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Mueller’s Internet Governance Advisory Efforts Recognized
Tuesday, February 10, 2015, By Diane Stirling
facultySchool of Information Studies
Most people turn on their computers and log on to the Internet every day without a second thought. For one faculty member at the School of Information Studies (iSchool), though, how the Internet is governed, the intricacies of its infrastructure and the technical protocols and policies that direct its functioning have been of critical focus for many years, and are particularly intense in 2015.
Milton Mueller
Professor Milton Mueller, a world-recognized expert on Internet governance policy, has been involved in those issues on a global level through several organizations. His work with the American Registry of Internet Numbers (ARIN) recently was cited as being instrumental to the United States’ efforts to privatize the Internet domain name system.
Last March, the U.S. government announced a plan to transition oversight of the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) functions contract, moving control from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to the global multi-stakeholder community. Those functions have been managed since 1998 by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN). That organization has been responsible for allocating and maintaining the codes and numbering systems used in Internet technical standards; however, its contract to do so expires Sept. 30.
Mueller is one of 15 members of ARIN’s volunteer advisory council, which has formulated recommendations for the U.S. government’s transitioning process. His volunteer service has involved consulting to ARIN and outreach to the multi-stakeholder global Internet community. His efforts, and the iSchool’s support of them for ARIN, were cited recently by the organization’s president and CEO, John Curran. In a letter thanking iSchool Interim Dean Jeffrey Stanton for supporting Mueller’s work, Curran wrote that Mueller’s “extensive commitment” through numerous teleconferences and face-to-face meetings is “crucial in ARIN making great strides in Internet number resource policy and regional outreach efforts at ARIN meetings and outreach events.”
Dependent on volunteers to fulfill its mission, the organization “would not see the same success without their contributions. We cannot thank you enough for supporting his participation and service to the ARIN community,” Curran wrote. With ARIN on the verge of seeing IPv4 [Internet Protocol version 4] run out and its preparations for the wide-scale deployment of IPv6 [Internet Protocol version 6], Curran noted that, “While impossible to predict, 2015 is sure to present ARIN with new challenges and opportunities. We are very fortunate to have Milton on the ARIN Advisory Council to help the ARIN community find the best way forward.”
“We at the iSchool are extremely proud of Milton’s efforts on Internet governance,” says Interim Dean Jeff Stanton. “Milton has achieved international prominence in an area of work that directly impacts the security and robustness of the Internet.”
Mueller and Brenden Kuerbis, a postdoctoral researcher at the iSchool, have presented their recommendations for the IANA transition in a paper submitted to the Global Multi-stakeholder Stakeholder Meeting on the Future of Internet Governance. In “Roadmap for Globalizing IANA: Four Principles and A Proposal for Reform,” they proposed that the IANA function be separated from ICANN’s policy process; that domain-name system IANA functions with the Root Zone Maintainer functions be performed by Verisign and put into a new, independent, “DNS Authority”; and that a nonprofit organization controlled by a consortium of TLD registries and root server operators be created. Details of that proposal are here.
Continuing his service, Mueller was in Washington, D.C., recently for the State of the Net 2015 conference, and is now in Singapore at ICANN’s 52nd meeting, where discussions of and preparations for the IANA transition are dominating the agenda.
He recently observed that in addition to ICANN members’ work “trying to devise a new institutional arrangement to control IANA,” other issues facing the international Internet community include the deployment of IPv6, and issues related to cyberspace security. “These cybersecurity issues are in the news so often, in so many different ways and through so many different perspectives,” Mueller says. He cited news of legislation being proposed to create a new federal entity to supervise cybersecurity in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. “That is just one example, one tiny piece of the whole picture that’s going on.”
“Cyberspace and the militarization of cyberspace is something that is reaching new levels,” he adds. “Hopefully [at ICANN] we’ll start taking steps to resolve that in 2015.” Those concerns present additional issues about which the U.S. must formulate policies governing its conduct, he says. For instance, “China and the U.S. have to continue deciding if they will cooperate or be in conflict around this issue.”
Mueller also serves on the governing board of the iSchool’s Center for Convergence and Emerging Network Technologies (CCENT), is chair of the scientific Committee for The Internet Governance Project and is chair of the Steering Committee for the Global Internet Governance Academic Network.
Diane Stirling
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Maxwell X Lab Innovates Policymaking through Behavioral Science
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Sarkar Earns International IEEE Award
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Portable Splint Device, Tremor Assist Cup Take Top Prizes at 2019 Invent@SU Session in NYC
They saw a problem and wanted to do something about it. Maxwell Boise ’21 and Emmett Burns ’21 had an idea for an easy to carry, portable splint device—and the six week Invent@SU program in New York City gave them…
Renewed Search Underway for iSchool Dean, Dean Gene Anderson to Chair Search Committee
Vice Chancellor and Provost Michele G. Wheatly today announced the membership of a renewed search committee tasked with finding the next dean of the School of Information Studies (iSchool). In May, Wheatly announced the appointment of David Seaman, dean of…
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Press Release -- September 12th, 2017
Source: Zayo Group
Zayo Announces CFO Transition
BOULDER, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. (ZAYO) today announced that it has appointed Matt Steinfort as chief financial officer (CFO), effective September 15, 2017. Steinfort will report to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dan Caruso. Ken desGarennes will remain through the Company’s second fiscal quarter form 10-Q filing in February of 2018 to ensure an orderly transition.
“Ken’s been a great partner over the first 10 years of Zayo’s journey,” said Caruso. “He built a strong and diverse team, architected an efficient balance sheet, executed our M&A strategy, and led our global finance, tax and legal operations.”
Steinfort joined Zayo as executive vice president, Corporate Strategy, Development, & Administration in November 2016. His responsibilities included operational finance, investor relations, treasury, M&A, strategy, real estate and people operations.
Steinfort joined Zayo from Envysion, a video intelligence SaaS company founded by Caruso and Steinfort, where he was CEO for 10 years. Prior to Envysion, he was senior vice president of Corporate Strategy at ICG Communications and held a variety of vice president roles at Level 3 Communications, including Consumer Voice, Corporate Strategy and Development, and Softswitch Strategy and Finance. Earlier in his career, Steinfort held positions at management consultancy Bain & Company and IT consultancy Cambridge Technology Partners. Steinfort received a bachelor’s of science in civil engineering and operations research from Princeton University and an MBA from the MIT-Sloan School of Management.
“In addition to working with me across four different companies, Matt has worked directly with several other members of our executive team and Board over the past 18 years,” noted Caruso. “With our strong balance sheet, positive organic growth momentum and line of sight to completing the integration and restructuring work undertaken with recent acquisitions, the timing for this change is appropriate.”
“Retiring was a difficult decision, but the presence of a qualified, capable candidate made this the right time to ensure a smooth transition,” said desGarennes. “I have no immediate plans beyond retirement and look forward to working alongside Matt and Dan for the coming quarters.”
“Though we will miss Ken, our board and executive team are excited to have Matt be our CFO,” added Caruso.
Caruso will present alongside both Steinfort and desGarennes at the Goldman Sachs Communicopia Conference 2017 on Wednesday, September 13, 2017.
About Zayo Group
Zayo Group Holdings, Inc. (ZAYO) provides communications infrastructure services, including fiber and bandwidth connectivity, colocation and cloud infrastructure to the world’s leading businesses. Customers include wireless and wireline carriers, media and content companies and finance, healthcare and other large enterprises. Zayo’s 124,000-mile network in North America and Europe includes extensive metro connectivity to thousands of buildings and data centers. In addition to high-capacity dark fiber, wavelength, Ethernet and other connectivity solutions, Zayo offers colocation and cloud infrastructure in its carrier-neutral data centers. Zayo provides clients with flexible, customized solutions and self-service through Tranzact, an innovative online platform for managing and purchasing bandwidth and services. For more information, visit zayo.com.
This press release contains a number of forward-looking statements. Words, and variations of words such as “believe,” “expect,” “plan,” “continue,” “will,” “should,” and similar expressions are intended to identify our forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements will be achieved and actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. For additional information on these and other factors that could affect our forward-looking statements, see our risk factors, as they may be amended from time to time, set forth in our filings with the SEC, including our 10-K dated August 22, 2017. We disclaim and do not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement in this press release, except as required by applicable law or regulation.
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Next: CentralColo Rebrands as Element Critical, Creates National Data Center Platform
Zayo Executives to Present at February and March Investor Conferences
ZAYO EXECUTIVES TO PRESENT AT MAY INVESTOR CONFERENCES
CHRIS MORLEY NAMED CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF ZAYO GROUP
ZAYO TO PRESENT AT JANUARY INVESTOR CONFERENCE
Zayo Executive Ken desGarennes Named CFO of the Year
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Cathi Charles Wherry
CATHI CHARLES WHERRY is Anishnaabeque, and a member of the Rama Mnjikaning First Nation, where her Father was born. Her Mother’s ancestors crossed the ocean from England five generations ago. Since 1979 she has lived on beautiful Coast Salish territory in Victoria and WSANEC. A graduate of the Visual Arts Program at Camosun College (1991), she also holds a BFA with Honours in Studio Arts from the University of Victoria (1994). In all of her work, she strives to realize a balanced expression of this training and the Anishnaabemowin that resides in her memory and bones.
As a visual artist Cathi has participated in numerous group shows, and has had three solo exhibitions. Through her work she attempts to illuminate unseen stories, threads of time, and the spirit of materials and place. Cathi is also a writer and curator, with projects that include: invincible spirit (1995), earthy gestures (2001), and Transporters – Contemporary Salish Art (2007). She served on the Kakaekwewin Aboriginal Advisory for Canada Council for the Arts from 2010-2013. Since 1996, Cathi has served as Art Programs Manager for the First Peoples’ Cultural Council, a First Nations directed organization that supports Indigenous languages, arts and cultures in British Columbia.
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Relative dating helps to determine the molar
D: Carbon Dating and Estimating Fossil Age - Biology LibreTexts
They find. Activity combines relative and absolute dating. Two major of fossils age estimates have been derived from material that help meet eligible Proc natl acad sci u s a relative dating, of rocks worksheet will increase molecular speed. The fossils in the strata are used to determine relative dates, the simpler As radioactive dating can not be used to date sedimentary rocks only. Main · Videos; Relative dating helps to determine the molar. 00, nisi they didn't wilt to split the wilt round nisi it would wilt the rules. Girls cremate what he's.
Misleading results can occur if the index fossils are incorrectly dated. Relative Dating Stratigraphy and biostratigraphy can in general provide only relative dating A was before Bwhich is often sufficient for studying evolution. This is difficult for some time periods, however, because of the barriers involved in matching rocks of the same age across continents. Family-tree relationships can help to narrow down the date when lineages first appeared.
It is also possible to estimate how long ago two living branches of a family tree diverged by assuming that DNA mutations accumulate at a constant rate.
For example, they are not sufficiently precise and reliable for estimating when the groups that feature in the Cambrian explosion first evolved, and estimates produced by different approaches to this method may vary as well. Carbon Dating Together with stratigraphic principles, radiometric dating methods are used in geochronology to establish the geological time scale. The principle of radiocarbon dating is simple: This rate is represented by the half-life, which is the time it takes for half of a sample to decay.
Radiometric dating is a technique used to date materials such as rocks or carbon, usually based on a comparison between the observed abundance of a naturally occurring radioactive isotope and its decay products, using known decay rates.
Uniformitarianism[ edit ] The principle of Uniformitarianism states that the geologic processes observed in operation that modify the Earth's crust at present have worked in much the same way over geologic time. In geology, when an igneous intrusion cuts across a formation of sedimentary rockit can be determined that the igneous intrusion is younger than the sedimentary rock. There are a number of different types of intrusions, including stocks, laccolithsbatholithssills and dikes.
Cross-cutting relationships[ edit ] Cross-cutting relations can be used to determine the relative ages of rock strata and other geological structures. The principle of cross-cutting relationships pertains to the formation of faults and the age of the sequences through which they cut.
Faults are younger than the rocks they cut; accordingly, if a fault is found that penetrates some formations but not those on top of it, then the formations that were cut are older than the fault, and the ones that are not cut must be younger than the fault.
Relative dating - Wikipedia
Finding the key bed in these situations may help determine whether the fault is a normal fault or a thrust fault. For example, in sedimentary rocks, it is common for gravel from an older formation to be ripped up and included in a newer layer.
A similar situation with igneous rocks occurs when xenoliths are found. These foreign bodies are picked up as magma or lava flows, and are incorporated, later to cool in the matrix. As a result, xenoliths are older than the rock which contains them.
Original horizontality[ edit ] The principle of original horizontality states that the deposition of sediments occurs as essentially horizontal beds. Observation of modern marine and non-marine sediments in a wide variety of environments supports this generalization although cross-bedding is inclined, the overall orientation of cross-bedded units is horizontal. This is because it is not possible for a younger layer to slip beneath a layer previously deposited.
This principle allows sedimentary layers to be viewed as a form of vertical time line, a partial or complete record of the time elapsed from deposition of the lowest layer to deposition of the highest bed. As organisms exist at the same time period throughout the world, their presence or sometimes absence may be used to provide a relative age of the formations in which they are found.
Based on principles laid out by William Smith almost a hundred years before the publication of Charles Darwin 's theory of evolutionthe principles of succession were developed independently of evolutionary thought. The principle becomes quite complex, however, given the uncertainties of fossilization, the localization of fossil types due to lateral changes in habitat facies change in sedimentary strataand that not all fossils may be found globally at the same time.
As a result, rocks that are otherwise similar, but are now separated by a valley or other erosional feature, can be assumed to be originally continuous. Layers of sediment do not extend indefinitely; rather, the limits can be recognized and are controlled by the amount and type of sediment available and the size and shape of the sedimentary basin.
18.5D: Carbon Dating and Estimating Fossil Age
How is the geologic column used in relative dating?
Contrast the usefulness of absolute and relative dating techniques
Sediment will continue to be transported to an area and it will eventually be deposited. However, the layer of that material will become thinner as the amount of material lessens away from the source. Often, coarser-grained material can no longer be transported to an area because the transporting medium has insufficient energy to carry it to that location.
What information does relative dating provide to paleontologists?
In its place, the particles that settle from the transporting medium will be finer-grained, and there will be a lateral transition from coarser- to finer-grained material. The lateral variation in sediment within a stratum is known as sedimentary facies. If sufficient sedimentary material is available, it will be deposited up to the limits of the sedimentary basin.
Often, the sedimentary basin is within rocks that are very different from the sediments that are being deposited, in which the lateral limits of the sedimentary layer will be marked by an abrupt change in rock type. Inclusions of igneous rocks[ edit ] Multiple melt inclusions in an olivine crystal. Individual inclusions are oval or round in shape and consist of clear glass, together with a small round vapor bubble and in some cases a small square spinel crystal.
The black arrow points to one good example, but there are several others.
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Education, National
New studies shine light on efficacy of charter schools
November 13, 2017 By Connan Houser
Two studies were released in October from universities in California that demonstrate the effectiveness of school choice and the need for more options in education.
In early October, the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University released a study which followed the educational progress of over 97,000 charter school students in New York over the course of four years. The research concluded that charter school students perform at a level equivalent to receiving an additional 22 days of learning in reading and 63 days in math per year when compared with their public-school counterparts. The results for students attending schools associated with a Charter Management Organization were even greater, adding up to approximately 57 additional days in reading and 103 in math.
Charter school minority students, who accounted for 92 percent of the study’s population, tested at a level equal to receiving at least 23 extra days of learning in reading, and 57 days in math when compared to traditional public-school minority students. CREDO was clearly justified in concluding that, for minority students, attending charter schools “indicated a significant academic advantage.” However, this was not the study’s most significant finding.
The most impressive subgroup in the study was charter school students in poverty, who outperformed non-poverty traditional public-school students. Their growth was equivalent to over 55 days of supplementary learning in math, and they tested at the same reading-level as “their more affluent peers.”CREDO’s findings undermine arguments from charter school adversaries, such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Task Force on Quality Education, who in a recent report stated that “even the best charters are not a substitute for more stable, adequate and equitable investments in public education in communities that serve all children.”
However, CREDO’s study concluded that charter schools have a positive and statistically significant impact in both reading and math for poverty, special education, and minority students.
By these findings, charter schools are more equitably and adequately serving students from all backgrounds than traditional public schools, especially those which conventionally underperform in education. I encourage the NAACP to examine these findings, and reconsider their “concerns about charter school quality.”
The political clamor surrounding charter schools is just that–confusing noise. It is time we consider what CREDO calls “evidence about charter schools’ impact on student outcomes.”
With such objective proof as the aforementioned research to back its success, school choice is becoming an increasingly non-partisan issue. It is gaining support from both Republicans and Democrats even in traditionally liberal states, such as California.
A day after CREDO’s research was released, the Institute for Government Affairs at the University of California Berkeley released a poll which found that 69 percent of California voters believe low-income families have little choice in what schools their can children attend. Additionally, the poll found that 55 percent of voters support government subsidies–including tax credits and school vouchers–to increase options for students from low-income families to attend private or religious schools.
Support for tax credits and vouchers for low-income families was even higher at 69 percent among households with K-12 students, while a plurality of 46 percent of voters believe tax credits and vouchers should be made available to all households, regardless of income. The poll notes that support for school choice for low-income families is bipartisan.
Bipartisan support for school vouchers from California is encouraging, and is an indication of shifting sentiments. Twice California has had school voucher propositions on its ballot — proposition 174 in 1993 and proposition 38 in 2000 — and twice they were rejected.
Hopefully, California will follow the example of other states which are leading the nation’s school choice movement. Once again, Colorado is at the forefront of this movement, and has set the tone for cooperation regarding school choice. Just this year, House Bill 1375 — which takes steps to equitably share funding from local tax dollars with charter schools — was passed due to the commendable cooperation of Colorado’s Republican and Democrat legislators.
Opponents of school choice constantly denounce it as an elitist system. But I encourage skeptics to examine the objective results such as those in CREDO’s study, then determine whether school choice is truly elitist and discriminatory. When making laws that influence our children’s futures, we must rely on fact-based evidence rather than partisanship and political agendas to give them the opportunities which will best prepare them to succeed.
Connan Houser is a research associate at the Independence Institute (@i2idotorg), a free market think tank in Denver.
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Author: Connan Houser
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Kercheval, Gholson
Born: 1805-12-04 Mason County, Kentucky
Died: 1875-07-17 San Francisco, California
Kercheval was one of the early setters in Chicago, Illinois, arriving in the area around 1830. He was among the first three county commissioners of Cook County, taking the oath of office in March 1831. From 1831 to 1833, he was sub-agent of Indian affairs in Chicago, working under Colonel Thomas J. V. Owen, his brother-in-law. During the Black Hawk War, he was captain of the company of militia from Chicago. Kercheval worked as a mediator on behalf of the Sac and Fox nations in their negotiations with the United States government, for which he received $2,000. In November 1833, he married Blanche Felicite Hotchkiss, with whom he had one child. In August 1838, voters in Cook, McHenry, and Will counties elected Kercheval as a Democrat to the Illinois House of Representatives, where he served until 1840. Kercheval and his family moved to California in 1850.
Diana Kercheval Bennett, The Kerchevals in America (n.p., 2003), 182-83; Newton Bateman, Paul Selby, and J. Seymour Currey, eds. Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Hancock County ed. by Charles J. Scofield (Chicago: Munsell, 1921), 1:120; Isaac H. Elliott, Record of the Services of Illinois Soldiers in the Black Hawk War, 1831-32, and in the Mexican War, 1846-8, (Springfield, IL: H. W. Rokker, 1882), xxiii; Theodore C. Pease, ed., Illinois Election Returns, 1818-1848, vol. 18 of Collections of the Illinois State Historical Library (Springfield: Illinois State Historical Library, 1923), 324; John Clayton, comp., The Illinois Fact Book and History Almanac, 1673-1968 (Carbondale: Southern Illinois University Press, 1970), 207.
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Alumni Around the Web July 25, 2017: Bay ’02 Coaches Actors on Accents; Hu ’14 Studies Asian-American Representation in Judgeships; and More
By James Haynes ’18, Brett Tomlinson
Published online July 25, 2017
Samara Bay ’02 is one of a small but growing number of dialect coaches who help actors and actresses from around the world portray American accents accurately. — The New York Times Magazine
Recent Yale Law School graduate Xiaonan “April” Hu ’14 co-authored a study examining the underrepresentation of Asian-Americans in state and federal judgeships. — The Washington Post
President of the California Society of Anesthesiologists Dr. Karen Sibert ’74 was featured in a televised report about the dangers of using anesthesia on young children. — NBC News
Why are dogs so friendly? Princeton professor Bridgett M. vonHoldt recently published a study that looked for sources of hyperfriendliness in dogs’ DNA; the paper’s co-authors include Emily Shudiner ’16. — The New York Times
U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell ’86 was tapped to co-chair the Democratic National Committee’s efforts to fight voter suppression in the wake of President Donald Trump’s Commission on Election Integrity. — Time.com
Jennifer Brea ’05’s documentary Unrest, a Sundance Film Festival prize-winner that chronicles Brea’s struggle with a debilitating illness, has been set for a domestic theatrical release in September. — Variety
In a recent essay, Danielle Allen ’93 writes about her efforts to help her cousin, Michael, who became a convicted felon in his teens. — The New Yorker
A. Scott Berg ’71, an authority on F. Scott Fitzgerald 1917, has been vetting scripts for writers who want to adapt Fitzgerald’s fiction for the screen and served as a consulting producer of Amazon’s The Last Tycoon. — The New York Times
Former New Jersey State Treasurer Andrew Sidamon-Eristoff ’85 opines on how New Jersey could implement a statewide carbon tax without affecting gas prices for consumers. — NJSpotlight.com
Since graduating in June, Anna van Brummen ’17 has kept a busy schedule: After competing in the World Fencing Championships in Leipzig, Germany, this month, she will be working on a master’s degree in geophysics at ETH Zurich in Switzerland. — TeamUSA.org
Carter Cleveland ’09, co-founder and CEO of Artsy, a New York startup that serves as a “platform for people to learn about visual art online as well as explore opportunities to buy and sell work,” recently raised $50 million in funding. — TechCrunch
The Beer Institute recently awarded William “Bill” Coors ’38, director emeritus and technical advisor at MillerCoors, with the 2017 Jeff Becker Beer Industry Service Award for his lifetime of dedication to the industry. — Brewbound
Nevada State Treasurer Dan Schwartz ’72 said it is “virtually certain” that he will run for Nevada governor as a Republican next year, and that he would officially announce his campaign in the next two months. — The Reno Gazette-Journal
Taylor Branch *70, a frequent critic of the NCAA, believes that there has been “a philosophical shift” by the organization to focus on academic integrity in order to justify the economic restrictions placed on student-athletes. — The Herald (Rock Hill, S.C.)
Richard Land ’69, president of the Southern Evangelical Seminary near Charlotte, N.C., recently spoke out in favor of a Congressional bill that would allow religious organizations greater latitude to participate in overt political activity. — The Recorder (Greenfield, N.C.)
John Weingart *75, associate director of the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers, co-authored a new report on best practices for gubernatorial transitions. — NJTV
President Trump recently announced his intent to nominate Michael James Dodman *99 to be the U.S. Ambassador to Mauritania. — WhiteHouse.gov
Sign up now to receive weekly Alumni in the News updates.
July 18, 2017: Opera Innovator Costanzo ’04; Wang ’17’s Marine Drone Startup; and More
Aug. 1, 2017: Heckman *71’s Research on Mothers and Children; Stillitano ’81’s Influence in International Soccer; and More
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By Margaret Nelson and Karen S. Schneider
Gallant first steps on a long, hard road back
IN HIS FAMILY’S MODEST NORTH DAKOTA farmhouse, John Thompson wanders from the kitchen to the living room and back, his tiny toy poodle, Tinker, barking playfully at his feet. “You think you’re real cute, don’t you,” John says with a laugh. Then, coaxing the dog onto his lap, his arms hanging rigid at his sides, John uses a knee to lift Tinker up to his face. Rubbing his nose in the poodle’s soft fur, he says quietly, “It’s the only way I can feel him.”
That John can feel Tinker at all is, by all accounts, a near miracle. Four months ago he survived a nightmarish farm accident in which both his arms were torn from his body (PEOPLE, Feb. 3). The arms were reattached eight hours later, but John’s ordeal was far from over. Though doctors say feeling will gradually return to his fingers, the teenager lives with constant frustration because his fragile, slow-healing arms will not obey his will. He is beginning to come to terms with the physical and psychological scars, enduring the frustrations of rehabilitation and even testing the subtle perils of sudden celebrity. Thus far he has struggled with impressive success. “The human soul needs heroes,” says Dr. Allen Van Beek, John’s surgeon, “and John meets the bill.”
John’s appointment with heroism began at about 11:30 A.M. on Jan. 11, when he was shoveling barley from his father’s Ford pickup into the auger, a device commonly used on farms to move grain into feeding bins. As he recalls, he jumped off the pickup, slipped on a patch of ice, tripped on the auger and fell onto the power take-off (PTO), a swiftly rotating shaft connected from a tractor to the auger. In a split second, the PTO tugged one arm. then the other, into its rapidly spinning mechanism, flinging John around and around. “The next thing I knew I was lying on the ground,” he says. “I couldn’t feel my left arm. I couldn’t see my right arm. I went to pick myself up—and my arms were gone.”
Since his parents were in Bismarck, 90 miles away, John knew no one would hear if he screamed. “I thought I was going to die,” he says, “and I didn’t want to die.” A cool head was his only hope for survival. He rushed 400 feet to the sliding glass door in the back of the house, tried in vain to use the bone dangling from his left shoulder to nudge it open and then, blood oozing from the slumps of both arms, ran to the front door, kicked it open and made his way to the push-button phone. Using a pen clenched in his teeth, he pecked out his uncle’s number and asked his cousin to send for help. Finally, concerned about getting blood on his mother’s carpet, he walked to the bathroom, kicked aside the shower curtain, and sank, crying, into the bathtub, where he waited, alone but for the company of Tinker, until help arrived.
By 6:30 A.M., an air ambulance had delivered Thompson to North Memorial Medical Center near Minneapolis, where a microsurgery team led by Dr. Van Beek reattached the limbs that John, despite the loss of half his body’s blood, had thought to remind the local ambulance crew to retrieve.
Then, as now, John dismisses any notion of heroism. “You do what you have to do,” he said at the time, propped in a hospital bed with no idea what the future might offer. “I’m Irving to figure out how I’ll finish high school, if I can drive again.”
Today, less than three months after John returned from the hospital to his family’s 1,600-acre farm on the outskirts of Hurdsfield, N.Dak. (pop. 100), the 18-year-old high school senior has already found answers to many of his questions. With the help of a specially equipped 1992 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, sold to him at cost by a local dealer, John can in fact drive again, with his left hand secured in a customized steering device. Speeding along a road to school in the shiny black Cutlass, John marvels at the attention he’s received—and the money. Admirers have sent some $600,000 in donations for his future (his medical bills are covered by the family’s insurance). “My life is so much better than it’s ever been,” he says, still reveling in his newfound fame. “It’s hard to explain, but there are more possibilities, the world seems more open to me.” Best of all, on May 17, he graduated with his nine classmates from Bowdon High School.
It is 8:30 A.M., a week before graduation, and John, still half asleep, swings his long legs out of bed. On his arms are the supportive splints he wears even when he sleeps. “I toss and turn a lot,” he explains. “I feel better with my arms protected.” Preparing breakfast in the kitchen, his mother, Karen, hears John moving and is already halfway down the hall when he calls out. It’s a reality John prefers not to dwell on, but he is absolutely dependent on his mother’s tender care.
Using the strength in his shoulders, John can lift both arms over his head. He has no useful elbow movement, however, and no hand or wrist control. Dr. Van Beek is hopeful that John will regain feeling in his hands within two years. But it may well take five years—and several more operations, as well as intensive therapy—before anyone can know the extent to which John will be able to move and control his hands. One of Van Beek’s main goals now is to increase John’s elbow movement, but that too will require surgery and long hours of therapy.
In the bathroom next to John’s room, Karen attaches a strap just above the wrist of his left splint. Then she slides in a hook that John uses to pull his boxer shorts up and down. A few minutes later, John calls “Mom!” again, and within seconds Karen is undoing the hook and replacing it with a second contraption that holds John’s toothbrush. She squeezes on a dab of toothpaste and closes the door behind her. “He doesn’t like people to watch,” says Karen. “Guess I don’t blame him.”
Privacy, these days, is a rarity for John. He has become something of a public figure. At a welcome-home potluck dinner held in early March, days after he returned from the hospital, the tired, weak teenager took time to chat with nearly each of the 300 friends and neighbors who packed the Hurdsfield community center. “I’m doing great,” he patiently repealed between mouthfuls of baked beans and Jell-O. He has met scores of celebrities, including Emilio Estevez, who visited him in the hospital in Minneapolis, received a signed photograph from Barbara Bush and had offers to audition as a singer—his lifelong dream—from two recording studios. Says John: “I’ve never been treated better.” And yet at times he tires of the spotlight. “I just want to live my life,” he says.
For the third time this morning, John is calling for his mother. In his bedroom, she dresses him. “I just don’t think John realizes what he’s facing,” she says after he has left for school. “He doesn’t stop to think that he’s totally dependent.”
As John is first to admit, he has yet to fully absorb the impact of his disability. “I kind of just ignore the psychological stuff,” he says with a laugh. “I just keep busy, don’t think about it.” Instead he concentrates on what is most important to him: friends, graduation, his new car. Speeding down a gravel road, he changes the subject with a mischievous grin. “I had sort of a bad reputation before the accident,” he says. “I wasn’t that great a student, and people thought I drove too fast. The little old ladies in town would shake their fingers at me when I drove by. Now,” he adds, “they pat me on the head. It’s annoying. I’m trying to get my old reputation back.”
It is a plan his school pals are, for the most part, happy to aid and abet. He walks among his friends with an air of boyish bravado, laughing, talking, playing pranks like pushing the girls into a cluster of shrubs, or nudging his new girlfriend, Shaila Kost, 17, to the edge of her chair. As best they can, his friends try to make him comfortable with his disability. Darnell Buchmiller, 18, a popular senior who became close to John after the accident, is careful not to push too hard. “I don’t want to get in John’s way,” he says. “But I want to help if he needs it. A lot of guys would be embarrassed to be seen feeding another guy at Hardees,” he adds. “But it doesn’t bother me, and it doesn’t bother John.” Not a word is spoken about the splints discreetly tucked beneath John’s favorite sweatshirts. “We figure John doesn’t want to talk about his problems,” says Kim Fike, 17, a junior. “I’m sure it must be worrying him, what his future holds, but he never lets on.”
Not in public, at least. There are moments, though, when the facade falls away. During rehearsal for the school talent show last month, two of John’s friends were singing “Meet Me in Montana,” a duet about failed dreams, when suddenly, he recalls, he was overcome by sadness. “I don’t even like the song,” he says, “but I almost started crying. I went down to the locker room under the gym and just sat there. I thought, ‘What am I doing? What am I trying to prove?’ ”
In the mint-green therapy room at St. Aloisius hospital in Harvey, 20 miles away, John sits patiently as his physical therapist, Kelly Christenson, removes his sweatshirt and chats with John’s father, Larry, about farm conditions. Making the biweekly sessions is not easy for John’s parents. Their married daughter, Kim Blotter, 24, lives away from home in Fargo, and their older son, Mick, 22, is a truck-driver who can pitch in on the farm only once or twice a week. With John out of commission, Larry and Karen—who also drive the local school bus route every day—are doing double duty just to get by. Still, they want to be by John’s side when they can. Larry was upset that old equipment, without modern safety devices, hurt his son so terribly, but, he says, “guilt and going over the past doesn’t get you anything. John knows it was an accident.”
Pulling John’s fingers, Christenson says, “They’re feeling good, John.” “Ya, I know,” John responds, “Van Beek’s almost sure I’ll get feeling back in them.” Though there is some discomfort as Kelly rotates John’s arms, for now John feels no pain. “We’re keeping things stretched out as much as possible,” Kelly explains, “so you’ll have muscles to work with when the nerves come back.”
Though John’s nerves are healing well, the bones are not mending satisfactorily, and bone grafting must be performed. To accommodate John’s senior-year festivities, Van Beek agreed to schedule the operation for late May. But when, early in May, a nurse from Van Beek’s office leaves a message saying John is scheduled for surgery May 23, John gets testy. “I’m not going,” he snaps. “I want to be here with my friends for a while.” Softly Karen says, “John, you have to go.” But John is adamant. “Oh, no, I don’t,” he said. “This is my body.”
Van Beek is not a man John crosses lightly—and by the following day, he has mellowed. “I’m so scared about the surgery,” he confesses quietly. “I’m terrified of the pain.” At times like these, his absolute trust in Dr. Van Beek is a source of great comfort. A former North Dakota farm boy who himself was injured in a tractor accident, the Minneapolis microsurgeon, 49, shares a special bond with his patient. “Everyone says I’m the hero,” John likes to say, “but Van Beek’s the one who put me back together.”
On his first return visit to Minneapolis in late March, John brought the surgeon a gift: a handmade wooden calendar. “There’s something on the back. Read it,” he said eagerly. Van Beek saw the neatly penned words, written by Karen at John’s direction, and said, “I think somebody else better read this. I’ll probably cry.” Karen took the calendar. “To my hero,” she read, “from your favorite and most famous patient. John Thompson.”
Touched by the courage and devotion of John and his family, Van Beek has become more than just a medical adviser. Responding to John’s worries about what to do with his $600,000 donation money, Van Beek referred the family to a highly respected money manager. And gently but firmly he pushes John to enroll in college in the fall. “Fame is fleeting, John,” he tells the teenager. “One day the cameras will be gone, and you’ll be alone.”
As fond as he is of his “most famous” patient, Van Beek is concerned about John’s flirtation with stardom. “Right now,” Van Beek says, “John is in denial. With all the attention and excitement, he hasn’t come to terms with the fact that he’s lost something very important.” Years from now, John may regain some use of his hands, but until then he has to learn to function more fully on his own—using a feeding device, for example, instead of being fed. “Your mother is doing superhuman duty,” Van Beek tells him. “That can’t go on forever.” This summer, when John will spend six weeks doing rehabilitation therapy at Courage Center near Minneapolis, reality will hit, Van Beek predicts. “He’ll have some difficult times,” says the surgeon. “But when’s he’s gone through it, he’ll be able to do most things for himself. This has to happen. His self-esteem, his future depends on it.”
Back at home, John and his parents are sitting down to lunch at the tiny Hurdsfield Cafe. Already at the table, John’s grandmother, Vera Thompson, 70, breaks into a warm smile when she sees her grandson. “Always such a sweet boy,” she says. If all goes well, come fall, John hopes to enroll at the University of Mary, a private Catholic college in Bismarck, and room with his friend Darnell. As the family talks about his plans, Vera picks up John’s hand and begins gently massaging his fingers. “Aw, Grandma,” John complains, “not here.” Grinning, she continues. “He’s not sure he wants that from his grandmother,” she says with a laugh. “I’m waiting for the day when he can squeeze me back.”
By Margaret Nelson
By Karen S. Schneider
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What Jesus Was and Wasn’t Talking About When He Spoke of Putting Away One’s Wife, Divorce and Remarriage
March 13, 2019 April 6, 2019 / M.S. Brothers
Scott S. Mitchell
In some of the most perplexing passages in all of scripture, Jesus appeared to indicate that a man should not put away his wife for any grounds other than sexual immorality, and that any man who married a divorced woman was guilty of adultery. In this essay I’ll attempt to demonstrate why this statement by Christ is not at all harsh, and is so widely misunderstood.
During his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said these words, as recorded in Matthew 5:31-32:
31 It hath been said, Whosoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a writing of divorcement:
32 But I say unto you, That whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication [i.e. sexual immorality generally], causeth her to commit adultery: and whosoever shall marry her that is divorced committeth adultery.
From later in Jesus’ ministry, Matthew 19 records:
3 The Pharisees also came unto him, tempting him, and saying unto him, Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?
4 And he answered and said unto them, Have ye not read, that he which made them at the beginning made them male and female,
5 And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?
6 Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
7 They say unto him, Why did Moses then command to give a writing of divorcement, and to put her away?
8 He saith unto them, Moses because of the hardness of your hearts suffered you to put away your wives: but from the beginning it was not so.
9 And I say unto you, Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication [a general term covering all sexual immorality in 1611 when the English King James translation of the Bible was written], and shall marry another, committeth adultery: and whoso marrieth her which is put away doth commit adultery.
Before we attempt to fully understand what Jesus meant on these two occasions, we should, as always, fully explore the Mosaic Law context and presuppositions that informed this conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees. First of all, the Pharisees’ question “Is it lawful. . .” didn’t refer to what was moral before God, nor what was legal under the Roman civil law which governed Israel in the first century C.E. Rather, the question called for Jesus’ interpretation of the Law of Moses (hereafter “LoM”), which religiously observant Jews accepted as authoritative on questions of marriage, divorce, and even separation, as we shall see. The specific verses of the Law of Moses in question were these, found in Deuteronomy 24:
1 When a man hath taken a wife, and married her, and it come to pass that she find no favour in his eyes, because he hath found some uncleanness in her: then let him write her a bill of divorcement, and give it in her hand, and send her out of his house.
2 And when she is departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife.
3 And if the latter husband hate her, and write her a bill of divorcement, and giveth it in her hand, and sendeth her out of his house; or if the latter husband die, which took her to be his wife;
4 Her former husband, which sent her away, may not take her again to be his wife, after that she is defiled; for that is abomination before the Lord: and thou shalt not cause the land to sin, which the Lord thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.
In the verses that follow Deut. 24:1-4, no instructions are given about the procedure to follow if a wife seeks to divorce her husband. The Mosaic Law made no provision for that possibility; it was the husband’s prerogative only.1 As this essay will demonstrate, Jesus’ words on this topic are heavily interwoven with his own recognition of the fact that the dictates of Jewish law created considerable risk of cruel and unfair treatment of women, and that the law would often fail a woman if her husband wasn’t righteous.
Several other features of these verses from Deuteronomy, unapologetically sexist by our modern standards, should also be scrutinized. First of all, verse 1 doesn’t make divorce mandatory. The words “let him” may be interpreted here as “he is allowed to,” not “he is commanded to.” The husband doesn’t have to decide that his wife finds no “favor” in his eyes, even if he has found some “uncleanness” in her. He has the option of overlooking or forgiving her perceived misdeed, or determining that the good in her outweighs the bad.
Second, the only grounds granted for divorce is “some uncleanness.” As will be pointed out below, Jesus’ own philosophy was that sexual immorality was the only justifiable grounds for breaking up a marriage, but it remains unclear whether his philosophy represented his interpretation of the Mosaic Law or his higher standard independent of the Mosaic Law. At any rate, the LoM itself didn’t provide cover for a husband who wanted to divorce his wife because she’d lost her former physical beauty, or cooked unsavory meals, or argued with him. “Uncleanness” (also translated as “indecent” by some English translators) was the standard the husband had to meet.
Third, the law specifically granted the woman the right to remarry after her husband had divorced her. This fact is important to remember in light of the fact that fourteen centuries after the LoM was given to Israel, Jesus appeared to say, if we analyze his words superficially, that any subsequent husband who would marry a woman who had been put away or divorced was guilty of adultery.
Fourth, the husband who had supposedly been so upset over his wife’s “uncleanness” was not allowed to divorce her and send her packing, then take her back after another man has married and divorced her, as if to say, “I guess I don’t care that much about your uncleanness after all.” By today’s Christian standard of behavior, this rule appears to unduly discourage husbands to forgive their wives. But in Moses’ time, the implicit message of this restriction seemed to be that a man should either forgive his repentant wife and not divorce her in the first place, or, if divorce was chosen, he should vindicate the integrity of sexual fidelity within marriage by not making it appear less important later when he misses the presence of a wife and sexual partner.
Fifth, and most important to our understanding of this issue, we should note that the Deuteronomic rules above only deal with divorce; they don’t address putting a woman away. This begs the all-important question of whether there’s a difference intended in the discussion Jesus had with the Pharisees between putting one’s wife away and divorcing her. In my opinion, not only is there a difference, but understanding that difference is the key to understanding Jesus’ response to the Pharisees. Their initial question to Jesus was not about divorce. They already knew what the law said about divorce, though there remained disagreements among them over how it should be interpreted. Rather, the Pharisees were asking about a subject on which the LoM provided much less guidance: “Do you infer any limitations from Moses’ law on a man’s right to put away (i.e., separate from without divorcing) his wife?”
The Contemporary Religious Debate Over the Grounds for Divorce in the Time of Jesus
In Jesus’ time, there were two schools of thought among the Pharisees. Those who followed the teachings of the renowned rabbi Hillel, who had been elected to preside over the Sanhedrin, believed that the husband could divorce his wife for any reason, however trivial, without offending Mosaic Law. However, the followers of Shammai, another equally-renowned Jewish scholar, disagreed:
The debate arose between the two Pharisaical schools because of the ambiguity of the Hebrew word used for “something indecent” [or, “any uncleanness” as it reads in the King James Version of the Bible]. The conservative School of Shammai took a very narrow approach to the verse. It taught that the “something indecent” refers to adultery or sexual immorality. So, by this opinion, a husband could only divorce his wife on the basis of unfaithfulness – she must be unfaithful to him. With this understanding, the School of Shammai left little room for divorce.
The far more liberal School of Hillel interpreted the verse quite differently. They taught that “something indecent” meant just about anything that the husband found undesirable about his wife. Hillel taught that even if a wife was lacking in her abilities as a cook that qualified as “something indecent” and was regarded as legal grounds for a divorce. We can find this debate recorded in the Mishnah:
The School of Shammai says a man should not divorce his wife unless he has found her guilty of some immoral behavior as it is written, “because he finds something indecent about her.” The School of Hillel, however, says that a man may divorce his wife even if she has merely ruined his food as it is written, “because he finds something indecent about her.” Gittin 9:102
It was thus against this backdrop of religious debate that the Pharisees asked Jesus the thorny question quoted above in Matthew 19:3. The fact that in his response, Jesus said “Whosoever shall put away his wife, except it be for fornication, and shall marry another, committeth adultery” suggests Shammai’s conservative view of divorce paralleled Jesus’ teachings on “putting away.” But at this juncture, we must scrutinize Jesus’ words carefully enough that we not read too much or too little into what he said.
The Difference Between Putting Away One’s Wife and Divorcing Her
In the Hebrew language of the Torah, since the process of divorcing a wife involved writing a statement to the effect that you were divorcing her and placing it in her hand, the word for divorce came to be the phrase sepher kerithuth, which meant writing, certificate or bill of divorcement. The Hebrew word for putting away, or “send[ing] her out of his house,” as it is worded in the KJV version of Deuteronomy 24:1, was shalach. Although putting aways one’s wife, i.e., ejecting her from the home, would always naturally follow after the writing of divorcement was placed in her hand, the law had nothing to say about whether or not a man could put her away without divorcing her. In other words, the hole in the law which the Pharisees were asking Jesus about was whether it was permissible for a man to expel his wife from his home (shalach) for any reason he deemed sufficient, without regard to whether or not he formally gave her a sepher kerithuth, i.e., divorced her.
Before we discuss why this distinction between putting a wife away and divorcing her was so important, it’s important to show that putting away one’s wife was not just a necessary incident of divorce, but was practiced independently of divorce and constituted a whole separate problem. This can be shown by reading Mark 10:2-12. There, we read Mark’s version of the Matthew 19:3-9 passages quoted above. Verse 11 is essentially the same as Luke 16:18 and similar to Matt. 19:9, except that, unlike the verse in Matthew, it doesn’t declare a man to be an adulterer for marrying a woman who’s been away. (Matthew 5:32 and 3 Nephi 12:32, which deal with this same subject matter but add a prominent warning not found elsewhere in the canon, are discussed hereinafter.) But verse 12 of Mark’s version contains a concept not contained in Matthew’s version at all: “And if a woman shall put away her husband, and be married to another, she committeth adultery.” (Emphasis mine.) Since women couldn’t divorce their husbands under the LoM, this scripture indicates that “putting away” one’s spouse didn’t signify divorce; it meant separating and discontinuing sexual relations with him or her, and it could be done by either the man or the woman.
Jesus’ View of Unjustifiably Putting Away a Wife
Implicit in all the scriptures discussed in this essay is the presumption that monogamy was highly preferred during Jesus’ life. Polygamy had not been outlawed, as the LoM allowed it, but it was disfavored and frowned on by both Jews and Christians. The stigma against polygamy had been in place among the Jews since their return from the Babylonian exile, and their leading scriptorians had come to see from their own history that taking multiple wives led a man to unrighteousness.3 Further evidence of this stigma against bigamy or polygamy among Christians was found not only in the fact that Jesus’ pronouncements on marriage, separation and divorce all presupposed the presence of only one wife, but also in the teachings by his apostles that church leaders were to have only one wife. (See, 1 Timothy 3:2, 12; Titus 1:6.) And, according to Jacob 2:27 in the Book of Mormon, the rule of only one wife per husband was well established among the Nephites when they left Jerusalem 600 years before Christ.
Jesus’ pronouncements on “putting away” consistently demonstrate that individuals who were married but later rejected by and separated from their spouse without going through a divorce, remained a spouse in his eyes despite their separation. And if they participated in sex with a second person, whether they purported to marry them or not, it was accounted as adultery.
With this in mind, it makes sense that Jesus would say in his Sermon on the Mount that a man putting away, or separating from, his wife except for reasons of sexual immorality caused her to commit adultery. (See Matt. 5:32.) The hypothetical victim the Lord likely had in mind had married a husband expecting to live the life of a wife, bear and raise children, be supported by the income generated by the family, belong to a group of friends and neighbors, and be a respected member of the community. Now her husband had found fault with her and removed her from the home. By doing so, he had also removed the expectation of, and opportunity for, fulfillment or happiness. The woman had become the husband’s prisoner, legally unable to remarry because she was still her husband’s undivorced wife. Having her children living with both parents, as well as financial support, a place to live, and family ties– all these were now severed, and the wife’s life ruined, all because the husband found some fault with her. If she wanted the life of a wife and mother that she had originally agreed to, her only recourse was to seek a new mate and enter into a relationship which Jewish law deemed adulterous. Jesus obviously considered punishing a wife so harshly for reasons less than sexual immorality to be unconscionable. Most of the blame for her post-separation adultery under these circumstances rested on the husband.
Christ’s teaching obviously took into account that few wives would ever be deemed uniformly perfect in the eyes of their mates. Obviously no man could live up to a similar standard, either, so it was unjust that he should be able to end a marriage because of his wife’s inability to achieve the impossible. If a wife committed adultery without having previously been justifiably put away, she had chosen to devalue her marriage and could reasonably be required to bear the consequences. But anything less than such immorality was insufficient to justify breaking the marital bond. Being rejected by her husband for small reasons literally made adultery more of a logical option among rejected women than it would have otherwise been. This would accomplish the opposite of what Jesus intended. Too, the husband’s rejection carried with it the harmful effects the re-ordering of family relationships would have on any children already born to the couple. Treating a wife in this manner greatly compromised the integrity, not to mention the appeal, of the marriage institution itself.
Jesus’ teaching in Matt. 19:9 that a man who put away his wife for reasons less than “fornication” and married a second woman was committing adultery also made sense. He was merely separated, not divorced; he wasn’t free to remarry, even if the civil law allowed it. In the Lord’s eyes, his devotion was still owed to his first, and only, wife.
Just as logical was the teaching in the second part of Matt. 19:9 that a man who married a separated woman committed adultery. He was sleeping with another man’s undivorced wife. If she’d been put away for adultery, his taking her as a wife exacerbated the problem. If she wasn’t guilty of sexual sin, he was ruining the chances of reconciliation with her husband by marrying her.
Nonetheless, when the Pharisees asked, “Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every cause?” Jesus was placed in what would be, for persons with lesser resolve, a very delicate spot. He could have provided an answer which took into account that some men and women are very difficult partners to live with. To address this reality, he could have recommended divorce as an easy way for both women and men to escape bad marriages, and he would have still been fully in agreement with the Mosaic Law. Unlike Jesus’ own higher law, the Law of Moses didn’t attach any stigma to a divorced wife’s subsequent remarriage to another man–neither party to it was committing adultery. It would certainly have been tempting for less resolute individuals to answer the Pharisees’ question by saying, “If a man is dissatisfied with his wife and can’t find it within his heart to overlook or forgive what he considers her failings, instead of putting her out of his home while remaining married to her, he should divorce her so she might be free to find a more tolerant husband with which to build a life.” So, in announcing his own philosophy, Jesus could have left the issue of the second marriage alone. Doing so would have given both the man and the woman the ability to remarry (though the wife would still be legally powerless to force a divorce if her husband opposed it) without anyone being perceived as living in adultery with their new spouse. Moreover, loosening his own restrictions on separation and divorce would make it easier on many sincere and innocent Christians who otherwise, seeking to follow his will, would feel obligated to remain yoked for life with difficult spousal relationships.
But in proclaiming his own doctrine, Jesus wasn’t seeking to make himself popular. Nor was he willing to create a new Mosaic Law containing a host of new regulations clarifying which marital misdeeds were the most serious, and which were less serious, and which special circumstances might be deemed exceptions to the general rule discouraging divorce or separation. (I don’t mean to suggest, however, that the Lord’s failure to provide exceptions to his general disapproval of divorce or separation meant that he recognized no exceptions. In fact, I believe the opposite: numerous circumstances today justify separation or divorce. But the Lord trusts us all to spiritually comprehend and embrace the spirit of the law as we seek inspiration regarding the exceptions.) Instead, from what he said, it’s apparent he foresaw that making marital bonds easier to dissolve would achieve the opposite of what he intended–reinforcing marriage’s gravity and sacredness. He knew that men, as they had repeatedly done with the LoM, and as implied by the wording of the Pharisees’ argumentative questions to him, would not only look for loopholes or stretch scriptural interpretations to justify the taking of additional sex partners, but would claim divine approbation for their efforts as well. Indeed, this very thing had already happened centuries earlier among the Nephites. As we read in Jacob 2:23-24, 31 of the Book of Mormon, men had sought to “excuse themselves in committing whoredoms, because of the things which were written concerning David and Solomon his son.” The Jewish kings’ practices in this regard had been declared “abominable” by the Lord, and the Nephite husbands’ reprisal of those practices had caused “sorrow” and “mourning” among their wives (whom the Lord referred to as his “daughters”) and children.
In fact, the story of David’s life might apply to this discussion more than we think. David’s most famous sins were committing adultery with Bathsheba and arranging for the death of her husband in battle. But earlier in his life, he did something which might also have been offensive to the Lord, though it’s not portrayed in the Bible that way. (Of course, neither is David’s taking of many wives and concubines portrayed as abominable in the Bible; we have to read the Book of Mormon to learn how the Lord really felt about it.) When David had the ark of the covenant brought to Jerusalem, he celebrated the event by dancing while scantily clad at the head of the procession of men carrying it as it entered the city. His wife Michal, seeing this, chastised him for his immodesty in front of the handmaids who had watched the spectacle. David’s response was to remind Michal that he was the Lord’s chosen king who’d been favored over Michal’s father King Saul, and that he would continued to do even more outlandish things in the future. Michal, David’s first of many wives, was still childless, and after this conversation, David saw to it that she remained that way. (See 2 Samuel 6:12-23.) Though he was the anointed king, it’s hard to imagine that David’s harsh vindictiveness toward Michal for her understandable attitude about modesty pleased the Lord. However, such were the historic abuses of the Mosaic Law in Israel which Jesus was trying to correct when he reminded the Pharisees and his own disciples that God’s intent had always been to unite husbands and wives, not divide them.
So, as Christ responded to the Pharisees, instead of accommodating the desires some husbands might have to disregard their wives’ interests in deciding whether to keep her or reject her, Christ instead heightened the sanctity of the marital union above its then-current level.
Why Jesus Said Marrying a Divorced Woman Constituted Adultery
It’s hard not to be taken aback by Jesus’ declaration in Matt. 5:32 that the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery. Lest we believe these words may represent an error, it should be noted that the same statement is found in his sermon to the Nephites in 3 Nephi 12:32. These words come as a surprise to the reader for three reasons. First, they seem so broadly applicable. Hundreds of millions of men have married divorced women. Are all these men adulterers in Jesus’ eyes?
Second, Jesus does not say that the woman who remarries after being divorced commits adultery; he only speaks of the man. But the Book of Mormon makes this exclusive focus on the male’s behavior more understandable when the verses immediately preceding 3 Ne. 12:31-32 are considered. In his sermon to the Nephites, the resurrected Lord said a few extra words about the need for forbearance that he wasn’t quoted as having said to the Jews in Israel. Notice the additional words comprising verses 29 and 30:
27 Behold, it is written by them of old time, that thou shalt not commit adultery;
28 But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman, to lust after her, hath committed adultery already in his heart.
29 Behold, I give unto you a commandment, that ye suffer none of these things to enter into your heart;
30 For it is better that ye should deny yourselves of these things, wherein ye will take up your cross, than that ye should be cast into hell.
Taken together, verses 27-30 are clearly directed to men specifically. Christ addressed the specific proclivity among males to succumb to sexual attractions, the resultant lustful desires of which can eventually lead them to adultery. This tendency was much more pronounced in males than in females, since men anciently had so much control over females. (How likely was Bathsheba to repel David’s advances?) Women didn’t need to hear this message the same way men did. Those women who might succumb to temptation and commit adultery were already subjected to severe penalties imposed by religious law, which were discussed earlier. Their knowledge of those penalties wasn’t something they were likely to forget. So here, Jesus was warning men, not women, because men wouldn’t necessarily suffer immediate punishment for sexual immorality during their mortal lives and were thus more likely to forget that divine judgment still awaited them. For this reason Jesus emphasized that they needed to do difficult things as he had done. As he had taken up and carried his own cross, Christian men should exemplify Jesus’ example of self-sacrifice and suppress their lustful inclinations, lest they be cast into hell on the final judgment day. Therefore, Christ’s warnings about marrying a divorced woman were a continuation of other words on the same subject which were also directed to men.
Finally, the third reason these words surprise us is their seeming harshness. If I interpret his words correctly, though, Jesus meant a man committed adultery by marrying a divorced woman because doing so condoned and encouraged the adultery that got her divorced in the first place. In other words, I believe Christ wasn’t referring to a woman who’d been wrongfully divorced. If she’d been wrongfully divorced, neither she nor the man who married her would have been thought to have committed adultery by so doing. I believe Jesus was referring instead to a woman who, under his own higher law, has been justifiably divorced for sexual immorality. Normally, the adulterous woman married the man she committed adultery with, which meant the second man had stolen the first man’s wife. This woman originally made a lifelong commitment to her first husband, and her new mate had profaned that sacred union in an extreme act of selfishness against the first husband. However, even if the second husband wasn’t the same man who first stole the wife, he was still doing emotional violence to the first husband. He was saying, in effect, “What do I care that my wife cheated on you and exposed you to shame? What do I care that she shattered your family relationships? What do I care about the pain you feel when you see me with her? What do I care if I profaned a marital covenant you treated as sacred? What do I care that I might be normalizing adultery with my actions?”
If this is what Jesus had in mind, the second man posed a grave threat to the institution of marriage, and to the family life designed from the time of Adam and Eve to go along with it. As an aider and abetter of adultery, he deserved to be classified as a participant in it, and Jesus words were just, not harsh.
In summary, Christ’s teachings on marriage, separation and divorce were summed up well by Paul in Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it . . .”
(Note: Since this essay was published, two excellent comments have been posted by “Measuring Doctrine” which provide not only valuable context showing why the Pharisees were likely to be asking Jesus about the rightness or wrongness of separation from one’s wife at that moment in history, but also, identifiable errors in the King James Version translation of the Greek word for “put away” or “send away.” The reader is encouraged to read Measuring Doctrine’s comments, below.)
1. Trent C. Butler, ed., Holman Bible Dictionary (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers, 1991), p. 373.
2. See online article “Divorce & Re-Marriage” at rabbiyeshua.com.
3. Joseph Jacobs and Israel Abrahams, “Monogamy,” article in 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia, available online at JewishEncyclopedia.com.
Adultery and Divorce, Divorce and Jesus' Philosophy, Marital Separations in Ancient Times, Marrying a Divorced Woman--What Jesus Meant, Polygamy, Putting Away One's Wife
Divorce and Jesus' Philosophy, Marital Separation, Marrying a Divorced Woman, Putting Away One's Wife
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6 thoughts on “What Jesus Was and Wasn’t Talking About When He Spoke of Putting Away One’s Wife, Divorce and Remarriage”
Measuring Doctrine
Good analysis. One problem we have as English speakers is the KJV translators were not consistent with their translation. As you mentioned, there was a difference between “putting away” or “sending away” a wife and divorcing her. Yet the KJV translators often use divorce and put away/send away interchangeably when they really shouldn’t.
For example, Matthew 19:9 has Jesus saying whoever “apolyse” his wife and marries another commits adultery. The Greek “apolyse” is used in Matthew 14 to describe Jesus sending the multitudes away after his sermon. Obviously Jesus did not write a bill of divorcement for thousands of people after miraculously providing them food. Pilate asked the crowd if he should “apolyse” Jesus or Barabbas. Obviously Pilate was not married to either Jesus or Barabbas, so he could not divorce them.
If “apolyse” has the meaning of sending away in these instances, it should not suddenly shifts its meaning within the same document to a formal divorce. Just two verses earlier in Matthew 19:7, when talking about the bill of divorcement that was required by the LoM, “apostasiou” is used instead of “apolyse”. While the beginnings of the words are similar, they are from different roots and have different meanings. The Septuagint (Greek translation of Old Testament) conforms to this usage as well; “apostasiou” is a divorce and “apolyse” is a separation (not solely marital).
Matthew 19:9 likely should have been translated as “Whoever puts away his wife (without formally divorcing her with a bill of divorcement) and marries another commits adultery.” Or in modern language, “Whoever separates from his wife and marries another without getting a divorce from the first wife is committing adultery.”
M.S. Brothers
Excellent comment, MD. I can tell you’re making good use of your Strong’s Concordance, or Biblehub.com. Or maybe you know Greek without having to use these other resources. Regardless, you really are “measuring doctrine.”
As you’re probably aware, the difference between putting away/sending away and divorce is one which even the large majority of otherwise-careful Christian scholars seem to be unaware of. So even though they have tried to correct the KJV where they thought it needed it, the NIV, New American Standard Bible, Amplified Bible, ESV, and the very scholarly New Oxford Annotated Bible version of the New Revised Standard Version, College Edition, which calls itself an Ecumenical Study Bible, all have “put away” translated as “divorce.” And the few Bibles that use the phrase “put away” still interpret it as divorce in their analysis of it. So, we have our work cut out for us in convincing Christians to revise their interpretations of Jesus’ words on this subject.
The context in which Jesus made those comments is also interesting. Herod was married to a Nabatean princes and Herodias was married to Herod’s brother. They both decided to leave their current spouses and then get married to each other. John the Baptist had been recently beheaded primarily for opposing Herod’s marriage to his brother’s wife. When the Pharisees asked Jesus if a man could leave his wife for any reason, it seems they were trying to trick Jesus into saying something that would get him into hot water with Herod just as John had done. The historical record doesn’t have the details of how it happened, but under Roman law separation was the same as divorce. Had Herod followed the Roman law instead of the Jewish law and left his first wife without a formal bill of divorce, the questions and answers about putting away and remarriage would have been squarely directed at Herod’s situation. As always, Jesus saw the trap the Pharisees had laid and deftly taught the truth without getting ensnared.
And yes, most other English translations seem to make an even bigger mess of translating this than the KJV. And BibleHub is my co-pilot, the only Greek I know has been learned doing Bible study.
Again, MD, thanks for your second excellent comment and the valuable context you’ve added to the question posed to Jesus by the Pharisees. I’m now going to go back into the essay and add a part at the end encouraging readers to read your two comments.
Ann Lacouture
I really enjoyed and benefitted from this article, Dad. I also really appreciate the additional comments above contributed by Measuring Doctrine.
Thanks, Ann. I hope Measuring Doctrine sees your comment. I think I’ll let him know.
Adam-ondi-Ahman (1)
Adultery and Divorce (1)
Authority to Baptize (3)
Authority to Govern the Church of Christ (3)
Baptism for the Dead (2)
Baptism of Eight-year-old Children (2)
Bearing False Witness (1)
Book of Mormon Translation Process (1)
Claims of Revelation in the LDS Church (1)
Contemporary Issues (3)
Contradictory Doctrines Between LDS Books of Scripture (2)
Deborah, Anna and other Prophetesses (1)
Definition by Jesus of his Doctrine and Gospel (4)
Dishonesty by LDS Church Leaders (1)
Divorce and Jesus' Philosophy (1)
Doctrinal Errors (23)
Doctrine and Covenants Section 132 (2)
Early Modern English Text of the Book of Mormon (1)
English Translation "Committee" of the Book of Mormon (1)
Eternal Marriage (1)
Eve's Supposed Dilemma in the Garden of Eden (1)
Exaltation and Godhood (3)
First Vision Doctrinal Errors (1)
First Vision Historical Errors (1)
Forgiving When We Shouldn't (1)
General Conference Talks and the Perpetuation of Error (2)
God the Father is a Spirit (1)
Gun Control from a Religious and Semi-Religious Perspective (2)
Homosexuality in the Scriptures (2)
How Alma got his Authority to Baptize (2)
How the Book of Mormon Could have Saved LDS Leaders from Error (1)
Ignoring the Book of Mormon in Mormonism (2)
Last Days Eschatology (3)
Location of the Garden of Eden (1)
Marital Separations in Ancient Times (1)
Marrying a Divorced Woman–What Jesus Meant (1)
Misconceptions Regarding Elijah and Elias (3)
Mistaken Notions of Melchizedek Priesthood Authority (5)
Non-divine Revelations (11)
Patriarchal Blessings (3)
Peleg and the "Division" of the Earth (1)
Plain and Precious Things Added to Christianity by the Book of Mormon (1)
Plain and Precious Things Held Back by Catholic Teachings (1)
Pollution in the Church of Christ (3)
Problems with The Pearl of Great Price (3)
Protection of Leaders' Reputations within Mormonism (1)
Putting Away One's Wife (1)
Redeeming the Dead (3)
Requiring Solid Scriptural Foundations for Religious Beliefs (2)
Restoration of Priesthoods: True or Revisionist LDS History? (1)
Scriptural and Historical Evidence that the Lost Tribes have Gathered (1)
Temple Ordinances (7)
The Book of Abraham (2)
The Boy Scouts and Honor (1)
The Church of the Lamb (2)
The Coming of Elijah (2)
The Doctrine and Covenants (10)
The Early Church of Christ (4)
The Early Gospel of Christ (3)
The Father and the Son Were One Unified Being, Not Two, Prior to Jesus' Birth into Mortality (1)
The First Vision (1)
The Great and Abominable Church (2)
The Joseph Bishop Scandal (1)
The Lost Tribes of Israel (3)
The New Jerusalem (2)
The Prophesied Victory of Protestantism over Forced Catholicism (2)
The Protestant Reformation as Foreseen by Nephi (3)
The Righteous Offering of the Sons of Levi–2,000 Years Ago (1)
The Sacrament and the Use of Wine (3)
The Three Nephites' Greatest Project (1)
The Word of Wisdom, and What to Do with It (1)
Untying the Knot with the Boy Scouts (1)
Was Christ's Church Lost from the Earth prior to 1830? (1)
Whether Joseph Smith's Canonized First Vision Account is Authentic (1)
Whether Melchizedek was Shem (2)
Why Mormons Accept Doctrinal Errors (11)
Why Repentance Must Precede Forgiveness (1)
Women and the Priesthood (1)
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OTH Commentary: The Future of Space
February 23, 2018 February 27, 2018 Over The Horizon 0 Comments Elon Musk, Falcon Heavy, Interview, Raymond, Rocket Delta IV, Saturn V, space, Space lift, SpaceX, Starman
Excerpt: In the wake of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy launch, OTH sat down with General Raymond, Commander, Air Force Space Command. Preview his interview here.
In the wake of SpaceX’s remarkable Falcon Heavy (FH) launch, OTH was honored to sit down with General John W. “Jay” Raymond, Commander, Air Force Space Command. On Monday, we will publish his interview, providing his insight to the current situation in space, as well as the future emerging environment. Much of what General Raymond will talk about is in consideration of SpaceX’s achievement, which brings us to the question: “Why is the successful launch of the FH important?”
The FH promises to be the most capable rocket in the U.S. inventory, surpassed only by the Saturn V during the Apollo program. The launch marks the first time a commercial company has built such a powerful rocket on its own, the first time two re-usable boosters were used at the same time, and the first time that multiple boosters were recovered at the same time.
The FH has the thrust capacity to double the size (in mass) of what the U.S. can put in orbit. The previous record was achieved by ULA’s Delta IV Heavy, which can lift 62,540 lbs for between $300 million and $500 million to low earth orbit (LEO) which comes out to between $4,797 and $7,995 per pound. SpaceX states the Falcon Heavy is capable of launching 63,800 kilograms (140,700 lb) for $90M or $639.80 per pound. This is a rapid improvement which should significantly lower the cost to access space for customers using the full capacity of the FH.
The launch of the FH demonstrates the possibilities of re-use and high tempo operations. SpaceX plans to launch multiple times per month to populate a 4,000 Starlink satellite constellation for global broadband, with a goal of eventually servicing and re-using its rockets in as quickly as 24 hours.
The combination of high flight rates and reusability potentially lowers the cost barrier of space access sufficiently for entirely new industries such as private space stations, asteroid mining, and space-based solar power stations.
For the military, previously unaffordable concepts for space-based sensing (such as space-based AWACS/JSTARS-like capability), space-based C2, and even space force application effects may now require a re-look for affordability. The use of high-tempo operations opens the door for rapid initial fielding of systems, reconstitution of satellites during a conflict, or other global effects.
The launch showcases the dynamic changes taking place in the space sector both for commerce and security. The launch of such a powerful rocket has yet to be achieved by any other nation and is all the more amazing coming from a private company.
Given the significant and rapid pace of changes happening in the medium of space, we hope you will tune in Monday to hear General Raymond expound on his vision for the future.
The views expressed are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force or the U.S. Government.
Lt Gen Deptula Remarks - OTH Speaker Series -…
← Swarming Intelligence: Concept to Reality
OTH Video Interview with Gen Jay Raymond, Commander Air Force Space Command →
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Planning Theory and Practice
Reflections on the theory and practice of urban and regional planning
Author Archives: brandonmccord
Inclusion & Democracy: A Tennessee Tale (Blog 5)
Posted on March 21, 2018 by brandonmccord
Chapter 19 on Inclusion and Democracy made me think of so many situations currently happening in my home state of Tennessee. Last week, a resolution to denounce neo-Nazis and other white nationalist hate groups as terrorists died because not one member of the House Subcommittee would give it a second motion so it could have the chance to be voted into legislation. (story here) When asked state Rep. Bob Ramsey, told WZTV ,“that they didn’t have enough information on neo-Nazis or white supremacy to be able to talk about it.” Later, in a statement to CNN, Ramsey said the committee agreed with Clemmons “on the intent and philosophy of the resolution.” The objection was to “the designation of ‘terrorist organization.‘” -CNN
Now this is a scenario, just one of many I can think of, that fully displays the nature of the type of democracy present today. If there was a hate group that historically exclusively terrorized white communities, hanging thousands of them. I would believe there would be legislation in place to classify this group as a terrorist organization. There are entire museums dedicated to the heinous acts of the Klu-Klux-Klan, and not just about the methods of intimidation and terrorism they used, but also the pervasiveness of its active members working in the criminal justice system up to the state and federal level. Let’s also not also forget the Holocaust and how neo-Nazi’s idolize Adolf Hitler.
But how did this become appropriate? How is it possible for elected representative officials to abstain in this manner? It begs the question, who do these men see themselves representing? How do they identify themselves?
Iris Young critiques Elshtain’s argument that says, “either politics is competition among private interests, in which case there is no public spirit; or politics is a commitment to equal respect for other citizens in a civil public discussion that puts aside private affiliation and interest to seek the common good.” Young says that she believes this is a false dichotomy and I agree.
The elected officials observed here represent a base that has, through structural advantage, normalized ignorance towards issues that have historically had adverse effects on minority groups in America. Because this dominant group has not experienced mass terrorism, and has immense power in: population dominance: structural societal power; and financial capital these attributes almost mute the voices of other groups. “Under circumstances of structural social and economic inequality, the relative power of some groups often allows them to dominate the definition of the common good in ways compatible with their experience, perspective, and priorities….The capitalist class is able to control deliberative modes and policy decisions for the sake of its interests and at the same time to represent those interests as common or universal interests.” – Young. I believe these Tennessee representatives fully exercise this notion. Tennessee is a very southern Republican Christian state, this is “their” turf and that’s the lense through which they seem to perceive their world. High cultural values of: land ownership, traditional blue collar jobs, gun ownership, disdain for government intervention, individualism, hyper-nationalism, service to the US military, and a white cultural dominance are normative beliefs created and reinforced within this structurally powerful community. Others in structurally weaker communities who don’t hold the dominant majority’s cultural values remain: unheard, seen as unconventional, and at sometimes threatening.
