraid of being called racists. And over the years many girls — and boys — in Sweden have suffered for that cowardice.” Swedish politics	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8719
__label__wiki	0.972609	0.972609	Are there white nationalists in the White House? By Louis Jacobson on Tuesday, August 15th, 2017 at 4:47 p.m. President Donald Trump calls out the KKK, neo-Nazis and other hate groups in condemning violence in Charlottesville, Va. on Aug. 12, 2017. The "Unite the Right" march in Charlottesville has brought the issue of white nationalism to the top of the nation’s agenda -- specifically, whether white nationalists are part of the White House staff. Remarks by liberal commentator Joy-Ann Reid on the Aug. 13 edition of NBC’s Meet the Press crystallized these questions. Reid, the host of MSNBC’s AM Joy, wondered whether Trump’s initial downplaying of white nationalists’ culpability stemmed from alt-right influence among his staff: "Who's writing the talking points that he was looking down and reading from? He has people like Stephen Miller, claimed as a mentee by Richard Spencer, who is an avowed open white nationalist. He has Steve Bannon, who's been sort of allowed to … meld into … the normalcy of a governmental employee, but who ran Breitbart.com, which I reread today, the post that's still on their website, where they self-describe as the home of the alt-right. "What is the alt-right? It is a dressed-up term for white nationalism. They call themselves white identitarianism. They say that the tribalism that's sort of inherent in the human spirit ought to be also applied to white people. "That is who is in his government. Sebastian Gorka, who wore the medal of Vitézi Rend, a Nazi organization, being paid by the taxpayer, in the government of Donald Trump. The former Publius Decius blogger Michael Anton in the government. "He is surrounded by these people. It isn't both sides. He's in the White House -- they're in the White House with him." Fellow panelist Rich Lowry, who edits the conservative National Review, which has taken strong exception to Trump, pushed back. "I want the alt-right to be as limited as possible -- I want it to go away and die -- but you aren't doing folks on my side any favors by defining it so widely that it includes Stephen Miller and Mike Anton," Lowry said on the show. "That's what they want. You're helping them by defining it so widely." It’s important to note that Reid did not explicitly accuse any of the four individuals she named of being white nationalists or alt-right members per se. But she suggested that the four were sympathetic to people who do fall into that category. We decided to take a closer look. Because of the complexities of this issue, and because some of the evidence is in dispute, we’re not applying a Truth-O-Meter rating to Reid’s comments. First, we’ll look at the general question of defining the alt-right and white nationalism. Then we’ll look at the four specific individuals Reid cited, and weigh her evidence. The White House and Reid shared evidence that we have included in the analysis below. What is white nationalism? The boundaries, and degree of overlap, between the alt-right, white nationalists, and older white supremacist groups such as the KKK or neo-Nazis -- all of which had a presence in the Charlottesville march -- is debated territory. Two anti-extremist groups, the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center, offer similar definitions that differ somewhat in wording. The ADL calls white nationalism "a term used by white supremacists as a euphemism for white supremacy," while the SPLC calls it the belief in "a white nation for and run by whites. White nationalists believe race and IQ are related and that black people are inherently inferior in IQ." Meanwhile, SPLC calls the alt-right "a recent rebranding of white nationalism," while the ADL calls it "a loose network of people who promote white identity and reject mainstream conservatism in favor of politics that embrace implicit or explicit racism, anti-Semitism and white supremacy." The reality is that "there is no agreed-upon definition of the borders between these groups," said Joshua Green, author of Devil's Bargain: Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, and the Storming of the Presidency, which delved into questions about the alt-right and Trump’s presidential campaign. "I think most people make their judgments in much the same way that Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart explained his definition of obscenity: ‘I know it when I see it.’ " Thomas J. Main, a professor at Baruch College-CUNY and author of the forthcoming book Rise of the Alt-Right, said the defining characteristic of white nationalists is "anyone who boldly steps forward and says that all people are not created equal," particularly on the question of whose voice should be counted in the political sphere. Often, the main differences between various categories "are matters of style and tactics," said Nicole Hemmer, a University of Virginia professor and author of Messengers of the Right: Conservative Media and the Transformation of American Politics. Neo-Nazis, for their part, typically rely on the imagery of Nazi Germany, while neo-Confederates focus instead on imagery of the Confederacy. To Hemmer, one of the most notable aspects of the alt-right is that it "has largely emerged online," and that "the alt-right positions itself as a response to political correctness, arguing that the aggressive defense of white rights and men's rights is a byproduct of liberal identity politics." When political scientist Carol Swain was researching her 2002 book, The New White Nationalism in America: Its Challenge to Integration, she noticed the beginnings of today’s alt-right. "They were well-educated, and they did not espouse public violence in interviews and did not use racial epithets," said Swain, who is African-American and who has spoken out against political correctness on campus. "But they felt like there were racial double standards and they felt that white people were discriminated against." Stephen Miller was ‘claimed as a mentee by Richard Spencer, who is an avowed open white nationalist’ Miller, a former aide to then-Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala. -- now Trump’s attorney general -- currently serves as senior adviser for policy in the White House and has periodically represented the administration on television. His key issue -- and Sessions’ -- has historically been immigration, namely tightening it. In describing Miller, Reid has carefully chosen her words. For starters, experts we checked with agreed that Richard Spencer, who heads a group called the National Policy Institute, is fairly categorized as a white nationalist. Media outlets including Vanity Fair have noted that Spencer, at a 2016 alt-right conference, said, "To be white is to be a striver, a crusader, an explorer and a conqueror. We build, we produce, we go upward. And we recognize a central lie of American race relations. We don’t exploit other groups -- we don’t gain anything from their presence. They need us, and not the other way around. ... America was, until this past generation, a white country, designed for ourselves and our posterity. It is our creation, it is our inheritance, and it belongs to us." Reid is also correct that Miller was "claimed as a mentee" by Spencer. According to Vanity Fair, Spencer says he became aware of Miller when both were at Duke University and was "impressed" with his communications ability. "Being a few years older and in graduate school, Spencer says, he mentored Miller. ‘But I do think that Stephen probably would’ve ended up exactly more or less where he is today whether he had met me or not,’ he adds. ‘He is his own man. ... He is a strong American nationalist, you could say. Certainly not a white nationalist, but he is an American nationalist and a civic nationalist or a public nationalist." However, Reid’s telling leaves out that Miller has aggressively disputed Spencer’s account. The Vanity Fair article added that Miller emailed Mother Jones in October 2016 that "I have absolutely no relationship with Mr. Spencer. I completely repudiate his views, and his claims are 100 percent false." Green said Miller told him the same thing as he was researching his book on Bannon. Steve Bannon ‘ran Breitbart.com, which I reread today, the post that's still on their website, where they self-describe as the home of the alt-right.’ Bannon, a senior counselor to the president, did previously run Breitbart.com before joining the Trump presidential campaign. And he did tell Mother Jones, "We’re the platform for the alt-right," during an interview at the 2016 Republican National Convention. (Update: Bannon left his job at the White House on Aug. 18, 2017.) But Reid incorrectly attributed that sentiment to an article on the Breitbart site, "An Establishment Conservative’s Guide To The Alt-Right," authored by Allum Bokhari and Milo Yiannopoulos. That piece -- while controversial -- is a March 2016 taxonomy of the various corners of the movement, not a manifesto of Breitbart’s place in it. Bannon has sought to offer a more nuanced definition of his views. In his book about Bannon, Green understood his term "platform" to mean a meeting place for a broad cross section of the right -- one that ranges from relatively mainstream to relatively fringe. "Asked at the 2014 Vatican conference about the racist element found in many far-right parties, Bannon replied that ‘over time it all gets kind of washed out,’ " Green wrote. "He seemed to regard it as an unavoidable evil, a kind of way station on the path to populist triumph. ‘When you look at any kind of revolution -- and this is a revolution -- you always have some groups that are disparate,’ he’d said. ‘I think that will all burn away over time and you’ll see more of a mainstream center-right populist movement.’ " Green said that Bannon (and Miller) "have made impassioned arguments to me that the policies they espouse, including the deportation of undocumented immigrants, would have beneficial effects for blacks and Hispanics." Bannon also denied that the alt-right is racist in his Mother Jones interview. "He describes its ideology as ‘nationalist,’ though not necessarily white nationalist," the article said. "Likening its approach to that of European nationalist parties such as France’s National Front, he says, ‘If you look at the identity movements over there in Europe, I think a lot of (them) are really "Polish identity" or "German identity," not racial identity. It’s more identity toward a nation-state or their people as a nation.’ " Sebastian Gorka "wore the medal of Vitézi Rend, a Nazi organization." Gorka serves as deputy assistant to the president and also appears on television to represent the administration. But Gorka has attracted controversy for, among other things, wearing symbols of a successor group to Vitézi Rend, an honorary order that had originally been founded in 1920 by Miklós Horthy, a Hungarian ally of Adolf Hitler. To say that Gorka "wore the medal of Vitézi Rend" is accurate. However, calling today’s incarnation of the group specifically "a Nazi organization" is in dispute. Gorka’s father was jailed and sentenced to forced labor by Hungary’s Soviet-aligned government during the Cold War, and he later received an honor from the successor group for his anti-Communist activities. At times, Gorka has worn a medal of the group, including at Trump’s inauguration. Gorka has said the medal merely honors his father. (Gorka was born in London after his parents emigrated there.) Reporting by the Jewish publication the Forward suggested that Gorka’s ties to the group went further -- that he had sworn a lifetime oath. The Forward also reported that from "2002 to 2007, while he was active in Hungarian politics and journalism … he had close ties then to Hungarian far-right circles, and has in the past chosen to work with openly racist and anti-Semitic groups and public figures." Gorka has forcefully denied any sympathies for Nazism, and he took issue with the Forward’s reporting and inferences. He told Tablet, another Jewish magazine, "I have never been a member of the Vitézi Rend. I have never taken an oath of loyalty to the Vitézi Rend. Since childhood, I have occasionally worn my father’s medal and used the ‘v.’ initial to honor his struggle against totalitarianism." Gorka rejected an NBC investigation of the issue and said he had "completely distanced" himself from white supremacist and Nazi ideology groups. ‘The former Publius Decius blogger Michael Anton’ is on Trump’s staff Anton is easily the least-known figure of the four Reid mentioned. He serves as director of strategic communications at the National Security Council. After he joined the White House staff, it was revealed that Anton was the writer behind a series of opinion pieces that had been signed "Publius Decius Mus," named after a fallen consul in ancient Rome. They were considered a form of intellectual ballast for Trump at a time when few conservative academics were in his corner. Portions of the Publius Decius Mus column titled "Toward a Sensible, Coherent Trumpism" do address themes common of the alt-right, including racial politics: "In their hearts, nearly all ‘conservatives’ long for absolution on the charge of ‘racism.’ Like the atheist caricature of the devout husband guilt-wracked for coveting his own wife, the modern conservative believes the leftist lie that his natural affinity for people who look, think and speak like himself is shameful and illegitimate, to be internally repressed and publicly denied." Later, the article says, "Yes, it is true that ‘all men are created equal.’ But Lincoln adds the crucial caveat: All men are not ‘equal in all respects’ (emphasis in the original). They are not ‘equal in color, size, intellect, moral developments or social capacity.’ People from different nations with different circumstances, histories, beliefs and traditions will — by definition — hold very different conceptions of good government, some irreconcilably opposed to our own." So, Anton was Publius Decius Mus, as Reid said. But the significance of one’s anonymous blogging is open to debate. Are any of these four officials white nationalists? When we asked this question of several independent experts, they all agreed that none of the four were white nationalists themselves. However, several said that they had placed themselves uncomfortably close to white nationalists. Aryeh Tuchman, associate director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism, told PolitiFact "we would not consider" any of the four to be white nationalists. George Hawley, a University of Alabama political scientist and author of the forthcoming book, Making Sense of the Alt-Right, said he "would probably not describe any high-ranking White House officials as white nationalists." He added, however, that "important members of the Trump administration can definitely be described as right-wing populists and nativists. These are ideological stances that deserve criticism, but white nationalism is a much more extreme ideology." Bannon does try to "maintain the appearance that the particular entity he’s referring to is the nation, rather than a race," said Main of Baruch College. "Do I think that’s a tremendous improvement? Not really. But I think it’s a distinction that has to be made." And Hemmer, the University of Virginia professor, said the term she would use is "white nationalist-adjacent. Their biographies and rhetoric signal to white nationalists that they have friends in the White House. Put another way, they're not Richard Spencers or David Dukes, but they make the Richard Spencers and David Dukes feel more comfortable with the administration." Indeed, as the New York Times noted in December 2016, "While he does not consider either Mr. Trump or Mr. Bannon alt-right, Mr. Spencer has expressed hope that the press’s describing them as such will help his own group grow." A bit too strong "What is the alt-right? It is a dressed-up term for white nationalism. ... (President Trump) is surrounded by these people ... they're in the White House with him." Joy-Ann Reid MSNBC host NBC's "Meet the Press" Researchers: Louis Jacobson Names in this article: Joy Reid Joy-Ann Reid, remarks on NBC’s Meet the Press, Aug. 13, 2017 Anti-Defamation League, "From Alt Right to Alt Lite: Naming the Hate," accessed Aug. 15, 2017 Anti-Defamation League, "Defining Extremism: A Glossary of White Supremacist Terms, Movements and Philosophies," accessed Aug. 15, 2017 Joshua Green, Devil's Bargain: Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, and the Storming of the Presidency, 2017 The Atlantic, "His Kampf," June 2017 Vanity Fair, "How Stephen Miller Rode White Rage from Duke's Campus to Trump's West Wing," summer 2017 Mother Jones, "How Donald Trump’s New Campaign Chief Created an Online Haven for White Nationalists," Aug. 22, 2016 Mother Jones, "We Talked to Experts About What Terms to Use for Which Group of Racists. Surprise: They don’t always agree either," Dec. 8, 2016 Breitbart.com, "An Establishment Conservative’s Guide To The Alt-Right," March 29, 2016 The Forward, "Nazi-Allied Group Claims Top Trump Aide Sebastian Gorka As Sworn Member," March 16, 2017 The Forward, "Senior Trump Aide Forged Key Ties To Anti-Semitic Groups In Hungary," Feb. 24, 2017 Tablet, "Tale of Trump Adviser’s Alleged Nazi Ties Unravels," March 16, 2017 Times of Israel, "Nazi-linked group ‘proud’ of Trump adviser for wearing medal," April 9, 2017 Slate.com, "Gutter Trash," March 16, 2017 Publius Decius Mus (Michael Anton), "Toward a Sensible, Coherent Trumpism," March 10, 2016 Publius Decius Mus (Michael Anton), "The Flight 93 Election," Sept. 5, 2016 Anti-Defamation League, "Stephen Bannon: Five Things to Know," accessed Aug. 15, 2017 NPR, "What You Need To Know About The Alt-Right Movement," Aug. 26, 2016 Thomas J. Main, "What's the Alt-Right?" Aug. 25, 2016 Christopher Caldwell, "What the Alt-Right Really Means," Dec. 2, 2016 The Intercept, "Dark Essays by White House Staffer Are the Intellectual Source Code of Trumpism," Feb. 12, 2017 Email interview with Aryeh Tuchman, associate director of the Anti-Defamation League’s Center on Extremism, Aug. 14, 2017 Email interview with Carol Swain, former Vanderbilt University political scientist and author of the book, The New White Nationalism in America: Its Challenge to Integration, Aug. 14, 2017 Email interview with George Hawley, University of Alabama political scientist and author of the forthcoming book, Making Sense of the Alt-Right, Aug. 15, 2017 Email interview with Nicole Hemmer, University of Virginia professor and author of Messengers of the Right: Conservative Media and the Transformation of American Politics, Aug. 15, 2017 Interview with Thomas J. Main, professor at Baruch College-CUNY and author of the forthcoming book Rise of the Alt-Right, Aug. 15, 2017 Email interview with Joshua Green, author of Devil's Bargain: Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, and the Storming of the Presidency, Aug. 15, 2017 Email interview with Joy-Ann Reid, host of MSNBC’s AM Joy, Aug. 14, 2017	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8720
__label__cc	0.559989	0.440011	Office Culture, Employee Engagement Music is a surefire way to set the tone of, well, anything. It’s the reason Halloween was such a scary movie, the reason why 4th of July fireworks are always more dramatic with the 1812 Overture playing in the background, and the reason why it seems like every dentist’s office plays unassuming easy listening tunes. Music affects the tone of an office, too, in both positive and negative ways. Does it help with focus or does it distract? Does it create a fun atmosphere or does it create a grating one? Does it bring people together or divide them? And, if you’re going to play music at all, what kind of music should you play? Luckily, science has already tackled some of these questions. While the attitudes of people in your workplace will ultimately determine your office’s stance on music, it doesn’t hurt to start with the facts. Way back in 1972, the scientific journal Applied Ergonomics published a study by J.G.Fox and E.D Embrey in which they found that “the results give strong support to the contention that economic benefits can occur from the use of music in industry. The studies show that music is effective in raising efficiency in this type of work even when in competition with the unfavourable conditions produced by machine noise.” The type of work they’re referring to here is factory work--their research centered primarily around industrial workers. A separate study found that 73% of warehouse workers felt they were more productive when listening to background music. The scope of this research is limited to workers who perform repetitive tasks, but the results are overwhelming–for monotonous tasks, music improves efficiency and concentration. For more complicated tasks, it’s true that music can be a distraction. Listening to music while working is considered multitasking, and despite our best efforts, human aren’t built to multi-task. Paul Atchley, an associate professor of cognitive psychology, reported in the Harvard Business Review that your efficiency can drop by as much as 40% when you’re multitasking. Another study by Cambridge Sound Management found that nothing distracts humans as much as speech, meaning songs with lyrics can be significantly distracting to a team. Overall, though, music is thought to be an aid to concentration rather than a detraction. Listening to just 30 minutes of music can help reset your mind and allow you to focus more clearly for the rest of the day. Not to mention, it makes everything more fun. The atmosphere that music creates in the office is significant. It lends an air of levity to the room. It makes everyone feel happier and can drive office culture in a positive way—as long as it’s not music deemed “annoying.” Music is not a one-size fits all art form. The style of music now referred to as Muzak, for example, was invented during World War I with the express purpose of being background music. Muzak the company was created in 1932 and started out by providing its lightly jazz and classical tunes as background music for stores, restaurants and office buildings. Today, muzak is widely derided. People scoff at the so-called elevator music. Muzak was literally invented to be the perfect solution for background noise to keep employees happy and increase productivity, and still it doesn’t align with everyone’s tastes. It’s hard to pick tunes that a whole office can agree on, but ultimately it doesn’t matter what the music is for it to positively affect the office atmosphere. Music brings people together. It’s a cliche, but it’s also true. Listening to music as a group will help eliminate “headphone culture,” in which everyone isolates themselves from each other by wearing headphones and keeping to themselves. It also bring people together in a way that’s scientifically supported. An article published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior by Kevin M. Kniffin, Jubo Yan, Brian Wansink and William D Schulze found, through a series of studies, “that happy music significantly and positively influences cooperative behavior.” The researchers define “happy music” as any song that is rhythmic. They also found that familiar songs, regardless of the genre, make listeners happy. The researchers played “Yellow Submarine, ”Walking on Sunshine,” “Brown Eyed Girl,” and the theme song from “Happy Days” while testing their hypothesis, and found that those songs did indeed increase collaboration among the team. So the next time one person in your office wants to listen to death metal, while another wants to listen to gangster rap, and another wants to listen to the latest teeny bopper hit, keep in mind that even though on the surface it may seem music is dividing your team, it isn’t. Happy music improves teamwork. Once you’ve landed on the side of music, it’s time to create the perfect office playlist. No playlist will please everyone, of course, by picking a selection of happy, familiar and upbeat songs, you can help keep your team humming--in every sense of the word. Here are some suggestions to get you started: William Tell Overture A solid classical song that’s doesn’t have any lyrics, so as not to distract, and is endlessly familiar to anyone who has seen The Lone Ranger or that amusement park episode of The Brady Bunch. Not only will it make your team happy, it will make them all want to run a marathon. Yellow Submarine by The Beatles If it was good enough for the Cornell research study, then it’s good enough for you! Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson Is there anything more upbeat than a disco-funk song, or anything more familiar than Michael Jackson? 9 to 5 by Dolly Parton Every playlist needs a song that satisfies the country fans and this one has the added benefit of being both the perfect meta workplace song and performed by Dolly Parton, ray of sunshine incarnate. I Think We’re Alone Now by Tiffany It doesn’t have to be good music to lift spirits. I defy your team not to dance to this 1987 classic. Hypnotize by The Notorious B.I.G Is it NSFW? Depends on where you work, but the combination of rhythm, nostalgia and wistfulness for a life cut short will have your team focusing in reverent focus. Independent Woman, Pt. 1 by Destiny’s Child This song is rife with the most perfect harmonies AND rife with messages of empowerment. Not only will it make your team work together, it may just make inspire them to dismantle the patriarchy. Firework by Katy Perry A modern classic. Despacito by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber And a modern banger, for dance breaks after which everyone will recenter, focus, and get to work. Music, Halloween, 4th of July, 1812 Overture, dentists office, motivating, focus, distracting, Muzak, Yellow Submarine, Walking on Sunshine, Brown Eyed Girl, Happy Days, death metal, gangster rap, teeny bopper, perfect playlist, William Tell Overture, The Lone Ranger, Brady Bunch, The Beatles, Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough, Michael Jackson, Disco, Funk, 9 to 5, Dolly Parton, I Think We’re Alone Now, Tiffany, Hypnotize, The Notorious B.I.G, Independent Woman, Pt 1, Destiny’s Child, Firework, Katy Perry, Despacito, Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee, Justin Bieber Jun 15 Won't you be my... reference?	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8723
__label__cc	0.704019	0.295981	Eldorado Gold Announces Amended Investment Plans in Greece VANCOUVER, British Columbia, September 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Eldorado Gold Corporation ('Eldorado' or the 'Company') today announces plans to suspend investment at its operating mines, development projects and exploration assets in Greece. Despite repeated attempts by Eldorado and its Greek subsidiary, Hellas Gold, to engage constructively with the Greek government, the Ministry of Energy and Environment (the 'Ministry') and other government agencies, delays continue in issuing routine permits and licences for the construction and development of the Skouries and Olympias projects in Halkidiki, northern Greece. These permitting delays have negatively impacted Eldorado's project schedules and costs, ultimately hindering the Company's ability to effectively advance development and operation of these assets. With the exception of a care and maintenance program and necessary environmental safeguarding costs, Eldorado and its Board of Directors have decided that under present conditions no additional investment will be made into the Kassandra Mines (Olympias, Skouries, Stratoni) in Halkidiki, the Perama Hill and Sapes projects in Thrace, and any exploration activity in the country. Funds that were budgeted to be invested into community spending and infrastructure development will be phased out. Similarly, tax revenues at the municipal, regional and national levels will also be affected. Actions will be taken to place the Skouries and Olympias projects and the Stratoni mine on care and maintenance starting on September 22, 2017. Suspension and termination of contractors and employees will be done in accordance with applicable labour regulations in Greece. Environmental protection works and care and maintenance activities will continue in order to safeguard the environment and the assets. The Company estimates that a total of US$30 million will be spent to prepare for care and maintenance activities, with sustaining maintenance costs of approximately US$25 million annually. The Company is also awaiting additional detail from the Greek government regarding the pending arbitration process. Eldorado has not yet received formal notification of arbitration but is confident that any potential arbitration will again demonstrate the Company's adherence to all applicable laws and regulations. The Council of State (Greece's highest court on environmental and administrative matters) has repeatedly confirmed the legitimacy of our permits and actions with 18 decisions in the Company's favour. The Company would re-assess its investment options in Greece upon approval and receipt of the required permits, coupled with a supportive government open to discussions surrounding the use and implementation of best available technologies. George Burns, President and Chief Executive Officer of Eldorado Gold, commented: "It is extremely unfortunate to find ourselves at this impasse when we should be advancing an important commercial project in partnership with Greece and adding another 1,200 jobs to our current workforce of approximately 2,400 people in Greece. Eldorado's investment in Greece is about building a world-class operation that can exist as a long-term partner to Greece and has the ability to promote advanced skills and training for its people and deliver well-paying jobs to sustain families and local businesses. Of equal importance, as a commercial partner, this business can provide much-needed tax and export revenue for generations." "Eldorado has been a committed, responsible and patient partner to the Greek government and the people of Greece. Since acquiring the Kassandra Mines for nearly $2 billion in 2012, Eldorado has invested an additional $1 billion in the country. That figure would double if Eldorado were able to fully develop its Olympias, Skouries and Perama Hill assets. However, as a result of the delay in issuing permits by the Greek government, Eldorado is unable to continue investing in the country. We have a responsibility to our shareholders to allocate capital to projects not only with the best rates of return, but also in locations where host governments are supportive of our investment and work with us to grow a sustainable future. As such, Eldorado cannot continue to put capital at risk without these permits and will pursue all avenues to advance its investment and contractual rights." "Should the Greek government wish to work within the framework of its contractual obligations with Hellas Gold, issue permits in a timely manner and support the investment, Eldorado will then be in a position to re-evaluate its investment plans in the country." Skouries Project (Halkidiki) Construction and development activities at the Skouries project, with over $350 million invested to-date and a current workforce of 530 people including contractors, will be suspended effective September 22, 2017. Olympias Project (Halkidiki) The refurbished Olympias processing plant is close to completing the commissioning phase and commercial production from Phase 2 was planned during the fourth quarter 2017. Current headcount at Olympias is approximately 950 people including contractors. Commissioning work and further development activity will be suspended effective September 22, 2017. To date, Eldorado has invested over $400 million at Olympias. Stratoni Mine (Halkidiki) The Stratoni Mine currently employs approximately 830 people including contractors and had a life of mine of approximately one year based on known proven and probable reserves at the beginning of 2017. Geological potential exists to expand resources and extend mine life and Eldorado is currently undertaking a drilling campaign to test the lower portion of the Mavres Petres orebody. Additional investment would be required over the next two years to further delineate additional resources. All mining operations and exploration activities will be suspended effective September 22, 2017. Perama Hill and Sapes Projects (Thrace) Perama Hill and Sapes are currently on care and maintenance pending approvals by the Ministry of Energy and the Environment for Perama Hill's Environmental Impact Study and for Sapes' drilling permit, both of which have been pending for over three years. George Burns, President & CEO of Eldorado Gold will host a press conference at the Athens Hilton Hotel today, September 11, 2017 at 11:00 AM local time (GMT+2) to discuss Eldorado's amended investment plans in Greece. His speech will be available shortly after the press conference at http://www.eldoradogold.com. George Burns will host a conference call today, September 11, 2017 at 8:00 AM ET (5:00 AM PT) to discuss Eldorado's amended investment plans in Greece. The call will be webcast and can be accessed at http://www.eldoradogold.com. Conference Call Details Replay (available until September 25, 2017) Date: Monday, September 11, 2017 Toronto: 416-849-0833 Time: 8:00 am ET (5:00 am Toll Free: 855-859-2056 PT) Pass code: 828-838-97 Dial in: 647-427-7450 About Eldorado Gold Eldorado is a leading intermediate gold producer with mining, development and exploration operations in Turkey, Greece, Romania, Serbia, Canada and Brazil. The Company's success to date is based on a highly skilled and dedicated workforce, safe and responsible operations, a portfolio of high-quality assets, and long-term partnerships with the communities where it operates. Eldorado's common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange . Cautionary Note about Forward-looking Statements and Information Certain of the statements made and information provided in this press release are forward-looking statements or information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and applicable Canadian securities laws. Often, these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "continue", "projected", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or the negatives thereof or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements or information contained in this release include, but are not limited to the Company's Amended Investment Plans in Greece, including statements or information with respect to: our guidance and outlook, including expected production, projected cash cost, planned capital and exploration expenditures for 2017; our expectation as to our future financial and operating performance, including future cash flow, estimated cash costs, expected metallurgical recoveries, gold price outlook; and our strategy, plans and goals, including our proposed exploration, development, construction, permitting and operating plans and priorities, and related timelines. Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. We have made certain assumptions about the forward-looking statements and information, including assumptions about the geopolitical, economic, permitting and legal climate that we operate in; the future price of gold and other commodities; exchange rates; anticipated costs and expenses; production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries, the impact of acquisitions, dispositions, suspensions or delays on our business and the ability to achieve our goals. In particular, except where otherwise stated, we have assumed a continuation of existing business operations on substantially the same basis as exists at the time of this release. Even though our management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statement or information will prove to be accurate. Many assumptions may be difficult to predict and are beyond our control. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others, the following: geopolitical and economic climate (global and local), risks related to mineral tenure and permits; gold and other metal price volatility; mining operational and development risk; foreign country operational risks; risks of sovereign investment; regulatory environment and restrictions, including environmental regulatory restrictions and liability; discrepancies between actual and estimated production, mineral reserves and resources and metallurgical recoveries; risks related to impact of the sale of our Chinese assets and the acquisition of Integra on the Company's operations; risks related to impact of the integration of Integra; additional funding requirements; currency fluctuations; litigation risks; community and non-governmental organization actions; speculative nature of gold exploration; dilution; share price volatility; competition; loss of key employees; and defective title to mineral claims or property, as well as those factors discussed in the sections entitled "Forward-Looking Statements" and "Risk factors in our business" in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form & Form 40-F. The reader is directed to carefully review the detailed risk discussion in our most recent Annual Information Form filed on SEDAR under our Company name, which discussion is incorporated by reference in this release, for a fuller understanding of the risks and uncertainties that affect the Company's business and operations. Forward-looking statements and information is designed to help you understand management's current views of our near and longer term prospects, and it may not be appropriate for other purposes. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements or information contained herein. Except as required by law, we do not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change and you are referred to the full discussion of the Company's business contained in the Company's reports filed with the securities regulatory authorities in Canada and the U.S. Financial Information and condensed statements contained herein or attached hereto may not be suitable for readers that are unfamiliar with the Company and is not a substitute for reading the full annual financial statements and related MD&A available on our website and on SEDAR under our Company name. The reader is directed to carefully review such document for a full understanding of the financial information summarized herein. Krista Muhr Vice President Investor Relations & Corporate Communications +1-604-607-6701 or +1-888-363-8166 kristam@eldoradogold.com Louise Burgess Director Communications & Government Relations louiseb@eldoradogold.com	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8725
__label__wiki	0.908459	0.908459	anwalt@pflichtverteidiger.hamburg Holstenwall 10 · 20355 Hamburg Pflichtverteidiger Hamburg Kanzlei für Strafrecht // Strafverteidigung Hamburg Pflichtverteidigung Vereinbarkeit einer Pflichtverteidigerbestellung und der Kostenfolge mit EMRK Auswahl- und Bestimmungsrecht, Rechtsprechung Kurzfassung/Besprechung (EGMR Nr. 13611/88 = EuGRZ 92, 542 „Croissant gegen Deutschland“): Der Beschwerdeführer macht eine Verletzung der Art. 6 EMRK geltend. Zum einen sei sein Recht verletzt worden, als Angeklagter, der nicht über ausreichende finanzielle Mittel verfügt, einen Pflichtverteidiger beigeordnet zu erhalten. Andererseits sei durch die Bestellung eines Anwalts gegen seinen Willen sein Recht auf freie Wahl seines Rechtsvertreters verletzt worden. Nach Ansicht des EGMR ist die Bestellung eines oder mehrerer Anwälte durch das Gericht mit der Konvention vereinbar. Dadurch sei die ständige Vertretung des Beklagten während des Verfahrens gewährleistet. Auf Wünsche des Beschuldigten hinsichtlich eines bestimmten Verteidigers soll das Gericht Rücksicht nehmen. Eine diesen Prinzipien widersprechende Bestellung mehrerer Verteidiger durch das Gericht würde eine Verletzung des Rechts auf ein faires Verfahren darstellen. Obwohl der Beschwerdeführer betont, dass er dem dritten Verteidiger während des gesamten Verfahrens kein Vertrauen entgegenbringen konnte, liegt in dessen Bestellung keine Verletzung des Grundsatzes auf eine freie Wahl des Verteidigers. Zwar billigt Art. 6 EGMR jedem Angeklagten das Recht zu, von einem gewählten Verteidiger vertreten zu werden, jedoch ist dieses, auf der Basis eines notwendigen Vertrauensverhältnisses fußende Recht nicht absolut. Es obliegt insbesondere den Gerichte, zu entscheiden, ob eine Verteidigung durch den vom Beschuldigten bestimmten Verteidiger im Interesse der Rechtspflege geboten ist. Nach deutschem Recht war die finanzielle Situation des Beschwerdeführers zum Zeitpunkt der Bestellung des Pflichtverteidigers nicht von Belang, da diese Bestellung ausschließ1ich im Interesse der Rechtspflege erfolgte. Art 6 EMRK wurde somit nicht verletzt. Urteil im Volltext CASE OF CROISSANT v. GERMANY (Application no. 13611/88) In the case of Croissant v. Germany, AS TO THE FACTS I. THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CASE 6. Mr Klaus Croissant, a German national, is a lawyer who practises in Berlin. At the material time, he was facing criminal proceedings in the Stuttgart Regional Court (Landgericht) in connection with his activities as the lawyer of various members of the „Red Army Faction“ (RAF). A. Designation of court-appointed lawyers 7. Initially he was represented by two lawyers of his choice: Mr Baier, practising in Mannheim, and Mr Kempf, having his office in Frankfurt. Subsequently, on 2 August 1976, they were designated, at his request, to represent him as court-appointed defence counsel. The applicant had, moreover, chosen three further lawyers to assist in his defence, two of whom were French, but they did not participate in the criminal proceedings in question here. 8. On 11 January 1978, on an application by the prosecuting authority, the President of the Regional Court designated as third court-appointed defence counsel, Mr Hauser, a lawyer practising in Stuttgart. 9. Mr Croissant raised objections both to the appointment of a third defence counsel itself and to the choice of the person concerned. He objected in particular that Mr Hauser was a member of the Social Democratic Party (SPD), while he was fundamentally opposed to that party. He requested either that the decision appointing Mr Hauser be annulled or that the latter be replaced by Mr Künzel, who also had his office in Stuttgart. Mr Hauser for his part asked to be relieved of his duties in the case. The Regional Court dismissed both applications on 1 March 1978. On the first point it considered that it had been necessary to appoint a third defence counsel to ensure that the trial would take its course according to the principles laid down in the Code of Criminal Procedure and, in any event, that the accused was adequately represented throughout the trial, having regard to its possible length and to the size and complexity of the case. As to the other objection, it agreed that when selecting a lawyer to be appointed as defence counsel the court should, as a rule, endeavour to choose a lawyer in whom the defendant places confidence. This rule was formulated for cases where the defendant has no defence counsel and the court must appoint one. However, at Mr Croissant’s request, the court had appointed two defence counsel who enjoyed his full confidence. Nevertheless, when selecting the third court-appointed defence counsel, the court had not only taken into consideration which lawyer would offer the best guarantees for a proper and effective defence, having regard to the subject-matter of the trial, the factual and legal complexity of the case and the personality of the defendant. It had also tried to choose one in whom the defendant would probably be able to place confidence. Taking into account all the circumstances which were relevant for assessing whether Mr Hauser was a suitable person to defend Mr Croissant, the court held that the fact that Mr Hauser was a member of the SPD did not justify revoking his appointment: in so far as the defendant might wish the defence to make a sharp attack on the politics of this party, the other court-appointed counsel offered all the guarantees. Mr Hauser too had expressed the opinion that he was in a position to appear for the defendant in spite of their political differences. Finally, Mr Künzel was defending one of Mr Croissant’s former employees in other proceedings and the possibility of a conflict of interests could not be ruled out. 10. On 6 March 1978 the Stuttgart Court of Appeal (Oberlandesgericht) upheld this decision. It recalled that, according to the case-law of the Federal Constitutional Court (Bundesverfassungsgericht), an appointment to act as defence counsel could and should only be revoked when its purpose – that is, to ensure that the accused will be adequately defended and the proceedings properly conducted – is seriously endangered. On similar grounds as the first-instance court, it held that Mr Croissant had not established that this requirement was met in respect of Mr Hauser’s appointment. As to the appointment of a third defence counsel, the court found nothing to criticise. To appoint a further defence counsel having his office within the Regional Court’s jurisdiction had been objectively justified by reason of the length of the proceedings, which could not be predicted accurately, and the size and complexity of the case. As to Mr Hauser’s request to be discharged from the case, the court found that unjustified too. Neither Mr Croissant nor Mr Hauser maintained, nor was there anything to show, that the relations between them were so strained or they had quarrelled in such a way as to make a proper defence impossible. 