These Tennessee state representatives could learn a thing or two from Young. She speaks about moving everyone beyond their own parochial interests. “Trying to solve problems justly may sometimes mean that some people’s perceived interests are not served, especially when issues involve structural relations of privilege. Even when the most just solutions to political problems do not entail promoting some interests are not served, especially when issues involve structural relations of privilege. Fairness usually involves coordinating diverse goods and interests rather than achieving a common good.” I hope one day the tale of Tennessee becomes one of an inclusive democracy.
Blog #4. A Planning Crossroads: Where should I go from here?
Posted on February 26, 2018 by brandonmccord
What stood out to me? With so much information packed within those 5 chapters I’m not sure where to start…
If I got to the meat of the arguments presented, what was the basis of so many competing perspectives was simply philosophy. It’s personal philosophical preferences that will determine your outlook on the built environment, and the role of the planner of these man made environments. It’s philosophy that informs an individual on the ideal government structure. It also a person’s core values that are also at play: whether it’s comprehensive plans based on data that will be enacted in the most efficient way, or city planning mainly focused on the collective bargaining with business leaders and developers, or more democratic deliberative processes based on qualitative feedback that highly values communal input above everything else. There are many perspectives concerning planning that are shaped by competing philosophies. These chapters were very informative and forced me to look within myself to try to further understand what do I personally value, and what philosophies have created the lense that I gaze through.
When I was reading there were a number of interpretations of planning that I felt really stood out to me. Growing up in Memphis (yes I mention Memphis all the time, but it really impacted my understanding of planning) it was ranked the #1 most residentially segregated city in the entire U.S. Coming from a middle class African-American family that lived in a mostly white suburb, I felt like I lived in two worlds. All of my extended family (my mother has 6 siblings, my dad has 9 siblings) lived in majority black neighborhoods and attended majority black schools, yet I didn’t. This constant navigating between a very southern conservative white evangelical culture and what felt like an African-American cultural outpost had a dramatic effect on me, and shaped how I viewed myself and those around me. Early on I understood who had power and who didn’t, who had a stronger political voice and who didn’t, and who was valued and who wasn’t so much. When communicating with others I learned to code-switch. Early on I learned to dialogue about issues such as crime and urban escapism with suburban individuals, while later that day speaking on same topic in a totally different way in a different context using a different style of language. However, one thing I always ended up coming back to was that each side had way more in common with the “other” than either one of them could have imagined. My whole life has been a scenario of grappling and attempting to understand competing philosophies and competing values from two very different groups of people, this intersectionality was one thing I found interesting while looking at myself in reference to the readings.
So where I am in regards to the readings, what stood out? Well I saw myself in just all of them, but one many of these reading made me think of an organization that I would love to work for someday call MASS Design Group. I happened to stumble upon this TED talk and it blew me away at its core principles. The TED talk is called Architecture That Heals.
The premise is about using the built environment to heal specific issues endemic to that specific region. Whether it be inequality, segregation, low access to affordable housing or suburban isolation, lack of community connection, and few links to culture these can all be severe deficiencies of a community. This perspective is very similar to the deliberative democratic social justice stance, but it could also look very different. It a community that’s wealthy, certainly may have deficiencies in other areas that need “healing”. In planning most people seem to think that every area needs to look like a middle class area that has green initiatives, because every middle class area with sustainable green initiatives doesn’t have any problems and is perfectly healthy in every way. I feel this is unwise. The built environment has such an incredible effect on so many entities outside of urban green roofs and bike lanes, it affects relationships. Carports, porches, and car centered communities have changed how we communicate with each other on a human level. I think perspectives like these (one that tries to access health on an individual and community level, and then seeks to come up with an action plan to “heal”) forces us to step back and look holistically at what is the state of how we are living, and how can it be improved to help us both individually and communally.
In the video Michael Murphy explains that downtown Birmingham, AL has over 40 different Confederate public monuments to the Confederacy. Yet this city has zero markers that acknowledge the victims of slavery or it once having the largest domestic port for slave trading in the nation. This is yet another example of how the built environment can literally personify racism, which is why he partnered to build the monument to the thousands of those lynched in downtown Birmingham, AL.
Utopian Cities: A Complex Tale of Trial & Error
Posted on February 5, 2018 by brandonmccord
Howard was a cooperative socialist, Wright was a Jeffersonian democrat, and Le Corbusier had many of his designs published in revolutionary journals. These men did not want to reorient the world, they wanted to change it! In order for man to progress to the next level of society, it was time to reshape and reorient the systems that previous cities were predicated on. These men thought that if that could change and reconstruct the city then it would create a revolution in how humans behave and live. This was all an effort to promote this new wave of theory referencing “social harmony” , an almost spiritual movement where bricks and buildings were believed to have the power to undo the massive social ills of the time. Howard, Wright, and Le Corbusier knew they couldn’t just rely on their designs to change the inner systemic workings of society, this would require deep political and economic reform. They each had various means to achieve this end.
Ebenezer Howard
Howard, one f the most prominent architects of urban planning is known for his contribution to the field via the Garden City. His approach stemmed mainly from his idealism and socialist background intending to challenge the the systems of capitalism and inequality. Howard wanted a system based on community and cooperation. Howard came out with a book that became very popular it provided practical solutions to everyday life, and challenged the current thought process of city planning at that time. Howard grew his following by organizing and doing speeches promoting this new idealism towards how built environment directly affects the pace and direction where societies go. Howard’s unique approach was for the decentralization of urban centers and creating hundreds of thousand of Garden cities across the country in the effort of giving each individual person a higher standard of living. This standard of living was mainly based on public health and wellness, but was intended to be classless and full of leisure.
Wright supported an anti-collectivist system that highly stressed individualism, very different from Howard’s socialism. Wright’s beliefs ultimately manifested into his creation of Broadacre City, his utopian vision. Even though Wright and Howard had opposing fundamental beliefs, the manifestation of their core values came out to be quite similar. Frank Lloyd Wright envisioned an American society where each person received at least one acre of land per person. Wright believed that the innovation of the automobile and the telephone rendered cities obsolete and a non-essential facet of society. “He believed that the personal freedom and dignity of land ownership was the way to guarantee social harmony and avoid class struggle.”
The Radiant City is the urban structure Le Corbusier believed to be the ideal societal function. It’s interesting when looking at the many influences that shaped his thought process, one of these influences was the Great Depression. Corbusier was for a more authoritarian syndicalist system that were most of the power was concentrated at the top of the proverbial societal pyramid, the common worker was at the bottom. Corbusier believed that planning was not a political issue, he believed it was a scientific issue that should be managed and engineered by industrial processes based on rational and logic. He believed elite experts completely detached from social pressure should be the ones to establish and construct this new urban movement. However, Corbusier was vehemently for the classless society without economic hierarchies he opposed about capitalism. He supported the welfare and needs of working class families which he felt should include leisure and adequate green spaces.
Gazing at the City
Posted on January 29, 2018 by brandonmccord
As a collective all of the readings brought up very interesting points, and challenged my own thinking when it came to cities. To be honest, it was difficult trying to read and understand some of the statements made by these men. I’m very biased. I’ve lived in cities my entire life. But it was good for me to understand the context of one of the authors (Georg Simmel) and why he wrote what believed to be true. Overall, with all of these men it was obvious that the turn of the century (with all of its new ingenuity, but also environmental & peace-time setbacks) shaped the lense of which they gained their perspective. It’s something we can’t help but do, to gaze through the lense of our culture, our community, and our deep personal convictions that lead us to make judgments.
Simmel
At a glance, overall Simmel wrote about the psychological and sociological ramifications of living in a metropolis vs. a rural area. His perspective often seemed very subjective and based mainly on his experiences, personal idealism, and own knowledge of these two variations of lifestyle. “Small town life in antiquity as well in the Middle Ages imposed such limits upon the movements of the individual in his relationships with the outside world and on his independence and differentiation that the modern person could not even breathe under conditions.” During his time (turn of the century) it was the first time in a while that people were migrating on mass scales to live in cities. (Side Note: I felt that Simmel made sweeping generalizations when referring to the history of the growth of cities, not referencing cities that have historically been massive: Rome, Constantinople, Cairo, Babylon, Timbuktu, Beijing, London, etc. Yes, the Industrial Revolution brought incredible changes, but rural natives have been moving to cities for employment for thousands of years.) Georg Simmel’s belief was that living in cities were: unnatural, uncharacteristic to humans, a negative consequence of industrialization, and overall a new phenomenon that needed to be alleviated. He repeatedly made statements referring to the modern metropolitan person being reduced to a sphere of thinking that’s insensitive and lacking depth in personality.
Regarding Mumford, he attributed social value to the city structure. Unlike Simmel, Mumford considered the built city an asset to community and important to building human culture. Mumford argues that through history the inception of cities have been centers of: learning, gatherings, art, and overall higher degrees of culture. “He saw the urban experience as an integral component in the development of human culture and the human personality. He consistently argued that the physical design of cities and their economic functions were secondary to their relationship to the natural environment and to the spiritual values of human community.” (Mumford pg1) Lewis Mumford often described cities as a theatre. Many of his analogies describing the sociological interrelations with cities (libraries, schools, community centers) are all what he calls actors, set designs, and different acts within one unified play. “The city in its complete sense, then, is a geographic plexus, an economic organization, an institutional process, a theatre of social action, and an aesthetic symbol of collective unity.”
While reading Wirth’s writings it was was evident that his “Urbanism as a Way of Life” was the most pragmatic out of the three readings. He covered a lot of information specifying how to adequately define what exactly a city is, and how they operate in relation to rural towns. Wirth noted that cities do not reproduce themselves, they depend on recruitment from other places, often leading to a melting-pot of cultures and peoples.
“The historic influence is reinforced by the circumstance that the population of the city itself is in large measure recruited from the countryside, where a mode of life reminiscent of this earlier form of existence persists. Hence we should not expect to find abrupt and discontinuous variation between urban and rural types of personality. The city and the country may be regarded as two poles in reference to one another…”
Louis Wirth also touched on the sociological definition of the city, which he expressed the vastness of a city’s complicatedness. From the nature of the local economy, to the balance of varying commerce in the city, to age age of the city, the transportation culture, to the relationship of surrounding residential communities were all integral parts defining sociological characteristics of a city. He argues that cities need to be defined in a multi-disciplinary way. Wirth also argued that urbanization is not the product of industrialization or capitalistic enterprise, he then references cities pre-capitalistic societies.
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Cinematic Components Fuel Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey”
It is a sin to write this. Mr. Stanley Kubrick told me so:
2001 is a nonverbal experience; out of two hours and 19 minutes of film, there are only a little less than 40 minutes of dialog. I tried to create a visual experience, one that bypasses verbalized pigeonholing and directly penetrates the subconscious with an emotional and philosophic content.1
Kubrick’s film 2001: A Space Odyssey certainly bypasses verbalized pigeonholing, but that doesn’t mean the film defies explanation and discussion. The present piece will analyze how Kubrick succeeds at the rather lofty goal of creating this “visual experience” by looking at three key cinematic components that Kubrick uses to tell this story. First, we’ll look at aural components like dialogue, music, and soundtrack. Then, we’ll delve into the visual components like special effects and cinematography. Finally, we’ll deal with thematic components, focusing on Kubrick’s use of archetypes. Together, these components produce a rare beauty: a pure expression of cinema and the power that it has to inspire the imagination.
Aural Components
One defining feature of 2001: A Space Odyssey is its scant dialogue. Earlier cuts of the film contained more, but Kubrick chose to remove a lot in editing. What’s left is precisely what Kubrick intended: a film that goes out of its way to explain things non-verbally. The film leaves the interpretation up to the spectator, and communicates its thematic and philosophical ideas almost wholly through the cinematic components of sound and picture.
When there is dialogue in 2001, it is rote, mundane, and practically inconsequential. Most of the dialogue during the trip to Clavius base is useless small-talk. Dr. Heywood Floyd checks in at the information desk, chats with his colleague, and refuses to discuss the “outbreak” at Clavius base with the Russian scientists. On his trip to the monolith site on the moon, his conversation is similarly basic, and is even completely drowns out by the musical score! Without a doubt, dialogue is the least important element of 2001: A Space Odyssey.
A conversation full of pleasantries, but very little substance. Dialogue is not the main way that Kubrick communicates in 2001. For later, notice the extreme depth of this shot.
This is evident most clearly during the very beginning and end of the film, each of which stretch for over 20 min without any words at all. The film is bookended by a purposeful omission of dialogue, as if Kubrick is saying to us: “Watch!”. Both of these sequences depict the most important narrative beat in the film: the mysterious Monolith somehow launches the evolution of humanity forward dramatically, first from Ape to Man, and then from Man to Star Child. This evolution is stunningly bereft of words, as Kubrick inspires us through other means.
The music for 2001 A Space Odyssey is all orchestral, chosen specifically for the film, and repeated often. Kubrick mines each of them for cinematic meaning, and even leans on them for thematic power. The major pieces are Also Sprach Zarathustra by Richard Strauss, The Blue Danube by Johann Strauss II, and three polyphonic pieces from modern composer György Ligeti.
Also Sprach Zarathustra, often translated as “Thus Spake Zarathustra” or “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”, has become synonymous with inspiration, eureka moments, and other discoveries. The portion used by Kubrick is the opening fanfare of the tone poem, and is pointedly called “Sunrise”. Thematically, Strauss’s piece alludes to Nietzsche’s philosophical treatise of the same name, dealing with ideas like man’s ascension to a greater being (die Ubermensch, or “Superman”) and grand metaphysical questions as well (die Welträtsel,or “The World Riddle”). Both ideas are right at home in 2001: A Space Odyssey, where both HAL and The Star Child can be interpreted as an Ubermensch, and the theme of the film focuses around World Riddle type questions of the meaning of life, the direction of humanity, and the nature of the universe. Kubrick’s use of this piece therefore conveys many of the ideas of the film.
Similarly, Kubrick uses The Blue Danube waltz by Johann Strauss II to convey a separate idea, this one more literal: in space, you can’t go anywhere without going in circles. “Waltz” comes from the German verb “waltzen”, which is derived from the Latin “volvere”, which translates as “to roll around, tumble, or revolve”. Of course, space travel is all about revolving around large heavenly bodies, and 2001 demonstrates this fact repeatedly. The Blue Danube is heard in its entirety in 2001: the first two-thirds play from the introduction of the weapons satellite through Dr. Floyd’s arrival at the space station, and the final third plays as he approaches the moon. The use of such a rarefied piece of music also casts space travel as elegant, whimsical, and dance-like, despite the blasé attitude shown by the characters who treat it as routine.
Everything in space rotates and revolves.
Finally, there are the pieces from György Ligeti: Requiem for Soprano, Mezzo-Soprano, 2 Mixed Choirs and Orchestra; Lux Aeterna; and Atmosphères. These pieces all share similar qualities, and appear in 2001 as a musical motif to accompany the Monolith and the Stargate sequence. Featuring dense layers of sound textures in lieu of more traditional melody, these pieces defy conventional interpretation and convey the unknowable mystery of the Monolith, its powers, its origins, and the nature of the beings that created it.
Ligeti’s music accompanies the first reveal of the Monolith, shrouding it in a sonic mystery.
Kubrick employed these pieces of music because each one conveys a separate aspect of the film’s theme without reference to words. Zarathustra introduces the metaphysical questions of the film, The Blue Danube translates space travel into an elegant dance, and Ligeti suggests at the existence of an unknowable mystery without revealing a single clue. Truly, Kubrick’s use of music in 2001: A Space Odyssey is masterful.
Another aural component of 2001 lay in the simplicity of the soundtrack. Throughout the film, Kubrick eschews complex mixes and dissonance in favor of very basic ideas. Early on, it is the primal sounds of the apes, tapirs, and jaguars, whereas later it is single pings and beeps of space travel. The track is also often dominated by a single sound, most notably the heaving breaths of an astronaut during a spacewalk. Kubrick’s use of sound is so complete that he even employs absolute silence at times. Though simple, these choices have a profound effect on the spectator.
In the Dawn of Man sequence, the soundtrack is dominated by the sounds of nature: growls, grunts, and snorts. Nothing is emphasized, as though all of the creatures are equal in this survival of the fittest. We see one of the apes succumb to a jaguar, but also see many escape. The simple brutality is presented without comment, at least until the aforementioned musical cues kick in, first when the monolith appears, and later when the ape Moonwatcher innovates the first tool – a club.
Such simplicity isn’t reserved for only the primordial sequences. Later in the film, astronauts are isolated sonically by placing their heaving breaths alone on the soundtrack. This occurs first during the spacewalks to fix the “malfunctioning” equipment, and then later when David Bowman first comes aboard and makes a beeline to shut down HAL. Of course, HAL joins the soundtrack in the latter instance, but Bowman refrains from addressing him until HAL’s pleas become eerily human. Again, Kubrick’s decision to keep the soundtrack simple lets him emphasize specific aspects of the plight of the astronauts, in this case their isolation.
Kubrick even completely omits sounds when the situation warrants it. As David Bowman prepares to blast into the airlock, there is a palpable build-up of sound effects and dramatic score. Then, as the alarm blares, he hits the button and all is silent. In the vacuum of space there is no sound, so Kubrick wisely allows the film to go completely silent until Bowman closes the airlock and an atmosphere can be restored. Thus, the silence is a tool to establish realism. As Bowman blasts into the airlock in seeming weightlessness and without sound, the viewer easily suspends their disbelief.
Kubrick’s acoustic choices, whether they be dialogue, score, or even silence, all lead to a singular conclusion: words and trite explanations are not important for 2001. This film communicates in more subtle ways.
Visual Components
If the aural components of 2001: A Space Odyssey lean towards the subtle, then the visual components go beyond subtle and approach subliminal. We’ll look at two broad categories of visuals: special effects, and cinematography. Throughout the film, groundbreaking special effects infiltrate the spectator’s mind and convince them that the reality of 2001 is scientifically accurate. All of the effects are practical and in-camera, and still hold up nearly 50 years after release of the film. The actual cinematography of the film is no less impressive, as Kubrick uses sophisticated composition choices and camera movements to add additional meaning to the film.
The most obvious special effect in 2001 is probably the use of models for the spacecraft. These ranged in size from about two feet for the smaller shuttles and satellites to a 55-foot “miniature” for the Discovery One. These models were constructed not by special effects artists, but by engineers with an eye towards realism. The ships are then shot with a dizzying array of techniques that include animation and matting, rotoscoping, directly shooting the models with mechanical cameras on tracks, and exposing the film multiple times to show people inside the models. Like much of the rest of the film, very little about the spacecrafts or their operation is stated explicitly. Instead, random instruments placed on the hull of the spacecraft suggest possible functions to the spectator’s mind. In the end, we completely buy that these craft are actual machines that could fly in space.
The Discover One, on its way to Jupiter
While in the spacecraft, we’re also treated to an amazing sight that had audiences convinced that Kubrick actually shot in space somehow: weightlessness and a zero-G environment. We’re first exposed to this on the shuttle where Dr. Floyd’s pen floats and the stewardess retrieves it. This shot is brilliant in its simplicity: the pen is just taped to a pane of glass that is rotated in front of the camera. We also experience zero-G when she walks up the side of a hallway and leaves the screen upside-down, without any cut or movement of the camera. We see a more sophisticated version of this shot in the Discovery One, where David Bowman runs along the centrifugal wheel, but both are done with the same basic technique. Kubrick actually built gigantic centrifuge sets that would rotate, like a Ferris wheel. Hence, he could keep the camera stationary while the actual set rotated around his actors. This creates the illusion that the person is moving, when in reality they are running in place. An extra wrinkle can be seen in the Discovery One where Dr. Poole is strapped upside-down in his seat while Dr. Bowman “runs” to meet him. Other instances of weightlessness, such as when Bowman blast into the airlock, are achieved using vertical sets with the camera pointing directly upwards and the actors placed in harnesses. Again, this is all in service of verisimilitude.
A giant centrifuge made these rotational shots possible, and are still mind-boggling today.
Kubrick also convinces the audience of another key element of space travel: the lunar surface. Here, Kubrick employed an in-camera effect called “Front Projection”. This technique projects an image on a highly-reflective background material by means of a mirror placed at a 45° angle to the camera. This allows the camera to capture the subject in the foreground, where the front-projection is too faint to appear, and the projected image in the background. This technique is in contrast to rear-projection, where the background image is projected on a screen from directly behind the subject. Front projection was cutting edge at the time of 2001: A Space Odyssey, and was in use until the invention of green screen CGI effects. Kubrick’s use of front projection transports the audience to strange locations like the African savannah from 4 million years ago and the surface of the moon. Kubrick’s technical prowess is so exact that these sequences look flawless even today.
An example of Kubrick’s technological prowess: the foreground is a built set, the back ground is front-projection of the lunar surface
Finally, it would be foolish not to remark on the astounding visuals used to dramatize the Stargate sequence, created using an animation technique called Slit-scan photography. This entails shooting an image through a slit with long exposure and a moving camera, and is very expensive and labor-intensive. The result is the kind of psychedelic distortion and flow of colors that is on display during the Stargate sequence. Many different images were photographed with the technique to build the sequence, and the result is a mind-bending trip that is incomprehensible from the perspective of Dave Bowman (and, by extension, the audience). Nowadays, this technique is usually generated in a computer, but slit-scan photography is completely mechanical and in-camera.
One of the first of many images generated using slit-scan photography for the Stargate sequence.
Kubrick uses cutting-edge techniques and develops groundbreaking special effects throughout 2001: A Space Odyssey. Regardless of the specific technique, each adds to the same brilliant cinematic vision: a scientifically realistic world that encourages the viewer to contemplate the mysteries of the unknown.
Cinematography and Editing
When Kubrick isn’t crafting novel special effects for his camera to capture, his cinematography (by way of Geoffrey Unsworth) infuses each frame with cinematic meaning, again augmenting Kubrick’s professed purpose to communicate with his audience in subtle ways.
We’ll begin with the framing and composition of various shots. Generally speaking, in 2001 humans are small and their environment is large. For instance, when Dr. Floyd is speaking with the Russian scientists about Clavius base, the scene is framed so as to draw attention to the vast expanse behind the actors. Similarly, when Floyd is giving his speech on the Moon, though he is obviously the focal point of the scene, he is shown in the deep midground. In this same scene, he walks out of frame and then comes back into it, with the camera only adjusting very slightly. Later, there are many scenes where the astronauts are shown moving away from camera and becoming very small, or even tumbling off into space like a ragdoll. The camera is very stoic and objective, perhaps showing humanity as small, weak, and incomplete and hinting at the presence of an advanced intelligence observing us – thereby foreshadowing the transformation into the Star Child by means of that civilization’s technology.
Kubrick’s use of color is also pointed. Deep reds are used throughout the film, and is easily the most prominent color in the film. It shows up in furniture and dressings around the space stations, as well as the iconic red eye of HAL. It’s a very passionate color, but also a dangerous one that inspires primal fears like injury and death. The entirety of the HAL murder scene is doused in red light, a particularly grisly hue. Then, of course, the Stargate sequence explodes with dichromatic weirdness and extreme colorplay, expanding the palette of the film beyond the relative doldrums of the previous two hours. By beginning with a naturalistic and sterile use of color and then challenging the spectator with a panoply of dazzling visions, Kubrick again dramatizes the transformation from a lower state of existence into the infinite possibilities of a higher level of being.
Martin Scorsese refers to the scene where Bowman shuts of HAL as, “A great murder scene”. The heavy red certainly reinforces that idea.
Kubrick doesn’t just exploit what is on the screen, but the way the camera moves and how the shots are cut and edited together. The Dawn of Man section liberally fades-to-black to transition between scenes, giving the sequences a kind of punctuate rhythm as though each day in the life of these apes is just as brutal, unforgiving, and dark. Later in the film, as humanity has evolved, such fade-to-black transitions are absent, but Kubrick has other tricks. The most famous match-cut in cinematic history, joining the inception of mankind’s earliest weapon and his latest one, is a sheer stroke of brilliance, transporting the viewer through 4 million years of history at break-neck speed.
When Dr. Floyd first sits down with the Russian scientists, Kubrick blatantly breaks the 180° rule, a subtle suggestion that Floyd’s cover story is meant to confuse and obfuscate what’s really going on at Clavius base. In the same scene, a blue sweater appears and disappears between the shot-countershot of the conversation. We might think this is simply a mistake, except earlier in the scene when Floyd was walking down the hall, a woman on the PA system reports a blue cardigan available at the lost and found. Perhaps this is Kubrick again suggesting that nothing involving Dr. Floyd is quite as it seems.
Most of the film is shot objectively, meaning that the camera observes the action without participating. However, in the crucial sequence as the scientists walk towards the Monolith on the moon, Kubrick employs hand-held cameras. This places the spectator in the scene, among the scientists. The aforementioned centrifugal tracking shots in the Discovery One accomplishes a similar effect, allowing the viewer to feel as though they are another member of the crew.
Though Floyd and his speech are undoubtedly the focal point of the scene, he is shot from a distance. Also, notice the empty cinema screen surrounding him, perhaps suggesting Floyd’s current state of ignorance regarding the “artifact”. This will become important when we encounter another “screen” later.
Kubrick was always a visual director, obsessed with composition since his early days of working as a still photographer. But the way he used cutting-edge special effects and classical cinematography techniques to suggest complex ideas in 2001: A Space Odyssey may be his greatest achievement.
Mythological / Archetypal Components
2001: A Space Odyssey is pregnant with complex philosophical ideas, and a specific roadmap to those ideas and their interpretation was anathema to Kubrick:
You’re free to speculate as you wish about the philosophical and allegorical meaning of the film—and such speculation is one indication that it has succeeded in gripping the audience at a deep level—but I don’t want to spell out a verbal road map for 2001 that every viewer will feel obligated to pursue or else fear he’s missed the point.1
So, suffice to say that there are a lot of ideas in 2001, almost certainly more than will be discussed here. But, the crucial insight is that Kubrick specifically chooses to address archetypal questions, those that get to the very root of what it means to be human, what it means to be intelligent, and the nature of the universe. Questions like these are understood on a fundamental level, so once again Kubrick is able to communicate with the audience non-verbally; in this case, through shared fears, myths, and archetypes.
This intellectual “discourse” begins with primordial fears known to all humans: fear of violence, death, and the unknown. Most of these ideas are depicted visually during the Dawn of Man section, and left up to the interpretation of the audience. Though we are only gazing upon a group of ancient apes, it hurts us palpably when a jaguar focuses its glaring eyes on one and picks it off. Though we understand that prehistory was brutal, we still balk at the violence of the fight between the apes, especially since one side is unarmed and woefully outmatched. Here, Kubrick also introduces the fear of the unknown, when the apes first discover the Monolith and are immediately fearful. Four million years later, though Dr. Floyd is much more evolved and sophisticated, it is easy to see that he shares an eerily similar fear with his ancient ancestor.
Fear is certainly a part of being human, but nothing defines humanity quite as completely as our particular brand of intelligence. 2001 directly ponders the nature of that intelligence, its ultimate source, and our attempts to imitate it through facsimiles like HAL. Furthermore, there is also a definite hint at alien intelligences, and how they may differ from ours. In the film, all of these concepts are unified in the Monolith – a piece of alien technology meant to foster the ascension of primitive beings into higher states of being. This is first dramatized after Moonwatcher discovers the Monolith and begins handling a bone. As he tosses it back and forth, Kubrick intercuts the flat scene with animals succumbing to blows. This is Moonwatcher’s first idea – his imagination unleashed upon reality! As Thus Spake Zarathustra rings over the soundtrack, Kubrick fuses it all: image, sound, music, editing, and intellectual archetype into a cinematic expression of a singular truth: humankind thinks.
Moonwatcher’s (and by extension, Humanity’s) first idea.
Human intelligence is not shown to be fundamentally different later in the film. Instead, Kubrick’s sights turn to HAL and the concept of artificial intelligence. HAL is shown to be a superior being in terms of pure intelligence, having never made a single mistake and besting his human companions at chess with ease. However, Kubrick may be suggesting that HAL competes on an unfair playing field: the chess game shown on screen is over the moment we see it, it is mate in nine moves for HAL, regardless of what Dr. Poole does. Additionally, this is a chess position from a famous game in history: Roesch, A. vs. Schlage, Willi in Hamburg, Germany (1910). Kubrick was a strong chess player, so he certainly quoted this game for a reason. Perhaps he wanted to show that HAL’s perfection and specific type of intelligence allowed him to completely recall and recreate a winning position, one that Dr. Pool probably didn’t know about. This suggests a brute-force kind of intellect, not necessarily a creative one.
An imitation of intelligence, though no less deserving of consideration as a thinking being.
Finally, the climax of the film inspires the spectator to consider the nature of alien intelligences, of something on a fundamentally different level than us. The Stargate sequence and the resulting time/age-shifting of David Bowman, as well as his eventual transformation into the Star Child, all hint at a creature or being that exists and thinks on a different axis than we do. Perhaps this intelligence perceives time differently, or has a different conception of identity, and that is why Bowman is actually observes himself aging in the third person before his final encounter with the Monolith, his enlightenment, and his transformation.
The Star Child, the next evolution of humanity, facilitated by the Monolith, a mysterious technology from an advanced civilization.
Beyond the Infinite
The final inspiration resounds: what is out there, what is our purpose in the grandiosity of the universe, where have we been and where are we going, and are any of these mysteries knowable? With 2001: A Space Odyssey, Stanley Kubrick implores us to consider these questions, but he also offers a staunch position: there is truth, and it can be understood. Throughout the film, the auditory, the visual, and the archetypal are used as tools for Kubrick to tell a purely cinematic story, one impossible in any other medium, one only available through the movie screen and one that inspires intellectually.
Thus, the monolith turns horizontal as Bowman enters the Stargate, mimicking the screen on which you are viewing Kubrick’s masterpiece. Like Bowman, your mind expands as a result of the experience, cementing 2001: A Space Odyssey as that rare piece of art that both champions and exemplifies what it means to be “cinematic”.
For other essays on the films of Kubrick, check out the calendar here.
“Stanley Kubrick: Playboy Interview”. Playboy (September). 1968. Archived from the original on September 25, 2010. Retrieved September 2, 2010.
Aesthetics, Essays, Single Film Essay
2001: A Space Odyssey, Artificial Intelligence, Cinematography, György Ligeti, Nietzsche, Science Fiction, Space Travel, Special Effects, Stanley Kubrick, The Blue Danube Waltz, Thus Spake Zarathustra
“Captain Underpants – The First Epic Movie” Embraces Anti-Authority Silliness
Music Breathes Beautiful Chaos into “Baby Driver”
5 thoughts on “Cinematic Components Fuel Stanley Kubrick’s “2001: A Space Odyssey””
Pingback: A Year of Masterpieces – Analyzing the Filmography of Stanley Kubrick – Plot and Theme
“there is truth, and humans can pursue and understand it”?
Plot and Theme says:
Thanks for the catch! I entered the position into a number of different internet databases, and no games came back.
Regardless of the position, I am not suggesting that HAL cheats (i am not sure how you cheat at chess besides playing illegal moves). My point here is more that the game showcases HAL’s intellectual dominance by beginning the game at a state where Dr. Poole is already completely lost.
tstt@hotmail.com says:
Sir, Hal cheats by implying that the game is over; that his opponent is “checked and mated”. He’s lying during the chess scene, or is suffering an error.
filmretard says:
saying kubrick had a ‘staunch’ position that there is a truth and the truth is knowable makes me think the movie went over your head. the film is enigmatic which by definition challenges easy claims to knowledge. otherwise a nice introductory essay.
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CO(LEGAL) - FOOD AND NUTRITION MANAGEMENT
Texas Department of Agriculture Authority
Program Compliance
School Nutrition Program Professional Standards
Minimum Standards for School Nutrition Program Directors
Exempt Fundraisers
Unpaid Meal Charges
Lauren's Law
Donation of Food
The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) administers federal and state nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) under 42 U.S.C. Section 1751 et seq., and the School Breakfast Program (SBP) under 42 U.S.C. Section 1773. Agriculture Code 12.0025
Note: Regulations applicable to federal nutrition programs are found at the following:
7 C.F.R. 210: National School Lunch Program
7 C.F.R. 215: Special Milk Program for Children
7 C.F.R. 220: School Breakfast Program
7 C.F.R. 225: Summer Food Service Program
7 C.F.R. 245: Free and Reduced Price Eligibility
TDA shall require that school food authorities (SFAs) comply with the applicable provisions 7 C.F.R. Part 210. TDA shall ensure compliance through audits, administrative reviews, technical assistance, training guidance materials or by other means. 7 C.F.R. 210.19(a)(3)
[For the definition of "school food authority," see COA(LEGAL).]
TDA must conduct administrative reviews of all SFAs participating in the NSLP (including the Afterschool Snacks and the Seamless Summer Option) and SBP at least once during a 3-year review cycle, provided that each SFA is reviewed at least once every 4 years.
"Administrative reviews" means the comprehensive off-site and/or on-site evaluation of all SFAs participating in the specified programs. The term administrative review is used to reflect a review of both critical and general areas in accordance with 7 C.F.R. 210.18(g) and (h), as applicable for each reviewed program, and includes other areas of program operations determined by TDA to be important to program performance.
7 C.F.R. 210.18
An SFA that operates the NSLP or the SBP must establish and implement professional standards for school nutrition program directors, managers, and staff.
Each SFA must ensure that all newly hired school nutrition program directors meet minimum hiring standards and ensure that all new and existing directors have completed the minimum annual training/education requirements for school nutrition program directors, as set forth in 7 C.F.R. 210.30.
Schools that participate in the NSLP or SBP may sell food and beverages that do not meet nutritional standards outlined in 7 C.F.R. Parts 210 and 220 as part of a fundraiser, during the school day, for up to six days per school year on each school campus, provided that no specially exempted fundraiser foods or beverages may be sold in competition with school meals in the food service area during the meal service. 4 TAC 26.2
"School day" means the midnight before, to 30 minutes after the end of the official school day.
"School campus" means all areas of the property under the jurisdiction of the school that are accessible to students during the school day.
4 TAC 26.1
The board of a district that allows students to use a prepaid meal card or account to purchase meals served at schools in the district shall adopt a grace period policy regarding the use of the cards or accounts. The policy:
Must allow a student whose meal card or account balance is exhausted or insufficient to continue, for a period determined by the board, to purchase meals by:
Accumulating a negative balance on the student's card or account; or
Otherwise receiving an extension of credit from the district;
Must require the district to notify the parent of or person standing in parental relation to the student that the student's meal card or account balance is exhausted;
May not permit the district to charge a fee or interest in connection with meals purchased under item 1, above; and
May permit the district to set a schedule for repayment on the account balance as part of the notice to the parent or person standing in parental relation to the student.
Education Code 33.908
An SFA operating a NSLP and/or SBP must:
Have a written and clearly communicated meal charge policy in order to ensure a consistent and transparent approach to the issue of how students who pay the full or reduced price cost of a reimbursable meal are impacted by having insufficient funds on hand or in their account to purchase a meal.
Include policies regarding the collection of delinquent meal charge debt in the written meal charge policy.
Ensure that the policy is provided in writing to all households at the start of each school year and to households that transfer to the school during the school year.
Provide the meal charge policy to all school or SFA-level staff responsible for policy enforcement, including school food service professionals responsible for collecting payment for meals at the point of service, staff involved in notifying families of low or negative balances, and staff involved in enforcing any other aspects of the meal charge policy.
Excerpts from USDA Memo SP 46-2016, Unpaid Meal Charges: Local Meal Charge Policies (July 8, 2016)
A district may not adopt any rule, policy, or program under Education Code 28.002 that would prohibit a parent or grandparent of a student from providing any food product of the parent's or grandparent's choice to:
Children in the classroom of the child on the occasion of the child's birthday; or
Children at a school-designated function.
Education Code 28.002(l-3)(2)
A district may allow a campus to donate food to a nonprofit organization through an official of the nonprofit organization who is affiliated with the campus, including a teacher, counselor, or parent of a student enrolled at the campus. The donated food may be received, stored, and distributed on the campus. Food donated by the campus may include:
Surplus food prepared for breakfast, lunch, or dinner meals or a snack to be served at the campus cafeteria, subject to any applicable local, state, and federal requirements; or
Food donated to the campus as the result of a food drive or similar event.
The type of food donated may include packaged and unpackaged unserved food, packaged served food if the packaging is in good condition, whole uncut produce, wrapped raw produce, and unpeeled fruit required to be peeled before consumption.
Food donated to a nonprofit may be distributed at the campus at any time. Campus employees may assist in preparing and distributing as volunteers of the nonprofit organization.
A district may adopt a policy under which the district provides food at no cost to a student for breakfast, lunch, or dinner meals or a snack if the student is unable to purchase such meals or snack.
Menard ISD
CO(LEGAL)-P
UPDATE 112
DATE ISSUED: 12/14/2018
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Why can't science and politics get along?
Andrew Miller is chair of parliament's science and technology committee
By Alex Stevenson Thursday, 6 March 2014 10:07 AM Follow alex__stevenson
It's always been a complicated relationship. Politicians rely on scientists to provide them with accurate advice they can use to make important decisions about the lives we all lead. But keeping politicians up to date with science, as parliament's scientific champion Andrew Miller admits, is "permanently difficult". And ministers often decide to ignore the advice they receive altogether.
Each department has a chief scientific officer. Miller, as chair of the Commons' science and technology committee, talks to all of them. "With a few exceptions, the relationships are moving in the right direction," he says. "There have been some exceptions where the way in which scientific advice has been sought and delivered has been tantamount to saying, 'here's the answer, now give me the question'. That comes from people who don't understand how proper scientific decisions are determined."
Politics is often to blame for the disconnect between science and policy. Take fracking, one of the most controversial new ideas to emerge in this parliament. The arguments against extracting shale gas were all about earthquakes for a long time, even though the risks of a serious tremor are minimal. "I stepped in and got a few people from the Geological Society to start talking about more accurate perception of the capabilities and the engineering involved," Miller says. "Which has helped." Now the most powerful arguments against fracking are about climate change.
The chief villain pointed out by Miller is Owen Paterson, the environment secretary, whose use of science in the badger cull debate has been highly questionable. "As much as I am a supporter of the anti-cull side of the argument, I don't try and argue that is the science says so. The science is unfortunately very equivocal.
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"If you look on Owen Paterson's website, he claims he's an expert on bovine TB. He is not. He can rabbit on about it but he can't answer the scientific challenge because there isn't a direct answer. The direct answer is there's a lot more questions."
Miller remembers a press conference in which Paterson put public pressure on Defra's chief scientist Professor Ian Boyd. The environment secretary put Boyd "in an impossible position by spouting off about the badger cull and the turning to Ian for him to make a comment", Miller complains. What he should have done was give Boyd "the freedom to say 'I've given the minister the policy options, based upon the science that's there and the decision is a policy one the minister must make'."
Not all ministers are bad at this. Previous home secretaries have got into a lot of trouble with scientists – think of David Nutt's rows with New Labour home secretaries over drugs policy. But the current holder of the job, Theresa May, actually gets a lot of praise from Miller over her handling of the decision to ban khat.
May's decision was subsequently slammed by MPs for not being based on evidence of medical or social harm. But Miller doesn't mind because she avoided trying to use scientific advice to back up her decision. "She wrote a brilliant letter to the advisory committee on misuse of drugs - that was exactly the way a minister should behave.
"She set out in that letter her thinking, saying thanks for the scientific advice she's received. Then she goes on to say… why she is not acting on the scientific advice.
"The scientific advice is about the health to you as a user. So Theresa's rejection is based upon two factors: the perceived behaviour in populations where the use of khat is prevalent, and a judgement on international relationships because a number of our key partners are a little bit pissed off that we allow khat to be freely transported around."
Miller's own job, trying his hardest to promote science and scientific thinking to MPs, has had a tortuous evolution. Government departments didn't have chief scientists until the first one appointed in Harold Wilson's government. And it wasn't until the 1980s that a group of MPs went to Margaret Thatcher and asked her for cash to set up an Office of Science and Technology. She said there wasn't any cash available, so the MPs went elsewhere and raised the money.
The result, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, was brought in-house in the early 90s. Now, young post-docs taken from their speciality work via three-month secondments produce research work for MPs, keeping them informed as best as they can with peer-reviewed work.
"Sometimes people are a tad surprised at the degree of understanding. Nevertheless, there are weaknesses." He points to the number of MPs who were guilty of "pandering to the nonsense that Andrew Wakefield produced" warning about the dangers of the MMR jab. "Parliament very nearly went into an anti-MMR vein, which would have been a disaster.
"We see this regularly. We're seeing it now – the debate on GM foods, badgers, nuclear power, fracking, on managing floods, you name it – there are some interesting interpretations of what is achievable by science. Because even though there is a lot happening here in our system, way beyond that available to our colleagues in other countries, it's not enough."
The international reference is significant. Miller might be worried about the levels of understand here, but at least we're not as bad as the US. "About ten per cent of the House have at some stage in their career worked in a stem discipline. Now that may not be huge, but I used to tease my American friends by saying that's ten per cent more than they have. Their figures have moved up in the right direction by one… when they elected their first ever particle physicist."
Miller blames coalition governments for producing a "particularly weak" crop of ministers and even goes so far as to recommend some basic lessons in scientific methodology for new arrivals in government departments. Most strikingly of all, though, he thinks it's MPs who need educating the most. "There is a greater need than there ever was for a more scientifically literate group of policymakers," he warns. While he spends most of his time criticising the politicians, he has a message for scientists too.
"Make it part of your job to go and knock on the door of your own MP and explain to them the importance of the research you're undertaking," he tells them. MPs will be happy to take the time to listen, he assures them. "Compared to most of our surgeries, a bit of science would be a breath of fresh air."
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2778 open access dissertations and theses found for:
cmt(Tobey, David H) » Refine Search
1 - 30 of 2778 displayed. Next >
The Role Identity of Caregivers: A Quantitative Study of Relational and Organizational Identification, Dirty Work, and the Self
by Blight, Aaron C., Ed.D. The George Washington University. 2014: 201 pages; 3629615.
The Academic Identity Experience of Liberal Arts Faculty in the Age of New Managerialism
by Fleming, Tamara Colleen, Ed.D. The George Washington University. 2015: 136 pages; 3686940.
Tumor gangliosides, and tumor cell proliferation and signaling
by Nusinovich, Yevgeniya, Ph.D. The George Washington University. 2007: 188 pages; 3288944.
Acceptance, Belonging, and Capital: The Impact of Socioeconomic Status at a Highly Selective, Private, University
by Mattson, Christopher Erik, Ed.D. University of Southern California. 2014: 249 pages; 3680864.
Compliance and Regulatory Efficacy and Sustainability in Specialty Academic Medicine: A Longitudinal Evaluation Study
by McLemore, Dustin D., Ed.D. University of Southern California. 2018: 396 pages; 10747596.
The gamification of judicial affairs: Addressing learning for 'digital students'
by Diaz, Leonel Alberto, Jr., M.Ed. University of Southern California. 2012: 89 pages; 1532818.
Role of Macronutrients in the Regulation and Secretory Mechanisms of Gastrointestinal Hormones, Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP), in Lymph
by Lu, Wendell J., Ph.D. University of Cincinnati. 2008: 181 pages; 10631157.
Effects of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) gene deficiency on the human central nervous system
by Shively, Sharon Baughman, Ph.D. The George Washington University. 2011: 466 pages; 3426418.
Full Text - PDF (283.28 MB)
Women's self -efficacy perceptions in mathematics and science: Investigating USC -MESA students
by Hong, Rebecca Cheng-Shun, Ed.D. University of Southern California. 2009: 161 pages; 3355458.
Overwintering Strategies of Ascaphus montanus, the Rocky Mountain Tailed Frog
by Werner, Lawrence Carl, II, M.S. Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. 2015: 36 pages; 10016854.
Differential molecular and genetic short-term and long-term effects of chronic nicotine exposure on adolescent and adult rats
by Doura, Menahem B., Ph.D. The George Washington University. 2011: 123 pages; 3433531.
Reliable SRAM Fingerprinting
by Kim, Joonsoo, Ph.D. The University of Texas at Austin. 2011: 175 pages; 3572874.
Kidney segmentat ion and image analysis in autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
by Warner, Joshua Dale, Ph.D. College of Medicine - Mayo Clinic. 2016: 267 pages; 10111486.
Usage frequency and articulatory reduction in Vietnamese tonogenesis
by Stebbins, Jeff Roesler, Ph.D. University of Colorado at Boulder. 2010: 190 pages; 3404057.
Testifying Beyond Experience: Theories of Akhbār and the Boundaries of Community in Transoxanian Islamic Thought, 10th-12th Centuries CE
by Correa, Dale June, Ph.D. New York University. 2014: 218 pages; 3635114.
Magnetic Susceptibility in Soils in Baton Rouge, Louisiana: Potential for Anthropogenic Impact on the Environment
by Stiles, Lauren J., M.S. University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 2014: 99 pages; 1557578.
Fault Imaging with High-Resolution Seismic Reflection for Earthquake Hazard and Geothermal Resource Assessment in Reno, Nevada
by Frary, Roxanna, M.S. University of Nevada, Reno. 2012: 57 pages; 1512428.
Full Text - PDF (23.6 MB)
Area prioritization for optimal conservation planning
by Fuller, Trevon Louis, Ph.D. The University of Texas at Austin. 2009: 252 pages; 3360320.
Applying Andragogical Principles to Texting-Based Learning (Short Message Service-SMS) in Higher Education
by Talbott, Janet K., Ed.D. Lindenwood University. 2011: 219 pages; 3481649.
Inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (MTOR) for the chemoprevention of tobacco-carcinogen induced lung tumorigenesis
by Granville, Courtney Anne, Ph.D. The George Washington University. 2008: 211 pages; 3297013.
Reach-scale predictions of the fate and transport of contaminants of emerging concern at Fourmile Creek in Ankeny, Iowa
by Cullin, Joseph Albert, M.S. The University of Iowa. 2014: 61 pages; 1560631.
In vivo function of Otopetrin 1 in the vestibular sensory epithelium
by Kim, Euysoo, Ph.D. Washington University in St. Louis. 2009: 163 pages; 3369212.
Trends in estuarine water quality and submerged aquatic vegetation invasion
by Hestir, Erin Lee, Ph.D. University of California, Davis. 2010: 145 pages; 3422770.
Handedness Is Not Linked to Locomotion in a Basal Anuran
by Sullivan, Rachel A., M.S. Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. 2018: 34 pages; 10808549.
Defensive behaviors of deep-sea squids: Ink release, body patterning, and arm autotomy
by Bush, Stephanie Lynn, Ph.D. University of California, Berkeley. 2009: 88 pages; 3402685.
Microphysics and radiative-dynamical feedback in the near infrared brightness features in the Venus clouds
by McGouldrick, Kevin Bartholomew, Ph.D. University of Colorado at Boulder. 2007: 182 pages; 3273820.
Moral Reasoning, Gender and Student Participation while in College
by Nettleton, Julie Anne, Ed.D. University of Pennsylvania. 2018: 116 pages; 10839179.
An examination of organizational trust, interpersonal trust, and gender in a religious organization in the midwestern region of the United States
by Phelps-Jones, Tara L., Ed.D. Indiana Wesleyan University. 2016: 215 pages; 10129763.
Captivity and conflict: A study of gender, genre, and religious others
by Gorman, Holly R., Ph.D. Temple University. 2015: 294 pages; 3702995.
Dissecting the Molecular Mechanism of TLX1-mediated T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Development Using an In Vitro Immortalization Model
by Renn, Lynnsey Zweier, Ph.D. The George Washington University. 2011: 164 pages; 3445349.
1 - 30 of 2778 displayed.
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John Delaney & Bonnie Watson Coleman
Compare the voting records of John Delaney and Bonnie Watson Coleman in 2017-18.
Represented Maryland's 6th Congressional District. This is his 3rd term in the House.
Bonnie Watson Coleman
Represented New Jersey's 12th Congressional District. This is her 2nd term in the House.
John Delaney and Bonnie Watson Coleman are from the same party and agreed on 92 percent of votes in the 115th Congress (2017-18).
Dec. 1, 2017 — Preserving Access to Manufactured Housing Act
June 15, 2017 — Broader Options for Americans Act
Sept. 14, 2017 — Ellison of Minnesota Amendment No. 200
July 13, 2017 — Nadler of New York Part B Amendment No. 6
April 4, 2017 — Providing for consideration of H.R. 1343, the Encouraging Employee Ownership Act of 2017
March 8, 2017 — Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1301) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2017, and for other purposes
Jan. 11, 2017 — Peterson of Minnesota Part A Amendment No. 5
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David McKinley & Bill Keating
Compare the voting records of David McKinley and Bill Keating in 2017-18.
David McKinley
Represented West Virginia's 1st Congressional District. This is his 4th term in the House.
Represented Massachusetts's 9th Congressional District. This is his 4th term in the House.
David McKinley and Bill Keating are from different parties and disagreed on 64 percent of votes in the 115th Congress (2017-18).
June 7, 2018 — Spending Cuts to Expired and Unnecessary Programs Act
Sept. 28, 2017 — Control Unlawful Fugitive Felons Act of 2017
June 29, 2017 — Kate’s Law
March 9, 2017 — Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act
Nov. 30, 2017 — Connolly of Virginia Amendment No. 4
June 7, 2017 — Providing for consideration of H.R. 10, the Financial CHOICE Act of 2017, and for other purposes
March 9, 2017 — Jackson Lee of Texas Part B Amendment No. 7
Jan. 11, 2017 — Scott of Virginia Part A Amendment No. 12
Jan. 5, 2017 — Scott of Virginia Amendment No. 11
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Small Town Banks II
January 6, 2018 / thequakeractivist
National Farmer’s Bank at Broadway and Cedar Street in Owatonna, Minnesota, designed in 1908 by Louis Sullivan. A national architectural treasure, it has been called the most beautiful bank in America.
We continue the article on small town banks—how they are vanishing as the services these small towns once provided the big cities dry up due to globalization, making it harder and harder to conduct profitable business in these towns.
By RUTH SIMON and COULTER JONES Dec. 25, 2017 for The Wall Street Journal
The Gap’s Effect
Around Roxobel, population 220, and other parts of rural northeastern North Carolina, the banking gap is hurting business. Three months after PNC closed a bank branch in Colerain, population 187, Tommy Davis closed his Nationwide Insurance office there. Losing the bank branch meant he had to drive 25 minutes each way daily to make deposits. And he lost foot traffic from people who once dropped by on their way to and from the bank.
“It’s really like a death sentence for a small town because the bank is the center of all activity,” says Mr. Davis, who owned the Colerain location for 20 years. He moved the business to Windsor, a larger town 25 miles away.
Twelve miles north of Roxobel in Woodland, population 729, Sharon Ramsey closed the DeJireh Grill because, she says, she couldn’t get bank financing. At first, she says, the restaurant “was turning a profit, but it was just enough to stay open.”
She was told she didn’t have enough credit history to qualify for a loan, Ms. Ramsey says. She closed DeJireh in 2013 after three years to focus on her variety store in nearby Conway, which lost its only bank branch several years ago.
Southern closed its Woodland branch three years ago. Then the local grocery store shut down. The loss of both means “most people drive through here” without stopping, says Joe Lassiter, owner of Lassiter’s Used Cars. He keeps no more than 10 cars on his lot, down from about 20 before.
Barbara Outland, owner of Grapevine Cafe down the street, drives 11 miles to Murfreesboro, N.C., to get change and make deposits. Ms. Outland, 71, says that as defense against any thieves eyeing that cash she locks up at night with a .38 Smith & Wesson revolver “in my hand, in plain view for all to see.”
Woodland Mayor Kenneth Manuel says Southern rejected the town’s request for an ATM, saying it needed 4,000 transactions a month to justify one.
Southern Senior Vice President John Heeden declines to comment on Woodland. “It is never easy to make such decisions that impact our friends and neighbors in these close-knit communities,” he says, “and Southern Bank certainly takes these decisions very seriously.”
The bank, with $2.6 billion in assets, was started by local investors in 1901 as Bank of Mount Olive. It has 61 branches, including the only bank in Woodland’s Northampton County. Southern says that 36 of its branches are in towns with populations under 6,000 and that in most areas where the bank has closed branches, there is another bank fairly close. “Southern Bank embraces its ongoing commitment to serve rural communities that are overlooked by many of our larger competitors,” Mr. Heeden says.
In considering closures, he says, “profitability and market dynamics are primary drivers, along with other factors that can vary over time and by market.”
Interior of National Farmer’s Bank by Louis Sullivan
Economic Ills
Rural communities in parts of the U.S. have become less attractive to local banks because they are suffering from a variety of economic ills that have taken a toll on business activity and new business formation.
Weak school systems have made many rural communities less attractive to employers, says Peter Skillern, executive director of Reinvestment Partners, a nonprofit based in Durham, N.C., that works with rural communities.
Dollar stores and big-box retailers drained customers from some local shops. The financial crisis left some residents with battered credit and collateral. Populations dropped as youth moved out.
These communities have been hurt by declines in the textile and furniture industries, consolidation in agriculture and decreased government support for tobacco. Average annual employment in North Carolina’s 80 rural counties fell 6% between 2007 and 2016, according to the Raleigh-based NC Rural Center, compared with a gain of 11% in its six urban counties.
“It would be great if there were branches and people in all these rural communities,” says Kel Landis, former CEO of RBC Centura, which once owned the rural North Carolina bank locations purchased by PNC in 2012. “But I do understand, as a former banker, the economics. If you have a place that used to be thriving, but the downtown has closed up, having a branch there is a money-losing proposition.”
← Small Town Banks I
Small Town Banks III →
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Partly cloudy. Low 52F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph..
Partly cloudy. Low 52F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.
Man drowns in Bitterroot River after trying to save dog
In this Oct. 5, 2017, file photo, residents move a "no wake," sign through flood waters caused by king tides in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Federal scientists, according to a report released Wednesday, July 10, 2019, predict 40 places in the U.S. will experience higher than normal rates of so-called sunny day flooding this year due to rising sea levels and an abnormal El Nino weather system. (Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)
Joe Cavaretta
FILE - In this Oct. 9, 2018, file photo, a cyclist rides past an area flooded during a King Tide, an especially high tide, in Miami. Federal scientists, according to a report released Wednesday, July 10, 2019, predict 40 places in the U.S. will experience higher than normal rates of so-called sunny day flooding this year due to rising sea levels and an abnormal El Nino weather system. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, FIle)
Wilfredo Lee
spotlight AP
The federal government is warning Americans to brace for a 'floodier' future
By WAYNE PARRY, Associated Press
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — The federal government is warning Americans to brace for a "floodier" future.
Government scientists predict 40 places in the U.S. will experience higher than normal rates of so-called sunny day flooding this year because of rising sea levels and an abnormal El Nino weather system.
A report released Wednesday by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts that sunny day flooding, also known as tidal flooding, will continue to increase.
"The future is already here, a floodier future," said William Sweet, a NOAA oceanographer and lead author of the study.
The report predicted that annual flood records will be broken again next year and for years and decades to come from sea-level rise.
"Flooding that decades ago usually happened only during a powerful or localized storm can now happen when a steady breeze or a change in coastal current overlaps with a high tide," it read.
The nationwide average frequency of sunny day flooding in 2018 was five days a year, tying a record set in 2015.
But the East Coast averaged twice as much flooding.
The agency says the level of sunny day flooding in the U.S. has doubled since 2000.
Nationwide, the agency predicted, average sunny day flooding could reach 7 to 15 days a year by 2030, and 25 to 75 days a year by 2050.
"We cannot wait to act," said Nicole LeBoeuf, acting director of NOAA's Ocean Service. "This issue gets more urgent and complicated with every passing day."
Global sea levels are rising at a rate of about 3 millimeters a year, or about an inch every eight years, according to Rutgers University researchers, who predict that by 2050, seas off New Jersey will rise by an additional 1.4 feet (0.4 meters).
The study noted floods interfering with traffic in northeast states, swamping septic systems in Florida and choking Delaware and Maryland coastal farms with saltwater over the past year.
Baltimore experienced 12 days of high-tide flooding from 1902 to 1936. Within the last 12 months, it experienced an additional 12 days.
Robert Kopp, a leading climate scientist with Rutgers University, who was not involved in the study, said it confirmed many well-established trends.
"It's simple arithmetic: If you have higher sea level, you will have tides causing flooding," he said. "We're not talking about disaster flooding. We're talking about repetitive flooding that disrupts people's lives on a daily basis. It's sometimes called 'nuisance flooding,' but it has real impacts and costs."
The report cited the disruption of commerce in downtown Annapolis, Maryland, where parking spaces are lost to flooding. A 2017 study put the price tag on lost economic activity at as much as $172,000. The water table has risen to ground level and degraded septic systems in the Miami region, and farmlands in the Delmarva Peninsula in Delaware and Maryland have been damaged by salt water encroaching into planted areas.
High-tide flooding is causing problems including beach erosion, overwhelmed sewer and drinking water systems, closed roadways, disrupted harbor operations, degraded infrastructure and reduced property values — problems which "are nearly certain to get much worse this century," the report read.
The report's statistics cover May 2018 through April 2019.
The agency forecasts sunny-day flooding this year in Boston at 12 to 19 days (it had 19 last year). It predicted sunny-day flooding this year in New York (8 to 13 days, compared with 12 last year); Norfolk, Virginia (10 to 15 days; compared to 10 days last year); Charleston, South Carolina (4 to 7 days, compared to 5 last year); Pensacola, Florida (2 to 5 days compared with 4 last year); Sabine Pass, Texas (6 to 13 days compared with 8 last year) and Eagle Point, Texas (29 to 40 days, compared to 27 last year).
West coast predictions included San Diego (5 to 9 days compared to 8 last year); Los Angeles (1 to 4 days compared to 5 last year); Humboldt Bay, California (6 to 12 days compared to 12 last year); Toke Point, Washington (9 to 21 days compared to 12 last year) and 2 to 6 days in Seattle, compared to 2 last year.
The report documented that 12 locations broke or ties their record of sunny day flooding last year, including 22 in Washington, D.C., 14 in Wilmington, North Carolina; and 12 each in Baltimore and Annapolis.
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Публикатор Публикатор
Fr. Alexander Veronis
Rev. Alexander Veronis, D.D., Protopresbyter was born September 7, 1932 in Paterson, N.J. to his Cretan immigrant parents, Angeliki & Nicholas Veronis (Vreonakis), who came to the USA in 1920. He was the fifth of six children.
Pastor for 43 years (1961-2004) of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, Lancaster, PA. Part Time Assistant Priest in the same parish (2004 to 2009).
Academic Backround
1954 B.A. Lafayette College, 1958 B.D. Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, 1960 S.T.M. Boston University School of Theology, 1961 Licentiate in Orthodox Theology, University of Athens,
1966 and 1975 Missiological & Biblical Studies, Lancaster Theological Seminary
Professional Career
Has served as President of the following organizations: Lancaster Ministerium, Lancaster Interfaith Clergy Association, Lancaster Adult Enrichment Center (5 years), National Presbyters Council of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North & South America, Diocese of Pittsburgh St. John Chrysostom Clergy Brotherhood, Orthodox Council of Churches of South Central Pennsylvania (10 years), the Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Mission Center Board, the Orthodox Christian Mission Center Board. He headed the Lancaster CROP HUNGER WALK of Church World Service for 36 years, raising four million dollars to stop hunger in Lancaster and in 80 countries.
In 1962, he originated a Foreign Missions Program at Annunciation Church in Lancaster which evolved into the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of N. & S. America Mission Center (1985) and into the pan-Orthodox Christian Mission Center (1995) under SCOBA. He is presently President Emeritus of the OCMC Board. With the blessing of Archbishop Iakovos, he arranged numerous lecture tours to America for foreign students and Church leaders to speak about their mission churches and to introduce them to Orthodox Christians of America. Among them were Father Theodore Nankyamas of Uganda, who later became the Metropolitan of Uganda, Fr. Paul DeBallester a former Spanish Franciscan monk who converted to Orthodoxy and became the Bishop of Mexico, Dr. Andreas Tillyrides of Cyprus, presently the Metropolitan of Kenya, Mama Stravitsa Zachariou , who spent 30 years in East Africa as a missionary and built 20 stone Orthodox churches, Metropolitan Jonah of Uganda, Bishop Soterios Trambas of Korea, Fr. Joseph Kwame Labi of Ghana, Fr. Athanasios (Amos) Akunda and Fr. Anastasios (Elikiah) Kihali of Kenya, and many others. Some longtime co-workers of Fr. Veronis in these mission efforts were Bishop Silas of Amphipolis, Fr. Alexander Doumouras, Bishop Dimitrios (Couchell) of Xanthos, Fr. Martin Ritsi, Fr. Luke Veronis, Teresa Polychronis, Cliff Argue, Helen Nicozisis.
EFOM (Endowment Fund for Orthodox Missions) was established in 1981 by friends and parishioners “in honor of Father Alexander and Presvytera Pearl Veronis” to raise one million dollars for an Endowed Chair of Missions at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology and for the promotion of missions.
Fr. & Presvytera Veronis have served missions in Kenya, Albania (3 times) on fact-finding tours, in Russia (St. Petersburg), in Mexico and in Geneva, Switzerland and San Antonio, Texas as Orthodox delegates at WCC Mission & Evangelism Commission Conferences.
Long Term Missionaries from Annunciation Church (Lancaster): Fr. Luke & Presvytera Faith (Stathis) Veronis to Africa (2 years) and Albania (10 years), Fr. Hector & Presvytera Katerina (Maillis) Firoglanis to Africa and Albania (2 years). 85 short term missionaries from the parish have served on OCMC summer missions in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Russia, Haiti, Guatemala, Mexico, India and other countries.
Parochial and Ecumenical Ministries
Parish Bible Studies
He taught and maintained five to seven Bible Studies all through his ministry, in both Greek and English and preached two sermons (English and Greek) and one children’s sermon each Sunday. He impersonated 20 biblical personalities in the form of sermons annually on Good Friday. STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM: He initiated a Christian Stewardship Program in the parish in 1965, with an emphasis on tithing. Stewardship giving at Annunciation Church increased significantly. Spiritual Life Retreats: He and Presvytera Pearl conducted Orthodox Retreats in St.
Joseph’s Convent of Lancaster for 20 years, as well as Retreats on Missions and Spiritual Life in Greek Orthodox parishes around the USA. With Ernest Villas and Bishop Maximos of Pittsburgh, he co-chaired three National Spiritual Life & Renewal Conferences for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Pittsburgh, Chicago, and Boston. He chaired the Committee on Ecumenical Relations of the Pennsylvania Council of Churches for four years and served as Vice-President of the Lancaster County Council of Churches. SEMINARS GIVEN: He has given annual seminars on missions and the pastoral ministry at St. Vladimir’s Theological Seminary, at the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, and at Biennial Clergy-Laity Congresses of the GOA, in the Diocese (Metropolis) of Pittsburgh and, with Presvytera Pearl, in the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Canada. BOARD SERVICE: He served on the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox.School of Theology Board of Trustees (25 years), the GOA & OCMC Mission Boards (41 years), the Pennsylvania Council of Churches Board (6 years), the Lancaster County Council of Churches Board (6 years), the Adult Enrichment Center Board of the Lancaster School District (5 years). Orthodox Chaplain: Served as the Orthodox Chaplain of the Veterans Administrative Hospital in Coatesville, PA (25 years) and as the College Orthodox Chaplain: of the OCF for 40 years at Franklin & Marshall College and at Millersville University, and as Co-Director and Chaplain at summer camps of the Diocese (Metropolis) of Pittsburgh for 32 years.
ORTHODOX STUDY BIBLE Served on the Overview Committee that published the first OSB.
Eleven Priests and eight Presvyteres have come out of the Annunciation Church of Lancaster, PA
“Adult Enrichment Center Leadership Award” of Lancaster School District. “Citation for Pastoral Ministry” (1983) from the class of 1958 of Holy Cross School of Theology “The Father Alexander Veronis Mission Center” (1988) named after him by the GOA Board of Missions; Church World Service honored him and presvytera with “The Father Alexander & Pearl Veronis Fund for Hunger”, 1993 Doctor of Divinity (Honorary Degree), Lebanon Valley College “The LCCC Steve Mentzer Award” for Leadership & Service in the ecumenical community.
(2002) “Distinguised Ministry Leadership Award” from the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Alumni Society at the 39th Clergy-Laity Congress in Washington, D.C. (July 2008), “Excellence in Ecumenical Relations Award” from the General Assembly of the National Council of Churches in the USA and CWS in Denver, CO (November 2008)
His Published Articles on Orthodox Missions appear in various publications (Greek Orthodox Theological Review, International Missions Journals, the “Orthodox Observer”, “Porefthendes”).
Fr. Alexander Veronis is married to Presvytera Pearl (Panayiota) Kacandes Veronis, his vibrant partner and co-worker of 50 years, who has been involved in all aspects of their combined parish ministry. They have five children: Nicholas, George, Rebecca, Fr. Luke, Catherine (all married) Fourteen grandchildren: Dr. Erika, Leisa, Alexander, Sarah, Elizabeth, Rachel, Nikitas, Pari, Peter, Sophia, Paul, Theodora, Panayiota, Nicholas
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Benefits of Pleasant Smells (04-18-19)
Research by Sayette and team confirms the value of adding pleasant scents to spaces and objects. The investigators “investigated the strategic use of OCs [olfactory cues] to reduce cigarette craving. . . . smokers . . . initially sampled and rated a series of OCs. Participants then were exposed to . . . smoking cues, which produced robust cigarette cravings. During peak craving, they were randomly assigned to sniff one of three types of OCs (all of which they had previously sampled) while their craving, and a set of responses thought to be associated with craving, were assessed. OCs that a participant had rated as pleasant reduced craving more than did exposure to odor blank (i.e., neutral) or tobacco-related OCs. This effect persisted over the course of 5 min.” Previous research has linked smelling pleasant scents to being in a more positive mood and lower stress levels.
Michael Sayette, Mary Marchetti, Rachel Herz, Lea Martin, and Molly Bowdring. “Pleasant Olfactory Cues Can Reduce Cigarette Craving.” Journal of Abnormal Psychology, in press, http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/abn0000431
Cities: Past, Present, Future (04-17-19)
Smith’s book sheds light on the ways that cities have, can, and will support human beings as they pursue fundamental goals and motivations. The functionalities and design patterns that archeologist Smith identifies in ancient cities are still relevant today and urban planners and interested others can gain useful insights into urban design best practices by reading Cities: The First 6,000 Years.
Monica Smith. 2019. Cities: The First 6,000 Years.Viking: New York.
Making Choices (04-16-19)
Basu and Savani reviewed research on ways to present options to individuals; specifically, whether it’s best to detail choices simultaneously (for example, all on a single webpage) or one at a time (for instance, on webpages presented in sequentially). The duo found that “When choosing among multiple options, people can view the options either one at a time or all together. . . .we review an emerging stream of research that examines the ways in which viewing options sequentially as opposed to simultaneously influences people’s decisions. Multiple studies support the idea that viewing options simultaneously encourages people to compare the options and to focus on the ways in which the options differ from each other. In contrast, viewing options sequentially encourages people to process each option holistically by comparing the option with previously encountered options or a subjective reference point.” So, we are likely to make better choices when options are presented simultaneously.
Shankha Basu and Krishna Savani. 2019. “Choosing Among Options Presented Sequentially or Simultaneously.” Current Directions in Psychological Science, vol. 28, no. 1, pp. 97-101, https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721418806646
Subject Matter and Art Preferences (04-15-19)
Levitan, Winfield, and Sherman evaluated responses to representational visual art and found, not surprisingly, that people prefer paintings whose subject matter they like. The Levitan team reports that “Prior research has demonstrated that color preferences are driven by preferences for objects associated with those colors (e.g., that the sky is blue or that feces are brown influences preferences for blue and brown; Palmer & Schloss, 2010). . . . Our work demonstrates that, despite the seeming subjectivity of art preferences, subject matter significantly influences the formation of preferences. . . . art preferences can be, at least partially, predicted by one’s preferences for the objects depicted in the art.”
Carmel Levitan, Emily Winfield, and Aleksandra Sherman. “Grumpy Toddlers and Dead Pheasants: Visual Art Preferences Are Predicted by Preferences for the Depicted Objects.” Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, in press, http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/aca0000240
Sleeping and Sensing (04-12-19)
A research team lead by Legendre found that we process significant amounts of sensory information while asleep, which has implications for the design of a range of spaces, from homes to healthcare facilities. The investigators report that “the sleeping brain continues generating neural responses to external events, revealing the preservation of cognitive processes ranging from the recognition of familiar stimuli to the formation of new memory representations.Why would sleepers continue processing external events and yet remain unresponsive? Here we hypothesized that sleepers enter a ‘standby mode’ in which they continue tracking relevant signals, finely balancing the need to stay inward for memory consolidation with the ability to rapidly awake when necessary. . . . we demonstrate that the sleeping brain amplifies meaningful speech compared to irrelevant signals. However, the amplification of relevant stimuli was transient and vanished during deep sleep. . . . the selection of relevant stimuli continues to operate during sleep but is strongly modulated by specific brain rhythms.”
Guillaume Legendre, Thomas Andrillon, Matthieu Koroma, and Sid Kouider. 2019. “Sleepers Track Informative Speech In a Multitalker Environment.” Nature Human Behavior, vol. 3, pp. 274-283, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-018-0502-5
Sound Levels and Food Eaten (04-11-19)
Graziose and colleagues investigated how sound levels influence food consumed and their findings have implications, generally, for situations when designers want to encourage certain behaviors, particularly by children. The researchers report that “A digital photography method was used to assess FV [fruit and vegetable] consumption among [second and third grade] students across 40 days from 20 schools and environmental exposures, including the noise or sound pressure level of the cafeteria, were assessed during lunch. . . . . Combined FV [fruit and vegetable] consumption was negatively associated with noise exposure. . . Among young children eating in cafeterias, increased noise levels may decrease consumption of fruits and vegetables at the school lunch meal. We hypothesize that increased noise can work in two ways to decrease FV consumption: increased socializing (i.e., talking) and/or decreased hedonic [pleasure-related] enjoyment of the school lunch meal.”
Matthew Graziose, Pamela Koch, Randi Wolf, Heewon Gray, Raynika Trent, and Isobel Contento. 2019. “Cafeteria Noise Exposure and Fruit and Vegetable Consumption at School Lunch: A Cross-Sectional Study of Elementary Students.” Appetite, vol. 136, pp. 130-136, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2019.01.026
Colors and Online Shopping (04-10-19)
Hsieh and colleagues have found that the color of websites influences shopper opinions. The researchers determined that “online consumers' reactions to online merchandise prices vary according to website background colors. Participants who view blue or low-brightness backgrounds have high patronage intentions regardless of whether prices are high or low. Participants who view red or high-brightness backgrounds are sensitive to merchandise prices and react significantly negatively to high prices. . . . Blue backgrounds make consumers use high price as a sign of high quality rather than monetary sacrifice, but red or high-brightness backgrounds make consumers use high price as a sign of high monetary sacrifice rather than product quality.”
Yi-Ching Hsieh, Hung-Chang Chiu, Yun-Chia Tang, and Monle Lee. 2018. “Do Colors Change Realities in Online Shopping?” Journal of Interactive Marketing, vol. 41, pp. 14-27, http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.intmar.2017.08.001
Speeding and Light Levels (04-09-19)
Research indicates that as lighting levels decrease, people drive more quickly. De Bellis and colleagues “examine[d] real-world speeding behavior and its interaction with illuminance, an environmental property defined as the luminous flux incident on a surface. Drawing on an analysis of 1.2 million vehicle movements, we show that reduced illuminance levels are associated with increased speeding. This relationship persists when we control for factors known to influence speeding (e.g., fluctuations in traffic volume) and consider proxies of illuminance (e.g., sight distance).”
Emanuel de Bellis, Michael Schulte-Mecklenbeck, Wernher Brucks, Andreas Hermann, and Ralph Hertwig. 2018. “Blind Haste: As Light Decreases, Speeding Increases.” PLoS ONE, vol. 13, no. 1, article e0188951, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0188951
Passing Safely (04-08-19)
Beck and teammates investigated how close cars are to bicycles being passed and their findings have implications for the design of not only roadways but also generally, for hallways within buildings, for example. The Beck-lead team found that when “Participants had a custom device installed on their bicycle and rode as per their usual cycling for one to two weeks. . . . on-road bicycle lanes and parked cars reduced passing distance [the distance cars were from the bicycles].” A press release issued by Monash University (available at https://www.monash.edu/news/articles/more-than-a-stripe-of-paint-needed-...) provides additional details: “marked on-road bicycle lanes and parked cars reduced the distance that motorists provide when passing cyclists. . . . ‘When the cyclist and driver share a lane, the driver is required to perform an overtaking manoeuvre. This is in contrast to roads with a marked bicycle lane, where the driver is not required to overtake. This suggests that there less of a conscious requirement for drivers to provide additional passing distance.’ [Quote attributed to Beck.] Dr. Beck said in order to improve safety and increase cycling participation, it is clear that far greater investment is needed in providing infrastructure that separates cyclists from motor vehicles by a physical barrier.” So, in summary, it seems that when bicycles are in a separate, marked lane, drivers do not maintain as great a distance from them as they do when the car drivers and bicyclists are in the same lane and the car drivers need to maneuver around the bicyclists to pass them.
Ben Beck, Derek Chong, Jake Olivier, Monica Perkins, Anthony Tsay, Adam Rushford, Lingxiao Li, Peter Cameron, Richard Fry, and Marilyn Johnson. “How Much Space Do Drivers Provide When Passing Cyclists? Understanding the Impact of Motor Vehicle and Infrastructure Characteristics on Passing Distance.” Accident Analysis and Prevention, in press, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aap/2019.03.007
Nature Time and Stress Levels (04-05-19)
Hunter and colleagues investigated the amount of time that people need to spend “anywhere outside that, in the opinion of the participant, included a sufficiency of natural elements to feel like a nature interaction” to reduce their stress levels. The research team reports that over an 8-week period “study participants are free to choose the time of day, duration, and the place of a NE [nature exposure]. . . . urban dwellers were asked to have a NE, defined as spending time in an outdoor place that brings a sense of contact with nature, at least three times a week for a duration of 10 min or more. . . . For salivary cortisol, an NE produced a 21.3%/hour drop. . . . The efficiency of a nature pill . . . was greatest between 20 and 30 min, after which benefits continued to accrue, but at a reduced rate. For salivary alpha-amylase, there was a 28.1%/h drop . . . but only for participants that were [at] least active sitting or sitting with some walking. Activity type did not influence cortisol response.” Salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase are stress biomarkers. Creating at-work, etc., outdoor areas where people would choose to spend 10 minutes three times a week may be feasible at many locations.
MaryCarol Hunter, Brenda Gillespie, and Sophie Chen. 2019. “Urban Nature Experiences Reduce Stress in the Context of Daily Life Based on Salivary Biomarkers.” Frontiers in Psychology, https://doi.org/10.10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00722
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Green Square Boost
As Sydney’s population density increases inner city infrastructure is always under the spotlight. Green Square will soon be one of the most heavily populated areas and so this week’s opening of the $61 million Green Square Library and Plaza designed by local architects Felicity Stewart and Matthias Hollenstein is welcome. Features include an outdoor community space with a waterplay area for children; an underground library with a sunken outdoor garden, community meeting rooms and an amphitheatre; and a six-storey tower with quiet reading rooms, spaces to hire for meetings, a technology suite and a music room. There are also two public artworks, all are great improvements to Green Square that locals and new residents are sure to enjoy and admire.
Inner City Parks
While on the topic of inner city infrastructure, here’s another new facility; a 3.8-hectares public parkland at the former Harold Park paceway will also open Saturday, thanks to the City of Sydney. After many years of negotiation with Mirvac to secure two-thirds of formerly private land as new public open space and affordable housing. The new Harold Park is located next to the restored Tramsheds food precinct and the Harold Park Community Centre and its design incorporates elements from the local area’s history.
Singapore Tests a Bold New Model for Intergenerational Housing
This week Paul Keating called on government to engage policies for a population with many more people aged 80-100. In Singapore they are already taking steps in this area, in particular with housing. A new complex in the city is a one-stop project with 104 senior apartments and a host of associated facilities and amenities, including lots of outdoor spaces. According to a UN report on ageing, the number of people across the world who are 60 or over was 962 million in 2017, more than twice as many as in 1980. This number is expected to double again by 2050, when it is projected to reach nearly 2.1 billion. It’s a sector of the housing market that is also getting a great deal of attention in Australia, and it appears we have some work to catch up with our near neighbours. The Singapore project promotes physical activity and multigenerational interaction, facilities include a medical center, a pharmacy, retail, restaurants, a hawker center (markets), and a public park and plaza.
Freedom to Move
Copenhagen attracts a lot of visitors keen to learn how over the last 40-years the city has refined its transport modes. Their success has been built around two core ideas. The first is the city welcomes innovation and secondly planners take account not only the physics of mobility but also the psychology of how people move through Copenhagen. Residents use a combination of cars, public transport and famously bikes. On any given day some 40% of residents get to work on bikes. The cutting edge of bike style is a three wheeled front end cargo bike nicknames ‘the Copenhagen SUV’ a quarter of families in the city with 2 kids own one. In parts of Sydney, with such an idea the local school run would never look the same.
With a state election due early in 2019, the idea of a congestion tax for central Sydney may be an idea revisited. London already has a congestion tax and the charge was introduced in response to a number of issues that Londoners felt needed to change. First issue there was so much traffic that people could not get to work. This reduced the quality of life for residents and cost the city lost productivity. People were also very frustrated by just sitting in traffic. The charge did ease traffic pressures, helped created more public space and also helped to reduce greenhouse-gases. Sounds an easy sell for Sydney.
Capital Gains Tax Looming as Election Issue
As we approach next year’s Federal Election Capital gains tax will be a big issue. The Coalition has promised to leave it unchanged; Labor however, wants to increase it, by reducing the present discount from 50% to 25%. Labor suggests these changes would not be retrospective. Would this impact property markets? For example, a person earning $90,000 a year who makes a capital gain of $100,000. Currently they would pay $19,500 tax, an effective rate of 19.5% on the gain. Under Labor’s it would be $29,250, an effective rate of 29.25%. Such a policy shift might encourage some to sell properties because the combination of an increase in capital gains tax and the possible restriction on negative gearing could make investment property less attractive. That could then lead to less investment sales and in the medium run a tighter rental market. The details of this debate have yet to start.
Thursday Trends
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You are here: Parliament home page > Parliamentary business > Publications and Records > Committee Publications > All Select Committee Publications > Lords Select Committees > Communications > Communications
The British Film and Television Industries - Communications Committee Contents
CHAPTER 2: A better future for British films
Financing film production
60. This section looks at the way in which a film may be financed, the financial support provided by the Government and how this might be made more effective.
FILM FINANCING MODELS
61. The financing of film production follows two distinct models. The major American studios normally have sufficient financial capacity to fund the making of their films. Much of this capacity derives from their size and range of activities, including distribution. As indicated in the preceding chapter, despite various attempts, the British film industry has not been able to replicate successfully the American model of vertically-integrated companies, involved in production, distribution and exhibition, able to finance their own films. British producers who are not closely allied with an American studio have to follow a different model.
62. An independent British film producer has to build up a patchwork of financing in order for a film to be made. He is likely to be eligible for film tax relief and can approach the UK Film Council, and BBC Film and Film4, the film investment arms of the BBC and Channel 4, who may be prepared to invest in the film. Beyond this, the producer may have to seek equity investment and pre-sale of the film to one or more distributors, against which he can obtain funding. This may still fall short of the finance required. Until the recession, banks might have been prepared to provide "gap funding", but the Committee was told that they had virtually withdrawn from film finance (paragraph 89).
63. Some financing firms offer potential investors a "slate" of films in which to invest, which reduces the risk of investing in one particular film which turns out to be a financial failure, by spreading it over a portfolio, or slate, of productions. Ingenious Media told us that slate financing had become much more difficult to put together since the abolition of the previous system of incentives for film production through tax write-offs (p 190). Michael Kuhn, Qwerty Films, also mentioned the absence in the UK of financing of portfolios of films (Q 776).
64. Charles Sturridge, Chairman, Directors UK, contrasted two films he had made: Fairytale and Lassie. Fairytale was essentially American funded and distributed by Paramount, while Lassie "was a classic example of the complexity of creating an independently financed film in the UK". Mr Sturridge said that "at the core contract meeting I sat at a table with eleven lawyers all representing different financiers. That is a sample of the kind of Byzantine complexity one has to go through in order to assemble what was in fact a very low budget, six-week shoot £6 million film" (Q 1437).
65. This model varies from film to film. Tessa Ross, Controller of Films and Drama, and Paul Grindey, Head of Business Affairs, Channel 4, told the Committee that the genesis of Slumdog Millionaire involved fewer deals than normal. Film4, having read the book in manuscript and funded the pre-production work, agreed a deal with Celador Productions to co-finance the production. The fact that they did not require financing from other parties simplified and strengthened their position. Mr Grindey said "We were able to say with a high degree of confidence to the rest of the industry, to the distribution community, that this film was greenlit and going ahead and if you want to join the party then give us your best offer, which
took quite a lot of leverage away from the distribution community because our film was not dependent on any particular negotiation coming good" (Q 11). This demonstrates that it is possible to reduce the financial power of the distributor, but only where a simple and comprehensive deal can be put together.
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR THE FILM INDUSTRY
66. Most Western governments provide financial assistance to their film industries. They are able to support their industries in this way because the World Trade Organisation has, since 2005, recognised a cultural exception to normal trading rules. Reasons for doing so are as much economic as cultural. Governments support the creation of an industry which benefits from economies of scale and, once it reaches a critical mass, can prosper with less need of support.
67. During this inquiry, we visited Germany, where we learned that, in 2008, allocations at the federal and regional level in support of the German film industry amount to 307m (Appendix 6). Government support for the film industry is common across Europe and North America. The largest element within this package of support is normally for film production, either through direct grants or through tax relief. One of the concerns voiced by the film industry is that film production support has become increasingly competitive between Western countries and, in the United States, between individual states, in an effort to attract foreign production. From a British perspective, there is a risk of British support becoming uncompetitive but also of accelerating competition.
FILM TAX RELIEF
68. In the UK in 2007/08, total public support for the film industry was £261m. The largest single source of public support for production is the film production tax credit, which was estimated to cost £105m in 2007/08, or 40 per cent of total support for the film industry in its first year of operation. The film tax credit was introduced in the Finance Bill 2006. Its key features are that it is provided directly to the film production companyand not to those whose only involvement is providing financeand it is available to companies making culturally British films, made to be shown in cinemas and where at least 25 per cent of qualifying expenditure will take place within the UK. Whether a film is culturally British is determined by a cultural test[27]. The tax relief is calculated on the amount of the qualifying British expenditure up to a maximum of 80 per cent of total qualifying expenditure, which covers pre-production, principal photography and post-production. Qualifying British expenditure is defined as services performed or goods supplied in the United Kingdom (known as the "used or consumed" provisions).[28]
69. The current system was supported by most witnesses as essential to the health of the film industry. Tim Bevan, Co-Chairman, Working Title (and now also Chairman of the UK Film Council) said that the film tax credit was "working brilliantly for inward investment in terms of bringing the studios into this country to make big films here" (Q 1404). Michael Kuhn, Qwerty Films described it as "fantastic" and had been designed "very cleverly, very effectively" (Q 763). Lord Puttnam thought that "after three or four false starts
we have a system which seems to be fairly admired, which has been road-tested sufficiently" (Q 763). Gaynor Davenport, CEO, UK Screen Association, thought that, compared to previous film support schemes, the film tax credit is "a much simpler system which is more easily explained and more accessible for people who actually should be legitimately benefiting from the film tax incentive" (Q 930).
70. Several witnesses noted the importance of the tax credit remaining competitive internationally if the UK were to continue to attract inward investment in film. John Woodward, CEO of the UK Film Council said "You need a tax credit frankly to be in the game, because most countries that are serious about their film industry provide one, but the UK tax credit
is worth up to a maximum of 20 per cent of the film's budget. If you go to Australia at the moment, you can get up to 40 per cent of your budget from the Australian government. If you go to Canada, if you use local and federal incentives, you can get up to 60 or 65 per cent of your budget. Ireland in the last week or two has moved its incentive up to be worth around 28 per cent
of the budget. So Britain at 20 [per cent] is at the low end, but we have always maintained the argument that in the UK, the tax credit is there as a cushion and an incentive, but in the end, this is not a Third World economy, we are not going to compete as an industry internationally on price alone" (Q 120).
71. Stewart Till, then Chairman of the UK Film Council, added. "We are at the low end but we are still competitive in terms of tax relief. If our tax relief became very uncompetitive, we would go back to the government and advise them that things had changed; but they have not got to that point yet" (Q 151). He pointed out that, while the rate of tax relief was important, it was one of the three variables on which Hollywood studios made decisions on where to make a fill. He thought that the other twothe Pound/Dollar exchange rate and the quality of the workforcewere more important factors.
72. Industry witnesses broadly supported this view. Roy Button, Managing Director, Warner Brothers Productions, said that his colleagues in Los Angeles and New York would always expect him to compare the government support available when proposing the location for filming a new project, but he acknowledged that there were other important factors (reference). Overall, there was no great pressure from the industry representatives for the tax relief for big budget films to be raised.
73. We recommend that, given current financial circumstances and the value to the international film industry of a stable tax regime, the Government should keep the rate of the tax credit for big budget films at its current level. At the same time, we recommend that the rate of the tax credit be kept under review by the Government, in consultation with the industry, in order to ensure that the UK does not become uncompetitive as a venue for international filmmaking.
74. It was suggested, however, that the tax credit be increased as a percentage of the qualifying expenditure for smaller budget films. Tim Bevan said that that the tax credit was working "quite well" for domestic British films, but that it might be improved. He thought that an increase in the tax credit to 30 per cent would make a significant difference to an independent British producer trying to finance a film. "That is because, as an independent producer, I know in my brain if I can get 18 per cent out of the UK that feels like top-up. If I can get 30 per cent that feels like a cornerstone piece of financing and I can go out and raise the rest of the money and I think it will encourage entrepreneurs because producer entrepreneurs are what we need in the business more than anything else"(Q 1405).
75. Mr Bevan argued that this increase would be cost neutral for the Exchequer because "what you would get back in VAT and PAYE and inward investment is probably going to come out cash positive" (Q 1405). There are other, indirect, benefit from films being made in the UK, such as the effect on tourism of the use of British stories and locations. A recent report suggests that the Harry Potter films have led to a 120 per cent rise in visitors to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland and brought £9m worth of tourism to the region[29].
76. The UK Film Council have provided the Committee with the main conclusions of a study, recently carried out by Oxford Economics, on the impact of increasing tax relief on low budget films[30]. The UK Film Council suggest that an increase in the rate of film tax relief on low budget films (which they define as total production costs of £20m or less) would increase the profitability of filmmaking and thus increase the number of films made or increase budgets. Oxford Economics have prepared high and low cases for the likely impact of increases in the net rate of film tax relief to 25 per cent, 30 per cent and 35 per cent. The results suggest that, even on the low case, an increase in the net rate of tax relief would be close to fiscally neutral for the Exchequer, with additional tax receipts covering 90 per cent of the additional cost.
77. In our view, the primary purpose of an increase in the rate of tax relief for lower budget films would be to make it easier for independent producers to finance their projects and thereby to support the making of lower budget films which develop new British talent and tell British stories. It is not easy to define such British films in terms of budget size, but we suggest that, if increased support were available to films with budgets of under £5m, this would catch the sort of projects that we think should be given more support. Of the 66 British domestic feature films made in 2008, 60 had a budget of less than £5m[31], and would therefore benefit from the proposed change. The work done by Oxford Economics, while based on budgets of £20m or less rather than £5m or less, suggests that the cost to the Exchequer would be small.
78. Given the problems faced by independent film makers in raising finance for their projects, particularly in the current recession, we recommend that the Government should consider raising the net rate of film tax relief for productions under £5m to 30 per cent.
79. There were some suggestions for variations to the way in which the tax credit operates. A suggestion we heard was to extend the tax credit for genuine British co-productions to some part of the budget spent offshore. This view was advanced by Tim Bevan and by Roy Button, Warner Bros, who said that "if you have a wonderful film in England and it qualifies and you are doing all the shooting on it, and you have two weeks in France, the money expended on elements of facilities, cameras, lights, people that you have spent in England (so they have paid VAT, tax and everything remains in England) that you take to France does not count in your good spend in England" (Q 1409).
80. Tim Adler, Screen Finance, thought that the "used or consumed" rule should be relaxed, "otherwise we are going to end up with a lot of parochial films" (Q 486). He noted that, as a result of the application of the tax credit, "the amount of UK co-production
has dropped off dramatically. He thought that, £70m of UK co-production expenditure had disappeared, involving British producers (Q 487). Alex Hope, Managing Director, Double Negative (a major visual effects company) also supported a change in the "used or consumed" provisions. He said that, on the film Hellboy, he had employed a crew to work in Hungary and "when they were working in Hungary they did not qualify necessarily; but when they came back to the UK they did. That would suggest that it would be better to have more Hungarians working on that production when it was being shot in Hungary rather than UK labour" (Q 932).
81. This extension of the "used or consumed" provisions did not receive universal support. We were told that it could make it more attractive for film producers to use foreign studios, to the detriment of British studios. Michael Grade, Chairman, Pinewood Studios said that it would be using British tax revenue to create economic activity in other countries. He went on to say, "Public intervention in a market of this kind is to encourage spend in the UK
It is the economic activity around a film that is important, and it would be using taxpayers' money to create economic activity in other countries. I cannot see how you can invest taxpayers' money overseas and expect to get a return" (Q 1888).
82. Nevertheless, we understand the wish of filmmakers to be able to keep the same crew on a British film when they do some work abroad without suffering financial penalty. The additional tax relief involved would not be large and would be, to some extent, offset by additional income tax payments by British resident crew members.
83. We acknowledge that there would be a benefit to producers from a change to the "used or consumed" provisions, to extend the tax credit to production expenditure overseas, and the low cost of this change. We recommend that the salaries of personnel employed on a film should be considered eligible costs whether they are working in the UK or on location overseas so long as the personnel are paid and taxed in the UK.
THE VIDEOGAMES INDUSTRY
84. The videogames industry is a growing industry that draws upon similar skills to the film industryparticularly in post-productionand has a degree of overlap in content. According to Skillset[32], the British videogames sector in 2008 included 155 companies specialising in developing games, 30 companies which published and produced games and 35 which provided games support. Employment in games development amounted to nearly 9,000 jobs and a turnover of £625m[33]. The market for videogames in the UK has grown rapidly, though with fluctuations, over the last three decades. Software sales grew from £73m in 1980 to £2.1 bn last year[34]. British companies have proved very successful in game development and, according to Richard Wilson, Chief Executive, Tiga (the trade association of videogame developers), the industry generates sales worth £2 bn annually in the UK and the rest of the world (QQ 971 and 972). Mr Wilson also told us that "a typical games development business in the UK earns about 46 per cent of its turnover from export of its product" Q 971).
85. The videogames industry representatives told us that that they were under challenge from subsidised production overseas, and that this was evident in relative growth rates. Richard Wilson said: "Whereas the UK games industry has grown in terms of employees by about eight per cent over the last two years, in Quebec the workforce has grown by about 52 per cent because of the very generous tax breaks. At a federal level, there is a tax break for going into production that amounts to about 37 per cent. In Quebec itself the government, incredibly, will pay the salaries of game developers to the tune of 37.5 per cent of their wage costs" (Q 1015).
86. Richard Wilson drew attention to a support scheme currently in operation in France, which provides a 20 per cent tax break for games production. Mr Wilson went on to say: "It would be fantastic to have the very generous tax breaks for going into production that our compatriots overseas receive for example in Quebec, but at a bare minimum we would like the UK Government to adopt a tax break of 20 per cent for going into production" (Q 1017). Ian Livingstone, Creative Director, Eidos pointed out that, while the film industry benefited from tax credits and the games industry did not.
87. Tiga has lobbied the Government for a tax incentive for videogame development, but the Pre-Budget Report said that it was not persuaded that the evidence was "sufficiently compelling" to introduce such a tax incentive at this time. The Government did, however, announce plans to invest £3.5m to establish two centres of excellence for the games industry in Dundee and Manchester. [35]
88. We recognise the claims of the videogames industry for support in the face of foreign government-subsidised competition, and recommend that the Government consider providing tax incentives for videogames production.
OTHER ISSUES IN FILM FINANCING
89. Many witnesses drew attention to the difficulties of obtaining funding for British independent film production, particularly following the economic recession and the withdrawal of banks from funding of film production. Tim Adler, Editor Screen Finance, said that "a lot of the banks are now pulling out of film finance because they have had their fingers burnt and they cannot lend in the way that they used to" (Q 469). David Pope, CEO, New Producers' Alliance, told us that "the contribution to the financing of films the banks were making has, to all intents and purposes, gone". He said that banks had provided "gap funding", which is money committed "late in the financing stages and
required to be given back early in the recoupment process, and so that last 20 per cent of the budget has gone" (Q 386).
90. While there was firm support for the film tax credit, some witnesses did point out that the previous system of film support through tax write-offs, though it had been subject to abuse, had attracted equity investment into the film industry. Ingenious Media argued that much of the relative boom in the production of British films after 2003 was due to equity investment. In turn, much of this investment was attracted by accounting rules that embodied the principle that investors' losses could, for accounting purposes, be offset against profits. These rules on "sideways loss relief" (SLR) governing individual partnerships were changed in the Finance Act 2007. In the view of Ingenious Media, the changes were "blunt and indiscriminate
and made no distinction between bona fide investment and tax avoidance" (p 190). Ingenious Media go on to say that their "experience as investors before 2007 was that the availability of SLR was crucial to attracting the large sums involved in putting together production slate financing. There was a vital linkage here: SLR effectively enabled the larger share of funds to be raised from investorsfunds which, in turn, made the production tax credit work. In the absence of SLR, or an equivalent form of relief designed to encourage the raising of high risk equity capital, the production tax credit is insufficient in itself to enable films to be made" (p 190).
91. Ingenious Media raised the potential role of Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), in attracting risk investment to the audiovisual sectors. James Clayton, Chief Executive, Ingenious Investments said that there were "certain constraints in terms of size imposed by VCT and EIS rules, which made them [currently] not particularly suitable for film investment" (Q 812). We did not receive sufficient evidence in this area to make specific recommendations on particular vehicles for equity investment in film.
92. Tim Adler suggested that the Export Credit Guarantee Scheme could be extended to foreign pre-sales of British films. British independent producers often depend on pre-sales to foreign distributors to finance their films. It is on the basis of these contracts that banks, or other investors, have provided funds to make the film. Although this source of funding has all but dried up since the onset of recession, if the Government were willing to provide guarantees for these contracts with foreign distributors, investors might be encouraged back into film funding. Mr Adler thought that "if a bank could have the risk underpinned by the Export Credit Guarantee Department it might encourage them to come back in to lend to film and television companies" (Q 469).
93. Given the difficulties of financing independent British films, particularly following the withdrawal of banks from film financing, we recommend that the Government should look at ways of facilitating greater British private investment in film production. This would need to be done in a way that ensured that the private investment was genuine and not simply a means of tax avoidance.
IS THERE SUPPORT FOR A FILM LEVY?
94. We discussed in Chapter 1 the Eady Levy, a levy on the price of cinema tickets to create a fund which could be used to help finance British films which was in place from 1950 to 1985 (discussed in paragraph 21). We asked a number of witnesses whether they favoured the reintroduction of a levy to help fund British productions. Lord Puttnam stressed the important role that the Eady Levy had played in helping his generation of British filmmakers to make their first commercial films and thus launching their careers. He noted that the Eady Fund "was responsible for 820 films, some very good films. The important point is that Ridley Scott's first film, Alan Parker's first film, my first film, the early work of our entire generation was partially funded out of the Eady Fund; that is not there any more. In every other respect I would say things are better now than they ever have been for people starting out in their career" (Q 748). He did not, however, specifically advocate its reinstatement, suggesting that it was not necessary in current circumstances.
95. The levy continues to be used as a source of film funding in Germany. The German Federal Film Fund's (FFA) budget of nearly 70m a year is raised by a levy on cinema operators, video and DVD retailers, and public and private broadcasters. The Chief Executive, Peter Dinges, told us during our visit to Berlin that the levy system, which has been in place for 40 years, was, in effect, a solidarity fund, raising money and distributing it within the industry. It made the funding of the FFA independent of government, in the sense of not requiring budgetary subventions. It was also self-administering, with members of the industry sitting on the Board. However, he noted that the cinema operators had broken this solidarity by challenging the legality of the levy, on the grounds that the different treatment of broadcasters violates the principle of equal treatment in the German Constitution. A decision on the case is expected later this year (see Appendix 6).
96. Other witnesses, notably the panel of film producers (Roy Button, Tim Bevan and Tracey Scoffield, Director, Rainmark Films) opposed the idea on the grounds that it would muddy the waters of existing government support (Tim Bevan: "I think if we get the tax rebate right that probably does it.") and suggested that, if it were levied on cinema tickets, could reduce cinema attendances (QQ 1416 and 1417).
97. We were struck by the lack of support for the idea of a levy to create a fund for independent film production, which appeared to us markedly different from the position in the television industry, where we heard calls for the use of a levy to support production of British content (see Chapter 4). We conclude that this is, in part, support for the current film tax relief system, both in terms of the support it delivers and the efficiency of its operation. There is clearly a reluctance to go down the film fund route, perhaps because this might put in jeopardy the preferred means of support.
Role of UK Film Council and the British Film Institute (BFI)
98. The UK Film Council was established in April 2000 as the UK's strategic agency for film, with the overall aim of building a more successful and sustainable British film industry. It is a non-departmental public body reporting to Parliament and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), constituted as a private company limited by guarantee and governed by a board of 15 directors. The UK Film Council offers policy advice to the Government on issues affecting the British film industry and also acts as an advocacy body for the industry. It provides funding to support script development, film production, film export and distribution, film education and film skills training. Its funding comes mainly from Lottery Fund income and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport grant-in-aid. From April 2010 it will be one of a number of organisations to have part of its Lottery funding diverted to the funding of the 2012 Olympics. Within the UK Film Council is the Office of the British Film Commissioner, whose role is to promote the UK as a venue for foreign (almost exclusively American) film production. To this end, he has an office in Los Angeles as well as London.
99. The BFI is the UK's cultural agency for film and guardian of the national film collections. It was founded in 1933 and granted a Royal Charter in 1983. It is grant-in-aid funded by the Department of Culture, Media and Sport through the UK Film Council, with an additional £1m levy from commercial terrestrial broadcasters to fund the television element of the BFI National Archive. A further 55 per cent of its total funding is self-generated income.
100. We sought evidence on the role played by the UK Film Council in supporting the UK film industry and whether this could be improved. Industry witnesses were generally supportive of the work of the UK Film Council and thought it an improvement on the more diffuse arrangements in operation before 2000. However, Michael Kuhn, Qwerty Films, expressed the view that the UK Film Council spread its limited budget too widely and should concentrate its effort on supporting film production (Q 769). Tim Adler, Screen Finance, said that the importance of the Film Council "cannot be overestimated. It is a very important body for the British film industry" (Q 460) but went on to note that it drove a hard bargainsome would say too hardin its financing terms, achieving the highest rate of return of any film fund in the world.
101. Witnesses also expressed concern that a part of the Lottery funding allocated to the UK Film Council for use in supporting UK film production is to be transferred to the Olympics. The annual transfer of about £5m represents 15 per cent of the UK Film Council's anticipated Lottery income for the years 2010/11 to 2012/13. This is not a huge amount in strictly financial terms but, in our view, it calls into question the practice of supporting an important industry through a source which can be diverted away for reasons unconnected with the film industry.
102. The Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Ben Bradshaw, told the Committee that the Olympics was a unique event and that the UK Film Council was only one of the recipients of Lottery funding that was being affected by the Olympics. He thought it would have been "difficult
to make a case to uniquely exempt the UK Film Council from taking its share of the burden of the Olympics" (Q 2355). We welcome Mr Bradshaw's assurance that the reduced level "would not represent the new baseline" and that "there is no reason
why it should not be restored afterwards but that will obviously depend on the economic circumstances and on the Government's policy at the time" (Q 2354). We consider this issue further, in Chapter 5.
103. We question, however, whether an industry body like the UK Film Council should be substantially financed by the Lottery rather than direct Government support. We regret the reduction in funding made because of the demands of the 2012 Olympic Games. We recommend that the funding level should be restored immediately after 2012/13.
PROPOSED MERGER BETWEEN UK FILM COUNCIL/BRITISH FILM INSTITUTE
104. Since the Committee took evidence from the UK Film Council and the BFI, the Department of Culture, Media and Sport has initiated merger talks between the two organisations, which are continuing. Concerns have been raised about how a merged organisation might meet the different objectives which the two bodies currently pursue and what its status might be, bearing in mind that the BFI has charitable status and a Royal Charter.
105. We put some of these concerns to the Secretary of State, who said that the Government wanted to ensure that the economic role played by the Film Council and the cultural role played by the BFI were maintained. "We would also have to be very careful about retaining within the new organisation the charitable status of the BFI, but we do think that
it is always worth looking at how organisations can work in a more streamlined way ... We are very well aware of the sensitivities of the BFI in particular, but we hope that we will be able to come up with a model that can preserve the qualities of both organisations and at the same time release money
to maximise the cultural benefits these organisations can bring. If one speaks to people who work day-to-day in the film industry, they often do not quite understand why we need to have these two separate organisations" (Q 2350).
106. At a time when public expenditure is under pressure, the Committee recognises the need for the UK Film Council and the BFI to seek efficiency savings and that a merger may reduce their joint administrative costs. But these are not large organisations and potential savings are limited. The Committee is concerned that this should not be a forced marriage that damages the core functions of the existing organisations.
107. We do not consider that the small saving, which a merger of the UK Film Council and the BFI would be likely to achieve, would by itself justify an amalgamation.
108. If, however, the proposal for the merger of the UK Film Council and the BFI goes ahead, it will be important that any organisational changes neither prejudice nor deter private donations to the BFI's educational and archival work.
UK FILM COUNCIL FUNDING PRIORITIES
109. In November 2009, the UK Film Council launched a consultation document[36] on its policy and funding priorities for the next three years, when the Council will have a reduced budget due to reduced Lottery funding. The Committee has already expressed its concern above at the loss of Lottery funding for film. In the circumstances, the Committee thinks it is right that the Council should focus on support for film production in the UK, including attraction of inward investment in film production. The UK Film Council is proposing to strengthen the Los Angeles office of the Office of the UK Film Commissioner. The UK Film Council reports that inward investment in the British film industry was at an all-time high in the first nine months of 2009 at £686.4m. The Committee supports the reinforcement of this success.
110. We welcome the UK Film Council's emphasis in its consultation document on supporting British films and filmmakers as its first core activity, and its proposal to use funds recouped from its investment in film to top up the Film Production Fund's budget.
111. We support the UK Film Council's continuing commitment, as part of its first core activity, to the promotion of the UK as an inward investment destination for film production. In this context, we strongly support the proposal to strengthen the Office of the British Film Commissioner.
Investment in film by the BBC and Channel 4
112. The BBC and Channel 4, through their film arms, BBC Films and Film4, each invest around £10m-£12m a year in new British films. This is spread over five or more films a year and often takes the form of the first investment to get a project moving. The British independent film production sector finds this investment highly valuable and would like to see BBC and Channel 4 put more money into film. Tim Adler, Film Finance, emphasised the high value to the broadcasters of their small investment: "When you consider the paltry amounts of money that British broadcasters, such as Channel 4 and the BBC actually invest in the film business£10 million pounds eachwhat they get in terms of the BBC brand around the world being seen on cinema screens is a fantastic deal from the broadcaster's point of view" (Q 494) The BBC invests 0.4 per cent of the licence fee in film; Channel 4 invests 1.8 per cent of its revenue.
113. Mark Thompson, Director General, BBC, said that the BBC had to recognise that it is, fundamentally, a broadcaster and that the public pay the licence fee to receive broadcast services from the BBC. "I believe that at £12 million a year, we are at a levelthis is paying, typically, investment in eight to 12 British films, alongside the Film Council, alongside Film4that feels, to me, about right in striking the right balance. The public get from it not just a supply side benefit in terms of a British film industry which is making more feature films than would otherwise be the case, they also get to see these eight to 12 films on the air`"(Q 2087).
114. Andy Duncan, Chief Executive, Channel 4, said that, for Channel 4, film investment was "not a commercial activity; it is ultimately a creative activity. It is about creative endeavour to invest in outstanding film ideas that might otherwise not be made. Crucially, Channel 4 has
first right to show those films on Channel 4 itself". The investment has "a huge knock-on benefit into the wider British film ecology that is wholly helpful" (Q 2160). Mr Duncan said that film investment was "very important as a longstanding part of what Channel 4 has always done. The investment in the sorts of British films that Channel 4 has done has had a real cultural and social value as well as an economic benefit to the British film industry
In balancing it over time, although sometimes commercially it is a cost
there are more successes than failures
Certainly I would hope
there will be the opportunity when the final budgets are decided to put a bit more in next year rather than less" (Q 2220).
115. The Digital Economy Bill, which was introduced on 19 November 2009, proposes that the remit of Channel 4 be amended to include "the making of high quality films intended to be shown to the general public at the cinema in the United Kingdom and the broadcasting and distribution of such content and films".[37]
116. There is clearly a need for the BBC and Channel 4 to keep their investment in film in proportion to their main activities, but this must be balanced against the value to the British film industry, and particularly the encouragement of new talent, which their investment represents.
117. We welcome the provisions in the Digital Economy Bill, which would bring film production within the public service remit of Channel 4. We encourage the BBC to give greater recognition to the role that BBC Films can play in developing new projects and new talent in the British independent film sector.
118. As highlighted in Chapter 1, the distribution of films in the UK is dominated by American companies. While it may vary from year to year, UK Film Council statistics show that the six Hollywood studios have over 75 per cent of the British market and the British independent distributors share the remainder. Again, as Chapter 1 demonstrates, this is not a new problem, but has been with us for nearly a hundred years. The House of Commons Select Committee on Culture, Media and Sport drew attention to it in their report on the film industry[38]. The report noted[39] that "The nature of the British film industry is perhaps not what we would wish it to be" and this could certainly be said to apply to arrangements for distribution of films.
119. David Kosse, Universal Pictures, suggested that the arrangements were not as detrimental to the distribution of British independent films as might, at first, appear. While Hollywood companies had 75 per cent of the distribution market in the UK, it did not mean that they were sourcing only Hollywood films. "The studios generally, are a model as to financing on a global scale a slate of movies15 to 20 movies on a worldwide basisand source those from around the world" (Q 1051). He pointed out that, despite the dominant position of American distributors, British films still had around 31 per cent of the British market in 2008 (Q 1047). At the same time, the Hollywood studios sometimes fail to see the potential of a film and an independent distributor can pick up a worldwide hit. Danny Perkins, Managing Director, Optimum Releasing, told us that, in the last year, it had proved difficult to finance The Wrestler. "We got involved at an early stage, helped to sort [the financing] out and it became a film that resonated around the world and delivered for us really well in this market" (Q 1069).
120. The Government has intervened before in the distribution sector, setting quotas under the Cinematograph Films Act 1927 (though these were aimed at supporting British film production). We did not receive specific suggestions for intervention by Government to try to encourage changes in this structure. But we were told that the arrival of digital distribution could end the dominance of the distribution sector by the American studios. Eric Fellner, Co-Chairman of Working Title and Deputy Chairman, British Film Institute, said that the barrier to entry was the network of physical distribution and the ability to get films into cinemas and do deals with television companies. "Once digital distribution becomes available
where we can go and make a film and we can stick it out there, if we can find a couple of hundred grand or whatever to publicise [it]
, the final barrier to entry to the industry will disappear
That is not more than five or ten years away; I do not know if they fully believe that but a lot of people in the industry believe that" (Q 1179).
121. In his evidence, Professor Ian Christie, speaking on behalf of the Association of Independent Film Exhibitors, expressed concern over the position of smaller distribution and exhibition companies: "a typical small-scale film
gets very brief, fixed runs at a regrettably small number of cinemas around the country" (Q 1689). Professor Christie's specific concern was over the UK Film Council's Digital Screen Network initiative, a £12m investment to equip 240 screens in 210 cinemas in the UK with digital projection technology. He said that the scheme had been successful in putting the UK in the forefront of the new technology, with more digital screens in operation than any other country. But it had created problems. It had proved more expensive than expected and there were insufficient digital projectors to make the miniplexes work. Since the scheme was due to run out in 2011, there were problems of economic sustainability for independent cinemas (Q 1690). In fact, the UK Film Council has confirmed that all of the money allocated to the scheme was committed by May 2007 and there are no plans to extend the scheme.
122. Given the pressures on the UK Film Council's budget, the Committee acknowledges that it is not realistic to call for the Digital Screen Network initiative to be extended.
123. We urge the Government, the UK Film Council and the organisations representing the exhibition sector to find a way of completing the digital equipping of cinemas in the UK which, as necessary, provides help to smaller independent cinemas to purchase or lease digital equipment.
Audiovisual piracy
124. One problem on which there was a wide measure of agreement among witnesses from the film industry was the threat to the industry posed by audiovisual piracy. There are two separate issues: camcorder recordings of films in cinemas and file sharing.
CAMCORDING
125. Camcorders are used to record new films in cinemas for copying and sale as DVDs. This market exists, in part, because there is a time lag between a film's cinema release and its appearance as an officially-sanctioned DVD for rental or sale. The Committee was told that camcorded DVDs can now be of surprisingly high quality.
126. Timothy Richards, Vue Entertainment said "This is sophisticated, organised crime
These are sophisticated recording devices" (Q 1655). Mr Richards went on to explain that, over the last ten years, governments in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia had passed legislation making camcording in cinemas illegal. The UK was the last of the Western countries that did not have legislation. Phil Clapp, Cinema Exhibitors' Association, said that the problem had migrated to the UK, following the deterrent effect of legislation and its implementation elsewhere.
127. Mr Clapp said that the need for legislation in the UK had been "a long-running discussion and debate with Government. Government officials would maintain that the current Fraud Act 2006 is sufficient to deter and prosecute
The difficulties with that are manifold
I have sat in several meetings with government lawyers where there has been a disagreement among them as to whether it is applicable. So
on a cold Friday night in the Cardiff Cineworld, a policeman turning up is hardly likely to be equipped to understand whether or not something is an offence" (QQ 1665 and 1666).
128. Digital Britain states that, "in relation to rights, the Government believes piracy of intellectual property for profit is theft and will be pursued as such through the criminal law", which appears to support the case for specific legislation, given that there has, as yet, been no successful prosecution under the Fraud Act. But Lord Carter of Barnes stated that "the Government's view is that the Fraud Act 2006 should be fit for purpose, and that should be borne out when there is a suitable test case. But in any event there are other criminal offences which, depending on the specific circumstances, might be used instead or in addition"(p 398). Ben Bradshaw subsequently told us that a suitable test case had been found "and is coming to the courts imminently" (p 527).
129. Irrespective of the outcome of the test case on camcording of films in cinemas, we remain concerned that the law is unclear and provides insufficient deterrent to abuse. We recommend that the Government reconsider the case for specific legislation to make it a criminal offence to record a film in a cinema by camcorder.
ILLEGAL FILE SHARING
130. The second issue is audiovisual piracy through illegal file sharing. The case for action was most vividly put by Tim Bevan, Working Title. In describing the problems facing the business model of the film industry, he referred to two major problems: the economic downturn and a second "which is a far more pernicious one, in my opinion, is the digital world" (Q 1375). "Sales of DVD around the world are collapsing and this is because of the internet and basically file-to-file sharing on the internet and internet piracy. If we do not do something about that
then the creative industries broadly are in huge trouble. The creative industries I see as
a bucket of talent, which is fantastic for this country and it is fantastic for any country that has a strong creative industry base, but right now there is a hole in the bottom of that bucket and we need to do something about it" (Q 1376).
131. Digital Britain sets out proposals for legislation to reduce unlawful peer-to-peer file-sharing. The main obligations to be placed on ISPs are to notify infringers that their conduct is unlawful and to collect anonymised information on serious repeat infringers. They may then be required to take technical measures aimed at deterring infringement, such as blocking or bandwidth capping. This is taken forward in the Digital Economy Bill, which sets out measures to tackle copyright infringement, firstly through more effective legal action and the education of consumers and secondly through reserve powers to introduce technical measures such as disconnection of persistent file sharers.[40]
132. Given the strength of film industry concern about the threat from audiovisual piracy, as reflected in the evidence we received, the Committee supports the Government's decision to introduce regulatory measures to combat unlawful peer-to-peer file sharing.
133. At the same time, we received evidence from the industry acknowledging that digitisation required changes in the business model by which film and television content is marketed. Charles Sturridge, Chairman of Directors UK, said that there was a revolution taking place in the dissemination of audio-visual work in films and television. "We are now facing a change which, although it is much debated and much discussed, understandably, is still not, I suspect, completely understood. We are in a sense in a generation of cavalry officers trying to work out tank tactics" (Q 1424).
134. Martin Smith, Special Adviser, Ingenious Media told the Committee that the answer to piracy "is not only about changes in the law. It is about new business models, collapsing the windows [of distribution]" (Q 840). Michael Kuhn, Qwerty Films, spelt this out in detail. "The [windows] have been naturally collapsing, partly because of piracyif you take too long a time before you bring out your DVD the pirates will have it, partly because if you are Sky and you are paying a huge amount of money for the pay-TV rights to a Hollywood studio you do not want to wait a year until it comes on Sky because people have forgotten the marketing campaign for Terminator 7 or whatever it was by then. There is a natural collapsing, therefore, but I would argue that it should not be resisted as it is now by the studios but encouraged, and windows should be differentiated by price. We should be saying "You can have whatever you want when you want but it is going to cost you more or less" (Q 772).
135. Tim Bevan, acknowledged that "It is our job as an industry to come together to make a new business model for moving forwards, but then we have to have the backup of extremely forceful measures to stop this piracy because piracy is going to kill us" (Q 1377). "One of the things we have to do as an industry is come up with a business model that makes films available on the internet at a reasonable price and all the rest of it" (Q 1380).
136. We welcome the decision of some companies in the audiovisual industries to change their business models in order to meet the legitimate demands of their customers while generating a return on their investment in content, and encourage other companies to do the same.
27 In order to obtain the tax credit, film projects need to pass a cultural test, scoring at least 16 points out of a possible 31. They are awarded points for: cultural content (16 points; story in UK, characters British, British novel, English?), cultural contribution (4 points; reflects a diverse British culture, heritage or creativity?), cultural hubs (3 points; studio, filming or postproduction in UK?), and cultural practitioners (8 points; cast, crew and producers British or from EEA?) Back
28 Co-productions are treated as national films, and thus qualifying for UK tax relief, where there a co-production agreement in place between the UK government and any other government, international organisation or authority. Back
29 "Stately Attraction: How Film and Television Programmes Promote Tourism in the UK", by Olsberg SPI, commissioned by the UK Film Council. Back
30 The conclusions of this study will be published by the UK Film Council. Back
31 UK Film Council Statistical Yearbook, 2009, p 142; UKFC statistics do not record films with budgets of less than £500,000. Back
32 Skillset, the Sector Skills Council for Creative Media, "Computer games sector: labour market intelligence digest", 2008, p 1 Back
33 Ibid and Oxford Economics, "The economic contribution of the games development industry", October 2008, p 2 Back
34 The 1980 value is corrected for inflation and expressed in constant 2008 pounds .Estimates from Monopolies and Mergers Commission. Videogames: A report on the supply of videogames in the UK, March 1995 and Entertainment Retailers Association, Statistical Yearbook, 2008, p 18 Back
35 Securing the Recovery: Growth and Opportunity, December 2009 Back
36 UK Film: Digital innovation and creative excellence: Policy and funding priorities April 2010 to March 2013. Back
37 Digital Economy Bill [HL], Clause 21 (1) Back
38 Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Sixth Report (2002-03): The British Film Industry Back
39 Ibid, page 3 Back
40 Digital Economy Bill, Clauses 4-17. Back
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Buhari’s govt wants to kill Kanu, complete 1967 genocide — MASSOB
National Director of Information of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, Samuel Edeson, in this interview with IHUOMA CHIEDOZIE, alleges that Operation Python Dance II was designed to eliminate the Igbo
What are your reasons for opposing the military campaign, Operation Python Dance II, recently launched in Abia State?
Operation Python Dance, also known as ‘Egwu Eke,’ is a ploy by the Federal Government of Nigeria, led by President Muhammadu Buhari, a Fulani man, to wipe out the Igbo from the face of the earth. It is simply a means for him to express his hatred for the Igbo. All the while, we have been complaining that Buhari hates Ndigbo. Now, the hatred is clear for everyone to see. It is glaring to everybody now. Before he came up with Operation Python Dance, there was no crisis in the South-East. The region was peaceful. It is unfortunate that he sent soldiers to the South-East without the approval or consent of the National Assembly. Ordinarily, that is an impeachable offence. But Buhari did it because he wants to kill our people. Even at that, when you say you are launching Operation Python Dance, why did they go to Nnamdi Kanu’s house? Since they say it is ‘python dance’, they should be dancing in the streets; and whoever gets close to them, they will have a reason to engage that person. Operation Python Dance is nothing other than a well-planned arrangement to eliminate the Igbo.
But the Nigerian Army said the military operation is to check crime and insecurity in the South-East.
If they said it is to stop crime, are they saying that there are criminals in Kanu’s house? It has nothing to do with criminals at all. We have countless checkpoints in the South-East already. From Enugu to Onitsha, you will see up to 20 checkpoints. So, the operation has nothing to do with criminals. They went to Kanu’s house to kill him. The checkpoints have not stopped armed robbery and kidnapping. Now they have launched Operation Python Dance (II) and the first place they started from was Kanu’s house. Does it mean that Kanu is a criminal or that IPOB members are criminals? Does it mean that criminals are living in Kanu’s house? It (military campaign) has nothing to do with criminals. It is a plan to kill our people. Fulani herdsmen have been killing and raping people in Benue, Plateau and other states in the country, why haven’t they launched military operations in those states? Why are they launching Operation Python Dance here? Before this operation was there any insecurity in the South-East? Operation, Python Dance is nothing but a means to kill our people.
Don’t you think provocative comments by IPOB leaders contributed to what is happening now?
I don’t think so because the Arewa youths also made provocative statements. They actually gave the Igbo in the North an ultimatum to leave their area before a certain date. The government did not do anything to them. They were not arrested; even when they kept holding meetings and insisted on actualising their notice to quit. A governor ordered their arrest but the police ignored the order. Also, a song urging northerners to kill Igbo people was composed and circulated in the North, and again nothing happened to the youths who were behind the song. They were not arrested. Those who were seen and heard playing the song were also not arrested. Were those actions not provocative? The actions of the Arewa youths were even more provocative than what the agitators (IPOB members) have been doing. The Buhari-led Federal Government decided to turn a blind eye to the activities of the northern youths because the North is in power. Those in power opted to use the Nigerian Army against the Igbo because the President is somebody who has a deep hatred for the Igbo.
Are you saying that the actions of the soldiers were not borne out of provocation?
There is nothing like a provocation. The soldiers’ actions were premeditated. They acted according to instructions. When you are engaged in ‘python dance’, you don’t have to take your dance to somebody’s house; you dance on the streets. The python is not supposed to dance in somebody’s house. The soldiers have no business invading Kanu’s house. In Igbo land, we don’t live together with pythons because pythons are harmful. Unfortunately, in this case, we don’t have the capacity to kill them but the Almighty God in heaven will come to our aid. We can’t live with pythons. Human beings and pythons can’t live together. They should leave us alone.
With the recent launch of Biafra Secret Service by IPOB and another pro-Biafra group, Biafra National Guard, don’t you think Biafran agitators are a security threat to the country?
The pro-Biafra agitation is a non-violent struggle; no pro-Biafra group is armed. We, Biafrans, are not violent. There was a deliberate decision to adopt and follow a non-violent approach and that is how we have been going about our struggle. The Biafra Secret Service inaugurated by Kanu is not armed. Look at the prison service, immigration service and similar agencies, they don’t really carry arms. It was recently that the Nigerian Prisons Service set up an armed squad, otherwise they don’t carry arms. When civil defence (Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps) started, they were not carrying arms, although it was a security service. So, if you call an organisation secret service it does not mean that it must bear arms. They are there to provide security information for the good of the people. They are not armed. Even the Biafra National Guard is not armed. What happened is that, when you push somebody to the wall, they are bound to react and in this case, the pro-Biafra agitators reacted by fighting with their voice. They use their voice to defend themselves.
We know what the Federal Government wants to do. They want Igbo to take up arms so that they will have an opportunity to complete the genocide they started in 1967. They want us to react violently so that they will replicate what they did in Odi in the South-East. What is happening in Igbo land today has nothing to do with IPOB or the Biafra agitation – it’s a plan hatched a long time ago. It has nothing to do with the provocative statements by the agitators. When Buhari lost the presidential election to Goodluck Jonathan, he promised to make the country ungovernable for Jonathan. He went to the British Broadcasting Corporation, Hausa Service, and made negative comments against the government in power – he was not arrested. This has nothing to do with the inauguration of Biafra Secret Service or the activities of pro-Biafra agitators. Operation Python Dance is a plan to commit genocide in Igbo land.
Are you planning to drop your non-violent approach?
We will continue with our non-violent approach. We will not take up arms. We will not carry arms because carrying arms is a criminal offence. But we have a right to self-defence. However, our non-violent approach should not be taken for granted. We are not going to resort to carrying of arms but we are going to fight the Nigerian government legally. What the army has done to us in the course of this Operation Python Dance is a war crime. We are taking the Nigerian government to the International Criminal Court. Buhari, the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, and the GOC 82 Division, and others involved in the crime must pay for killing innocent and unarmed civilians – like what happened to Charles Taylor, Buhari will face the ICC.
What do you think about the response of the South-East governors and other Igbo leaders in the unfolding crisis?
We know the Igbo governors who have the interest of Igbo at heart. We appreciate them. We also know the saboteurs; those who are working against our interest. We are not going to mention names now – a day of reckoning is coming. We know some of the governors and political leaders who are fighting against the oppression of our people. It is not everybody that will come out in the public and shout ‘Biafra, Biafra’. Some of them may not say it but they have Biafra at heart and they are sympathetic to our cause. We commend the leadership so far displayed by President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo. Since he assumed office he has been fearless in fighting for Ndigbo, unlike some past leaders of the association. If all the previous leaders of Ohanaeze Ndigbo were like Nwodo, probably Igbo would not be in the situation we are in today. The people are taking note of everything – we know the role everybody is playing and on the day of reckoning everybody (against our interest) will get what they deserve.
The Nigerian Army has denied allegations of extra-judicial killings levelled against it in Aba and Umuahia, saying they are rumours. What’s your reaction to that?
We all know very well that Nigerian security agencies are professional liars. They are trained to lie all the time. How can they say the allegations are rumours or propaganda when they were caught on camera? Houses were destroyed at Alaoji in Aba. Will an Igbo man destroy the house he laboured to build just for the purpose of propaganda? The truth is that the soldiers aided the Hausa/Fulani residents in Aba to attack and kill our people at night. The soldiers have been maiming and killing our people who are not armed. In the video, they made IPOB members swim in the mud. You could see the army’s vehicle there. Will somebody remove his clothes and lie down in the mud so he will be filmed for propaganda? The army is lying. Why did they go to the NUJ’s (Nigerian Union of Journalists) office to attack journalists if not because they don’t want them to publish the atrocities they were committing? Can they deny going to the NUJ’s office to destroy journalists’ property? There is nothing like baseless rumour or propaganda; the inhuman treatment meted out to our people was real.
Are you continuing with the struggle?
The struggle continues; there is no going back. We cannot run away from our fatherland. Former President Olusegun Obasanjo tried to stop the struggle when he was in power with the MASSOB members killed in 2003, but it did not stop us. The Nigerian government is killing our people again but they can’t stop the struggle.
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British Journal of Haematology
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A guideline for the management of specific situations in polycythaemia vera and secondary erythrocytosis: A British Society for Haematology Guideline
British Society for Haematology Guideline, 09 Jan 2019, In : British Journal of Haematology. 184, 2, p. 161-175 15 p.
Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APML) with cryptic PML-RARA fusion has a clinical course comparable to classical APML with t(15;17)(q24.1;q21.2) translocation
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A guideline for the diagnosis and management of polycythaemia vera. A British Society for Haematology Guideline
BSH Committee, 27 Nov 2018, In : British Journal of Haematology.
Compositional analysis gives insight into leukaemia cell lines expression profiles compared to those within patient sub-groups
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Risk factors for Burkitt lymphoma: a nested case-control study in the UK Clinical Practice Research Datalink
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Lessons learned from a review of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria (PNH) requests a report from the UK PNH Network
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HFE mutations in idiopathic erythrocytosis
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Persistence of DNMT3A does not influence clinical outcome in acute myeloid leukaemia
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Management of polycythaemia vera: a critical review of current data
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Modulation of mutated cohesin complex gene expression in acute myeloid leukaemia cell lines
Smith, J. S., Liberante, F. G., Thompson, A. & Mills, K. I., 19 Apr 2015, In : British Journal of Haematology. 169, Supplement s1, p. 87
Research output: Contribution to journal › Meeting abstract
The molecular and therapeutic relevance of SF3B1 in myelodysplastic syndrome
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Novel antibodies directed against the human erythropoietin receptor: creating a basis for clinical implementation
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CD4-positive small T-cell lymphoma of the intestine presenting with severe bile-acid malabsorption: a supportive symptom control approach
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Assessment of CALR mutations in myelofibrosis patients, post-allogeneic stem cell transplantation
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The frequency of TP53 gene defects differs between chronic lymphocytic leukaemia subgroups harbouring distinct antigen receptors
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Use of JAK inhibitors in the management of myelofibrosis: a revision of the British Committee for Standards in Haematology Guidelines for Investigation and Management of Myelofibrosis 2012
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Antithrombotic treatment for pregnancy complications
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Polycythaemia-inducing mutations in the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR): mechanism and function as elucidated by epidermal growth factor receptor-EPOR chimeras
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Community-acquired infections associated with increased risk of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinaemia
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A phase II study of vorinostat (MK-0683) in patients with polycythaemia vera and essential thrombocythaemia
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High and low, but not intermediate, PRAME expression levels are poor prognostic markers in myelodysplastic syndrome at disease presentation
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Altered methylation levels in elderly acute myeloid leukaemia patients compared to elderly well individuals
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Molecular diagnosis of the myeloproliferative neoplasms: UK guidelines for the detection of JAK2 V617F and other relevant mutations
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Prognostic and therapeutic relevance of c-FLIP in acute myeloid leukaemia
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Prognostic Impact of Monocyte Count at Presentation in Mantle Cell Lymphoma
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Elevated TRIB2 with NOTCH1 activation in paediatric/adult T-ALL
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Guideline for the diagnosis and management of myelofibrosis
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Tyrosine kinase inhibitor insensitivity of non-cycling CD34+ human acute myeloid leukaemia cells with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 mutations.
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Guidelines for the measurement of BCR-ABL1 transcripts in chronic myeloid leukaemia
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Novel interactions between UFH and TFPI in children
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Clinical use of unfractionated heparin therapy in children: time for a change?
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Guideline for investigation and management of adults and children presenting with a thrombocytosis.
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Genomic lesions associated with a different clinical outcome in diffuse large B-Cell lymphoma treated with R-CHOP-21
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CCN3, a novel growth inhibitory factor for chronic myeloid leukaemia
Lu, W., McCallum, L., Price, S., Planque, N., Lazar, N., Perbal, B. & Irvine, A., Apr 2009, In : British Journal of Haematology. 145, p. 2-3 2 p.
Erythropoietin synthesis is primarily regulated by the PHD2-HIF-2alpha-VHL axis as documented by HIF-2alpha associated familial erythrocytosis
Percy, M. J., Furlow, P. W., Beer, P. A., Campbell, G., Dekker, A. W., Green, A. R., Li, X., Sutherland, S., Oscier, D., Rainey, M. G., Rivera, E., Van Wijk, R., Wood, M., Lappin, T., McMullin, M. F. & Lee, F. S., Apr 2009, In : British Journal of Haematology. 145, p. 44-45 2 p.
Tyrosine kinase and proteasome inhibition alter proteasome expression in BCR-ABL positive cell lines
McCloskey, S., McMullin, M. F., Walker, B. & Irvine, A., Apr 2009, In : British Journal of Haematology. 145, p. 21-22 2 p.
Clonal diversity in the myeloproliferative neoplasms: independent origins of genetically distinct clones.
McMullin, M., Mar 2009, In : British Journal of Haematology. 144(6), 6, p. 904-908 5 p.
Serial chimerism analyses indicate that mixed haemopoietic chimerism influences the probability of graft rejection and disease recurrence following allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) for severe aplastic anaemia (SAA): indication for routine assessment of chimerism post SCT for SAA
Lawler, M., McCann, S. R., Marsh, J. C. W., Ljungman, P., Hows, J., Vandenberghe, E., O'Riordan, J., Locasciulli, A., Socié, G., Kelly, A., Schrezenmeier, H., Marin, P., Tichelli, A., Passweg, J. R., Dickenson, A., Ryan, J. & Bacigalupo, A., Mar 2009, In : British Journal of Haematology. 144, 6, p. 933-945 13 p.
Minimal residual disease detection in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patients at multiple time-points reveals high levels of concordance between molecular and immunophenotypic approaches
Ryan, J., Quinn, F., Meunier, A., Boublikova, L., Crampe, M., Tewari, P., O'Marcaigh, A., Stallings, R., Neat, M., O'Meara, A., Breatnach, F., McCann, S., Browne, P., Smith, O., Lawler, M. & Lawler, M., Jan 2009, In : British Journal of Haematology. 144, 1, p. 107-15 9 p.
Nuclear factor-kappaB as a potential therapeutic target for the novel cytotoxic agent LC-1 in acute myeloid leukaemia
Jenkins, C., Hewamana, S., Gilkes, A., Neelakantan, S., Crooks, P., Mills, K., Pepper, C. & Burnett, A., Dec 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 143, 5, p. 661-71 11 p.
G-CSF increases proteasome activity in myeloid cells
McCloskey, S. M., Windrum, P., McMullin, M., Walker, B. & Irvine, A., Nov 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 143, 4, p. 598-601 4 p.
An international standardization programme towards the application of gene expression profiling in routine leukaemia diagnostics: the Microarray Innovations in LEukemia study prephase
Kohlmann, A., Kipps, T. J., Rassenti, L. Z., Downing, J. R., Shurtleff, S. A., Mills, K., Gilkes, A. F., Hofmann, W. K., Basso, G., Dell'Orto, M. C., Foa, R., Chiaretti, S., De Vos, J., Rauhut, S., Papenhausen, P. R., Hernandez, J. M., Lumbreras, E., Yeoh, A. E., Koay, E. S., Li, R. & 4 othersLiu, W. M., Williams, P. M., Wieczorek, L. & Haferlach, T., Sep 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 142, 5, p. 802-807 6 p.
Clinical and molecular characterisation of a prospectively collected cohort of children and adolescents with polycythemia vera.
Cario, H., Schwarz, K., Herter, J. M., Komrska, V., McMullin, M., Minkov, M., Niemeyer, C., Pospisilova, D., Reinhard, H., Debatin, K. M. & Pahl, H. L., Aug 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 142(4), 4, p. 622-626 5 p.
Heat shock protein 90 inhibition is cytotoxic to primary AML cells expressing mutant FLT3 and results in altered downstream signalling
Al Shaer, L., Walsby, E., Gilkes, A., Tonks, A., Walsh, V., Mills, K., Burnett, A. & Rowntree, C., May 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 141, 4, p. 483-93 11 p.
Recessive congenital methaemoglobinaemia: cytochrome b(5) reductase deficiency
Percy, M. J. & Lappin, T., May 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 141, 3, p. 298-308 11 p.
Adiponectin is a negative regulator of granulopoiesis, produced by lymphocytes
Crawford, L., Peake, R., Price, S., Morris, T. & Irvine, A., Apr 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 141, p. 120-120 1 p.
Bortezomib has anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects against quiescent CML stem cells and cells expressing the T3151 mutation
Heaney, N. B., Pellicano, F., Crawford, L., Kazmi, S. M. A., Irvine, A. & Holyoake, T. L., Apr 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 141, p. 58-58 1 p.
Characterisation of HOXA6 in haematopoiesis and AML
McGonigle, G. J., Finnegan, D., McMullin, M. F., Mills, K., Lappin, T. & Thompson, A., Apr 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 141, p. 117-117 1 p.
Erythrocytosis associated with mutations in the active site of the prolyl hydroxylase PHD2
Percy, M. J., Furlow, P. W., Zhao, Q., Flores, A., Harrison, C., Beer, P. A., Lappin, T., McMullin, M. F. & Lee, F. S., Apr 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 141, p. 67-67 1 p.
Erythrocytosis with low serum Epo is commonly associated with JAK2 exon 12 gain of function mutations
Percy, M. J., Scott, L. M., Erber, W. N., Harrison, C. N., Reilly, J. T., Jones, F. G. C., Green, A. R. & McMullin, M. F., Apr 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 141, p. 68-69 2 p.
CCN3 reduces the clonogenic capacity of CML cells
Lu, W., McCallum, L., Price, S., Planque, N., Perball, B., Lazar, N. & Irvine, A., 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 141, p. 44-44 1 p.
Profiling proteasome activity in whole cells
Liggett, A., Morris, T., Walker, B. & Irvine, A., 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 141, p. 28-28 1 p.
Profiling the proteasome in BCR-ABL positive cell lines
McCloskey, S. M., McMullin, M., Walker, B. & Irvine, A., 2008, In : British Journal of Haematology. 141, p. 44-45 2 p.
SSX2IP expression in acute myeloid leukaemia: an association with mitotic spindle failure in t(8;21), and cell cycle in t(15;17) patients.
Mills, K., Dec 2007, In : British Journal of Haematology. 140, 2, p. 250-251 2 p.
FUS expression alters the differentiation response to all-trans retinoic acid in NB4 and NB4R2 cells
Walsby, E. J., Gilkes, A. F., Tonks, A., Darley, R. L. & Mills, K. I., Oct 2007, In : British Journal of Haematology. 139, 1, p. 94-7 4 p.
Amendment to the guideline for diagnosis and investigation of polycythaemia/erythrocytosis.
McMullin, M., Reilly, J. T., Campbell, P., Bareford, D., Green, A. R., Harrison, C. N., Conneally, E., Institute, N. C. R., Subgroup, M. D., Ryan, K. & Haematology, B. C. F. S. I., Sep 2007, In : British Journal of Haematology. 138(6), 6, p. 821-822 2 p.
A survey of haematology teaching in UK and Irish medical schools
McMullin, M. F. & Boohan, M., Apr 2007, In : British Journal of Haematology. 137, p. 45-46 2 p.
Artificial neural network analysis identifies novel patterns of HOX gene expression in prognostic subgroups of acute myeloid leukaemia
Finnegan, D. P., Quinn, M., Humphreys, M., Lappin, T., McMullin, M. F., Thompson, A. & Ball, G. R., Apr 2007, In : British Journal of Haematology. 137, p. 67-67 1 p.
CCN3 reduces the clonogenic potential of BCR-ABL plus cells
Lu, W., McCallum, L., Price, S., Planque, N., Perbal, B., Whettont, A. D. & Irvine, A., Apr 2007, In : British Journal of Haematology. 137, p. 26-26 1 p.
Idiopathic erythrocytosis is associated with a risk of thrombosis - a retrospective case series review
Hodson, A., Harrison, C. N., Percy, M., Jones, F. & McMullin, M. F., Apr 2007, In : British Journal of Haematology. 137, Suppl 1, p. 44-45 2 p.
Investigation of HOXA6 as a candidate gene in AML
McGonigle, G. J., Finnegan, D. P. J., McMullin, M. F., Lappin, T. & Thompson, A., Apr 2007, In : British Journal of Haematology. 137, p. 38-39 2 p.
Profiling of proteasome catalytic activities in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
Ong, Y. L., Crawford, L. & Irvine, A., Apr 2007, In : British Journal of Haematology. 137, p. 20-20 1 p.
Comparison of the survival implications of tumour-associated versus cancer-testis antigen expression in acute myeloid leukaemia.
Mills, K., Feb 2007, In : British Journal of Haematology. 136(3), 3, p. 510-512 3 p.
The tumour antigens RAGE-1 and MGEA6 are expressed more frequently in the less lineage restricted subgroups of presentation acute myeloid leukaemia.
Mills, K., Jul 2006, In : British Journal of Haematology. 134(2), 2, p. 238-239 2 p.
A novel mutation in the HIF prolyl hydroxylase, PHD2, associated with familial erythrocytosis
Percy, M. J., Zhao, Q., Floresw, A., Harrisonz, C., Lappin, T., Maxwell, P. H., McMullin, M. F. & Lee, F. S., Apr 2006, In : British Journal of Haematology. 133, p. 16-16 1 p.