11. Subsequently, Mr Croissant tried to secure the additional assistance of Mr Künzel, by choosing him as defence counsel, but to no avail. Under Article 137 para. 1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, an accused may not be represented by more than three such lawyers (see paragraph 20 below) and he had already retained three counsel of his own choice (see paragraph 7 above). At the trial, which lasted seventy-three days, the applicant was represented by the three court-appointed defence counsel. B. The order to pay costs and its consequences 12. On 16 February 1979 the Stuttgart Regional Court convicted the applicant of supporting a criminal organisation and sentenced him to two years and six months’ imprisonment; he was also barred from practising his profession for a period of four years and ordered to pay the costs and expenses, including those which he had been compelled to incur himself. On 14 November 1979 the Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof) dismissed Mr Croissant’s appeal on points of law. 13. On 27 December 1979 the costs office (Gerichtskasse) of the Regional Court set the costs and expenses at DM 239,439.30, including DM 209,683.20 for the fees and disbursements of the three court-appointed defence counsel. In an additional bill (Kostenrechnung) of 15 April 1981 it fixed the final amount at DM 253,246.16, DM 218,863.17 of which represented the lawyers’ fees and disbursements. The amount payable in respect of Mr Hauser was DM 63,012.79. 14. The applicant lodged an objection (Erinnerung) against this assessment, which he considered to be incompatible with Article 6 para. 3 (c) (art. 6-3-c) of the Convention. He argued that once free legal assistance had been granted no payment could subsequently be demanded, so that he was under no obligation to pay the court-appointed lawyers and in particular Mr Hauser, who had been imposed on him. On 20 November 1986 the Regional Court dismissed the objection; it referred to the opinion which prevailed in German case-law and literature on the subject, which opinion had been endorsed by the Commission in a decision of 6 May 1982 (application no. 9365/81, Decisions and Reports 28, p. 229). 15. Mr Croissant lodged an appeal (Beschwerde) in the Stuttgart Court of Appeal, based on the same grounds. He stressed their particular relevance to Mr Hauser, who had been appointed against Mr Croissant’s will. On 30 April 1987 the appeal was allowed in respect of two minor items (DM 113,70 in total), but was dismissed as to the main issue. The Court of Appeal held that the designation of a third court-appointed defence counsel had corresponded to a pressing need – ensuring an adequate defence -, on account of the scope and complexity of the case and in view of the probable duration of the trial. If the court, when making the appointment, had also purported to secure that the trial would take its legal course, it had rightly done so since that was a legitimate interest to be taken into account as well. As to the applicant’s arguments based on Article 6 para. 3 (c) (art. 6-3-c) of the Convention, the court endorsed the reasons given by the Regional Court. It added that the financial means of the defendant are immaterial for deciding whether or not the court should appoint a defence counsel. The question whether a convicted person is able to pay only arises after the criminal proceedings have ended. 16. On 23 June 1987 the Federal Constitutional Court, sitting as a panel of three judges, refused to entertain Mr Croissant’s constitutional appeal (Verfassungsbeschwerde), taking the view that it had no prospect of success. In the light of the Commission’s case-law, the court considered that it did not follow from Article 6 para. 3 (c) (art. 6-3-c) of the Convention that legal assistance was definitively provided free. It held that a convicted person’s obligation to pay costs and expenses derived from the fact that proceedings had been brought as a result of his own conduct. The principle of the „social state“ (Sozialstaatsprinzip) and the right to a fair trial no doubt guaranteed that, where necessary, legal assistance be accorded to an indigent accused, but they did not require him to be definitively dispensed from paying the fees incurred. The law on legal costs and expenses made available other possibilities (arrangements for payment or stay of execution) to take effective account of the financial difficulties of the convicted person. Finally, the Court of Appeal’s conclusion regarding the necessity of appointing Mr Hauser as the third lawyer (see paragraph 15 above) was coherent and in any event had not been arbitrary. 17. In 1985 the applicant had already requested an extension of the time-limit for payment (Stundung), but this was refused by the President of the Stuttgart District Court (Amtsgericht) on 8 February 1988. After a first appeal (Beschwerde) had failed, his further appeal (weitere Beschwerde) was allowed on 18 August 1989, when the Stuttgart Court of Appeal quashed the earlier decisions and remitted the matter to the District Court. It considered that a decision to grant such an extension was primarily intended to facilitate the rehabilitation of a debtor who had already served his sentence. It was accordingly necessary to take account of the appellant’s argument that a rejection of his request would force him to make a declaration of assets (Offenbarungseid) and would hamper his efforts to resume practising as a lawyer. It was also necessary to bear in mind that the applicant had agreed to the inspection of his documents and accounts by a member of the Berlin Bar, in order to assess his income, and that the Federal Ministry of Justice had proposed to ask him to make a confidential statement under oath before a notary instead of a declaration of assets. Even though granting the extension would mean in reality that a large part of the debt would remain unpaid indefinitely, that did not justify a refusal; in any event it was unlikely that the total amount could ever be recovered. It was therefore necessary to reconsider the question and to determine whether it was possible to authorise smaller payments by instalments. 18. As a result, the President of the District Court granted several extensions of the time-limit, on the most recent occasion until March 1992. However, in October 1989, on his own initiative, Mr Croissant started to pay DM 50 per month, on the condition that this sum not be used to pay the court-appointed lawyers. 19. In 1985, 1987 and 1988 he had unsuccessfully sought to have the debt cancelled. A fourth such request, filed on 1 October 1990, led to an order made by the President of the Court of Appeal on 10 July 1991. Whilst dismissing the remainder of the application, he reserved, pending the ruling of the European Court of Human Rights, his decision on the payment of the fees and expenses of the court-appointed lawyers. II. THE APPLICABLE DOMESTIC LAW 20. The following provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure concerning assistance by defence counsel are relevant in the present case. „(1) The accused (Beschuldigter) may be assisted by a lawyer at any stage of the proceedings. He may not be represented by more than three lawyers of his own choice. (2) …“ „(1) The assistance of a defence counsel is necessary where: 1. the trial at first instance is conducted in the Court of Appeal or the Regional Court; „(1) In the cases provided for in Article 140 (1) and (2), a defence counsel shall be appointed for an accused who has been officially charged before the court (Angeschuldigter) and is not yet represented by counsel, as soon as the accused is invited … to make a statement on the indictment. (2) Where the necessity of a defence counsel only becomes apparent at a later stage, one shall be appointed immediately. According to the case-law of the Federal Court of Justice and the Federal Constitutional Court, Article 141 (1) does not preclude a court from appointing, when it holds this to be necessary in the interests of justice, one or more defence counsel for an accused who is already represented by one or more counsel of his own choice. „(1) In so far as possible, the President of the court shall designate the lawyer to be appointed from among the lawyers admitted to plead in a court within the same jurisdiction. The accused shall be offered the opportunity of indicating a lawyer of his choice within a prescribed time-limit. Unless there are important reasons for not doing so, the President shall appoint the lawyer indicated by the accused. Under Articles 48 and 49 of the German Regulations on Lawyers (Bundesrechtsanwaltsordnung), a lawyer designated as court- appointed defence counsel is obliged to assume the defence, but may request that the appointment be revoked when there are weighty grounds for doing so. „1. The defendant shall bear the costs in so far as they ensue from proceedings brought on account of an offence for which he has been convicted …“ 21. The Land of Baden-Württemberg Law of 30 March 1971 on court costs provides as follows: „(1) The payment of legal costs and other debts provided for in Article 1 (1), nos. 5 to 9, of the Regulation on the recovery of costs … of 11 March 1937 … may be deferred where their immediate payment would cause exceptional hardship to the person liable to pay and if such a deferment does not jeopardise the debt … (2) The debts referred to in paragraph 1 may be partly or wholly remitted : 1. if this seems appropriate in the pursuit of aims serving the public good; 2. where payment entails exceptional hardship for the person liable to pay; 3. where this is equitable on other specific grounds. The same applies in regard to the reimbursement or crediting of sums already paid. (3) The competent Minister shall take the decision provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2. In certain categories of cases he may delegate this power, in whole or in part, to subordinate authorities.“ PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE COMMISSION 22. Mr Croissant lodged his application with the Commission on 3 December 1987. He relied on Article 6 paras. 1 and 3 (c) (art. 6-1, art. 6-3-c) of the Convention and complained that he had been ordered to pay the fees and expenses of three court-appointed lawyers. 23. The Commission declared the application (no. 13611/88) admissible on 8 December 1989. In its report of 7 March 1991 (Article 31) (art. 31), it expressed the opinion that there had been no violation either in respect of the fees and expenses of Mr Baier and Mr Kempf (unanimously) or in respect of those of Mr Hauser (seven votes to four). The full text of its opinion and of the two separate opinions contained in the report is reproduced as an annex to this judgment. FINAL SUBMISSIONS TO THE COURT 24. The applicant asked the Court to find the fact that he was required to pay the costs of two lawyers appointed by the court with his consent and a third appointed essentially to ensure the continuance of the trial to be contrary to Article 6 para. 3 (c) (art. 6-3-c). For their part, the Government invited the Court to find: „… that, in this case, the Federal Republic of Germany has not violated Article 6 (art. 6) of the Convention.“ AS TO THE LAW 25. Mr Croissant alleged a violation of Article 6 (art. 6) of the Convention. The paragraphs of that Article on which he relied – 3 (c) in conjunction with 1 (art. 6-3-c, art. 6-1) – provide as follows: „1. In the determination of … any criminal charge against him, everyone is entitled to a fair … hearing … by [a] … tribunal …“ „3. Everyone charged with a criminal offence has the following minimum rights: (c) to defend himself in person or through legal assistance of his own choosing or, if he has not sufficient means to pay for legal assistance, to be given it free when the interests of justice so require; His complaint was directed against the order requiring him to reimburse to the State the fees and disbursements of the three counsel officially appointed by the Stuttgart Regional Court to defend him, namely Mr Baier and Mr Kempf, at his request, and Mr Hauser, against his wishes („the reimbursement order“). He submitted that this order: (a) in so far as it related to the three counsel, violated the right of a defendant without sufficient means to pay for legal assistance to be given it free if the interests of justice so required, it being implicit that the costs thereof could not subsequently be recovered from him; and (b) in so far as it related to Mr Hauser, raised the even more important issue of an accused’s right to choose his own counsel, such right being an essential element in the notion of fair trial under Article 6 para. 1 (art. 6-1) as well as being explicitly confirmed by Article 6 para. 3 (c) (art. 6-3-c). The Government contested these allegations. The Commission expressed the opinion that there had been no violation. 26. The applicant’s submissions involve a series of interrelated issues, not all of which, in fact, fall within the compass of the case before the Court. His general complaint regarding the reimbursement order raises the question whether it is compatible with Article 6 (art. 6) for the State to seek to recover from an accused, after he has been convicted, the fees and disbursements of one or more defence counsel who were appointed by the competent court on the ground that the interests of justice so required and who, in accordance with its order, provided him during his trial with assistance for which they did not charge him at the time. An analysis of this complaint reveals that attention must be given to both the initial appointment itself and the subsequent reimbursement order. The former raises – irrespective of the accused’s means – issues under Article 6 (art. 6), especially as regards the meaning of the phrase „to defend himself in person or through legal assistance of his own choosing“; it will therefore be examined first, for if the appointment was incompatible with Article 6 (art. 6), the same would apply to a decision to recover the costs occasioned thereby. B. The appointment of the lawyers 27. The applicant did not contest that German law empowered and obliged the Regional Court to appoint, even against his own wishes, one or more lawyers to defend him if the interests of justice so required. Whilst not disputing that this condition was met as regards the nomination of Mr Baier and Mr Kempf, the applicant maintained that it was not as regards the nomination of Mr Hauser. The requirement that a defendant be assisted by counsel at all stages of the Regional Court’s proceedings (Article 140 of the Code of Criminal Procedure; see paragraph 20 above) – which finds parallels in the legislation of other Contracting States – cannot, in the Court’s opinion, be deemed incompatible with the Convention. Again, the appointment of more than one defence counsel is not of itself inconsistent with the Convention and may indeed be called for in specific cases in the interests of justice. However, before nominating more than one counsel a court should pay heed to the accused’s views as to the number needed, especially where, as in Germany, he will in principle have to bear the consequent costs if he is convicted. An appointment that runs counter to those wishes will be incompatible with the notion of fair trial under Article 6 para. 1 (art. 6-1) if, even taking into account a proper margin of appreciation, it lacks relevant and sufficient justification. 28. The applicant submitted that the nomination of a third defence counsel in his case was unnecessary and lacked relevant and sufficient justification since its main aim was to convenience the court by ensuring that his trial proceeded without interruptions or adjournments. The Court is not convinced by this argument. In the first place, avoiding interruptions or adjournments corresponds to an interest of justice which is relevant in the present context and may well justify an appointment against the accused’s wishes. Moreover, the nomination of Mr Hauser had additional aims. It was based, according to the Regional Court’s decision of 1 March 1978 (which was upheld by the Stuttgart Court of Appeal), on the need to ensure that Mr Croissant was adequately represented throughout his trial, having regard to its probable length and to the size and complexity of the case; the Regional Court stressed that its selection of Mr Hauser was grounded on its view that he possessed the qualifications called for by those special features (see paragraphs 9-10 above). 29. Whilst the appointment of Mr Baier and Mr Kempf obviously does not raise any problems as regards the applicant’s right to be defended by counsel of his own choosing, the appointment of Mr Hauser does. The applicant emphasised that although the Regional Court knew that he had no confidence in Mr Hauser when it nominated him, the courts had refused to replace him by the lawyer proposed by the applicant (see paragraph 9 above). It is true that Article 6 para. 3 (c) (art. 6-3-c) entitles „everyone charged with a criminal offence“ to be defended by counsel of his own choosing (see the Pakelli v. Germany judgment of 25 April 1983, Series A no. 64, p. 15, para. 31). Nevertheless, and notwithstanding the importance of a relationship of confidence between lawyer and client, this right cannot be considered to be absolute. It is necessarily subject to certain limitations where free legal aid is concerned and also where, as in the present case, it is for the courts to decide whether the interests of justice require that the accused be defended by counsel appointed by them. When appointing defence counsel the national courts must certainly have regard to the defendant’s wishes; indeed, German law contemplates such a course (Article 142 of the Code of Criminal Procedure; see paragraph 20 above). However, they can override those wishes when there are relevant and sufficient grounds for holding that this is necessary in the interests of justice. 30. In its decision of 1 March 1978, the Regional Court stressed that it had selected Mr Hauser because it considered that, having regard to the subject-matter of the trial, the complexity of the factual and legal issues involved and the defendant’s personality, he offered the best guarantees of an adequate defence. Furthermore, it found that the reason advanced by the applicant for his being unable to place confidence in Mr Hauser was not valid; in this connection, it also had regard to the fact that the applicant himself had chosen the other two court-appointed lawyers (see paragraph 9 above). The Stuttgart Court of Appeal, which upheld the Regional Court’s decision, added that Mr Hauser had been appointed because, unlike those two lawyers, he had his office within the Regional Court’s jurisdiction (see paragraph 10 above); this would have had advantages, having regard to the expected length of the trial, in the event that they had been unable to attend. The appointment was also, the Court notes, in accordance with German law (Article 142 of the Code of Criminal Procedure; see paragraph 20 above). Finally, in the opinion of the Regional Court there were valid reasons – namely a possible conflict of interests between Mr Croissant and one of his former employees – for refusing to designate Mr Künzel (see paragraph 9 above). The grounds on which the national courts based their appointment of Mr Hauser and their rejection of the reasons advanced by the applicant in favour of its revocation are, in the Court’s view, relevant and sufficient. 31. Furthermore, the Government maintained – and this was confirmed by Mr Croissant’s counsel at the Court’s hearing – that Mr Hauser took an active part in the defence and was closely involved with the other two counsel in planning the strategy to be adopted. Accordingly, his designation cannot be said to have adversely affected the applicant’s defence. 32. To sum up, the appointment of the three lawyers in question cannot be held to have been incompatible with the requirements of paragraphs 3 (c) and 1 of Article 6 (art. 6-3-c, art. 6-1), taken together. C. The reimbursement order 33. Unlike the rights embodied in other provisions of Article 6 para. 3 (art. 6-3) (for example, sub-paragraph (e) (art. 6-3-e) – see the Luedicke, Belkacem and Koç v. Germany judgment of 28 November 1978, Series A no. 29, pp. 16-17, para. 40), the right to free legal assistance conferred by sub-paragraph (c) (art. 6-3-c) is not absolute; such assistance is to be provided only if the accused „has not sufficient means to pay“. 