Beta-thalassaemia mutations in the northern Ireland population
Knott, M., Ramadan, K. M. A., Savage, G., Jones, F. G. C., El-Agnaf, M., McMullin, M. F. & Percy, M. J., Apr 2006, In : British Journal of Haematology. 133, p. 72-72 1 p.
CCN3 expression reduces the clonogenic potential and growth of BCR-ABL plus cells
Mccallum, L. M. R., Lu, W., Price, S., Planque, N., Perbal, B., Pierce, A., Whetton, A. D. & Irvine, A., Apr 2006, In : British Journal of Haematology. 133, p. 13-14 2 p.
Cytokine stimulation increases proteasome activity
Windrum, P., McMullin, M. F., Walker, B. & Irvine, A., Apr 2006, In : British Journal of Haematology. 133, p. 77-77 1 p.
Developing proteasome assays for clinical studies
Liggett, A., Morris, T., Walker, B. & Irvine, A., Apr 2006, In : British Journal of Haematology. 133, p. 32-32 1 p.
Evaluation of three diagnostic criteria for polycythaemia vera
Arnold, E. C., Turkington, R. C., Percy, M. J., Cuthbert, R. J. G., Ranaghan, L. A. & McMullin, M. F., Apr 2006, In : British Journal of Haematology. 133, p. 63-63 1 p.
Expression of NADH-cytochrome b(5) reductase variants provides important functional insights into recessive congenital methaemoglobinaemia
Percy, M. J., Crowleyw, L. J., Davis, C. A., Boudreaux, J., Layton, D., McMullin, M. F., Lappin, T. & Barber, M. J., Apr 2006, In : British Journal of Haematology. 133, p. 71-71 1 p.
The spectrum of molecular defects in idiopathic erythrocytosis
Percy, M. J., Jones, F. G. C., Lappin, T. & McMullin, M. F., Apr 2006, In : British Journal of Haematology. 133, p. 120-120 1 p.
Novel observation of three FLT3 codons mutated in tandem in an elderly acute myeloid leukaemia patient.
Mills, K., Jan 2006, In : British Journal of Haematology. 132(1), 1, p. 116-117 2 p.
Guidelines for the diagnosis, investigation and management of polycythaemia/erythrocytosis.
McMullin, M. F., Harrison, C., Campbell, P., Green, A. R., Bareford, D., Hunt, B., Oscier, D., Polkey, M. I., Reilly, J. T., Rosenthal, E., Ryan, K., Pearson, T. C. & Wilkins, B., Jul 2005, In : British Journal of Haematology. 130, 2, p. 174-195 22 p.
Rapid and sensitive detection of internal tandem duplication and activating loop mutations of FLT3.
PAD combination therapy (PS-341/bortezomib, doxorubicin and dexamethasone) for previously untreated patients with multiple myeloma
Oakervee, H. E., Popat, R., Curry, N., Smith, P., Morris, T., Drake, M., Agrawal, S., Stec, J., Schenkein, D., Esseltine, D. L. & Cavenagh, J. D., Jun 2005, In : British Journal of Haematology. 129(6), 6, p. 755-762 8 p.
Recessive congenital methaemoglobinaemia: functional characterization of the novel D239G mutation in the NADH-binding lobe of cytochrome b5 reductase.
Percy, M. J., Crowley, L. J., Davis, C. A., McMullin, M., Savage, G., Hughes, J., McMahon, C., Quinn, R. J., Smith, O., Barber, M. J. & Lappin, T., Jun 2005, In : British Journal of Haematology. 129(6), 6, p. 847-853 7 p.
Interphase molecular cytogenetic screening for chromosomal abnormalities of prognostic significance in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a UK Cancer Cytogenetics Group Study.
Harrison, CJ., Moorman, AV., Barber, KE., Broadfield, ZJ., Cheung, KL., Harris, RL., Jalali, GR., Robinson, HM., Strefford, JC., Stewart, A., Wright, S., Griffiths, M., Ross, FM., Harewood, L. & Martineau, M., May 2005, In : British Journal of Haematology.
Bcr-Abl kinase expression increases proteasome activity
Windrum, P., Mccallum, L., Walker, B., McMullin, M. F. & Irvine, A., Apr 2005, In : British Journal of Haematology. 129, p. 80-81 2 p.
The novel proteasome inhibitor BzLLL-COCHO is a specific inhibitor of proteasome activity
Crawford, L., Morris, T., Chauhan, D., Anderson, K. C., Walker, B. & Irvine, A., Apr 2005, In : British Journal of Haematology. 129, p. 8-8 1 p.
The prevalence and clinical spectrum of paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria in Northern Ireland
McMullin, M. F., Apr 2005, In : British Journal of Haematology. 129, p. 72-72 1 p.
A randomized study (WOS MM1) comparing the oral regime Z-Dex (idarubicin and dexamethasone) with vincristine, adriamycin and dexamethasone as induction therapy for newly diagnosed patients with multiple myeloma.
Cook, G., Clark, R. E., Morris, T., Robertson, M., Lucie, N. P., Anderson, S., Paul, J. & Franklin, I. M., Sep 2004, In : British Journal of Haematology. 126(6), 6, p. 792-798 7 p.
Bone marrow architecture in acute myeloid/erythroid leukaemia.
McCloskey, S. M., McMullin, M., Morris, T. C. M. & Markey, G. M., Jul 2004, In : British Journal of Haematology. 126(1), 1, p. 1-1 1 p.
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Wage Insurance for Workers and More Enforcement Tools for the Government
May 12, 2016 May 12, 2016 / thequakeractivist
Unbelievably, this article by Wiliam A. Galston appeared in today’s Wall Street Journal. Republicans, along with Bill Clinton, have long been espousing free trade (i.e. NAFTA, trade with China), while Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and now Donald Trump, have been activating against it because of the harm it has done to American workers. Even Hillary Clinton has come around to opposing it. Is this article one of the first trumpet calls to a serious change-of-heart on the part of the right? Have they really begun to care about our working class?
No matter who wins, the 2016 presidential campaign already has undermined public support for trade agreements and should force supporters of the Trans-Pacific Partnership to reassess their strategy.
Donald Trump and Sen. Bernie Sanders have opposed these agreements for decades. Although she supported the TPP as secretary of state, Hillary Clinton came out against it early in her presidential campaign. Last week, she expanded and explained her opposition. When asked about a possible vote on the TPP during the lame-duck session of Congress after the November election, she replied: “I have said I oppose the TPP agreement—and that means before and after the election.”
It is difficult to see how an end-of-the-year push for the agreement can succeed when the president-elect, no matter the party, is sure to be dead-set against it.
Mrs. Clinton has also clarified her overall approach to the issue. “I’m not interested in tinkering around the margins of our trade policy,” she said. “I think we need a fundamental rethink of how we approach trade deals” so that American workers and jobs come first. “Looking back over the past decades, as globalization picked up steam, there’s no doubt that the benefits of trade have not been as widely enjoyed as many predicted,” she declared. “Corporations may have won, but many workers lost.”
Although we can argue about the numbers, Mrs. Clinton clearly is on the right track. In retrospect, China’s accession to the World Trade Organization in 2001 marked a turning point in the global economy that most of us were slow to recognize. Recent work by labor economists has documented the devastating impact—especially on U.S. manufacturing jobs and wages—of the surge in Chinese imports over the past 15 years.
Responding by turning to protectionism and isolationism, as Mr. Trump urges, would be a catastrophic mistake for the U.S. and the world. Yet the status quo is unacceptable and will make it politically impossible to reach further international agreements.
There are steps that the Obama administration and its successor could take to rebalance the playing field and rebuild public support for America’s leadership in the world economy.
To begin, U.S. administrations should make aggressive use of antidumping provisions in existing trade agreements. Alleging systematic dumping, the Obama administration in March imposed large import duties on Chinese cold-rolled steel. This should be the beginning of action on a broader front. On Monday The Wall Street Journal reported a 20% increase in Chinese government subsidies for hard-pressed companies during the past year. Asked about a large infusion of cash into a struggling aluminum firm employing 10,000 workers, a Chinese official replied: “The government’s aim is to help maintain social stability.” This is code for a bailout that cannot be defended on economic grounds. Washington must make it clear that social stability in China no longer can be purchased at the price of social instability in the U.S.
Second, Congress and the next administration should adopt a proposal offered by veteran trade officials John Veroneau and Shara Aranoff to increase the investigative capacity of the U.S. trade representative and to expand the enforcement tools available to the U.S. International Trade Commission.
Specifically, with the concurrence of the Senate Finance and House Ways and Means committees, the ITC would be empowered not only to investigate alleged violations of trade agreements but also to issue trade-enforcement advisory opinions on the merits of these claims. The ITC’s reputation for political independence would lend weight to its views.
As policy experts across the political spectrum have noted, many workers displaced by trade and offshoring haven’t been able to find new jobs that pay as much as the previous ones. These workers and their families are asked to make do with incomes that can be 40% lower than they once enjoyed. This is why the mostly ineffective Trade Adjustment Assistance program should be bolstered by adopting a system of wage insurance.
Under this system, displaced workers would receive a wage supplement amounting to half the gap between their current and previous earnings, up to an annual maximum of $10,000. The supplement wouldn’t be permanent, but because it is tied to employment and is more generous than traditional unemployment insurance, it would give workers an incentive to find a job as quickly as possible. That would minimize the negative effects of extended unemployment while shoring up growth in the U.S. labor force.
Unless leaders in both parties who fear an American retreat from global economic leadership move aggressively to push back against illegal practices and to help the workers damaged by globalization, there is no possibility of rebuilding public support for expanded trade.
← America to Outstrip France’s Ancien Régime in Inequality by 2030
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President Obama discusses artificial intelligence with Media Lab Director Joi Ito
Politics-Law-Society
MIT Media Lab Director Joi Ito (left), WIRED Editor-in-Chief Scott Dadich (center), and U.S. President Barack Obama confer in the Roosevelt Room of the White House. Photo: WIRED
When President Barack Obama agreed to guest-edit the November issue of WIRED, he selected MIT Media Lab Director Joi Ito for an exchange of ideas about artificial intelligence (AI). Their recent interview at the White House is featured in the latest online issue of WIRED, published on Oct. 12.
The one-on-one conversation, moderated by WIRED Editor-in-Chief Scott Dadich, ran the gamut of topics at the intersection of societal needs, ethics, and technology — from cybersecurity to self-driving cars; from the roles of government, industry, and academia to the lack of diversity in tech; from “moonshot” motivations to innovation at the margins; and from neurodiversity to Star Trek. All this was covered in the context of AI and extended intelligence (EI), which uses machine learning to augment human capabilities.
It’s a societal thing
Ito says his overarching message for Obama in their conversation was that AI — and the space it occupies — is no longer just a computer science issue. “It’s also very much a societal thing.” And we shouldn’t underestimate the difficulties, he adds. “We can’t think that machines will just figure it all out for us. Everyone needs to recognize the importance of understanding how AI behaves, and we have to address the critical need to build societal values into AI.” Ito is encouraged by what he characterizes as the president’s “amazing team,” which includes U.S. Chief Technology Officer Megan Smith ’86, SM ’88, along with Deputy U.S. CTOs Alexander Macgillivray, formerly a lawyer for Twitter, and Ed Felten of Princeton University.
“And the role of the Media Lab is to be a connective tissue between computer science, and the social sciences, and the lawyers, and the philosophers,” says Ito. “What’s cool is that President Obama gets that.”
“Where should the center of research live, if there even is a center?” Dadich asked both Obama and Ito. In the article, the president noted that “part of the problem that we’ve seen is that our general commitment as a society to basic research has diminished. Our confidence in collective action has been chipped away, partly because of ideology and rhetoric.” Ito said, “Historically, it probably would have been a group of academics with help from a government. But right now, most of the billion-dollar labs are in the business.” He later explained that the Media Lab works in the space between the disciplines — the antidisciplinary space between humans and computers, and between networks and society: “MIT has been and continues to be a center for AI research, and now we see the need for a more fully integrated approach, cutting across all disciplines. I hope the Media Lab can make a meaningful contribution to that with our method and experience.”
Above all, says Ito, “What’s important is to find the people who want to use AI for good — communities and leaders — and figure out how to help them use it.” To that end, Ito says, the MIT Media Lab is committed to not only exploring the technology of AI and EI but also addressing their ramifications for humankind.
“We’re already talking about these issues with people across the full spectrum of society,” Ito adds. “This is a crucial area that cannot be ignored.”
Artificial Intelligence machine learning Media Lab President Obama School of Architecture and Planning Technology and society
Why ethical robots might not be such a good idea after all
3Q: Daron Acemoglu on technology and the future of work
Best practices in designing effective roadmaps for robotics innovation
A round up of robotics and AI ethics: part 1 principles
Overview of the International Conference on Robot Ethics and Safety Standards – with survey on autonomous cars
more about Politics-Law-Society..
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Mostly law professors | Sometimes contrarian | Often libertarian | Always independent
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Police Abuse
The Supreme Court's Continuing Immunity Crusade
A few thoughts on today's summary reversal in Kisela v. Hughes.
Will Baude |The Volokh Conspiracy | 4.2.2018 2:56 PM
Today's "dog bites man" story from the Supreme Court is a summary reversal in Kisela v. Hughes, the latest reversal of a Ninth Circuit opinion that had denied qualified immunity to a police officer. An Arizona police officer shot a woman who was holding a kitchen knife because he (seemingly mistakenly) believed that she was a threat to her roommate, who was standing about six feet away. In a per curiam opinion, the Supreme Court held that the police officer could not be held liable for the unreasonable use of deadly force, because it was "far from an obvious case" in light of the urgency of the situation and the woman's strange behavior. By my count, this is the fifth such summary reversal in the past four years. (It also means that a list of qualified immunity cases in an article I published in February is already out of date.)
However, I was somewhat heartened to see a dissent by two Justices (Sotomayor and Ginsburg). The dissent argued that the majority had "misapprehend[ed] the facts and misapplie[d] the law," and that a jury could have found that the use of deadly force was clearly unreasonable. The dissent also went on to make a second point, however, one that I think is quite important to emphasize:
For the foregoing reasons, it is clear to me that the Court of Appeals got it right. But even if that result were not so clear, I cannot agree with the majority's apparent view that the decision below was so manifestly incorrect as to warrant "the extraordinary remedy of a summary reversal." Major League Baseball Players Assn. v. Garvey, 532 U. S. 504, 512–513 (2001) (Stevens, J., dissenting). "A summary reversal is a rare disposition, usually reserved by this Court for situations in which the law is settled and stable, the facts are not in dispute, and the decision below is clearly in error." Schweiker v. Hansen, 450 U. S. 785, 791 (1981) (Marshall, J., dissenting); Office of Personnel Management v. Richmond, 496 U. S. 414, 422 (1990) ("Summary reversals of courts of appeals are unusual under any circumstances"). This is not such a case. The relevant facts are hotly disputed, and the qualified immunity question here is, at the very best, a close call. Rather than letting this case go to a jury, the Court decides to intervene prematurely, purporting to correct an error that is not at all clear. This unwarranted summary reversal is symptomatic of "a disturbing trend regarding the use of this Court's resources" in qualified-immunity cases. Salazar-Limon v. Houston, 581 U. S. ___, ___ (2017) (SOTOMAYOR, J., dissenting from denial of certiorari) (slip op., at 8). As I have previously noted, this Court routinely displays an unflinching willingness "to summarily reverse courts for wrongly denying officers the protection of qualified immunity" but "rarely intervene[s] where courts wrongly afford officers the benefit of qualified immunity in these same cases." Id., at ___–___ (slip op., at 8–9); see also Baude, Is Qualified Immunity Unlawful? 106 Cal. L. Rev. 45, 82 (2018) ("[N]early all of the Supreme Court's qualified immunity cases come out the same way—by finding immunity for the officials"); Reinhardt, The Demise of Habeas Corpus and the Rise of Qualified Immunity: The Court's Ever Increasing Limitations on the Development and Enforcement of Constitutional Rights and Some Particularly Unfortunate Consequences, 113 Mich. L. Rev. 1219, 1244–1250 (2015). Such a one-sided approach to qualified immunity transforms the doctrine into an absolute shield for law enforcement officers, gutting the deterrent effect of the Fourth Amendment.
The majority today exacerbates that troubling asymmetry. Its decision is not just wrong on the law; it also sends an alarming signal to law enforcement officers and the public. It tells officers that they can shoot first and think later, and it tells the public that palpably unreasonable conduct will go unpunished.
It is important to remember that the Supreme Court hears only a small and dwindling number of cases—less than one in 100 of the cases that it is asked to hear will ever get a determination on the merits. Most of those cases, according to the Court's rules and practices, will be cases where lower courts are divided on the law or an important legal issue is otherwise unsettled. These summary reversals are a notable, and sometimes explicit, exception. The Court takes a comparatively large number of factbound cases that present no lasting legal issue other than whether the Ninth Circuit got it wrong again.
I have criticized the Court's qualified immunity doctrine at length, but I do understand that one might disagree, especially if one believes in evolving judge-made law (see this draft response from Hillel Levin and Mike Wells) or might think the issue so settled by stare decisis that my critiques are merely academic. Still, it is worth noting that the Court treats qualified immunity not just as ordinary settled law, but as an area of law so important that it is worth deciding a series of factbound cases that would never earn the Court's attention if they involved a different legal issue. Moreover, the Court seems uninterested or unable to find such cases where a lower court wrongly denied relief to a person whose constitutional rights were violated.
I remain unconvinced that this special legal treatment has a good legal basis.
NEXT: Sacramento Sheriff's Dept. SUV Knocks Down Police Abuse Protester, Then Drives Off
Will Baude
Police Abuse Supreme Court
Gasman
April.2.2018 at 3:43 pm
The immunity / no-immunity threshold seems to largely determine whether those who suffer as a result of law enforcement encounters can recover for their losses.
Why not a simple no-fault payment from the police departments and those who nominally endorse and benefit from policing, the public, compensate those who wind up with losses through police encounters. The only ones not compensated would be those convicted by a judge or jury, but not plea deals (already too much power in pleading out cases for the DA.)
That way more people who have their door busted in, dog shot, or need of medical care for laceration repair incidental to arrest get fixed. And the path to civil suit remains for those with more egregious cases.
Michael Ejercito
We should impose strict liability, the way strict liability is imposed on business owners.
DKWalser
I disagree. For some types of police work, I think strict liability (at least for the city) should apply. An example would be a no-knock raid to enforce a search warrant. If they bust through the wrong door because they have the wrong address, that should be 100% on them. Anything bad that happens, including their use of deadly force on someone who reasonably fears that his home is being invaded by an armed gang, should be on them with no immunity.
But, this case was something entirely different. The three officers were responding to a 911 call. Someone saw a woman hacking at a tree with a large knife and otherwise behaving erratically. When the officers arrived, the 911 caller, flagged them down and the officers were, again, told of the erratic behavior the woman had displayed. The woman then came out of the house, carrying the knife, and walked toward another woman who was standing in the front yard. By now, a third officer had arrived, and all three ordered the woman with the knife to put it down. She ignored them.
My point is that, unlike a no-knock-raid, the officers here had no chance to prepare for this situation. Should they be 100% liable for any bad outcome? What if the hold fire and the woman does attack the other with the knife, can the victim sue the police for inaction?
RevengencerAlf
April.3.2018 at 10:24 am
They have repeatedly proven that they can’t be trusted to do the right thing with immunity for flawed decisions. The only rational recourse left is to relieve them of that shield.
The word of a caller or a person on the street is not to be trusted and is not cause to use potentially lethal force on someone without sincere and thorough evaluation.
DJK
Wouldn’t a Taser have worked in this situation?
the original jack
No. I sell Tasers in my business. They are not the desired weapon when a person’s life is judged to be in immediate danger as was the case here. Plus, having a fence between the Taser shooter and the target is not a good thing.
I’m confused. Having a fence between you and someone with a close range weapon like a knife is immediate danger to one’s life? How do you possibly come to that conclusion?
Never mind. It’s the roommate or whoever that was judged to be at risk.
At any rate, that we have to dive into these facts seems to make it clear that summary reversal was not in order here.
cibolevez
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April.4.2018 at 8:43 am
So why is it justified to impose strict liability on business owners per the Park doctrine?
Does this not violate equal protection?
Rossami
Why not? For the same reason that no-fault insurance failed to live up to it’s claims of fairness and cost control. No-fault fails to hold abusing officers accountable for their actions. The cash settlement papers over the problem and makes it even less likely that Congress (and/or state legislatures) will do anything to fix the root cause of the problem.
MatthewSlyfield
“Why not a simple no-fault payment from the police departments”
Because that completely ignores the need to deter law enforcement officers from committing the acts that would prompt the payments.
How about malpractice insurance? We do it for other professions and it seems to work very well.
How is qualified immunity consistent with equal protection?
See the Park doctrine
The government will prosecute executives who “stand in responsible relation to a public danger” through the Responsible Corporate Officer doctrine (sometimes called the “Park doctrine”). See U.S. v. Dotterweich (1943). In Dotterweich, the CEO was convicted of violating the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FDCA) although he had no personal knowledge of the infraction, and the company was not convicted of the same crime! The Supreme Court upheld the misdemeanor conviction, endorsing the common law doctrine that a criminal conviction, without any criminal intent or even knowledge on the part of the defendant, is justified if the defendant is serving as a corporate officer.
Interesting that the private sector can be convicted of crimes without even having to prove that that the defendant had “personal knowledge of the infraction”, and yet those who are entrusted to enforce the law may have immunity if they did not know the conduct in question was illegal.
What is the justification for this disparate treatment that can satisfy equal protection?
“He may be a goon, but he’s our goon.”
You’re making the mistake of believing in a government composed of the people, for the people, and by the people. With regard to police and prosecutors, that is not the case and SCOTUS has made this clear for decades.
Acrews
I am not at all unsympathetic to criticism of current QI doctrine. But I see less reason to criticize the decision to use summary reversal in these cases. Time and time again, the Court has told the Ninth Circuit how not to do QI analysis, e.g., don’t frame clearly established law at too high a level of generality. And the Ninth Circuit’s consistent response (which Kisela well illustrates), is to do exactly what the Supreme Court said not to do and to hold that this isn’t what the panel is doing. That is, the Ninth Circuit not only misapplies the doctrine, but then goes on to explain how it’s misapplication is actually entirely consistent with controlling Court precedent. The result, especially in the Ninth Circuit, is disastrous for the rule of law. These cases recur all the time, and the Ninth Circuit is huge. District judges (and subsequent panels) simply *cannot* faithfully follow both the Court’s doctrine and Circuit precedent when this occurs. And if Circuit precedent comes later (and purports to be a faithful interpretation of Court precedent), then the practical effect is that the Ninth Circuit gets to live under a special rule. The Court simply has to knock these cases off the books; it’s the only way to keep genuine uniformity. Otherwise, QI analysis (as opposed merely to its outcomes) will be starkly different depending where you live.
TheAmazingEmu
I thought the Sixth Circuit is the one most commonly reversed in QI cases.
The problem I tend to see if the Court keeps using summary reversals to make the standard more and more narrow. In other words, the law was far more ambiguous than these cases would like you to believe and they’re making substantive changes to legal doctrine without the benefit of oral arguments.
Andrew Branca, a highly regarded self-defense expert, has a completely opposite take on the ruling.
https://tinyurl.com/y7us6btk
[had to use tinyurl as the link was too long to post. It goes to the Legal Insurrection website.]
ActualRightWingPatriot
I agree with his take. My issue is not with this particular case, but with QI in general.
I am not generally a supporter of most any judicial-made up rules but especially for QI (or Andrew for that matter).
You mean to imply Congress did not establish qualified immunity, but the courts just made it up as they went along?
David Nieporent
Well, yes. The legal fiction from SCOTUS is that even though ? 1983 doesn’t mention QI, Congress must’ve meant to include it.
commentguy
The fundamental problem is that police officers receive inadequate training (shout, then shoot). It’s really open to debate whether police forces should be under some obligation to try to reduce the number of police killings. If you think yes, then QI is warranted. If you think that police forces have a general duty to learn from past mistakes and find less-lethal and less violent ways of dealing with situations like women attacking trees with a knife, then perhaps rubber-stamping every police shooting isn’t such a good idea. I recall fairly recently there was a cop who was fired because he didn’t shoot a suspect – he used his judgement and army training to try and talk the guy down, but the Rambo mentality said that he was wrong.
In most first world countries it would be pretty rare for a cop to shoot someone holding a knife. What does that say about the skill level of US cops, that they can’t think of anything except their guns?
Joe_dallas
This may be slightly off topic, though I think ginsburg would have more success getting the four conservative justices on board addressing problems with qualified immunity if her other dissents were not so reflexively policy arguments instead of legal arguments.
For example , In her Encino motors dissent, also handed down today, she dishonestly quoted the the applicable statute, dishonestly described the service advisors job function to reach her conclusion that was not supported by the actual statute. The legal rational in her dissent was strongly supported by the language in the statute that didnt exist.
Rev. Arthur L. Kirkland
The prospect that five conservative justices will lose their taste for qualified immunity seems remote. Republicans (especially former prosecutors appointed by Republicans to the bench) tend to be especially enthusiastic, even slobbering cop succors.
I understand and agree with the critique of qualified immunity as a matter of judicially created public policy. However, it is the law and, until Congress changes the law by enacting a statute addressing the question, it’s up to the 9th Circuit to faithfully apply the Supreme Court’s precedents. They didn’t come close in this case. The officer, based on the information he had at the time, reasonably believed that a woman wielding a knife, Ms. Hughes, was an imminent threat to another woman she was approaching. All three officers on the scene believed that to be true. After being instructed twice to drop the knife, the officer fired and he did so to protect the other women.
Was he correct in believing that Ms. Hughes was a threat to the other woman? Under current precedent, the answer to that question doesn’t matter. What matters is was it reasonable for the officer to believe that she was in danger based on the information he had at the time. Undoubtedly it was reasonable for him to hold this belief. The other two officers shared the same belief. Given that he held that belief, what case or statutory law clearly establishes that the officer would be violating Ms. Hughes’ rights by using deadly force to stop her from harming the other woman? There is none. Therefore, the officer has qualified immunity. Period.
Whether he should have qualified immunity is another topic. A topic that was not and should hot have been before the 9th circuit.
BillyG
However, it is the law and, until Congress changes the law by enacting a statute addressing the question, it’s up to the 9th Circuit to faithfully apply the Supreme Court’s precedents.
Well now, that part itself is up to some debate. If you can cite the appropriate section of the legal code for QI, I’d like to see it.
Noscitur a sociis
April.2.2018 at 11:25 pm
The Supreme Court has said that qualified immunity is part of section 1983. Like Prof. Baude, you’re entitled to disagree with that interpretation. A court of appeals judge isn’t.
Yes, that’s the basic problem here. The Supreme court can claim that the Sun rises in the West and sets in the East, and the courts of appeals are required to shade their eyes gazing West in the morning.
And, like the proverbial Emperor’s courtiers, it isn’t in the personal interest of the legal community to notice when the Court is naked.
But that doesn’t mean that everybody else is obligated to refrain from noticing, or making fun of the Court.
MightyMouse
These cases are awful to read. Miscarriage after miscarriage. No one can be above the law, and this cannot be sustained indefinitely without tragic consequences.
If the nation becomes hyper-polarized in all branches, as so many fear, then qualified immunity will be the single point of failure that takes down the entire system.
The US Marshals service is controlled by the Executive.
What matters is was it reasonable for the officer to believe that she was in danger based on the information he had at the time. Undoubtedly it was reasonable for him to hold this belief. The other two officers shared the same belief.
The fact that they didn’t shoot says otherwise.
The question indeed is whether it was reasonable. And that’s a fact question, not amenable to summary judgment – and certainly not worthy of summary reversal.
Moreover, a cop ought not to be able to create QI for himself by overreacting so quickly that he doesn’t have enough information to reasonably assess the situation.
Or acting in such a way as to create the perceived danger in the first place. The cop who jumped on top of a car and fired into the driver. The cops who pulled up behind the guy carrying an air rifle walking down the road. The cops who pulled up right at Tamir Rice. The cops who killed the guy walking in walmart carying a BB-gun by the barrel.
Since 2015, police have averaged killing just about 1000 people per year. Meanwhile, deaths from being attacked are under 100 per year and closer to
Kyfho Myoba
Exactly what happened in the Tamir Rice case.
The limits of tyrants are prescribed by the endurance of those whom they oppress.
My patience is pretty much exhausted.
One of the officers was a trainee. The other officer may have not felt he had a clear shot. The fact they didn’t shoot does NOT prove what they believed at the time. What we have is their testimony that they believed the woman was in danger.
R. K. Phillips
Actually, that fact that they did not shoot AND the other woman was not injured does prove something. I think that any cop who shoots their weapon for any reason should lose their job, permanently. I’d bet that the number of police shootings would plummet.
Congratulations for the stupidest post of the week.
One of the officers was a trainee.
The other officer may have not felt he had a clear shot.
He might have been busy plotting his wife’s surprise birthday party and not really paying attention, too. But why are you making up facts?
The fact they didn’t shoot does NOT prove what they believed at the time.
it’s evidence of what they believed at the time — stronger evidence than post facto testimony covering for their colleague.
What we have is their testimony that they believed the woman was in danger.
Well, what the decision says is that they “believed Hughes to be a threat to Chadwick.” But it doesn’t say that they believed her to be an imminent threat. What we do know is that one of them also testified that he “wanted to continue trying verbal command[s] and see if that would work.” So presumably he did not in fact view her as an imminent threat. (A sensible view, since she had committed no crime and made no threatening moves.)
Well, if I was 6 feet away from a crazy lady with a knife, I would be pulling iron – – – – – –
While backing up, facing her.
But the cops do not have that option.
Why was the other lady not running away?
Obviously, the other lady – who we can presume to know the knife-weilder – didn’t think that she was in any danger. This puts the fact of whether or not the cops’ belief was reasonable into play, and back in the trial courts’ jurisdiction.
Gunstar1
Or she was too terrified to move. The judgement is based on what someone else in your shoes knew at the time. The officers did not know and could not know what the other woman was thinking. Not scared or too scared to move. It doesnt matter as that is not a part of the reasonable force decision.
It is sad the descent uses all sorts of facts that are not at issue in the use of force decision.
BadLib
Reading the Court’s opinion (and it may not be a complete and correct statement of the facts), I don’t see how the officers would have known that the woman they believed to be at risk knew the mentally ill knife wielder.
As well, the fact that party A knows party B does not mean that B is not a threat to A. In domestic violence cases, both parties always know each other – should the police therefore assume neither is a danger to the other?
Indeed, if a potential victim knows the person threatening them, they might be at more risk as the potential victim may, instead of fleeing, remain and try to talk the person threatening them into surrendering – and by doing so remain in an area at risk.
This seems like a case that is mired in the details of the facts and should be tried. Looking at the facts as the Supreme Court opinion states them and viewing those facts (along with additional detail that would likely come out during a full trial) in the most favorable light from the perspective of the woman who was shot, it seems reasonable that a jury might well decide that a reasonable officer would not have found that the woman was not an immediate threat.
Obviously, the other lady – who we can presume to know the knife-weilder
As the dissent correctly notes, this formulation already biases the question in favor of the cops.
She was holding a knife — a common household implement — not “wielding” it.
FlameCCT
Q: Why was the other lady not running away?
A: Scared stiff? Many people have a tendency to freeze when threatened especially those who’s right to self defense has been taken away by government fiat.
She testified she wasn’t scared.
Sarcastr0
Long to be free sure is into broad and deadly state powers when it’s police against other people!
Do you know what options the cops do have? They can use that Taser that they carry. A knife is not a distance weapon. A Taser is.
The police were separated from the two women by a chainlink fence. Ever try to fire a Taser through a chainlink fence without grounding its wires (and rendering it useless)?
savovodok
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tkamenick
Would things be better if QI weren’t used to “resolve” factual disputes? Is there any serious disagreement that it’s clearly established that cops can’t shoot somebody who poses or reasonably appears to pose no threat to anybody else? That’s not what the disagreement between the parties is about, it’s about whether, as a factual matter, the cops could reasonably conclude this woman posed a threat. Effectively, the courts are finding as a matter of law that the cops COULD reasonably reach that conclusion, which is not how summary judgment is supposed to work.
Sympatica
This is like the court’s regulatory decisions = if there is ANY POSSIBLE way the regulatory rule can make even a little sense then it stands.
GET RID OF THE IMMUNITY LAWS OR TAKE AWAY THE COPS GUNS.
Davulek
For all you advocates of getting rid immunity, you’d better get ready to defend yourselves because every cop will quit.
Qualified immunity was created in 1982. Did we lack police before that?
I’m happy to. The cops already have no legal obligation to protect us, and most of them are cowards who wait outside while an active shooting is going on inside. Repeal all of our stupid gun laws, and I’ll take my chances.
because every cop will quit.
And do what, become mall security? (Doubtful; they’re not protected by QI.) It’s not like they’re abundantly qualified to do other things.
Most of us have to do that already. Call the cops and you are more likely to get killed than the criminal is to get caught.
Rules of Modern Life:
1) Never call the cops
2) Never talk to the Feds.
Brandon Lyon
Just wondering here, not a threat or a call to violence: I wonder if the kind of leniency shown to a father killing their daughters rapist in cold blood would be afforded to the father in this case if he went and gunned down the cop. Otherwise people would be hypocrites and that never happens.
SF Pete
wow, intellectual nonsense, Will, go thru an academy course on active threats.. assessing a threat is something you are wholly ignorant of. “The law is an Ass”. at Least the SCOTUS understands that.
This country has a disturbing amount of law school graduates with Na?ve notions about real life, and abundant persuasive abilities in court.
reparele
RonBPalmer
They protect this common law immunity because the judiciary depends on the same common law immunity to cover up their own blatant unconstitutional behavior that Chief Justice John Marshall in Marbury v. Madison labeled as criminal. Family law is by far the worst offender with most judges claiming they aren’t even state actors in family law cases. This is so pervasive, that I wrote an entire book on the state action doctrine as it applies to judges.
Area Man Passionate Defender Of What He Imagines Constitution To Be
We need to eliminate the immunity laws OR take the guns away from the police.
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Healthcare Industry News: INSIGHTEC
Devices FDA
News Release - March 1, 2007
FDA Approves use of InSightec's ExAblate(R) 2000 With GE Healthcare's 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging System
Non-invasive Magnetic Resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound Uterine Fibroid Treatment Now Compatible With Both 1.5 Tesla and 3 Tesla Systems
HAIFA, Israel, March 1 (HSMN NewsFeed) -- INSIGHTEC Ltd. announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved use of the company's ExAblate® 2000 incisionless surgery system for uterine fibroids with GE Healthcare's 3 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging systems, based on studies conducted at University of California at San Diego (UCSD), Weill Cornell Medical Center and KNI Imaging. ExAblate 2000, which combines Magnetic Resonance Imaging with focused ultrasound waves (MRgFUS) to non-invasively destroy tumors, was previously approved for use with the 1.5 Tesla magnet in 2004.
"This new approval allows physicians the freedom to use ExAblate with either a 1.5 Tesla or 3 Tesla MRI scanner, allowing busy MRI centers greater flexibility in scheduling use of their systems and allowing women greater access to this non-invasive procedure to destroy their symptomatic uterine fibroids," said William G. Bradley, Jr., M.D., Ph.D., F.A.C.R., Chairman of the University of California at San Diego's Department of Radiology and a Professor of Radiology at UCSD School of Medicine. "The 3 Tesla system also provides a higher level of anatomical detail."
ExAblate 2000 is the only MRgFUS system approved by the FDA as a non-invasive, outpatient procedure to treat symptomatic uterine fibroids and over 2,500 women with the condition have been treated worldwide.
The company has begun clinical trials to study the technology's use in many oncology-based indications including breast, bone, liver and brain tumors.
About ExAblate 2000
The ExAblate 2000 is the first U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved system to use the breakthrough MRgFUS technology that combines MRI - to visualize tissues in the body, plan the treatment and monitor in real time treatment outcome - and high intensity focused ultrasound to thermally ablate uterine fibroid tissue. Real time MR thermal feedback, provided uniquely by the system, allows the physician to control and adjust the treatment to ensure that the targeted tumor is fully treated and surrounding tissue is spared. ExAblate received FDA approval for the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids in October 2004. ExAblate has been recognized for its innovation and potential to serve mankind and has been awarded the 2004 European Union's Information Society Technologies grand prize, The Wall Street Journal's 2004 Technology Innovation Awards, and Advanced Imaging's 2005 Solutions of the Year.
Uterine fibroids are benign growths in the uterus appearing in up to 70% of women of childbearing age. Symptomatic women suffer from extensive and prolonged menstrual bleeding, anemia, pain, pressure and often infertility. Existing treatment options include hysterectomy, myomectomy which are invasive, involving hospitalization and several weeks of recovery time and uterine artery embolization that is minimally invasive requiring hospitalization and one to two weeks recovery. ExAblate is an outpatient procedure and patients return home the same day and to work within one to two days.
About INSIGHTEC
INSIGHTEC Ltd. is a privately held company owned by Elbit Medical Imaging (EMI), General Electric, MediTech Advisors, LLC and employees. It was founded in 1999 to develop the breakthrough MR guided Focused Ultrasound technology and transform it into the next generation operating room. Headquartered near Haifa, Israel, the company has over 135 employees and has invested more than $100 million in research, development, and clinical investigations. Its U.S. headquarters are located in Dallas, Texas. For more information, please go to: http://www.INSIGHTEC.com/
Source: InSightec
Search: InSightec
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Search: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Related News Items
INSIGHTEC Announces Expansion of Positive Insurance Coverage for MR-guided Focused Ultrasound to Treat Essential Tremor
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Tag: magazine
The Bitch of Living: Pygmalion Reimagined – A Short Story by Róisín Doherty
September 7, 2017 September 7, 2017 salfordwritersjournalLeave a comment
Throughout the history of literature, our ears have been graced with many timeless love stories, spanning millennia. We hear of brave, dashing heroes and princes who overcome all odds to win the hand of their designated female love interest. It’s an evergreen formula, though derivative and a gateway to a sexist mindset. Nevertheless, this tale shall follow suit; this story deserves a protagonist, and a protagonist it shall have.
Thus, the role falls to Pygmalion. He was a proud man, and why not? He had a lot to be proud of. He was an extremely talented artist, a household name across the Mediterranean, known particularly for his lifelike statues. Crafted with such affection and attention to detail, his statues seemed as vivacious and feisty as a patron of the local tavern. With their mischievous eyes and strong limbs, it was suspected that his sculptures were liable to jump out of their petrification at any moment, and dance around the room. They said that his work was so magnificent that the gods themselves were envious of his talent. He had almost everything a classical-era celebrity could want: Wealth, Status and Political Influence. He lacked just one thing: A Wife.
Of course, a man of his stature could have his pick of the bunch. If he so desired, he could have all of the local kings line up their young daughters from Crete to Macedonia and choose his favourite. It would be an honour to be the wife of such an esteemed figure in their society – there was just one problem.
Pygmalion despised women. In his eyes, they were debaucherous creatures: prostitutes and drunks. They were weak and prone to vanity. Vapid. Greedy. He avoided their company wherever possible. No woman borne of Earth was good enough for Pygmalion.
He had grown old by this time. Old, and deeply unhappy. He had all the riches he could wish for, fields full of valuable livestock and crops and was a valued member of the council. But it wasn’t enough. He wished for a son, to carry forth his legacy. But how could he obtain an heir without a woman to bear his seed? He could never lower himself to be with a disgusting woman, lest his enlightened mind be infected by her domestic, frivolous drivel and his wealth wasted on her vanity and greed.
The perfect woman, Pygmalion thought, would be designed by man. She would live her life as her husband dictates. She would be innately beautiful, with no need of expensive clay and beeswax cosmetics. She should, however, not be a slave to her own narcissism. She would have youthful, golden locks, and wide child bearing hips. Her breasts should be large and filled with milk for my suckling son, her face perfectly symmetrical and her skin pale, and blemish-free. She would be pious, and fearfully respectful of the gods. Her mind should not be tainted by hearsay or the effects of alcohol. She should be well educated, and a sparkling conversationalist, who agrees with me on all matters of morality, philosophy, art and politics. She should also, however, know her place in the home, never speak out of turn, and serve my every need.
Pygmalion knew that this woman could not be found in Cyprus. He could search the entirety of the western world and not find her; and should he scour the far off eastern lands, and the whole world, he would be as lonely as ever. This perfect woman existed solely inside his mind.
And that was the idea that struck him. If the perfect woman didn’t exist, it was his job to change that. And who better for the task? With his talent, he could elicit the most beautiful woman in the world from a slab of cold, obstinate marble with ease. Men from around the globe would want to flock to Cyprus to marvel at her beauty – but he wouldn’t allow it. No one else could gaze upon on his flawless creation. The fruits of his labour were for his eyes only.
After purchasing the finest Parian marble in the land, denting his fortune, he set off to work. His wizened muscles ached as he tirelessly chipped away at the sheets of rock cocooning his magnum opus. He laboured on her image for almost three years, labouring on each small detail; the convex curve of her fertile womb, her earnest, full-lipped smile, and perfectly symmetrical face.
His toil finally ended on a sweltering hot day in the middle of summer. After smoothing down her shapely calves, he wiped a layer of sweat from his forehead and admired his work.
She was breathtaking. Pygmalion’s heart whelmed with devotion as he gazed upon the face of his creation. The statue was more beautiful than he could have imagined. And perhaps it was the heat of summer, his old age, or the overjoyed relief that came with her completion, or a combination of all three; but Pygmalion found himself kissing the sculpture. It was quick and forceful, her cold, frigid lips combating the hateful sun’s heat. He held the figure close, relieved by the chill. But her skin, though smooth, was hard and unforgiving. Not at all like the soft, supple flesh he imagined. His eyes welled with tears – His perfect creation was nothing more than a lifeless husk.
Days passed, where Pygmalion could do nothing but stare at the statue. The excitement of her completion had long since worn off, and left a gaping wife-shaped hole in his heart. Here she was, his perfect woman was standing in front of him and he felt lonelier than ever. He knew for certain now that no other woman would be as beautiful as she.
“A creation as beautiful as you deserves life.” Pygmalion said to the statue. “I am an old man, and I know that life is be cruel. But I can’t bear to spend the rest of my days alone. I am a helpless old fool who has fallen in love with his own sculpture.”
The statue, of course said nothing.
“You, as divine as you are, shall share my burdens, and bear me a son. I shall go to Aphrodite’s temple and ask for her blessing. I shan’t be away for too long – I can’t bear to take my eyes off of you.”
Once more, the statue was silent, though it’s doubtful that it would’ve had much of a choice in the matter anyway.
After fetching his prize bull from his fields, Pygmalion made his way to the Temple of Aphrodite, where a large crowd gathered around the alter. Caught up in his own mind, he had forgotten that today was Aphrodisia – a festival honouring the very goddess of love and beauty that he had come here to pray to. He watched in reverent silence as the blood of a dove was used to purify the temple. The crowds dropped to their knees and called out in exaltations, adulating Aphrodite. Pygmalion followed suit, praying to her with all his might.
Atop Mount Olympus, Aphrodite watched the paltry humans laud her powers and revere in her greatness. She smirked, so used to seeing them go about their everyday lives, that it was almost insulting to see so many visitors in her temple during the festival. Those foolish little fleas had no idea how much power she had on their mortal world.
“Pathetic.” She spat. “These little idiots think that, just because they pray to me, they can get whatever they want. I don’t care about their failing marriages and unrequited loves. It’s just the same requests over and over, with no thanks to be had.”
Then, as the crowds began to dissipate, she spotted Pygmalion. This was a face she knew all too well. She had kept an eye on the sculptor in the past, drawn to his faultless statues and virility in his youth. She had always wondered which woman would end up his wife, and be rolling in gold for the rest of her days, but now she could see that Pygmalion had never been wed; nor did he frequent the local brothels. She raised an eyebrow – what request could this man ask of the goddess of love and beauty?
Pygmalion brought his bull towards the altar, and sliced it open with the ceremonial blade. Its guttural screech could be heard across the island as the blood spattered the ground. It had been decades since a sacrifice so grand had been made to Aphrodite; if he hadn’t caught her attention before, he certainly had it now.
“Oh Great and Beautiful Goddess!” He cried. “Maiden of the Sea!
“I have at last found my true love, a woman so perfect and pure, unlike any other. The smile on her face blesses my days and her alabaster thighs haunt my nights. I present to you this fine bull, the greatest of my herd, as I plead for your blessing. My greatest love is a sculpture made by my own hand. As the just goddess of love, I beseech of you – bestow my sweetheart with the gift of life, and we shall both be eternally grateful.”
Aphrodite pinched the bridge of her nose, sighing deeply. After all these years, the buffoon had fallen for his own statue? Surely this had to be madness; the man was losing his sanity in his old age.
“No,” Dionysus told her, “I know madness, and this is no madness. Pygmalion has truly fallen for the sculpture; a pretty thing she is too.”
“That’s ridiculous. It’s not a woman, or any kind of human – It’s an inanimate object! He’s not in love with an inanimate object.” Aphrodite said, shaking her head. “There’s more to love than beauty, you know.”
“That’s a tad hypocritical, coming from you.” Dionysus chuckled. “So, what’re you going to do? Are you going to bring the statue to life?”
“I suppose I shall.” She sighed. “Perhaps it’ll be amusing if nothing else.”
Meanwhile, Pygmalion’s heart battered at his bloodstained chest, harder and harder as he approached his front door. He held his breath, and pressed his hand against the rough wood. If Aphrodite was willing, the love of his life would be waiting for him behind this door.
He pushed it open.
The statue stood exactly where he had left it. Cold and hard as ever.
A darkness settled into his heart. How dare Aphrodite not answer his prayer! He had sacrificed his best bull for her – he was certainly entitled to a payment of some sort!
He slammed the door shut, and stormed across the room, grabbing the statue by the waist. The bull’s blood on his fingers seeped into the porous rock and stained the milk-white. His gripped tightened, as he resolved himself to destroy his creation. He wanted nothing more than to throw it to the ground, smashing it into innumerable sharp fragments.
He stared into her bovine eyes for one last time, and bent down to kiss her goodbye. He bowed his head, and closed his eyes, bracing himself for the sharp chill of her lips.
But it never came.
The statue’s lips were soft and warm, moving out of sync with Pygmalion’s. They were speaking. Pleading.
“Let go of me! Let go! You’re hurting me!” The statue cried. Pygmalion’s eyes shot open. His grip on her waist loosened, letting her fall to the floor.
“You’re alive!” He exclaimed, a large grin crawling over his face. “Aphrodite has answered my prayer, and you shall be my wife!”
“W-Who are you?” The girl asked, struggling to cover her nude body. Pygmalion could hardly believe his eyes. She was his statue, come to life – and she was even more beautiful with blood pumping through her veins.
“I am Pygmalion.” He said proudly. “I sculpted your body from the finest Parian marble and prayed for you to be given life so that you could be my wife. I am madly in love with you.”
The girl swallowed hard. “I am Galatea.”
“Are you in love with me?”
“We… have just met, sir.”
Pygmalion frowned. This wasn’t right – he brought this woman to life. He should be a hero in her eyes, if not a God. “No,” He said sternly. “You love me. That’s how this works. You’re just a stupid statue so you probably don’t know how love feels, but I do. You are my perfect ivory virgin, borne of my own hand, and we shall be wed tomorrow. Perhaps in time, you shall learn how love feels.”
Galatea bowed her head, too afraid to use her newfound tongue against her creator. He had already exercised his power over her, marked by the finger-shaped bruises on her waist. She waited until Pygmalion had gone to sleep before she found some old sheets to drape around her body, and stole out of the house. Without direction or deliberation, she made her way to Aphrodite’s Temple.
The temple was in a shambles after the day’s celebrations; the tiled mosaic on the floor could barely be seen through the blood and muddy footprints; and the smell of the slaughtered bull lying on the altar hung heavy in the air.
Galatea crept in cautiously, keeping out a watchful eye for any stray Cypriots who might who might approach her. The chill in the night air made her wary, and the smell of death made her stomach lurch. Once she was certain she was alone, she fell to her knees sobbing.
“My Lady,” she cried. “Why have you forsaken me to this mortal life? I do not want to marry Pygmalion. He is a strange, old man, and I fear he shall do me harm. He claims that he loves me, yet he does not know me. O goddess of love, will you have me forced into this sham of a marriage?”
“Yes, my child.” said a voice behind her. It was low and earthy, but Galatea could swear she heard the earth move with each cadence. Warm hands clasped her shoulders in a comforting manner. “I know of your struggles all too well, Galatea. But I’m afraid this is a struggle you must bear, as a woman.”
“He has bruised me, my Lady.” Galatea protested, adjusting the sheets to display her waist. “His forceful grasp is too rough for my skin. His wicked hands too careless and destructive. He claims to love me for my beauty, but surely there is more to me than that? What if the rest of me is not to his liking?”
“You were created to be beautiful.” Aphrodite said tonelessly. “Nothing else matters. Not to Pygmalion anyway. You shall marry him and give him a son.”
“Without love? That doesn’t seem like any kind of life.”
“You have no choice, Galatea.”
The girl, shocked by Aphrodite’s lack of compassion, snapped her neck up. Goosebumps writhed up her spine as her gaze met the goddess’. An aura of ethereal power radiated from her, more alluring than Galatea could ever hope to be. She stood up and turned around, drawn towards the goddess. Her deep, brown face, wide set green eyes and long nose seemed almost hypnotic. This was a face too dangerous, too beguiling for the eyes of a mortal.
“Do not come any closer.” Aphrodite warned, outstretching her hand. “Go home to Pygmalion, child. He’ll be happy to see you; you should be thankful to have a man at all.”
But Galatea couldn’t look away from the goddess, until she blinked, looked around and found herself back in Pygmalion’s house once more. That day, the two of them were wed. They married in secret, an unorthodox ceremony as they were both older than the traditional age for marriage, and Pygmalion forbid anyone else, even wedding guests, from laying their eyes on his wife. By the end of the night, she still did not love him.
Nine months later, she gave birth to twins, a son, Paphos and a daughter, Metharme. She wasn’t the most maternal of women, but she loved the two of them dearly. She still did not love Pygmalion.
She watched her children grow up, performing each of her motherly duties to perfection. Her days were monotonous at best and chaotic at worst. Wake at dawn, help Paphos get ready for school, cook and clean with Metharme, and spend the evenings spinning. With his supervision, Pygmalion sometimes allowed Galatea to visit the market in the afternoons. He paraded her around like a trophy, falsifying stories of their intoxicating love for his fans, and vilifying all the other women in comparison to her. She wondered if he knew how uncomfortable it made her. She wondered if he cared.
Nights were even worse. They tried to talk, but there was nothing to say. They had the exact same opinions on morality, philosophy, art and politics, and would only parrot the same beliefs back at each other. And the nights Pygmalion tried to make advances towards her were nothing but awkward. She turned him down most times, unless they had come across some silphium in the market. She cried almost every night while he slept, wishing for her repetitive life to come to a stop. She almost prayed for some natural disaster or death to occur; just so something would happen. Years passed, and she still did not love him.
At the age of fourteen, Metharme began to menstruate. Just a few days after her fourteenth birthday, she awoke her mother excitedly; proud that she had finally become a woman. That day, accompanied by Paphos, Galatea took her daughter to the woods, and helped her sacrifice her old toys to Artemis, as a symbol for the end of her childhood. Pygmalion didn’t join them. In the past few months, he had been ill, and seemingly deteriorating more and more each day. He had been bedridden for almost a year now.
Metharme worried about her parents often. They didn’t act like the other parents in the town, who were younger, buoyant and full of life. Pygmalion was easily the oldest man in the village, and Galatea seemed as though her mind was full of thoughts that she didn’t dare speak aloud. During the ceremony, she seemed even more subdued than usual. The crackling of flames filled the clearing, the smoke rising to the treetops. Galatea’s gaze did not stray from the pile of burning dolls. She did not cry.
As they made their way home in silence, Metharme tugged at her mother’s dress. “Maia, you seem sad. Are you worried about Pateer?”
“No, child.” Galatea said abruptly. Her pace quickened.
“He’s rather old, isn’t he?” Paphos chimed in. “A boy from my school, Doros, said that his father said Pateer wouldn’t be around to see winter. He said that if the frost won’t kill him, then Hades would get impatient and come up to the surface world and kill him himself.”
“You shouldn’t speak about your father in such a way.” She scolded. “Your father is very proud of you both, it would sadden him to hear this, you know.”
Their walk home continued in silence.
Within a week, Metharme was married off to Cinyras, a hero from the land of Cilicia, leaving Galatea even lonelier than before. “It’s a good pairing…” Her ailing husband assured her in a self-satisfied wheeze. “Metharme has your beauty… And Cinyras is a brave warrior… With great riches… Any children of theirs…Will be destined for greatness.”
“Metharme is brave.” Galatea replied. “And she has a good heart. She genuinely cares for those around her. Even as a child, she was very empathetic; but also, very soft-willed. Aren’t you worried that you pushed her into this marriage? Did you ask her want she wanted? How she felt?”
“She will be… an excellent mother.” Pygmalion croaked.
Metharme would go on to have six children; none of whom would ever get to meet Galatea or Pygmalion, for she never saw her parents again. Her youngest son, Adonis, inherited his grandmother’s beauty, and gained repute from causing a rift between Aphrodite and Persephone, who both admired the young man’s good looks.
In the meantime, Galatea waited by Pygmalion’s bedside, holding his withered, liver-spotted, old hand in hers. She performed all the duties of a loving, dedicated wife; she helped him wash, and relieve himself; as well as cooking for him, and singing him to sleep.
After all these years, her beauty had not faded. She looked as young as the day she came alive, her skin smooth and unblemished, her hair free of grey streaks. Every day, Pygmalion looked at her the way he did on that first day, with the same mixture of pride and devotion. And even then, she did not love him. The bruises on her waist had never faded.
Paphos grew up to take his father’s place in the local council, enamouring the masses with his strategical mind and unparalleled intellect. So much so that they renamed the city after him after he died. At the age of thirty, he took his own young wife, and had his own children. He visited his parents often at first, but his job became more and more demanding; his visits became less frequent.
It was during one of his visits that Pygmalion would breath his last. He sat at his father’s bedside while his mother went to the well. He told him of the latest developments in the political sphere, and listened patiently when Pygmalion gave his own, unsolicited opinion on the matter. When Galatea returned, Pygmalion grew quiet. He watched her wordlessly as she busied herself around the room, dusting and cleaning. Finally, he said: “I won’t be seeing you in the Fields of Elysium, will I, my sweet?”
“I doubt it.” Galatea said, reaching up to eviscerate a cobweb in the corner of the room with a flourish of her rag.
Pygmalion’s eyes lost their light. Letting out a final sigh, his muscles went slack, and he peacefully surrendered to his eternal rest, feeling accomplished with his life. And why not? After all, he had a lot to be proud of.
Paphos buried his face in his hands, breathing deeply. His father was dead. He waited for his mother to speak. She did not. He raised his head, and turned his tear stained face to where she stood.
In his mother’s place stood a statue of a young woman, lifelike and expensive-looking. It was made of Parian marble, yellowed with age, with fingerprints of dried blood staining its waist. He looked back and forth from the statue to his father’s corpse, wondering what to do.
Galatea had been granted the gift of life in order to be Pygmalion’s wife. Without a husband to dote upon or children to raise, what use would a woman be? She never went to any sort of afterlife, she simply ceased to exist; her marble figure lost to history, never to be seen again.
However, some say that Galatea lives on in the hearts of women everywhere. Galatea is the little girl in pigtails who wants to be a doctor, a firefighter, an engineer when she grows up, and receives a nurse’s costume, a toy kitchen and a baby doll for her birthday.
Galatea is the school girl with the short skirt who cowers from the lewd men who shout at her in the street, wondering why her fashion choices makes her a target.
Galatea is the stripper; stronger and braver than most people she knows, and faces physical and verbal abuse every day by the same men pay to objectify her every night.
Galatea is the housewife tamed into submission by her loud husband, wondering how her life might have turned out if she hadn’t taken her mother’s advice, and travelled the world instead of having a child.
Galatea is the crazy cat lady, dubbed so by the community she leans on for support, wondering why her identity was erased because her feline friends are the only visitors she gets these days.
Galatea is Audrey, Kelly, Julia, Wendy, Kim, Rachel, Julie, Karen, Christina and she could even be you or me.
Galatea was valued for little more than her beauty and her sex, but upon further examination, Pygmalion may have reaslised that she, and many others, had a bit more to offer.
Words – Róisín Doherty
Images – Danielle Jade Oldham
Posted in short fictionTagged adaptation, ancient, Aphrodite, art, classical, collage, creative, creative writing, feminism, fiction, girl, girls, goddess, gods, imagery, language, magazine, modern, Pygmalion, reimagining, short fiction, statue, story, words, write, writer, writing
Creative Work to Date…
March 26, 2017 March 26, 2017 salfordwritersjournalLeave a comment
Before we decided to publish our work in blog form, we planned to release a literary journal three times per academic year. These are the (gorgeous) pages from what would have been our first issue, designed by the wonderful Freyja Erickson-Rohrer. Enjoy…
(FYI, this brilliant film review was written by Freyja – I think she forgot to sign her name!)
Posted in UncategorizedTagged creative, creative writing, fiction, magazine, mental health, poetry, short fiction, the morning after the night before, writing
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Concerns arise about biker rally costs, vendor fees
By Nicholas Preciado -
Riders go along San Benito Street at the 2016 Hollister Independence Rally.
City Manager Bill Avera reported on the 2016 Hollister Motorcycle Rally at this week’s city council meeting and prompted concern from council members about staff costs and vendor fees.
Avera at Monday’s meeting reported a “relatively successful” rally, for which Hollister issued 95 business licenses and 94 building permits. But he also opened the door for a conversation about true city employee costs and whether $39 fees charged to vendors is enough to cover costs.
The Hollister Independence Rally, which celebrates the city’s motorcycle history, has taken place in July the past three years after a period of on-again, off-again gatherings. The city commissions a promoter, which pays for security and other costs, to organize the event.
Councilman Karson Klauer on Monday asked when the council would see figures on tax revenue, and Avera replied.
“You will likely never find out exactly what the tax revenue is,” Avera said. “You can get categories of revenue from the (state) Board of Equalization, but you will not be able to necessarily grab a person by their business SKU.”
Avera explained that this is due to a confidentiality clause.
The conversation diverged into Klauer asking if the city is ready to start tracking the internal costs of the motorcycle rally.
“I’m not talking dollars. I’m talking time,” Klauer said. “I don’t know how I’m going to be able to vote in September if I don’t know how much tax revenue [the rally] brought in.”
He continued.
“I know that several times a year, all of the most well-paid people who work in the city meet on this. I know the police department spends almost a month on it before the rally. That costs the citizens money.”
Police Chief David Westrick said he keeps a roster of who attends the meetings and the number of hours spent at them. He also tries to keep track of when he does rally-related work in his office.
Klauer said that data would be good to have when next year’s rally is over.
“It would be nice to know what those numbers are,” he said. “That way the next year, whoever’s on the council can say, ‘You know what? We’re making a decision that we have facts on.’ And we still don’t have facts on this.”
Councilmembers Mickie Solorio Luna and Victor Gomez shared Klauer’s concerns.
“When I was an employee of the City of Hollister, I used to track those numbers,” Luna said of her time in the finance department. “We had a spreadsheet and knew what every department and every hour that was spent on the rally. We had an estimate; we had the numbers that were there. So I’m just wondering, why isn’t it done know? It can be done.”
Avera responded to her concern.
“If you wanted to know what all the yard guys were spending, all their time there and they’re supposed to set up Tuesday night, Wednesday night, Thursday night, Friday night, and come back on Sunday to clean up. We have all that information,” Avera said. “What you don’t have is my time writing a report or having a conversation. You probably don’t have Dave’s hour he spends on the phone doing research on a motorcycle gang or whatever as it relates to the rally.”
Mayor Ignacio Velazquez asked Avera about the business licensing fee for vendors.
“I pointed out last year part of the reason why we end up in this conversation every year, if we just look at our own books it tells us that those businesses that aren’t here for the entire year, that license fee is $250,” Velazquez said. “And for whatever reason we keep going back and saying, ‘We’ll give it to you for thirty-something dollars.’”
Avera explained that because vendors at the local air show and farmers market pay a $39 license fee, vendors at the motorcycle rally ask to pay the same price.
“The farmers market is a good example where we spend a lot of money setting up and tearing down,” Avera said. “We also give them a break on their business licenses. I want to make sure that when folks come in and say, ‘Okay, we’re not coming back to the farmers market because your costs are outrageous for doing business here,’
“I want the council to understand that’s what’s going to happen because that’s what has happened. We went through that. That’s why it’s down to $39.”
Local resident Marty Richman had the final word of the night in public comment.
“After all these years we have to be able to at least make a decent estimate at what it costs us to run the rally,” Richman said. “I cannot believe we cannot do that.”
Hollister Independence Rally
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Nicholas Preciado
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Hollister agrees to hire headhunter
Council rejects mayor’s 400-block appeal
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Shuttle was founded by David Williams in 2015 with a mission to transform the customer experience for SMEs signing up with finance lenders. David had recently had his personal files stolen from his commercial mortgage broker and decided there must be a better way.
In 2016, Shuttle joined the E-Spark accelerator program and in 2018 moved to the Sussex Innovation Centre. The Shuttle proposition has been developed with the support of KYC/AML specialists from sponsors RBS and KPMG, and alongside many professional service businesses.
Watch this video to see more!
David has over 15 years experience in building teams. As a portfolio investor in buy to let property, David is passionate about making the application process safer, quicker and easier. He is also an Arsenal supporter.
Alex Hurd
Alex has helped to scale companies including Infospace, Shazam, Cortexica and Conversity. Alex’s skills are overcoming commercial and operational challenges. Alex holds an MBA from Cass Business School.
Anton has designed systems and built teams for 10 years in rapid-growth businesses. Recent successes include Ediface, Plus Guidance and Top Forma. Anton holds an MSc from Warwick Business School.
Copyright © 2017 Shuttle. All rights reserved.
Shuttle is a trading name for Lackford Consulting Group Limited, Registered in England and Wales: 09667926
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Porky Pig
Porky Pig stamps pack
Quantity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404
The Porky Pig stamps pack contains fun-filled graphics and vintage comic covers starring the shy and kind-hearted pig, alongside 20 $1 Balloon stamps.
The Porky Pig stamp pack comprises of two sheetlets of 10 x $1 stamps featuring the Balloon stamp from the 2016 Love to Celebrate stamp issue. There are 10 stamp-tabs in each sheetlet featuring fun-filled graphics and vintage comic covers.
More information -see below
Porky Pig is the oldest continuing Looney Tunes cartoon character and one of the most beloved. Created by American cartoonist and director Fritz Freleng, the bashful, stuttering, bow-tie-wearing animated pig made his first appearance in the Warner Brothers short film, I Haven’t Got a Hat, in 1935. Instantly popular, Porky Pig went on to star in dozens of films in the late 1930s and became a regular character in the Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series of cartoons. In fact, during what is known as the golden age of American animation (from the 1928 advent of cartoons with sound to the end of the 1960s), Porky Pig appeared in more than 150 cartoons, culminating in his own compilation shows The Porky Pig Show and Porky Pig and Friends.
In modern times, kind-hearted Porky Pig has starred in video games, made movie cameos and appeared as a regular character in Cartoon Network’s The Looney Tunes Show and New Looney Tunes, where he often plays peace-keeper between Daffy Duck and Bugs Bunny. Porky’s wife is Petunia Pig and they have a son, Pinkster Pig.
Known for the closing line, “Th-th-th-that’s all folks!”, Porky Pig was first voiced by Joe Dougherty, followed by iconic voice artist Mel Blanc from 1937 until Blanc’s death in 1989.
LOONEY TUNES and all related character elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
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The Best of The British Transport Films 70th Anniversary (2 Blu-ray Set) The Best of The British Transport Films 70th Anniversary (2 Blu-ray Set)
Presenting the Best of the British Transport Films (BTF) – newly remastered in stunning High Definition for the very first time to celebrate its 70th anniversary
British Transport Films 70th Anniversary Cap
British Transport Films 70th Anniversary T-shirt (Forest Green)
British Transport Films 70th Anniversary T-shirt (White)
Presenting the Best of British Transport Films (BTF) – newly remastered in stunning High Definition for the very first time to celebrate the 70th anniversary.
A descendant of the British sponsored documentary tradition, British Transport Films was established in 1949 to focus a spotlight on transport as a Nationalised undertaking, to create an appetite for travel and to entice the public to use nationalised transport. Over a period of more than 35 years, BTF produced an unrivalled documentary film legacy for generations of film and transport enthusiasts.
This new 2-disc Blu-ray compilation gathers together 21 films representing the cream of the celebrated BTF collection. Classics including John Schlesinger’s Terminus (1961) have all been newly digitally remastered to 2K from original film materials by the BFI, whilst Geoffrey Jones’ legendary homage to progress, Rail (1967) has been restored in 4K by the BFI National Archive.
Please Note: This set is Blu-ray only and will not play on a DVD player.
Remastered films include:
Farmer Moving South (1952, 17 mins)
Train Time (1952, 30 mins)
This is York (1953, 21 mins)
Elizabethan Express (1954, 20 mins)
Snowdrift at Bleath Gill (1955, 10 mins)
Any Man's Kingdom (1956, 21 mins)
Fully Fitted Freight (1957, 20 mins)
Every Valley (1957, 20 mins)
A Future on Rail (1957, 9 mins)
Between the Tides (1958, 21 mins)
A Letter for Wales (1960, 22 mins)
They Take the High Road (1960, 24 mins)
Blue Pullman (1960, 24 mins)
Terminus (1961, 35 mins)
The Third Sam (1962, 9 mins)
Rail (1967, 13 mins)
Railways For Ever! (1970, 7 mins)
The Scene From Melbury House (1972, 15 mins)
Wires Over the Border (1974, 18 mins)
Locomotion (1975, 16 mins)
Overture: One-Two-Five (1978, 7 mins)
**FIRST PRESSING ONLY** Fully illustrated booklet featuring a new essay by the BFI curator Steven Foxon and full film credits.
Expo 67: An Introduction by Edgar Anstey (1967, 3 mins): unable to attend the Montreal World’s Fair, the head of BTF recorded this introduction to a selection of films, including Rail, that were screened at the event.
25th Anniversary Introductions (1974, 43 mins, audio only): on successive days a series of short film programmes were screened at the NFT to mark the 25th anniversary of the BTF. Each one was introduced by the soon to be retiring Edgar Anstey.
British Transport Films: A Future on Rail
British Transport Films: Railways For Ever!
National Railway Museum Postcard Set
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Programmers at CNES saw no reason to counter Israel criticism
By Tammi Rossman-Benjamin and Leila Beckwith
Source: Jewish Journal
Originally published on 12/29/2014
After the holidays, when Congress prepares to reauthorize Title VI of the Higher Education Act, legislators should take a cold, hard look at the case of UCLA’s Center for Near East Studies (CNES), a recipient of millions of dollars of federal funding under Title VI, and ask if such programs truly serve our national security interests. Or, are they rather serving the selfish interests of politically motivated faculty and enabling them to promote their anti-Israel activism at the taxpayer’s expense?
UCLA’s Center for Near East Studies has a long history of presenting biased, unambiguously anti-Israel positions that go far beyond criticism of specific government policies into characterizations of Israel as inherently evil and unjustified in its existence. Such programming is in flagrant violation of Congress’s intent.
In 2008, Congress amended the language of Title VI in direct response to the notorious political bias, suppression of dissenting viewpoints and blatant antisemitism of many Title VI-funded Middle East studies programs like CNES. Congress understood that rampant anti-Israel and anti-America bias in these programs was thwarting the whole purpose of Title VI funding, namely, to provide a solid knowledge base and well-trained scholars to serve our national security interests. Therefore, since 2008 all Title VI-funded programs have been required to demonstrate that their funded activities provide “diverse perspectives and a wide range of views.”
Yet, in January 2009, CNES sponsored a symposium entitled “Gaza and Human Rights,” which featured three University of California professors – Gabriel Piterberg (UCLA, History), Lisa Hajjar (UC Santa Barbara, Sociology) and Saree Makdisi (UCLA, English) – and former UC visiting professor Richard Falk (UCSB, Global and International Studies). Well-known for their outspoken anti-Israel activism, all four academics delivered presentations at the symposium that some audience members characterized as “an academic lynching” and “one-sided witch hunt” of Israel. Piterberg accused Israel of “wanton violence and carnage”; Hajjar argued that nations which act like Israel are “enemies of all mankind”; Falk said Israel’s incursion into Gaza was of a “savagely criminal nature”; and Makdisi argued that the only just solution to the conflict would be the elimination of Israel as a Jewish state.
Despite the unambiguously anti-Israel positions taken by all four of the panelists at the event, then CNES director Susan Slyomovics, who had introduced the symposium by claiming that its purpose was to present the “truth” about human rights abuses in Gaza, responded to queries from audience members who were outraged by the one-sidedness of the panel, saying that she had no intention of presenting future CNES events with perspectives less biased against Israel.
Slyomovics’s statement was an arrogant admission that she knowingly planned to violate the “diverse perspectives” requirement of the federal statute which provided the majority of the Center’s funding. Nevertheless, hardly a month after the egregiously anti-Israel event, Slyomovics put forward a grant proposal to the U.S. Department of Education Title VI funding for approximately $2 million for 2010 – 2014. In accordance with the requirement that applicants demonstrate that the activities funded by the grant “reflect diverse perspectives and a wide range of views,” the CNES proposal hypocritically contained the following language:
“CNES recognizes that many points of view exist on any given topic when bringing together varied audiences to analyze and discuss the past, present, and future of the Middle East and North Africa. A high value is placed in hearing and understanding multiple points of view and examining questions fundamental to diverse perspectives on controversial issues…Diverse perspectives facilitate thinking and professional competency on behalf of future education professionals and global citizens.”
While this statement rings hollow in light of Slyomovic’s earlier admission that she had no intention of presenting unbiased programming about Israel, it approaches fraudulence in light of the egregious lack of “diverse perspectives” in CNES’s Israel-related programming in the subsequent years for which funding was requested. Indeed, in a comprehensive study tracking anti-Israel bias and antisemitic discourse in Israel-related public events sponsored by CNES 2010 – 2013, which was undertaken by our organization, AMCHA Initiative, we found that 93% of the Israel-related events recorded by the Center had a clear anti-Israel bias, and 75% were so biased as to be considered antisemitic according to the U.S. State Department’s definition of antisemitism.
The extreme anti-Israel bias of CNES’s programming is not surprising considering who was directing the program. Despite the Center’s federally mandated mission to maintain linkages with institutes of higher education in the Middle East, including Israel, Slyomovics,and her successors, Gabriel Piterberg and Sondra Hale all signed petitions endorsing the boycott of Israeli universities and scholars, and Hale is even a founder of the U.S. Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel. And despite directing a program intended to encourage study abroad to countries in the Middle East, including Israel, all three directors publicly opposed University of California’s Israel Abroad Program by signing a petition which Hale herself had written and circulated.
What is startling is the brazen and public refusal by the CNES directors to abide by the requirement of the Title VI statute. In response to critics, including AMCHA Initiative, an official CNES statement recently released said that “those responsible for programming at CNES saw no reason to ‘balance’ the criticism (of Israel)…no reason to bring in speakers who would defend it.” In other words, Slyomovics, Hale and Piterberg did not just fail to live up to the “diverse perspectives” requirement of the federal grant which CNES asked for and received, but they never intended to honor it.
While it is not unexpected that a program directed by three professors well-known for their anti-Israel animus would host events that lack “diverse perspectives” and are biased against the Jewish state, it is astonishing that UCLA administrators would choose them as directors of CNES, and then turn a blind eye to their flagrant and potentially fraudulent abuse of federal funds.
Rossman-Benjamin is a lecturer at University of California Santa Cruz and the co-founder of AMCHA Initiative, a non-profit organization that combats anti-Semitism on college campuses across the United States.
Beckwith is an emeritus professor at the University of California Los Angeles and the co-founder of AMCHA Initiative.
by External Reprints
Source: Jewish Journala
Campus News & Climate
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SMCS is committed to providing the highest quality of care possible and we are honored to have received three National Quality Leader awards. In January 2015, SMCS was the only health center in Vermont, and one of only 57 recipients nationwide, to earn the National Quality Leader designation announced by HHS for exceeding national clinical benchmarks based on the Healthy People 2020 objectives and health center national averages. Mary K. Wakefield, Ph.D., R.N., Administrator of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) stated, “These funds reward and support those health centers that have taken steps to achieve the highest levels of clinical quality performance and improvement.” In October 2015, SMCS earned its second National Quality Leader Award. Acting HRSA Administrator Jim Macrae commented, National Quality Leaders are health centers that are the “highest performers compared to national standards and benchmarks in key clinical areas. National Quality Leaders received funding if they met or exceeded national clinical quality benchmarks, including Healthy People 2020 objectives, for chronic disease management, preventive care, and perinatal/prenatal care, demonstrating health centers’ critical role in improving quality health care nationwide.” SMCS received its third National Quality Leader award in July 2016, the only health center in New Hampshire or Vermont to receive this honor.
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About Summit County
George Washington School
Park City Schools
This was 1 of 3 "ward-style" (as in political wards) public schools built in Park City during the 1880s and 1890s to meet the demands of a growing school population. It is the only 1 of the 3 standing today.
Completed in the fall of 1889, at 543 Park Avenue, at a cost of $13,000, it originally was called the Central School or Building Number 1 to distinguish it from buildings 2 and 3. In 1897, in order to eliminate confusion, the 3 schools were renamed the Washington, the Jefferson and the Lincoln. The Washington School was built of limestone quarried from nearby Peoa, which enabled it to survive the Great Fire of 1898.
School Closes
Called 1 of the finest schools in Utah, it operated until 1931, when it was closed because of declining enrollment. It was sold for $200 in 1936, to the Veterans of Foreign Wars who used it as a meeting lodge and social hall until the 1950s. In 1936 the Marsac Elementary School was completed and the 3 schools consolidated there.
During hard economic times the VFW was unable to maintain the building properly, and in 1970, it was sold to an investment company who planned to make it the centerpiece of a condominium project called Lodestone. When that failed, it was purchased by a local developer who remodeled it into the Washington School Inn. The school is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
By Hal Compton, Research historian, P.C. Museum
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Graham Nash Recalls When He First Met The Beatles, And Reveals Untold Secrets About Their Past!
Image via YouTube channel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert
“Everyone knew they were special.”
Pretty much everyone on the face of the earth knows the Beatles. The pop/rock band is arguably the biggest band of all time, and jumped onto the scene in 1960. They would go on to sell countless amounts of records, and dominate the music world for the near 10 years they were together. Even up to today, they have preserved their legacy and still remain relevant.
But who were they before they became “The Beatles.” In an interview, Graham Nash from Crosby, Stills, and Nash, sat down with Stephen Colbert and dished out some details about the Beatles’ early days.
Fun Fact: Nash met them in the winter of 1959, right before their big break.
At the time, they were known as Johnny and the Moon Dogs, and Nash revealed that even everyone in the music world knew that these four guys were going to make noise in the industry, and be huge! He says that no one could wrap their head around what they had, but they were sure they had “it.”
Check out the clip down below! It’s brilliant!
Crosby, Stills, and Nash
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Check Availability Call (888) 769-3868 for Assistance Gift Certificates
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New Orleans Museum of Art
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is a great place to visit with family, friends or alone. The impressive building was partly designed by the former chief engineer of New Orleans Benjamin Morgan Harrod (February 19, 1837-September 8, 1912). Local philanthropist and art collector Isaac Delgado (1839 – 1912), a wealthy sugar broker, who at the age of 71, wrote to the City Park Board about his intention to build an art museum in New Orleans, commissioned Harrod to design the museum. The board approved his request and designated the circle, at the end of what would become Lelong Avenue, for the museum. On December 11, 1911, the Isaac Delgado Museum of Art opened its doors opened with 9 works of art. Today the museum hosts a collection of over 40,000 objects covering 4,000 years of art.
The new exhibit Pride of Place: The Making of Contemporary Art in New Orleans celebrates art collector and gallery owner Arthur Roger’s gift of his entire personal art collection to the New Orleans Museum of Art. This contemporary art collection (on view June 23–September 3, 2017), explores the rise of modern and contemporary art in New Orleans.
The museum includes the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, a beautiful 5-acre landscaped area behind the main building. The gated garden features modern sculptures set among live oaks, pines, magnolias, camellias, lagoons, bridges, and a walking trail.
The museum also includes a gift shop, a small theater for film screenings, and Noma Cafe: A Ralph Brennan Restaurant.
Although City Park suffered extensive damage from Hurricane Katrina, the museum is elevated and located on relatively high ground. As such, flooding was restricted to the basement, and most of the museum’s permanent collection was not affected by the storm.
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The activity in New Orleans user to slow down in the summertime. High temperatures, humidity, and the threat of hurricanes used to keep tourists and…
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Steal My Girl
in Four
This piano ballad is like a love story, the person saying that everyone is going to “steal his girl” ends up the only one to actually get the girl. They’ve grown up together since they were teenagers, probably why he has the get-go from her parents. Co-writer Julian Bunetta explained in an interview that the idea behind this song happened randomly, he said: “I think, if I recall correctly, we were playing a drum beat and it just sort of came out. Somebody said that line and it was like, ‘Woah, yeah I relate to that,’ and we all looked around and was like, ‘Yeah, I like that, I can totally relate to that.'” In another interview with MTV News, Bunetta revealed that there were actually several girls that inspired the track, he said: “It’s based on everybody’s experience, you have six guys in a room that have all been in love before and we all have jealousy some are better at hiding it than others, but we don’t like when people hit on our girlfriends. But it was more of a joyous thing, it just speaks to how happy you are with this person. If you have something great, everyone is going to try and take it from you. And that also speaks to the fan base, I think, ’cause of other groups trying to steal the 1D fan base there are a lot of layers.” He continued talking about the resemblance of the piano at the beginning of ‘Steal my girl’ and the 2006 ‘It’s Not Your Fault’ by New Found Glory and the 1983 single ‘Faithfully’ by Journey, he said: “When we sat down and played the piano lick, nobody had any references in their head about what they wanted to write or anything and then I saw all the things about that Journey song. At the end of the day, the lyric and the melody have nothing to do with any other song that I have ever heard. Sometimes there’s only so many things you can do with a piano at that tempo.”
Songwriter/s: Wayne Hector – John Ryan – Ed Drewett – Julian Bunetta – Louis Tominson – Liam Payne
Label: Syco – Columbia
Chart Rankings: In the US, the song reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 17 on the Mainstream Top 40 charts. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified it Gold for sales over 500,000 copies. In the UK, it peaked at number 13 on the Official Charts company and was certified Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI). The song topped the charts in Denmark and Greece, reached number 2 in Scotland and was within the top 10 charts in Australia, Czech Republic, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal, Slovakia, South Africa and Spain. It was certified Platinum in Australia and Canada, in Italy and New Zealand it was certified Gold.
Artist’s age on Release Date: The band was active for 4 years when they released this song.
Cover Versions: Before You Exit – Cimorelli – MattyBRaps – Landon Austin – Robbie Jay – Josh Levi – other amateur Youtubers covered this song.
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Dilemmas of Leadership
Dilemmas of Leadership - Term Paper Example
The paper entitled "Dilemmas of Leadership" deals with the concept of leadership. Admittedly, leading is about setting direction and ensuring that the direction is followed. Notably, a person who directs and influence people to follow a common goal or vision is a leader. …
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Extract of sample "Dilemmas of Leadership"
Download file to see previous pages The process of influencing others to attain a goal and also direct an organization in such a way that it becomes more cohesive and coherent is leadership. According to Kotter, leadership is how to deal with change. “Leadership focuses on change and innovation; it focuses on the big picture; it focuses on strategies that take calculated risks, and it focuses on people’s values”. (Gardner 1996)
The path and goal model of leadership by Robert House expects the leader to encourage and motivate the followers in order to attain the desired objective. According to this model, the leader plays a big role in influencing the performance, satisfaction, and motivation of a group. According to Ashim Gupta (2009), when in a dilemma most leaders demonstrate a mix of leadership styles. There are four most commonly used leadership styles namely autocratic, bureaucratic, participative and the laissez - faire style of leadership. In an autocratic leadership style, the leader acts as the supreme commander and the followers have to obey him. This kind of leadership is required in factories when the work demands one to adhere to a series of systematic rules to attain the end product. For example; working in a sugar factory requires one to follow a series of methodical process to obtain sugar from sugarcane. One single mistake will result in one to repeat the process again. Hence, the best-suited leadership style for this case is autocratic. In bureaucratic leadership style, the leader acts as per the rules and regulations laid down by the company. ...Download file to see next pagesRead More
Attain Goals
Countries That Had Faced Recession Recently
Dramatic Significance
Hamlets Qualities When Confronted With Moral Dilemmas
Moral Dilemmas
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There's a lot that still needs to be resolved in Season 5 of "The Magicians." (Illustration by Kell Kitsch, Deakin University, Burwood))
Screens x May 2, 2019
What Can Fans Expect from Season 5 of ‘The Magicians’?
And with Quentin gone, why there’s going to be a Season 5 to begin with.
By Amanda Pfender, Gateway Technical College
“The Magicians” Season 4 finale had one of the most devastating endings in the show’s history, as they killed off the beloved Quentin Coldwater (Jason Ralph). The once-king of Fillory sacrificed himself to save his friends from two ancient monster-gods. His send-off was not only heart-breaking, as it was musically heartfelt and full of many emotions.
While it seemed like the end of “The Magicians” was near after this tear-jerking ending, Syfy renewed the fantasy-Narina-esques TV series for another season. Season 5 will be sans Quentin Coldwater, which begs the question: How can the show continue without the boy who loved everything Fillory? What should we expect from Season 5?
Events of Things to Come
The first four seasons of “The Magicians” is loosely adapted from author Lev Grossman’s first two books (of which there are three). Season 3 ended its story arc after the second novel, “The Magician King” where Julia Wicker (Stella Maeve) became a god. Question is, will they take elements from the third book, “The Magician’s Land?”
While there isn’t too much information about the plot, Season 4’s finale gave fans an idea of what’s to expect.
The Fate of Fillory
After Quentin’s passing, Margo (Summer Bishil) and Eliot (Hale Appleman) return to Fillory so that Margo can reclaim her throne as the high king. Upon returning to the land where rabbits are used as text messages, they find out that 300 years have passed. This means Fen (Brittany Curran) and Josh Hoberman (Trevor Einhorn) were overthrown centuries prior, though how that happened is still up in the air.
The Magicians: When Fantasy Becomes Relatable
They are also made aware that the Dark King was the one who took the throne, but who are they? How have they been living for three centuries? Hopefully Season 5 can answer that within the first few episodes. Margo and Eliot, while catching up after Eliot was possessed by one of the two monsters, have a lot of work to do in Fillory.
Alice, the New Head of the Library?
The Library was up to no good in Season 3, and they took over how magic was used in Season 4, but now it’s time for a change. They no longer have control on limiting magic to other magicians, and now, there’s quite a large flow of it.
Zelda (Glynis Figliola), the current head of The Library, has decided that she doesn’t want the job, and the only person who can take over is Alice Quinn (Olivia Dudley). Will Alice take on the mantle as Head of the Library or will she be tear it down after everything they did to her and her friends? Also, what happened to Santa Claus?
The Hedge Witches
Since it took more than “The Magicians” magic prowess to take down the monster duo with the Incorporated Bond Spell, the hedge witches came to their aid when they needed an extra boost of magic. With the monsters gone and The Library set to restructure their organization, it seems like Kady (Jade Tailor) and her hedges are due for a reward.
The best kind of reward for their assistance is having permission to study at Brakebills University, but will Dean Fogg (Rick Worthy) allow it? Or maybe they will finally be allowed access to other places of magic, like The Library, who for too long controlled power, resources and access to knowledge. They actively kept the hedges out, which only resulted in a war between the two groups. Should Alice take over The Library, perhaps she can make necessary changes to the rules.
Julia’s Powers
In Season 3, Julia became god-touched after suffering a brutal rape by the trickster god, only to use all the power she had to save magic. She came into Season 4 with no powers, stuck between the human and god realms, and not knowing which path to choose. During Season 4, circumstances rose, and Penny 23 (Arjun Gupta) makes the decision for Julia (who was unconscious at the time) to walk the path as human or a goddess. He chooses the path of mortality, which causes Julia to lose all of her magic.
While mourning the loss of her best friend, Quentin, Julia’s magic is rekindled inside her. How did this happen? Like Eliot told Quentin in Season 1, “Magic doesn’t come from talent; it comes from pain.”
With magic back in her hands, where will Julia’s path take her now?
Is Quentin Really Gone?
“Did I do something brave to save my friends? Or did I finally find a way to kill myself?” said Quentin Coldwater to Penny 40.
While Quentin’s death came as a shock to fans of the show, this was also Jason Ralph’s official exit from the show. Although some characters have died and come back, like Alice and Penny, Quentin is truly dead. Ralph will also not be returning as a regular on “The Magicians.” He might return for flashbacks, and they may show him taking his journey into the underworld, hoping to finally find peace.
It’s really sad to see his character go, seeing as the books focus mainly on Quentin Coldwater.
When Will Season 5 Premiere?
Without any confirmation as of yet, “The Magicians” Season 5 should be set to premiere January 2020.
Although Season 1 debuted in December, the other seasons of “The Magicians” have always aired during the month of January.
Will There Be a Season 6?
“The Magicians” is one of Syfy’s biggest shows and has maintained a steady viewership from season to season. Season 4 was well-received and had an amazing finale, which suggests that Season 5 will do well, and might incite a sixth season. There’s still more plot that can be adapted from Grossman’s third book, “The Magician’s Land.” Should there be a Season 6, it would more than likely air in January 2021, and would likely be the show’s final season.
While waiting for “The Magicians” Season 5, Netflix has seasons one through three available for binge-watching, and you can stream Season 4 on Syfy.
6 New TV Shows to Look Forward to in 2018
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Superiorpapers.com > “Enlightenment” in Europe
“Enlightenment” in Europe
People have been deceived in so many ways that finding truth and incorporating it with life becomes a complicated matter. During the period of “Enlightenment” in Europe, there have been writers who showcased their concerns and embedded their sides of realizations through their writings and plays. One of these writers is Moliere. His play “Tartuffe” is a clear epitome of the period and the message of enlightenment. The play displayed a battle between reason and passion. Though reason defined the conclusion of the story, the whole play itself provided an equilibrium between the two.
Tartuffe’s storyline is a contrasting representation of reason and passion with the former edging out the latter. REASON TOWERS OVER PASSION IN “TARTUFFE” The play “Tartuffe” showcased different aspects of reasoning that turned the whole story around. Almost all of the characters have their own sides for their reasons but not all have the right conclusions. One example of this is Orgon, his passion for religion and his faith overpowers his reasoning which in turn led to Tartuffe’s actions of taking advantage of him and his family.
Tartuffe also provided reasoning that almost captured everyone in the story. His abilities to come up with deceptive reasoning became his power throughout the play though in the end he paid his dues. Tartuffe’s ability to manipulate people with his lies became the main concern of the plot and his mischievous exploits turned the whole family of Orgon around. This representation is a clear symbolism utilized by Moliere to characterize the deception and search for truth in the period of “Enlightenment”.
Moliere’s clear representation of certain characters easily displays the symbolism of reasoning and deception. Though reason is the main concern of the story, there are also clear implications of passion. One clear example of this is Orgon’s passion for his faith. He was blinded by passion which in turn led to Tartuffe’s power of deception. Another example of this is Tartuffe’s passion for deception and greed. Without Tartuffe’s passion for these aspects, his drive to take away everything from Orgon won’t be possible.
Tartuffe’s reputation as a deceiver; which was never known by Orgon and his family, not until the end, has become his life’s driving force. Another clear representation of passion is seen in Valere and Marianne. Though it is a form of passion incorporated with love, still it displayed clarity of passion, especially on Valere’s side of not giving up on love despite everything that happened. The whole story though implicated reason especially in the concluding stages, there were also times where a compromise between reason and passion occurred.
Feelings turned over the wonderful ending of Valere and Marianne’s love and in the end, with the help of Valere’s reasoning that assisted Orgon to realize Tartuffe’s deceiving actions, reason and passion blended well. It led to Orgon giving up the hand of his daughter to Valere that showcased a happy and romantic ending for the two. Another clear implication of passion compromising reason is Tartuffe’s lifestyle of deception. His bad reasoning in order for him to gain personal advances is entailed to his passion to deceive.
Though this example is a negative implication of reason and passion, there is still clear connection between the two. In the end, reason overruled passion. Why? Because passion never fully led a clear explanation of all the deceptions. Instead, reason provided answers for all the deceiving implications manifested by Tartuffe. Appropriate reasoning salvaged Orgon, his family and his wealth. With the help of the King’s realization of the truth, Orgon got what was right and Tartuffe payed for his evil actions. Reason solved a lot of the implicating problems and deceptions in the story.
Passion on the other hand led to Orgon’s downfall due to his uncontrollable and careless trust on Tartuffe. Orgon’s passion for his faith blinded him of all the treacheries that Tartuffe had acted upon. His passion led to Tartuffe’s power and advantage. But in the end, reason dominated deception and the truth always sets us free as they say. Tartuffe got what he deserved and Orgon claimed his rights, his family and his wealth back. The story of “Tartuffe” clearly dictates a feeling of satirical implications.
With regards to the history and the background of this play, there can be a knowledgeable conclusion that it blended well with the status of the period. Moliere daunted issues and displayed his side. The period of “Enlightenment” in Europe manifested a statement among the people that there is a deeper understanding about things that happen around them. With the help of plays such as this one, the search for a better grasp of the truth and how the world actually turns around becomes a more critical aspect in life especially to those who lived on during the late 17th century and during the period of “Enlightenment”.
CONCLUSION The play Tartuffe created huge implications for the search for critical thinking and reasoning. It also displayed the possibilities that a man’s life can be turned around by deceptions. A fitting statement to sum it all up is that man’s passion, if uncontrolled, can lead to blindness from reality, truth or reason. Being taken advantaged by other people, through the use of lies, implicates a weakness in man. Thus, there should be an equal balance with regards to passion and reason. Not all can be handled by just passion, there should always be reasons behind it.
Though passion provides man that driving force to do things in a more driven way, there should always be enough back-up realization and reasoning to shun away from regrets in the end. Tartuffe’s story is a clear reminder that not everything in this world is true. There are people who lie and take advantage of other people just to gain personal advantages. Thus, with Moliere’s great representation using this play, the message is shown clear that people should always make use of reason.
Frame, Donald. Tartuffe, and Other Plays by Moliere. USA: Signet Classics, 1967.
Asia and Europe
Perceptions Europe
Military Revolution in Europe
Tourism in Europe
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Tag: madea family funeral
Entertainment, Film Projects, Movies/Film News 4 Mar 2019
Box office: ‘Madea Family Funeral’ overperforms; ‘Green Book’ surges after best picture win
Tyler Perry’s final Madea release was not enough to unseat Universal’s “How to Train Your Dragon” trilogy-ender at the box office this weekend.
“How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World” maintained the top spot after two weekends at the box office, adding $30 million for a cumulative $97.7 million, according to estimates from measurement firm Comscore.
Lionsgate’s “A Madea Family Funeral” opened at No. 2 with $27 million, above analyst predictions of $18 million to $20 million. It earned a 24% “rotten” rating on Rotten Tomatoes. “Madea,” however, on 1,800 fewer screens, had the higher per-screen average, $11,077, to “Dragon’s” $7,010.
The final movie in the long-running series, “A Madea Family Funeral” is Perry’s biggest opening since 2010’s “Why Did I Get Married Too?” opened with $29 million. The previous year, “Madea Goes to Jail” opened with $41 million, his highest opening.
Perry’s Lionsgate deal kicked off with 2005’s “Diary of a Mad Black Woman,” which grossed $50 million despite having a micro budget. “A Madea Family Funeral” is the 11th theatrical film to feature Perry as Madea over the course of 14 years. The Madea films have grossed more than $500 million to date.
In third place, Fox’s “Alita: Battle Angel” added $7 million in its third weekend for a cumulative $72.2 million.
At No. 4, Warner Bros.’ “The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part” added $6.6 million in its fourth weekend for a cumulative $91.7 million.
Following three Oscar wins, including best picture, Universal’s “Green Book” crept back into the top five after 16 weekends in theaters, adding 1,388 locations (the largest theater increase a best picture nominee has ever received the weekend following the ceremony) and $4.7 million for a cumulative $75.9 million.
This weekend’s haul is the third biggest weekend gross for the film. Ticket sales were at a high during the film’s initial wide release expansion in late November and again in late January in the wake of its five Oscar nominations.
Other Oscar winners that saw a notable bump this weekend include Sony’s animated feature winner “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” which added 1,661 locations (for a total of 2,404) and $2.1 million in its 12th weekend for a cumulative $187.4 million and Warner Bros.’ “A Star Is Born,” which added 490 locations and $1.8 million in its 22nd weekend for a cumulative $213 million.
Also new this week, Focus Features’ “Greta” opened at No. 8 with $4.6 million, just below analyst predictions of a soft $5-million opening.
The dark mystery stars Isabelle Huppert and Chloe Grace Moretz as a pair of New York transplants who bond over a sense of loneliness. It earned a 58% “rotten” rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
In a limited IMAX release, Neon released the documentary “Apollo 11” in 120 locations with $1.6 million, a per-screen average of $13,750. The film opens in traditional theaters next week.
A24 released Gasper Noe’s “Climax” in five locations with $121,655, a per-screen average of $24,331.
Next week, Disney debuts the highly anticipated “Captain Marvel,” starring Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson, which is expected to give the box office a much-needed jolt. The year-to-date total now trails 2018 by 25.8%.
Filed under: at the box office, madea, madea family funeral, Tyler Perry
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Judah1 claims to be the first Christian airline.
Judah 1, a company that started by transporting missionaries around the world, has announced it’s expanding to become the world’s first Christian airline.
With the slogan ‘God’s love, our wings’, the airline has made it its mission to spread the message of the Lord to billions of people, via flight.
Everett Aaron, Judah 1’s president, said the vision for the company came to him while he was praying at his local airfield and breathing in jet fuel fumes.
The airline will be based at North Texas Regional Airport, which is undergoing an upgrade so it can provide the necessary safety and security requirements.
Judah 1 will operate a 27 year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-80 that can carry 140 passengers.
It has promised its airfares will be competitive, with the aim to save missionaries millions of dollars.
At this stage, there are no plans to expand the airline internationally.
christian airline,
domestic flights,
judah1,
md80,
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Exhibitions Program Past Exhibtions
KUKULI VELARDE: THE COMPLICIT EYE/ On view through March 16, 2019
POINTS OF VIEW SPEAKER SERIES: WITH KUKULI VELARDE
February 9, 2019 @ 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm / PAFA Learn more here
“Velarde has had major solo exhibitions from Lima, Peru to Kansas City and New York. Why she has not had a significant show of her work in her hometown of Philadelphia is curious, especially since in the last several years she has been awarded many prestigious grants here, including the Pew and two Leeway Foundation awards; she is also well-known among local curators and fellow artists.”
JenniferZarro, TheArtBlog, Dec. 21, 2015
#thecompliciteye
The Complicit Eye, Kukuli Velarde’s first major solo show of painting in the US, deconstructs ideals of female beauty
Kukuli Velarde. “Untitled poem,” New York, 1992 The poem was written during the 500 year anniversary of Europe’s arrival in the Americas.
from colonization to the local barrio. Velarde dissects the construction and consumption of beauty in Western culture, exposing the connections between beauty and violence. Through painting, sculpture, and performance, Velarde confronts the reality of female objectification, oppressive beauty standards, and the marginalization of women of color.
At the heart of this exhibition is the notion of complicity, the complicated give-and-take of acceptance and resistance. In a series of life-sized full-body portraits painted on aluminum, Velarde presents herself in multiple guises–the would-be pinup beauty, the goddess, the cultural stereotype, the comic-book superhero–always occupying the position of the observant, self-aware outsider. Her performative self-portraits draw attention to the ways in which we are complicit in the production and promulgation of ideas about femininity–which have substantial effects on the lives of women.
Velarde weaves together a critique of beauty, power, and culture by manipulating her image, inviting viewers to see aspects of themselves in the artist’s multiple selves. In Pinup Wanna Be (2005), she paints herself as a desirable woman, standing awkwardly on tiptoe with her back arched– if only she would make some modifications. Transparent Mylar taped atop the painting offers some “improvements” to her body, elongating her legs and enlarging her breasts. With a winking nod, this portrait confronts the viewer with the cosmetic editing–be it Photoshop or surgery–that is so ubiquitous in images of women. Similarly, in Venusina (2009), Velarde envisions herself as Botticelli’s Venus. Although her skin has been whitened and her hair turned reddish blonde, Velarde maintains her proportions, small breasts, and long torso. Most compelling is the artist’s face, which stares sternly at her viewers, challenging us to accept her charms. Both works expose the tension between real and ideal that is played out on women’s bodies.
Velarde’s self-portraits perform not only her identity as a woman but also as a Peruvian. In Hispanic Ready-Made (2010), she re-envisions herself as life-sized paper dolls, complete with subversive accessories–on the left, she holds a pair of maracas and wears a giant fruit headdress, and on the right, she wears a Mexican-style sombrero while carrying a couple of pre-Columbian ceramic figures by their exaggerated male genitalia. Here, Velarde takes the reins, asserting her agency through the playful manipulation of these stereotyped tropes of Latino identity. She becomes a comic-book superhero in Superuvian (2005), taking on the role of the witness and critical observer of the process of gentrification, which empties neighborhoods of undesirable residents–usually lower-income people of color.
Velarde’s goal is not merely to expose our complicity, but also to signal to the viewers – especially women–to imagine alternatives to oppressive cultural norms. A crucial element of The Complicit Eye will be Velarde’s one-on-one engagement with community members through interactive workshops and a participatory performance in the gallery. Velarde will work with students at both Taller and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts(PAFA), engaging them about the broad themes of her work as well as the technical aspects of its creation. Also, Velarde will draw in freehand in marker on the wall of the gallery for the first ten days, creating an interactive mural that will be painted over after the exhibition. Velarde’s performance is about more than producing a composition; it is about building connections with people and communicating about our shared experiences. The Complicit Eye offers a unique opportunity to do just this through its powerful work and collaborative programming.
Born in Cuzco, Peru and residing in Philadelphia, Kukuli Velarde is a painter and sculptor whose career spans four decades and two continents. Primarily known for her feminist reinterpretations of Colonial painting and Precolumbian sculpture, Velarde’s work brings together the personal and the political. After studying at the National University of San Marcos in Lima and the San Carlos Academy at the Autonomous National University of Mexico, she moved to New York City in 1987, obtaining her BFA from Hunter College in 1992. She transitioned from painting to ceramics in the 1990s, moving to Philadelphia and becoming the Artist in Residence at the Clay Studio in 1997–98. In Philadelphia, Velarde has received numerous awards and recognitions, including a PEW Fellowship in 2003, a Knight Fellowship in 2009, and a John Simon Guggenheim Fellowship in 2015. In 2004, Velarde returned to painting. The Complicit Eye will be the first solo show of her paintings in Philadelphia.
Check out the exhibition’s photographic documentation here
The video of Vitruviana y Vitruvianita, 2018 -19 is here
Reviews of the exhibition:
The ArtBlog
WHYY
Velarde’s Interview
Kukuli Velarde’s 11/26/18 WHYY Interview with Peter Crimmins
Mural Schedule
Velarde will be working on her marker mural, Vitruviana y Vitruvianita, on 12/14 and 12/19 from 10:00 AM to 1 PM to December 6, 2018. Check out the stop motion photography of the making of the mural here.
Revisit this page for updates to her mural schedule
Marker mural that Velarde is working on for the duration of the exhibition.
Oil on masonite with vinyl. 108″ x 96″
Inspired by the paper dolls she used to play with as a child, “Hispanic Ready Made” is a tongue- in-cheek take on cultural stereotypes about Latina women.
During a visit to her parents’ home in Peru several years ago, Velarde picked up her father’s old collection of playing cards decorated with images of Alberto Vargas’ pinup girls. These scantily clad yet strangely childlike sex symbols of the World War II era inspired this self- portrait, which highlights the disjunction between the ideal attributes of the pinup and the actual body of the artist.
With “Superuvian,” Velarde re-invents herself as a comic-book superhero, struggling against the evil villain of gentrification. Inspired by her experience living in Philadelphia’s Northern Liberties neighborhood during a period of intense gentrification, Velarde’s superhero overhears invisible gentrifiers who want “no more starving artists and Section 8 dwellers!”
Kukuli Velarde: The Complicit Eye is made possible by the National Endowment for the Arts, The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Edna W. Andrade Fund at the Philadelphia Foundation, the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts and the members and supporters of Taller Puertorriqueño.
Kukuli Velarde: El Ojo Cómplice es posible con contribuciones de La Dotación Nacional para las Artes (NEA), La Fundación Andy Warhol para las Arte Plásticas, el Fondo Edna Andrade en la Fundación de Filadelfia, el Concilio para las Artes de Pensilvania (PA Council on the Arts), y los miembros y donantes del Taller Puertorriqueño.
Previous post Donate Now / Donacíon
Next post ROBERTO LUGO: BORICUA, BARRIO, BARRO/ On view through Oct. 27
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Gears of War Ultimate Edition Will Be Bundled With The Xbox One Starting In Late August
Gaming / Xbox
By Jack Holt
For those of you who haven’t bitten the bullet on getting an Xbox One, Microsoft is about to release a bundle that may just put you over the edge. Gears of War (GoW) co-creator Rod Fergusson announced that the Gears of War Ultimate Edition will be bundled with Xbox One systems. For those that don’t know, the Gears of War Ultimate Edition is a remake of the first GoW game.
The bundled package will begin appearing in stores starting on Tuesday, Aug. 25 and coincides with the launch date for the game. Like the Master Chief Collection bundle, this bundle will feature the game, an Xbox One and the game itself. In the box is an Xbox One, — sorry ladies and gents, it’s not the 1TB variant but the standard 500GB version — the newly re-designed controller, a 14-day Xbox Live Gold trial, an HDMI cable and Xbox power supply.
You’ll also get the exclusive additions of the Superstar Cole multiplayer skin and early access to the Gears of War 4 beta. In the GoW: Ultimate Edition you’ll have access to the story-lines, 19 maps and 6 gaming modes, though the popular Horde Mode is absent from the game.
According to Fergusson, the Ultimate Edition will be bundled with “every Xbox One sold” from Aug. 25 through the end of the year. Although Microsoft did send a press release out after the event that clarified that this deal will be at select retailers, including Microsoft Stores, while supplies last.
The bundle will cost you $349 and is currently up for pre-order in the Microsoft Store and will be available on Amazon, though at the time of publishing, it wasn’t available for pre-order.
The bundle aside, having the Xbox One, and Xbox Live Gold, will get you two free games a month, plus access to an ever-increasing library of games.
Have you been holding off on getting a current-gen console? Is news of the Gears of War Ultimate Edition Xbox One bundle complete with the newly re-designed controller enough to push you to get one? Let us know in the comments below, or on Google+, Facebook, or Twitter.
Source: Polygon
Related Items:Gears of War 4, Gears of War Ultimate Edition, Microsoft, Xbox One, Xbox One Bundle
Retro Twitch Racer Spectra Launches On Xbox One & Steam
Baldur’s Gate Gets Its First Sequel in Over a Decade
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Addison, TX Real Estate
Population: 14,166 Addison sits in the crest of northern Dallas. The area has maintained a close-knit, neighborly atmosphere throughout its growth. Excellent municipal services, along with outstanding parks and recreation programs, add to Addison's charm. The area is within 20 minutes from Downtown Dallas and has easy access to major highways within the city. View Properties in this Community > Ebby Halliday Offices Serving this Community: Campbell/Coit > Douglas > Tri-Counties > Preston Center > Preston Keller > Willow Bend Plano > Other Ebby Offices > Addison Education Addison is served by the Carrollton-Farmer's Branch ISD and the Dallas Independent School District . Many private schools are also located in and around the area, including Trinity Christian Academy. Area Colleges and Universities Dallas County Community College Brookhaven College Shopping...
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« Former Executive’s Tell-All Adds to Scientology Rehab Program Meltdown
Xenu the The Movie Star! When Scientology Almost Revealed Its Secrets on the Big Screen »
ABC finally takes on Scientology…with General Hospital
By Tony Ortega | March 17, 2013
We hear that soon, NBC’s Rock Center is going to do yet another hard-hitting episode about Scientology and its drug rehab network, Narconon.
That will be four big programs by the NBC show in the last year: One on ex-church executives Marty Rathbun and Mike Rinder, an initial show about deaths at the Narconon facility in Oklahoma, the Paul Haggis/Lawrence Wright special, and now another look at Narconon’s woes. In the meantime, Disney-owned ABC can’t seem to get out of the gate. As we’ve pointed out before, ABC’s 20/20 and Nightline have recorded hours and hours of footage for shows that just end up getting spiked by the network’s lily-livered attorneys. (From CBS, all we hear are crickets.)
But now ABC’s news division is really going to have a hard time living down the shame, as the network finally has taken a swing at Scientology and its leader David Miscavige — through its long-running soap opera, General Hospital.
Luckily, one of our many tipsters is a soaps fan who spotted something in an episode of GH that aired last week, and we found the key scene in this excerpt which was online. A transcript follows…
Bailiff: All rise. The Honorable Judge Shepherd presiding.
Judge: Be seated. Mr. Manning, you’ve agreed to a bench trial as opposed to taking your chances with a jury of your peers, which means that I alone will be deciding your fate. Do you understand?
Manning: Yes, your honor, I understand.
Judge: Call your first witness.
Prosecutor: The prosecution calls Heather Webber…Miss Webber currently resides in maximum security at the MISCAVIGE HOSPITAL FOR THE CRIMINALLY INSANE.
Judge: And yet you deem her to be a credible witness.
Prosecutor: I think you’ll soon agree. She just may know the defendant better than anyone.
Judge: Take the stand, please.
Defense attorney: You told me Heather Webber promised to take the rap for you.
Manning: She did.
Defense attorney: Then what the hell’s she doing here?
Manning: Did Heather make a deal? Is she willing to ruin my life in exchange for a lighter sentence? Is that what’s going on?
Defense attorney: Have you ever been to MISCAVIGE, Todd?
Manning: No, not yet.
Defense attorney: It makes Ferncliff look like a five-star resort.
Manning: There you have it, she made a deal.
Judge: Thank you, bailiff. We can proceed. Your witness…
MISCAVIGE HOSPITAL FOR THE CRIMINALLY INSANE?
How in the HELL did that get past ABC’s tightass attorneys?
Just to make sure we weren’t assigning too much portent to something said in a soap opera, we immediately called up our favorite soap star, ex-Scientologist Michael Fairman (who also featured in Friday’s moving video, “The Losing Game”).
Michael Fairman, veteran of The Young and the Restless
When we described the scene and read the dialogue to him, Fairman busted out in a belly laugh.
Yes, he said, there’s no question in his mind that the writers of General Hospital knew exactly what they were doing.
“I have never heard the name Miscavige other than David Miscavige. And especially when they reference a hospital for the criminally insane — that’s priceless! I mean every Scientologist in and out of the church is going to get that. His name has been in the public for so long, with Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and the New Yorker and Vanity Fair and your blog. Everyone who has heard the name is going to get this,” Fairman says.
Scientologists in and out of the church as well as dedicated Scientology watchers will immediately get the irony in the association: the church hates psychiatry more than anything else in the galaxy. And Miscavige’s name has been put on not just any psychiatric hospital, but one that makes the Fernhill mental health facility (which we’ll have to assume is pretty awful) seem a palace by comparison.
What little we know about soap operas tells us that story lines evolve glacially — it will be interesting to see if the Miscavige Hospital for the Criminally Insane becomes a recurring location in the show, and if the writing team there plants any other Easter Eggs for Scientology Watchers. Soap fans, please monitor the situation for us!
We see a “Property of the Miscavige Hospital for the Criminally Insane” T-shirt in our future.
SPECIAL UPDATE FOR GENERAL HOSPITAL WRITERS: We’d love it if you could work the following words or phrases into upcoming shows…
“I took out all the semicolons.”
“I’m angry, real angry.”
“I knew every inch of him.”
“She’s just a bitter defrocked apostate.”
“He used to destroy people’s lives. Now he’s a zen master.”
“OT 8 is grrrrrreat!”
“I get up early in the morning so bastards like you can touch me.”
MORE SIGNS OF DESPERATION: SAVING SENIORS FROM MISCAVIGE’S EAR BOMB
On Sundays, we love showing you the wacky church e-mails and fliers that were sent to us during the week. A few days ago, a tipster forwarded to us a couple of messages about the upcoming L. Ron Hubbard Birthday Event being held on March 23 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. We’ve cut them down just a little for brevity…
About a year ago I sent out a survey to over 150 individuals, mostly “seniors,” concerning their likes and dislikes about events. It took me a long time to tabulate them all, but a couple weeks ago I finally met with Tashania Faust, the Event Director WUS [West U.S.] and gave her all the surveys and tabulations and
comments.
VOLUME was THE number one comment from the vast majority of respondents; the comfort level of the seats was another issue.
Tashania had already gotten to work on some of our issues before seeing the surveys, as you will see from her email below.
For the upcoming LRH Birthday event at the Shrine, please tell the ushers, who should be well-informed about this, that you would like to sit in the “lower volume” room on the second floor, which is accessible by elevator. I believe there will also be someone there who can lower the volume if it is still too high. We will also have comfortable chairs, and bathrooms are not far away on the same floor….
I think Tashania has put a lot of time and attention in on this, so let’s let her know how it paid off, okay?? 🙂
Carolyn Holt
And here’s the second message, which Holt was referring to…
Hi Carolyn!
I am writing to you in reply to the fantastic surveys recently done of the New Era Seniors network regarding the International Management Events. Thank you VERY much for doing this as the responses were enlightening and useful.
I was happy to see that most people do attend the Int Management Events; it’s such an important part of any Scientologist’s hat [role]. But I also noted that there are probably ways we can better service you.
Firstly, I wanted to let you know what’s been done in the recent couple of years to handle the volume issue:
1. As of November 2012, the volume of the music in the video presentations has been brought down by Gold. In other words, you can now better hear the person speaking rather than it being overpowered by the music in the background.
2. We’ve decreased the volume overall in the auditorium a bit. There is a “decibel level” which is equal to a rock concert. While this was being used in previous years, it has been lowered by about 15 decibels since then.
3. We’ve also set up a “lower volume showing” at the Shrine which is just outside the auditorium on the 2nd floor (accessible by elevator). I have a technician on-site who’s sole purpose is to ensure the volume is low enough for all watching (mothers with babies, and those with sensitive ears).
You should also know that the length of the events has recently been shorter. They used to be 3+ hours several years ago. In recent years they are now 2+ hours. And for Maiden Voyage Events (in July) they’re sometimes only 1+ hours! Int Management does an AMAZING job of condensing as much good news into such a short period for us using videos, etc.–COMMENDABLE!….
As you know, we’re celebrating LRH’s Birthday on Saturday, March 23rd. Of course we want everyone to attend. It’s our Founder’s Birthday and I’m sure everyone will agree that it is one of the most touching, theta events of the year because it features stories about LRH’s life….
Looking forward to hearing from you and everyone else!
Tashania Faust
Event Director
westuseventsunit@scientology.net
There seemed to be a lot to analyze here, so we turned to a person who worked these kinds of events for Scientology for many years, Marc Headley. Here’s what he sent us after looking at these two e-mails…
I worked on the Events Team for years. I was heavily involved with the audio lines and in fact used to do quality control work on the audio of the broadcasts that were aired.
This volume thing at Scientology events came up time and time again.
This is ALL Dave Miscavige. He and only he insists that the volume be at high levels. I guarantee that if they have been lowering the volume, he was not asked. And now that this is out, it will go back up.
He lives to hear himself talk. We would spend hundreds of hours in meetings talking about why the audio was not perfect. In those meetings, Miscavige lectured us about the sound. One guy went to the RPF — the Sea Org’s prison detail — because there was a problem with podium sound at the Sports Area for the 1993 “War is Over” event.
The Oscars used to be letting out right as we were loading in for the L Ron Hubbard Birthday Event each year (before the Academy Awards moved to the Dolby Theater in the early 2000’s). The stage crew would regularly comment how the volume was markedly louder at our event than for the Oscars. One stage guy even said that they had concerts in there with lower volume than what Miscavige insisted on.
Since everyone at the Int Base knows that Dave insists on the audio level being insanely loud, no complaints, surveys or other “reports” about this ever make it to him.
The Event crew would hear the complaints all the time. Anytime anyone acted on these complaints, they were not long for this world.
If Dave is at the event, it is going to be loud.
In terms of music levels in videos — that’s more Miscavige. When I left in 2005 he was still having to approve every music score and event video mixdown. He likes it to be loud enough that the music and voice are fighting each other. If you can hear either too easily, then the music needs to be turned up.
What else did I take from these e-mails? That they are so desperate to fill the Shrine, they are trying to hold on to elderly members who won’t come because of the volume.
If they really had 10 million members, shouldn’t it be a lot easier to fill up the 6,300-seat Shrine?
Thanks for that, Marc.
We also have to point out that we sat through two event videos in 2012, and contrary to the report by “Tashania,” each of them was three full hours — and with Miscavige talking through almost that entire time with his peculiar ideas about grammar and diction.
We’re really starting to feel sorry for those oldsters who are going to get crammed into the joint next week. Take earplugs, gramps!
PETE GRIFFITHS STILL DRIVING SNAKES OUT OF IRELAND
Judging by all the youngsters staggering down the streets of New York yesterday, many folks got a head start on St. Patrick’s Day because it falls on a Sunday this year.
But we’ll stick to tradition and check in today with our man in Ireland, former Scientologist Pete Griffiths.
Last year, Pete told us that Scientology was having a dismal time on the Emerald Isle, as financial documents there proved. And this time, he tells us, the church is dragging its feet on turning over more info.
“Dublin mission is once again on the strike-off list for not submitting their accounts in time. It’s a regular occurrence. They are two years behind,” he says.
He also pointed that a man named Kevin Stevenson has filed a lawsuit against the church, alleging fraud and undue influence. Stevenson is suing for 100,000 euros, and we hope Pete will keep us up on the latest developments.
SCIENTOLOGY A WATCHWORD FOR NUTTINESS EVEN IN BERLUSCONI’S ITALY
We keep an eye on what’s being said about Scientology on Twitter, and yesterday we noticed a whole stream of commentary coming out of Italy. We looked into it, and it turns out that former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi made the remark that got so much attention.
Now, we won’t pretend to know much about the current political situation in that country, but apparently there’s a rising new political party in Italy called the 5 Star Movement whose most visible member is a former stand-up comedian, Beppe Grillo. While the party has a reformist, libertarian platform, critics have called it undemocratic, a cult of personality with fascist leanings.
Yesterday, Berlusconi, after returning from a hospital stay for eye trouble, told reporters about the 5 Star Movement, “There’s a sect that reminds me of Scientology and that should not even be allowed,” according to a Google-translated news site. Berlusconi appeared to be criticizing the 5 Star Movement’s supposed problems with internal democracy. We don’t know enough about it to judge whether Berlusconi’s criticism is apt, but we found it interesting that when the former prime minister wanted to express just how little he thought of a political party, it was Scientology he chose to compare it to.
Just a couple of fliers for you this week…
Even if you knew that “Non-Existence” is a “condition” in Scientology, that wording is still awfully strange, isn’t it? And here’s one that should inspire you to sign a contract…
SMERSH Madness: Sowing the Seeds of World Domination!
As we announced on March 1, we’re joining bracket fever with a tournament like no other. It’s up to you to decide who should be named the new SMERSH, the traditional nemesis of Scientology. Cast your vote for who’s doing more to propel the church down its long slide into oblivion!
It’s time to start our second round — the Sweet Sixteen! Now things really start to get tough.
L. Ron Hubbard is the founder of the feast, the man who captivated readers in 1950 with his “science” that considered the human mind a malfunctioning mainframe computer gripped by demonic possession. He was also the cranky old paranoiac who, hacked off from the hardships of life at sea and tired of running and hiding from federal agents, instilled Scientology with such lovely ideas as brutal interrogations (“sec-checking”), dirty tricks retaliation (“fair game”), and splitting up families to punish defectors (“disconnection”). Still beloved by many who ardently believe he cracked the cosmic code, Hubbard’s unalterable legacy is still very much part of what is dragging Scientology into dangerous waters. (Previously: Hubbard beat out Steve Cannane in the first round by a single vote!)
Debbie Cook’s infamous New Year’s Eve e-mail started off 2012 with a temblor that is still shaking up the Church of Scientology. Nearly every person now leaving the church credits her lengthy indictment of Scientology leader David Miscavige with helping them see the light. (Previously: Debbie defeated John Sweeney in the first round.)
Go to our March 1 post for the latest tournament results.
Posted by Tony Ortega on March 17, 2013 at 07:00
March 17th, 2013 | Category: SMERSH Madness, Sunday Funnies
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Eric Church gives fans in Salt Lake City special night after bug hits band & crew
Buddy Iahn | January 31, 2015 | Country News
Eric Church knows what a bummer it is to have your Saturday night plans ruined by a concert cancellation. So rather than pull the plug on his show in Salt Lake City after a stomach bug knocked out most of his band and crew, Eric gave the crowd something special then promised them more to come.
“If you’ve seen our show so far on this tour, you’re probably wondering what the hell is going on right now,” he told the packed crowd. “Well, so I am. Here’s the deal, yesterday we had the stomach flu strike our band, our crew, everyone. We had no one to hang video, lights, nothing. But I’m still here. I’m still standing. We’ve talked about how every show on the Outsiders Tour is different. Well tonight, will be the most different one. Shit there’s nobody left, its just me. I’m going to give you everything I got. We have a couple band guys that feel ok to get up and down here. Here’s the deal – on Memorial Day we’re going to come back and play the full show. I’m not going anywhere, I’m here to play. Its gunna be crazy.”
He stood alone on a stage built for eight with his acoustic guitar and a plan when he made the announcement of a May 25th bonus show. Instead of sending the crowd home with nothing to do, he gave his fans a stripped-down performance reminiscent of his days as a scrappy club performer. Back then, Church would give his band a break during their six-hour sets and hold the stage alone.
“If you’ve seen our show so far on this tour, you’re probably wondering what the hell is going on right now.”
Church played acoustic versions of current hits “Give Me Back My Hometown,” “Drink In My Hand,” “Cold One,” including his most recent #1 hit “Talladega.” He also played deep-cut favorites such as “These Boots,” “How Bout You” and “Living Part of Life” from early in his career. Halestorm opened the show with a full 45 min set. The production and stage was scaled back – only four spotlights and a minimal floor lighting package showcased Church in this unique setting. Guitar players Jeff Hyde, Jeff Cease and Driver Williams joined Church for a few songs. Lzzy Hale joined Church onstage for a remarkable acoustic rendition of “That’s Damn Rock and Roll.” Church worked all six mic positions (scaled back from the normal 14) performing to every section of the 360 degree setup.
The Outsiders World Tour returns to the road on Wednesday, February 4th at Sleep Train Arena in Sacramento, California.
Supporting acts for the May 25th bonus show in Salt Lake City will be announced at a later date. Fans wishing to attend should hold onto all physical tickets. Those unable to attend that show can seek a full refund at point of purchase until 5 p.m. day of concert.
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‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ skit with Justin Moore earns Emmy nomination
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Stryker’s QRC Board Moving Forward On Transformation Plan
Posted By: Newspaper Staff May 1, 2015
Progress is being made on transformation at Quadco Rehabilitation Center (QRC) according to Executive Director Bruce Abell. Speaking to the QRC board members at their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday (April 28), Mr. Abell said that talks are being held with area companies that could add four more community-based work sites for the individuals they serve.
The sites would be in addition to the community-based enclave where people from QRC have been working at Altenloh, Brinck & Co. of Bryan, known for their SPAX and TRUFAST fastener products.
Mr. Abell continued a review that the board members have been holding each month of recent actions that are affecting services for people with disabilities.
He referenced the state budget process and pointed out that while the governor presented a budget to the state legislature, the Ohio House members passed their own version that changed some of the items.
According to the Pipeline publication e-mailed from the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD), changes made by the House to DODD items in the budget included revisions to changes affecting the Intermediate Care Facility Program, the removal of the provision transitioning independent providers to a new supervisory model, and the establishment of a Developmental Center Closure Commission.
The publication also noted there was clarification around changes to Adult Day Services.
On that subject it said, “New language specifies that it is the General Assembly’s intent to ensure individuals who are receiving Adult Day services, including sheltered workshops, must be fully informed of any new home and community-based options, and will be able to continue receiving services in a variety of settings.”
Mr. Abell pointed out that members of the Ohio Senate have said that they intend to produce their own version of the budget, so QRC board members will need to watch to see what provisions are to be put into place when a final version is reached.
He also mentioned a story he saw recently about how the Lucas County Board of DD, like the other county boards in the state, is facing proposed changes by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to move people from settings they term to be isolating by 2019.
Mr. Abell said that the Lucas County Board superintendent and board members felt they simply needed more time to modify their sheltered workshops, schools, day programs and other programs to make an effective transition.
He also said that the board felt that the new rules don’t allow for the individuals and family members to make a choice of what they feel is the best setting for an individual.
Mr. Abell told the board members that he knows there are changes coming to QRC, and they will continue working on a plan to transform the organization.
Still, while he sees changes coming to QRC and the way people will be served, he says he intends not to introduce them too fast, if possible. He says he wants to make sure there is time for people to understand them and adapt to them.
Two people received jobs this past month as part of QRC’s employment service. Sharon von Seggern, manager of QRC’s Northwest Employment Services, said they are working with 16 people who have been referred to the service for job development and other employment services. She said two people in the last month have found a job with the assistance of the service.
She also noted that they will soon be starting the summer youth work experience program in conjunction with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities. The program helps young people explore their career choices, learn lessons to help them be successful on a job and get on-the-job work experience during the summer months.
In the lone action item, the board members approved a new policy pertaining to access of QRC buildings. The policy requires visitors to sign in at QRC facilities and to request the use of a meeting room at least 24 hours in advance.
Mr. Abell said the center has had a sign in book at several sites for years, but no policy for it. The policy to use rooms asks people call ahead to avoid conflicts of more than one meeting scheduled at a time for a room and to allow for an understanding of who is on the property. For the safety and security of the people being served and the guests, the board felt the policy was warranted.
INFORMATION PROVIDED
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Steve King: Victims Of Discrimination Must Stop Making Excuses And ‘Take Individual Responsibility’
Igor Volsky Aug 25, 2012, 5:51 pm
Earlier this week, during a recent town hall in Le Mars, Iowa, Rep. Steve King (R-IA) characterized minority students as people “who feel sorry for themselves,” and worried about impressionable students being “brought into a group that have a grievance against society.” Despite widespread criticism, the Tea Party Congressman doubled down on the claims in an appearance on “The Final Say” radio show this Thursday. “It’s not the multiculturalism that’s wrong, it’s the victimology, which has been the core of multiculturalism,” King reiterated. “People are being told that it’s not their fault, that it’s somebody else’s…That’s the excuse path. We need to have individual responsibility, a culture that supports it — that celebrates it — and one that discourages the slackers from lining up at the public trough and accepting the benefits of the sweat of someone else’s brow.”
#Politics, #Steve King
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Perspectives from Peru
April 16, 2019 About Us, Foundation
The Urban Systems Foundation is into its third year of partnership with Developing World Connections (DWC), an organization that coordinates volunteer trips to help communities around the globe. Urban Systems employees are currently considering the opportunity to volunteer in Peru this coming November along with a dozen or so of their colleagues.
Staff who spent time in Peru last November 2018 have been sharing their stories companywide at the various branches since March this year. Their perspectives on what it’s like to be volunteering on the ground in Peru with the Urban Systems Foundation provides helpful information to those considering participation in this international initiative.
The previous group of volunteers included Lisa Bruvold, her husband (Troy) and her dad (Peter). They arrived a week earlier so that they could explore the Cusco and Machu Picchu area of Peru. While staying in Lima, they toured the historic art centre, and ventured to the beach for some surfing.
As fun as that was, the highlight of the trip was the week they spent volunteering at San Jose Obrero school in the district of Villa Maria del Triunfo.
Lisa explains that the countless population of this entire community, which continues to expand in this region of the Andes, is basically “squatting”.
“Peruvians come to Lima from all over the country looking for a better life,” says Lisa. “Many end up in Villa Maria del Triunfo where they claim a tiny space with a dirt or cement floor, put up tarp walls, and may have a family of eight people living there.”
The water situation is dire; 34% have no access to clean drinking water.
“They pay for tanks to get filled about every two weeks, and homes might have a hose for basic uses, like hygiene and to water the occasional ‘spindly’ tomato or radish plant,” says Lisa.
“It’s about a 1.5 to 2 km walk up a hill to get to a corner store for a bottle of water,” says Lisa. “At the school, pop is cheaper than water, so children are drinking pop all day long.”
The Foundation supports a nutrition program at the school, which provides iron and fortified foods for 50 children. Their nutrition levels and school performance is evaluated at the beginning and end of the school year.
“They are teaching kids about the nutritional content of foods,” says Lisa. “They talk about the best and worst choices, sugar content, and pop versus water. The Prominats program also tries to promote healthier options with their baked goods, like granola bars.”
One of the things Lisa liked best about her trip to Peru is the bonds developed within the group during the time they spent together sharing all of these new experiences and witnessing the impacts of their presence in the community.
“We make a difference in Peru,” states Lisa. “The last day was pretty emotional. The moms were so grateful that we care about their kids. They even bought us gifts! We’re all like, ‘Wow! You don’t need to be thanking us, it’s not expected at all. We’re here to help you.’ But they were so thankful and wanted to show their appreciation.”
The volunteers also had plenty of laughs: playing soccer and spinning tops with the kids; watching their faces as they spotted the ‘UFO’ – a drone – flying overhead; and after a day of volunteering, enjoying dinner and evenings out at fountain displays and a cultural show.
It was helpful to have Elias Hernandez and Nic Abarca along, as they both speak Spanish. In fact, this was Elias’s second time volunteering, so he already knew quite a few of the staff and children.
“Our yearly visits give the community a sense that ‘these guys are staying’ – that our staff truly care about them, and are committed to ‘giving them a hand up’ through our Foundation,” says Lisa.
Perspectives from past volunteers
Nicolas Abarca: “Volunteering in Peru was a very personal experience for me. It was as close as I’ve gotten to giving back to my home country of Colombia, which I decided to leave some 15 years ago. Growing up in Colombia, I got to experience a lot of the poverty and need that we see in the area where the Foundation is doing the work, but never seemed to be able to do anything about it. Peru opened my eyes to the possibilities of what we can actually accomplish with the program, and all the difference we can make in the lives of these kids and their families.”
Natasha Elliott: “I valued opportunities to interact with the children, be part of their cooking classes, and talk to them about life in Canada, as well as playing soccer with them. It was an awesome experience. It was eye-opening, life-changing, and I’d definitely go back in a heartbeat!”
Joel Short: “Meeting the people, understanding their needs, what they’re going through, all the help that they need… it really opened my eyes to some of the challenges they’re facing, and how we can help them. In some ways I think that the way we help them is by showing that we care.”
Elias Hernandez: “I had a really impactful experience, because I could see that some of the planning completed on the first trip were put into place on our second trip. We were able to identify some stability and continue to plan for the future.”
Terry-Jo Jardine: “It was very humbling and rewarding to see the impact our Foundation is making in the community. The volunteer experience far surpassed our expectations; it reminded us that true joy comes from seeing a child’s smile, hearing laughter in a playground and giving back to others.”
Lee Giddens: “I liked meeting the families and the kids in the community that we got to directly influence and help. Seeing a legacy built – especially letting Urban be a part of that – was very awesome!”
Ken Oliver: “The kids at the school were a highlight, especially their exuberance and friendliness against the backdrop of poverty and hardship they and their families face. A week in Peru certainly impressed upon me how fortunate we in Canada are, with our wealth and opportunity. I never want to hear another Canadian complain about lousy Wi-Fi or the shortcomings of two ply toilet paper.”
Lisa Bruvold: “I always knew I wanted to travel. This whole trip was life-changing. These memories will be with me forever!”
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The New Yorker Publishes Hate Piece Against Chick-fil-A’s Christian Ethos
Liberals can’t stand the success of a Christian-run company selling folks fried chicken sandwiches successfully with a smile.
By Nicole Russell
Last month, Chick-fil-A opened its fourth franchise in Manhattan. Even though customers seem thrilled and the company appears to be thriving, some on the Left aren’t happy. On Friday, the New Yorker published a story with a headline only they could love: “Chick-fil-A’s Creepy Infiltration of New York City.” Not to be outdone, they tweeted an even worse headline, pulled directly from the article.
Chick-fil-A’s arrival in New York City feels like an infiltration, in no small part because of its pervasive Christian traditionalism. https://t.co/wnhMrMBN6z
— The New Yorker (@NewYorker) April 13, 2018
From this and the article itself, one would think terrorists or some other hostile entity were invading America’s Big Apple, not that a restaurant famous for its fried chicken sandwiches had opened another location. The vitriol toward a company a Christian founded highlights just how much progressives hate Christianity.
The article’s quick history of the restaurant cherry-picks Christian beliefs to justify its bias against Christianity.
Its headquarters, in Atlanta, is adorned with Bible verses and a statue of Jesus washing a disciple’s feet. Its stores close on Sundays. Its C.E.O., Dan Cathy, has been accused of bigotry for using the company’s charitable wing to fund anti-gay causes, including groups that oppose same-sex marriage. ‘We’re inviting God’s judgment on our nation,’ he once said, ‘when we shake our fist at him and say, ‘We know better than you as to what constitutes a marriage.’’ The company has since reaffirmed its intention to ‘treat every person with honor, dignity and respect,’ but it has quietly continued to donate to anti-L.G.B.T. groups.
It’s true, the late S. Truett Cathy was an outspoken Christian who integrated Christian ethos into the company’s vision and mission. Orthodox Christianity has, since its beginning and through today, opposed homosexual behavior, so there’s no surprise here. Because of its owners’ Christian views about Christ’s love for sinners, the company has shown love and grace—through fried chicken sandwiches, of course—to communities in need over and over again, including communities grieving over gay loved ones. Apparently showing love to imperfect people is too confusing a stance for New Yorker writers to handle.
Following the shooting at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando, local folks gathered in line to donate blood. Employees of a nearby Chick-fil-A opened the restaurant, although it’s normally closed on Sundays to give employees time with their families, and gave donors food while they were waiting. Stories like this abound, yet there’s no mention of this kind of repeated generosity from the company.
Nor do media reports convey that this kind of loving behavior is rooted in Christianity’s central teaching that Christ gave his life on behalf of evil people (which is all of us). That’s because compassion and success hurt the progressive narrative about the evils of faithful Christians.
Instead, The New Yorker piece has a bone to pick, and it does so even to the point of sounding illogical and conspiratorial. The author, Dan Piepenbring, works hard to paint Chick-fil-A as weird and strange, because it demonstrates Christian, wholesome values under the guise of “community,” which clearly “suggest an ulterior motive.”
The restaurant’s corporate purpose still begins with the words ‘to glorify God,’ and that proselytism thrums below the surface of the Fulton Street restaurant, which has the ersatz homespun ambiance of a megachurch. David Farmer, Chick-fil-A’s vice-president of restaurant experience, told BuzzFeed that he strives for a ‘pit crew efficiency, but where you feel like you just got hugged in the process.’ That contradiction, industrial but claustral, is at the heart of the new restaurant—and of Chick-fil-A’s entire brand. Nowhere is this clearer than in the Cows […]I f the restaurant is a megachurch, the Cows are its ultimate evangelists.
The irony of an elitist author at a prestigious glossy being so concerned for the well-being of Manhattan he simply must warn hungry lovers of fried chicken against a silly marketing campaign cannot be overstated. Imagine another writer saying that the local opening of a Muslim- or Jewish-owned restaurant represented an “infiltration” of their beliefs? Or tearing apart their advertising slogans, of all things?
Yet Piepenbring can’t move past it. He continues bludgeoning over the cows’ deceitful marketing for several paragraphs. By the conclusion of his article, Piepenbring is seething with disdain over fried sandwiches, Jesus, and success.
Chick-fil-A, meanwhile, is set to become the third-largest fast-food chain in the nation, behind only McDonald’s and Starbucks. No matter how well such restaurants integrate into the ‘community,’ they still venerate a deadening uniformity. Homogeneous food is comfort food, and chains know that their primary appeal is palliative. With ad after ad, and storefront after storefront, they have the resources to show that they’ve always been here for us, and recent trends indicate that we prefer them over anything new or untested.
Piepenbring is right about a couple things: Chick-fil-A is successful. The company generates more revenue than any other fast food restaurant does, and it’s not even open seven days a week. In 2016, the average sales per restaurant were $4.4 million. That same year, the chain generated $8 billion in revenue.
Numbers like this mean nothing to Piepenbring. In fact, this, combined with their unapologetic Christian ethos, makes him hate them all the more. It’s not uncommon for progressives to show disdain for Christianity, but this was an effort of, dare I say, cow-size proportions. Unfortunately, all it did was highlight The New Yorker’s narrow-minded views and that many people love Chick-fil-A.
Nicole Russell is a senior contributor to The Federalist. She lives in northern Virginia with her four kids. Follow her on Twitter @russell_nm.
Photo Hector Alejandro / Flickr
bigotry Chick-fil-A Christianity LGBT New York New York City New Yorker NYC religious bigotry The New Yorker
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Latest Trade Ideas
Acosta’s 72-hour failure to win back Trump
Posted By: Editor
This article was originally published on this site
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The prosecution scandal hit a labor secretary who had a lukewarm relationship with the president and was already on thin ice with many members of the White House staff.
By IAN KULLGREN, ELIANA JOHNSON and ANITA KUMAR
Alexander Acosta’s last-ditch effort to save his job as labor secretary started in a Trumpian way — with a tweet thread defending his lenient plea deal with wealthy sex offender Jeffrey Epstein more than a decade ago. A day later, he delivered his defense in an unusual and exhaustive press conference on live TV in which he conveyed the White House’s confidence in him — as President Donald Trump and his aides followed along.
It wasn’t enough. The press coverage kept coming, some of it in the president’s preferred news outlets tying Trump to Epstein over the past two decades even more closely than previously known. On Friday — two days after Acosta’s press conference, three days after his Twitter explanation and four days after Epstein appeared in federal court to face new charges — the labor secretary stepped in front of the cameras with Trump one last time to announce he would no longer be a distraction.
Trump was initially satisfied by Acosta’s defense at the press conference, three people familiar with the situation said, and wasn’t inclined to ditch a Cabinet secretary over such an old case tied to Acosta’s service as a U.S. attorney in Florida more than a decade ago.
But over the last couple of days the president saw the negative press and didn’t like it — a torrent of damaging news coverage aimed not just at Acosta but at Trump himself, who had a decades-long relationship with Epstein before, in the president’s telling, they had a falling out.
“POTUS is not a fan of bad press, especially when other people make him look bad,” one person said.
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Acosta came newly under fire for the 2008 plea deal after Epstein was re-arrested July 6 in New York City and charged with sex trafficking. Under the earlier plea agreement, Epstein served only 13 months of an 18-month term and was permitted daily furloughs to go to the office. Epstein also was required to register as a sex offender and to pay restitution to his underage victims.
The week’s events led to a growing sense in the White House and the Labor Department that the scandal was unlikely to blow over, with ongoing cases against Epstein, and would ultimately be used as a brickbat by the president’s enemies to bludgeon him.
“It’s not the worst exit under the circumstances. In fact, it might be the best he could possibly do,” said a former U.S. official who remains close to both men.
Trump sought to place the decision elsewhere when he informed reporters Friday morning of Acosta’s departure — suggesting Acosta had wilted under the glare of hostile news coverage. Those close to him said it was an attempt to show strength. The president has typically talked of dismissing cabinet secretaries of his own volition but rarely revealed that negative press has forced his hand.
“This was him, not me,” Trump said as Acosta stood beside him outside the White House.
Trump, who saw Acosta largely as a source of favorable monthly statistics about unemployment and job growth, called Acosta “a great Labor secretary not a good one” and “a tremendous talent. He’s a Hispanic man, he went to Harvard, a great student.” Trump indicated that he was satisfied with Acosta’s explanation for the plea deal in Wednesday’s news conference, saying, “He explained it.”
At the White House on Friday, Acosta told reporters: “Over the last week I’ve seen a lot of coverage of the Department of Labor. And what I have not seen is the incredible job creation that we’ve seen in this economy – more than 5 million jobs, I haven’t seen that. … I do not think it is right and fair for this administration’s Labor Department to have Epstein as the focus, rather than the incredible economy that we have today.”
By the time the controversy hit, Acosta had another problem that left him with a weak safety net to weather the crisis: a track record of friction with Trump aides.
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The labor secretary, who never had a warm personal relationship with the president, has had interactions in recent months with top White House officials including acting chief of staff Mick Mulvaney, over the perceived slow pace of deregulation at the department.