34. The applicant’s complaints in this respect (see paragraph 25 (a) above) are formulated as though Mr Baier, Mr Kempf and Mr Hauser had been appointed pursuant to a grant of free legal assistance within the meaning of Article 6 para. 3 (c) (art. 6-3-c). However, that is not so. Under German law, whether one or more counsel should be appointed to defend an accused is a matter that is determined solely in the light of the requirements of the interests of justice, the question whether he has sufficient means to pay for legal assistance of his own choosing being wholly immaterial at that stage of the proceedings (see paragraph 15 above). Accordingly, the present case does not involve the question whether Article 6 (art. 6) in all circumstances prevents the State from subsequently seeking to recover the cost of free legal assistance given to a defendant who lacked sufficient means at the time of the trial. 35. This does not, however, dispense the Court from examining whether Article 6 (art. 6) has been violated in other respects. In this context the Court recalls that under German law an accused who is acquitted is, irrespective of his means, under no obligation to pay either the court costs or the fees of the court- appointed lawyers; all these items are borne by the State. On the other hand, a convicted person is in principle always bound to pay the fees and disbursements of his court-appointed lawyers, this being held to be a normal consequence of the conviction. It is only in the enforcement procedure that follows the final judgment that the financial situation of the convicted person plays a role; in this respect, it is immaterial whether he had sufficient means during the trial, only his situation after the conviction being relevant. 36. Such a system would not be compatible with Article 6 (art. 6) of the Convention if it adversely affected the fairness of the proceedings. However, it cannot be said that the system generally produces such a result or did so in the present case. As already stated, the appointment of the three defence counsel was compatible with the requirements of Article 6 (art. 6) (see paragraph 32 above). Accordingly, it is not incompatible with that provision that the applicant is liable to pay their fees. The national courts were entitled to consider it necessary to appoint them and the amounts claimed for them are not excessive. 37. Finally, it is not necessary to decide the question whether, under a system like the German one, it would be compatible with Article 6 para. 3 (c) (art. 6-3-c) of the Convention for the State to continue to seek full or partial reimbursement of expenses after the convicted person has established, in the enforcement proceedings, that he lacks sufficient means to bear the costs of his defence. In this respect, the Government noted that, in accordance with the standard practice followed in the Land of Baden-Württemberg, a costs debtor who has a source of income will be granted a remission of costs only after he has made some payment towards them; where the costs are high, the greater part of them will often be remitted. Taking into account the recent decisions of the Presidents of the Stuttgart Court of Appeal and District Court (see paragraphs 18-19 above), there is no reason to doubt that, should the applicant be able to establish that he cannot afford to pay the entire amount, the relevant legislation and practice will be applied (see paragraph 21 above). In this respect the Court considers it admissible, under the Convention, that the burden of proving a lack of sufficient means should be borne by the person who pleads it. 38. The Court concludes that the reimbursement order is not incompatible with Article 6 para. 3 (c) (art. 6-3-c). On this point too, there has been no violation of Article 6 (art. 6). FOR THESE REASONS, THE COURT 1. Holds unanimously that the obligation for the applicant to pay the fees of the first two court-appointed lawyers did not violate Article 6 paras. 1 and 3 (c) (art. 6-1, art. 6-3-c); 2. Holds by eight votes to one that the appointment of the third such lawyer and the obligation for the applicant to pay that lawyer’s fees did not violate the said provisions either. Auswahl Bestimmungsrecht EGMR Pflichtverteidigung Vertrauensverhältnis Rechtsmittelverzicht des Angeklagten ohne notwendige Verteidigung ist unwirksam → Fragen zu einem Mandat? Wir rufen Sie an! Pflichtverteidigung Hamburg Pflichtverteidigung bundesweit, u.a. in Hamburg, Itzehoe, Pinneberg, Elmshorn, Lübeck, Lüneburg, Stade, Kiel, Norderstedt und Schwerin. Es wird darauf hingewiesen, dass auch andere Rechtsanwälte als Pflichtverteidiger tätig sind. Noch Fragen? Pflichtverteidigung FAQ Holstenwall 10, 20355 Hamburg (Anfahrt) Auswahl- und Bestimmungsrecht Bestellung des Pflichtverteidigers Fälle notwendiger Verteidigung Pflichtverteidigerwechsel Schwierigkeit Sach- und Rechtslage Zeitpunkt der Bestellung Copyright © 2019 Pflichtverteidiger Hamburg \| Theme by: Theme Horse \| Powered by: WordPress Login für Mandanten // Datenschutz // Impressum	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8726
__label__wiki	0.683687	0.683687	American College of Surgeons, Oct. 22-26 The 103rd Annual American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress The annual meeting of the American College of Surgeons was held from Oct. 22 to 26 in San Diego and attracted approximately 14,000 participants from around the world, including surgeons, medical experts, allied health professionals, and administrators. The conference included hundreds of general and specialty sessions, postgraduate courses, scientific paper presentations, video-based education presentations, and posters focused on the latest advances in surgical care. In one study, Zain G. Hashmi, M.D., of Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, and colleagues found that states with poor access to trauma center care had more pre-hospital deaths than states with better access, which may contribute to higher overall trauma-related mortality. "If all states improved access to trauma center care, 130,000 lives could potentially be saved after injury," said Hashmi. "In the short term, this does not impact clinical practice. However, at a systems level, it provides the necessary evidence to advance the science and advocacy to help improve pre-hospital care." In another study, P. Ravi Kiran, M.D., of Columbia University in New York City, and colleagues evaluated outcomes associated with colorectal resection procedures spanning 10 years of the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP). "Over the period, we found reductions in mortality, infections -- specifically surgical site infections -- and respiratory complications," said Kiran. The investigators also found reductions in length of hospital stay. Improvements in these post-operative outcomes occurred in the decade after introduction of ACS NSQIP independent of other factors. "The ACS NSQIP has developed an effective mechanism that allows the collection of predefined, robust perioperative data to help risk stratification and then the recording of outcomes using standardized definitions across the board. Considering the quality of these data, valuable information related to anticipated recovery and outcomes after colorectal surgery is available and can be used for benchmarking," said Kiran. "The mere availability of such good-quality information begets better outcomes since providers and institutions strive to ensure that patients managed by them do as well as expected." In an analysis of the ACS NSQIP database, Timothy M. Ullmann, M.D., of Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, and colleagues found that an increasing number of thyroid cancer patients are being treated with hemithyroidectomy rather than total thyroidectomy. Specifically, at NSQIP-participating hospitals, the percentage of thyroid cancer patients treated with hemithyroidectomy seems to have increased from 15.6 percent to 18.3 percent. "We believe this is, at least in part, a result of a recent change in the American Thyroid Association guidelines for treatment of patients with the most common type of thyroid cancer," said Ullman. "Additionally, we found that patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy have fewer superficial wound infections, are less likely to need their breathing tube reinserted after surgery, and are more likely to be able to leave the hospital the same day they have surgery than patients undergoing total thyroidectomy." Stephen F. Markowiak, M.D., of the University of Toledo in Ohio, and colleagues studied the social determinants of health and community factors related to mass shooting events. The investigators found that communities in which mass shootings have occurred are, on average, more urban and population-dense, with fewer social associations per person and higher proportions of men aged 20 to 44 years. "On an initial review, it would appear that because mass shooting events tend to occur in urban settings where there are more than twice as many mental health professionals per capita, and stronger gun laws, that these measures are inadequate to prevent 'random' mass shootings. We went on to account for population density, urban characteristic, proportion of males 20 to 44 in the community, and population and were able to glean interesting results," said Markowiak. "We found that after accounting for the above, laws related to restricting child access, disarming dangerous persons, mandatory reporting of mental health records to the national instant criminal background check, restrictions on open carry, and mandatory waiting periods were statistically associated with reduced rates of mass shooting events." According to Markowiak, communities should work to address their overall health and rectify disparities in social determinants of health. "I would advise clinicians to work towards improving the overall health and wellness of their communities whenever possible, be aware of common mental health issues at every patient encounter and help them access care, and encourage patients who share that they own firearms to practice safe behaviors," said Markowiak. ACS: Opiate-Free Surgery Feasible for Elective Colectomy TUESDAY, Oct. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Opiate-free surgery is feasible for patients undergoing elective colon resections with anastomosis, with shorter length of stay for patients not receiving narcotics, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Surgeons, held from Oct. 21 to 25 in Boston. ACS: Accepting Liver From Older Donor Better Than Waiting TUESDAY, Oct. 23, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Accepting a liver from an older liver donor is associated with long-term survival benefit, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Surgeons, held from Oct. 21 to 25 in Boston. Superior Outcomes Seen for Living Donor Liver Transplant MS Relapse Risk Not Increased in Postoperative Period 1999 to 2017 Saw Increase in Unintentional Injury Death Rates Firearm-Related Pediatric Mortality Down With Stricter Laws Colonoscopy Rates Increased in Those Aged 45 to 54 Years Protocolized Sepsis Care Lowers Sepsis Mortality in NY State	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8729
__label__wiki	0.990933	0.990933	Joe Lewis named new Aberdeen club captain by Jamie Durent New Aberdeen captain Joe Lewis. Joe Lewis has been named as Aberdeen’s new club captain. The goalkeeper replaces Graeme Shinnie, who left for Derby County in the summer, after skippering the Dons during pre-season. Confirmation of Lewis’ ascension to the role was made on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of Aberdeen’s Europa League first qualifying round tie against RoPS Rovaniemi at Pittodrie on Thursday. Lewis has been a near ever-present since his arrival in the Granite City in 2016, making 141 appearances in three seasons. He signed a new five-year contract just before the end of last season and his performances throughout the campaign saw him named as the club’s player of the year award. Scott McKenna had captained the side over the last two seasons in Shinnie’s rare absences and also captained Scotland last summer. 👋 Introducing your new club captain…#StandFree pic.twitter.com/MwyQh9LUh1 — Aberdeen FC (@AberdeenFC) July 10, 2019	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8732
__label__cc	0.686463	0.313537	Adaptive Reuse: Indianapolis Gets New U-Haul Store at Old Kmart Site INDIANAPOLIS, June 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- U-Haul® is introducing the self-storage and retail showroom aspects of its new facility at 7425 E. Washington St., where it has revitalized a vacated property that last housed a Kmart® store. U-Haul Moving & Storage of Eastgate began offering truck and trailer sharing out of the facility in June 2018. U-Haul® is introducing the self-storage and retail showroom aspects of its new facility at 7425 E. Washington St., where it has revitalized a vacated property that last housed a Kmart® store. The 178,963-square-foot building now has 598 indoor self-storage units with climate-controlled options and high-tech security features at affordable price points. Customers also have access to moving supplies, U-Box® portable storage containers, professional hitch installation and more. Additional services will soon be available on the 12.54-acre lot, including propane and outdoor self-storage. Originally constructed in 1969, the building had sat empty since 2014. It is located on the east side of Indianapolis inside the Interstate 465 loop. Contact U-Haul Moving & Storage of Eastgate at (317) 899-9990 or stop by to visit general manager Pam Gladson and her team. Hours of operation are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday; 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Reserve equipment at uhaul.com or contact Reservations at 1-800-GO-UHAUL. "The old Kmart building is perfect for our full-service U-Haul facility," explained Justin Cruser, U-Haul Company of Central Indiana president. "This particular building has been vacant for a long time and we are excited to bring it back to life. Many buildings of this size remain vacant and become eyesores on the community. I'm excited to have such a large U-Haul location in Indianapolis." Acquisition of the property was driven by U-Haul Corporate Sustainability initiatives: U-Haul supports infill developments to help local communities lower its carbon footprint. The adaptive reuse of existing buildings reduces the amount of energy and resources required for new-building materials and helps cities reduce their unwanted inventory of unused buildings. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 is revolutionizing the moving industry through its more convenient, more secure way to pick up and return a truck. Since 2017, U-Haul Live Verify℠ technology has allowed customers to conduct transactions entirely on their smartphones at any hour – day or night. There are no membership fees. Create an online account at uhaul.com to start skipping the lines and stop worrying about store hours. For self-movers who aim to keep their costs low but need extra hands to help with their move, MovingHelp.com has been successfully pairing customers with reliable Moving Help® Service Providers for more than a decade. The online marketplace lets customers shop and compare local moving companies that provide labor services including: loading and unloading, packing and unpacking, cleaning, and U-Box pick up/delivery. More than 1.5 million unedited customer reviews, transparent pricing and payment release subject to customer approval have led to 93 percent of Moving Help users rating their experience four stars or higher. Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 21,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 offers customers secure access to U-Haul trucks every hour of every day through the customer dispatch option on their smartphones and our proprietary Live Verify technology. Our customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to 161,000 trucks, 118,000 trailers and 42,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers nearly 632,000 rooms and 55.2 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry, and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S. Andrea Batchelor Jeff Lockridge E-mail: publicrelations@uhaul.com Website: uhaul.com SOURCE U-Haul Plans Revealed for First U-Haul-Owned Facility in Clifton Park... U-Haul Opens New Repair Shop, Regional Offices in Atlanta...	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8733
__label__cc	0.668799	0.331201	You can now watch Prison Break on Netflix South Africa Hlulani Baloyi May 13, 2019 No Comments NetflixPrison Break Prison Break created its long-awaited season 5 come in 2017, you can now watch Prison Break from season one until season 5. Netflix South Africa is trying to keep South Africans entertained by bringing some of the most watched television shows in the world. ALSO READ: Beyonce’s ‘Homecoming’ Documentary available on Netflix Prison Break is an American television serial drama created by Paul Scheuring, that was broadcast on Fox for four seasons, with 81 episodes from August 29, 2005 to May 15, 2009, and a fifth season which aired from April 4, to May 30, 2017. Prison Break tells the story of Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller) who gets arrested to assist his brother, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), escape from prison using an elaborate plan. Since its return, it’s been getting rave reviews and naturally, many Prison Break fans couldn’t wait to stream it from Netflix. If you’re an addict of Prison Break, you will definitely enjoy Prison Break on Netflix. Let us recap: The series revolves around two brothers, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell) and Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller); Burrows has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, and Scofield devises an elaborate plan to help his brother escape prison and clear his name. The series was produced by Adelstein-Parouse Productions, in association with Original Television and 20th Century Fox Television. Along with creator Paul Scheuring, the series is executive produced by Matt Olmstead, Kevin Hooks, Marty Adelstein, Dawn Parouse, Neal H. Moritz, and Brett Ratner who directed the pilot episode. The series’ theme music, composed by Ramin Djawadi, was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award in 2006. Image Courtesy: factswt.com Previous Previous post: Brightburn is May’s Big SKream at Ster-Kinekor Cinemas Next Next post: Netflix South Africa: How does Netflix work and how much is Netflix in South Africa	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8737
__label__wiki	0.831164	0.831164	Ortiz, Miranda Lead With 4-Under 68s on Day 1 of LAAC Alvaro Ortiz, of Mexico, and José Andres Miranda, of Ecuador, shot opening rounds of 4-under-par 68 on Thursday in the second Latin America Amateur Championship to take a one-stroke lead over three players on the Teeth of the Dog Course at Casa de Campo. The champion of the LAAC, a 72-hole stroke-play event, will earn an invitation to the 2016 Masters Tournament in April, as well as exemptions into The Amateur Championship (conducted by The R&A) and the U.S. Amateur Championship (conducted by the United States Golf Association). The winner will also earn spots in final qualifying for The 145th Open and the 2016 U.S. Open. Miranda, 21, a senior at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla., represented Ecuador in the 2015 Pan American Games. He made five birdies on the 7,202-yard, par-72 course, which was designed by renowned architect Pete Dye and opened in 1971. His lone bogey came on the par-4 ninth hole, his last of the day. “When I started, it was pretty calm,” said Miranda. “There was no wind until my eighth hole, so I knew I had to take advantage and then try to keep playing solid.” Ortiz, 20, a sophomore at the University of Arkansas and the younger brother of PGA Tour player Carlos Ortiz, also had five birdies and just one bogey for the day, finishing his round with a birdie on the par-5 ninth hole. “Last year I learned a lot,” said Ortiz, who shot 67 on the final day in 2015, but bogeyed the 72nd hole to finish two strokes behind Dominguez. “I knew that I would get nervous, and I had that feeling toward the end of the round, a lot of nerves and a lot of pressure. What I learned from my brother, which is something I apply, is I go out on the golf course without expectations. It helps me to remain calm, to play better.” Defending champion Matias Dominguez, of Chile, who completed his studies at Texas Tech University in December, rebounded from a rough start with four birdies on his incoming nine to card a 1-under 71, which ties him with five other players for seventh place through 18 holes. “Having a double bogey really tested my patience and emotions right away,” said Dominguez, 23, of the 7 that he made on the par-5 third hole. “But there was plenty of golf left, and I knew that almost everybody was going to have a double on their card because of how this course plays.” After bogeying the par-3 seventh hole to go 3 over for the day, Dominguez made five birdies in his last 10 holes to offset a bogey on No. 10 and keep himself in the mix to defend the title he secured last January by one stroke over Alejandro Tosti, of Argentina. Tosti, 19, a sophomore at the University of Florida, was paired with Dominguez on Thursday, just as in the final round of the inaugural LAAC at Pilar Golf outside Buenos Aires. Tosti finished bogey-double bogey on Thursday for an opening 3-over 75 and is tied for 45th, along with Andre Tourinho, of Brazil, who tied for third place last year in Buenos Aires with Ortiz. The top 50 players and ties will play on the weekend. Daniel Kenji Ishii, of Brazil; Erick Juan Morales, of Puerto Rico; and Raul Pereda de la Huerta, of Mexico, are tied for third after one round with 3-under 69s. Luis Gerardo Garza, of Mexico, is alone in sixth place after a round of 2-under 70, putting three Mexican players in the top six on Day 1. Results from the first round of the 2015 Latin America Amateur Championship can be