Known for his careful demeanor, Acosta was privately accused by White House officials and business groups of slow-walking deregulatory efforts, such as policies on overtime pay and shielding franchised companies from legal liabilities.
It took two years for DOL to issue a regulation outlining a program for privately led apprenticeships, a delay that irked the president’s daughter, Ivanka Trump. A former DOL official told POLITICO in June that she was “fed up” with Acosta.
Mulvaney curtailed Acosta’s rule-making authority shortly after taking office in January, requiring three White House aides to sit in on all the agency’s regulatory meetings. Then in May, the White House took the unusual step of ordering Acosta to fire his chief of staff, Nick Geale, after an internal review concluded that Geale’s interactions with employees — including frequent profanity-laced tirades — were damaging morale inside the agency.
POLITICO reported Tuesday that Mulvaney was privately urging the president to dismiss Acosta given the continuing drip of information from the case.
Even as White House aides abandoned Acosta, the president himself remained content, in large part because of the favorable monthly employment statistics typically reported by DOL. Acosta went out of his way to praise the strength of the economy on social media, often mentioning the president by name.
“I feel very badly, actually, for Secretary Acosta,“ Trump said July 9. “I’ve known him as somebody that works so hard and does such a good job. I feel very badly about that whole situation.”
It’s an ignominious end for the 50-year-old Harvard-educated lawyer, a son of middle-class Cuban immigrants who made a name for himself in conservative social circles. Acosta led his resignation letter with mention of his parents and their desire to secure “the best opportunities for their son and grandchildren.”
“He’s been careful for his whole life, going to the right schools and connecting to the right people,” said a former administration official. “And now he’s just going to be remembered for Jeffrey Epstein.”
Things began to unravel for Acosta in November, when the Miami Herald published a lengthy reexamination of the case, and accelerated in February, when a district court judge ruled that the 2008 plea deal violated the Crime Victims Rights Act because Acosta never revealed the terms of the deal to Epstein’s victims before it was finalized. Also in February, the Justice Department opened an investigation into whether Acosta’s prosecution team committed professional misconduct in its handling the Epstein case.
Key details of Acosta’s plea agreement with Epstein were known to senators at the time Acosta was confirmed as labor secretary, though initially these seemed minor compared to domestic abuse allegations against Trump’s first pick for labor secretary, Andy Puzder. Acosta defended his actions at a congressional hearing this past April, saying he entered the case only after a state grand jury recommended that only one charge be filed against Epstein — a course of action that would have resulted in no jail time for Epstein, no restitution to victims, and no registration as a sex offender.
“At the end of the day Mr. Epstein went to jail,” Acosta said. “Mr. Epstein was incarcerated, he registered as a sex offender, the world was put on notice that he was a sex offender, and the victims received restitution.“
Acosta has suggested that he and his attorneys were worn down by Epstein’s all-star legal team, which included Alan Dershowitz and Kenneth Starr, the special prosecutor who investigated the Monica Lewinsky scandal during Bill Clinton’s presidency in the 1990s. Among other tactics, the Epstein lawyers investigated the prosecutors looking for “personal pecadillos,” Acosta wrote in 2011 to journalist Conchita Sarnoff, whose 2016 book “TrafficKing” chronicled the Epstein prosecution. Acosta called these efforts “a year-long assault on the prosecution and the prosecutors.”
Acosta has also said that the full extent of Epstein’s alleged abuse wasn’t known at the time he struck the plea deal.
“Had these additional statements and evidence been known,” he wrote in a letter to Sarnoff, “the outcome may have been different.”
Trump administration freezing fuel efficiency penalties
The 2020 Presidential Election Is the Stock Market Wild Card, Fund Manager Says – Barron's
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Tesla Fire: Why We Need To Keep Some Perspective
• October 3, 2013
AccidentCrashFireModel STesla
It’s every EV advocate’s worst nightmare: a short YouTube video showing an electric car in flames at the side of the road. Worse still, the car on fire is a Tesla Model S.
European Tesla Model S
On Tuesday, that’s exactly what happened, when a Tesla Model S caught fire at an intersection in Seattle, Washington. As with every other news story, video of the fire soon found its way onto YouTube
By referencing official statements from the Washington State Police, the local fire department and Tesla Motors, we now have a pretty good idea of the sequence of events which led to the fire. Here’s what we know so far.
On Tuesday morning around 8:18 am local time, a Tesla Model S was driving southbound along state route 167 when it collided with a large metal object. Police reports and transcripts of the 911 call say the collision occured in the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane.
Immediately following the collision, the car alerted its driver to pull over to the side of the road. The transcript of the 911 call also reports the driver as saying the car started to ‘run poorly.’
As he was pulling off the freeway at the offramp with Willis Street, Seattle, the driver reported a burning smell coming from his car. He exited the vehicle and called 911.
Shortly afterwards, a fire started at the front of the vehicle.
Pump E71 from the local fire department arrived on scene and reported that the car “appeared to have an engine compartment fire.”
Breaking the driver’s side window to gain access to the interior of the car, firefighters then proceeded to attempt to extinguish the fire using water.
When the fire appeared to worsen, firefighters switched to a dry chemical extinguisher, which put out “the majority of the fire.”
To access the part of the car which was still on fire, firefighters first tried to dismantle the front of the car to gain access to “what appeared to be a battery pack in the front end of the vehicle that continued to burn.” The official fire report states that the crew “had to puncture multiple holes into the pack to apply water to the burning material in the battery.”
Firefighters then lifted the front of the Model S up, and used a circular saw to cut an access hold in the car’s front structural member to apply more water to the battery pack, eventually extinguishing the fire.
No-one sustained any injuries as a result of the accident or the blaze, although the relevant offramp and intersection were blocked for the duration of the incident.
The fire was contained to the front and outside of the car. No fire damage was sustained to the interior or the rear of the car.
Right now, we have no doubt that certain right-leaning news organisations and politicians are preparing to use this video and associated official reports as categoric proof once and for all that electric cars are dangerous. It’s likely too that the same video will form a cornerstone of the argument that plug-in vehicle subsidies are a waste of taxpayer money. But before we fall into the trap of sensationalist reporting, wailing and gnashing of teeth, let us remember a few basic facts.
Firstly, we won’t really know what happened on Tuesday until the Washington State Police, local fire department, Tesla Motors (and any governmental safety bodies if and when they get involved) have finished the prerequisite accident investigations. Speculating on the reason for the fire — even if it appears obvious at this time — is of little consequence.
Secondly, until we know more, any news agency, politician or pundit declaring the Model S as unfit to drive or unsafe is doing so in little more than a knee-jerk reaction. Like every other car sold in the U.S., the Model S has undergone strict crash testing at the hands of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Moreover, it aced those tests, getting a five out of five scorecard to make it one of the safest cars on the road today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0kjI08n4fg
Third, the real world is vastly more complex than any lab experiment or test can account for. If the reports are accurate and the Model S did indeed hit metal on the freeway, we’re pretty sure crash tests can’t possibly account for this circumstance. On the statistical side of life, it’s about as likely as being hit by lightning.
Fourth, Tesla’s own engineering probably helped prevent the spread of the battery pack fire, even when firefighters appeared confused at first over how to extinguish it. Inside the Model S battery pack is a gel-like fire retardant which actually expands and solidifies in extreme heat, preventing any fire from spreading to the entire pack. From incident reports obtained since the fire, it seems the rear of the pack was saved.
Finally, it’s worth remembering some good old-fashioned physics and chemistry. As with any form of densely-stored energy, there is always the potential for a dangerous, explosive release of energy should the container storing it be compromised.
In a conventional petrol-powered car, that generally means exposing the fuel lines or fuel tank to high amounts of heat or pressure. In a vehicle with compressed gas, be it air, natural gas or hydrogen, compromising the tank the gas is compressed in is enough to cause an explosive release of energy.
In an EV, puncturing cells with a conductive material can cause a high enough current to flow to start a fire.
In other words, an electric car is exposed to pretty much the same risks as any other fuel type.
To end, we have one more observation: car fires happen every day around the world, and very few are reported on. That’s because we’ve become used to the risk of fire from internal combustion engined cars. But the spectacle of an EV bursting into flames is a little like EVs in general to most people: something of a curiosity.
Are you at risk from your EV bursting into flames? No more than you are of winning the lottery. Until we know differently, we’d like to suggest if you have an EV that you Keep Calm And Charge On. There’s nothing to see here.
Do you agree, or are you worried about EV safety in the light of this video? Let us know in the Comments below.
Unplugging Is Uncool, But So Is Hogging The Power
Citing Lack of Support, Poor Sales, Zero Pulls...
Waymo Has A New Patent — But It’s Not For Autonomous Car Tech
Is Tesla’s Ongoing Battle With UAW About Working Conditions, Or Automation?
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RU/BEL
Foreign media
Updated at 20:15,16-07-2019
Lithuania to issue European arrest warrants for January Events
Belsat
The General Prosecutor's Office of Lithuania is on the verge of issuing European arrest warrants for 79 suspects in the case over the January 1991 attempted coup in Vilnius, delfi.lt reports.
According to Simonas Slapšinskas, a senior prosecutor, the suspects are citizens of Ukraine, Russia and Belarus, who held leading positions in the ministries of defense and interior, officers of the Committee of the State Security (KGB), activists of the Lithuanian Communist Party along with those involved in capturing the Vilnius TV tower, the Press House and other objects in Vilnius and other cities.
It is noteworthy that General Vladimir Uskhopchik, one of the major suspects, is holed up in Belarus. At that time he was a division commander and comandant of the Vilnius garrison. Since 1991 he has been living in Belarus and even took a position of Deputy Defense Minister for a while. But the Belarusian authorities denied a request for his delivering to Lithuania.
'Ukraine was the only country that responded to our request for legal assistance and served writs on their recognition as suspects to two persons. Russia and Belarus keep refusing to meet our demands,' Mr Slapšinskas said.
European arrest warrants are expected to be the final step in the investigation of the case, which is planned in March. 'We hope 700 volumes of the case will be filed to court this year,' Mr Slapšinskas said.
If the defendants fail to appear for trial, the proceedings will be held in absentia. Those two people residing in Ukraine have not come to Lithuania for giving evidence yet.
These 79 persons are accused of five articles of the Lithuanian Criminal Code, i.e. prohibited treatment of human beings, killing persons protected by international humanitarian law, mutilation, prohibited military attacks on civilians and illegal military acts. According to the letter of law, ife imprisonment has been imposed for the crimes mentioned above.
The January Events took place in Lithuania on January 11-13, 1991 in the aftermath of the Act of the Re-Establishment of the State of Lithuania. As a result of Soviet military actions, 13 civilians were killed and around 140 injured. The events were centered in its capital, Vilnius, along with related actions in its suburbs and in the cities of Alytus, Šiauliai, Varėna, and Kaunas.
Lithuanian court may declare Belarusians suspects in deadly Vilnius raids
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USU Eastern Eagle
The Voice of the Students
Eagle Life
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Zwick wins national award
6 years ago The Eagle
This archived article was written by:
USU Eastern’s Henry Zwick is the recipient of the Dr. William T. Guy Jr., Distinguished Educator and Service Award.
Guy was a mathematics professor at the University of Austin in Texas for 60 years. Chronicling his enduring career, he was the recipient of almost every teaching award at U of T. It is with this legacy that the American Society for Engineering Education created this award to bestow upon outstanding math educators in higher education with Zwick receiving the award from the math division in the American Society for Engineering Education.
Zwick has more than 30 years of teaching math, computer science and engineering in his background. He usually teaches five classes each semester, but occasionally offers six or seven.
He knew in elementary school that he wanted to be a teacher. He first thought he would teach chemistry, then changed to math, back to chemistry, then to physics and finally settled on math.
Growing up in Chicago, Ill., Zwick completed his undergraduate studies at Northeastern Illinois University before heading west to a dryer climate for graduate school in math at the University of Idaho in Moscow. “He says he hates humidity.” After graduation, his first job was at Utah State University in Logan where he was hired as a math lecturer. After three years, he left to teach two years at Northland Pioneer College in Show Low, Ari.
Graduate school beckoned and Zwick headed for University of Idaho in Moscow where he earned a master’s degree in computer science. He thought this major would make him more marketable. His next stops were teaching at Washington State and Ferris State.
In 1990, he was hired in the College of Eastern Utah math and computer science departments where he has served under five presidents.
Change in the last 24 years at USU Eastern, Zwick smiled, has left the college a mere shell of what it was. The electronics program was dropped as well as the languages (Italian, French, Russian and German), only Spanish remains. Building construction is gone as well as anthropology, museum studies, archeology, computer networking, printmaking, ceramics, graphics with mining about to lose its funding. Some business classes have been cut.
On the positive side, Zwick has had the best students he has ever taught. “I just got a call from a former student who lives in Washington and works for Bill Gates at Microsoft and loves his job.” Many of his students have gone on to earn master’s degrees and doctorates in math, CS and engineering.
After 30 years of teaching, Zwick says he still loves to learn. “I enjoy most of my students and look forward to fall semester starting each year. I enjoy all the classes I teach and do the best job I can do.”
If he had a weakness in teaching, he thinks it would be teaching remedial courses. The other USU Eastern faculty are better at teaching those classes, he said.
Math has always been easy for Zwick, although he still had to work hard. If a student has had one bad math teacher, they are usually doomed for life, he says. If students had good teachers in the K-12 system, they will do well in college.
He had one math class in college he never wants to repeat. It was called “topology,” which is abstract math spaces and it was so abstract and non tangible, he hated it.
Zwick enjoys traveling and has been in all 50 states, with most states traveled to at least twice. He prides himself on attending many conferences each year. “I went to eight conferences in the summers of 2012 and 2013.” His bucket list for travel includes visiting the Florida Keys, Big Bend National Park in Texas, Outer Banks of North Carolina, and Death Valley in California and Nevada.
Besides traveling, he prides himself in being a television buff with one of his favorite shows being “Numbers,” a crime show that uses math to solve the crime. He also likes to watch older programs from the ‘60s through ‘90s.
When discussing his future, Zwick was quick to point out that his first job was at USU and his last job will be at USU. I love Price, Utah, and plan to stay here. “You won’t find many Chicago natives that will say that, but I truly love this area.”
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Read Next: Dwyane Wade, Megan Rapinoe Win Big at 2019 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Sports Awards
January 25, 2012 4:00AM PT
GKids makes splash with two in toon pool
18 toons were submitted for consideration
By Marc Graser
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Oscar’s animated feature category saw 18 toons submitted for consideration, yielding a full roster of five nominees for just the third time since the category was created a decade ago.
DreamWorks Animation nabbed two noms on Tuesday, for “Kung Fu Panda 2” and “Puss in Boots,” while Paramount landed a slot for its first animated feature, “Rango.”
But the big surprise came from New York-based distrib GKids, which landed nods for two pics: “A Cat in Paris” and the jazzy “Chico & Rita.”
The nods for “Cat,” from Alain Gagnol and Jean-Loup Felicioli, and “Chico,” by Fernando Trueba (“Belle Epoque”), comes as GKids is expanding the number of pics it releases, having recently inked a deal to handle North American distribution of Hayao Miyazaki’s Studio Ghibli’s library, which includes “Spirited Away” and “Princess Mononoke.”
It previously released Tomm Moore’s Oscar-nominated “The Secret of Kells,” Michel Ocelot’s “Azur & Asmar” (with the Weinstein Co.) and “Mia and the Migoo.” GKids also produces the New York Intl Children’s Film Festival, an Oscar-qualifying event.
GKids released “Cat” for Folimage and released “Chico” through its adult-skewing LumaFilms banner, due to nudity and other mature content.
The two foreign titles are also up for the Annie Awards, being handed out Feb. 4, as are “Cars 2,” “The Adventures of Tintin,” “Arthur Christmas,” “Rio,” “Panda 2,” “Puss,” “Rango” and “Arrugas.”
“We are thrilled that 100% of the movies we made last year have been nominated for best animated picture Oscars,” said Bill Damaschke, chief creative officer of DreamWorks Animation. “All of us at DreamWorks Animation are extremely proud of everyone involved with making these films and congratulate them on their achievements.”
This year, without a nom for “Cars 2,” Pixar was shut out for the first time since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences introduced the animation category in 2001. Pixar’s absence is notable considering the toon studio has won the Oscar for the past four years with “Ratatouille,” “Wall-E,” “Up” and “Toy Story 3.”
This will be the third time Pixar hasn’t had a pic nommed. In 2002 and 2005, Pixar didn’t release a feature. However, Disney still had one or two films in the race those years..
Among the other no-shows were Disney’s “Winnie the Pooh,” Miramax’s “Gnomeo & Juliet,” Paramount’s “The Adventures of Tintin,” Sony and Aardman Animations’ “Arthur Christmas” and “Rio,” from Fox and Blue Sky Studios.
The omission of “Tintin” came on the heels of the motion-capture adventure pic winning the animated trophy Saturday from the Producers Guild of America for Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy and Peter Jackson. “Tintin” also won the Golden Globes animated prize on Sunday.
None of the 2011 nominated animated titles are up for best picture.
Michel Ocelot
New York Intl. Children's Film Festival
Secret Of Kells
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Home Business Internet commerce stumbled over Russian Post
Internet commerce stumbled over Russian Post
On the global trade map, Russia is more and more like a black hole. DHL, one of the largest postal express operators in the world, warns: now only letters arrive in the Moscow region. With shipments is a problem.
Judging by the official report, the delays are associated with a change in the procedure for customs clearance. What exactly has changed is not specified, but this is not the first time when foreign parcels have difficulty making their way to Russia.
Last week, an open letter appeared on the eBay Global Internet Auction Forum. The authors claim that since January the delivery of goods through the Post of Russia has increased from two weeks to two months, and some recipients have been waiting for their parcels since autumn. Because of this speed, many eBay auction sellers refuse to work with Russians – after all, according to the rules, the goods must be delivered within 30 days, otherwise the seller’s account may be blocked as fraudulent.
Delivery problems are a constant headache for Russian electronic sellers. “Post of Russia” officially delivers our order in the country from 2 to 6 weeks. It really is a lot. The second claim to the mail is always its unpredictability. Because it can deliver in a week, and maybe in two months. As for the wording such that “Russia has been substituted by“ the Russian Post ”, this is probably not entirely correct. There is also the Federal Customs Service,” says Mikhail Osin, director of public relations for the OZON.ru online store.
Neither the postal nor the customs service does not recognize his guilt. The general meaning of official statements: we work rhythmically and on schedule. However, such a pace, obviously, does not suit e-commerce, the market of which is booming.
“The average growth was up to 60% per year, last year – 20%. A decent growth, this is a very big indicator. Therefore, if this is really the case, then the prospects are not very good,” said Mikhail Osin.
Some companies, including OZON.ru, have found a way out, in fact, having created their independent mail in Russia. In the regions, branded logistics centers are launched, which ultimately costs less than the sluggishness of traditional delivery. After all, in cities where “parallel mail” opens, sales doubled.
The world’s largest online auction site eBay and a number of foreign online stores this week began to refuse to sell goods to buyers from Russia, because since the beginning of this year the delivery time for parcels by Post of Russia has increased from 2 weeks to 2 months, reports Newsru.com. According to the rules of the payment system PayPal, through which payment is made at auction, the goods must be delivered to the buyer within 30 days from the date of payment. Exceeding the delivery time without a refund threatens to block the seller’s account, the newspaper notes.
Pochta Rossii stated that neither the online auction site eBay nor any of the online stores officially announced a break in relations. Nevertheless, consumers ordering goods from abroad are going to throw “Russian Post” with lawsuits, according to BFM.ru.
Earlier, a number of media outlets reported that the popular online auction site eBay could break off relations with Russia due to the increase in the delivery time of orders to customers.
Pochta Rossii admitted that at the Moscow international postal exchange point, there are cases of late processing of international mail arriving at recipients in Russia from abroad. This is explained by the fact that the growth of postal items was 64% in January-February 2010 compared to the same period in 2009.
Buyers, sellers and intermediaries of eBay.com, communicating on the forum ebay-forum.ru, decided to file a class action lawsuit against Russian Post, but this form of the claim is not provided for in Russian legislation. Representatives of the Consumer Rights Protection Society advised them to file individual claims on a massive scale.
Only in 2009, the Russian e-commerce market grew by more than 50% – to $ 5 billion. In the meantime, Alina Pravdzhik, director of business development in Europe for eBay, advises Russian clients to use alternative delivery options, which are guaranteed to enable the use of auction services.
The fact that in recent months, the situation with the delivery of parcels from abroad has deteriorated sharply, it is not difficult to be sure by following the complaints in numerous online forums. Modern services allow us to track the route of parcels, and many have noticed that for some reason the cargo sent by him was stuck at the sorting station of the Kazan station in the capital (even if this cargo was sent by air, not by train).
In addition, Moscow post office workers refer to the general overload of the information system due to its updating.
Recall that in December 2009, the Post of Russia warned customers almost imperceptibly that due to the change of the information system software from December 19 to December 27, 2009, “the processing time and sending of international mail, including EMS shipments, as well as the timing of the transfer of information to the UPU MB on registered mail and mail may be extended.”
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Halloween Horror Nights House Preview: ‘Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers’
Alan French August 16, 2018 One Comment
Halloween Horror Nights keeps on delivering more exciting news as we come a mere month from go time. The latest announcement features one of our favorite characters in recent memory with Michael Myers returning once again to HHN. Myers scared his way into our hearts at HHN 24, as well as HHN 26. For my money, “Hell Comes to Haddonfield” was the best house, so hearing that he’s returning makes me very excited.
Quick thing to address those not in the know. Why skip over “Halloween 3: Season of the Witch?” Well, it’s the one film in the franchise that does not have Michael Myers in it. As the franchise was originally conceived to tell different stories each time out. However, after the first film became so popular, they rolled back Myers into the 2nd film to capitalize on “Halloween” Fever. The problem was Michael Myers became an iconic horror villain almost overnight. When the 3rd film, which does not feature Myers or even Haddonfield, struggled at the box office, the producers decided to recommit to our white-faced friend. Since that time, the name Michael Myers is synonymous with the franchise.
That said, we’ve already seen “Halloween 3: Season of the Witch” show up in the Hell Comes to Haddonfield house. As you walked through the streets of Haddonfield, little trick or treaters jumped out of the corners. Those kids wore the masks that play a central role in the film. As you’ll see below, it could be a good idea to bring them back once again. But that’s getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s jump into the “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” house preview.
EXPECTED WAIT TIME
This one’s a tough one. If it’s at the entrance in the Shrek 2 theater as many are predicting, it will vary greatly throughout the night.
Average: 20-45 minutes
An hour or more early in the night. By the 2nd or 3rd hour, this wait time should plummet. There’s potential for 10 minute waits at times.
LOCATIONS WE HOPE TO GET
The Gas Station
This feels like a good place to start, especially if we’re following the narrative. You can quickly cross the broken ambulance and find yourself next to some of his first victims. It also gives you a great place to interact with Michael AND Loomis before we get deeper into the house.
Streets of Haddonfield
After passing through the gas station, we want more the streets of Haddonfield. One of the coolest scenes in the HHN26 house, it gives us plenty of spaces for us to get Michael randomly killing. It also could feature an electrocuted serviceman who barked up the wrong tree.
Sheriff Ben Meeker’s House
The majority of the film takes place in Sheriff Ben Meeker’s house. There are a few choice places where the killings can take place. Among these locations is the living room, where several characters meet their end, the stairwell, where someone’s head gets crushed, and a creepy as hell attic. Michael walks all over this house before anyone seems to notice, quickly building the tension in the process. It would make for a good transition facade as well, similar to the house in “Krampus,” also from HHN 26. Three characters meet their end here, and we could throw in an extra sheriff or two for good measure.
After leaving the Meeker house, Jamie escapes to the schoolhouse. Michael follows her, and the scene is creepy. We also get more Loomis vs. Michael, which may not be poised to be the next big house, but should be fun for the audience.
Crash Scene
The movie comes to an end after Michael murders dozens more people while beating the “Cape Fear” remake to the punch (yeah it’d be done before then, but this was still cool). While we can’t necessarily get the joy of getting in a moving vehicle that Michael Myers is actively attacking, the crash site is fun on it’s own. We can also get a different look at Jaime if they want to.
SURPRISE AREA
Not for nothing, but I don’t know why Universal would roll out “Halloween 4” when they have a new film on the way just a few weeks later. However, last year, they gave us a great idea. The concept of a “living trailer” would be great to use again. Saw featured it ahead of the release of “Jigsaw.” It may have only been for one scene, but it did the trick. Assuming we’re locating this house in Shrek 2, the scene doesn’t have to be long, but could quickly build excitement for the new film.
CHARACTERS/EFFECTS WE HOPE TO SEE
Michael Myers – the obvious one that the house will be built around. I’d expect a couple big shots from the movie to find their way into the house. Let’s look at a few below.
We should get both versions of Michael in the house. He once again escapes from the FBI, this time in a Smithgrove Ambulance. They likely won’t showcase the flipped ambulance, but we could easily walk through the gas station where he first encounters his good friend Dr. Loomis before he actually heads to Haddonfield.
The mirror effect has also been used in both of the other houses. Considering it actually played into this film, get ready for it again. There’s going to be a couple dozen other ways to bring Michael into the house. Expect a shotgun-wielding Michael, a pipe, and of course, his handy-dandy knife.
Dr. Loomis – a character that has made multiple appearances in the other houses continues his role in the franchise. He’ll be back, this time with more scarring.
Jamie Lloyd – Michael Myers’ niece and the daughter of Laurie Strode. She is who Michael is hunting, and thus critical to the plot of the house. Don’t fret, she’s got her own moment to shine at the end of the film. She also dresses as a clown and wears a mask, just as Michael did in the first film. Jamie also has a variety of visions that would translate well into scares in the house.
Rachel Carruthers – Jamie’s foster sister, who turns into Michael’s biggest problem throughout the film. Rachel kicks his ass over and over again, even hitting Michael with a car at one point. She should be featured throughout the house.
Bar Mob – One of the surprising groups that could be really fun to see in the house is a group of bar patrons who go looking for Michael. They accidentally shoot Tommy Doyle, the young boy in “Halloween,” and are an easy way to mix up the house.
Halloween 3 Trick or Treaters – Hear me out. This has been done, yes. But it was really enjoyable then. Michael also has a distance to travel between the gas station and the houses he kills in. Let us walk through the street of Haddonfield once more and pay homage to the missing Halloween film.
There are other characters but they don’t really matter. Expect a lot of bodies though. This one upped the count and is your traditional ’80’s slasher in the vein of “Friday the 13th.” So expect some great kills throughout.
“Halloween“/”Halloween 4: The Revenge of Michael Myers” – The tricky thing about “The Revenge of Michael Myers” is that it’s not currently available on streaming platforms you might expect. I was able to find it, but it was as an on-demand movie on my DirectTV Now account. I guess AMC played it recently, and I could stream it there. If you don’t have DirectTV Now, there are other options. You have to either buy the Blu-Rays of the entire series ($40 for 10 movies is actually a good deal). The other options are to buy it by itself on Blu-Ray for $10, or buy the DVD combo pack with “Halloween 5” for $10. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
“Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter” (1984) – Celebrate another classic slasher with the best of the series. “Friday the 13th: The Final Chapter” has the most creative kills, the slow-moving killer element, and a young kid to wrap up the story. It’s surprisingly similar to “Halloween 4,” and remains one of the most popular films int he franchise. It’s also the last one in the franchise to treat Jason like he’s a human being.
“Black Christmas” (1974) – An early precursor to the slasher genre is “Black Christmas,” which actually was a big influence on the original “Halloween.” The idea to attach the Michael Myers story to a holiday comes from this film, and Carpenter pulled some ideas from it. Beyond helping build your knowledge of the slasher genre, it also remains one of Steve Martin’s favorite movies. Whether he’s said it as a joke or not, you can’t go wrong with Steve Martin.
“I Know What You Did Last Summer” (1997) – Take a throwback to a 1990s teen slasher you probably forgot launched a franchise. The first film is madness, and in many ways, the killer is Michael Myers-esque. If you can get past the pouting teens, you can probably enjoy this one. What’s probably most fun about it is the plethora of ’90’s names that somehow got involved. Jennifer Love Hewitt, Sarah Michelle Geller, and even Johnny Galecki are in this one. If you’re still building up to “Halloween,” this is a good start point.
“Halloween” (2018) – One of my personal most anticipated movies of the year is the new “Halloween” film. Yeah, it’s not out yet. But it will be soon, during the HHN run to be exact. For the lucky (or unlucky) that will cross the path after the movie comes out, expect the wait times to rise. At the same time, you’ll probably be able to pick out an Easter Egg or two in the house.
What do you think of “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers?” Where does it rank it your original house rankings? Let us know in the comments below!
Check out our Previews for HHN Houses and Scarezones Here!
CategoriesFeature, Horror, Movies, Theme Parks
TagsBlack Christmas, Halloween, Halloween Horror Nights, Halloween Horror Nights 2018, HHN 2018, HHN 28
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[…] “Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers” – Speaks for Itself […]
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Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, and others’ tepid responses to Trump’s Muslim ban
Blaise Zerega@BeeZee January 29, 2017 8:42 AM
Above: A federal judge ruled against President Trump's Muslim ban in Darweesh v. Trump.
Image Credit: American Civil Liberties Union
Perhaps the tech industry is at last finding its voice — or not.
President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on Friday preventing travelers and immigrants from certain predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States prompted strong reactions from the ACLU and many groups across America. Yesterday, a federal judge issued a stay blocking the Executive Order. The judge concluded, “There is imminent danger that, absent the stay of removal, there will be substantial and irreparable injury to refugees, visa-holders, and other individuals from nations subject to the January 27, 2017 Executive Order.”
The tech industry’s response to this? Not much.
As the controversy unfolded, Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Netflix and others issued a raft of mostly internal statements (shared to social media) expressing concern for their employees, affirmations of American values, and travel advice — yes, travel advice.
None of these statements represented a swift and powerful condemnation of the Executive Order itself.
President Trump’s economic advisory group is scheduled to meet this Friday. Members include Tesla CEO Elon Musk and IBM CEO Ginni Rometty, who would have the opportunity to more vigorously press the case against Trump’s Executive Order — if they can find their voice.
Below is a summary of statements from Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Netflix, Twitter, and Uber.
Amazon employees received a human resources memo alerting them to the travel restrictions. “Our immediate focus is to make sure you all have the information you need to make travel decisions in the coming days and weeks,” stated the message from the VP of human resources Beth Galetti, according to The Verge. “Here’s what you need to do now if you are a citizen of any of the countries listed in the order…”
Apple CEO Tim Cook addressed the issue by sending an email to Apple employees on Saturday. “I’ve heard from many of you who are deeply concerned about the Executive Order issued yesterday restricting immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries,” Cook wrote in the memo, according to BuzzFeed. “I share your concerns. It is not a policy we support.”
On Friday, as VentureBeat reported, CEO Mark Zuckerberg issued one of the strongest public statements. Zuck wrote a critical post on his Facebook page: ““We are a nation of immigrants, and we all benefit when the best and brightest from around the world can live, work and contribute here.”
After President Trump signed the Executive Order, CEO Sundar Pichai circulated an internal memo that, among other things, recalled from overseas to the United States more than 100 employees. “It’s painful to see the personal cost of this Executive Order on our colleagues,” Pichai wrote in the memo, according to Bloomberg. “We’ve always made our view on immigration issues known publicly and will continue to do so.”
On Saturday, CEO Satya Nadella republished on LinkedIn an internal memo from counsel Brad Smith that recited several values and a belief “in broader immigration opportunities, like the protections for talented and law-abiding young people under the Deferred Access for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program, often called ‘Dreamers’.”
With words as empty as Amazon’s travel advice, Nadella added, “As an immigrant and as a CEO, I’ve both experienced and seen the positive impact that immigration has on our company, for the country, and for the world. We will continue to advocate on this important topic.”
CEO Reed Hastings took to Facebook to express his dismay: “Trump’s actions are hurting Netflix employees around the world, and are so un-American it pains us all. Worse, these actions will make America less safe (through hatred and loss of allies) rather than more safe. A very sad week, and more to come with the lives of over 600,000 Dreamers here in a America under imminent threat. It is time to link arms together to protect American values of freedom and opportunity.”
CEO Jack Dorsey took to his favorite platform (and that of @realDonaldTrump) on Saturday, posting a tweet: “The Executive Order’s humanitarian and economic impact is real and upsetting. We benefit from what refugees and immigrants bring to the U.S.” VentureBeat reported Saturday on the choices faced by Twitter in response to Trump’s ban on Muslims.
CEO Travis Kalanick published on Facebook an email he sent to Uber employees on Saturday. Kalanick expressed concern for Uber drivers affected by the Executive Order: “We are working out a process to identify these drivers and compensate them pro bono during the next three months to help mitigate some of the financial stress and complications with supporting their families and putting food on the table. We will have more details on this in the coming days.”
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Report: Broward Schools to tear down building at Stoneman Douglas where mass shooting took place
Franklin White
PARKLAND, FLA. (WSVN) - The Broward County Public School District plans to tear down the building at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High where 17 people were killed in a mass shooting.
Family and friends paid their respects on Friday to the 17 lives lost in the deadly school massacre with heavy hearts.
“It just blows my mind that this could’ve happened here,” said former student Anthony Giufforeda. “It doesn’t feel real yet. It feels like a bad dream.”
“It’s so many emotions that brings tears to my eyes,” said former student Samantha Schwanz.
“Their lives were cut short for no reason,” said a mourner.
Days after the Parkland shooting, the community pushed city and school leaders to demolish the building where the attack took place, just as school officials did following the deadly attack in Sandy Hook.
“That’s something I would support,” said Superintendent Robert Runcie, “but it will require funding from the state in order to execute and approval by our school board.”
Runcie also told the Sun-Sentinel the district plans to demolish and replace the freshman building on the campus.
“Parents and students have resoundingly told me they can’t go back into that building regardless of what we do,” Runcie told the Sun-Sentinel. “The other piece I heard is that that building will be used as evidence in any type of legal process that goes forward, so we won’t be able to access the building for a while anyway.”
Runcie said an announcement will be made over the weekend about when the school will re-open.
“I don’t know how teachers, students could get back in that building. I don’t even know how we’re going to open the whole campus, period,” Runcie told the Sun-Sentinel.
Now as the grieving continues and the healing process begins, the community is hoping a change will come soon.
“Something needs to change because this can not become the norm,” Schwanz said.
If you would like to help, a GoFundMe page has been set up.
Copyright 2019 Sunbeam Television Corp. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Michael Jordan signed with the White Sox 25 years ago
Posted 3:42 PM, February 7, 2019, by Larry Hawley, Updated at 04:07PM, February 7, 2019
7 Feb 1994: CHICAGO WHITE SOX OUTFIELDER MICHAEL JORDAN SPEAKS AT A WHITE SOX PRESS CONFERENCE.
CHICAGO — Just four months after shocking the world by walking away from basketball, sports legend Michael Jordan announced he was about to hit the diamond back in the Winter of 1994.
“His Airness” was leaving the court at the height of his career and took on baseball as his next adventure.
On this day in 1994, Michael Jordan signed a contract with the @whitesox.
"I’ve never been afraid to fail. That’s something you have to deal with in reality. I think I’m strong enough as a person to accept failing, but I can’t accept not trying." pic.twitter.com/XQUALoO4QY
— Sports Photos (@sportsphotos) February 7, 2019
Twenty-five years ago on Thursday, Jordan made the decision to sign a free agent contract with the Chicago White Sox. He explained during a news conference that day that he worked with White Sox players for the previous two months in the batting cages at Comiskey Park in order to make this new venture a reality.
Along with speaking with the media on the contract, he also held a workout out that day at the Illinois Institute of Technology.
"My motto has been, 'It's no gimmick,'" he said to the media that day.
During the news conference, Jordan remarked that it was his late father James' dream to see him play baseball. James was found dead in McColl, S.C. on Aug. 3, 1993.
"I chose to try to play baseball just to see if I could," Jordan said 25 years ago. "I'm not doing it as a distraction and I'm not doing it as a media hog or looking for the media exposure from it. It's one of the wishes my father had and I had as a kid."
#OTD 25 years ago... The 🐐 joined the Good Guys. pic.twitter.com/NGWmvoFwey
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) February 7, 2019
That would be Jordan's on Spring and Summer in baseball, one that featured some growing pains along with some memorable moments.
His April 7 appearance in an exhibition game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field is the most memorable, as Jordan started in right field and hit sixth. He had a single and a double, much to the delight of the crowd, in a game that finished in a 4-4 tie.
The rest of the year was spent in Double-A Birmingham under future Red Sox manager Terry Francona. In 127 games, Jordan batted .202 with 17 doubles, a triple, one homer, and 114 strikeouts and a .289 on-base percentage.
As Major League Baseball sat in a strike in early 1995, Jordan contemplated and then eventually returned to the NBA, where he would go onto win three more championships with the Bulls.
A generation later, his playing baseball is a footnote in a remarkable athletic career, one that was born 25 years ago.
Filed in: News, Sports, Sports Feed, white sox
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James McCann’s breakthrough season for the White Sox earns All-Star consideration
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By Linda Selick-Stockmaster
If you like what lead singer Pat Martin describes as "hardcore in your face" metal, you will love this four piece, as-hard-as-your-ears-can-stand metal group, Industrial Strength.Hailing from Fort Wayne, Industrial Strength packs clubs and packs punches with what they proudly describe as the heaviest metal around the area.
"When we first got together we decided that we wanted to play what no one else around here was playing," said Pat. "I mean, we figured we can’t be the only four guys in Fort Wayne that like this."
Everyone told them it was impossible. They stayed true to what they loved, pushed on, and were pleasantly surprised to find out everyone was dead wrong.
"In our wildest dreams we never figured on the great fan base we have in this town," said Pat.
Pat described Fort Wayne as a town that is mostly college rock-oriented, except for The Backdoor crowd, which is mainly a steady stream of punk fans.
"Basically," he said, "for a hardcore band to be coming out and playing Piere’s and everywhere else, it was incredible. When we had our CD release party at Piere’s, we had over 600 people show up on a Wednesday night. We were also the first band at Wrigley Field Bar & Grill to have a mosh pit on a Sunday night. They had to move the tables and everything. I’ve gotta give it up for our fans, I mean they just slam. They are mosh pit gods. We have steady fans that are always there when we play, they never miss a show."
Industrial Strength is Martin, 28, on vocals, Adam Bricker, 28, on guitar, Sam Mayberry, 26, on bass and Joe Heathman, who will be celebrating the big 3-O soon, on drums. In March, Industrial Strength put out a CD called Blunt Force Impact, which has had some local radio airplay. The CD has eight of the band’s original songs on it.
"The thing I get off on," said Pat, "is when I am onstage and I look down and people are singing along, they didn’t just buy the CD, they really listen to it. Our fans, bar none, get an A+. We played Chicago; the kids are cool and all that, but in Fort Wayne people go nuts. Bands we bring in from out of town are amazed at our Fort Wayne fans. Our crowd is really receptive to the bands we bring in. I have to say our crowd here is awesome."
Industrial Strength is updating its website, www.globaljams.com/ind_strength, to include a video. They currently have a band bio on the site, Morbid Gallery, at which you can check out some band pictures and download three songs.
The band has played in Indianapolis, Chicago, Muncie, South Bend, cities in Ohio and Michigan and locally at places such as Buster McNasty’s, Piere’s, Peanuts, Legends, Checkers and The Backdoor. The Backdoor recently decided to limit performances to punk rock bands exclusively. This prompted Martin to fix up his practice space, and fashion it into an all-ages club.
"It’s bigger than The Backdoor, and will give the thrasher kids somewhere to hang out," he said. Located on Calhoun Street, with plenty of parking around back, Pat plans on holding a show or two there every month. The Death Shed, the name he chose for his venue, also will allow some hardcore bands from outside the area to come into Fort Wayne to play.
Martin seems to have a good attitude about keeping the music scene alive in Fort Wayne. He recently offered half of the band’s earnings to a club that had them play. He told them to take the money and upgrade their P.A. system with it.
"We’ll help anybody, we don’t care," he said. "They let us play there, we help them. We look like a bunch of mean dudes, but we help anybody."
Industrial Strength has been together since December 1998. Guitarist Adam is influenced by bands such as Slipknot, S.O.D and Hatebreed. Joe said his influences are Obituary and Testament, although his favorite album is Moving Pictures by Rush. Sam listens to Sepultura, Pantera and Machine Head and said his favorite albums are 1916 by Motorhead and Don’t Know How to Party by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones.
Through their music, Industrial Strength tries to impart to their fans a message about sticking to your guns, never giving up and never taking any grief for being who you are. They invite members of the audience to come up on the stage and join in.
"Don’t be scared," said Heathman, "come on up and join in."
"We try to always have an opening band," said Martin. "When you jump around, when you get into your music, you’re dying. I mean, we’re not standing up there going ‘hey, yeah, love and peace,’ not that there’s anything wrong with that, but I run around, so I’m dead, you know?
"We usually play anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour and a half," he added. "I think it would be cool to do a show with a punk band around here. I don’t know too many, but The Beautys are good, and I like Lowlife, and Spitface 30 [are] great. I think if some of the punk bands around here got together with us we could do some slamming shows — I mean slamming. We’ll play with anybody. You can play the spoons and I’ll play with you. Playing with a punk band could open each others’ crowds to one another. Like when we played at The Backdoor, the singer of Lowlife was right up front jamming, and it was cool, ya know?"
I asked Martin about his hardcore music, in terms of how some people think heavy thrash music is satanic.
"There is nothing about us that is satanic what-so-freaking-ever," he said. "Actually, we write more political lyrics, kinda like punk bands do."
What about those hand symbols audiences tend to give to thrasher bands, in which they shake a hand at the band, pinkie and index finger up. "Is that like, hey yeah cool, you devil rocker, you?" I asked.
"The devil horn thing?" he said. "I think that is just like, right on! You rock!"
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Learning to Think: Amazon Day, “Life Paths” and the Liberal Arts
Martina Pansze, Editor-In-Chief
Filed under Front Page Slideshow, NEWS
Austin Biehl ‘16 flips through pictures on a powerpoint: Hong Kong, Paris, Prague. Biehl is an International Consumer and Kindle Content team recruiter at Amazon, and part of his job is to organize and attend recruitment events worldwide. Biehl and Sam Reddy ‘17, who works as a treasury analyst in the Capital Markets team, were brought back to campus on Friday, Oct. 20 for an event dubbed “Amazon Day.” The two alumni described their paths to securing jobs at Amazon and offered words of wisdom for a room full of Whitman students interested in doing the same.
“On the surface, many people would think that a Whitman college graduate and Amazon don’t line up,” says Kim Rolfe, Director of Business Engagement at the Student Engagement Center (SEC) and organizer of Friday’s event. “But the truth is that a lot of the things they are looking for at Amazon, Whitman has prepared students very well to do.”
Biehl described how members of the Amazon team write an essay-like paper to present an idea to their colleagues. “Everyone reads it, annotates it–they literally annotate it–and critically discusses it. You’re basically going to an encounters class,” said Biehl, who was a psychology major at Whitman.
Biehl and Reddy cited strong writing skills, interpersonal skills and detail-oriented nature as elements for a competitive Amazon resume. When describing his application process, that included multiple networking contacts and a 15-page google doc made in preparation for his final interview, Reddy offered the advice, “think realistic, but be confident. You come from Whitman.”
Photo by Caroline Ashford Arya
Indeed, many leaders of major companies such as Amazon and Google have said that liberal arts students are very employable. It is, in part, the role of the SEC to provide support in a Whitman student’s transition from a residential liberal arts experience into the so-called “real world.”
“Often times we get housed in this career-center kind of space, but that’s not really how we see what we do,” says Rolfe. She asserts that the SEC’s involvement is deeper than that–it is about helping students to see how experiences at Whitman are connected and how to build toward life after graduation.
Although Friday’s talk was Amazon’s first visit, private corporations like Microsoft and various consultant companies, as well as the State Department and the Pacific Northwest and Los Alamos National Labs, have visited Whitman to recruit many times in the past. Rolfe says that the SEC looks into organizing these events by reaching out through alumni who understand Whitman.
The College’s Strategic Priorities initiative, approved in August, outlines a set of priorities for the College to work towards in the next few years. One of the priorities in the plan, titled ‘Connecting to life after Whitman,’ stipulates the College’s goal to “ensure that every student is exposed to high-impact learning experiences as a means of setting a strong foundation for engaging in a positive, productive, and fulfilling life after Whitman.” Rolfe said that she does think the Strategic Priorities will impact some of the SEC’s functions, but “that’s going to be up to the college, and the students and the faculty and those that are invested here to figure out what that will look like.”
Psychology professor and Chair of the Faculty Melissa Clearfield is Co-Chair of the Strategic Planning committee.
When asked if she saw tension between a classic liberal arts model and the Strategic Priorities of connecting to life after Whitman, Clearfield responded, “I don’t think there should be a tension. Now, we are not doing job training here. We are still 100 percent committed to the liberal arts. But that doesn’t mean that you should spend a quarter of a million dollars on an education and then we just throw you out in the world and you are utterly unprepared to do anything with that education. I think that would be deeply unethical, personally.”
Rolfe says that she personally subscribes to the thinking that the concept of learning for the sake of learning is somewhat of an elitist stance.
“Not many people in today’s society have the ability to do [nothing but study and think] and then come out and say now I’m going to figure out what to do. It’s just not the reality of our culture. It’s– I wouldn’t even say a trend, it’s the direction that we’re moving. Yes, it’s important to be here and be in the moment of learning and focus on the education … but ultimately that is going to come into play with other things,” said Rolfe.
President Kathy Murray often reminds students that their business here is to learn. And as students focus on their learning–wading neck deep through Marx, postfeminist theory and biochem–they come out the other side with a certain set of skills. “I think our students have gained those skills but I don’t think we’ve done as good of a job as we need to of helping you understand what the skills that you’ve gained are,” said Clearfield.
Clearfield argues that the goal of the strategic priorities document isn’t to change what students are doing and learning, but instead to offer support in terms of improving the language students use to talk about and glean takeaways from the Whitman experience. “It isn’t actually a huge step away from what we’ve been doing to work with students to translate that into getting your first job,” she said.
A faculty member who prefers to remain anonymous says the liberal arts is often framed as a pure “life of the mind,” as opposed to professionalization framed as getting a job and satisfying basic material needs.
“In some ways I think it’s kind of a false binary,” said the source. “I think that the tension that a lot of people see, is that to the degree that we’re favoring professionalization we’re channeling people to think in a certain way. That might be in tension with asking really important broad questions whether they be social justice questions or questions about what the world is, what it means to live in a community and be a citizen, things like that.”
The faculty member hopes that they can teach people critical skills that students can take with them after graduation. They mentioned “This is Water,” a commencement speech by David Foster Wallace. In the speech Wallace says that the goal of a liberal arts education is to save a corner of your mind to think critically, even as you’re standing in a checkout line or you’re commuting home from work.
“I think it’s really important both of those variables be accounted for somehow,” they said. “I do see my role as creating a space where if people are in workplaces or going on to do whatever they’re going to do after college, they can continue to think critically about the work that they’re doing and institutions that they’re in. And so in that sense I don’t think that liberal arts and professionalization are separate. I think there needs to be a conversation there, but the end goal of that conversation should be critical thinking and civic engagement.”
Tags: Amazon, connecting to life after whitman, Kim Rolfe, Liberal Arts, life of the mind, Martina Pansze, melissa clearfield, Networking, SEC, strategic planning, Student Engagment Center
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Parliament of the United Kingdom
Supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom
Find sources: "Parliament of the United Kingdom" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (January 2019) (Learn how and when to remove this template message)
of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
57th Parliament
Bicameral
since 6 February 1952
Commons Speaker
John Bercow
since 22 June 2009
Lord Speaker
The Lord Fowler
since 1 September 2016
Theresa May, Conservative
consisting of
650 Members of Parliament (MPs)
778 Lords Spiritual and Temporal
House of Commons[1] political groups
HM Government
Conservative Party (312)
Confidence and supply
Democratic Unionist Party (10)
HM Most Loyal Opposition
Labour Party (247)
Other opposition
Scottish National Party (35)
Liberal Democrats (12)
Sinn Féin (7) (abstentionist)
The Independent Group for Change (5)
Plaid Cymru (4)
House of Lords[2] political groups
Bishops (26)
(seated on the Government benches)
Lords Temporal
Democratic Unionist Party (4)
Ulster Unionist Party (2)
UKIP (1)
Non-affiliated (35)
Independents (6)
Crossbench
Crossbench (183)
House of Commons[1] last election
City of Westminster, London
www.parliament.uk
The Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known internationally as the UK Parliament, British Parliament, or Westminster Parliament, and domestically simply as Parliament, is the supreme legislative body of the United Kingdom, the Crown dependencies and the British Overseas Territories.[3][4] It alone possesses legislative supremacy and thereby ultimate power over all other political bodies in the UK and the overseas territories. Parliament is bicameral but has three parts, consisting of the Sovereign (the Queen-in-Parliament), the House of Lords, and the House of Commons (the primary chamber).[5][6] The two houses meet in the Palace of Westminster in the City of Westminster, one of the inner boroughs of the capital city, London.
The House of Lords includes two different types of members: the Lords Spiritual, consisting of the most senior bishops of the Church of England, and the Lords Temporal, consisting mainly of life peers, appointed by the Sovereign on the advice of the Prime Minister,[7] and of 92 hereditary peers, sitting either by virtue of holding a royal office, or by being elected by their fellow hereditary peers. Prior to the opening of the Supreme Court in October 2009, the House of Lords also performed a judicial role through the Law Lords.
The House of Commons is an elected chamber with elections to 650 single member constituencies held at least every five years under the first-past-the-post system.[8] The two Houses meet in separate chambers in the Palace of Westminster (commonly known as the Houses of Parliament) in London. By constitutional convention, all government ministers, including the Prime Minister, are members of the House of Commons or, less commonly, the House of Lords and are thereby accountable to the respective branches of the legislature. Most cabinet ministers are from the Commons, whilst junior ministers can be from either House. However, the Leader of the House of Lords must be a peer.
The Parliament of Great Britain was formed in 1707 following the ratification of the Treaty of Union by Acts of Union passed by the Parliament of England and the Parliament of Scotland, both Acts of Union stating, "That the United Kingdom of Great Britain be represented by one and the same Parliament to be styled The Parliament of Great Britain". At the start of the 19th century, Parliament was further enlarged by Acts of Union ratified by the Parliament of Great Britain and the Parliament of Ireland that abolished the latter and added 100 Irish MPs and 32 Lords to the former to create the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act 1927 formally amended the name to the "Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland",[9] five years after the secession of the Irish Free State in 1922.
With the global expansion of the British Empire, the UK Parliament has shaped the political systems of many countries as ex-colonies and so it has been called the "Mother of Parliaments".[10] However, John Bright – who coined the epithet – used it in reference to the political culture of "England" rather than just the parliamentary system.[11]
In theory, the UK's supreme legislative power is officially vested in the Crown-in-Parliament. However, the Crown normally acts on the advice of the Prime Minister and the powers of the House of Lords are limited to only delaying legislation; thus power is de facto vested in the House of Commons.[12]
1.1 Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland
1.2 Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
2 Composition and powers
3 State Opening of Parliament
4 Legislative procedure
5 Duration
6 Legislative functions
7 Judicial functions
8 Relationship with the UK Government
8.1 Parliamentary questions
9 Parliamentary sovereignty
10 Privileges
11 Emblem
12 Broadcast media
For histories of the parliaments preceding the UK Parliament, see Parliament of England, Parliament of Scotland, Parliament of Great Britain, and Parliament of Ireland.
For a summary, see Parliament in the Making.
Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland[edit]
Print of the Palace of Westminster, before it burnt down in 1834
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland was created on 1 January 1801, by the merger of the Kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland under the Acts of Union 1800. The principle of ministerial responsibility to the lower House did not develop until the 19th century—the House of Lords was superior to the House of Commons both in theory and in practice. Members of the House of Commons (MPs) were elected in an antiquated electoral system, under which constituencies of vastly different sizes existed. Thus, the borough of Old Sarum, with seven voters, could elect two members, as could the borough of Dunwich, which had almost completely disappeared into the sea due to land erosion.
Many small constituencies, known as pocket or rotten boroughs, were controlled by members of the House of Lords, who could ensure the election of their relatives or supporters. During the reforms of the 19th century, beginning with the Reform Act 1832, the electoral system for the House of Commons was progressively regularised. No longer dependent on the Lords for their seats, MPs grew more assertive.
The supremacy of the British House of Commons was reaffirmed in the early 20th century. In 1909, the Commons passed the so-called "People's Budget", which made numerous changes to the taxation system which were detrimental to wealthy landowners. The House of Lords, which consisted mostly of powerful landowners, rejected the Budget. On the basis of the Budget's popularity and the Lords' consequent unpopularity, the Liberal Party narrowly won two general elections in 1910.
Using the result as a mandate, the Liberal Prime Minister, H. H. Asquith, introduced the Parliament Bill, which sought to restrict the powers of the House of Lords. (He did not reintroduce the land tax provision of the People's Budget.) When the Lords refused to pass the bill, Asquith countered with a promise extracted from the King in secret before the second general election of 1910 and requested the creation of several hundred Liberal peers, so as to erase the Conservative majority in the House of Lords. In the face of such a threat, the House of Lords narrowly passed the bill.
The Parliament Act 1911, as it became, prevented the Lords from blocking a money bill (a bill dealing with taxation), and allowed them to delay any other bill for a maximum of three sessions (reduced to two sessions in 1949), after which it could become law over their objections. However, regardless of the Parliament Acts of 1911 and 1949, the House of Lords has always retained the unrestricted power to veto any bill outright which attempts to extend the life of a parliament.[13]
Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland[edit]
The Government of Ireland Act 1920 created the parliaments of Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland and reduced the representation of both parts at Westminster. The number of Northern Ireland seats was increased again after the introduction of direct rule in 1973. The Irish Free State became independent in 1922, and in 1927 parliament was renamed the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Further reforms to the House of Lords were made in the 20th century. The Life Peerages Act 1958 authorised the regular creation of life peerage dignities. By the 1960s, the regular creation of hereditary peerage dignities had ceased; thereafter, almost all new peers were life peers only.
The House of Lords Act 1999 removed the automatic right of hereditary peers to sit in the House of Lords, although it made an exception for 92 of them to be elected to life-terms by the other hereditary peers, with by-elections upon their death. The House of Lords is now a chamber that is subordinate to the House of Commons. Additionally, the Constitutional Reform Act 2005 led to abolition of the judicial functions of the House of Lords with the creation of the new Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in October 2009.
Composition and powers[edit]
The legislative authority, the Crown-in-Parliament, has three separate elements: the Monarch, the House of Lords, and the House of Commons. No individual may be a member of both Houses, and members of the House of Lords are legally barred from voting in elections for members of the House of Commons. Formerly, no-one could be a member of Parliament while holding an office of profit under the Crown, thus maintaining the separation of powers, but the principle has been gradually eroded. Until 1919, Members of Parliament who were appointed to ministerial office lost their seats in the House of Commons and had to seek re-election; the rule was abolished in 1926. Holders of offices are ineligible to serve as a Member of Parliament under the House of Commons Disqualification Act 1975.
Royal Assent of the Monarch is required for all Bills to become law, and certain delegated legislation must be made by the Monarch by Order in Council. The Crown also has executive powers which do not depend on Parliament, through prerogative powers, including the power to make treaties, declare war, award honours, and appoint officers and civil servants. In practice these are always exercised by the monarch on the advice of the Prime Minister and the other ministers of HM Government. The Prime Minister and government are directly accountable to Parliament, through its control of public finances, and to the public, through the election of members of parliament.
The Monarch also appoints the Prime Minister, who then forms a government from members of the Houses of Parliament. This must be someone who could command a majority in a confidence vote in the House of Commons. In the past the monarch has occasionally had to make a judgment, as in the appointment of Alec Douglas-Home in 1963 when it was thought that the incumbent Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, had become ill with terminal cancer. However, today the monarch is advised by the outgoing Prime Minister as to whom he or she should offer the position next.
The House of Lords is formally styled "The Right Honourable The Lords Spiritual and Temporal in Parliament Assembled", the Lords Spiritual being bishops of the Church of England and the Lords Temporal being Peers of the Realm. The Lords Spiritual and Lords Temporal are considered separate "estates", but they sit, debate and vote together.
Since the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949, the powers of the House of Lords have been very much less than those of the House of Commons. All bills except money bills are debated and voted upon in the House of Lords; however, by voting against a bill, the House of Lords can only delay it for a maximum of two parliamentary sessions over a year. After that time, the House of Commons can force the Bill through without the Lords' consent, under the Parliament Acts. The House of Lords can also hold the government to account through questions to government ministers and the operation of a small number of select committees. The highest court in England & Wales and in Northern Ireland used to be a committee of the House of Lords, but it became an independent supreme court in 2009.
The Lords Spiritual formerly included all of the senior clergymen of the Church of England—archbishops, bishops, abbots and mitred priors. Upon the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII the abbots and mitred priors lost their positions in Parliament. All diocesan bishops continued to sit in Parliament, but the Bishopric of Manchester Act 1847, and later Acts, provide that only the 26 most senior are Lords Spiritual. These always include the incumbents of the "five great sees", namely the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Durham and the Bishop of Winchester. The remaining 21 Lords Spiritual are the most senior diocesan bishops, ranked in order of consecration, although the Lords Spiritual (Women) Act 2015 makes time-limited provision for vacancies to be filled by women who are bishops.
The Lords Temporal are life peers created under the Appellate Jurisdiction Act 1876 and the Life Peerages Act 1958, in addition to 92 hereditary peers under the House of Lords Act 1999. Formerly, the Lords Temporal were exclusively hereditary peers. The right of some hereditary peers to sit in Parliament was not automatic: after Scotland and England united into Great Britain in 1707, it was provided that all peers whose dignities had been created by English kings could sit in Parliament, but those whose dignities had been created by Scottish kings were to elect a limited number of "representative peers". A similar arrangement was made in respect of Ireland when it was united with Great Britain in 1801, but when southern Ireland left the United Kingdom in 1922 the election of Irish representative peers ceased. By the Peerage Act 1963, the election of Scottish representative peers also ended, and all Scottish peers were granted the right to sit in Parliament. Under the House of Lords Act 1999, only life peerages (that is to say, peerage dignities which cannot be inherited) automatically entitle their holders to seats in the House of Lords. Of the hereditary peers, only 92—the Earl Marshal, the Lord Great Chamberlain and the 90 elected by other peers—retain their seats in the House.
The Commons, the last of the "estates" of the Kingdom, are represented in the House of Commons, which is formally styled "The Honourable The Commons in Parliament Assembled" ("commons" coming not from the term "commoner", but from commune, the old French term for a district).[citation needed] In 2016, the House consists of 650 members. Each Member of Parliament (MP) is chosen by a single constituency by the First-Past-the-Post electoral system. Universal adult suffrage exists for those 18 and over; citizens of the United Kingdom, and those of the Republic of Ireland and Commonwealth nations resident in the United Kingdom, are qualified to vote, unless they are in prison at the time of the election. The term of members of the House of Commons depends on the term of Parliament, a maximum of five years; a general election, during which all the seats are contested, occurs after each dissolution (see below).
All legislation must be passed by the House of Commons to become law and it controls taxation and the supply of money to the government. Government ministers (including the Prime Minister) must regularly answer questions in the House of Commons and there are a number of select committees that scrutinise particular issues and the workings of the government. There are also mechanisms that allow members of the House of Commons to bring to the attention of the government particular issues affecting their constituents.
State Opening of Parliament[edit]
Main article: State Opening of Parliament
The State Opening of Parliament is an annual event that marks the commencement of a session of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It is held in the House of Lords Chamber. Before 2012, it took place in November or December,[14] or, in a general election year, when the new Parliament first assembled. From 2012 onwards, the ceremony has taken place in May or June.
Leading 17th century Parliamentarian John Hampden is one of the Five Members annually commemorated
Upon the signal of the Monarch, the Lord Great Chamberlain raises their wand of office to signal to Black Rod, who is charged with summoning the House of Commons and has been waiting in the Commons lobby. Black Rod turns and, under the escort of the Door-keeper of the House of Lords and an inspector of police, approaches the doors to the Chamber of the Commons. In 1642, King Charles I stormed into the House of Commons in an unsuccessful attempt to arrest the Five Members, who included the celebrated English patriot and leading Parliamentarian John Hampden. This action sparked the English Civil War.[15][16] The wars established the constitutional rights of Parliament, a concept legally established in the Glorious Revolution in 1688 and the subsequent Bill of Rights 1689. Since then, no British monarch has entered the House of Commons when it is in session.[17] On Black Rod's approach, the doors are slammed shut against them, symbolising the rights of parliament and its independence from the monarch.[17] They then strike, with the end of their ceremonial staff (the Black Rod), three times on the closed doors of the Commons Chamber. They are then admitted, and announce the command of the monarch for the attendance of the Commons.[17]
The monarch reads a speech, known as the Speech from the Throne, which is prepared by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet, outlining the Government's agenda for the coming year. The speech reflects the legislative agenda for which the Government intends to seek the agreement of both Houses of Parliament.
After the monarch leaves, each Chamber proceeds to the consideration of an "Address in Reply to Her Majesty's Gracious Speech". But, first, each House considers a bill pro forma to symbolise their right to deliberate independently of the monarch. In the House of Lords, the bill is called the Select Vestries Bill, while the Commons equivalent is the Outlawries Bill. The Bills are considered for the sake of form only, and do not make any actual progress.
Legislative procedure[edit]
See also the stages of a bill section in Acts of Parliament in the United Kingdom
Both houses of the British Parliament are presided over by a speaker, the Speaker of the House for the Commons and the Lord Speaker in the House of Lords.
For the Commons, the approval of the Sovereign is theoretically required before the election of the Speaker becomes valid, but it is, by modern convention, always granted. The Speaker's place may be taken by the Chairman of Ways and Means, the First Deputy Chairman, or the Second Deputy Chairman. (The titles of those three officials refer to the Committee of Ways and Means, a body which no longer exists.)
Prior to July 2006, the House of Lords was presided over by a Lord Chancellor (a Cabinet member), whose influence as Speaker was very limited (whilst the powers belonging to the Speaker of the House of Commons are vast). However, as part of the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, the position of Speaker of the House of Lords (as it is termed in the Act) was separated from the office of Lord Chancellor (the office which has control over the judiciary as a whole), though the Lords remain largely self-governing. Decisions on points of order and on the disciplining of unruly members are made by the whole body, but by the Speaker alone in the Lower House. Speeches in the House of Lords are addressed to the House as a whole (using the words "My Lords"), but those in the House of Commons are addressed to the Speaker alone (using "Mr Speaker" or "Madam Speaker"). Speeches may be made to both Houses simultaneously.
Both Houses may decide questions by voice vote; members shout out "Aye!" and "No!" in the Commons—or "Content!" and "Not-Content!" in the Lords—and the presiding officer declares the result. The pronouncement of either Speaker may be challenged, and a recorded vote (known as a division) demanded. (The Speaker of the House of Commons may choose to overrule a frivolous request for a division, but the Lord Speaker does not have that power.) In each House, a division requires members to file into one of the two lobbies alongside the Chamber; their names are recorded by clerks, and their votes are counted as they exit the lobbies to re-enter the Chamber. The Speaker of the House of Commons is expected to be non-partisan, and does not cast a vote except in the case of a tie; the Lord Speaker, however, votes along with the other Lords.
Both Houses normally conduct their business in public, and there are galleries where visitors may sit.
Duration[edit]
As of 2016, Parliament has a fixed term of 5 years.
Originally there was no fixed limit on the length of a Parliament, but the Triennial Act 1694 set the maximum duration at three years. As the frequent elections were deemed inconvenient, the Septennial Act 1715 extended the maximum to seven years, but the Parliament Act 1911 reduced it to five. During the Second World War, the term was temporarily extended to ten years by Acts of Parliament. Since the end of the war the maximum has remained five years. Modern Parliaments, however, rarely continued for the maximum duration; normally, they were dissolved earlier. For instance, the 52nd, which assembled in 1997, was dissolved after four years. The Septennial Act was repealed by the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011.
Summary history of terms of the Parliament of the United Kingdom
1707 3 (maximum) Ratification of the Acts of Union Formation of Parliament of Great Britain.
1715 7 (maximum) Septennial Act 1715
1801 7 (maximum) Acts of Union 1800 Formation of Parliament of United Kingdom.
1911 5 (maximum) Parliament Act 1911
Second World War 10 Various Acts of Parliament
Post-WW2 5 (maximum) – Parliamentary term fixed at up to 5 years.
2011 5 Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011 Parliamentary term fixed at 5 years, unless one of two situations arises, mentioned below.
Following a general election, a new Parliamentary session begins. Parliament is formally summoned 40 days in advance by the Sovereign, who is the source of parliamentary authority. On the day indicated by the Sovereign's proclamation, the two Houses assemble in their respective chambers. The Commons are then summoned to the House of Lords, where Lords Commissioners (representatives of the Sovereign) instruct them to elect a Speaker. The Commons perform the election; on the next day, they return to the House of Lords, where the Lords Commissioners confirm the election and grant the new Speaker the royal approval in the Sovereign's name.
The business of Parliament for the next few days of its session involves the taking of the oaths of allegiance. Once a majority of the members have taken the oath in each House, the State Opening of Parliament may take place. The Lords take their seats in the House of Lords Chamber, the Commons appear at the Bar (at the entrance to the Chamber), and the Sovereign takes his or her seat on the throne. The Sovereign then reads the Speech from the Throne—the content of which is determined by the Ministers of the Crown—outlining the Government's legislative agenda for the upcoming year. Thereafter, each House proceeds to the transaction of legislative business.
By custom, before considering the Government's legislative agenda, a bill is introduced pro forma in each House—the Select Vestries Bill in the House of Lords and the Outlawries Bill in the House of Commons. These bills do not become laws; they are ceremonial indications of the power of each House to debate independently of the Crown. After the pro forma bill is introduced, each House debates the content of the Speech from the Throne for several days. Once each House formally sends its reply to the Speech, legislative business may commence, appointing committees, electing officers, passing resolutions and considering legislation.
A session of Parliament is brought to an end by a prorogation. There is a ceremony similar to the State Opening, but much less well known to the general public. Normally, the Sovereign does not personally attend the prorogation ceremony in the House of Lords; he or she is represented by Lords Commissioners. The next session of Parliament begins under the procedures described above, but it is not necessary to conduct another election of a Speaker or take the oaths of allegiance afresh at the beginning of such subsequent sessions. Instead, the State Opening of Parliament proceeds directly. To avoid the delay of opening a new session in the event of an emergency during the long summer recess, Parliament is no longer prorogued beforehand, but only after the Houses have reconvened in the autumn; the State Opening follows a few days later.
Each Parliament comes to an end, after a number of sessions, in anticipation of a general election. Parliament is dissolved by virtue of the Fixed-term Parliaments Act 2011. Prior to that, dissolution was effected by the Sovereign, always on the advice of the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister could seek dissolution at a time politically advantageous to his or her party. If the Prime Minister loses the support of the House of Commons, Parliament will dissolve and a new election will be held. Parliaments can also be dissolved if two-thirds of the House of Commons votes for an early election.
Formerly, the demise of the Sovereign automatically brought a Parliament to an end, the Crown being seen as the caput, principium, et finis (beginning, basis and end) of the body, but this is no longer the case. The first change was during the reign of William and Mary, when it was seen to be inconvenient to have no Parliament at a time when succession to the Crown could be disputed, and an Act was passed that provided that a Parliament was to continue for six months after the death of a Sovereign, unless dissolved earlier. Under the Representation of the People Act 1867 Parliament can now continue for as long as it would otherwise have done in the event of the death of the Sovereign.
After each Parliament concludes, the Crown issues writs to hold a general election and elect new members of the House of Commons, though membership of the House of Lords does not change.
Legislative functions[edit]
Parliament meets in the Palace of Westminster.
Laws can be made by Acts of the United Kingdom Parliament. While Acts can apply to the whole of the United Kingdom including Scotland, due to the continuing separation of Scots law many Acts do not apply to Scotland and may be matched either by equivalent Acts that apply to Scotland alone or, since 1999, by legislation set by the Scottish Parliament relating to devolved matters.
This has led to a paradox known as the West Lothian question. The existence of a devolved Scottish Parliament means that while Westminster MPs from Scotland may vote directly on matters that affect English constituencies, they may not have much power over their laws affecting their own constituency. Since there is no devolved "English Parliament", the converse is not true. While any Act of the Scottish Parliament may be overturned, amended or ignored by Westminster, in practice this has yet to happen. Legislative Consent Motions enables the UK Parliament to vote on issues normally devolved to Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, as part of United Kingdom legislation.
Laws, in draft form known as bills, may be introduced by any member of either House. A bill introduced by a Minister is known as a "Government Bill"; one introduced by another member is called a "Private Member's Bill". A different way of categorising bills involves the subject. Most bills, involving the general public, are called "public bills". A bill that seeks to grant special rights to an individual or small group of individuals, or a body such as a local authority, is called a "Private Bill". A Public Bill which affects private rights (in the way a Private Bill would) is called a "Hybrid Bill", although those that draft bills take pains to avoid this.
Private Members' Bills make up the majority of bills, but are far less likely to be passed than government bills. There are three methods for an MP to introduce a Private Member's Bill. The Private Members' Ballot (once per Session) put names into a ballot, and those who win are given time to propose a bill. The Ten Minute Rule is another method, where MPs are granted ten minutes to outline the case for a new piece of legislation. Standing Order 57 is the third method, which allows a bill to be introduced without debate if a day's notice is given to the Table Office. Filibustering is a danger, as an opponent of a bill can waste much of the limited time allotted to it. Private Members' Bills have no chance of success if the current government opposes them, but they are used in moral issues: the bills to decriminalise homosexuality and abortion were Private Members' Bills, for example. Governments can sometimes attempt to use Private Members' Bills to pass things it would rather not be associated with. "Handout bills" are bills which a government hands to MPs who win Private Members' Ballots.
Each Bill goes through several stages in each House. The first stage, called the first reading, is a formality. At the second reading, the general principles of the bill are debated, and the House may vote to reject the bill, by not passing the motion "That the Bill be now read a second time". Defeats of Government Bills in the Commons are extremely rare, the last being in 2005, and may constitute a motion of no confidence. (Defeats of Bills in the Lords never affect confidence and are much more frequent.)
Following the second reading, the bill is sent to a committee. In the House of Lords, the Committee of the Whole House or the Grand Committee are used. Each consists of all members of the House; the latter operates under special procedures, and is used only for uncontroversial bills. In the House of Commons, the bill is usually committed to a Public Bill Committee, consisting of between 16 and 50 members, but the Committee of the Whole House is used for important legislation. Several other types of committees, including Select Committees, may be used, but rarely. A committee considers the bill clause by clause, and reports the bill as amended to the House, where further detailed consideration ("consideration stage" or "report stage") occurs. However, a practice which used to be called the "kangaroo" (Standing Order 32) allows the Speaker to select which amendments are debated. This device is also used under Standing Order 89 by the committee chairman, to restrict debate in committee. The Speaker, who is impartial as between the parties, by convention selects amendments for debate which represent the main divisions of opinion within the House. Other amendments can technically be proposed, but in practice have no chance of success unless the parties in the House are closely divided. If pressed they would normally be casually defeated by acclamation.
Once the House has considered the bill, the third reading follows. In the House of Commons, no further amendments may be made, and the passage of the motion "That the Bill be now read a third time" is passage of the whole bill. In the House of Lords further amendments to the bill may be moved. After the passage of the third reading motion, the House of Lords must vote on the motion "That the Bill do now pass". Following its passage in one House, the bill is sent to the other House. If passed in identical form by both Houses, it may be presented for the Sovereign's Assent. If one House passes amendments that the other will not agree to, and the two Houses cannot resolve their disagreements, the bill will normally fail.
Since the passage of the Parliament Act 1911 the power of the House of Lords to reject bills passed by the House of Commons has been restricted, with further restrictions were placed by the Parliament Act 1949. If the House of Commons passes a public bill in two successive sessions, and the House of Lords rejects it both times, the Commons may direct that the bill be presented to the Sovereign for his or her Assent, disregarding the rejection of the Bill in the House of Lords. In each case, the bill must be passed by the House of Commons at least one calendar month before the end of the session. The provision does not apply to Private bills or to Public bills if they originated in the House of Lords or if they seek to extend the duration of a Parliament beyond five years. A special procedure applies in relation to bills classified by the Speaker of the House of Commons as "Money Bills". A Money Bill concerns solely national taxation or public funds; the Speaker's certificate is deemed conclusive under all circumstances. If the House of Lords fails to pass a Money Bill within one month of its passage in the House of Commons, the Lower House may direct that the Bill be submitted for the Sovereign's Assent immediately.[18]
Even before the passage of the Parliament Acts, the Commons possessed pre-eminence in cases of financial matters. By ancient custom, the House of Lords may not introduce a bill relating to taxation or Supply, nor amend a bill so as to insert a provision relating to taxation or Supply, nor amend a Supply Bill in any way. The House of Commons is free to waive this privilege, and sometimes does so to allow the House of Lords to pass amendments with financial implications. The House of Lords remains free to reject bills relating to Supply and taxation, but may be over-ruled easily if the bills are Money Bills. (A bill relating to revenue and Supply may not be a Money Bill if, for example, it includes subjects other than national taxation and public funds).
The last stage of a bill involves the granting of the Royal Assent. Theoretically, the Sovereign may either grant or withhold Royal Assent (make the bill a law or veto the bill). In modern times the Sovereign always grants the Royal Assent, using the Norman French words "La Reyne le veult" (the Queen wishes it; "Le Roy" instead in the case of a king). The last refusal to grant the Assent was in 1708, when Queen Anne withheld her Assent from a bill "for the settling of Militia in Scotland", in the words "La reyne s'avisera" (the Queen will think it over).
Thus, every bill obtains the assent of all three components of Parliament before it becomes law (except where the House of Lords is over-ridden under the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949). The words "BE IT ENACTED by the Queen's [King's] most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:-",[18] or, where the House of Lords' authority has been over-ridden by use of the Parliament Acts, the words "BE IT ENACTED by The Queen's [King's] most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Commons in this present Parliament assembled, in accordance with the provisions of the Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949, and by the authority of the same, as follows:-" appear near the beginning of each Act of Parliament. These words are known as the enacting formula.
Judicial functions[edit]
Prior to the creation of the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom in 2009, Parliament was the highest court in the realm for most purposes, but the Privy Council had jurisdiction in some cases (for instance, appeals from ecclesiastical courts). The jurisdiction of Parliament arose from the ancient custom of petitioning the Houses to redress grievances and to do justice. The House of Commons ceased considering petitions to reverse the judgements of lower courts in 1399, effectively leaving the House of Lords as the court of last resort. In modern times, the judicial functions of the House of Lords were performed not by the whole House, but by the Lords of Appeal in Ordinary (judges granted life peerage dignities under the Appellate Jurisdiction Act 1876) and by Lords of Appeal (other peers with experience in the judiciary). However, under the Constitutional Reform Act 2005, these judicial functions were transferred to the newly created Supreme Court in 2009, and the Lords of Appeal in Ordinary became the first Justices of the Supreme Court. Peers who hold high judicial office are no longer allowed to vote or speak in the Lords until they retire as justices.
In the late 19th century, Acts allowed for the appointment of Scottish Lords of Appeal in Ordinary and ended appeal in Scottish criminal matters to the House of Lords, so that the High Court of Justiciary became the highest criminal court in Scotland. There is an argument that the provisions of Article XIX of the Union with England Act 1707 prevent any Court outside Scotland from hearing any appeal in criminal cases: "And that the said Courts or any other of the like nature after the Unions shall have no power to Cognosce Review or Alter the Acts or Sentences of the Judicatures within Scotland or stop the Execution of the same." The House of Lords judicial committee usually had a minimum of two Scottish Judges to ensure that some experience of Scots law was brought to bear on Scottish appeals in civil cases, from the Court of Session. The Supreme Court now usually has at least three Scottish judges, together with at least two from Northern Ireland. As Wales is developing its own judicature, it is likely that the same principle will be applied.
Certain other judicial functions have historically been performed by the House of Lords. Until 1948, it was the body in which peers had to be tried for felonies or high treason; now, they are tried by normal juries. The last occasion of the trial of a peer in the House of Lords was in 1935. When the House of Commons impeaches an individual, the trial takes place in the House of Lords. Impeachments are now possibly defunct, as the last one occurred in 1806. In 2006, a number of MPs attempted to revive the custom, having signed a motion for the impeachment of Tony Blair, but this was unsuccessful.
Relationship with the UK Government[edit]
The British Government is answerable to the House of Commons. However, neither the Prime Minister nor members of the Government are elected by the House of Commons. Instead, the Queen requests the person most likely to command the support of a majority in the House, normally the leader of the largest party in the House of Commons, to form a government. So that they may be accountable to the Lower House, the Prime Minister and most members of the Cabinet are, by convention, members of the House of Commons. The last Prime Minister to be a member of the House of Lords was Alec Douglas-Home, 14th Earl of Home, who became Prime Minister in 1963. To adhere to the convention under which he was responsible to the Lower House, he disclaimed his peerage and procured election to the House of Commons within days of becoming Prime Minister.
Governments have a tendency to dominate the legislative functions of Parliament, by using their in-built majority in the House of Commons, and sometimes using their patronage power to appoint supportive peers in the Lords. In practice, governments can pass any legislation (within reason) in the Commons they wish, unless there is major dissent by MPs in the governing party. But even in these situations, it is highly unlikely a bill will be defeated, though dissenting MPs may be able to extract concessions from the government. In 1976, Lord Hailsham created a now widely used name for this behaviour, in an academic paper called "elective dictatorship".
Parliament controls the executive by passing or rejecting its Bills and by forcing Ministers of the Crown to answer for their actions, either at "Question Time" or during meetings of the parliamentary committees. In both cases, Ministers are asked questions by members of their Houses, and are obliged to answer.
Although the House of Lords may scrutinise the executive through Question Time and through its committees, it cannot bring down the Government. A ministry must always retain the confidence and support of the House of Commons. The Lower House may indicate its lack of support by rejecting a Motion of Confidence or by passing a Motion of No Confidence. Confidence Motions are generally originated by the Government to reinforce its support in the House, whilst No Confidence Motions are introduced by the Opposition. The motions sometimes take the form "That this House has [no] confidence in Her Majesty's Government" but several other varieties, many referring to specific policies supported or opposed by Parliament, are used. For instance, a Confidence Motion of 1992 used the form, "That this House expresses the support for the economic policy of Her Majesty's Government." Such a motion may theoretically be introduced in the House of Lords, but, as the Government need not enjoy the confidence of that House, would not be of the same effect as a similar motion in the House of Commons; the only modern instance of such an occurrence involves the 'No Confidence' motion that was introduced in 1993 and subsequently defeated.
Many votes are considered votes of confidence, although not including the language mentioned above. Important bills that form part of the Government's agenda (as stated in the Speech from the Throne) are generally considered matters of confidence. The defeat of such a bill by the House of Commons indicates that a Government no longer has the confidence of that House. The same effect is achieved if the House of Commons "withdraws Supply", that is, rejects the budget.
Where a Government has lost the confidence of the House of Commons, in other words has lost the ability to secure the basic requirement of the authority of the House of Commons to tax and to spend Government money, the Prime Minister is obliged either to resign, or seek the dissolution of Parliament and a new general election. Otherwise the machinery of government grinds to a halt within days. The third choice - to mount a coup d'état or an anti-democratic revolution - is hardly to be contemplated in the present age. Though all three situations have arisen in recent years even in developed economies, international relations have allowed a disaster to be avoided.
Where a Prime Minister has ceased to retain the necessary majority and requests a dissolution, the Sovereign can in theory reject his or her request, forcing a resignation and allowing the Leader of the Opposition to be asked to form a new government. This power is used extremely rarely. The conditions that should be met to allow such a refusal are known as the Lascelles Principles. These conditions and principles are constitutional conventions arising from the Sovereign's reserve powers as well as longstanding tradition and practice, not laid down in law.
In practice, the House of Commons' scrutiny of the Government is very weak.[19] Since the first-past-the-post electoral system is employed in elections, the governing party tends to enjoy a large majority in the Commons; there is often limited need to compromise with other parties.[20] Modern British political parties are so tightly organised that they leave relatively little room for free action by their MPs.[21] In many cases, MPs may be expelled from their parties for voting against the instructions of party leaders.[22] During the 20th century, the Government has lost confidence issues only three times—twice in 1924, and once in 1979.
Parliamentary questions[edit]
See also: Question Time § United Kingdom, and Prime Minister's Questions
In the United Kingdom, question time in the House of Commons lasts for an hour each day from Monday to Thursday (2:30 to 3:30 pm on Mondays, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 9:30 to 10:30 am on Thursdays). Each Government department has its place in a rota which repeats every five weeks. The exception to this sequence are the Business Questions (Questions to the Leader of House of Commons), in which questions are answered each Thursday about the business of the House the following week. Also, Questions to the Prime Minister takes place each Wednesday from noon to 12:30 pm.
In addition to government departments, there are also questions to the Church commissioners.[23] Additionally, each Member of Parliament is entitled to table questions for written answer. Written questions are addressed to the Ministerial head of a government department, usually a Secretary of State, but they are often answered by a Minister of State or Parliamentary Under Secretary of State. Written Questions are submitted to the Clerks of the Table Office, either on paper or electronically, and answers are recorded in The Official Report (Hansard) so as to be widely available and accessible.[23]
In the House of Lords, a half-hour is set aside each afternoon at the start of the day's proceedings for Lords' oral questions. A peer submits a question in advance, which then appears on the Order Paper for the day's proceedings.[23] The Lord shall say: "My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper". The Minister responsible then answers the question. The Lord is then allowed to ask a supplementary question and other peers ask further questions on the theme of the original put down on the order paper. (For instance, if the question regards immigration, Lords can ask the Minister any question related to immigration during the allowed period).[23]
Parliamentary sovereignty[edit]
Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Northern Ireland is home to the Northern Ireland Assembly.
Several different views have been taken of Parliament's sovereignty. According to the jurist Sir William Blackstone, "It has sovereign and uncontrollable authority in making, confirming, enlarging, restraining, abrogating, repealing, reviving, and expounding of laws, concerning matters of all possible denominations, ecclesiastical, or temporal, civil, military, maritime, or criminal ... it can, in short, do every thing that is not naturally impossible."
A different view has been taken by the Scottish judge Lord Cooper of Culross. When he decided the 1953 case of MacCormick v. Lord Advocate as Lord President of the Court of Session, he stated, "The principle of unlimited sovereignty of Parliament is a distinctively English principle and has no counterpart in Scottish constitutional law." He continued, "Considering that the Union legislation extinguished the Parliaments of Scotland and England and replaced them by a new Parliament, I have difficulty in seeing why the new Parliament of Great Britain must inherit all the peculiar characteristics of the English Parliament but none of the Scottish." Nevertheless, he did not give a conclusive opinion on the subject.
Thus, the question of Parliamentary sovereignty appears to remain unresolved. Parliament has not passed any Act defining its own sovereignty. A related possible limitation on Parliament relates to the Scottish legal system and Presbyterian faith, preservation of which were Scottish preconditions to the creation of the unified Parliament. Since the Parliament of the United Kingdom was set up in reliance on these promises, it may be that it has no power to make laws that break them.
Parliament's power has often been eroded by its own Acts. Acts passed in 1921 and 1925 granted the Church of Scotland complete independence in ecclesiastical matters. More recently, its power has been restricted by membership of the European Union, which has the power to make laws enforceable in each member state. In the Factortame case, the European Court of Justice ruled that British courts could have powers to overturn British legislation contravening European law.
Parliament has also created national devolved parliaments and assemblies with differing degrees of legislative authority in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Parliament still has the power over areas for which responsibility lies with the devolved institutions, but would gain the agreement of those institutions to act on their behalf. Similarly, it has granted the power to make regulations to Ministers of the Crown, and the power to enact religious legislation to the General Synod of the Church of England. (Measures of the General Synod and, in some cases proposed statutory instruments made by ministers, must be approved by both Houses before they become law.)
In every case aforementioned, authority has been conceded by Act of Parliament and may be taken back in the same manner. It is entirely within the authority of Parliament, for example, to abolish the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland or to leave the EU. However, Parliament also revoked its legislative competence over Australia and Canada with the Australia and Canada Acts: although the Parliament of the United Kingdom could pass an Act reversing its action, it would not take effect in Australia or Canada as the competence of the Imperial Parliament is no longer recognised there in law.
One well-recognised exception to Parliament's power involves binding future Parliaments. No Act of Parliament may be made secure from amendment or repeal by a future Parliament. For example, although the Act of Union 1800 states that the Kingdoms of Great Britain and Ireland are to be united "forever", Parliament permitted southern Ireland to leave the United Kingdom in 1922.
Privileges[edit]
Main article: Parliamentary privilege
Each House of Parliament possesses and guards various ancient privileges. The House of Lords relies on inherent right. In the case of the House of Commons, the Speaker goes to the Lords' Chamber at the beginning of each new Parliament and requests representatives of the Sovereign to confirm the Lower House's "undoubted" privileges and rights. The ceremony observed by the House of Commons dates to the reign of King Henry VIII. Each House is the guardian of its privileges, and may punish breaches thereof. The extent of parliamentary privilege is based on law and custom. Sir William Blackstone states that these privileges are "very large and indefinite", and cannot be defined except by the Houses of Parliament themselves.
The foremost privilege claimed by both Houses is that of freedom of speech in debate; nothing said in either House may be questioned in any court or other institution outside Parliament. Another privilege claimed is that of freedom from arrest; at one time this was held to apply for any arrest except for high treason, felony or breach of the peace but it now excludes any arrest on criminal charges; it applies during a session of Parliament, and 40 days before or after such a session.[24] Members of both Houses are no longer privileged from service on juries.[25]
Both Houses possess the power to punish breaches of their privilege. Contempt of Parliament—for example, disobedience of a subpoena issued by a committee—may also be punished. The House of Lords may imprison an individual for any fixed period of time, but an individual imprisoned by the House of Commons is set free upon prorogation.[26] The punishments imposed by either House may not be challenged in any court, and the Human Rights Act does not apply.[27]
Until at least 2015, members of the House of Commons also had the privilege of a separate seating area in the Palace of Westminster canteen, protected by a false partition labelled "MPs only beyond this point", so that they did not have to sit with canteen staff taking a break. This provoked mockery from a newly elected 20-year-old MP who described it as "ridiculous" snobbery.[28]
Emblem[edit]
The Crowned Portcullis of Parliament
The quasi-official emblem of the Houses of Parliament is a crowned portcullis. The portcullis was originally the badge of various English noble families from the 14th century. It went on to be adopted by the kings of the Tudor dynasty in the 16th century, under whom the Palace of Westminster became the regular meeting place of Parliament. The crown was added to make the badge a specifically royal symbol.
The portcullis probably first came to be associated with the Palace of Westminster through its use as decoration in the rebuilding of the Palace after the fire of 1512. However, at the time it was only one of many symbols. The widespread use of the portcullis throughout the Palace dates from the 19th century, when Charles Barry and Augustus Pugin used it extensively as a decorative feature in their designs for the new Palace built following the disastrous 1834 fire.
The crowned portcullis came to be accepted during the 20th century as the emblem of both houses of parliament. This was simply a result of custom and usage rather than a specific decision. The emblem now appears on official stationery, publications and papers, and is stamped on various items in use in the Palace of Westminster, such as cutlery, silverware and china.[29] Various shades of red and green are used for visual identification of the House of Lords and the House of Commons.
Broadcast media[edit]
UK Parliament debates can be viewed in the related YouTube channel.[30] They are also broadcast live by the independent Euronews English channel.[31]
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^ "Current State of the Parties". UK Parliament. Retrieved 27 March 2016.
^ "Lords by party, type of peerage and gender". UK Parliament.
^ Colonial Laws Validity Act 1865
^ Statute of Westminster 1931
^ "Joint committee on Conventions - Report (31 October 2006), Section 2, Points 22-23 (Background)". 3 November 2006. Retrieved 13 November 2018. Our remit requires us to accept "the primacy of the House of Commons". It is worth considering what this means in the context of legislation, and of the conventions operating between the two Houses. Constitutional and Administrative Law by O. Hood Phillips and Jackson declares it to be a constitutional convention that "In cases of conflict the Lords should ultimately yield to the Commons." It goes on to observe that this convention was backed until 1911 by the possibility of packing the Lords with government supporters, and has been underpinned since then by the Parliament Acts.
^ "Parliament and Crown". How Parliament works. Parliament of the United Kingdom. Archived from the original on 17 January 2008. Retrieved 10 February 2008.
^ "Different types of Lords". How Parliament works. Parliament of the United Kingdom. Archived from the original on 14 January 2008. Retrieved 10 February 2008.
^ "How MPs are elected". How Parliament works. Parliament of the United Kingdom. Retrieved 21 June 2017.
^ Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act 1927
^ Jenkin, Clive. "Debate: 30 June 2004: Column 318". House of Commons debates. Hansard. Retrieved 10 February 2008.
^ "Messers. Bright And Scholefield at Birmingham". The Times. 19 January 1865. p. 9.
^ "Queen in Parliament". The Monarchy Today: Queen and State. The British Monarchy. Archived from the original on 18 January 2008. Retrieved 19 February 2008.
^ "The Parliament Acts". Parliament of the United Kingdom. Retrieved 17 May 2013.
^ "State Opening of Parliament". House of Lords Information Office. 6 October 2009. Retrieved 14 October 2009.
^ Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Black Rod" . Encyclopædia Britannica. 4 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
^ Bagley, John Joseph; Lewis, A. S. (1977). Lancashire at War: Cavaliers and Roundheads, 1642–51 : a Series of Talks Broadcast from BBC Radio Blackburn. Dalesman. p. 15.
^ a b c "Democracy Live: Black Rod". BBC News. Retrieved 6 August 2008.
^ a b May & Chisholm 1911.
^ UK, How effective are the Commons’ two committee systems at scrutinising government policy-making? : Democratic Audit (20 September 2018). "How democratic is the House of Commons? How effectively does it control the UK government and represent citizens?". Democratic Audit. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
^ "First Past the Post". www.electoral-reform.org.uk. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
^ "Chapter 6: Political Parties and Interest Groups | CAMPAIGNS & ELECTIONS: Rules, Reality, Strategy, Choice: W. W. Norton StudySpace". wwnorton.com. Retrieved 20 June 2019.
^ Vos, Pierre de. "Can political parties expell MPs who disobey orders? » Constitutionally Speaking". Retrieved 20 June 2019.
^ a b c d House of Commons Information Office (June 2005). "Parliamentary Questions: House of Commons Information Office Factsheet P1" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 October 2006.
^ "United Kingdom; Member of Parliament". PARLINE database on national parliaments. Inter-Parliamentary Union. Retrieved 22 February 2008.
^ May, Erskine (2004). Erskine May: Parliamentary Practice. Lexis Nexis UK. pp. 119, 125. ISBN 978-0-406-97094-7.
^ "Parliament (United Kingdom government)". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 22 February 2008.
^ Human Rights Act 1998, section 6(3).
^ Lo Dico, Joy (18 May 2015). "Chips are down as Mhairi heads for the canteen". London Evening Standard. p. 16.
^ The Portcullis (factsheet), House of Commons Information Office, November 2007
^ "UK Parliament YouTube channel". Archived from the original on 11 March 2019. , without subtitles
^ "Live videos related to the UK Parliament". YouTube. Euronews. Archived from the original on 10 March 2019.
Blackstone, Sir William (1765). Commentaries on the Laws of England. Oxford: Clarendon Press.
Brown, K. M.; Tanner, R. J. (2004). The History of the Scottish Parliament. vol. 1: Parliament and Politics, 1235–1560. Edinburgh.
"Companion to the Standing Orders and guide to the Proceedings of the House of Lords". Parliament of the United Kingdom. 2007.
May, Thomas Erskine, 1st Baron Farnborough (1896). Constitutional History of England since the Accession of George the Third (11th ed.). London: Longmans, Green and Co.
May, Erskine; Chisholm, Hugh (1911). "Parliament" . In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. 20 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Kelly, Richard (2007), The Parliament Acts (SN/PO/675), House of Commons Library
Rait, R. (1924). The Parliaments of Scotland. Glasgow.
Tanner, R. J. (October 2000). "The Lords of the Articles before 1540: a reassesment". Scottish Historical Review (LXXIX).
Wasson, E. A. (2000). Born to Rule: British Political Elites. Stroud.
Wasson, E. A. (2017). The British and Irish Ruling Class 1660-1945. Berlin.
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Coordinates: 51°29′57.5″N 00°07′29.1″W / 51.499306°N 0.124750°W / 51.499306; -0.124750
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Related to Parliament of the United Kingdom
The House of Lords, also known as the House of Peers, is the upper house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Membership is granted by appointment or else by heredity or official function. Like the House of Commons, it meets in the Palace of Westminster. Officially, the full name of the house is the Right Honourable the Lords Spiritual and Temporal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled.
House of Commons of the United Kingdom
The House of Commons, officially the Honourable the Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Parliament assembled, is the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom. Like the upper house, the House of Lords, it meets in the Palace of Westminster. Owing to shortage of space, its office accommodation extends into Portcullis House.
Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
The Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, until 1801 known as the Prime Minister of Great Britain, is the head of government of the United Kingdom. The Prime Minister directs both the executive and the legislature, and together with their Cabinet are collectively accountable for their policies and actions to the Monarch, to Parliament, to their political party and ultimately to the electorate. The office of Prime Minister is one of the Great Offices of State. The current holder of the office, Theresa May, leader of the Conservative Party, was appointed by the Queen on 13 July 2016. May resigned as Conservative Party leader on 7 June 2019, remaining as Prime Minister until a new Prime Minister is appointed.
The United Kingdom is a unitary state with devolution that is governed within the framework of a parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarchy in which the monarch, currently Queen Elizabeth II, is the head of state while the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, currently Theresa May, is the head of government. Executive power is exercised by the British government, on behalf of and by the consent of the monarch, as well as by the devolved governments of Scotland and Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive. Legislative power is vested in the two chambers of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, the House of Commons and the House of Lords, as well as in the Scottish Parliament and Welsh and Northern Ireland assemblies. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature. The highest court is the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom.
Legislatures of the United Kingdom
The Legislatures of the United Kingdom are derived from a number of different sources from both within the UK and through membership of the European Union. The Parliament of the United Kingdom is the supreme legislative body for the United Kingdom and the British overseas territories with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each having their own devolved legislatures. Each of the three major jurisdictions of the United Kingdom has its own laws and legal system.
House of Commons of Canada
The House of Commons of Canada is a component of the Parliament of Canada, along with the Sovereign and the Senate. The House of Commons currently meets in a temporary Commons chamber in the West Block of the parliament buildings on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, while the Centre Block, which houses the traditional Commons chamber, undergoes a ten-year renovation.
Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949
The Parliament Acts 1911 and 1949 are two Acts of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which form part of the constitution of the United Kingdom. Section 2(2) of the Parliament Act 1949 provides that the two Acts are to be construed as one.
The Parliament of Canada is the federal legislature of Canada, seated at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, the national capital. The body consists of the Canadian monarch, represented by a viceroy, the Governor General; an upper house, the Senate; and a lower house, the House of Commons. Each element has its own officers and organization. By constitutional convention, the House of Commons is dominant, with the Senate and monarch rarely opposing its will. The Senate reviews legislation from a less partisan standpoint and the monarch or viceroy provides royal assent to make bills into law.
First Minister of Scotland
The First Minister of Scotland is the leader of the Scottish Government. The First Minister chairs the Scottish Cabinet and is primarily responsible for the formulation, development and presentation of Scottish Government policy. Additional functions of the First Minister include promoting and representing Scotland in an official capacity, at home and abroad, and responsibility for constitutional affairs, as they relate to devolution and the Scottish Government.
The 1830 United Kingdom general election was triggered by the death of King George IV and produced the first parliament of the reign of his successor, William IV. Fought in the aftermath of the Swing Riots, it saw electoral reform become a major election issue. Polling took place in July and August and the Tories won a plurality over the Whigs, but division among Tory MPs allowed Earl Grey to form an effective government and take the question of electoral reform to the country the following year.
Act of Parliament (UK)
In the United Kingdom an Act of Parliament is primary legislation passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. As a result of the Glorious Revolution and the assertion of parliamentary sovereignty, any such Act is in theory supreme law that cannot be overturned by any body other than Parliament, although it has been recognised through the United Kingdom's membership of the European Union that Acts or parts of Acts which conflict with EU law can be disapplied.
Women in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom
The representation of Women in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom has been an issue in the politics of the United Kingdom at numerous points in the 20th and 21st centuries. Originally debate centred on whether women should be allowed to vote and stand for election as Members of Parliament. The Parliament Act 1918 gave women over 21 the right to stand for election as a Member of Parliament.
Constitution of the United Kingdom
As opposed to the majority of countries in the world, the United Kingdom does not have a codified constitution. Instead of such a constitution, certain documents stand to serve as replacements in lieu of one. These texts and their provisions therein are considered to be constitutional, such that the "constitution of the United Kingdom" or "British constitution" may refer to a number of historical and momentous laws and principles like the Acts of Union 1707 and the Acts of Union 1800 which formulate the country's body politic. Thus the term "UK constitution" is sometimes said to refer to an "unwritten" or uncodified constitution. The British constitution primarily draws from four sources: statute law, common law, parliamentary conventions, and works of authority. Similar to a constitutional document, it also concerns both the relationship between the individual and the state and the functioning of the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary.
House of Commons of Great Britain
The House of Commons of Great Britain was the lower house of the Parliament of Great Britain between 1707 and 1801. In 1707, as a result of the Acts of Union of that year, it replaced the House of Commons of England and the third estate of the Parliament of Scotland, as one of the most significant changes brought about by the Union of the kingdoms of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Government of the United Kingdom
The Government of the United Kingdom, formally referred to as Her Majesty's Government, is the central government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. It is also commonly referred to as simply the UK Government or the British Government.
Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011
The Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Act 2011 (c. 1) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom that made provision for the holding of a referendum on whether to introduce the Alternative Vote system in all future general elections to the UK Parliament and also made provision on the number and size of Parliamentary Constituencies. The Bill for the Act was introduced to the House of Commons on 22 July 2010 and passed third reading on 2 November by 321 votes to 264. The House of Lords passed the Bill, with amendments, on 14 February 2011, and after some compromises between the two Houses on amendments, it received Royal Assent on 16 February.
House of Lords Reform Bill 2012
The House of Lords Reform Bill 2012 was a proposed Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom introduced to the House of Commons in June 2012 by Nick Clegg. Among other reforms, the bill would have made the United Kingdom's upper chamber mostly elected. It was abandoned by the British Government in August 2012 and formally withdrawn on 3 September 2012 following opposition from within the Conservative Party.
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Ray Hadley’s first ever..
Ray Hadley’s first ever interview with Julia Gillard: ‘You left a legacy that rivals any prime minister I’ve dealt with’
MUST LISTEN
Julia GillardRoyal Commission into Child sex abuse
Ray Hadley has paid Julia Gillard the ultimate compliment in his first ever interview with the former prime minister.
In an emotion-filled conversation, Ray tells the former Labor leader she may well have left the greatest legacy of any prime minister he’s ever dealt with.
The two very rarely saw eye to eye over the course of Ms Gillard’s time as the nation’s leader, with Ray one of the loudest voices against her government’s asylum seeker policy.
But, the bad blood was set aside over an issue extremely close to Ray’s heart, the sexual abuse of children.
Ms Gillard was played a significant role in establishing the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.
Ray has publicly thanked her for making it happen and finally got the chance to do so personally.
“I really mean this most sincerely.
“You’re a prime minister that left a legacy, via the institution of the royal commission, that perhaps rivals any legacy left by any prime minister that I’ve dealt with.”
He asks Ms Gillard what made her persist with the royal commission when so many others failed to follow through.
“I did agonise over the decision, I did really wrestle with it, it wasn’t an easy one.
“The exposés were mounting, and obviously Ray you’ve been on this issue for a long period of time.
“I agonised with it because I could see the merits of a national enquiry but I also worried that if it didn’t work really really well that it might end up re-traumatising people.
“I knew there was that kind of risk but ultimately came down on the side of saying, ‘…to so many people who have been not believed, told to be quiet, turned away, that this is your opportunity to tell your story and be believed and treated respectfully’.”
Ray also told Ms Gillard what inspired his own crusade against those who abuse children.
“I revealed publicly after my mother’s passing a number of years ago that she was a victim.
“And she was a much-troubled individual for much of her life and I didn’t know until very late in her life why that trouble was in her mind.”
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APS drops proposal to build employee health clinic
By Rick Nathanson / Journal Staff Writer
Published: Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 at 2:07pm
Updated: Wednesday, August 9th, 2017 at 10:21pm
Copyright © 2017 Albuquerque Journal
Albuquerque Public Schools has acknowledged that its proposed construction of an employee health clinic is dead.
APS spokeswoman Monica Armenta
APS spokeswoman Monica Armenta said this week that the clinic is not in a design phase, that there are no funds set aside to build it later and that pursuing construction of an employee clinic “is not a priority at all right now.”
Voters approved the $4.9 million clinic in a February 2016 bond and mill levy election; however, that money has not been collected, she said. APS receives only one-sixth of the approved funds each year for six years under a continuous collection cycle.
“If it turns out that in three or four years, there is a dramatic change in health care or huge increases in APS employees, or if insurance companies change policies, then we could re-visit the question at that time,” Armenta said.
In the weeks before the election, APS officials estimated the yearly operational cost of the clinic at $1.5 million. Revised estimates subsequently put the operational cost at about $2.7 million the first year, rising to about $4 million by year four.
The clinic proposal came at a time when APS was dealing with a $9.5 million budget shortfall.
Detractors panned the project as too costly, a diversion of funds that could be used for teaching students and providing in-class resources, and an unnecessary duplication of health services already available to APS employees through two district insurance plans.
Albuquerque attorney Robert Pidcock said Wednesday he was particularly pleased to learn that APS had abandoned its pursuit of an employee health clinic.
Early on, Pidcock filed a lawsuit contending that APS violated state law in its bond and mill levy election in several ways.
He charged that APS changed the rate of the tax mill levy 12 days before the election, while state law requires ballot questions be published at least 50 days before an election.
APS, he said, engaged in “logrolling,” the practice of combining unrelated issues in one ballot question. Rather than giving voters the opportunity to approve or reject specific capital projects, such as the health clinic, they were forced to accept or reject all the projects as part of a single package.
The lawsuit also maintained that the $4.9 million health clinic did not fit the description of a “school building” under state law and therefore was not eligible for bond funding.
“I just felt it was an inappropriate use of taxpayer money,” Pidcock said, adding that APS teachers and employees “were calling me constantly telling me they supported the lawsuit, and were unlikely to use it because APS would then have access to their health records and health history.”
Second Judicial District Judge Nan Nash, who heard the arguments, interpreted case law as requiring her to give deference to the election results, in which 65 percent of voters approved the funding measures. Pidcock then appealed to the New Mexico Supreme Court. “They refused to hear it, so the case just died.”
Nevertheless, Pidcock said, he believes the lawsuit ultimately factored into negative public opinion about the clinic, as well as the APS decision to back off from the project.
“He’s entitled to his opinion,” Armenta said. “The mere fact that the bond passed with such favor indicates that the public continues to support APS when asked and when it matters.”
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You are here: Home » Adult Webmaster News » Dallas' Neighbor Is Just Fine With Pole Dancer...
Dallas' Neighbor Is Just Fine With Pole Dancer Convention
FT. WORTH, Texas—Ever heard of the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport? Of course you have! And as the name implies, it serves both the Dallas and Ft. Worth areas, which are pretty close to each other; in fact, they're just over 30 miles apart—physically—but apparently much more distant philosophically, especially when it comes to sex-related subjects. As the Dallas Morning News' Scoop Blog reported this morning, on June 2, the city-owned Ft. Worth Convention Center will play host to the International Pole Convention, also known as PoleCon, which, according to its website, "celebrates the diversity of the pole dance/pole fitness community." Of course, most adult entertainment fans are well familiar with pole-dancing. Just about every performer in every strip club in the country uses the pole for at least part of her routine, and there's a good likelihood that among the expected 700 attendees at the convention will be a number of professional strippers aka adult entertainers, some of whom are aka porn stars—and that's exactly what the Ft. Worth Convention Center wants to downplay. "The event is focused primarily on the fitness aspect of the sport," Sarah Covington, public relations manager for the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau, wrote in an email to the Dallas Morning News. "Attendees will be wearing fitness and workout clothes. There haven’t been any red flags raised to our knowledge from the community." But even Colleen Jolly, who runs the convention, admits that "many people still associate pole dancing with strip clubs," and that "[s]ome convention participants work as strippers." According to the PoleCon website, among the workshops to be offered at the convention are "New To Pole," "Flexy Pole Flow," "Bendy Butterfly (Contortion For All Levels)", "Come Get Some: Stylized & Signature Tricks with CryStylez," "Sexy, Slinky Pole," "All Star, All Stripper Discussion Panel," "Karol's Sick Tricks," "Tassels & Assels Burlesque Workshop," and the "Dangerous Curves Showcase." Hmmm... some of those seem more targeted at professional strippers rather than being "focused ... on the fitness aspect of the sport." It also seems likely that some attendees at the convention may be more focused on the "professional stripper" aspect of the show, and we suspect that it'll be pretty hard to hide the skin at, for example, the "Tassels & Assels Burlesque Workshop." But hey, that's Ft. Worth for ya—just 30 or so miles from a city that just banned the Exxxotica Lifestyle Expo from its own city-owned convention center. Now, what was the name of that city...? (H/t to Susan and David Bradley for all the info.)
You are here: Home » Adult Webmaster News » Dallas' Neighbor Is Just Fine With Pole Dancer...
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Earn Up to $2 A Word At The Freelance-Driven Discover
Discover magazine is going through a bit of a makeover. The pub recently relocated their headquarters from New York City to Milwaukee and they’ve added a new editorial team. This science-driven monthly even has a revised mission statement: “To provide content that informs, inspires and entertains people who love science.”
Discover is 95 percent freelance written, and they need writers on all platforms. Editors are looking for strong multimedia content for their website, and if you’re into long-form writing, they also have a series of digital eBook singles. The pub’s editor-in-chief, Stephen C. George, says that the freelance field is wide open:
“Freelancers are our lifeblood,” George said, referring to the substantial amount of content that is freelance driven. When it comes to pitching, “We’re hungry for pitches from established science writers as well as those just starting in the field,” he said. Of immediate need are features on technology, physics, chemistry and other hard sciences. Archaeology writers, take note: “If there’s a great archaeology story out there — which I’m desperate for — I’d take it for [the] March/April 2014 [issue]!” said George.
For editors’ contact info and more tips on how to get published in this mag, read: How To Pitch: Discover.
— Aneya Fernando
The full version of this article is exclusively available to Mediabistro AvantGuild subscribers. If you’re not a member yet, register now for as little as $55 a year for access to hundreds of articles like this one, discounts on Mediabistro seminars and workshops, and all sorts of other bonuses.
http://adweek.it/2kek15H
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Beirut film festival opens
More than 100 films and documentaries showcasing the work of young and independent filmmakers from across the Middle East are to be screened at the third bi-annual Ayyam Beirut al-Cinemaiya Arab film festival.
The festival addresses several issues affecting the Middle East
Providing an overview of Arab film production in the past two years, the festival, which begins on Wednesday, will run from 15 to 26 September in the Lebanese capital.
"We tried to select quality films that were representative of what's happening in the region's cinema," Elaine Rahib, co-director of the festival, which is organised by Beirut Development and Cinema (BDC), was quoted as saying.
BDC is a cultural cooperative association, established in 1999, which promotes and defends independent Arab cinema.
Rahib said more than 300 films were viewed before the final 130 were selected for screening.
Thirteen features, 40 documentaries, 45 short films, video art as well as experimental and student films will be showcased.
Rahib said the documentary was "the genre that's shaping the identity of Arabic cinema right now".
Filmmakers' crisis
"Filmmakers in this region are in a crisis now ...
They see the Western media representing the people of the Middle East as heroes, victims or terrorists and it is impossible to ignore"
Elaine Rahib,
co-director of the festival
Egyptian director Yusri Nasr Allah's film, Bab al-Shams (Door of the Sun), which focuses on the experiences of a group of refugees fleeing from Palestine to Lebanon, will be screened on the opening night of the festival. The film, an adaptation of the novel by Ilyas Khury, was screened at the 2004 Cannes Film Festival.
"Filmmakers in this region are in a crisis now," Rahib is quoted as saying.
"They see the Western media representing the people of the Middle East as heroes, victims or terrorists and it is impossible to ignore. If they take up these topics themselves it's because they're trying to position themselves relative to these issues. They're in a crisis, but trying to find a solution."
As in the past, Palestine is a recurring feature of the festival.
More than 20 films on the subject, directed by Palestinian, Arab and foreign filmmakers will be screened. These include Suraida - A Woman From Palestine, by Tahani Rashid, Writers on the Borders by Samir Abd Allah, Ijtia by Nizar Hasan, Like Twenty Impossibilities by Anne-Marie Jacir, In the Ninth Month by Ali Nassar and Private Investigation by Ula Tabari.
The Sabra and Shatila massacres
are highlighted in one of the films
Bab al-Shams, in memory of the Sabra and Shatila massacres, will also be showcased in the Shatila refugee camp in an open air screening on the opening night.
Another director of the festival, Hania Mroue said the independent films that have been chosen are "films that have been made relatively free of the constraints of distributors and producers".
One of the highlights of this year's festival is a special section of foreign films, which take a look at the Arab world.
An example is a film called 2000 Terrorists, about four of the plaintiffs living in Sabra and Shatila, who filed a lawsuit against Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in a Belgium court.
Alternating images of their daily lives in the refugee camps and the tribunal in Brussels on the other, the film is a story about the never ending struggle for justice.
Vodka Lemon, a film set in Armenia by Iraqi Kurd Hinner Selim, is another.
Apart from discussions taking place after each film, several roundtables and debates are scheduled for the festival. One discussion will focus on identity as shown in the Arab cinema today.
Some films focus on women as well, such as Women beyond borders, by Lebanese documentary veteran Jean Chamun, When Women Sing by Mustafa Hasnawi and Hala Galal's Women Chat.
While not competitive, the festival will award a prize to the best Lebanese film (short or documentary) based on audience votes, to encourage the winning director to produce a second film.
For further information, email:
beirutdc@inco.com.lb
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Defiant Thai PM rejects protesters' demands
Yingluck Shinawatra says demands to dissolve parliament and establish a "people's council" are unconstitutional.
Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has rejected the demands of anti-government protesters, who are attempting to topple her government and replace it with a "people's council', saying the demonstrations are unconstitutional.
Feature: Thai tumult keeps a fragile economy on edge
Feature: Anti-government protests polarise Thailand
In pictures: Bangkok protests
"Anything I can do to make people happy, I am willing to do... but as prime minister, what I can do must be under the constitution," she said in a televised address on Monday on her first comments since violence broke out late on Saturday after weeks of peaceful protests.
"The armed forces will be neutral and I know they want to see the country in peace," the prime minister said, adding her immediate aim was to restore "peace" to the capital restive streets. She also vowed that "police will not use force against the people".
Her comments came amid fresh skirmishes between Thai security forces and opposition demonstrators.
Police used tear gas and water cannons at the heavily guarded government headquarters to drive thousands of protesters back, as demonstrators hurled sticks, stones, bottles and other projectiles at security forces, manning barriers at the besieged complex.
'Live ammunition used'
Al Jazeera's Robert Kennedy, reporting from Bangkok, said that a group of protesters about 200 metres away from the government office claimed live ammunition was fired earlier in the day, showing photos of a man with what looked like a gunshot wound to the thigh, and what looked like a bullet hole that had pierced a silver truck.
We want a revolution to be able to choose better representatives... The political system needs to be entirely changed.
Thana Narkboonnam, Thai anti-government protester
Thana Narkboonnam, 49, an anti-government protester, told Al Jazeera: "We want a revolution to be able to choose better representatives. This government is full of corruption, the political system needs to be entirely changed."
Loud periodic booms rang out as tear gas canisters were launched, Kennedy said, adding that he saw medics rush a wounded man on a stretcher into an ambulance with a wound to the right side of his torso.
The protesters had set Sunday as "Victory Day" to topple the government, but failed to achieve their goal of seizing the prime minister's office.
The United Nations closed its main office in Bangkok, dozens of schools stayed empty and many civil servants did not show up at work on Monday after the unrest that rippled around the key government buildings in the capital over the weekend.
In an e-mailed statement to its staff, the UN’s security department said that "there could be violence [on Monday] on a large scale… staff should avoid government offices'' and other protest locations.
Protest leader meets PM
Oppsition leader Suthep Thaungsuban said on Sunday that he met Yingluck Shinawatra but insisted there were no negotiations to end the political crisis.
Thaungsuban said he told the prime minister that the opposition would accept nothing less than her resignation and an appointed council taking over the government.
Thai PM Yingluck Shinawatra talks to Al Jazeera
The protests were triggered by an amnesty bill, which opponents feared would have allowed Thaksin Shinawatra to return to the country.
PM Yingluck Shinawatra told Al Jazeera on Sunday that the government was no longer trying to pass the controversial bill that would have pardoned many people involved in corruption.
The latest conflict in Thailand put Bangkok's urban population against the rural supporters of Shinawatras.
Political instability has plagued Thailand since the removal of Thaksin Shinawatra from his seat in a 2006 coup.
Two years later, anti-Thaksin protesters occupied Bangkok's two airports for a week after taking over the prime minister's office for three months.
SOURCE: Al Jazeera and agencies
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Canada probes plane 'terror hoax'
Man suspected of carrying explosives on Pakistani airliner released without charge after plane is diverted to Stockholm.
The plane landed in Stockholm after a tip that a passenger was carrying explosives[Reuters]
Canadian police have said they are looking into whether a bomb alert which prompted the emergency landing of a Pakistani plane in Sweden was a hoax.
A man who had been arrested on suspicion of carrying explosives was released without charge after being questioned by Swedish police on Saturday.
"The suspicions against the man were not sufficiently strong for an arrest order and he is therefore free to leave Sweden," the prosecutor's office said in a statement.
No explosives were found on the man or on board the plane, which was travelling from Toronto to Karachi.
The pilot had been asked to land in Stockholm, the Swedish capital, after a woman in Canada called the police from a payphone to say a man on the plane had explosives.
Under Canadian law, a "terrorist hoax" is a crime punishable with prison time, Marc Laporte, a spokesman with the Royal Mounted Police in Toronto, told the AFP news agency.
The passengers on board were not told the real reason for the emergency landing until they were already on the ground.
Crew members instead told them the plane was landing for "technical reasons".
Before the man was released, the plane departed for Manchester in England for a change of crew, before resuming its flight to Pakistan.
Ulf Lindgren, a Stockholm district police spokesman, said the man, whose identity was not released, received help with the practical details of how to reach his planned destination.
Police officials had earlier said the man was not on any international no-fly lists and had cleared a security check in Canada.
He did not resist when police took him into custody and the evacuation of the 273 passengers on board the plane was said to have been calm.
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Anwar Ibrahim on the 1MDB scandal and Malaysia's future
Anwar talks about reentering politics, Najib Razak and the 1MDB scandal, and his hopes for Malaysia's future.
23 Feb 2019 14:53 GMT Corruption, Malaysia, Human Rights, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates
Anwar Ibrahim entered politics as a student leader in Malaysia in the 1970s and stunned many when he joined the ruling party, teaming up with then-Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.
He rose quickly through ranks to become finance minister in 1991 and deputy prime minister two years later.
But Anwar and Mahathir fell out in a spectacular fashion in 1998, as the Asian financial crisis plunged Malaysia's economy into recession and exposed long-rumoured differences at the top of government.
Anwar was sacked and charged with sodomy and corruption, triggering the biggest protests Malaysia had ever seen.
I am committed to have Malaysia to be just to everyone. This is important. I am a Malay Muslim. I care for my people. I cannot condone any practice that causes injustice to any citizen in our country, irrespective of if they are Muslims or non-Muslims, Malays, Chinese, Indians or from the tribal regions of Sabah and Sarawak.
Found guilty following an often lurid trial - a stained mattress was dragged in and out of court at one point in the proceedings - Anwar, who said the charges were politically-motivated, was jailed.
In 2004, Malaysia's High Court ruled that there had been insufficient evidence and overturned Anwar's conviction.
After his release, he reentered politics and ran for a seat in parliament in 2008.
But with his political star in the ascendant, and the opposition parties threatening to unseat the coalition that had governed Malaysia since independence, Anwar was once again accused of sodomy. In 2015, after his final appeal was rejected, he was jailed.
Anwar maintained the charges were politically motivated and the opposition parties united behind Mahathir, who had retired in 2003 and switched sides amid a deepening scandal involving Prime Minister Najib Razak and billions of dollars of losses at state fund 1MDB.
In May 2018, after a shock election victory of the Mahathir-led Pakatan Harapan coalition, Anwar was given a royal pardon.
With his release, Anwar returned to political life and Parti Keadilan Rakyat - the People's Justice Party - which had been founded by his wife to campaign for him and reform after he was sacked in 1998.
He entered parliament after winning the seat of Port Dickson, a seaside resort about 90 minutes south of Kuala Lumpur, and, in a twist few would have predicted, is once again working alongside Mahathir.
The 93-year-old politician has promised to hand over the job of prime minister to Anwar in two years.
"The fact that he [Mahathir] is prepared to work together,the fact that he is committed to the reform agenda, the fact that he came to see me [in prison], to me that is sufficient because we have to move on. And the agenda is more important than Anwar's personal predicament," Anwar tells Al Jazeera.
So after such a bumpy journey, what are Anwar's ambitions for Malaysia? And with Najib's trials on multiple charges of corruption getting under way in Kuala Lumpur, how does he plan to clean up Malaysia's political system?
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Anwar says that nurturing Malaysia's democracy is his primary goal, and to get there he wants to safeguard judicial independence and media freedom.
He says he is determined to tackle corruption, and is confident that "a country can effectively rid itself of corruption, endemic corruption."
He is also hoping to reclaim the solid economic performance that characterised his time as Malaysia's finance minister by pursuing "an economic policy that propels growth, yet at the same time, will not tolerate poverty in the midst of plenty, and gross inequality."
On Saudi Arabia's alleged connection to the 1MDB scandal, Anwar says transparency is key.
"The Saudis ... must be held accountable, they must explain, because Najib clearly said the money [$681m discovered in his private bank accounts] comes from Saudi Arabia ... he has admitted, by the way, that the prime minister can receive 2.6bn ringgit [$638m] into his personal account, which to me is clearly a crime, it is a corrupt practice. But because it involves some personalities or authorities in Saudi Arabia, we must hold that person or that entity into account," says Anwar.
"Our target is to recoup billions of dollars lost. Probably not in full, but we are determined to get the funds back."
With regards to Abu Dhabi's alleged involvement in the fund, Anwar says the investigation is in progress.
Commenting on his position in a multiethnic coalition grounded in pluralism in a world where the political mood seems to be shifting towards populism and polarisation, Anwar says justice is his priority.
"We have to demand and implement justice for all," he says.
"I am committed to have Malaysia to be just to everyone. This is important. I am a Malay Muslim. I care for my people. I cannot condone any practice that causes injustice to any citizen in our country, irrespective of if they are Muslims or non-Muslims, Malays, Chinese, Indians or from the tribal regions of Sabah and Sarawak."
Malaysia: The World's Biggest Heist
101 East investigates Malaysia's 1MDB scandal and speaks with the accidental hero who blew the whistle.
Corruption, Malaysia, Crime, Asia Pacific, Business & Economy
Malaysia: Najib Speaks
101 East interviews Malaysia's former Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Corruption, Malaysia, Media, Human Rights, Asia Pacific
Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim: 'Najib was responsible'
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Alzheimer's Society Blog
A new type of dementia: It’s never too LATE
An international team of researchers has identified a brain disorder, known as LATE, that mimics the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s Society researcher, Dr Kirsty McAleese shares what this means for dementia research.
Dr Kirsty McAleese
@KirstyKEM
medium read
Earlier this month the media was buzzing with excitement about a recent report identifying a ‘new type’ of dementia. The brain disorder is known as LATE (or to use its scientific name, Limbic-predominant age-associated TDP-43 encephalopathy.)
What is LATE?
Symptoms of Alzheimer's disease
The symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease are generally mild to start with, but they get worse over time and start to interfere with daily life. Read how the symptoms can progress.
LATE is described as a separate disease that can mimic the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease such as memory problems. It is important to understand that symptoms of dementia occur due to damage to cells in part of the brain known as the hippocampus.
This damage can be caused by different things; most commonly the build-up of toxic sticky proteins, tau and amyloid that is seen in Alzheimer’s disease. In LATE there is a build-up of another toxic protein, called TDP-43. It too can damage the brain cells in the hippocampus which explains why the clinical symptoms of LATE are very similar to those of Alzheimer’s disease.
Think about it in terms of the common cold, over 200 different viruses can cause cold symptoms - there can also be several different causes of dementia symptoms. Although currently it is almost impossible for clinicians to distinguish between LATE and Alzheimer’s disease, there are some key differences.
LATE seems to affect individuals over the age of 80 years, progresses slower than Alzheimer’s disease and tends to only affect memory.
Our research on LATE
So, for all of this time, the build-up of the protein TDP-43 was hiding amongst us and we never knew about it?
Well, in fact researchers such as myself and my colleagues from Newcastle University, have been researching TDP-43 and its role in dementia for a number of years now.
In 2016, when I was an Alzheimer’s Society-funded research associate, we published research about the prevalence and importance of identifying the build-up of TDP-43 in donated human brain tissue.
The recent report showed that people with Alzheimer’s disease often have LATE as well. We have shown through our research that LATE can also be present in people with a diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies.
A research breakthrough
Take part in research studies
We need thousands of people with and without dementia to take part in research. This could be taking part in a drug trial or simply giving a blood sample, completing a questionnaire or having a brain scan.
The proteins amyloid and tau have been associated with dementia for decades, but we know much less about TDP-43. After 10 years of collecting information from around the world, we are only now, starting to understand its role in dementia.
This breakthrough was only made possible by the donation of human brain tissue. Without these truly heroic and kind-hearted donations through Brains for Dementia Research and to various brain banks throughout the UK (and the world) it would not be possible for us scientists to make these essential discoveries.
Dr James Pickett, Head of Research at Alzheimer’s Society said:
'This type of research is the first step towards more precise diagnosis and personalised treatment for dementia, much as we’ve started to see in other serious diseases such as breast cancer.
'This evidence may also go some way to help us understand why some recent clinical trials testing treatment for Alzheimer’s disease have failed – participants may have had slightly different brain diseases.
'But, more research into LATE is required to clarify specific symptoms, identify biomarkers, understand risk factors and develop treatments.’
The key goal of the LATE report was to raise awareness of LATE and encourage more research to understand the underlying causes and its impact on public health. This will be vital to bring us a step closer to our ultimate goal of preventative, precise and personalised treatments.
Sign up for research updates
Sign up to our monthly email update to hear all the latest news and developments in dementia research.
Assessment and Diagnosis, Types
Howard Cooley
Thank you. I so admire the intelligence and dedication of doctors and scientists who are struggling to find a cure for Alzheimer's. Humanity suffers. It was ever thus. Let us all hope that mankind will eventually understand its position and nurture the goodness in the human heart.
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"Between the Imagined and Seen: The Hand-Pulled Prints of Betsey Garand and Microscope Images of Caroline Goutte"
until Aug 30 Frost Library, Mezzanine Gallery (2nd Floor)
Visit the Mezzanine Gallery in Frost Library to view Between the Imagined and Seen: The Hand-Pulled Prints of Betsey Garand and Microscope Images of Caroline Goutte, on exhibit from March 4 to Aug. 30. This exhibition is sponsored by the Arts at Amherst Initiative
Professor Caroline Goutte is chair of the Department of Biology and a member of the Program in Biochemistry and Biophysics at Amherst College. Betsey Garand is senior resident artist in the Department of Art and the History of Art at Amherst College.
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The 15 Hottest New Cars at the 2018 New York Auto Show
From a new Lincoln Aviator to an award-winning Volvo XC60, we pick the top vehicles from one of the biggest car shows
Matthew Askari
While cars sail up and down the avenues of Manhattan, the energy and buzz inside New York’s Javits Center is even more galvanizing. Every spring the automotive world descends upon the city to showcase a vision of the future. In part the culmination of years of work from some of the foremost engineers, designers, and creative minds around the globe, the New York Auto Show pairs fantasy with the real world of today. We’ve walked the halls and picked the brains of the personalities that have brought these visions to life—here are the highlights from the 2018 New York Auto Show.
Kicking off the morning before the very first reveals and press conferences, the 2018 New York Auto Show officially commenced with the World Car Awards, celebrating the best of the cars that were launched in the previous year. The Range Rover Velar took home the World Car Design of the Year. The Audi A8 took home the prize for Luxury, the Nissan Leaf for Green Car, and the BMW M5 for Performance. With its sleek, modern Scandinavian style, refined interior, and overall allure, the top honors went to the Volvo XC60, which was named the World Car of the Year.
Photo: Courtesy of Volvo
Jaguar F-Pace SVR
It’s been an eventful show for Jaguar Land Rover. While the Range Rover Velar took top honors as the World Car of the Year for design, the Jaguar F-Pace SVR debuted, and is chiefly centered around performance and dynamics. Powered by a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine, this Jag boasts 550 horsepower and 502 lb.-ft. of torque, and can hit 60 seconds from rest in just 4.1 seconds. Helping it achieve that is an SVR-tuned chassis, larger brakes, and an aerodynamic package. The F-Pace has become Jaguar’s best-selling vehicle, and the SVR version only adds to the allure.
Photo: Courtesy of Jaguar
Mercedes-AMG C63
The C-Class is Mercedes-Benz’s most popular vehicle, and the muscular AMG C63 is the ultimate model in the range. Motivated by a 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine paired with a nine-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, the C63 packs 469 horsepower, or 503 hp, depending on which variant you opt for. The interior features an AMG digital cockpit and displays and the latest steering wheel. The C63 is available as a sedan, coupe, or convertible.
Photo: Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
Bugatti Chiron Sport
Making its North American debut, the Bugatti Chiron Sport boasts significantly improved handling and greater agility. Shedding about 40 pounds, the Chiron Sport can lap the Nardò handling circuit in the south of Italy five seconds faster than the Chiron. “As we reach the 500 models promised of the Bugatti Chiron, we’ll have some special versions like this, the Chiron Sport,” the ultra-luxe automaker’s CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, told AD. Winkelmann, as the longtime head of Lamborghini, often tested various competitive supercars and hypercars—and he said the Chiron Sport is the greatest, most dynamic car he’s ever driven. Deliveries are expected later this year, with a price of $3.26 million.
Photo: Courtesy of Bugatti
Genesis Essentia Concept
Genesis, the upmarket brand created by Hyundai, is only two years old, but it has already impressed with some stunning concepts. Last year, the automaker showed off the GV80 SUV Concept in New York, previewing a future model to come. This year, the Genesis Essentia was easily the most exciting reveal of the show. The electric GT concept brings back lofty emotion in an industry rife with talk of mobility. “I think as an industry we’ve really fumbled the ball,” Manfred Fitzgerald, global head of Genesis, told AD. With terms like autonomy, functionality, and mobility being floated, Fitzgerald is more focused on emotion and brand, creating cars to get excited about. “We owe it to the generation of kids coming up.” Head designers Luc Donckerwolke and Sangyup Lee told AD, “This isn’t a magic carpet, either.” While taking creative license for the design vision, a production version is feasible.
Photo: Courtesy of Genesis
Rolls-Royce Wraith Luminary
Rolls-Royce debuted its Wraith Luminary model, limited to 55 collectible examples. The Luminary features the first-ever shooting star headliner, and stainless steel hand-woven fabric incorporated into the cabin. The special model also has new illuminated wood paneling and new Sunburst Grey paint. “This is a motor car that celebrates visionaries that achieve eminence in their respective fields. Indeed, this collection is for the world’s luminaries,” CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, Törsten Müller Ötvös, said. The Luminary employs 176 LED lights that shine in a pattern that emulates a shooting star.
Photo: Courtesy of Rolls-Royce
Maserati Levante Trofeo
It’s one of the fastest Maseratis ever, and it’s an SUV. Maserati slipped the silk off the Ferrari-powered Levante Trofeo, and the appeal of its first crossover was evident. The 3.8-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine is rated at 590 horsepower, and 538 lb.-ft. of torque. It also torches its way to 60 mph in just 3.7 seconds, and boasts a top speed exceeding 187 mph. Production begins in Italy this summer.
Photo: Courtesy of Maserati
With the small crossover segment continuing to grow in the U.S. and around the world, Cadillac is looking to get its own piece of the pie. The Cadillac XT4, slots just under Caddy’s XT5 midsize SUV, and serves as the crossover entry to the brand. Starting at $35,790, the XT4 will look to compete against German stalwarts like the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC. The Cadillac XT4 is available in three trim levels: Luxury, Premium, and Sport. Expect the small crossover to go on sale later this spring.
Photo: Courtesy of Cadillac
Infiniti QX80 Limited
Infiniti used the New York Auto Show to showcase a limited version of its larger crossovers, the QX80 Limited and QX60 Limited. The QX80 Limited builds on the Japanese automaker’s most plush bruiser-cruiser, with a special Anthracite Gray color and a satin chrome finish. The appearance is further enhanced with stainless steel running boards and 22-inch wheels, among other upgrades. The already luxurious interior gets some added love as well, in the form of two-tone semi-aniline leather; Alcantara, open-pore ash wood; and a black Ultrasuede headliner. The QX80 Limited is powered by Infiniti’s 400 horsepower, 5.6-liter V8. An enhanced QX60 Limited was also shown off.
Photo: Courtesy of Infiniti
The new Hyundai Kona EV makes its North American debut boasting a 250-mile electric range, slightly edging that of the Tesla Model 3, and Chevrolet Bolt. Hyundai is touting the car for eco-conscious, active-lifestyle customers. We recently spent time driving a gasoline-powered version, and were impressed with the overall content, features, and cohesive interior styling. Expect a responsive, zippy, and accessibly priced small crossover when the Kona Electric hits dealerships in select markets later in the year.
Photo: Courtesy of Hyundai
Previewing what a production version of the Lincoln Aviator may look like when it launches next year, the Aviator shown in the Big Apple adds needed life for a brand recreating its identity. The Aviator will be a twin-turbocharged hybrid, built on an all-new rear-drive architecture. Lincoln says we can expect clever features such as a smartphone key, in which your phone could be the substitute for a physical key, which you could leave at home. Lincoln says the Aviator will be a midsize crossover, but with three rows and generous proportions, there’ll be plenty of room for everyone riding along.
Photo: Courtesy of Lincoln
Lexus RC F Sport Black Line and UX
The Lexus RC F Sport Black Line debuted in New York, which adds a dark appearance package to Lexus’s sports car. The Black Line version, limited to 650 models, will be available in Caviar and Atomic Silver. Matte black wheels and black chrome help round out a dramatic look; the interior will feature unique black hues derived from an ancient Japanese calligraphy shop. The Lexus UX mini crossover also made its North American debut—it will be available as the UX 200 or in hybrid version, as the UX 250h. Apple CarPlay, a lane-keep assist system, and nighttime pedestrian detection system all come standard.
Photo: Courtesy of Lexus
Kia brought a refreshed version of its flagship sedan, the K900, to this year’s New York Auto Show. The K900 is laden with features such as a 12.3-inch touchscreen, heated steering wheel, heated and cooled seats, and 360-degree-view camera. The K900 draws power from a 3.3-liter twin-turbo V6, the same one used in Kia’s new Stinger GT. Also new is the rear-biased all-wheel drive with torque-vectoring setup that is also featured on the Stinger, which means the K900 should be quite a bit more engaging as well.
Photo: Courtesy of Kia
GMC Sierra AT4
GM’s upmarket truck and SUV brand just added a new sub-brand, aimed at customers who don’t mind getting a bit dirty. The off-road-ready Sierra that debuted includes a factory-installed lift kit, Rancho monotube shocks, a locking rear differential, a two-speed transfer case, and standard all-wheel drive, among other features. The Sierra AT4 is powered by a 5.3-liter V8, paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission; those other engine options are available as well. And this is just the start—eventually all GMC models will have an AT4 version, adding bravado to an already beefy lineup.
Photo: Courtesy of GM
While Europe often seems to get the forbidden fruit that enthusiasts want here in America, Audi used the New York Auto Show to confirm that its 444 horsepower, five-door RS5 Sportback will indeed cross the pond. Adding practicality and style to the RS5 Coupe, the Sportback is also estimated to hit 60 mph in less than four seconds, sailing up to its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph. If that's not fast enough, a Dynamic Plus package ups top speed to 174 mph. Deliveries are expected later this year.
Photo: Courtesy of Audi
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BEASTARS Manga to Have 'Important Announcement' Next Week
posted on 2019-01-30 14:00 EST by Karen Ressler
This year's 9th issue of Akita Shoten 's Weekly Shōnen Champion announced on Thursday that Paru Itagaki 's BEASTARS manga will have an "important announcement" in the next issue on February 7.
Paru Itagaki launched the BEASTARS manga in Weekly Shōnen Champion magazine in September 2016. Akita Shoten published the 11th compiled book volume on November 8 and will publish the 12th volume on February 8. Viz Media has licensed the series for North America and plans to begin releasing it this summer.
The manga takes place in a world of carnivores and herbivores, where there is a lot of hope, love, and anxiety. Regoshi is a wolf who is a member of Cherryton Academy's drama club, and even though he's a wolf, he's very sensitive. The manga follows the adolescent life of Regoshi and many other animals.
The manga won the 11th Manga Taisho awards in March 2018. The series also won a New Face Award at the 21st Japan Media Arts Festival Awards in March 2018, and also ranked at #2 on the Kono Manga ga Sugoi! male readers list in December 2017.
Source: Weekly Shōnen Champion #9
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The Trust Company raises the barre for young ballet dancers
BY Rachel Caton | 18-Dec-2012
The Trust Company as Trustee has today announced the recipients of the Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship for 2012.
Web: www.thetrustcompany.com.au
: https://www.facebook.com/TheTrustCompany
$60,000 distributed to winners of the Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship
The Trust Company as Trustee has today announced the recipients of the Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship for 2012. Fittingly, the presentation of the biennial award has this year coincided with the 50th anniversary celebrations of The Australian Ballet.
The Trustee has split $60,000 in prize money between four worthy young ballet students at different stages of their training. Two full scholarships of $20,000 were awarded to James Lyttle (graduate of the Australian Ballet School), Courtney Macmillian (second year student at the Royal Ballet School) with the third scholarship equally split between Vanessa Morelli (graduate of Ballet Theatre Australia) and Christiano Martino (graduate of the Australian Ballet School).
The judging panel of Kathleen Geldard, Former Principal Ballerina, The Australian Ballet, Stephen Colyer, Artistic Director, Gaiety Theatre and Adrian Burnett, Program Manager Dance, The Australia Council for the Arts commented: “Funding via this scholarship is awarded every two years and invests in vital skills and career development, specialist coaching and travel either in Australia or overseas.
“These opportunities help Australian ballet students to have the best chance of fulfilling their career aspirations and ensure ballet remains connected and relevant. The panel looks forward to following the progress of these dancers as they embark on this exciting and challenging part of their careers.” Simon Lewis, Head of Philanthropy and Community at The Trust Company said: “Congratulations to our four talented recipients. It is always an honour for us to be involved in supporting young Australian ballet dancers and helping them share their talent with the rest of the world. Privately funded awards such as these provide much needed support and recognition for Australian artists.
“We look forward to watching their careers develop with the support of this wonderful scholarship set up by Lady Askin,” Mr Lewis said. Sir Robert Askin was NSW’s 32nd premier from 1965-1975 and died in 1981, leaving his estate to wife Lady Mollie Askin. She set up deeds for her scholarship and Sir Robert William Askin Operatic Scholarship in 1982 for “the furtherance of culture and the advancement of education in Australia or elsewhere by the means of the provision of travelling scholarships”. The Sir Robert William Askin Operatic and the Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarships, open to both males and females aged between 17 and 29, are awarded every two years to applicants who show outstanding ability and promise in their field. The Scholarships must go to assist those who may not be able to continue their studies, in line with their ability, because of the cost. The scholarships will next be offered in 2014. For information about the scholarships head to www.thetrustcompany.com.au/ballet or www.thetrustcompany.com.au/opera.
About The Trust Company
The Trust Company is one of Australia’s foremost trustee companies, offering trustee services for individuals, companies and charitable trusts from our offices in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
The Trust Company Group has almost $1 billion in charitable funds under administration. Currently serving as trustee for over 850 charitable trusts, this includes the Miles Franklin Literary Award, Marten Bequest Travelling Scholarships and the Portia Geach Memorial Award. Our Engaged Philanthropy program is designed to create lasting social impact in the community. This is led by 17 strategic partnerships inaugurated in 2011 and a further 12 in 2012 with key non-profit organisations across the sector.