found here: laacgolf.com	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8740
__label__wiki	0.638593	0.638593	13MATCH URL: https://assets.rappler.com/B789CC2CE4754C8480A4BEEF8253E80E/img/3034DD9936F1448683F0EEEEFE5778B8/Kian_Loyd_Delos_Santos_01.jpg Half-empty homes: The teenagers killed in 2017 Rappler revisits the homes of some of the slain teens and reconnects with the people they left behind Eloisa Lopez Published 6:02 PM, December 31, 2017 Updated 2:49 PM, February 06, 2018 Almost every month in 2017, at least one teenager was killed by unidentified assailants or fatally shot in a police operation. Based on media reports gathered by Rappler from January 1 to December 28, at least 28 teenagers were killed in 2017, more than 70% of whom are minors. The youngest was 13. These teenagers are tagged either as criminals or “collateral damage” in the Duterte administration's war on drugs. In the last weeks of the year, Rappler revisited the homes of some of the slain teens and reconnected with the people they left behind. The clubfooted boy MISSING RAYMART. Luzviminda and Isabelle sit in the living room of their home in Cavite. All photos by Eloisa Lopez/Rappler It was supposed to be the happiest Christmas of Luzviminda Siapo. The reunion had long been planned. Luzviminda and her two kids, Raymart and Isabelle, would finally leave their temporary home in the slums of Navotas. A new life would begin in Cavite, where a gated house awaited the family. Luzviminda would finally enjoy the fruits of her labor in in Kuwait where she had toiled for two years. Raymart was promised a Yamaha Mio motor bike, for as long as it cost less than P25,000. Ten-year-old Isabelle would get a new outfits. Yet on December 21, the day Luzviminda was originally scheduled to arrive in Manila, there was neither a grand homecoming, nor two kids to come home to, only Luzviminda and Isabelle in a silent home. Luzviminda came home 9 months earlier than planned, after she got a Facebook message that shattered her world: “Raymart is dead.” On March 29, a group of masked men abducted and killed Raymart, after a neighbor hastily tagged him as a drug peddler in the barangay, after a heated argument with the teen. Witnesses of the crime claimed Raymart was ordered to run, but he couldn’t since he had clubbed feet. The gunmen killed him on the spot. Every day since then, Luzviminda would send photos of her dead son, bloodied and bruised, to the barangay official who tagged him as a criminal. “I’m not saying he killed him, but I want to peck on his conscience. This is your doing.” Their new Cavite home has yellow-painted walls and a life-size tarpaulin of greenery. Isabelle’s medals from school are proudly displayed near the entrance. “Mama, these are for Kuya,” she said one day, with half a dozen medals in tow. SPECIAL SPOT. Raymart's favorite food are placed before his photo in the Siapo home One corner is reserved for Raymart’s photo. His favorite snacks – a bottle of red iced tea, a pack of chocolate-filled marshmallows, and cheese-flavored chips are in front of the portrait. On Sundays, he gets roses. It’s the least Luzviminda could do, she said, as his grave is too far to visit every day. It’s a 3-hour ride away. On Christmas day, she knew she had to visit her son. She said she had to celebrate Christmas with Raymart, as he had long-awaited his mother's holiday homecoming. She brought with him his favorite treats to the private cemetery in Malabon, where Raymart is buried. “I know he’s waiting for me. Here I am, Raymart. I’m home.” ABANDONED BIKE. Kian's bike rests in an abandoned room in their home in Caloocan Hundreds of people joined his funeral procession calling for justice. Justice for Kian Loyd delos Santos, justice for all, the crowd screamed. It was a grand gesture. Critics believed it was the end of the government’s war on drugs. Priests, politicians, and strangers offered to help his case. The policemen who killed him were called to the Senate. But life as usual resumed in Baesa, Caloocan, after Kian was laid to rest. No more candles were lit on the crime scene. The pigsty beside it remained a pigsty. The white ribbons pinned on almost every post in the village were now wind-torn. And a few days later, the Delos Santos couple stopped coming home. The Delos Santoses had not gone home since the day they met with President Rodrigo Duterte in Malacañang, a few days after Kian was laid to rest. No one knows where they lived, how they had been managing, or who they're with. Not even Randy, the brother of Kian’s father, Saldy. Not even Kian's grandparents, Antonio and Violeta. It’s as if they’ve been imprisoned, Randy said. The first and last time they saw the family was on the 40th day of Kian’s funeral, when the couple visited Kian’s grave in La Loma Cemetery. But it was barely a reunion, Randy recalled, as the whole visit was timed by the men of the Department of Justice's Witness Protection Program. It’s not certain what lies ahead for Kian’s case as the Senate hearings have yet been concluded. Randy is holding on to the President’s promise that he will not tolerate the policemen who killed his nephew. But until the verdict is announced, life must go on for the rest of the Delos Santos clan. They were left with no choice. There were other members of the family to take care of, Randy said. HEART OF THE STORE. Kian's photo hangs on a wall in the sari-sari store he used to tend The sari-sari store which Kian used to tend to has been reopened. It has much less stuff to sell – no more candies and chips, only school supplies and toys. A framed photo of Kian sits on one of the candy canisters. Randy displayed it to keep the spirit of the boy alive; to keep the half-empty home, a home. There was no question Kian was sorely missed. Every day, an old sampaguita vendor would leave flowers before his portrait. Neighbors claimed they had seen the shadow of the boy a couple of times, peering outside the window, crying. Kian’s young friends would often ask Randy to join them for drinks. And Randy would send pictures and messages to Kian’s Facebook account, to let him know he was missed. Meanwhile, a sleek bike painted blue and silver rested in an abandoned room in the topmost floor of the Delos Santos home. It’s the bike Kian was promised a day before he was killed. It’s the bike he had wanted for so long, and the same bike he never had a chance to ride. The bike had begun to rust. The misunderstood CARL'S STREET. The street of Carl Arnaiz's home The death and disappearance of Carl Angelo Arnaiz remained a mystery to many, even his family. In the narrative of the police, the 19-year old young man was caught after allegedly robbing a taxi driver in C3 road in Caloocan on August 18 – the same day his family reported him missing. He was killed on the spot, after allegedly attempting to fight back. It took his family 10 days to find him in a morgue in Caloocan – some 20 kilometers away from Anak Pawis II, Cainta, where he lived. He wore a black hoodie, denim shorts, a black cap, and plastic flip-flops – clothes he never owned, said his sister, Camille. Carl's case was but part of a puzzle. Days after the teenager's wake, 13-year-old Reynaldo “Kulot” De Guzman was found dead in a creek in Nueva Ecija. Neighbors had claimed that Carl and Reynaldo were last seen together before they both went missing. No one could prove that this was true, especially as neither of the two boys’ families believed they were friends. The taxi driver – the supposed witness to the crime – had changed his version of that fateful night. He had been tagged as one of the suspects in the death of Carl and Reynaldo. But among the many speculations, there remained one truth in the narrative: that on August 18, two boys went missing in Anak Pawis II, and were killed. SARI-SARI STORE. The sari-sari store in Carl Arnaiz’s home in Cainta taken in September 2017. The store is now closed. The humble home where Carl lived is now empty. The sari-sari store he managed is now closed. The landlord said his family moved shortly after he was buried. “They had to,” she said, “to forget that painful incident.” In November, Carl would have reached the twilight of his teenage years. He would have been 20 years old. He would have been battling his depression – spending two, 3 days in bed, and the next two days treating the kids in his street to french fries and candy. He wasn’t always happy, but every kid in the street where he lived said that when he was, it was contagious. The lost boy WAITING GAME. Eduardo de Guzman slumps on a table in a morgue in Nueva Ecija where he found the dead body of his son, Reynaldo 'Kulot' de Guzman The shanty that was home to the De Guzmans for 6 years in Anak Pawis II, Cainta, was now occupied by a new family. The De Guzmans left after burying their son, Reynaldo. Reynaldo or “Kulot” was found dead in a creek in Gapan, Nueva Ecija on September 6 – 3 weeks after he went missing. His head was wrapped in cloth. His body had almost 30 stab wounds. His parents, Lina and Eddie, traveled over a hundred kilometers to a provincial morgue to identify his body. He had a wart on his knee, and a scar on his neck. It was unmistakable, they said. But in the midst of the boy’s wake, cops claimed that they had the wrong boy. For Lina and Eddie, it was not a question they needed an answer for. As far as they were concerned, they had found their son, and no one could take him away from them. The boy believed to be Kulot was buried in an apartment-style tomb in Pasig City. His tomb stone read "Reynaldo de Guzman." The funeral was quick. The De Guzmans left without shedding a tear. KULOT'S FRIENDS. The boys of Anak Pawis II believe their friend, Reynaldo de Guzman is just lost somewhere Not long after, their shanty house was emptied. They moved to a bigger house with uninterrupted water and electricity, and unlimited supply of groceries. It should be a dream house for the De Guzmans but they couldn't set foot outside it. It’s a safe house, they were told, and they must remain indoors until the case of their dead son was resolved. The young boys left in Anak Pawis II were certain that their good friend Kulot was still alive. Maybe he would come home tomorrow. Maybe next year, or perhaps next Christmas. They weren’t sure when, but they were certain he would be back. He’s just lost, they believed. The only child GRIEVING MOTHER. Liezel Du shares memories of her spunky daughter, Charlie Jean. Photos by Eloisa Lopez/Rappler When the new neighbors of Liezel Du asked if she had a child, she said she did, except that she was away. She pretended Charlie Jean Du was in the province or abroad, studying. She would think the teen was in the park with friends, skate-boarding. She kept her school uniform, clothes, printed photos, and favorite toys. She would even tell her of the new inside jokes she shared with the girl’s stepfather. “Look, Charlie, your dad’s teasing me,” she would say, looking at the girl’s portrait hanging beside the photo of Jesus. LOONEY. Liezel Du adopted this dog after her daughter's death Every day, she would let herself believe that Charlie was alive. She adopted a new dog, Looney, to take care of. She would cuddle him, put him to bed, take care of him like she did to Charlie as a mother. She believed she was still a mother, never mind that there was no child to tend to. Despite her repeated self-denial, everytime her husband left for work, she would be reminded of the painful truth. She would hear the voice of Charlie, begging for help. She would feel the ache of every bullet that pierced through the 15-year-old girl's body. One on each arm, one on her buttocks, and another in her stomach, which killed the teenager's 4-month-old baby. She would remember how the police said Charlie was holding grenades, that’s why she was not spared. Every day, Liezel would remember that her only child was killed. Since that tragic night, every inch of her body would tremble whenever she saw the police. MEMORIES. Photos of Charlie Jean Du arranged on a corkboard – Rappler.com Filed under:2017 policy and governance•2017 year end stories•Carl Arnaiz•Duterte drug war•Kian delos Santos•Newsbreak yearend stories•Rappler year end stories 2017•Rappler yearender•Raymart Siapo•Rodrigo Duterte•extrajudicial killings•teenagers killed Duterte drug war•yearend stories•war on drugs	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8741
__label__wiki	0.934947	0.934947	Swording It Out: “The Three Musketeers,” at Augustana College through February 3 By Rochelle Arnold "All for one and one for all!" This is the heartfelt cry and motto of the famously swashbuckling musketeers that echoed throughout the Brunner Theatre Center auditorium in January 25's opening-night performance. Swordplay abounded as Augustana College's company of actors and stage crew presented the adventurous tales of playwright Ken Ludwig's The Three Musketeers, and the sword fights choreographed by director Jeff Coussens were superbly done, making for quite a lively evening. Holiday Road: “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill,” at the Black Box Theatre through February 9 By Madeline Dudziak The heartbreak was palpable at the Black Box Theatre's Saturday-night opening of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill. Transformed into a quaint cabaret, the space featured a small stage with a single stool and microphone, with a bar (dutifully tended by server LuAnne Sisk), a three-piece band, and two tables rounding out the experience. And from the moment the lights went down, audience members were treated as patrons of Emerson’s establishment, whisked away from the Quad Cities, and transported to 1959 Philadelphia – for Billie Holiday’s last concert. Great Scots: The Prenzie Players’ “Macbeth,” at the QC Theatre Workshop through January 26 Here’s the thing: Any show that opens with a warning of “Please don’t shift your chair to avoid being trampled” is bound to be thrilling, even if, I admit, I was initially pretty hesitant about the idea of seeing the Prenzie Players’ Friday-night opening of Macbeth amidst the snow. But damn was this an exciting, emotional two hours in Scotland care of director Catherine Bodenbender. All the Newsies That's Fit to Print: "Newsies: The Musical," at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through February 23 Extra! Extra! Read all about it: The Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse is currently presenting Disney’s popular Broadway adaptation Newsies: The Musical! A high-energy entertainment loaded with incredible dancing and brilliant singing that packs a solid punch, the January 17 preview performance was already polished and didn't disappoint, and felt more like an opening-night performance as the cast delivered an exceptionally enjoyable show. “Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill,” January 26 through February 9 By Reader Staff Described by The London Times as “original and riveting” and by New York magazine as a play that “hurts and exhilarates in just the right proportions,” the Tony-winning drama Lady Day at Emerson's Bar & Grill makes its area debut at Moline's Black Box Theatre January 26 through February 9, this stage biography of jazz legend Billie Holiday lauded by OnStage as “a searing portrait of a woman whose art was triumphant.” “The Three Musketeers,” January 25 through February 3 Praised by the Bristol Evening Post as “a real winner” that earns “four stars out of four,” and by The Guardian for being a “slick, swashbuckling romp that cleverly updates the Dumas novel,” the literary classic The Three Musketeers enjoys a thrilling new stage presentation at Augustana College January 25 through February 3, with Tony Award nominee Ken Ludwig's 2007 adaptation delivering, according to The California Aggie, “two hours of pure awesomeness.” Play Crafting: “(a work in progress),” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through January 20 Missed sound cues, incorrect light cues, and a play within a play – so goes the Playcrafters Barn Theatre’s schizophrenic comedy (a work in progress), whose opening-night performance was quirky and full of mayhem. Anyone who has ever been involved in the art of theatre knows the process can become a crazy one, and this presentation gives audiences a firsthand view of what happens behind the scenes with a close look at rehearsals, a diversity of actor personalities, and an infamous, erratically temperamental director. The Prenzie Players' “Macbeth,” January 18 through 26 As verse-theatre troupe the Prenzie Players continues with its plan to produce all of William Shakespeare's plays by 2023, one of the Bard's most famous tragedies enjoys a new staging at Davenport's QC Theatre Workshop January 18 through 26, with the legendary revenge thriller Macbeth presented by the Prenzies for the first time since the group tackled the masterwork in 2005. “Newsies: The Musical,” January 16 through February 23 Described by Variety magazine as “Disney's happiest outing since The Lion King” and by USA Today as a production of “easy infectuousness” and “youthful exuberance,” the Tony Award-winning Newsies: The Musical makes its area debut at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse January 16 through February, treating family audiences to an energetic work that the Hollywood Reporter said “adheres to a time-honored Disney tradition of inspirational storytelling in the best possible sense.” “(a work in progress),” January 11 through 20 By Mike Schulz The first show of the Playcrafters Barn Theatre's 2019 season, running January 11 through 20, is writer/director Alexander Richardson's (a work in progress) – a backstage/front-of-stage comedy Richardson originally wrote in 2015 and drastically re-wrote for its area debut. And the play serves as a fitting introduction to what may be the venerable venue's most ambitious season yet, with 11 wildly varied productions scheduled for the next 11 months. One might call it (an experiment in progress).	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8742
__label__wiki	0.890154	0.890154	May 8, 2018 / 8:10 AM / a year ago Iraq's Kurdistan region to hold elections on Sept. 30 BAGHDAD (Reuters) - The semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of northern Iraq, which voted overwhelmingly in favor of independence last year in a referendum rejected by Baghdad, will hold an election on Sept. 30. Kurdish region's Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani speaks during a news conference in Erbil, Iraq November 6, 2017. REUTERS/Azad Lashkari A Kurdistan Regional Government media official said KRG Prime Minister Nechirvan Barzani had approved the date. The vote should elect both a parliament and a president for Kurdish regions which have gained self-rule in 1991, when a U.S-led coalition forced Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi army to withdraw from them in the wake of his eight-month occupation of Kuwait. A federal Iraqi election, which includes the Kurdistan region, is set to take place on Saturday and its results will give clues as to the importance of the different Kurdish political parties. Longtime Iraqi Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani stepped down from the KRG presidency on Nov. 1 after the independence referendum last September. Opposition to the ruling Kurdish establishment, represented by the Barzani and Talabani dynasties, has become more vocal over the past years, especially after the referendum. The Iraqi government and Shi’ite militias allied to Iran dislodged Kurdish forces from the oil region of Kirkuk in retaliation for the vote, curtailing the oil income of the KRG and leading to an economic crisis in the region. Unpaid public servants hold regular demonstrations in Kurdish cities, and new parties have been formed to challenge the Barzani’s Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Talabani’s Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. The Kurdish elections were set for Nov. 1 but were delayed as the KRG had to deal with the conflict with Baghdad. Nechirvan Barzani has been exercising the function of the presidency since his uncle Masoud stepped down. The current parliament was elected in 2013. Gorran, or “Change” movement, and Barham Salih’s Coalition for Democracy and Justice are the main parties challenging the KDP and PUK’s grip on Iraqi Kurdish politics. Salih is himself an ex-KRG prime minister and a PUK dissenter. Reporting by Maher Chmaytelli; editing by Angus MacSwan	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8745
__label__cc	0.586914	0.413086	Dean Hardman - Head of Tournament Services Dean, what do you like most about your role as Head of Tournament Services? The variety of the work makes every day completely different; I can be working on contracts, visiting some of our amazing venues and planning fixtures all on the same day. My role sees me working closely with a wide mix of stakeholders including the competing nations, hosts, partners and other sports. It’s brilliant to see how all parties can work together to make RLWC2021 the biggest and best ever Rugby League World Cup. I’ve also been fortunate enough to be part of teams delivering our International Development Programme where we, visit other nations and share best practice aimed at developing Rugby League, and promote RLWC2021. What is your favourite sporting memory? I was fortunate enough to take part in RLWC2021’s International Development Programme trip to Papua New Guinea last year. As a child I remember reading about this faraway country called PNG where Rugby League was the national sport. 30 or so years later to be able to watch a game in Port Moresby was a dream come true. The game was the PNG Kumuls versus the England Knights and we were fortunate enough to be staying in camp with the Knights team which gave an extra perspective. What made the experience even more special was that the first match of the day was a league match from the PNG women’s league. Looking ahead to 2021 when we will host the men’s, women’s and wheelchair tournaments together, seeing the women given the platform of playing a league match in that incredible stadium was really inclusive and inspiring. Hopefully some of those players I saw will be visiting England in 2021 with the PNG Orchids.