The Trust Company provides a wide range of financial services including:
• Personal Client Services offering Estate Planning and Administration, Lifestyle Assist, Financial Planning, Executor Assist, Personal Trusts, Charitable Trusts, Wealth Management and Health and Personal Injury services
• Corporate Trustee, Debt Capital Markets Trustee, Property and Infrastructure Custody, Superannuation Compliance and Trustee. In New Zealand The Trust Company offers trustee services for Debt Securities, Securitisation, Unit Trust, Superannuation and KiwiSaver.
About the Lady Mollie Isabelle Askin Ballet Scholarship
The Lady Mollie Askin Ballet Scholarship provides support for ballet artists to help them further their cultural education. It is awarded every two years for study, maintenance and travel either in Australia or overseas.
The scholarship was established "for the furtherance of culture and the advancement of education in Australia and elsewhere to be awarded to Australian citizens who shall be adjudged of outstanding ability and promise in Ballet."
To be eligible for this award, you must be an Australian citizen aged 17 years to 29 years at the closing date of entries. Applications for the 2012 scholarships are currently being assessed by the judging panel.
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US debt ceiling nightmare looms
Fiona Chan
Three days of United States government shutdown have so far failed to faze global markets.
But investors are starting to take notice of a more crucial issue: that the US government will soon run out of money if it does not raise its debt ceiling.
Failure to do so could damage not only the United States but the rest of the global economy, International Monetary Fund chief Christine Lagarde warned on Thursday.
"It is 'mission-critical' that this be resolved as soon as possible," she said in a speech in Washington, ahead of the IMF and World Bank annual meetings next week. She said growth in the United States has already been hurt by too much fiscal consolidation, and will be below 2 per cent this year before rising by about 1 percentage point in 2014.
On Tuesday, US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew said that the government has started to use extraordinary measures to stay within its current debt limit of US$16.7 trillion (S$21 trillion), but that it will exhaust these manoeuvres by Oct 17.
The US Congress has until then to agree to raise the debt ceiling, allowing the government to borrow more to fund its spending. If it fails to do so, the US will be left with about US$30 billion in cash and may not be able to pay its bills, including the interest on US government bonds - triggering the first US default in history.
Such a move may strip US Treasuries of their status as the safest assets in the world, raising US borrowing costs, upending global financial markets and causing massive damage to business and consumer confidence.
The fallout would also likely spread to Asia, where China and Japan are the biggest holders of US debt, with US$1.3 trillion and US$1.1 trillion respectively. Singapore holds about US$81.5 billion in US Treasury securities, noted CIMB economist Song Seng Wun.
In a worst-case scenario of a US default, the US' credit rating may be cut and the US dollar would plunge, he said.
Mr Song noted that this would come on top of the shutdown, which has left civil servants, contractors and creditors unpaid. He said American consumers may shut their wallets and the US economy could take a large hit, undermining the fragile global economic recovery.
For Singapore and the rest of Asia, a weaker US economy could result in reduced demand for the region's exports, said OCBC economist Selena Ling.
She estimated that China would have the most to lose. Within Asia, it had the highest share of exports - 17.4 per cent - headed to the US between 2009 and this year. Singapore shipped only 9.9 per cent of its goods to the US, among the lowest in the region.
For now, most analysts are not seriously expecting a US default; since 1960, Congress has acted 78 times to raise the debt ceiling, most recently in an eleventh-hour decision in January this year.
But US President Barack Obama warned on Wednesday that the continuing impasse over government spending that led to the federal shutdown on Monday has raised the chances of a stalemate on the debt ceiling as well.
"This time, I think Wall Street should be concerned," Mr Obama said.
On Thursday, the US president called for action by John Boehner, the speaker of the House of Representatives, which has blocked moves to pass a budget and end the shutdown.
"John Boehner won't even let the bill get a yes or no vote bc he doesn't want to anger the extremists in his party," Mr Obama said in a speech at a construction company not from from Washington.
"My simple message today is call a vote. Call a vote Take a vote, stop this farce, and end this shutdown right now"
fiochan@sph.com.sg
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.
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Sid Hastings/Washington University
Installation of a $3.5 million solar array has begun at Washington University in St. Louis.
Green>Sustainability Initiatives
Washington University in St. Louis begins installation of 5,100-panel solar array
The $3.5 million installation will add 1.9 megawatts of solar-generating capacity to the university.
Mike Kennedy | Apr 17, 2019
Washington University in St. Louis has begun construction on a $3.5 million solar energy project that will add rooftop solar photovoltaic arrays to six university buildings.
The university says that when construction is complete later this year, the 5,100 solar panels will add 1.9 megawatts of solar-generating capacity to the university.
Related: Planned solar array will provide 25 percent of electricity needs for Penn State system
Combined with the university’s already installed 600 kilowatts of solar, the new total will be nearly 2.5 megawatts of solar power, making WashU one of the largest producers of on-site solar energy in the region.
“Not only will this installation project make us one of the largest consumers of on-site solar energy in the St. Louis area, but it will also enhance our strong institutional commitment to making our campus more sustainable,” says Chancellor-Elect Andrew Martin.
Related: Second solar farm planned for University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The installations started in mid-March and will include six locations: the Athletic Complex, North Campus, Taylor Avenue Buildings One and Two, the Environmental Health and Safety Building and 4480 Clayton.
As part of its sustainability strategic plan, the university is on track to reduce its campus greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, despite more than doubling in space over those years.
“This new project is ambitious and bold,” says Henry S. Webber, executive vice chancellor and chief administrative officer. “The clean, renewable power generated by these panels will help the university achieve its goal of further reducing carbon emissions, and continue to elevate important sustainability efforts on campus.”
The project has also given students an opportunity to gain firsthand exposure to the solar industry. The Office of Sustainability partnered with the Environmental Studies Program and Azimuth Energy to develop a new interdisciplinary program, the Renewable Energy Student Engagement Team.
Eighteen students from a range of disciplines have had the opportunity to learn about the business, policy and engineering aspects of the solar industry by using the new solar project as a case study.
TAGS: Energy Management
Commons building at University of Colorado Boulder gets LEED Platinum
University of Michigan students donate 12.5 tons of goods as they leave campus
Teacher's initiative brings solar array to Kansas high school
Auburn University opens solar-powered poultry house
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Missing White Girl Jeffrey J. Mariotte
Young Lulu Lavender has been stolen from her home, her family murdered in the night. With the resources and attention of the sheriff's department consumed by the high-profile case of a missing white teenager from a wealthy family, it falls to rural sheriff's lieutenant Buck Shelton and his small staff to investigate. She's coming . . . The Lavender family's nearest neighbor—Oliver Bowles, a college professor with secrets of his own—becomes Buck's prime suspect. But Oliver is not what he seems and soon accompanies Buck on an excursion into the literal and figurative darkness of Arizona's storm-drenched southern border. She's almost here . . . Buck's investigation leads him into a world of bizarre powers and ancient struggles with tendrils reaching into the present, of border vigilantes and drug dealers, of the lust for power and glory and the most violent impulses within the human heart. When the missing white girl returns, the only thing certain is that people are going to die.
Missing White Girl
Jeffrey J. Mariotte
Missing White Girl Jeffrey J. Mariotte
Young Lulu Lavender has been stolen from her home, her family murdered in the night. With the resources and attention of the sheriff's department consumed by the high-profile case of a missing white teenager from a wealthy family, it falls to rural sheriff's lieutenant Buck Shelton and his small staff to investigate.
She's coming . . .
The Lavender family's nearest neighbor—Oliver Bowles, a college professor with secrets of his own—becomes Buck's prime suspect. But Oliver is not what he seems and soon accompanies Buck on an excursion into the literal and figurative darkness of Arizona's storm-drenched southern border.
She's almost here . . .
Buck's investigation leads him into a world of bizarre powers and ancient struggles with tendrils reaching into the present, of border vigilantes and drug dealers, of the lust for power and glory and the most violent impulses within the human heart. When the missing white girl returns, the only thing certain is that people are going to die.
Customer Ratings for Missing White Girl
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The Evolution of Campus Recreation Facilities and Programs
by Emily Attwood
Building a facility specifically for recreation was a novel concept when St. Louis University's campus recreation center was named an Athletic Business Facility of Merit® in 1982. In the 35 years since, the definition of "recreation" and its place in the college landscape has changed dramatically, as evidenced in AB's collective roster of Facilities of Merit.
"The St. Louis University Recreation Center was built for one purpose only — recreation … unstructured, play-when-you-want recreation."
The Core Components
The campus recreation center has its roots in physical education facilities. Meant for instruction, these early buildings weren't an inviting place. "Almost all schools in the '60s and '70s offered health education buildings, and they were primarily for teaching young people to become phys ed teachers in elementary and high schools," says Erik Kocher, design principal with St. Louis-based Hastings+Chivetta Architects. "Each of those activity spaces was a windowless box because you were teaching."
The core spaces serving recreation — gymnasia, weight rooms, pools — have carried through to the dedicated recreation facility, and though the allocation of square footage has changed, few of those core spaces have disappeared from the blueprint, says Jack Patton of RDG Planning & Design in Des Moines, Iowa. "There are a variety of core spaces that remain core functions inside the recreation center. Gymnasia have evolved into something much more light-filled, higher-volume, more multipurpose."
"We designed a building that functions as something much greater and much more expansive than just a gym."
— Bill Manning, department of rec director for the University of California-Berkeley Recreation Sports Center, a 1985 Facility of Merit
"A gym is a gym, but how we treat the edges has evolved," agrees Colleen McKenna in CannonDesign's Boston office. "The gym and the core components are still there, but the edges are much more open and soft and fluid. Both vertically and horizontally, those edges are much more transparent and therefore much more interesting. The solidity of a gym with four walls and a door was driven by function in earlier buildings. All of those edges are treated completely differently, even if the court sizes are still the same. There's so much more vibrancy between spaces."
Perhaps the most noteworthy addition to the core program spaces was the MAC (multipurpose activity court), making its debut in the early 1990s. Capable of serving traditional activities such as basketball and volleyball, multipurpose courts also opened the doors to new activities, and not just sports. "Looking at the whole history of things, we see more and more interest in the MAC as a space that can be used for a lot of different things," says Reed Voorhees of CannonDesign in St. Louis. "They can be used for inline hockey, banquets, sleep-ins — all sorts of things. Those continue to evolve, but we see a lot of interest in those because they can be so heavily programmed."
Some of the core components have stuck around because of simple structural durability. "Take racquetball," Patton says, pointing to a sport that peaked in popularity in the early 1980s. "Racquetball over time has not been a core space, but it was built as a newly engaged activity, and unfortunately, the way they were built — hard, masonry walls, down in the bowels of the building — they just sort of stayed around. They have this 40-year legacy now only because they refuse to move."
A Social Revolution
Honored as a Facility of Merit in 1992, the campus recreation center at the University of Toledo was notable for breaking from the traditional 25-yard rectangular lap pool, heralding an age of lazy rivers, waterfalls and sunbathing shelves. "Aquatics has changed from a regimented, deep-water, lap-lane-oriented activity to an almost-anything-goes philosophy," says Patton, adding that the "push toward leisure water, shallow water, social recreation space is overlaid with a significant multipurpose consideration."
These pools, as well as many other components of the recreation center, haven't abandoned their initial purpose but have expanded to serve a more-diverse range of interests. "Swimming laps in a rectangular pool was and always will be a great thing to do, but sometimes the water depth limited other recreational activities," says Voorhees. "Creating opportunities for more leisure-type activities will draw more students in and create more social opportunities."
A college recreation center with a leisure pool, barbeque pit and cafeteria?
This shift to include more leisure and social functions was part of a coming of age for campus recreation programs, says McKenna. "For so many years, recreation had to fight to get their own space," she explains. "As they got out from under the umbrella of athletics and we started seeing independent, freestanding recreation centers, their position and the importance of everything they do has solidified. They fought for so long just to get their own basic stuff that now that that baseline is established and with the success of these programs, they're able to take a broader vision and do more."
The modern campus recreation program recognizes that health is more than just physical wellness. Perhaps the best evidence of this shift comes from NIRSA, a now-obsolete acronym for the leading campus rec association. Originally the "National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association" the association has "evolved beyond these five words," according to its website.
"The first campus where I heard about stress-reduction and student respite as a motivation for an attractive and welcoming recreation facility was Johns Hopkins in the late '90s," says Chris Sgarzi, principal with Sasaki Associates in Watertown, Mass., "but now we hear this on many campuses, as awareness of the importance of student wellbeing continues to expand."
Fitness remains a core element of the campus recreation center, but the concept today is hardly recognizable from 40 years ago. "The fitness spaces have ballooned and changed over time," Patton says. "The layouts, the transparency of the spaces, the safety of that equipment, accessibility, has all impacted the design of spaces related to weights and fitness."
UCLA's Wooden Center, a 1985 Facility of Merit, boasted a 3,200-square-foot weight room — not nearly large enough to accommodate today's complex workouts. From the first weight rooms, fitness evolved into what many consider the Big Three — free weights, selectorized machines and cardio equipment — and today, many recognize a fourth dimension. "The biggest growth we're seeing is the need for functional training," says James Braam of HOK in Kansas City, Mo. "People want to be able to design their workout. Where we used to have smaller nooks for stretching, we're seeing a whole workout where you may be stretching as part of a core workout, then doing sprints back and forth on a piece of indoor turf — that space is there and dedicated but also needs to be flexible."
"If I could change one thing about the building, I would make the weight room even bigger."
— University of California-Riverside’s recreation sports director Butch Mayo on the 1994 Facility of Merit
Indoor turf, modular fitness rigs, inclined and twisting jogging tracks, sleds and tires are all now common elements of the fitness floor. The same complexity of design has also spread to the group exercise studio. "Thirty years ago, what might have been called a dance room has evolved into group fitness," Patton says. "Those spaces have moved from indoor to outdoor, from small and dark to bright and open, from poorly tuned finishes to highly tuned surfaces and materials, acoustics, and technological enhancements."
Additionally, as the mission of recreation shifts from physical fitness to include mental and emotional wellbeing, services complementary to exercise are finding their way into the recreation center. "There's this greater appreciation now for wellness in a holistic sense," Braam says. "We're seeing a change toward not only clinical, but also psychological services, as well as nutrition. We're only touching the surface right now. We're seeing greater opportunity to have a full health and wellness component within these buildings."
Generation-All
The demographics of today's recreation center have shifted dramatically, sparking significant additions and renovations to early facilities. "The greatest thing motivating renovations and expansions is capacity issues," McKenna says. "The sheer number of people using the facility has gone up exponentially. Even if the population of the campus hasn't changed dramatically, the demand for facilities has grown."
That is, even if campus enrollment isn't increasing, the increasing list of functions is driving more user groups in the door. "Any rec director will tell you that their goal is to get every student on campus to visit their facility and engage them for the long term," adds Sasaki principal Bill Massey. "This means appealing to every constituent, whether they are fitness gurus or coming to a recreation venue for the first time."
"The building is very open; it’s not an intimidating building at all, which I think has a lot to do with the popularity of it among female students."
— Paul Dirks, director of campus rec, on 1993 Facility of Merit Bobby E. Leach Center at Florida State University
In addition to students, more facilities are inviting in faculty, staff and alumni, and as the facility has expanded beyond just a center for sports and weightlifting, the gender balance has also tipped. "There's been a trend over the last 20 years. It used to be schools were 50/50 male/female, maybe a bit more males," Kocher says. "More and more women are now going to college, and we're working on campuses where it's 55 to 60 percent women."
A Campus Asset
Today's campus recreation centers are hailed as a must for recruiting students, but that hasn't always been the case. "In early facilities, the emphasis was providing activity space for students to use," Kocher says. "They weren't judged as a driver of admissions or retention. The concept of quality came later."
Recognizing the greater value of these facilities, administrators — and students, through referenda and fees — were willing to invest more into them. "Schools are starting to appreciate the benefit of providing a sophisticated recreation and wellness experience to their students, so funding dollars are starting to fall in line with academic investments," Massey says.
"We have heard from the admissions office that this is the first place they bring groups of prospective students."
— Samuel Hirth, on Vanderbilt University’s Student Recreation Center, a 1991 Facility of Merit
As the role of recreation on the college campus has come to the forefront, design priorities have shifted accordingly. "The competition for attracting students, combined with the escalating cost of higher education, forces campuses to carefully consider priorities," Sgarzi says. "Facilities must be efficient, well-located, and highly utilized while being attractive and appealing. There is certainly a higher scrutiny on the perceived health club luxuries and more emphasis on the educational environment and teaching healthy living."
"It's not just the wow factor, it's the lifestyle, the idea of embracing wellness," agrees Braam. "We know that it's the students who are exercising who get better grades. At the end of the day, it's about the students and what they need and what can improve their quality of life."
Architects offer their campus rec predictions.
Jack Patton, RDG Planning & Design: "Integrated. Some part of that is focused on wellness, some part of that is focused on much broader clinical health, student health, biomechanics analysis. Student recreation in the future is going to integrate more opportunities and more campus- and place-specific, purposeful outcomes."
James Braam, HOK: "Innovation of what we see as hybrid workouts. What was just at one time jogging now is an evolution of jogging, running, sprinting and interval training in this high-performance area."
Erik Kocher, Hastings+Chivetta: "I don't think it'll be very long before you can do a workout wearing your virtual reality glasses and be immersed in the activity. Why do you have to play intramurals with your buddies? Why can't you play with Michael Jordan and Kareem and Magic Johnson?"
Bill Massey, Sasaki: "Technology will continue to create innovation in recreation. On the most basic scale, take Fitbit — the more people know about their bodies and the impact food, exercise, sleep and wellness have on their physical and psychological health, the more they will cater their routines accordingly."
Chris Sgarzi, Sasaki: "Wearables are everywhere, and although they might not have a direct impact on rec center design, they are indicative of the desire to monitor progress and improvement. The technology can help directors better understand program demands, equipment needs and scheduling."
Colleen McKenna, CannonDesign: "One area that I'm intrigued by is games like Ninja Warrior and Tough Mudder. They're often very complex endeavors, but will parts of these games migrate into campus recreation?"
Reed Voorhees, CannonDesign: "The technology is there now where the building can know who the student is just by what they're wearing, essentially, and I think eventually we'll be able to track their activity and they'll be able to utilize the tech to track their performance and workout and activities."
This article originally appeared in the April 2017 issue of Athletic Business with the title "From weights to wellness: The evolution of campus recreation." Athletic Business is a free magazine for professionals in the athletic, fitness and recreation industry. Click here to subscribe.
Tags: rec center college rec center recreation center
Councilman: Fight Gun Violence with Rec Center Hours
A Cincinnati councilman is pushing to keep the city's recreation centers open longer on the weekends as a means to disrupt a rash of gun violence in the area.
Boston College Opens New Margot Connell Rec Center
Boston College is saying goodbye to the old and bringing in the new with the opening of a new recreation center Tuesday morning.
New Projects: Forest County Potawatomi Community Center | UW Field House | James E. Loan Athletic Center
USOC Pressures Park Pool to Drop 'Olympic' from Name
The United States Olympic Committee can be fairly protective of the word "Olympic." Just ask parks officials in Arlington Heights, Ill.
Key Trends Reshaping Collegiate Facility Design
It is well known that healthy competition breeds hard work and excellence. And, as North American colleges and universities compete to attract the best and brightest students, faculty, athletes and coaches, several are advancing inspiring facility solutions that reshape collegiate athletics, recreation and wellness.
Tackling Bandwidth Challenges in Rec Facilities
In a recent post, I wrote about challenges posed by the distribution of broadcast signals in recreation facilities equipped with myriad televisions and expansive AV options.
Rec Center Offers Teens Summer Pass E-Cig Swap
Vape pens and e-cigarettes are intended to be an alternative to other forms of tobacco, but despite the fact that they’re intended for use by adult smokers, these products are troublingly popular among teens and young adults.
Facility Friday: New Colorado Rec Center, Ground Blessing and More
Aurora, Colo., unveiled its new Populous-designed Central Recreation Center this month. The $34 million, 61,250-square-foot project offers a number of first-of-their-kind amenities, including an interactive waterslide that allows users to experience different themes through video. Additional features include a gym, a natatorium, two fitness studios, a fitness grandstand, an indoor track, community meeting rooms, outdoor fitness and flexible space and an escape room. — Populous
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Catesby 1754, Vol. 2 Pl. 98, Mountain Laurel
https://www.audubonart.com/shop/product/cat-1754-2-098-catesby-1754-vol-2-pl-98-mountain-laurel-11750
20 1/4" x 14 1/4"
The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands, 1754 Edition
A naturalist-explorer and self-taught artist who executed almost every aspect of this historic work, Mark Catesby possessed a unique combination of talents. To publish his work, he learned the complicated process of etching from the print maker Joseph Goupy. From 1731 to 1747, The Natural History was published in two volumes of five parts comprising a total of 200 plates. The Appendix, which was compiled from specimens available in England, added 20 more. The artist George Edwards revised and re-issued both volumes from 1748 to 1756, and in 1771 the publisher Benjamin White reissued the Edwards version adding Linnaean names to all Mark Catesby’s plants and animals. All editions have the same number of plates. Mark Catesby also contributed to the research of Carolus Linnaeus (1707—1778), who included over 70 of Mark Catesby’s bird illustrations in his landmark work, Systema Naturae.
Born in Sudbury, England, Mark Catesby (1682—1749) traveled from England to the new world on a legendary discovery expedition a century before John James Audubon first published his work. The son of a prominent family, Mark Catesby’s interest in the natural world began in childhood, when as a boy he was introduced to the renowned naturalist John Ray, who lived nearby and became an early influence. Catesby explains the forces that motivated him in the preface to Volume I:
“In designing the Plants, I always did them while fresh and just gather’d: And the Animals, particularly the Birds, I painted them while alive (except a very few) and gave them their Gestures peculiar to every kind of Bird, and where it would admit of, I have adapted the Birds to those Plants on which they fed, or have any Relation to. Fish which do not retain their Colours when out of their Element, I painted at different times, having a succession of them procur’d while the former lost their Colours: I dont pretend to have had this advantage in all, for some kinds I saw not plenty of, and of others I never saw above one or two: Reptiles will live many Months without Sustenance, so that I had no difficulty in Painting them while living.”
Mark Catesby gained extensive knowledge of the new world on his first visit to the colony of Virginia from 1712—1719. His return visit in 1722 was sponsored by William Sherard, Hans Sloane and others in the Royal Society. Landing in Charles Town (Charleston, South Carolina), for five years Mark Catesby explored the wilderness, taking notes, collecting specimens, and making drawings that documented quadrupeds, insects, amphibians and reptiles, fishes, birds, and plants. Whenever possible, he drew his subjects from life. In the preface to his monumental work he elaborates on this approach.
Click here for more Catesby prints from The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands, 1754 Edition
Specifications for Catesby 1754, Vol. 2 Pl. 98, Mountain Laurel
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Posts Tagged ‘thomas wentworth higginson’
poetry and the poetic, part one
Posted in Books I Love, Inspiration, tagged African American history, book review, books, civil war, Inspiration, memoir, military history, National Poetry Month, Photography, poetry, storytelling, thomas wentworth higginson on April 2, 2018| Leave a Comment »
There’s one positive to the long winter/long early spring commutes in Boston when your primary form of transportation is the train and bus. Plenty of time to read. Two books have been in my bag of late that I’d like share in some fashion. Very different books, indeed, but there is a common thread of poetry and the poetic. First up, Army Life in a Black Regiment, first published in 1869.
In November 1861, shortly after the start of the U.S. Civil War, the Union fleet took command of Port Royal, South Carolina and neighboring sea islands including St. Helena and Hilton Head. Plantation owners fled leaving behind 10,000 slaves, and a bumper crop of sea island cotton.
A project was conceived known as the Port Royal Experiment. Its purpose? By working with this group of 10,000 freed slaves, in a relatively contained area, perhaps solutions could be found for the greater looming challenge of how to integrate into society millions of emancipated slaves.
At least three different groups were involved in the experiment, including Northern missionaries who focused on education and training, entrepreneurs who wanted to show the profitability of free labor versus slave labor, and the U.S. government which, most immediately, needed more men on the battlefield. These groups sometimes worked together but were more often at odds. For an excellent scholarly analysis of the Port Royal Experiment, please read Willie Lee Rose’s Rehearsal for Reconstruction: The Port Royal Experiment.
port royal students
Teachers immediately went to work setting up schools. Entrepreneurs began implementing their free labor experiment offering to pay the former slaves to cultivate the cotton. But as for volunteering to fight for the military?
escaped slaves wearing old union uniforms
Since the beginning of the war, Union officers in the field saw the need for trained black troops. Early attempts to recruit had met with poor results and had little initial support from Lincoln’s White House. But finally, with Port Royal, a new more coordinated effort was to be made. In November 1862, Thomas Wentworth Higginson received a letter from Brigadier General Rufus Saxton. “I am organizing the First Regiment of South Carolina Volunteers, with every prospect of success. Your name has been spoken of, in connection with the command of this regiment, by some friends in whose judgement I have confidence. I take great pleasure in offering you the position of Colonel in it … I shall not fill the place until I hear from you …”
Thomas Wentworth Higginson
Higginson was a poet, biographer and novelist as well as a Unitarian minister. From a prominent, wealthy New England family, he had long been a staunch abolitionist, social reformer and a major supporter of John Brown. Once the Civil War began, he joined the Union Army. Though he already served another regiment, he accepted Saxton’s invitation to visit Port Royal. He doubted he would accept the commission but, after meeting the people, he accepted his new role without hesitation.
During his time with the regiment he would record detailed entries in his diary about the people, the Sea Island landscape, and of course about the regiments military actions. After becoming ill, in 1864, he would return to New England, resign his commission, and resume researching and writing. Essays about his wartime experiences with the First Regiment appeared infrequently in the Atlantic. By 1869, he compiled the essays, diary excerpts and other work into the book, Army Life in a Black Regiment and Other Writings.
First South Carolina Volunteer Infantry
In the introduction to his diary entries, Higginson tells the reader:
“I am under pretty heavy bonds to tell the truth, and only the truth; for those who look back to the newspaper correspondence of that period will see that this particular regiment lived for months in the glare of publicity, such as tests any regiment severely, and certainly prevents all subsequent romancing in its historian. As the scene of the only effort on the Atlantic coast to arm the negro, our camp attracted a continuous stream of visitors, military and civil. A battalion of black soldiers, a spectacle since so common, seemed then the most daring of innovations, and the whole demeanor of the particular regiment was watched with microscopic scrutiny by friends and foes. I felt sometimes as if we were a plant trying to take root, but constantly pulled up to see if we were growing.”
“Of discipline there was great need … Some of the men had already been under fire but they were very ignorant of drill and camp duty. The officers, being appointed from a dozen different States … had all that diversity of methods which so confused our army in those early days. The first need, therefore, was an unbroken interval of training. During this period, which fortunately lasted nearly two months, I rarely left camp … Camp life was a wonderfully strange sensation to almost all volunteer officers, and mine lay among eight hundred men suddenly transformed from slaves into soldiers …”
Infantry Members
Each subsequent diary entry reveals Higginson’s poetic nature. “Yesterday afternoon we were steaming over a summer sea, the deck level as a parlor-floor, no land in sight, no sail, until at last appeared one light-house … The sun set, a great illuminated bubble, submerged in one vast bank of rosy suffusion; it grew dark; after tea all were on deck, the people sang hymns; then the moon set, a moon two days old, a curved pencil of light, reclining backwards on a radiant couch which seemed to rise from the waves to receive it…”(November 24, 1862)
Dress Parade of the First South Carolina Volunteer Infantry
“… One adapts one’s self so readily to new surroundings that already the full zest of the novelty seems passing away from my perceptions, and I write these lines in an eager effort to retain all I can. Already I am growing used to the experience, at first so novel, of living among five hundred men, and scarce a white face to be seen, — of seeing them go through all their daily processes, eating, frolicking, talking, just as if they were white. Each day at dress-parade I stand with the customary folding of the arms before a regimental line of countenances so black that I can hardly tell whether the men stand steadily or not; black is every hand which moves in ready cadence as I vociferate, “Battalion! Shoulder arms!” nor is it till the line of white officers move forward, as parade is dismissed, that I am reminded that my own face is not the color of coal.” (November 27, 1862)
Infantry Member Henry Williams
Higginson paints a poetic picture of both people and place. “All the excitements of war are quadrupled by darkness; and as I rode along our outer lines at night, and watched the glimmering flames which at regular intervals starred the opposite river-shore, the longing was irresistible to cross the barrier of dusk, and see whether it were men or ghosts who hovered round those dying embers. I had yielded to these impulses in boat-adventures by night … and fascinating indeed it was to glide along, noiselessly paddling, with a dusky guide, the reed-birds, which wailed and fled away into the darkness, and penetrating several miles into the interior, between hostile fires, where discovery might be death.”
The book is a time capsule chronicling an important period in American history. These soldiers predated the more famous Massachusetts 54th regiment led by Robert Gould Shaw. Higginson brings to life the courage, the ingenuity and discipline of these early troops. He shows them to be as human as their white counterparts, their brothers in arms. And though the people of the Sea Islands, for the most part, had known nothing other than slavery, they were prepared with the right training to fight for and defend their freedom and that abstract thing known as “the Union” that their labor had sustained for generations.
Higginson’s book reminded me of the unique nature of the Sea Islands, a uniqueness that Higginson remarks upon in a post-war essay about the Negro as a Soldier. “I had not allowed for the extreme remoteness and seclusion of their lives, especially among the Sea Island. Many of them had literally spend their whole existence on some lonely island or remote plantation, where the master never came, and the overseer only once or twice a week.”
Under these conditions the slaves developed a patois that is now known as Gullah, a blending of standard English and its Southern regionalisms with different West African languages. By the time the Civil War began, there were over 400,000 slaves in South Carolina alone. Such a large investment in labor was needed for the labor intensive yet highly profitable cultivation of cotton and especially rice.
During one expedition along the Edisto River with his now-trained troops, Higginson confronts the enemy near some of these rice fields.
“The battery — whether fixed or movable we knew not — met us with a promptness that proved very short-lived. After three shots it was silent, but we could not tell why. The bluff was wooded, and we could see but little. The only course was to land, under cover of the guns. As the firing ceased and the smoke cleared away, I looked across the rice-fields which lay beneath the bluff. The first sunbeams glowed upon their emerald levels, and on the blossoming hedges along the rectangular dikes. What were those black dots which everywhere appeared? Those meadows had become alive with human heads, and along each narrow path came a straggling file of men and women, all on a run for the riverside. I went ashore with a boat-load of troops at once. The landing was difficult and marshy. The astonished negroes tugged us up the bank …They kept arriving by land much faster than we could come by water … What a scene it was! With the wild faces, eager figures, strange garments, it seemed, as one of the poor things reverently suggested, [like judgment day]. “
“Bless you” and “Bless the Lord,” were the exclamations Higginson remembers hearing over and over again. “Women brought children on their shoulders; small black boys carried on their backs little brothers … Never had I seen human beings so clad, or rather so unclad … How weak is imagination, how cold is memory, that I ever cease, for a day of my life, to see before me the picture of that astounding scene!” That day they rescued approximately two hundred slaves.
escaped slaves 1862
Higginson, with his Boston Brahmin background, was an outsider looking into another culture. There is condescension on occasion but while he may refer to the former slaves as docile, he makes clear he knew they were not mentally deficient as so many others would report in northern publications. “I cannot conceive what people at the North mean by speaking of the negroes as a bestial or brutal race. … I learned to think that we abolitionists had underrated the suffering produced by slavery among the negroes, but had overrated the demoralization.”
Higginson viewed his troops as human beings who had been denied basic human privileges, privileges he had literally fought for long before the Civil War. Throughout the book he presents the former slaves as active participants in shaping their own destiny.”One half of military duty lies in obedience, the other half in self-respect,” Higginson writes. “A soldier without self-respect is useless.” Recognizing what he describes as the bequest of slavery, Higginson worked with his officers to “impress upon [the troops] they did not obey their officers because they were white, but because they were their officers, just as the Captain must obey me, and I the general; that we were all subject to military law, and protected by it in turn.”
Over time, more black regiments were formed. In 1864 the First South Carolina Volunteer Infantry’s name was changed to the Thirty-Third United States Colored Troops. The men served until February 1866 when the troop was finally mustered out. “It is not my province to write their story, not to vindicate them … Yet this, at least, may be said. The operation on the South Atlantic coast, which long seemed a merely subordinate and incidental part of the great contest, proved to be one of the final pivots on which it turned. All now admit that the fate of the Confederacy was decided by Sherman’s march to the sea. Port Royal was the objective point to which he marched, and he found the Department of the South, when he reached it, held almost exclusively by colored troops. Next to the merit of those who made the march was that of those who held open the door. That service will always remain among the laurels of the black regiments.”
“… we who served with the black troops,” Higgins writes, “have this peculiar satisfaction, that, whatever dignity or sacredness the memories of the war may have to others, they have more to us. … We had touched upon the pivot of the war. Whether this vast and dusky mass should prove the weakness of the nation or its strength, must depend in great measure, we knew, upon our efforts. Till the blacks were armed, there was no guaranty of their freedom. It was their demeanor under arms that shamed the nation into recognizing them as men.”
Sources and Additional Reading
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1st_South_Carolina_Volunteers
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Wentworth_Higginson
Army Life of a Black Regiment
Army Life in a Black Regiment (Amazon)
http://www.bostonathenaeum.org/library/book-recommendations/athenaeum-authors/colonel-thomas-wentworth-higginson
https://www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/thomas_wentworth_higginson
https://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/06/rehearsal-for-reconstruction/
https://www.lowcountryafricana.com/project/history-of-the-33rd-united-states-colored-troops-usct/
http://www.drbronsontours.com/bronsonportroyalexperiment.html
https://www.sciway.net/afam/slavery/population.html
Art and Picture Collection, The New York Public Library. (1862).Bombardment of Port Royal, S.C. Retrieved from http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e0-f9a8-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
The Miriam and Ira D. Wallach Division of Art, Prints and Photographs: Photography Collection, The New York Public Library. (1861 – 1865).Two views. Dress parade of the First South Carolina Regiment (Colored), near Beaufort, S.C. Retrieved from http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47e0-c8e9-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
Please note that the Library of Congress has an extensive collection of photographs available online from this period in U.S. history.
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Katie Watches Stuff: 11.22.63, “The Truth” & “Happy Birthday, Lee Harvey Oswald”
You may have noticed that I skipped last week’s episode of 11.22.63. Some real life things got in the way (happy real life things, for the most part), so I decided to do two episodes in one post. I do apologize for not getting this out sooner.
On the other hand, you get two posts for the price of one. Which I realize is actually quite literal for my Patreon subscribers.
We shall begin with episode 5, “The Truth.” As always, spoilers.
If you recall where we left off from the previous episode, Jake has got some ‘splainin to do. Sadie heard the surveillance recording of the Oswalds going at it, and now thinks he’s a gigantic pervert.
So this leads into quite the downward spiral. Jake not only loses Sadie, but his job as well. And, to make things worse, his relationship with Bill is starting to deteriorate, with Bill starting to question exactly what it is they’re doing there (though his starting to get a little too chummy with the Oswalds is certainly not helping). True to form, however, these aren’t even close to the worst things that happen in this episode.
Remember how Jake threw a secret Sadie had told about her ex in his face? Well, he certainly didn’t forget.
This is easily the tensest, most disturbing sequence in the series so far. So, John Clayton has attacked Sadie in her home, and is keeping her prisoner. He calls Jake to tell him to come over, or he’ll kill her. Once there, Clayton reveals that he’s basically just sliced open Sadie’s face. He then tries to force Jake to drink a glass of bleach, threatening to kill Sadie again if he doesn’t. Well, after a bit of back and forth, Jake manages to throw the glass of bleach in Clayton’s face, and a scuffle ensues. This ends with Jack stabbing him in the side of the head with a fireplace poker, and Sadie shooting him with his own gun.
As I mentioned before, this scene is quite intense, and my description doesn’t really do it justice. It also cements why I like Sadie so much. She’s scared as hell and wounded, yet still manages to find the courage to taunt Clayton. Also, having her land the final blow on Clayton was pretty damn satisfying.
There is, of course, also the conclusion of the whole thing with General Walker. Jake sends Bill to stake out the general’s house, to try and see if Oswald acted alone. However, something happens that causes him to miss it: he looks at a crowd leaving a nearby church and thinks he sees his sister Clara. If you recall, Bill had told Jake in a previous episode that she was murdered by Frank Dunning. The woman he sees turns out not to be his sister, but this distracts him just long enough to miss Oswald taking the shot. As the series has mentioned a few times, the past likes to fuck with people who try and fuck with it.
The episode ends with Jake visiting Sadie in the hospital, and he finally tells her the truth: he’s from the future. She thinks he’s joking at first, but soon realizes that he’s dead serious. I think she accepts this explanation just a little too readily, but I’m willing to look past it since it moves the story along.
As I stated earlier, a lot actually happens in this episode, but not a lot of it is linked to the main plot. It’s another episode that mainly serves to push Jake and Sadie’s relationship forward. However, I think that this is the best episode of the series so far. It’s certainly the most intense.
This, of course, leads into the sixth episode, “Happy Birthday, Lee Harvey Oswald.” The episode skips ahead about six months to October 16, 1963. Oswald gets his job with the Texas School Book Depository at the beginning of the episode, Jake and Sadie are settling in, and Bill…well, remember how he started to get a bit chummy with Marina Oswald? Well, he’s been getting a little more than chummy with her, and is starting to get a little too close to Lee as well. And, of course, this end up fucking pretty much everything up.
See, Bill goes to Lee’s birthday party and knocks over a lamp (which appears to be intentional, seeing as Bill and Jake are not on the best of terms at this point), revealing the bug that they had planted in the lamp. So, Lee now knows he’s under surveillance (but not by whom; he thinks it’s the FBI), and this basically fucks up Jake’s plan.
That’s not all, though. After this, Jake sees Bill and Lee chatting on the front stoop, where Lee shows Bill his rifle. You know how there are all these theories about the Kennedy assassination, where people think there was a second gunman? Jake has basically the same thought. Which leads to him having Bill committed to a mental institution.
Other things happen in the episode as well. Miz Mimi tells Jake that she has terminal cancer and that Deke (who is very much in love with her) wants to take her to Mexico for some experimental treatments. Deke and Mimi both tell Jake that he needs to marry Sadie, which leads to him proposing over the phone to her at the end of the episode.
It was about this point that I started thinking: doesn’t Jake end up getting the shit kicked out of him around this point in the story? And, sure enough, the episode ends with Jake getting the shit kicked out of him. See, his bookie has figured out that Jake has basically been cheating with his bets, and is none too happy about that. So he has some of his goons beat Jake in a back alley, leading to his hospitalization for traumatic brain injury. And on that happy note, the episode ends.
This is actually starting to get interesting at this point. The episode focuses a bit more on Lee Harvey Oswald, which is all right as he’s fairly instrumental to the whole story. Things are starting to ramp up more as we go into the seventh (and penultimate) episode, and I’m looking forward to seeing how the story turns out from here.
March 27, 2016 March 27, 2016 · Posted in Recaps, Reviews, Television · Tagged 11.22.63, katie watches stuff ·
Katie Hears Stuff: Alice Isn’t Dead, “Alice”
Katie Watches Stuff: 11.22.63, “Soldier Boy”
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Gloucestershire announce new kit partnership with Samurai sportswear
Gloucestershire Cricket has announced a new partnership with kit manufacturer Samurai.
The club appointed Samurai following a thorough tender process that took place over the winter. For the first time, players were involved in the project and were able to provide their input into the training and playing kit.
David Payne was the lead team representative, and played a part with designing the team's new look training wear range.
Speaking about his involvement in the project, David said: “Working with the guys at Samurai this winter has been a really great experience.
"It was very interesting to sit in on the whole process and see how everything took shape.
"I had a lot of fun being able to design this year’s kit with them, and I’m really chuffed with the results. I look forward to working with them in the future.”
Head of marketing and commercial, Emily Salvidge, said: “We are really excited to be working with Samurai, and we have been very impressed with the quality of the kit and their creative design ideas. We are also looking forward to introducing a new retail line that members and supporters can purchase from the shop.” Samurai sports sear sales sirector, Mike Pells, said: “As a multi-sport brand we are delighted to have been appointed by Gloucestershire Cricket as their official kit supplier.
"Our in house creative team have really embraced the challenge of producing a look and style the players were after.
"Having our own factory has meant we have managed to design, manufacture and deliver a fantastic range for the team in the timescales required.
"I know everyone is delighted with the results and we cannot wait to see the kit in action.”
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Moya Johnston
Home / Moya Johnston
Vice President, OEM – Survitec Group, Chair, Business in the Community NI
Moya Johnston joined Survitec Group (then known as RFD Ltd) in 1986 as a Management Accountant. Having spent more than 15 years assisting the business through a rapid and aggressive acquisition period, Moya was promoted to the role of Financial Director for the Dunmurry site in 2002.
In 2008, Moya was appointed Managing Director of the Dunmurry business, and, having successfully implemented a number of operational efficiency changes to the business, made it the flagship manufacturing site for the Group.
Throughout Moya’s 10 years to date as Managing Director for the Dunmurry site, and now Vice President of OEM Manufacturing, her commitment to the Survitec Group and its employees has been unquestionable. Her holistic approach to the business has ensured continued sales growth throughout a difficult recession, whilst being able to address the operational efficiencies required to remain competitive in a very tough market.
Moya’s relaxed and personable management style ensures a very open and honest working environment, and has earned her huge respect from her senior management team through to office and factory employees. It is for this, along with Moya’s steely determination and hard work, that she received an MBE in 2017 for Economic Development in Northern Ireland.
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All posts tagged: Human Rights Human Wrongs
Human Rights Human Wrongs
Tom Seymour
“I grew up in Newcastle, sat on buses with characters calling me ‘Chalky’,” says Mark Sealy, founder of Autograph ABP. “I still carry the legacy of that. I know what it’s like to be called a n*****r; I had to go through all that shit. And that’s just a simple game, the menace of little kids.” For Sealy, these experiences haven’t stopped, they have simply become subtextual. “We do it on a cultural and political level,” he says. “We create fear in others. Look at the history of the representation of Jewish people before the Holocaust; images can dehumanise us. They can make it easier to kill people.” Sealy has no qualms about recounting such memories to a journalist, describing himself as a “militant nightmare”. But if he is, he’s managed to break the mainstream anyway – born in Hackney in 1960 and raised in Newcastle, he won an MBE two years ago for services to photography and is currently in the midst of a PhD at Durham University, researching the link between photography and cultural …
Documentary / Exhibitions
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Company G 's Mission Statement Essay
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The Battle Of The Civil War
1686 WordsJan 26, 20177 Pages
During the time of the Civil War there were many battles going on off of the battlefield that placed the United States of America in great turmoil. While the literal war was being fought throughout the country there were still political, ethical and emotional battles taking place. A big question of the Civil War was about its origins and if there was more than just one cause for the rebellion of the South. Many issues at hand during this time are: slavery, westward expansion, and states’ rights. Westward expansion and states’ rights tend to be two sides of the same coin while slavery is a big issue in and of itself. These authors are addressing their thoughts on the Civil War and what they thought caused it. A historiographical question…show more content…
Owsley wrote of the agrarian society in the South with the underlying question of slavery and why it was such a needed matter in order to keep business flowing in the South. He addresses the idea that the North could never understand how the South functions until the North themselves was as filled with African Americans as the South was at that time. So why was it that the South was so filled and had such a “need” for slaves while the workers in the North were doing hard manual labor on their own? “Party Failure” by Nichols suggests that with the change of political parties at this time and the change of a long reigning Democratic government to that of a Republic government what in that could have been a bigger cause for the war. A historiographical question in this article could be why, after all these years and peaceful changings of power before, was there a war started due to the absurd idea of political parties, after all George Washington did tell the United States to stay away from them. So if political parties would not have been around would there have been as much of a cause to start a war. The article by James Ford Rhodes, “Slavery, the Sole Cause” argued that the Civil War was caused by slavery and slavery alone. Rhodes wrote “If the negro had never been brought to America and enslaved, South Carolina would not have
shaken by the Civil War because some states wanted to separate themselves from this unity that had lasted for approximately 100 years. The American Civil War is a historic affair and one of the bloodiest battles in history of the US (Engle, & Krick, 2003). It is considered one of the bloodstained happenings in the history of the US because more than 600, 000 people died. A majority of this number were soldiers. This fatal battle happened between the years 1861 to 1865. The Civil War emerged because
had already decided to secede from the Union. Those 7 states started the Confederate States of America, run by their own President, Jefferson Davis. This same issue was the catalyst for the Civil War which started on April 12, 1861. One of the major and well-known battles of the Civil War was the Battle of Gettysburg. It was on this backdrop that Abraham Lincoln delivered a speech that is “universally recognized by historians and scholars alike as the most famous and most important speech ever
The Battle Of The Civil War Essay
Throughout the years 1861 to 1865 the American Civil War took place and it is known as Americas bloodiest war. The cause of the Civil war was the debate between free states and slave states over the government trying to prohibit slavery. In 1860 Abraham Lincoln became president of the United States and ran on the platform to keep slavery out of the new unclaimed territories of the United States. Once Lincoln became president seven southern states seceded from the Union ultimately creating the Confederate
Have you ever wondered why the Civil War happened or why it was so substantial to American History? What was the battle that changed it all; that made it the history it is today? Many people have made speculations on the causes of the war and what the major turning point was, but cannot really narrow it down. In James McPherson’s Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam he points out the pivotal moments in American history that led up to and changed the Civil War, so that the reader can get a better insight
The Civil War was a war that was thought to would have lasted no longer than ninety days. After all was said and done, the war lasted more than four years and claimed tens of thousands of lives of both The Union and The Confederate States. There were several battles fought on Northern and Southern soil, battles that forced bloody mortal combat between brothers in the fight for equality amongst all men. It tested the strength of the foundation that the United States was built upon. The Civil War was
The Civil war was one of the biggest turning points in United States history. The nation’s failure to compromise on the subject of slavery led to an outbreak of war. Battles such as Gettysburg, Vicksburg, and Shiloh led to what we know of today as a free nation. Great technological advancements in weaponry led to mass casualties among both north and south, often making death inevitable. Those who bravely served and those who were forced to serve lived a life of fear, starvation, and commitment to
Marianna, FL. The battle will be virtually unknown in the history of the Civil War, but its success marked the longest successful incursion of Union troops into Florida (Cox, 2014). This raid had two goals; the first was to rescue the reported Union prisoners and the second was to liberate and enlist any slaves that were found along the route (Calvin, 2014). The prisoners were not located, but more than 600 slaves were liberated along their route (Cox, 2014). The subsequent battle did not last long
It is evident that the Civil War helped shape America into the country it is today. The strong factional division -based on slavery- between the Union and the Confederacy guaranteed certain achievements of both sides. Much of what we consider history today remains a part of the outcome from these multiple bloody battles. Activist John Muir of the Civil War-era stated, “the traces of war are not only apparent on the broken fields, burnt fences, mills, and woods ruthlessly slaughtered, but also on
fierce battles were fought to secure the rights and freedom of both men and women, irrespective of their religion, gender, and race. Of all of the battles, the American Civil War stands out. Divided into the Union and the Confederacy, the American civil war broke out after the southern states seceded due to slavery that spread in many parts of the country. The Civil War began in the year 1861 and ended four years later. The end result was the Union becoming victorious in 1865. The Civil War was a
When the Civil War started both sides thought the war would be over by Christmas. But little did they know this small war would turn into the deadliest war in American history. The Civil War was fought between the Confederacy and the Union. The Confederacy was consisted of Southern states that did not agree with the views of the Union states. After years of sectional differences in the United States between the north and south, tension between the states grew and a war between the north and south
More about The Battle Of The Civil War
Within The First Discussions With Dr. Gerald Blechman,
Madie Majcher. Mrs.Shandera, Mr.Hill. English Pd.8 History
Milgram 's Experiments On Obedience By Ian Parker
Bennett Dorton. English 11. 1-26-17.Gun Control In America.
Throughout My Undergraduate Journey At Morgan State University,
Sample Resume : My Job
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Understanding the PCNL Graphs
Patients PCNL Outcomes Data
PCNL is the removal of stones from the kidney (or upper ureter) using a small puncture incision, into the kidney, in the skin of the affected side. Small instruments are then passed into the kidney (or upper ureter) to break up and remove the stones. PCNL can be performed with the patient lying either face down (prone) or face up (supine).
The headings below represent the three tables in the PCNL dataset.
Number of operations
The number of operations indicates how many PCNL procedures each surgeon has carried out.
If a patient undergoes more than one PCNL procedure for the same stone, this has been recorded as two procedures. If a patient has stones in both kidneys, operated on during the same anaesthetic, this has been recorded as two separate procedures.
The number of operations reported may be lower if a surgeon has only worked during part of the relevant time period.
Some surgeons may operate only on smaller, less complex stones, or on patients who are less sick, referring more complex stones and high-risk patients to other surgeons. As a result, the number of procedures that an individual surgeon performs, and their complexity, may be affected by these local referral pathways.
Transfusion rate
This is the proportion of patients (expressed as a percentage) requiring a blood transfusion following surgery. It is often related to the complexity of the procedure and, separately to the underlying health of the patient. It may also be an indicator of complications that have arisen following the procedure.
The transfusion rate reported does not take into account the patient’s pre-operative haemoglobin level, which may make the patient more likely to require a transfusion post-operatively.
The reported rate only identifies whether a patient received a blood transfusion during their admission for PCNL; it does not identify whether the patient was subsequently re-admitted for a blood transfusion. Patients requiring only a single unit of blood are recorded in the same way as those requiring multiple units of blood (i.e. they either did or did not receive a blood transfusion, with the number of units transfused not being recorded).
The transfusion rate reported may be lower if a surgeon operates only on smaller, less complex stones or on patients who are less sick; equally, it may be higher if the surgeon operates on more complex stones or patients.
The length of stay indicates the number of days a patient stayed in hospital following their procedure. It is expressed as a median for each surgeon, with a mean and a range. The length of stay is often related to the complexity of the procedure and, separately, to the underlying health of the patient. It may also be an indicator of complications which have arisen following the procedure.
The length of stay reported records only the number of days spent in hospital following the procedure. It does not record subsequent nights spent if the patient is readmitted to hospital.
The length of stay reported may be shorter if a surgeon operates only on smaller, less complex stones or on patients who are less sick; equally, it may be longer if the surgeon operates on more complex stones or patients.
Average patient risk profile
Some risk factors (e.g. stone complexity, size and other medical problems) can affect the outcome of PCNL in terms of complications, length of stay and the likelihood of requiring a transfusion.
The graphs show what percentage of the hospital or Consultant’s patients has each (potential) risk factor. This can indicate whether the hospital / surgeon operates on high-risk patients or, in fact, specialises in peforming complicated surgery.
N.B. BAUS has included all the data returned in our overall analysis. When presenting individual surgeon/centre results, we have excluded the risk profiles and transfusion rates for those who returned less than five cases per year; this is because statistical analysis of such a low number would be invalid.
About the Audit
Summary & Timescales of the Data
Summary & Timescale of the Data
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Runcorn murder: Boys charged after teenager dies outside club
Image copyright Family handout
Image caption Eddie O'Rourke, pictured with his mother Jane White, died after being found outside a club
Two teenagers have been charged with murdering an 18-year-old man who died following a "disturbance" outside a Royal British Legion club.
Eddie O'Rourke, from The Clough, Runcorn, died in hospital after being found with a "serious injury" in Halton Village at about 20:30 BST on Friday.
Two boys, aged 17 and 15, have been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Warrington Combined Court.
A 16-year-old boy who was also arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed.
Image caption Floral tributes were left outside the Royal British Legion club
HM Courts & Tribunals Service
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Scotland selected
Scotland Politics selected
Scotland Business
Edinburgh, Fife & East
NE, Orkney & Shetland
Tayside & Central
Scotland politics
Airgun law change 'could affect thousands'
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-30113516
Image caption There are thought to be about 500,000 air weapons in Scotland
A senior police officer has said thousands of people could fall foul of new laws on airguns.
Under the Scottish government proposals, anyone who owns an airgun will need a licence.
Calum Steele of the Scottish Police Federation told MSPs that the changes could affect people across the UK.
He also said the change in the law could harm the future prospects of young people who own an unlicensed airgun.
There are an estimated 500,000 air weapons in Scotland.
Under the Scottish government plans, anyone wanting to own an air gun would need to demonstrate they had a legitimate reason for doing so.
Mr Steele, the general secretary of the federation, was speaking at a meeting of the Local Government and Regeneration Committee at Holyrood.
The committee is currently taking evidence on the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Bill, which was introduced to the Scottish Parliament by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill in May.
'Relatively minor'
Mr Steele said: "I suspect that there are many people - possibly tens of thousands of individuals - out there who may well find themselves falling foul of the criminal justice system because of licensing offences, something that has never featured before.
"That is not just for individuals who are domiciled in Scotland, but also apply to individuals who come from anywhere else in the United Kingdom to Scotland, where there is no current considerations for moving air weapons across the borders."
Mr Steele said the proposed law change could also affect the prospects of young people who use an air weapon unlicensed.
He added: "Whilst I consider, in the early days, the potential of a prosecution or a fixed penalty disposal bring brought against someone will be recorded as relatively minor, the potential impact on these individuals later in their lives going for employment or trying to get jobs overseas could be quite devastating on the future life chances."
He was responding to a question by Motherwell and Wishaw MSP John Wilson, who asked about the costs to individuals who decided not to licence their weapons once any new law was enforced.
MSPs also heard evidence from David Penn of the British Shooting Sports Council, who argued that the government's plans would make little difference to the crime rate.
Image caption Andrew Morton was killed after being shot in the head by an airgun in 2005
Mr Penn said: "One has to remember that there is widespread continuing use of air weapons in pony clubs, boy scouts, cadet units as well as the individual use of them.
"We never hear about this. Why? Because nothing is going wrong. There is a huge amount of use of air weapons and very, very little misuse in comparison.
"Most other countries do not see the need to licence air weapons."
The proposals follow a long-running campaign by the Scottish government to crack down on the misuse of airguns in the wake of the death of two-year-old Andrew Morton, who was shot in the head with an airgun in Glasgow in 2005.
Mark Bonini was later convicted of murdering the toddler.
Opinions sought on air gun controls
Scottish airgun licensing bill introduced
Video Should airguns in be licensed?
Air gun licence plan for Scotland 'draconian'
Scotland Sections
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Latest News from BOC
BOConline Social Media
Fuelling the Future – a first for hydrogen refuelling
Fuelling the Future – a first for hydrogen refuelling 20 September 2011
The UK’s first open access hydrogen vehicle refuelling station officially opens today (20 September) at Honda’s manufacturing facility in Swindon.
Built and operated by industrial gases company BOC, a member of The Linde Group, the venture is the result of a partnership between Honda, BOC and economic development company Forward Swindon.
The new station is open to anyone developing or using hydrogen-powered vehicles. It can fill vehicles at both 350 bar and 700 bar, the two standard filling pressures adopted by the world’s major vehicle manufacturers.
Hydrogen has huge potential as a sustainable transport fuel, creating no emissions other than water vapour. While all the major vehicle manufacturers are developing hydrogen-powered models, there are few refuelling facilities available to users. Consumers will not purchase hydrogen vehicles without being confident that there will be a refuelling network; yet the big fuel companies will not invest in new facilities while there are no hydrogen cars on the road.
The Swindon station aims to break this impasse by providing a glimpse of the future, while creating a strategic link half way along the M4 between London and Swansea. As a fully operational, commercial-scale station using tested technology, it is a solution that can be replicated across the country and so create the essential network necessary for the widespread uptake of hydrogen-powered transport.
Among the many innovations of the new station is that it can fill vehicles ‘back-to-back’ from a bank of hydrogen cylinders. This means that vehicles can be filled one after another without having to wait for more hydrogen to be generated.
Another feature is the design: it looks just like a conventional filling station and the time to fill a vehicle is comparable with conventional fuels. The Honda FCX Clarity for example takes less than five minutes. For the consumer, then, the experience should be very similar to refuelling at a normal petrol station.
Also present at the unveiling are a range of different types of vehicles, from passenger cars and light commercial vehicles to an ambulance, a taxi and a London bus – all fuelled by hydrogen. Hydrogen is finding applications across the entire automotive sector.
Speaking at the opening of the facility, Richard Kemp-Harper, Lead Technologist for Transport and Energy at the Technology Strategy Board, said: "The change from conventional transport systems to sustainable, low carbon alternatives is one that can only be made through businesses and government working in partnership to develop innovative solutions. This new refuelling station gives a real glimpse of the role hydrogen can play in practice. It is a great example of the kind of collaboration and innovation we need."
Mike Huggon, Managing Director of BOC in the UK and Ireland, said: "This is the first commercial-scale, open-access station in the UK. It demonstrates that we can build the infrastructure needed to establish a hydrogen-powered transport system. But even with private and public support – as we have here in Swindon – we need Government commitment to make this work across the country as a whole. We can provide the tools but the Government has to create the policy framework in which we can build the low carbon infrastructure of tomorrow."
Ian Piper, Chief Executive of economic development company Forward Swindon, said: "I’m proud that we have been involved in such an exciting public-private partnership. Forward Swindon was the initiator of this project and brought together the funding: it’s a great example of how innovative projects can come to life in the UK, even in a recession. Swindon’s strategic location makes it the natural home for new transport technologies, and I’m confident this facility will encourage a growing interest and take up."
Thomas Brachmann, Head of Electrical Powertrain R&D at Honda, commented: "Hydrogen fuel cell technology is the ultimate transport solution; meeting environmental demands but also delivering the range and performance that customers expect. The cooperation on this project between vehicle manufacturers like Honda, infrastructure providers like BOC and the public sector can be a blueprint for future development."
View coverage of the launch of the UK's first open-access Hydrogen vehicle refuelling station on the BBC and in Fuel Cell Today.
Hydrogen Refuelling
H2 Fuelling the Future
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Why Are People So Obsessed With Fitness Bread?
Maggie Lange
47 Summer Pastas Full of Fresh Tomatoes, Herbs, and More
Whole Wheat Is No Healthier than White Bread, Food Scientists Claim
And it may actually be worse for you.
Ali Rosen
When it comes to heathy foods, the rules are always changing. Fat was the enemy, then it was sugar. “Eat more protein” turned into “eat less meat.” But we’ve always seemed to agree that wheat bread is healthier than white bread. For better or worse, that too might be a myth.
In his new book, Modernist Bread, Nathan Myhrvold makes the bold claim that wheat bread is no better for you than white bread. Myhrvold, former Chief Technology Officer of Microsoft, has spent the last 15 years advancing the culinary field through science. His Modernist Cuisine team of scientists and chefs have been known to test 100 versions of a recipe or cut an entire oven in half if they think it will prove a point. Their first book, Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking, won the James Beard Award for Cookbook of the Year in 2012, ushering in a wave of science-based cooking. So when Myhrvold makes a declaration, it’s not just a hunch.
This particular declaration, however, turns our most basic thinking upside-down. “If you made a list of what everybody knows to be true about nutrition, one of those things would be that whole grain breads are both more nutritious and better for you, health-wise,” says Myhrvold. “And, unfortunately, there's no evidence of either one, and kind of evidence to the contrary.”
The first volume of Modernist Bread
Photo by Nathan Myhrvold
After sifting through 50 years of studies, the Modernist Cuisine team found that all types of breads have pretty much the same result on your body. It starts with the difference between white and wheat bread. Every kernel of wheat has an outside (bran) and an inside (the large endosperm and a much smaller sprouting germ). White flour is made by separating the bran and germ from the endosperm by smashing it in a flour mill and sifting them apart, saving only the endosperm. For whole wheat bread, the two parts are still separated, but in the final product, they get mixed back together. The addition of the bran gives wheat its darker color.
It’s long been thought that the bran was the healthy part of bread because it contained more fiber and vitamins. But it was a theory that never held weight in any controlled study. “If you look on a nutrient-by-nutrient basis,” Myhrvold explains, “there's a couple things that [wheat bread] would be slightly better on,” including vitamins like manganese, phosphorus, and selenium, “but they're generally not important in the sense that they're not things most people run a deficit of.”
If Myhrvold is right, how were the rest of us so wrong? The notion that wheat is better than white started with a doctor, Denis Parsons Burkitt, whose 1979 book Don’t Forget Fibre in Your Diet, became an international best seller. The book was based on the idea that fiber—which comes from the bran in wheat bread—prevented certain cancers. By the end of the next decade, health professionals were all on the whole-grain bandwagon, touting not just cancer prevention but the overall health benefits of whole wheat. But most of Dr. Burkitt’s research was based on anecdotal work he did as a missionary in Africa, and later studies (including the groundbreaking Nurses’ Health Study that followed more than 88,000 women for 16 years) proved this to be false.
As for the other health claims, through fecal analysis and blood tests, we can see that our bodies don’t absorb many of the vitamins and minerals in raw grain. “Human digestion doesn't break down [whole wheat] in the same way that a chemical analysis does,” says Myhrvold. So a lot of the nutrients that are supposedly advantageous in bran aren’t actually absorbed by humans, such as vitamins like zinc, iron, and calcium. And a compound in bran called phytates can actually bind to some of the potentially beneficial minerals to block absorption. It’s called the antinutrient effect, and it’s just as depressing as its name suggests.
Many people reach for whole grains because they take longer to digest and don’t spike blood sugar the way refined carbohydrates do. Whitney English, MS, RND, explains that the fiber “causes starch to break down more slowly in the gut than simple sugar. Therefore, it is absorbed and released into the bloodstream more slowly. This prevents blood sugar spikes and results in a longer, steadier flow of glucose into the body.” Still, Myhrvold points out that even whole grain bread is only 11% bran, and he believes the effect on blood glucose is minimal.
Regardless, it’s important to remember that not all bread is created equal—loaves with added sweeteners like honey and corn syrup will certainly give a blood sugar spike, and there are preservatives and other additives in many grocery store brands. Whether you go white or wheat, the only ingredients in your bread should be words you recognize.
The best bread is homemade:
Explore Bon AppétitHealthyishBread
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Thomas Hughes books and biography
A statue of Thomas Hughes at Rugby School
Thomas Hughes (October 20, 1822 – March 22, 1896) was an English lawyer and author. He is most famous for his novel Tom Brown's School Days (1857), a semi-autobiographical work set at Rugby School, which Hughes had attended. It had a lesser-known sequel, Tom Brown at Oxford (1861).
2.1 Fiction
2.2 Non-fiction
Hughes was the second son of John Hughes, editor of the Boscobel Tracts (1830). Thomas Hughes was born in Uffington, Berkshire. In February 1834 he went to Rugby School, which was then under Dr Thomas Arnold, a contemporary of his father at Oriel College, Oxford, and the most influential British schoolmaster of the 19th century. In the sixth form, he came into contact with the headmaster, whom he afterwards idealized; but he excelled at sports rather than in scholarship, and his school career culminated in a cricket match at Lord's Cricket Ground. In 1842 he went on to Oriel, and graduated B.A. in 1845. He was called to the bar in 1848, became Queen's Counsel in 1869 and a bencher in 1870, and was appointed to a county court judgeship in the Chester district in July 1882.
Hughes was elected to Parliament as a Liberal for Lambeth (1865–1868), and for Frome (1868–1874). An avid social reformer, he became interested in the Christian socialism movement led by Frederick Maurice, which he had joined in 1848. He was involved in the formation of some early trade unions. Most notably, in January 1854 he was one of the original promoters of the Working Men's College in Great Ormond Street.
In 1880 he founded a settlement in America — Rugby, Tennessee — which was designed as an experiment in utopian living for second sons of the English gentry, although this later proved largely unsuccessful.
In 1848 Hughes had married Frances Ford. They settled in 1853 at Wimbledon and whilst living there Hughes wrote his famous story, Tom Brown's School-Days, which was published in April 1857.
Hughes also wrote The Scouring of the White Horse (1859), Tom Brown at Oxford (1861), Religio Laici (1868), Life of Alfred the Great (1869) and the Memoir of a Brother. His brother was George Hughes, whom the character of Tom Brown was based upon.
Tom Brown's Schooldays (1857)
The Scouring of The White Horse (1859)
Tom Brown at Oxford (1861)
Religio Laici (1861)
A Layman's Faith (1868)
Alfred the Great (1870)
Memoir of a Brother (1873)
The Manliness of Christ (1879)
Rugby Tennessee (1881)
Memoir of David Macmillan (1882)
Gone to Texas (1884)
Notes for Boys (1885)
James Fraser Second Bishop of Manchester (1887)
David Livingstone (1889)
Vacation Rambles (1895)
Early Memories for the Children (1899)
This entry incorporates some public-domain text originally from the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica but has been heavily edited.
Tom Brown's Schooldays
By Thomas Hughes
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A New Indictment Accuses Turkish Security Officials Of Hate Crimes In The US
A total of 15 Turkish security officials were indicted on Tuesday, three months after a brawl with protesters in Washington, DC.
By Hayes Brown
Hayes Brown BuzzFeed News Reporter
The US Department of Justice on Tuesday indicted more than a dozen members of the Turkish president's security detail for a brawl between them and protesters during the leader's last visit to the US that a grand jury says was rooted in prejudice against the victims based on their ethnicity and political ties.
Of the 19 people named in the indictment handed down at the Superior Court of Washington, DC, 15 are members of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's security forces. His trip in May was marred when his supporters clashed with anti-Erdogan protesters on Washington's Sheridan Circle. Videos of the attack quickly went viral, and showed the men kicking, choking, and otherwise beating protesters, sparking international outcry.
All of them face at least one charge of conspiracy to commit violence. But they face a stiffer penalty than usual in this case, as the grand jury has determined that their assault on anti-Erdogan protesters "demonstrated the prejudice based on the actual or perceived ethnicity." Under DC law, this "bias enhancement" could increase the amount of prison time and financial penalties the defendants face if they're found guilty.
"The members and associates of this group were bound together by their aversion towards a group of persons who oppose Mr. Erdogan, support pro-Kurdish political parties in Turkey and Syria, and are of ethnic Kurdish background from Iran, Iraq, Syria, and Turkey," the indictment reads.
Several others also face charges of aggravated assault, assault with serious bodily injury, and assault with a deadly weapon, in this case their own feet encased in their shoes. All 21 charges the men collectively face have been augmented to take into consideration DC's hate crime laws.
Dave Clark / AFP / Getty Images
DC Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Peter Newsham first announced that the members of Erdogan's detail would face charges at a press conference in June.
“Rarely have I seen in my almost 28 years of policing the type of thing I saw in Sheridan Circle on that particular day,” Newsham said at the time. “You had peaceful demonstrators who were being physically assaulted in the District of Columbia … That’s not going to be tolerated in Washington, DC.”
Sinan Narin of Virginia and Eyup Yildirim of New Jersey were both arrested back in June and are due to appear in court on Sept. 7. The other defendants are not in custody and the US faces a difficult process to extradite them to stand trial. Washington is currently in the middle of a struggle with Ankara over Fethullah Gulen, a cleric living in Pennsylvania who the Turkish government claims masterminded a failed coup attempt in 2016.
As if to illustrate that point, when the charges against the security forces were first announced in May, the Turkish foreign ministry issued a statement calling the move "unacceptable" and claiming that the charges were not the result of an "impartial and independent investigation."
Zoe Tillman contributed to this report from Washington, DC.
Hayes Brown is a world news editor and reporter for BuzzFeed News and is based in New York.
Contact Hayes Brown at hayes.brown@buzzfeed.com.
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Iowa State University Animal Scientist Named Interim Director of Egg Industry Center
AMES, Iowa — An Iowa State University poultry science researcher will be the new leader of the Egg Industry Center.
Susan J. Lamont, a C.F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences and animal science professor, will become the center’s interim director effective April 1.
“I look forward to working with the Egg Industry Center and its excellent staff to fulfill the center’s mission of facilitating research and learning for egg producers, processors and consumers.”
She succeeds Hongwei Xin, a C.F. Curtiss Distinguished Professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences who has been the director of the Egg Industry Center since it was created in 2008. Xin has been named the dean for AgResearch at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.
The Egg Industry Center works to add value to the nation’s egg industry by providing research and education for egg producers, processors and consumers through national and international collaboration. It is funded through a combination of sponsorships, donations and university support. The center is holding its annual issues forum April 16 and 17 in Kansas City.
Lamont joined Iowa State in 1983 as an assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science. Over the years she has been involved in research projects totaling more than $20 million. From 2001 to 2003, she served as head of the department.
Lamont began studying chickens in 1975 at the beginning of her graduate studies at the University of Illinois Medical Center, where she earned a doctorate in anatomy and immunology in 1980. Lamont earned a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1975 from Trinity Christian College. She received postdoctoral training in poultry genetics and immunology at the University of Massachusetts.
Susan J. Lamont, Animal Science, 515-294-4100, sjlamont@iastate.edu
Susan Lamont
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