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8748
__label__cc	0.6199	0.3801	A Call to Conscience The Aladdin Project Launch Conference Expansion of Aladdin Library Auschwitz Visit Claude Lanzmann’s Shoah History of Jewish-Muslim relations Aladdin Summer University Holocaust education Young Imams, Priests, Rabbis Muslim Righteous Among the Nations The Aladdin Project at Arab and International Book Fairs Aladdin Monitoring Aladdin in the Media Opinion Column Home » Projects » Aladdin Summer University www.iuil.org Learning from the past to build a better future Objectives & Audience The International Summer University for intercultural leadership is an annual initiative that aims at bringing together students from Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the USA in order to develop their intercultural skills and give them the opportunity to understand and integrate the values and objectives settled by the Aladdin Project, and better contribute to their achievement. The Aladdin Project has launched the initiative with two Turkish Institutions, Anadolu Kültür (Turkish NGO and co-organizer) Bahçesehir University of Istanbul (co-organizer) and with the collaboration of twelve partner universities. - New York University (USA) - Sciences Po Paris (France) - School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London (UK) - Freie Universität Berlin (Germany) - Tel Aviv University (Israel) - Al-Quds University (Palestinian Authority) - Mohamed V University (Morocco) - University of Tunis (Tunisia) - Bogazici University (Turkey) - Bahçesehir University (Turkey) - Dakar University (Senegal) - Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (Switzerland) These partner universities will contribute to the program by selecting students, ensuring geographical, cultural, and gender balance, and sending one or two professors who will be part of the teaching staff in the following disciplines: European history, psychology, international relations, cultural studies, political propaganda, peace and conflict studies, sociology, international law (with particular focus on international humanitarian law), demography and anthropology. The teaching staff is itself supervised by an academic committee made of experts coming from different countries and responsible the definition and coherence of the curriculum. 2013: “XXth Century Europe: from mass violence to European construction” The first International Summer University of the Aladdin Project took place from 1st to 15th July 2013, in Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey. A total of 48 young American, British, French, German, Israeli, Moroccan, Palestinian, Tunisian, Senegalese, Iranian, Lebanese, Syrian and Turkish students followed a series of courses and lectures from renowned university professors on the history of mass violence in 20th century Europe, conflict resolution, cultural diversity and pluralism. The housing and travel fees, room hire costs, tuition fees and other expenses were covered by the Aladdin Project, Bahcesehir University and Anadolu Kültür. 2014: “Religion, peace and conflicts in XXIst Century” The second International Summer University took place from 1st to 13th of July 2014, at the Free University of Berlin (Freie Universität). 60 students participated to the program this year, coming from Egypt, France, Germany, Indonesia, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Morocco, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Tunisia and Turkey. As for last year’s edition, all expenses were covered by the Aladdin Project, the Free University of Berlin and their partners. Along with our previous partner universities, several new universities joined our program and sent us some of their students this year: - Harvard University (Etats-Unis) ; - University of Columbia (Etats-Unis) ; - University of Sapienza (Italie) ; - Salahaddin University (Kurdistan - Irak) ; - Centre d’étude Al-Mesbar (Arabie saoudite). International Summer University for International Leadership 2015 In 2015, the program will take place in Cappadocia, Turkey from July 19 to August 2, 2015 on the theme “The Power of Images: Truth, Manipulation and Intolerance” with a series of lectures by eminent scholars in the field. Through team projects and group discussions groups, the program will enable students to openly debate different world views around a specific theme and to find common paths that lead to mutual understanding and tolerance. The Power of Images: Truth, Manipulation and Intolerance With the advent of mass media and the internet, the modern world has shifted from a print culture to a visual culture: a new age of image-centered communication has begun. In this transition, the use of analogical thinking has also shifted from verbal metaphors to visual ones. This shift is particularly evident in the use of intercultural communication. This year’s program explores the power of images as a basic and indispensable tool of cultural interaction: how images are processed, how they function in relation to our innermost beings, and how they form the psychological fabric of our political, social, and economic environment. There will be a focus on the role of the various media in creating the images which impact our lives: how visual images create a language with profound psychological meaning, and how print, television, film and the newly-arrived social media manipulate images to create desired emotional effects. We will look at the most controversial areas of image persuasiveness today — advertising, politics, and entertainment. Cutting across many disciplines (psychology, politics, history, sociology, law, religious studies, journalism…), the course will be done in the form of a lecture series combined with active participation by students in the form of project presentations and discussion groups. Program content The course is designed for students who already have a background or a strong interest in the following disciplines (social science, political science, international relations, sociology, international law, anthropology, peace and conflict studies). Lectures and workshops will be conducted in English by professors and academics who will come from each partner university. The course includes Morning lectures on the following topics: - Image and representation of the Other throughout history - Role of images and media in creating acceptance, or fostering differences, hatred - Authoritarianism, radicalism, extremism - Images and the shaping of a culture or religion - Images, archives and history - Forbidden/authorized images (why? Can we show everything? Should we show everything?) - Media and images in today’s globalized world (omnipresence of images as tools to depict reality) - Terrorism and use of media (ISIL, etc…) - New media and social media - Self-perception and self-promotion (generation selfie and social media) Afternoon workshop and visits - In depth and small group research / study of selected issues addressed during morning lectures - Visits of Cappadocia - A range of extra-curricular activities Students will be equally divided into groups reflecting different countries and cultural backgrounds, to work together on a common research project. Each group will have to present a draft plan by the end of the summer university. Final research projects are to be completed after the two-week program and submitted to an international panel of academics in October 2015. INTERNATIONAL SUMMER UNIVERSITY FOR INTERCULTURAL LEADERSHIP JULY 24 – AUGUST 5, 2016 UNEC campus in Guba The forth International Summer University for Intercultural Leadership was organized in Baku and Guba, two Azerbaijani cities, from July 24 to August 5, on the theme “Migration and the Future of Intercultural Relations”. The International Summer University for Intercultural Leadership is an annual program organized by the Aladdin Project under the patronage of UNESCO. This year’s program was organized with the support of the European Union Erasmus + program and the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The fifth International Summer University for Intercultural Leadership was organized in Baku and Gakh, two Azerbaijani cities, from July 24 to July 31 2017, on the theme “Intercultural dialogue in the context of religious and cultural diversity”. The International Summer University for Intercultural Leadership is an annual program organized by the Aladdin Project under the patronage of UNESCO. This year’s program was organized with the support of the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre. The 2018 International Summer University will takes place in Istanbul, from July 8 to July 21. This year, Bahçeşehir University will host the program entitled “Mobility, Migration, Refugees and Xenophobia”.The International Summer University is an annual program under the patronage of UNESCO with the participation of 35 prestigious universities in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and America. This year’s two-week course provide a broad, theoretical discussion of human mobility and the impact of migration on economic and political processes, globalization and social change. It includes some discussion of key literature and major debates on contemporary migration from a number of disciplinary perspectives in the social sciences and provide a deeper understanding of some of the dilemmas facing policy-makers at both national and international level as well as a better comprehension of how to transfer theoretical knowledge to more specifically policy-oriented engagements. Our international panel of lecturers will be discussing migration from different countries in the Middle East, North Africa and the Horn of Africa, in both contemporary and historical settings. Discussions with refugees themselves will centre on issues like how to listen to refugee stories, how they should be used and who is justified in using them. We will all reflect on how religious communities respond to the local immigration situation and how individuals and communities engage with the issues from an ethical or value-based belief system. Field trips will enable students to engage in participatory observation of migration interfaces in Turkey. A guide to Islam for non-Muslims A brief overview of the history, liturgy and practices of Islam to familiarize non-Muslims with Islam and Muslim cultures A guide to Judaism for non-Jews A simple introduction to Judaism, Jewish life and Jewish culture for non-Jews	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8749
__label__cc	0.702436	0.297564	Gloucester Main Street Community Business Launch Applications Now Available Online Applications are now available online for the Community Business Launch, a Shark Tank-like entrepreneurial opportunity that will reward recipients with start-up capital and business support to launch along Main Street in Gloucester Village. Gloucester, Va. (PRWEB) February 05, 2015 Calling all entrepreneurs. Get ready to Launch Gloucester. Gloucester Main Street business groups – the Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust and Gloucester Main Street Association – are pleased to announce that online applications for the Gloucester Community Business Launch program, the Shark Tank-like business funding and launch contest, are now available for prospective and interested entrepreneurs and business owners. Prize packages include start up capital, marketing and communication support, business consultation, rent abatement, a ribbon cutting ceremony, video promotion and memberships to the Main Street Association and the Chamber of Commerce. The entire program is valued at nearly $200,000. Applications are available at http://www.launchgloucester.com and are due Feb. 20. Required business planning classes for applicants accepted into the program start March 5. The program is made possible thanks to a grant awarded to Gloucester as part of Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe’s first ever Virginia Community Business Launch. Gloucester Village’s Main Street was named one of three communities in the Commonwealth to receive $100,000 for small business development. The additional funding / value of the program came from regional business support, the Gloucester Board of Supervisors, the Gloucester Economic Development Authority and the Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust. What exactly is the Community Business Launch program? It’s an entrepreneur contest that will be held on Gloucester’s Main Street that includes an eight-week business training course that kicks off in March and will run through May. Applicants “could be a start-up business, could be a second location, could be a business that’s poised and ready for expansion,” said Jenny Crittenden, Executive Director of the Main Street Preservation Trust told the Gloucester Board of Supervisors earlier this year when presenting the plan to them. “This is going to create jobs and increase private investment. It’s going to enhance and compliment the current business mix.” Among the types of businesses expected to be most successful along Gloucester’s Main Street include highly specialized retail concepts (specialty food stores, apparel stores, jewelry, sporting goods, gift shops, furniture and home décor, pet and art) and service businesses (health and beauty concepts and computer repair and services). Successful applicants in the program will start businesses that integrate at least one new full time job and one part time job into the business. If expanding a business, applicants must introduce a new product line or service that is not already utilized in the current business, in addition to creating one full time and one part time job with the business plan. A list of eligibility requirements are listed thoroughly on the Launch Gloucester website. Contact Jenny Crittenden at (804) 824-9614 or Ashley Gilmartin at (804) 695-0700 with any questions. For more information about the Virginia Community Business Launch, visit http://www.dhcd.virginia.gov. To learn more about the Gloucester Main Street Association, visit http://www.gloucestervillage.com or follow the group on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust, visit http://www.mspt.org. Stephanie Heinatz Consociate Media	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8753
__label__wiki	0.734604	0.734604	Home > Children's > Industry News Children's Literature Community Rallies Around #Kidlitwomen By Claire Kirch \| A group of children’s book authors and illustrators is marking Women’s History Month this month by spotlighting on social media under the hashtag #kidlitwomen the social and gender inequities in the children’s literature community. Throughout the month of March, all members of the children’s book community are encouraged to not just celebrate authors and illustrators whose achievements have been previously overlooked, but also to consider solutions for eradicating social and gender inequality in the industry. According to the initiative’s organizers, author-illustrator Grace Lin and author Karen Blumenthal, who set up the Kidlitwomen Facebook page, and the Twitter hashtag, #kidlitwomen, the goal is to “call attention to the gender inequalities of the children’s literature community, uplifting those who have not received their due, and finding solutions to reach equality for all.” In an open letter posted on Facebook, Lin writes that she and Blumenthal conceived of #Kidlitwomen more than a month ago, while conversing with a group of male and female industry colleagues. “Our children’s literature community, a community that preaches to children about kindness and fairness, is egregiously not fair,” she wrote, pointing out that many people inside the industry treat male authors like “rock stars,” or they pass on suggesting a “girl’s” book for a boy reader, or they minimize the concerns of people of color in the industry. “What have you done or encouraged or defended that you feel uncomfortable about?” Lin wrote. “We cannot cast blame only on organizations or demand that publishers shoulder all of the responsibility. By being a part of this community, we are all also part of the problem. But with that, we are all also part of the solution.” In an email, Blumenthal recalled that Lin “really pushed [their colleagues] to think about solutions and not just complain.” Coincidentally, author Anne Ursu published in February a survey about sexual harassment in the children’s book industry, “which made this more timely.” “We want to take the discussions out from quiet kitchen tables and private rooms,” Lin wrote in an email to PW. “We’ve talked enough in secret. If anything is going to change we have to start bringing everything out in the open. Luckily, the internet gives us the tools to do that. But more importantly, we need to go beyond the talk.” Blumenthal added, “One of the reasons these issues have festered for a long time is that authors and illustrators work independently. Many of us are in communities where there are few published children’s authors or illustrators. It’s difficult to even start this kind of conversation outside of a small group. Social media can be pretty crazy, but as we have seen lately, it can provide a platform for a group of passionate people to be heard.” It was author Meg Medina, Lin told PW, who suggested that they use Women’s History Month as an opportunity to promote the changes they want to see in the industry. “This idea to fill the month with posts, tweets, and essays with the gender concerns was born,” Lin said. “Many people were involved in its origin; this is definitely not one woman’s initiative.” Kidlitwomen already has more than 2,500 Facebook followers, and there has been a steady stream of comments posted on Twitter with the hashtag, ranging from author Tom Angleberger urging other men to practice “less reply and more RT, dudes,” to a lively discussion of the racial/ethnic breakdown of Caldecott winners that was prompted by illustrator Christine Taylor-Butler’s blog in which she revealed that no woman of color has ever won the Caldecott. A number of prominent authors and illustrators are writing blogs that they are linking to #Kidlitwomen, with one by a different author or illustrator being published each day this month. The first blog, posted on March 1, was written by author Shannon Hale, who narrated her experiences going into schools to talk about her books, which have such titles as The Princess Academy, and being confronted with the internalized misogyny of teachers, which inevitably percolates down to students. March 5’s blog was written by Medina on the subject of dealing with money as a female author and as a woman of color who grew up working class. Lin and Blumenthal didn’t say if #Kidlitwomen will continue after March 31, although, they both insist, the conversations about disparities and challenges will continue—aided, no doubt by illustrator Mishka Jaeger’s collecting the daily #Kidlitwomen blogs and posting them on her website. PW KidsCast: A Conversation with Katie Green British author-illustrator Katie Green discusses her graphic memoir ‘Lighter Than My Shadow,’ which traces her long struggle with and recovery from anorexia, as well as why telling the story visually was so important. PW Children's Bookshelf Archive Read past issues of Bookshelf right in your browser. more... Sign up for our Children's Bookshelf newsletter!	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8754
__label__wiki	0.831643	0.831643	Home > Announcements > Adult Announcements Spring 2018 Announcements: Science By Alex Crowley \| There’s no end to meditations on and investigations of humankind’s big questions. Examinations of the self, human nature, and our place in the universe abound in these notable spring science titles. Aroused: The History of Hormones and How They Control Just About Everything Randi Hutter Epstein. Norton, June 26 Epstein tours the strange science of hormones and the age-old quest to control them, introducing readers to leading scientists in the field as she explains the functions of various hormones. The Big Ones: How Natural Disasters Have Shaped Us (and What We Can Do About Them) Lucy Jones. Doubleday, Apr. 17 Seismologist Jones looks at some of history’s most influential natural disasters, assesses their impact on our culture, and proposes new ways of thinking about the ones to come. Exactly: A Brief History of Precision Simon Winchester. Harper, May 8 Winchester shares the stories of the people who conceived the relatively new and largely unexplored idea of precision and the ways in which it has shaped the modern world. Carlo Rovelli. Riverhead, May 8 Rovelli pulls from literature, philosophy, and science to deliver a rich appreciation of both the mysteries of time and those who’ve tried to puzzle out the nature of this phenomenon. Our Universe: An Astronomer’s Guide Jo Dunkley. Harvard Univ./Belknap, Mar. 12 Dunkley charts the universe’s evolution and explains an array of perplexing phenomena, illuminating many mysteries about some of the deepest questions humans have ever asked. Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore Elizabeth Rush. Milkweed, June 12 Rush guides readers through America’s disappearing wetland ecosystems, blending firsthand accounts of those experiencing these changes with eyewitness reporting and scientific research. The Seabird’s Cry: The Lives and Loves of the Planet’s Great Ocean Voyagers Adam Nicolson. Holt, Feb. 6 Nicolson fuses the poetic and the scientific as he follows 10 species to understand their voyages, their ability to navigate over the oceans, and the ways they use smell to find food and home. Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine Alan Lightman. Pantheon, Mar. 27 Meditating on religion and science, Lightman probes the tension between a human yearning for certainty and the uncertainty of nature, as well as the ways we’ve approached these concepts. She Has Her Mother’s Laugh: What Heredity Is, Is Not, and May Become Carl Zimmer. Dutton, May 29 Zimmer recounts the history of understanding heredity and how it has shaped society, tackling ethical quandaries, as well as presumptions about our selves and future along the way. You Can Stop Humming Now: A Doctor’s Stories of Life, Death, and in Between Daniela J. Lamas. Little, Brown, Mar. 27 Lamas, a critical care doctor, investigates what it really means to be saved by modern medicine as she shares intimate accounts of patients, their families, and the situations they face. Plant Revolution: How Plants Have Already Invented Our Future by Stefano Mancuso (Mar. 27, hardcover, $28, ISBN 978-1-5011-8785-8) uncovers some essential truths about plants and reveals the surprisingly sophisticated ability of plants to innovate, remember, and learn. Plants, Mancuso notes, may offer creative solutions to the most vexing technological and ecological problems of today. The Biological Mind: How Brain, Body, and Environment Collaborate to Make Us Who We Are by Alan Jasanoff (Mar. 13, hardcover, $30, ISBN 978-0-465-05268-4). The brain is a bodily organ and cannot be separated from its surroundings, posits pioneering neuroscientist Jasanoff. Only when people come to terms with this reality, he asserts, can they grasp the true nature of their humanity. Lost in Math: How Beauty Leads Physics Astray by Sabine Hossenfelder (June 12, hardcover, $30, ISBN 978-0-465-09425-7) argues that the physics world’s preoccupation with beauty has become so dogmatic that it now conflicts with scientific objectivity. Hossenfelder writes that only by embracing messiness and complexity can science discover the truth, not as one might prefer it, but as it is. The Truth About Animals: Stoned Sloths, Lovelorn Hippos, and Other Tales from the Wild Side of Wildlife by Lucy Cooke (Apr. 17, hardcover, $28, ISBN 978-0-465-09464-6). Few people have probably considered whether moose get drunk, penguins cheat on their mates, or worker ants lay about. Cooke takes readers on a worldwide journey to discover the strange secret habits of the animal kingdom. Fallout: Disasters, Lies, and the Legacy of the Nuclear Age by Fred Pearce (May 22, hardcover, $26.95, ISBN 978-0-8070-9249-1). Environmental journalist Pearce travels the globe to investigate humankind’s complicated, seven-decade-long relationship with nuclear technology, including weaponry, accidents, and waste. His examination surveys the relationship between a powerful technology and human politics, foibles, fears, and arrogance. A Wilder Time: Notes from a Geologist at the Edge of the Greenland Ice by William E. Glassley (Feb. 13, trade paper, $17.99, ISBN 978-1-942658-34-4). Glassley recounts his and two fellow geologists’ travels to Greenland to collect evidence to prove a contested theory that plate tectonics is a much more ancient process than some believed. Lamarck’s Revenge: How Epigenetics Is Revolutionizing Our Understanding of Evolution’s Past and Present by Peter Ward (July 17, hardcover, $28, ISBN 978-1-63286-615-8). Advances in the study of DNA and RNA have resurrected epigenetics, a complex process regarding heritable genetic mutations that paleontologist and astrobiologist Ward breaks down for general readers. Bloomsbury Sigma Catching Stardust: Comets, Asteroids and the Birth of the Solar System by Natalie Starkey (June 5, hardcover, $27, ISBN 978-1-4729-4400-9) takes a deep look at comets to gauge how these ancient voyagers can be better used to understand our place in the solar system. According to Starkey, comets reveal how Earth became the planet it is today. Eye of the Shoal: A Fish-Watcher’s Guide to Life, the Ocean and Everything by Helen Scales (July 3, hardcover, $27, ISBN 978-1-4729-3684-4) shares the secrets of fish, presenting them as clever, emotional, singing, thoughtful creatures. Scales leads an underwater expedition to watch these creatures going about the hidden but glorious business of being a fish. Making the Monster: The Science Behind Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein by Kathryn Harkup (Feb. 6, hardcover, $27, ISBN 978-1-4729-3373-7). To mark the centenary of the publication of Frankenstein: Or, Modern Prometheus by Mary Shelley, Harkup examines the science and scientists that influenced Shelley and inspired her most famous creation. Sustainable Medicine: Whistle-Blowing on 21st-Century Medical Practice by Sarah Myhill (Mar. 7, trade paper, $19.95, ISBN 978-1-60358-789-1) seeks to empower people to heal themselves by addressing the underlying causes of their illnesses. Myhill’s work moves from identifying symptoms, through understanding underlying mechanisms, to relevant means for tackling root causes. The Doctor Will See You Now: Essays on the Changing Practice of Medicine by Cory Franklin (Apr. 1, trade paper, $16.99, ISBN 978-0-89733-929-2). This eclectic collection of 50 short essays explores evolving patient-physician relationships and reporting on medicine. Dr. Franklin open his office to readers, discussing the modern practice of medicine and how it changes. Coach House A Matter of Taste: A Farmer’s Market Devotee’s Semi-reluctant Argument for Inviting Scientific Innovation to the Dinner Table by Rebecca Tucker (Apr. 24, trade paper, $13.95, ISBN 978-1-55245-367-4) questions whether farmer’s markets, locavorism, organic eating, CSAs, whole foods, and Whole Foods are producing food that is morally, environmentally, and economically sustainable. The Big Ones: How Natural Disasters Have Shaped Us (and What We Can Do about Them) by Lucy Jones (Apr. 17, hardcover, $26.95, ISBN 978-0-385-54270-8) looks at some of history’s most influential natural disasters, assesses their impact on culture, and proposes new ways of thinking about the ones to come. The Future of Humanity: Terraforming Mars, Interstellar Travel, Immortality, and Our Destiny Beyond Earth by Michio Kaku (Feb. 20, hardcover, $28.95, ISBN 978-0-385-54276-0) details the process by which humanity may gradually move away from the planet and develop a sustainable civilization in outer space. Kaku reveals cutting-edge developments in robotics, nanotechnology, and biotechnology. The Plant Messiah: Adventures in Search of the World’s Rarest Species by Carlos Magdalena (Apr. 10, hardcover, $26.95, ISBN 978-0-385-54361-3) spans the globe in search of rare and vulnerable flora species. Back in the lab, Magdalena develops groundbreaking techniques to rescue species from extinction, encouraging them to propagate and thrive. Pleasure Shock: The Rise of Deep Brain Stimulation and Its Forgotten Inventor by Lone Frank (Mar. 20, hardcover, $28, ISBN 978-1-101-98653-0) uncovers lost documents and accounts of Robert Heath’s pioneering and controversial brain pacemaker, which the Tulane psychiatrist developed in the 1950s and 1960s. Frank discusses the history and resurgence of deep brain stimulation. She Has Her Mother’s Laugh: What Heredity Is, Is Not, and May Become by Carl Zimmer (May 29, hardcover, $30, ISBN 978-1-101-98459-8) runs through the history of our understanding of heredity and how it has shaped society. Zimmer tackles urgent bioethical quandaries as well as presumptions about who we are and what we can share with future generations. A Feast of Science: Intriguing Morsels from the Science of Everyday Life by Joe Schwarcz (May 22, trade paper, $17.95, ISBN 978-1-77041-192-0) aims to demystify the world of chemistry and satiate readers’ hunger for credible and useful scientific knowledge. Schwarcz shows that chemical should not be confused with toxic. Atom Land: A Guided Tour Through the Strange (and Impossibly Small) World of Particle Physics by Jon Butterworth (Mar. 20, hardcover, $19.95, ISBN 978-1-61519-373-8) makes the unbelievably small world of particle physics fun and accessible. CERN physicist Butterworth conjures a rich landscape of electron ports, boson continents, and hadron islands in the subatomic sea. What the Future Looks Like: Leading Science Experts Reveal the Surprising Discoveries and Ingenious Solutions That Are Shaping Our World, edited by Jim Al-Khalili (Apr. 17, trade paper, $14.95, ISBN 978-1-61519-470-4), covers an array of cutting-edge scientific developments and attempts to solve intractable problems. Al-Khalili’s team of experts discusses genomics, robotics, interstellar travel, and more. Evolutions: Fifteen Myths That Explain Our World by Oren Harman (June 5, hardcover, $26, ISBN 978-0-374-15070-9) assesses how the language of science has replaced old mythologies and sets out to reawaken, through modern science, a sense of wonder and terror at the wider world. When Einstein Walked with Gödel: Excursions to the Edge of Thought by Jim Holt (May 15, hardcover, $28, ISBN 978-0-374-14670-2) probes the mysteries of quantum mechanics, the quest for the foundations of mathematics, and the nature of logic and truth. Holt crafts intimate biographical sketches of an array of celebrated and neglected thinkers. Hachette/Twelve Natural Causes: An Epidemic of Wellness, the Certainty of Dying, and Our Illusion of Control by Barbara Ehrenreich (Apr. 10, hardcover, $27, ISBN 978-1-4555-3591-0) topples the shibboleths that guide people’s attempts to live a long, healthy life. Ehrenreich’s razor-sharp polemic presents a new understanding of our bodies, ourselves, and our place in the universe. Exactly: A Brief History of Precision by Simon Winchester (May 8, hardcover, $28.99, ISBN 978-0-06-265255-3) examines the seldom-considered and relatively recent development of the notion of precision. Winchester shares the stories of the people who conceived the idea of precision and the ways in which it has shaped the modern world. Harvard Univ. Superbugs: An Arms Race Against Bacteria by William Hall, Anthony McDonnell, and Jim O’Neill (Apr. 9, hardcover, $29.95, ISBN 978-0-674-97598-9) outlines the systemic failures that have led to a crisis of antibiotic-resistant superbugs. The authors propose countering this threat through agricultural policy changes, an industrial research stimulus, and other broad-scale economic and social incentives. Universe in Creation: A New Understanding of the Big Bang and the Emergence of Life by Roy R. Gould (May 7, hardcover, $24.95, ISBN 978-0-674-97607-8) adopts a fresh perspective on how the universe came to be, evolved, and gave rise to life. Gould investigates whether life was written into the most basic laws of nature. Harvard UNIV./Belknap Our Universe: An Astronomer’s Guide by Jo Dunkley (Mar. 12, hardcover, $25.95, ISBN 978-0-674-98428-8) illuminates the structure and history of the universe, as well as enduring mysteries about some of the deepest questions humans have ever asked. Astrophysicist Dunkley charts the universe’s evolution and explains an array of perplexing phenomena. The Seabird’s Cry: The Lives and Loves of the Planet’s Great Ocean Voyagers by Adam Nicolson (Feb. 6, hardcover, $32, ISBN 978-1-250-13418-9) follows 10 bird species in a poetic and scientific journey to understand these birds’ epic voyages, their astonishing ability to navigate over the oceans, and the ways they use smell to find food and home. Human Errors: A Panorama of Our Glitches, from Pointless Bones to Broken Genes by Nathan H. Lents (May 1, hardcover, $27, ISBN 978-1-328-97469-3) tours the physical imperfections that make humans human. Biologist Lents runs the gamut of evolutionary history’s litany of mistakes and how humans have dealt with them. Naturalist at Large: The Best Essays of Bernd Heinrich by Bernd Heinrich (May 8, hardcover, $25, ISBN 978-0-544-98683-1) spans several decades as it collects essays on ravens and other birds, insects, trees, elephants, and more. This is an engaging record of a life spent in close observation of the natural world. The Curious Life of Krill: A Conservation Story from the Bottom of the World by Stephen Nicol (May 8, hardcover, $30, ISBN 978-1-61091-853-4) uses humor and personal stories to reveal the biology and beauty of krill—one of Earth’s most abundant creatures, yet also one of it’s most enigmatic and poorly understood. Johns Hopkins Univ. The Fears of the Rich, the Needs of the Poor: My Years at the CDC by William H. Foege (May 13, hardcover, $24.95, ISBN 978-1-4214-2529-0). The former CDC director shares stories of pivotal moments in public health, including the eradication of smallpox and the discovery of Legionnaires’ disease, Reye syndrome, toxic shock syndrome, and HIV/AIDS. Kings of the Yukon: One Summer Paddling Across the Far North by Adam Weymouth (May 22, hardcover, $28, ISBN 978-0-316-39670-7) recounts the author’s 2016 canoe voyage up the length of the Yukon River to learn the story of salmon, their remarkable journey, and the communities and people whose lives depend on them. You Can Stop Humming Now: A Doctor’s Stories of Life, Death, and in Between by Daniela J. Lamas (Mar. 27, hardcover, $28, ISBN 978-0-316-39317-1) scrutinizes the complex answers to the question of what it means to be saved by modern medicine. Lamas shares intimate accounts of patients, their families, and the situations they face. Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore by Elizabeth Rush (June 12, trade paper, $18, ISBN 978-1-57131-367-6) guides readers through America’s disappearing wetland ecosystems, including in Louisiana, Miami, Staten Island, and the Bay Area. Rush blends firsthand accounts of those experiencing these changes with scientists’ voices and eyewitness reporting. The Synthetic Age: Outdesigning Evolution, Resurrecting Species, and Reengineering Our World by Christopher J. Preston (Mar. 9, hardcover, $25.95, ISBN 978-0-262-03761-7) describes a range of technologies that will reconfigure the Earth in drastic ways, arguing that the most startling aspect of this coming epoch is how much deliberate shaping humans will start to do. The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs: A New History of a Lost World by Stephen Brusatte (Apr. 24, hardcover, $29.99, ISBN 978-0-06-249042-1) tells the grand story of the dinosaurs, analyzing their origins, habitats, extinction, and legacy. Paleontologist Brusatte offers thrilling accounts from his decadelong journey studying these legendary beasts. Aroused: The History of Hormones and How They Control Just About Everything by Randi Hutter Epstein (June 26, hardcover, $26.95, ISBN 978-0-393-23960-7) tours the strange science of hormones and the age-old quest to control them. Epstein introduces readers to leading scientists in the field as she explains the functions various hormones. Losing the Nobel Prize: A Story of Cosmology, Ambition, and the Perils of Science’s Highest Honor by Brian Keating (Apr. 24, hardcover, $27.95, ISBN 978-1-324-00091-4) tells the inside story of the BICEP (Background Imaging of Cosmic Extragalactic Polarization) experiments, while discussing the various ways that the Nobel Prize hampers scientific progress. Oxford Univ. Burning Planet: The Story of Fire Through Time by Andrew C Scott (June 1, hardcover, $27.95, ISBN 978-0-19-873484-0) relates the full story of fire’s impact on Earth’s atmosphere, climate, vegetation, ecology, and the evolution of plant and animal life. Scott examines fire today and looks toward the future. Deadly Companions: How Microbes Shaped Our History by Dorothy H. Crawford (Apr. 8, trade paper, $12.95, ISBN 978-0-19-881544-0). Microbes have shaped human culture through infection, disease, and pandemic, but Crawford shows that we have also influenced their evolution as she traces the interlinked history of microbes and humans. Elastic: Flexible Thinking in a Time of Change by Leonard Mlodinow (Mar. 20, hardcover, $27.95, ISBN 978-1-101-87092-1). Drawing on the latest research in neuroscience and psychology, Mlodinow traces the mechanics of our own minds. He describes “elastic thinking” and lays out how it may help people navigate a fast-changing world. Searching for Stars on an Island in Maine by Alan Lightman (Mar. 27, hardcover, $25, ISBN 978-1-101-87186-7). Meditating on religion and science, Lightman probes the tension between a human yearning for certainty and the uncertain nature of the world, as well as the ways humans have approached these concepts historically. The Secret Life of Cows by Rosamund Young (June 12, hardcover, $23, ISBN 978-0-525-55731-9) distills a lifetime of wisdom gained while operating an organic farm in Worcestershire, England, describing the surprising personalities of her cows and other animals. Young shares how these creatures love, play games, and form lifelong friendships. Princeton Univ. Genetics in the Madhouse: The Unknown History of Human Heredity by Theodore M. Porter (May 29, hardcover, $35, ISBN 978-0-691-16454-0) reveals the previously untold story of how collecting and sorting hereditary data in mental hospitals, schools for “feebleminded” children, and prisons gave rise to the science of human heredity. Unnatural Selection by Katrina Van Grouw (June 5, hardcover, $45, ISBN 978-0-691-15706-1) fuses art, science, and history as it pays tribute to Darwin’s monumental work, The Variation of Animals and Plants under Domestication, on the 150th anniversary of its publication. My Plastic Brain: One Woman’s Yearlong Journey to Discover If Science Can Improve Her Mind by Caroline Williams (Mar. 13, hardcover, $24, ISBN 978-1-63388-391-8) investigates the concept of “neuroplasticity,” using the author herself as a guinea pig, to find out whether she can make meaningful, lasting changes to the way her brain works. Turning Points: How Critical Events Have Driven Human Evolution, Life, and Development by Kostas Kampourakis (Feb. 6, hardcover, $25, ISBN 978-1-63388-329-1) introduces to laypersons central concepts in the study of evolution. Kampourakis aims to dispel misconceptions as he presents current research in accessible terms. The Order of Time by Carlo Rovelli (May 8, hardcover, $20, ISBN 978-0-7352-1610-5) pulls from literature, philosophy, and science to deliver a rich appreciation of the mysteries of time. Rovelli invites readers to join physicists and philosophers in puzzling out the nature of this phenomenon. The Human Instinct: How We Evolved to Have Reason, Consciousness, and Free Will by Kenneth R. Miller (Apr. 17, hardcover, $26, ISBN 978-1-4767-9026-8) argues for rejecting the idea that human biological heritage means that thought, action, and imagination are predetermined. Miller instead offers an evolutionary trajectory that considers the creatures that humans have evolved alongside and our own self-awareness. The Tangled Tree: A Radical New History of Life by David Quammen (July 10, hardcover, $30, ISBN 978-1-4767-7662-0) assesses how recent discoveries in molecular biology may change our understanding of evolution and the history of life, with potential repercussions for human health and even human nature. S&S/Touchstone Don’t Give Guns to Robots: Choosing Our Future Before It Chooses Us by Adam Savage and Drew Curtis (May 8, hardcover, $27, ISBN 978-1-5011-7053-9) takes a look at many possible unanticipated repercussions of technological innovation. Mythbuster Savage and tech pioneer Curtis address the surprises, threats, and challenges humans will likely face. Generation Robot: A Century of Science Fiction, Fact, and Speculation by Terri Favro (Feb. 6, hardcover, $24.99, ISBN 978-1-5107-2310-8) offers new perspective on how people’s relationships with robotics and futuristic technologies has shifted over time, letting readers ponder the way techno-triumphs and resulting anxieties bleed into the fantasies of our collective culture. Darwin’s Fossils: The Collection That Shaped the Theory of Evolution by Adam Lister (Apr. 10, trade paper, $19.95, ISBN 978-1-58834-617-9) accessibly relays how Darwin’s pioneering work on fossils, his adventures in South America, and his relationship with the scientific establishment shaped his scientific thinking and led to his development of the theory of evolution. St. Martin’s Hype: A Doctor’s Guide to Medical Myths, Exaggerated Claims and Bad Advice—How to Tell What’s Real and What’s Not by Nina Shapiro and Kristin Loberg (May 1, hardcover, $26.99, ISBN 978-1-250-14930-5) appraises the nature of health myths and dispels many of them while teaching readers how to navigate the labyrinth of health advice and potential sources of misinformation. Wayfinding: The Science and Mystery of How Humans Navigate the World by M.R. O’Connor (May 1, hardcover, $26.99, ISBN 978-1-250-09696-8) seeks out neuroscientists, anthropologists, and master navigators to understand how navigation helped shape who we are. O’Connor charts how humans’ deep capacity for exploration, memory, and storytelling results in a love of place. Univ. of Chicago Risingtidefallingstar: In Search of the Soul of the Sea by Philip Hoare (Apr. 2, trade paper, $20, ISBN 978-0-226-56052-6). This unconventional book eschews argument and genre as it adopts the characteristics of the seas upon which the author meditates. Readers will encounter nature and travel writing, lyrical memoir, American and English history, and much more. No Immediate Danger: Volume One of Carbon Ideologies by William T. Vollmann (Apr. 10, hardcover, $40, ISBN 978-0-399-56349-2) reports on the myriad causes of climate change, including industrial manufacturing and agricultural practices, fossil fuel extraction, economic demand for electric power, and the yearning of people all over the world to live in comfort. Yale Univ. Breakpoint: Reckoning with America’s Environmental Crises by Jeremy B.C. Jackson and Steve Chapple (Apr. 24, hardcover, $26, ISBN 978-0-300-17939-2) travels the length of the Mississippi River engaging with farmers, fishermen, scientists, and policymakers to better understand the America’s mounting environmental problems. Return to the main feature. Correction: The subtitle for the book Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore was incorrect in an earlier version of this article. A version of this article appeared in the 12/11/2017 issue of Publishers Weekly under the headline: Science More from pw	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8755
__label__cc	0.579433	0.420567	Home Health Government of Paraguay Approves CBD as Medical Marijuana Treatment Government of Paraguay Approves CBD as Medical Marijuana Treatment Kayla Christyne The government of Paraguay has approved a hemp oil CBD product for use as a medicine. The government of Paraguay has approved medical marijuana treatment by cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is non-psychoactive. This decision was made by the South American country’s health department. The Dirección Nacional de Vigilancia Sanitaria is similar to FDA approval for medicines in the United States. The products, HempMeds Real Scientific Hemp Oil-X and Real Scientific Hemp Oil Blue Label, are manufactured in San Diego, California. The company uses extracted oil from industrial hemp grown in Europe to formulate the medicines. The first CBD hemp oil product of its kind, RSHO-X™ is one of our most popular selling supplements. Since RSHO-X™ contains the smallest trace amounts of THC. via Hemp Meds Raúl Elizalde, the president of HempMeds Latin America, noted in an interview with High Times that “the registration was accelerated for humanitarian purposes. Our botanical-based products were shown to be effective when pharmaceutical products failed to adequately control seizure disorders.” As a result, these newly registered medicines have been distributed to pharmacies and can be prescribed by doctors. The MMJ therapies are currently being used by doctors in Paraguay to treat cancer, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, epilepsy and other neurological diseases. The HempMeds products are formulated to contain cannabidiol (CBD) and other botanical compounds from cannabis, with little or no THC. Similarly, RSHO Blue Label contains less than 0.3% THC to comply with United States federal regulations. In addition, RSHO-X contains no measurable THC to satisfy Mexican authorities wary of the psychoactive cannabinoid. The Government of Paraguay Approves Dr. Titus, a respected leader in the CBD industry. via Medical Marijuana Inc. Dr. Stuart Titus is the CEO of Medical Marijuana Inc., the parent company of HempMeds. He said in a statement released January 9th, that the decision in Paraguay is part of a concerted effort by the company to gain access to more international markets. “We have actively pursued getting our pipeline of botanical cannabis products registered and approved as therapeutic products in countries around the world,” he said. The company has marked success in that endeavor in Latin America. Besides Paraguay and Mexico, HempMeds products are also available to patients in Brazil, the region’s most populous country. “This is yet another example of the international trend of acceptance of CBD for therapeutic use. We are continually encouraged by the decisions of governments and regulators to permit the use of cannabis and CBD products. For patients suffering from multiple indications—especially where conventional medicine has had modest or limited effects,” added Dr. Titus.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8756
__label__wiki	0.947569	0.947569	What Was the Name of Shakespeare's Acting Troupe? Lord Chamberlain's Men was the name of the acting troupe that William Shakespeare wrote and acted for, and of which he was a shareholder. Henry Carey, First Baron Hunsdon, who was also known as Lord Chamberlain, was the ... More » www.reference.com › Art & Literature › Literature › Plays What Was the Name of the Theater That Shakespeare Worked In? William Shakespeare worked in and performed his plays at the Globe Theater in London. The theater opened in 1599 and was financed by the acting troupe, Lord Chamberlain's Men. The theater was three stories high, and its ... More » www.reference.com › Art & Literature › Literature › Classics Why Did the Lord Chamberlain's Men Change Their Name? The Lord Chamberlain's Men, the acting company with which William Shakespeare was closely associated, changed its name in 1603 to the King's Men because James I ascended to the throne that year and took the troupe under ... More » www.reference.com › History › Modern History › Modern Europe acting troupe names theatre troupe names theatre company names names for drama groups theatre troupe name generator theatre company name generator shakespeare acting company names shakespeare's acting troupe Why Did Shakespeare Write "Macbeth"? Scholars believe Shakespeare wrote "Macbeth" to entertain and win the approval of King James I. Shakespeare's troupe, originally "The Lord Chamberlain's Men," changed its name to "The King's Men" to honor the new Scottis... More » What Was Shakespeare's Theater Company Called? William Shakespeare's theater company was called the Lord Chamberlain's Men. Lord Chamberlain's Men ran under the patronage of Henry Carey, as he was Lord Chamberlain at the time. It was established in 1594 under the rul... More » What Acting Company Did Shakespeare Work For? Shakespeare worked for an acting company called The Lord Chamberlain's Men starting in the early 1590s, which then changed its name to King's Men after King James I took the throne in 1603. The company was considered pop... More » www.reference.com › History › Modern History › Renaissance & Reformation Which Theater Did Shakespeare Join in 1594? The Lord Chamberlain's Men is the theater company that Shakespeare joined in 1594. After King James I took the throne in 1603, the company changed its name to the King's Men. The King's Men was the most-popular theater c... More » Today's Top 10 Articles in art-literature Why Is "Romeo and Juliet" a Tragedy? What Is Oedipus' Tragic Flaw? What Makes a Good Play? What Is an Example of Hyperbole in "Romeo and Juliet"? What Is the Literary Term for a Play-Within-A-Play?	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8759
__label__wiki	0.874183	0.874183	Indigenous Canadian women still being forcibly sterilized, claims senator Published time: 12 Nov, 2018 17:34 Edited time: 13 Nov, 2018 11:47 © Derek Seifert A Canadian senator claims that unwilling indigenous women are still getting coerced into being sterilized across Canada. The senator now wants the “heinous” issue investigated nationwide. Sterilization by tubal ligation – a process by which the fallopian tubes are either tied, burned or severed – is not just a shameful relic of Canadian history, Senator Yvonne Boyer claimed, but a process that is still happening across the country today. According to a report published last year, the procedure is frequently carried out on indigenous women in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The report relies only on verbal evidence from women in the Saskatoon region, and was authored by Boyer herself. ‘No justice for indigenous people’: Uproar in Canada after acquittal in Aboriginal killing After being contacted by survivors, Boyer now believes that the practice is far more commonplace than previously believed. “If it’s happened in Saskatoon, it has happened in Regina, it’s happened in Winnipeg, it’s happened where there’s a high population of Indigenous women,” Boyer told the Toronto Star. “I’ve had many women contact me from across the country and ask me for help.” One of those women, Liz, said that she was coerced by a Children’s Aid worker into having an abortion and being sterilized at an Ontario hospital when she fell pregnant at 17. “It was a matter of me almost (being) cornered, if you will, by my worker at the time saying, ‘You better have an abortion because if you don’t, either way, we are going to take that child from you,’” Liz explained. While the procedure took place almost 40 years ago, Liz told the Star that she is still haunted by the experience. “I’ve had a few dreams...where you could hear a baby crying or you could have a sense of a baby,” she said. “The first time I had it I didn’t know if it was a boy or a girl. And then another time I had it, it was a boy.” Reproductive justice means fighting for abortion access AND the right to be a parent. Forced sterilization of Indigenous women (& racialized women & disabled women) is part of Canada’s ongoing legacy of colonization and we must all condemn it and end it. https://t.co/T2UTPgswxC — Radical Handmaids (@RadicalHandmaid) November 12, 2018 #Reconciliation I read this in horror and sadness. Indigenous women in Canada faced brutal injustice. Forced sterilization. https://t.co/2qHn76Fek9 — Meribeth Burton (@MeribethBurton) November 12, 2018 In Saskatchewan, two of the women affected launched a class-action lawsuit last year, claiming $7 million in damages. Since then, almost 60 other women have joined the lawsuit. Alisa Lombard, a lawyer representing the women, has said that the practice was common in the provinces of Saskatchewan, Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, and in the frozen Northwest Territories and Nunavut. While Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau almost scuppered the negotiation of a multibillion-dollar trade pact between the US, Canada and Mexico this year by pushing for the agreement to include a chapter on indigenous rights, Indigenous Services Minister Jane Philpott says that the issue of forced sterilizations is an unspoken and ongoing crime. “The issue of forced sterilization of vulnerable people, including Indigenous women, is a very serious violation of human rights,” she told the Star, adding that it is “absolutely appalling and reprehensible.” READ MORE: Canadian MPs urge Pope Francis to apologize for state-funded indigenous assimilation program Further back in time, the province of Alberta was once a hotbed of eugenicist ideas. In 1929, the provincial government enacted the Sexual Sterilization Act of Alberta, a piece of legislation that allowed for the involuntary sterilization of the mentally disabled. The Alberta Eugenics Board was established to recommend people for sterilization, and the act was only repealed in 1972. Indigenous Canadians, who made up between two and three percent of Alberta’s population, accounted for six percent of all sterilizations. Think your friends would be interested? Share this story! Trends:Canada news Blackjack returns: Russia unveils newly built Tu-160 supersonic strategic bomber 'Corpse Bride': Internet slams woman who had '50 surgeries' to look like Angelina Jolie… or did she? REVEALED: ‘Russia’s hottest World Cup fan’ turns out to be porn star (PHOTOS) They’re back! Worms unfrozen after 42,000 years are alive and eating Decades-long investigation into Bermuda Triangle finally explains mysterious disappearances Napoleonic times redux? Europe should become ‘EMPIRE’, says French minister #ICYMI: Is every other Russian in London really a spy or informant? (VIDEO) Cookie toll: Bear and fox demand food payment from passing tourists (VIDEO) Illusion of democracy: If US elections could change anything they wouldn't be held Investigation launched after several pilots report close encounter with UFO (AUDIO)	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8761
__label__wiki	0.809146	0.809146	A Victory for People Power in Ireland Published in The Huffington Post A hugely significant victory for people power was achieved in Ireland this month. After 19 nights of sleeping on the floor of the Paris Bakery in Dublin, a group of mostly young migrant workers succeeded in forcing political action that will help them recoup unpaid wages and make history in the process. All but one of the workers had been involved in trade unions or political campaigning before, but all have emerged as beacons for what's possible when people have the courage to act.Their sit-in campaign started when owners of the popular cafe bakery, Yanick Forel and Ruth Savill, closed the doors of their thriving business. Rumors spread of plans for the owners to set-up elsewhere in the city. There were suggestions of business interests in the Caymen islands and revelations of how the owners had been feted with awards and praise from the business community. Earlier this year, thousands of people signed a petition to stop the popular establishment being demolished to make way for a proposed new shopping complex. What petition signatories, including myself, didn't know at the time was that while the bakery was doing a roaring trade, the owners were paying neither their staff nor their taxes. One worker was owed at least €6,000 and had been hanging on for months on the promise that the money was on the way. Another was made homeless. There were also claims of below the minimum wage working and a regime where holiday pay, tips and other entitlements weren't forthcoming. When the workers began their impromptu sit-in on May 20th nobody expected what would follow. Within hours of the occupation local traders and campaigners came on board. An impressive coalition of groups including the OPASTI Plaster's union, Migrant Rights Centre Ireland, Mandate, ENAR Ireland, SIPTU, ICTU and Uplift helped them organize actions and communicate what was happening. In the days that followed, local residents and stall holders, election candidates and passers-by started dropping in to offer food, water, songs and solidarity. In an act reminiscent of struggles of old, electricity workers refused to turn off the power, despite being ordered to do so. Just over 100 years since the famous 1913 Dublin lock-out, a new symbolic fight for dignity, rights and survival was being born. Speaking during the campaign, Venezuelan woman Matilde Naranjo, a former waitress, said, "Wage theft is appalling and workers need more legal protections. We do not want to see this happen to any other worker in Ireland. This is not just our fight or the fight of migrant workers but a fight for all workers." The campaign grew in momentum and magnitude. Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams paid a visit, so did government Minister Joan Burton, who gave assurances of help. They visited the Dáil (the Irish parliament) where Dessie Ellis TD, questioned Minister Richard Bruton on this issue and who, according to workers, inflamed the situation by stating what was already known. There was deadlock. The owners refused to engage in discussion, or to wind up the company, allowing them to walk away and prevent access to an Insolvency Fund. Similar situations had happened before due to a legal loophole that means workers often don't get paid when a business ceases trading. It had happened with Vita Cortex, La Senza, GAMA, HMV, Thomas Cook and Connolly Shoes. Political promises of reform were made time and time again. The Paris Bakery campaigners took their message to the airwaves, online and on the TV. Messages of support came flooding in from as far away as the U.S and Australia. Their cause was raised at a UN conference in Geneva. They protested at government buildings, held vigils on the streets, and arranged colorful and creative pickets outside the home of one of the owners. People with no experience in campaigning were suddenly organizers and leaders, interacting with a mass audience of supporters on Twitter and Facebook. Almost 5,000 people liked their Facebook page. Over 3,500 people signed a petition. Over 1000 emails were sent to the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) and 100s attended protests, pickets and vigils. Perhaps the quotes from 1916 rebellion leaders that adorned the walls of the cafe bakery had inspired something. Maybe there was something about the history of Moore Street, where several of the 1916 leaders had been captured. There would be no surrender on this occasion.In the end, determination paid off. On Tuesday May 10th, the by now exhausted campaigners received a letter from the Revenue Commissioners saying that they were winding up the company. Political pressured had paid off. Workers would be finally able to access the Insolvency Fund that was previously denied to them by greed, arrogance, and unjust legislation. The former staff won't get all their money but they have been transformed as people in the process. They have realized the power and beauty of collective action, of standing up for what is right, regardless of the discomfort, the risks and the obstacles involved. They have uplifted each other, and in turn inspired others in Ireland and abroad. The workers and their supporters exemplified what is meant by the old Irish saying 'níl neart le cur le chéile' (there is no strength without unity). The workers are now continuing their campaign so that what happened to them can't happen to others. They have become vocal advocates for the protection offered by trade union membership. New legislation inspired by their fight appears imminent, meaning unscrupulous employers can't simply walk away from their responsibilities. These new leaders have given hope to many, particularly those in the restaurant sector, where exploitation is rife. They have reminded us that change is possible and that whatever the odds, we should never give up.	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8762
__label__cc	0.517802	0.482198	I-80/Hwy 65 Construction Updates (July 12) News November 26, 2018 Below is the latest construction update provided by Caltrans on for Sunday, July 14, through Saturday, July 20, 2019 Interstate 80/State Route 65 Phase 1 (Placer County) Work continues on a $50 million project by Caltrans, the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency, the South Placer Regional Transportation Authority, County of Placer and the cities of Roseville, Rocklin and Lincoln for various interchange improvements, including construction of a third lane on northbound SR-65 from I-80 to Pleasant Grove Boulevard. Completion is expected in 2020. June 30 through summer 2019 Antelope Creek Trail (Placer County) The trail between Antelope Creek Drive in Roseville and Springview Drive in Rocklin will be closed through summer 2019 due to ongoing construction activities on the northbound State Route 65 viaduct. The trail will remain closed for the safety of the public until safe passage can be provided. July 15 – July 19 State Route 65 (Placer County) from Interstate 80 to Pleasant Grove Boulevard: Northbound motorists can expect various lane restrictions and the Galleria Boulevard/Stanford Ranch Road on- and off-ramps closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday for guardrail and striping work. Interstate 80 (Placer County) at the State Route 65 junction: Motorists can expect the connector to northbound SR-65 closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday for highway construction. The detour route will divert drivers to the Eureka Road exit and then to the eastbound I-80 on-ramp. Motorists will be directed to the EB I-80 connector to NB SR-65. State Route 65 (Placer County) from Pleasant Grove Boulevard to Interstate 80: Southbound motorists can expect various lane restrictions from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday for guardrail work. Galleria Boulevard and Stanford Ranch Road (Placer County) at the on-ramp to southbound State Route 65 on-ramp: Motorists can expect the on-ramp to southbound State Route 65 closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday miscellaneous work. Galleria Boulevard and Stanford Ranch Road (Placer County) East- and westbound motorists can expect various lane restrictions from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday through Friday for striping and concrete work. Taylor Road (Placer County) Motorists can expect intermittent one-way traffic control from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Friday for guardrail work. CONSTRUCTION NOTES Nighttime striping work is scheduled next week for northbound and southbound State Route 65 between Interstate 80 and Pleasant Grove Boulevard. Motorists can expect traffic congestion in the area. Crews also will be working on the Galleria Boulevard/Stanford Ranch Road overpass. Motorists should be alert for construction crews working in the gore area between the northbound and southbound on-ramps and off-ramps during daytime hours on weekdays. No lanes will be affected. Crews continue to remove the falsework materials from under the viaduct. The contractor has completed the new barrier rail. The sidewalk on the south side of the Galleria Boulevard/Stanford Ranch Road overcrossing will be closed through July for concrete work. The Caltrans District Traffic Management Branch has reviewed each project and determined that individual project delays are expected to be less than the statewide policy maximum of 30 minutes, unless noted otherwise above. Lanes are numbered from the center divide (#1) to the shoulder (#2, 3, 4, etc.). Unexpected schedule changes may occur. For current information on roadwork, delays, road conditions and emergency closures, call the voice-activated Caltrans Highway Information Network (CHIN) at 1-800-427-7623 (ROAD) or visit Caltrans’ “QuickMap” website at: http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8768
__label__wiki	0.706568	0.706568	Music News > Amazon is getting ready to launch a hi-def music streaming service Less than a week after Amazon launched its first fully free music streaming service, according to "Music Business Worldwide" the company is planning to challenge the likes of Spotify. According to the report, Amazon is currently in discussion with various large music rights-holders regarding the upcoming launch of a high fidelity music streaming platform – and that at least one major record company has already agreed to license it. It seems that the price of Amazon’s new tier will likely be in the region of $15 per month. It’s expected to launch before the end of 2019. The service is expected to offer a better bit rate, better than CD quality. The best known existing hi-def music streaming offering comes from TIDAL, whose TIDAL Hi-FI subscription tier costs $19.99 per month and offers CD-quality lossless streams at 44.1 kHz / 16 bit. In addition, TIDAL also offers a ‘Masters’ quality offering for pickier audiophiles, which presents thousands of albums at 96 kHz / 24 bit. Meanwhile, Deezer offers a HiFi tier at a standard price of $19.99 per month, which, like TIDAL’s equivalent, streams music at 44.1 kHz / 16-bit via FLAC files. The world’s two biggest music subscription streaming platforms – Spotify and Apple Music – are yet to venture into the world of high fidelity audio. Follow! > Liked this article? Share it with your friends I was born and raised in the ghetto, on welfare, two minutes from homeless Who said it? >	cc/2019-30/en_head_0013.json.gz/line8769

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